Hey, everyone! Mystery Critic here, back at you with a brand new chapter for Ma Fleur! I am still not able to get over the amount of love this story receives, and I hope you all continue to enjoy and worship. I mean, read. Yeah, let's go with that. I am now posting on Archive of Our Own, and will continue to post revised chapters as they are finished! You can find me on the site as mysterycritic135. I hope to see you all there! As for the disclaimer, I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the rights affiliated with it. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, grab your Nosebleed Nougats (not for you, of course), your tea, and let's dive into chapter twenty-three!
Chapter 23
Italics – French
The days pass uneventfully until Sirius's trial is just a day away. Walking up to Harry with Fleur in his lap, the two of them talking quietly, Neville clears his throat.
"Um, hiya Harry..." He says nervously, keeping his gaze away.
"Hey, Neville!" Harry says jovially, sliding Fleur off his lap. Receiving a playful pout that he expertly ignores, Harry stands up and wraps his arms around Neville. "How are your parents doing?"
"It's difficult for them, you know?" He says, rubbing the back of his neck after hugging his friend back. "They've been gone for fourteen years, and all of a sudden they're back again."
"I can't possibly imagine how difficult it is for them to adjust;" He says, placing his hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "their son is all grown up. What about you?"
"Me?" Neville asks, confusion donning his features. "What about me?"
"How are you doing?" He elaborates, gesturing for them to sit down. "How are you feeling having your parents back? I can imagine it's just as big of a struggle to adjust to."
"It's... hard, yeah..." He admits, hesitant to talk about the subject with Harry. "Mostly, I'm just glad to have them back. It's different, to be honest, but I don't know what to do with it. I never thought I'd be able to talk to them again, but as they learn more about me and spend more time with me... I don't know, it's like the time they were gone is seeming farther and farther away."
"Are you happy, though?"
"Yeah, I am."
"That's all that matters."
After a few moments, Neville speaks up once more. "Harry, I can never thank you for what you've done."
"You needed your parents back, Neville," He says, pulling Fleur close. "I have found family, and you needed yours. It's not fair unless both of us get our parents back."
"Thank you, Harry." He says, smiling at his friend.
"Hey, would you like to come over for Christmas dinner?" Harry asks. "Maman said I could invite my friends, and I'd love to spend Christmas with you and your parents. What do you say, Neville?"
"Sure, Harry," He said, smiling brightly. "I'd love to come."
"Great!" he says, clapping Neville on the shoulder. "Christmas day, two p.m."
"I'll make sure we're there, Harry."
~Fleur~
Walking up the steps to Dumbledore's office, Harry opens the door and walks in. "Morning, Professor Dumbledore!" Harry says, walking up to the desk with a smile.
"Good morning, Harry," Dumbledore says, smiling jovially. "Are we ready to go?"
"Of course, sir," Harry says, walking over to the floo. "I am ready to watch Sirius be proven innocent and/or raze the entire Ministry of Magic to the ground!"
"Hmm, that's odd," Dumbledore says, stroking his beard. "I do believe I'm going deaf, Harry."
"How do you figure that, sir?"
"I didn't hear a word you said after you said innocent."
Chuckling at the antics of his headmaster, Harry grabs a handful of floo powder and tosses it in calling out as he walks into the emerald flames. "Ministry of Magic," He says, seeing fireplaces rush by in a flash and stepping out without breaking stride. Taking in the appearance of the Ministry, Harry looks around and makes a noncommittal sound.
"Knut for your thoughts, Harry?"
"I'm rather... underwhelmed." He says, looking around and feeling disappointed in the basic and bustling office appearance. Spotting a large golden statue adorning a fountain, Harry walks up to it with Dumbledore right behind them.
"Harry, may I present to you the Statue of Magical Brethren," Dumbledore announces, smiling proudly. "It was made back in the time when all beings of magic were treated with equality. Today, its meaning has become lost and it's nothing more than a beautiful centerpiece to the Atrium for most."
"That's rather sad," Harry says, keeping his eye on the statue for a few moments.
"Indeed it is." He nods in agreement before nudging Harry along. "Best be getting to Sirius's trial, my boy."
"Right!" Harry says, smiling as he remembers what they've come for. "Sirius's trial or-"
"Best not to say that contingency out loud, Harry," Dumbledore recommends, removing his hand from Harry's mouth a moment later. "We don't need to give anyone a reason to suspect you, hmm?"
"You're a lot sneakier than you let on, Professor," Harry says, smirking up at the wizard.
"I am also a politician, Harry." He says, a smirk on his face as he leads Harry to the lifts. "Being sneaky is part of the job description."
"Very true, sir." He agrees with a chuckle. Stepping onto the lift with Dumbledore, it brings them down deeper into the Ministry, stopping after a minute or so. A female voice sounds out from inside the lift.
"Level Ten, Ministry Courtrooms."
Walking out of the lift, Harry spots Jacques and runs up to him, wrapping his arms around him in a hug.
"Certainly you 'aven't missed me zat much, 'ave you 'Arry?" Jacques asks, a smile on his face.
"I'm worried, Jacques," Harry says quietly, eradicating Jacques' playful mood. "I'm worried that despite Sirius being innocent, despite him providing proof by Veritiserum, they still won't declare him innocent."
"Knowing your ministry, I wouldn't dare say your fear is unfounded, 'Arry." Jacques sighs, looking at Dumbledore.
"I would have to agree," Dumbledore says. "I have seen many an occurrence where racism, bigotry, and bias has had free reign in this government. Alas, I fear that may very well be all government. Nowhere in our world does a utopia exist, after all."
"Unfortunately, zat is very much ze truz," Jacques says, sighing in disappointment. "'owever, we are not 'ere for a sad discussion on ze state of ze world. We are 'ere to see your godfazzer freed, are we not 'Arry?"
"Damn right, dad!" Harry says, walking forward. As they walk in through the courtroom doors, several heads turn their way. Spotting Harry, Rita Skeeter rushes forward with determination to get a story.
"Mr. Potter," She says, stepping a little too close. "may I have a word with you, get your opinion on the trial?"
"I'd honestly rather not, Miss Skeeter." He responds as politely as possible. "I'm kind of just here to focus on my godfather's trial."
"Of course," She says, pretending as if she didn't hear him refuse. "that's all I'd be asking about, journalist's promise. Now, what are your thoughts on the convicted mass murderer, Sirius Black receiving a trial? It's quite shocking he never received one thirteen years ago, is it not?"
"Miss Skeeter, I said I do not want an interview. Please respect that." Harry comments, attempting to move past her.
"What about the tournament?" She continues, stepping in front of him. "Will you tell me how you circumvented all the protections around the Goblet of Fire?"
"Miss Skeeter, for the final time, please leave me be." He scowls, losing his patience.
"Come now, Harry." She says, blocking his attempt to move past her again. "Surely you can give our loyal readers something, hmm?"
"No." He snaps, attempting to move around the irritating woman. Grabbing his arm, she opens her mouth to badger him once more before she pulls her hand back in pain. "Do not grab me again. Next time, it won't be a small shock, Skeeter."
Walking away from the foul woman with Jacques right behind him, Rita calls out one more time. "Harry, how do you think your parents would feel about you cheating your way into the tournament?"
"'Ow dare you?!" Jacques snaps, turning around and snapping before Harry can snap the woman in two. "My son did not cheat 'is way into anyzing! 'E did not want to be a part of this wretched bloodbazz in ze first place! Also, my wife and I could not be more proud of our son, and 'e did not enter 'imself! I do not care what any of you zink, I am nothing more zan proud of him! Despite ze fact zat 'e was forced into zis monstrosity of a competition, 'e is doing everyzing to make sure 'e finishes zis unscathed and comes 'ome!"
"That's all well and good, but I was talking about his real parents," She says, smirking at the fuming man. "you know, the kind-hearted British magical beings who died on that tragic night fourteen years ago."
"Skeeter, let me make one thing perfectly clear," Harry growls, the temperature heating the entire large courtroom. Skeeter squeaks in fear as her quill and notebook erupt in flames. Turning back towards Harry, she sees crimson tendrils swirling around him maliciously. Stepping towards her, the tendrils snap and hiss at her angrily.
"I will always appreciate the sacrifice my birth parents made to protect me, however, Jacques and Apolline Delacour are my parents, and they are the only parents I will ever know. If you try to slander them in any way, I guarantee you this right now; I will end your career faster than you can blink. Have I made myself clear?"
Nodding in absolute terror, she rushes out of the courtroom, the doors slamming shut behind her from Harry's magic. Walking over to the gallery, Harry takes a seat in one of the chairs and attempts to control his magic once more. Taking deep breaths, his magic begins to settle down as he regains his focus. After a few moments, Jacques takes a seat next to him and wraps his arms around Harry. "It's alright, Harry." He says, stroking his son's hair calmingly. "Deep breaths, son."
"Why do some people have to be such jackasses?" He snaps, sighing in exasperation as he hugs Jacques back.
"I don't know, Harry," Jacques says, rubbing his son's back. "Some people just are that way. Some people have no decency or care for others, and there's nothing you can do about them. Nothing but be a better person than them. That's all you can do."
"Even when it's tempting to crush them into the ground?"
"Especially when it's tempting to crush them into the ground." He answers with a chuckle, eliciting one from Harry as well. "There's my boy's smile. Come now, let's watch your godfather be freed."
"Good idea." He says.
Hearing the doors opening, he looks over to watch as Sirius is escorted into the courtroom in shackles. Whispers and murmurs sound throughout the courtroom, not seeming to phase Sirius in the slightest. Shooting winks and waves at the people in the room along the way, Sirius is led by a pair of Aurors to a chair in the center of the room. Upon sitting down, restraints hold down the chains connected to his wrists, further limiting his mobility. Turning towards Harry, Sirius smiles brightly at seeing his godson present.
"Heya, Harry!" Sirius says, smiling brightly. "I know you only know me by reputation, but I didn't kill your parents. I'm your godfather, and I hope to be a part of the rest of your life!"
"Did he seriously just say that?" Jacques mutters in Harry's ear.
"Yeah, and it is hilarious."
"Two reasons:" Harry says, his grin threatening to split his face in two. "One, because he always says things seriously. Two..."
"Why?"
Flashback, a few days prior...
"I'm sorry, I must have heard you wrong;" Harry says sarcastically, glaring at his godfather. "you want to say WHAT exactly?"
"'Heya, Harry!'" He says, grinning madly. "'I know you only know me by reputation, but I didn't kill your parents. I'm actually your godfather, and I hope to be a part of the rest of your life!'"
"Okay, ignoring the fact that you're being a moron," Harry says, sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose. "explain to me exactly why would it be a good idea to say that?"
"Think of it this way; before I was sent to Azkaban, EVERYONE knew me as someone who could never resist a prank." He begins, smiling like a loon. "I always had to play them, it was like a compulsion for me. On top of that, everyone who knew me back then knows I would never betray Lily or James."
"So, here's my point. If I say that and say it happily, it'll surprise them! It'll be the truth, it'll be a prank, and seeing me being happy even when in chains will show confidence! It'll play to the Sirius Black that everyone knew, and that could easily play in my favor!"
"Only you, Sirius," Harry says, shaking his head. "only you could say something that sounds so stupid into something that makes a lick of sense."
"What do you mean, 'Arry?" Jacques asks, deeply confused. "'Ow does zat make sense?"
"As Sirius said, it'll catch them off guard." He explains, chuckling. "It's something so childish, so weird, so stupid, that it can only be the Sirius they once knew that said it. By showing them that side of him, it'll remind them that the Sirius they once knew still exists. They know he never received a trial, so by remaining happy even when he's at risk of going back..."
"It will make 'is testimony zat much more believable!" Jacques finishes with dawning understanding.
"Exactly!" Harry confirms. "On top of that, he's willingly taking Veriteserum, which shows a desire to work with the courts to prove he's innocent."
"I zought you were just an idiot, Sirius," Jacques said, smirking at the man.
"Oi, watch it!"
"Oh shut it, Sirius," Harry says, rolling his eyes. "you often are an idiot."
"I still take offense to that..." He grumbles.
"Alright, so here's the plan..."
End Flashback...
"I'm sorry, WHAT?!" Harry yells, standing up only to be restrained by Jacques. "What do you mean?!"
"Just what I said, pup!" Sirius says, smiling brightly at the young man. "I'm your godfather, I had absolutely nothing to do with Prongs and Lily Flower's deaths, and I want to be a part of your life."
Pretending to be shocked into silence, Harry's mouth opens and closes like a fish. Taking a moment to pretend to calm down, Harry glares coldly at Sirius before speaking venomously. "IF what you say proves to be true, then I will let you be a part of my life."
'Geez, he could get a career in acting with that performance.' Sirius thinks, plastering an even wider smile on his face and flipping his hair around extravagantly into a head bow. "I hope I don't disappoint, pup!"
"Settle down, now!" Fudge says, banging his gavel on the desk. "The date is Monday, December the fifth, time is twelve-fifteen pm. Minister for Magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge presiding over the trial of Sirius Orion Black. Mr. Black, as I understand it you are willing to take Veriteserum?"
"I am, Minister Fudge." He confirms, smiling determinedly.
"Very well, Mr. Black." He says, motioning for the Aurors to proceed. "Dawlish, three drops."
"Wait, Minister," Sirius says, looking up at him. "Would you have Auror Dawlish test me for the counter potion?"
"Thank you for that, Mr. Black." Fudge said, nodding towards Dawlish. Waving his wand over Sirius, a green glow emanating from him. Nodding back to the Minister, Fudge waves a hand in Sirius's direction. Leaning his head back, three drops of the powerful truth serum are placed onto Sirius's tongue. A haze of calm settles over Sirius after a moment, and he stares forward stiffly. "Now, Mr. Black, I am going to ask you a few questions to determine if the serum is working, understood?"
"Understood, Minister," He says monotonously.
"Please state your full name for the court."
"Sirius Orion Black."
"When were you born?"
"Third of November, 1959."
"What was your house in Hogwarts?"
"Gryffindor."
"The test questions are complete, truthful answers across the board." He states for the record, leaning forward in his seat. "The potion has taken effect. Now, onto the obvious question. Did you betray Lily and James Potter to You-Know-Who on the night of October 31st, 1981?"
"No." He replies. "James and Lily were like family to me. I would have died before betraying them."
"You were the secret keeper, were you not?" Fudge continued.
"No, I was not," Sirius answered to the shock of most people present.
"Explain." Fudge demanded.
"I was originally going to be the secret keeper, but it was decided that I would be the obvious choice." He explains. "So, we switched to Peter Pettigrew and I went around saying I was to throw Voldemort off Peter's trail."
"Understood, Mr. Black." Fudge says, shuddering like most of the other people in the room. "Please refrain from mentioning his name again, alright?"
"Understood, Minister."
"Alright, so if Peter was the secret keeper, does that mean he was the one who betrayed the Potters to You-Know-Who?"
"He was."
"Is that why you murdered him?"
"I didn't murder him," Sirius says. "I wish to every deity there is I had, but I didn't."
"What about all the muggles then?"
"After I found James and Lily dead, I was overcome with grief and rage." He explains, his tone still even. "After giving Harry to Hagrid to take to Dumbledore so he could be taken somewhere safe, I went after Peter. I managed to find him, and I was about to ask him why he did it when he started shouting."
"He claimed that I had betrayed Lily and James and was screaming how could I. Before I could confront him about what he did, he sent a blasting curse at the street between us. It blew up a pipe and the explosion killed those muggles. I was disoriented and about to pass out, but before I watched as he cut off his finger, turned into his rat Animagus, and fled into the sewers."
"I don't recall Peter Pettigrew ever filing an animagus form, Mr. Black." Fudge says, looking through the papers on his desk.
"That's because it wasn't ever registered." He states. "Pettigrew, James, and I were all unregistered Animagi. We learned how while still in Hogwarts because another of our friends was a werewolf. Werewolves tend to ignore animals, so we learned to become animals and keep him company during the full moons."
"That was very noble of you, Mr. Black." Fudge says, nodding in approval. "Onto the next question, why did you go to Hogwarts last year?"
"Pettigrew was there," Sirius explains, his eye twitching as the anger shows through the potion. "When you came by to inspect the prison last year, Minister. That's how I knew. The Daily Prophet you gave me had a picture of the Weasley family on it."
"Ah yes, I remember that issue;" He says, rubbing his chin. "they won the lottery. Good folks, as I recall. Well deserved."
"Indeed, but the youngest son was holding a rat in the picture."
"You're telling me that was Pettigrew?"
"I'd recognize that rat anywhere, Minister," Sirius says. "I've seen him in that form countless times. Also, it was missing a toe on one of his front paws."
"The finger Pettigrew cut off..." Fudge says, realizing everything fits together. "Well, I believe that's all the evidence needed for a vote to be made."
"Just a moment, Minister." Amelia Bones says, removing her monocle from her eye and standing up. "Allow me to ask a few questions before the antidote is given?"
"Very well, Madame Bones." Minister Fudge acquiesces, waving a hand in Sirius's direction. "Please, make it quick."
"With pleasure, Minister." She acknowledges, walking up to Sirius. "Mr. Black, do you remember me?"
"Of course, Amy." He responds.
"Good. Did you run from me because you went into hiding with the Potters?"
"Yes, and I'm truly very sorry, Amy." He said, a tear slipping out of his eye through the haze of the potion. "I wouldn't have left if they didn't need me. I hope you know that."
"Very well, I have one last question;" She smirks, raising an eyebrow at him. "Where do you plan on taking me out to make up for what you did?"
"The Three Broomsticks, of course." He says, receiving a smile from the normally stoic woman. "What better way to rekindle the flame then to go where the first spark started?"
"Madame Bones, please refrain from making plans with the accused until a vote has been cast." Fudge requests, trying to keep a smirk off of his face. "We don't even know what the verdict will be."
"You and I both know what it will be, Minister." She scoffs, rolling her eyes at him. "He will be innocent because the evidence that he's presented by Veritaserum is undeniable. He was checked beforehand for the antidote, and his Occlumency shields could be breached by a five-year-old if they were determined enough. His house ring is not on his finger, so there's no protection from that. Everything that was spoken was the truth. I'll see you on Wednesday, Sirius."
"Auror Dawlish, please supply Mr. Black with the antidote." He says, motioning towards the man. Upon receiving the drops on his tongue, Sirius looks over to Amelia with a grin. "I'll make a prankster out of you yet, Amy! Just you watch!"
"I dare you to try, Mr. Black."
"Very well then;" Fudge says, straightening up the papers on his desk and raising his wand. "all those who find the defendant Sirius Black innocent, raise your wands with a blue light. All those who find him guilty, raise red."
Almost every single wand in the room lights up blue, only a few red lights showing up in the sea of blue. Standing up, Harry waves his hand at Sirius and banishes the chains before jumping over the railing and rushing up to Sirius. Jumping up, Harry wraps his arms around his godfather and holds him tightly, Sirius returning the hug full-force. Laughing openly, Sirius drops to his knees with Harry in his arms.
"It'll be alright, pup," he says, tears of joy running down his face. "I can finally be a part of your life as I was always supposed to be."
"Mr. Potter, care to explain this after your little outburst previously?" Fudge says, raising an eyebrow.
"I may have already met Sirius before this," Harry says, rubbing the back of his neck. "I may have also failed to notify anyone. He kind of found me last year and well... he proved Pettigrew was alive and I believed him, and I helped him escape last year."
"Hem hem." A voice sounds from the stands. Harry turns to the source of the noise and sees a toad-like woman with an overly sweet smile. "So sorry, but it sounds as if you're confessing to harboring and aiding in the escape of a convict, Mr. Potter."
"Technically, no," Harry says, smiling up at her, already deciding he doesn't like her. "You see, for me to harbor and aid a convict, he has to have been actually convicted. As he never was, I was helping an innocent man escape a murder."
"It doesn't matter now, Mr. Potter." Fudge insists. "No punishments will be brought upon you. Mr. Black, by majority vote, you are hereby cleared of all charges. You will be compensated in the amount of 130,000 galleons, and have the Ministry's deepest apologies. We strive to uphold justice, and we have failed in your case. I apologize on behalf of the failings of the previous Ministry officials, and our shortcomings for failing to investigate this matter."
"All is forgiven, Minster." He says, waving off the apology. "I see no reason to hold a grudge against you. You weren't the one who threw me in there, after all."
"Thank you, Mr. Black." He says, gathering up his papers in his arms. "However, your animagus form is unregistered. Normally, the penalty is thirty days in Azkaban, but I think we can waive that as time served. You have sixty days to register your form with the Ministry, or further legal action may be taken against you. This court is adjourned."
"See, pup?" Sirius says, hugging his godson once more. "You were worried for nothing."
"Indeed, Mr. Potter," Amelia says, walking up behind them. "I must thank you for being as much a rebel as your godfather. Otherwise, I might not have had the chance to reignite the flame of my sweet Paddy-Poo."
"Paddy-Poo?" Harry says, grinning evilly. "Oh, I am going to have fun with that."
"Harry, don't you dare!" Sirius warns, chasing Harry after shifting into Padfoot.
"Come and get me, Paddy-Poo!" Harry sings, running down the hallway and dodging between people to the delight of Jacques and Amelia. Being tackled by Padfoot, Harry laughs as the mangy mutt licks and drools on his face. He laughs as the hole in his heart becomes a bit smaller. He laughs because he realizes the family that he's been lacking all his life has just grown a little bit bigger.
Well, everyone!That's chapter twenty-three! I hope you all enjoyed it. I really enjoyed writing it, and I know it was never canon that Madame Bones was with Sirius, but she could have been. As for my story, she was and if you don't like it, well... tough titty says the kitty. Anywho, constructive criticism is always appreciated, flames will be used for your spit-roast. As usual, read, review, and spread this story like wildfire!I'll see you all next time.This is Mystery critic, signing off.