Chapter 8: The Aftermath
Over the weekend The Daily Prophet published one damning article after another against Albus Dumbledore. The first one's head line was, Sirius Black Exonerated: Dumbledore accused of Conspiracy to plot Potter's death. The article went over the Will, briefly, detailing how the Will proved Sirius could not have betrayed the Potters and issuing a statement from the DMLE which spoke of how Peter Pettigrew was alive and now marked as a fugitive. It went on to discuss how Dumbledore was charged with multiple crimes including how he attempted to seal the Potter will and abandon Harry with his muggle aunt and uncle.
The headline that came out the next day was, Albus Dumbledore sentenced to forty years in Azkaban: The article listed the crimes the former headmaster was accused of and the punishment rendered for each one. As Minerva, Sirius and Remus looked it over they were satisfied with all the addition dirty laundry Albus was keeping hidden that the Prophet had released. However the article that came out Monday morning shocked them:
Albus Dumdledore Escapes Custody:
Now wanted for Murder:
On December 3rd, 1981, Albus Dumbledore was sentenced to forty years in Azkaban for the crimes he was convicted of. However, during his transport to Azkaban the former Headmaster of Hogwarts escaped. After an investigation, it was discovered one of the aurors responsible for his transport aided him. Unfortunately for the Auror in question, Cadet Auror Christopher Whatley, that did not spare him Dumbledore's wrath. After knocking out his fellow Aurors and freeing Dumbledore the young cadet was struck with a powerful stunner. The spell hit him so hard the young man was thrown four feet and hit the ground hard causing his head to hit a sharp rock. The cadet bled out while he and the other Aurors lay unconscious. After coming to, Senior Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt and Junior Auror John Dawlish discovered their prisoner gone and their cadet dead. After performing diagnostic spells on the cadet's corpse, medi-witches discovered Cadet Whatley had been dosed with Loyalty Potion and had been for quite sometime. It was deduced the young man had been receiving this potion regularly during his time at Hogwarts and after he graduated he received it monthly through various treats the former Headmaster had sent him through Post.
At this time the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has issued an arrest warrant for Albus Dumbledore. He is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous. The orders issued to apprehend Dumbledore states the Aurors have been ordered to use extreme force if necessary to apprehend him.
Measures are apparently being put in place to protect those who testified against him at the December 3rd trial. We will keep you update if anything more develops.
Minerva set down the paper and stared blankly at the wall for a moment, "He killed that boy." She said quietly.
Sirius looked to be thinking hard, "I don't think he did it on purpose." He said, "I'm fairly certain he was trying to make it look like someone else helped him escape."
"It doesn't matter Sirius!" Minerva exclaimed, "Because of what he did that boy is dead!" she had tears on her face, "I remember him…he was a sweet boy from Gryffindor…one of my cubs…all he ever wanted was to be an Auror like Alastor Moody. Strong, dependable, famous for catching the worst Dark witches and wizards. He had dreams. And now because of Albus he is dead." Her breathing was irregular. Minerva was furious. "He must pay for this!" she growled.
Remus placed a hand on her back and began rubbing in soothing circular motions, "He will…you know Amelia she won't let him get away with killing one of her cadets." Minerva turned to Remus and sobbed into his chest. Remus held her gently as he nodded his head towards Harry telling Sirius to take the boy from the room not wanting the child to see her like this. Sirius did just that taking the boy to play upstairs. Minerva continued to sob into her friends chest, "We'll get him. Don't worry." He says as he continues to comfort her.
Severus Snape was in St. Mungos Psychiatric Ward. He had been in session with their most talented mind healer for the last three days and since had recovered many memories he never knew he had. Almost all of them were about Lily. He discovered in his fourth year he and Lily dated, briefly. After two months the two of them decided amicably that they just weren't suited to be a couple a chose to be just friends. Their bond had grown even closer and they were more like siblings after that.
He then learned in his fifth year he and James had chosen to 'bury the hatchet'. James had apologized to him for all the wrong he did against Severus over the years. Potter had told him he now knew picking on her best friend was not the way to get Lily to like him and he wanted to be someone Lily would be proud to be with. Severus joked telling him if he was serious he better try to get as many O's on his O.W.Ls as he could. That would get Lily's attention. The two laughed but they were soon interrupted by Albus Dumbledore.
He had asked the boys what was going on and they explained, but Albus did not looked pleased. He told them he could not have them becoming friends, that they each had roles to play before pointing his wand at the pair of boys and Obliviating them. It was then Albus began using Severus. He dosed him with potions, one to make him hate James and his friends, and even one that would get Severus to shun Lily. Severus looked on at these memories in horror, but the most traumatic one was just before Harry was born.
Severus had been forced by Dumbledore to join the Death Eaters through potions and compulsion. Severus did awful things to muggles and muggleborns at Voldemort's request all because Dumbledore wanted a pawn in Voldemort's inner circle. The final horror Dumbledore put him through made Severus want to kill the old bastard. He learned the night Dumbledore received the prophecy, Severus himself had been no where near the Hog's Head tavern in Hogsmead. He had been home at Spinner's End trying to fight Dumbledore's influence.
It was then Dumbledore arrive and modified his memory to make him believe he had over heard the first half of the prophecy then compelled him to rush to Voldemort and tell him. Severus tried to resist but ended up doing exactly as Dumbledore wanted. While informing Voldemort, he broke Dumbledore's control realizing what Dumbledore had done he had rushed to confront him instead of warning Lily. Dumbledore immediately modified his memory and Imperiused him to never delve into his mind again.
Severus was crying in the Mind Healers arms as all this came back to him. He wailed, relieved he actually was not responsible for all the horrible things he had done, including Lily's death. After composing himself a bit the mind healer suggested he stay with someone so he could be monitored. He quickly sent a message to Minerva requesting her to meet him at St. Mungos. She arrived barely thirty minutes later with Harry, Sirius, and Remus in tow. When he saw Harry he asked to hold him, and as he held the boy close he sobbed while telling the others everything.
If Minerva McGonagall hated Albus Dumbledore before she absolutely loathed him now. The bastard had ripped Severus' life to sheds just so he could have a pawn within Voldemort's ranks. She looked on sadly as she watch the man gaze at the child of the woman he had consider his sister who had been killed due to Albus' schemes. She kept her fury in check, vowing to unleash it all on Dumbledore the first chance she got. He had ruined so many of her students lives and he would not get away with it!
After hearing this, Sirius immediately requested he be checked as well. Fortunately, he only had minor Obliviations. Albus appaently knew Sirius and Remus were a couple and because of Remus' Lycanthropy, he was not susceptible to mind magic. So Albus couldn't risk altering too many of Sirius memories incase Remus noticed and found out what was going on. Sirius did however discover Albus had compelled him to suggest Peter as James and Lily's Secret Keeper. Upon hearing this Remus eyes flashed its golden yellow color finally understanding why Dumbledore sent him on a werewolf recruitment mission out of the country; so Remus wouldn't be around to notice the change in his lover's behavior. With all this information coming to light, Albus Dumbledore now had four very powerful people who wanted him dead.
A week had gone by, Severus had been staying with them at McGonagall Manor so he could be monitored closely for any adverse after effect upon completing his treatment. One morning, Minerva finally received the request from the Hogwarts Board of Governors asking her to take up the position as Hogwarts Headmistress. They later learned the only reason it took so long was because Lucius Malfoy, who had wiggled his way onto the board, had been fighting her appointment trying to get them to nominate someone he could easily control. The other governors eventually over ruled him, and Minerva was preparing to go back as soon as the winter holidays were over. She wanted to be sure she was present for the first Christmas Harry was to have without his parents.
During this time Minerva and the others were visited by a very surprising guest, Arcturus Black. The old man had come to thank Minerva and Remus for assisting in freeing his heir from Dumbledore's schemes. The old man had known his heir couldn't possibly have betrayed James, the boys had been like brothers just as he had been with Charlus Potter, James' Grandfather. He then stated he'd like to formally make Sirius Head of the Black Family.
Sirius was a bit reluctant which surprised his grandfather who asked his grandson why he would refuse. So, Sirius told his grandfather the truth. The old man had been a bit surprised when he discovered the nature of Remus and Sirius' relationship but told his Heir that would not change his mind, he could always find a child to adopt and make his successor when the time came. This had given Sirius such a sense of relief. His own mother had cast him out when she found out Sirius liked men. He thanked his grandfather with tears for not hating him. Arcturus apologized for being too ill to stop Walburga from doing that to Sirius and had only recently recovered enough to even get out of bed. Though the old man knew his time was coming soon and he wanted to formally announce Sirius as the next Lord Black before he went to join his wife.
The next day Sirius and his grandfather were at Gringotts. Nagnok completed the transfer of power process rather quickly, and now the Black Family ring that marked one as the true Lord of the Black Family was now resting on Sirius' middle finger. Arcturus quickly set up a special session of the Wizengamot in order to have Sirius sworn in as Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. A few of the Dark faction attempted to protest this cause if Sirius were the Lord of House Black that would squarely put the Black family under the Light faction which would make them far more powerful.
Arcturus would not allow any protests however, he stated anyone who had a problem with his decision would keep quiet or suffer a Blood Feud. This cause all of the protesters to shut up instantly. No one wanted to be on The Black Family's 'shit list' as Sirius called it. The ceremony took a total of twenty minutes as Arcturus transfered the full control of the Black Family Magic to Sirius. The process seemed draining, Sirius was getting increasingly worried for his grandfather as it went on. When he finally finished the old man panted and struggled to keep standing. Sirius quickly rushed to his grandfather, who batted him away. He didn't want to appear feeble in front of the entire Wizengamot.
After the session concluded Sirius escorted his Grandfather out of the Ministry only to have the old man collapse as soon as they made it onto the street. Within hours Arcturus Black was admitted into St. Mungos. The Healers told Sirius his Grandfather's core had been weakening due to the illness he had over the last ten years. The transferring of the Black Family Magic was the last straw. His core was now unstable and quickly deteriorating. They warned him Arcturus might not make it to the new year.
Arcturus told Sirius not to fret. He had been prepared for this and now he just wanted to spend his remaining time with family. To honor his grandfather's last request he took him back with him to McGonagall Manor on Christmas day. He invited Andromeda and her family, Augusta and her grandson, and every one of the Black Family House elves who had been taking care of Arcturus over the last ten years. The old man sat comfortably in a large cushy chair as he watch his grandson open presents with Harry.
He even smiled seeing Remus give Sirius a kiss while Dora held some mistletoe over their heads. He was glad his grandson had someone who loved him. He knew what Sirius' life had been like growing up with Walburga. When no one was looking he beckoned Remus to come over. Remus did so. "Yes sir?" he asked politely.
"Tell me son…You love my boy?" he asked referring to Sirius as he did when he was young.
Remus smiled, "I do…very much sir."
Arcturus smiled, "Then you keep him safe for me." The old man tells him, "Many will not be happy with your relationship. Not just because you are two men, but also because you are a werewolf and he is a Pureblood Lord. They will expect him to take a wife and make Heirs. If you love him as you say you do, don't that pressure get to him. When they try to bully him into conforming. Stand by his side firmly to let him know he's not alone. Will you do that for me lad?"
Remus was tearing up a bit, "Yes sir I will!"
"Good man…now bring me the Potter Heir I'd like to see him." Arcturus says smiling.
Remus nods and goes and plucks Harry from the floor where all his new toys are scattered about. Remus brings the boy and sets him on Arcturus lap. "PAPA!" the boy cried out. He had started calling him that since meeting Arcturus nearly two weeks ago.
Arcturus smiled petting the boy's head gently, "You look just like James little one…but those eyes…must be your mothers." He says as he leans forward, "I'm going to tell you a secret Harry. You won't understand it now but when your older and can use Occlumency to look into your past memories you'll understand." He then leans forward and whispers something in Harry's ear. The boy giggles a bit as the mans hot breath tickled his ear as he spoke. Arcturus leaned back and smiled, "Be strong, and be wise Harry." Arcturus said before nodding to Remus who took the boy back over to his toys.
Andromeda came over with her family she was a little afraid but her fears vanished when Arcturus smiled at her, "Andy! He said smiling, "You're so beautiful my dear."
She blushed, "Thank you Papa." She had a few tears in her eyes. Seeing him like this broke her heart. He was once a proud strong man who loved to read to her and her sister.
"Now stop that…I have had a long life nothing to be sad about." He looks to the pink haired girl, "Your daughter?" Andromeda nods, "That's an interesting color for hair young lady."
"Watch this!" the girl said as she scrunched her face and her hair turn green like a Christmas tree."
"That is a marvelous talent my dear." He told her before looking back to Andromeda, "I'm so sorry I wasn't able to protect you dear." He placed a hand on hers.
Andromeda couldn't hold back her tears, "Its okay Papa. I found a loving husband just like you wanted me too…He's protected me ever since."
The old man looks to Ted, "Thanks you young man for loving her when her family would not."
"Of course sir." Ted replied.
"Now go have fun you three, enjoy yourselves I'll be right here." He pats Andromeda's hand.
They do as he says slipping away. The party went on into the night. They had dinner and were now sitting around the fire with hot chocolate talking. Arcturus smiled at this and gently closed his eyes. Harry was the first to notice. He didn't know exactly what but the boy could tell something was wrong, "PAPA!" he screamed getting everyone attention.
They immediately noticed Arcturus' chest was no longer moving. Andromeda, Sirius, and Severus rushed over. "Remus get the children out of here." Sirius barked to his lover who immediately did as he said picking up Harry and dragging Dora from the room Augusta followed with Neville in tow, "Grandfather? Can you hear me?" Remus heard his lover say over and over. Dora heard her mother sobbing uncontrollably. Harry had begun to cry, he could tell something sad had happened, but didn't understand exactly what.
Minerva rushed to Harry picking him up and holding him close, "Go to Sirius Remus, He needs you." She said as she tried to calm down her crying grandson, "Its okay baby Papa just went to sleep, its okay."
And with that Arcturus Black left this world surrounded by those who cared for him and the ones who truly loved him.
A/N: How many of you cried? Be honest? I cried while writing that scene so I know some of you did while reading it! I decided to include this because in the original story Poor Arcturus dies at home alone and I felt terrible about that. So I decided to give him a proper send of. What did you think about the recovered memories Severus found. Fucked up right? Don't worry Dumbledore will eventually get whats due to him.
A concerned reader has pointed out something regarding British Law. I apologize, I suppose as an American I didn't even think of looking up those things. I'm even woefully under educated on American laws pretaning to Wills, sorry for the blunder. I'll remeber that if Wills come up in my next story. Thanks for the input!
Up Next: After Tragedy comes the Oppritunity for new Friendships. Sirius deals with his first major challenge after becoing Lord Black.