"It has come to the attention of this august body that a grievous injustice was done to the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. The Ministry of Magic violated its own laws by denying Sirius Black, sole heir of his house the right to face his accusers and trial by his peers."
Amelia Bones' voice rang out, shocking the Wizengamot and those viewing in the audience of the public session. She waited briefly as several elected members began demanding an explanation, while others sat stunned in silence.
Gaveling the noise down, Amelia continued, "I possess a petition from the majority of life-appointed Wizengamot members who demand recompense for Sirius Black as well as a fair trial, answers from the Department of Prosecution, Azkaban, and the Auror Department on charges of collusion to deprive the scion of the Ancient and Noble House of Black justice.
Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore rose to demand clarification for the proceedings Amelia Bones initiated without consulting him beforehand. Without a word, she handed him a copy of the petition, which had him frowning as he read it.
"Given the Chief Warlock's position of familiarity to the Potter family over three generations, his failure to investigate the lack of proceedings during Lord Black's arrest, and subsequent guardianship of Harry Potter, a majority of the Wizengamot has determined it suitable to relieve him of overseeing this inquiry and subsequent trials."
Another wave of outcry erupted from Dumbledore's supporters, which Amelia also gaveled down.
"Bartimus Crouch, you are hereby ordered by this august body to explain in detail why the Auror Department retains no records regarding the arrest of Lord Black, witness statements, or transfer paperwork for Azkaban, all of which occurred under your tenure as the Head of the Auror Department."
Crouch rose to his feet, "This proceeding is a farce, and I demand an investigation into the origins of it as well as the record archives to discover who has altered it!"
Amelia smiled coldly at her predecessor, "An inquiry into the archives has already been commissioned and been proven there has been no alteration. This has been verified by three independent sources. You will explain your actions has Head Auror and the failure of your department to follow protocol in the case against Lord Black."
The wizard spluttered, his face turning a nasty shade of red at Amelia's no-nonsense tone and rebuking of his demand.
"We can make a motion to compel your compliance via veritiserum if necessary."
"The man admitted his guilt! He kept saying it repeatedly!" Crouch yelled back.
"Why are there no records?"
"Sirius Black was found surrounded by muggles and laughing," Crouch insisted, his bowler hat dangerously shaking on his head.
"Madame Bones," Lucius Malfoy rose to his feet. "I move that the charges against Sirius Black be overturned due to maleficence. Incarcerating a family n heir without a trial or even providing documentation cannot be abided by, nor can such a precedent be allowed to stand."
Shouts of derision erupted, many of which included James and Lily Potter's name., along with shouts of the term Death Eater from the audience. Dumbledore was openly frowning at Lucius, even as several other members nodded in agreement.
"In fact, it would be prudent to review all of the records during the purview of Crouch's control of the department. Surely if such a grievous act of injustice occurred to the Black Heir, a future member of the Wizengamot, many others could have been targeted as well."
"Perhaps allowing Sirius Black the chance to prove his innocence would be more prudent," Albus Dumbledore intervened, purposefully using Lucius' term against him.
"A wise choice," the Rowle family proxy spoke, suddenly surging to his feet as Amelia recognized him.
"Your proposal?" Amelia asked.
"Madame Bones, I have procured several witnesses who can corroborate Lord Black's innocence, and each are present at this moment."
"Call them," Amelia ordered, holding her hand up to silence Dumbledore, who once again was on his feet, mouth open to object.
"Hermione Granger," the Rowle proxy called out. The young witch stood from her seat in the audience, before looking to Thorfinn Rowle for encouragement. Once she had stepped to the witness podium the proxy asked, "You have knowledge of Mr. Black's innocence, how?"
"Last year," Hermione began as she pointedly ignored the Headmaster's stare, "Just before term ended, my housemate Ron Weasley and his pet rat, Scabbers, was dragged into a tunnel by Sirius. Harry and I followed them afraid for Ron's safety, and shortly thereafter, Professor Lupin found us. Both the professor and Sirius claimed Peter Pettigrew had trained to be an animagus and that his shape was a rat, specifically the pet Ron had with him."
"Were they able to prove their theory?"
"Yes," Hermione said. "Both Scabbers and Mr. Pettigrew were missing a finger or toe depending on his form. The man he insisted that Voldemort told him if he didn't hand over Harry's parents, his life would be forfeit."
"You dare say his name?"
"Well he's dead, isn't he?" Hermione asked without thinking, before her eyes widened. "Please forgive my impertinence."
"Forgiven," Amelia Bones said, clearly looking amused at the young witch. "Why did you not come forward with this information?"
"Professor Dumbledore told us that no one would believe three students," Hermione answered, looking directly at the older witch. "He insisted that without capturing Mr. Pettigrew alive that Sirius would still receive the kiss from the Dementors."
Her answer set off the Wizengamot members again as they all began muttering amongst themselves. Amelia, stunned, began gaveling the noise down before she asked for clarification.
"Albus Dumbledore knew you'd seen Peter Pettigrew and heard him admit to betraying the Potters?"
"Yes ma'am," Hermione answered, earning a look of utter delight from Lucius Malfoy.
"Thank you, Ms. Granger, you are dismissed. Remus Lupin, please step forward." The older wizard took Hermione's spot at the witness podium, and provided the Wizengamot with clarification on Pettigrew's friendship with James Potter. He specifically described why James and Peter chose to become animagus, as well as what drove their decision.
"Sirius broke out of Azkaban after he realized Peter was at Hogwarts with his godson, Harry Potter. From what I understand, the magical bond would have flared, forcing Sirius to prevent Peter from harming Harry. Several members of the Wizengamot were nodding.
"Thank you," the proxy said. "Our last witness is Harry Potter."
Harry stood, from the chair behind Thorfinn, who had been blocking the Wizengamot' s view of the Boy Who Lived.
"Are the stories we've heard true Mr. Potter?"
"Yes. Peter Pettigrew has been living as a pet rat with the Weasley family," Harry confirmed. "He admitted to being the secret keeper for my parents."
"Has Sirius Black been in contact with you since?"
"He's my godfather," Harry answered, dodging the question. The proxy nodded before glancing to many of the Wizengamot members who seemed in favor of allowing him to not fully answer.
"I hereby formally second Lord Malfoy's motion to acquit Sirius Black of all charges, including that of breaking out of Azkaban due to familial obligations."
"All in favor," Amelia Bones asked, watching as the Wizengamot lit up the end of their wands to signify their approving vote. "Motion passes. Sirius Black is hereby reinstated as an upstanding citizen and declared innocent of all charges."
"This is outrageous!" Crouch cried out. "The words of two children and a werewolf are not enough evidence!"
"Perhaps had your done your due diligence, you'd have a leg to stand on," Sirius called out from the crowd. He winked at Harry who grinned.
"Having officially been re-instated I formally claim guardianship over my god-son. Madame Bones, I believe you'll find all the paperwork in order," Sirius said floating a scroll over to her.
"You are correct."
"Madame Bones, I would be remiss if I did not object," Dumbledore protested, earning looks of scorn from several Wizengamot members. "Mr. Potter has familial ties with his Aunt and Uncle. It would be travesty to suddenly uproot him."
"Lily and her sister were estranged at the time of her death. She explicitly stated that Petunia would never be responsible for Harry," Sirius answered.
"Unfortunately, a copy of the Potter's will was never discovered," Albus countered. "Nor did the Potter's retain a solicitor. Given the circumstances, Petunia Dursley had the first right of claim over Mr. Potter."
"A fact that I am not disputing," Sirius answered. "However, circumstances have changed, and it would be prudent to allow Harry a magical guardian rather than leave him isolated."
"Sirius,"
"Lord Black," Sirius corrected. "Madame Bones, here you will find a copy of James and Lily Potter's will. You will see it stipulates what I have previously explained about guardianship."
"While your intentions are well and good Lord Black, Harry's well-being is what we must consider. Uprooting a child from his family cannot be a decision made lightly," Dumbledore argued. "You are proposing removing him from a stable two parent home and putting him in the care of a single parent who has been incarcerated for twelve years."
"Interesting argument. I have here Harry's medical records, Madame Bones would you mind duplicating them for our esteemed members?" Sirius asked.
"A violation of Mr. Potter's privacy," Dumbledore protested.
"It's vital to the decision the Wizengamot is being asked to make," Amelia answered as she dispersed the gemino copies. "Proceed Lord Black."
"You should note the numerous observations from muggle healers concerning Harry's growth, specifically his weight and height in comparison to the chart providing what it should be at those ages. He is significantly behind his peers at those ages."
"Madame Longbottom," Amelia said recognizing the witch's request to speak.
"His records suggest Mr. Potter developed the beginning stages of rickets, and that his guardians seemed dismissive. Chief Warlock, are you honestly suggesting we return a boy to a home where he's obviously being malnourished? Any healer would have prescribed him a series of potions to sever the damage of lacking required nutrients."
"Mr. Potter is obviously a healthy child," Dumbledore answered. "His aunt and uncle are the most equipped to protect him and provide a safe environment."
"Muggles? Who do not understand magic or possess access to St. Mungo's, or the Ministry?" Augusta asked.
"Regarding that safe environment, Harry kept his first letter of acceptance to Hogwarts," Sirius said. Madame Bones, if you would read the address aloud."
"Mr. Harry Potter," Amelia's voice died, and she stared at Dumbledore outraged before finishing the rest of the statement, "The closet under the stairs."
"You want to return him to a house where muggles forced a child to sleep in a closet?"
"It is my understanding that situation has been rectified and Mr. Potter has a proper bedroom now."
"After eleven years," Sirius added. "By all means, let's consider that rectified."
"I move to turn guardianship of Mr. Potter over to his godfather, Sirius Black immediately," Augusta Longbottom said while she glared defiantly at Dumbledore. "Furthermore, I move the Wizengamot appoint Lord Black as the regent of the Potter Estate so as he can properly teach the boy how to lead his house when he comes of age."