Disclaimer: Harry Potter is J K Rowling's property, not mine.
Student of the Foul
Chapter 7
Foul times no more?
"Okay, we're almost there. Make sure you're within the cloak." Harry said as he pulled along the escaped convict that was his godfather towards the best hiding place that he could think of, the chamber.
As they reached the pipe entrance to the chamber, Harry kept looking around while also keeping a hand within the cloak in order to not lose his invisible godfather along the way.
He hissed at the entrance to open, without seeing his godfather's surprise, and led him into the passage. Once the passage closed behind him Harry pulled the cloak off, revealing a shocked Sirius Black.
"You're a Parselmouth?" Sirius asked incredulously.
"Yes. Now come on, I'll show you where you'll be staying until I manage to get you declared innocent." Harry said, pulling Sirius along.
"How?" Sirius asked to which Harry just shrugged and continued walking.
Soon they reached the chamber and Sirius stood frozen in awe at the sight of the dead basilisk.
"Hello Harry Potter." Came a voice from beside Harry.
"Gah! Luna! What! How did you get in here without me!" Harry screamed at the smiling girl.
"You showed me. You also showed me how to say the password." She then demonstrated Harry hissing the word open in Parseltongue.
Harry groaned and rubbed his eyebrows while Sirius snickered at the scene unfolding in front of him.
"I see you managed to find Stubby Boardman. Can I have your autograph, Mr. Boardman." Luna said, turning to Sirius with a notebook.
Sirius looked at the girl, his eyes shifting from the book and back to the girl herself. "Why not." Sirius said, before signing the notebook with a flourish.
Luna smiled in delight.
"Who exactly is Stubby boardman?" Harry asked.
Luna looked at Harry and simply pointed at Sirius, "Him."
"I meant, who is he supposed to be?" Harry restated.
"He was the lead singer of The Hobgoblins. He retired from public life after being struck in the ear by a turnip at a concert in Little Norton Church Hall nearly fifteen years ago." Luna said before turning to Sirius and asking.
"Are you coming out of retirement, Mr. Boardman?"
"No, Luna was it. I'm not. Also, please call me Sirius."
"Wait, what? Sirius, does that mean you were this boardman fellow?" Harry asked.
"It was a cover Frank and I used in order to be at a location that we knew the death eaters would be attacking. It helped prevent a lot of attacks."
Harry simply nodded before rounding back towards Luna.
"Luna, you cannot tell anyone that Sirius is here, alright. He's innocent." Luna simply smiled a dreamy smile and nodded.
"Do you trust her?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Harry said, not taking his eyes off Luna. "She's a friend. She can be trusted." Harry said, turning to Sirius.
Sirius nodded while Luna had a look of absolute glee.
Sirius turned around and his gaze fell back on the dead behemoth of a snake in the corner.
"Mind telling me about this place and that." Sirius said, pointing at the snake.
Harry sighed and over the next hour briefed Sirius and consequently Luna about his first two years at Hogwarts.
"So, let me get this straight, the dark lord isn't gone and is right now a wraith somewhere out there. You also fought him in the form of a diary, which he had used to possess a student to open this chamber and unleash That thing, onto the students." Sirius said.
"I must say Harry, you have us marauders beaten when it comes to having an eventful student life. And that is just three years of your life."
"What are you going to do about food and water, Sirius?" Harry asked, trying to change the topic.
"I'll have forage in the forest. It isn't like this place has house elf service, right?" Sirius said. Harry's mind flashed.
"I don't know if it'll work, but it's worth a try. Dobby?" Harry called out, almost immediately hearing a pop. The trio of humans in the chamber were greeted by the sight of a vigorously bouncing house elf.
"The Great Harry Potter Sir calls Dobby! Dobby is so happy!"
"Dobby! Settle down. Settle down! Listen." Harry said, getting the bouncing house elf to calm down.
"Now, Dobby, I know you're a free elf, but I wanted you to help me with something." Harry asked.
"Anything Harry Potter, Dobby is ready to help." Replied the delighted house elf.
"Okay then, I'll need you to look after Sirius while he stays here. Make sure he has food to eat, water to drink and maybe some books to read. We need to make sure he does not need to go out of this chamber for any reason, or else he'll get caught." Harry stated to the house elf.
"Dobby understands Harry Potter Sir, Dobby will make sure the dogfather will be taken care of." Said the house elf before popping away.
"How did he know about the dog?" Harry muttered to himself.
Shaking his head at the weird elf's antics, Harry turned to Sirius, "Now that that's taken care of, Sirius, make sure you stay within this chamber. You need to stay hidden until you are formally declared innocent. I usually come here every morning for some exercise, so I'll spend some time with you then. I'll bring you information on what is happening, alright."
"I'd like to come too," said Luna. Harry thought for a second before nodding.
"Okay, but you can't let anyone know. Even Hermione and Ron." Said Harry. He was especially worried about Hermione after how she reported the firebolt.
Sirius sighed, "Fine. It is a lot better than Azkaban. At least I'll have better company this time and proper food." As he said that, Dobby appeared once again with a pot pie, a bottle of butterbeer and a piece of cake, all packed in a basket along with the necessary cutlery.
"I was right. Proper food! Thank you, Dobby, was it?" Sirius exclaimed to the happy house elf, before gorging on the pie.
Harry smiled and waved to his godfather. He then collected the cloak and left the chamber along with Luna.
They walked back to the castle silently. All the while, Harry's thoughts were consumed by the topic of getting Sirius freed.
-(HHoHH)-
"It is rather strange that they punish the guilty and do not free the innocent." Said Herpo, later that night, in the mind room. The old wizard closed his eyes in thought, as Harry gazed at him hopefully for his advice.
"Based on your prior interactions, I would say that this government of yours is rather slow and lax. It is quite possible that this fact completely missed their notice. I would suggest you reach out to Madam Bones, Harry. Or better yet have Sirius reach out to her, through you."
"I would also advise that you read about the government and the systems in place. Your interactions with them have been increasing gradually, and if it is anything like your regular placement in dangerous situations, it is prudent to prepare yourself for that eventuality. These are the same people who imprisoned someone just to be seen doing something. I feel it is better if you know and understand what you are dealing with first before anything happens."
"I agree, I'll read up on the systems and laws of the wizarding world." replied Harry.
He saw Herpo pausing for a moment before nodding to himself and speaking out.
"In that regard, I also think it is time I trained you to guard your mind. It will help you stop someone from trying to read your mind. This form of magic that guards the mind is called Occlumency. The counter to legilimency, which is the magic used to enter and read minds."
"That's what Dumbledore did, isn't it?" Harry asked.
"Yes, I am glad you were able to sense your headmaster trying to read your mind. It seems your exercises have paid off. I think we can progress through your training very soon."
"Now, thanks to your mental and focus exercises, I believe you will find your mind far more organised." Herpo said, looking at Harry pointedly.
Hearing the unspoken question Harry nodded. "I'm able to memorize, remember and recollect things far better than before. I've started to enjoy reading and preparing for class."
Herpo smiled, Harry's requests for tutoring on his course work had been far less frequent over the last week. He had spent the sessions focusing on improving his mental fortitude and ancient runes.
"Very well, then it is time to start building barriers over your mind. For this, I will need to perform minor mental probes to assess your barriers." Said Herpo.
"How do I set up these barriers?" Asked Harry.
"A simplistic way to describe it would be through magic. You have felt magic while performing your wandless exercises, correct?" Harry nodded to his question.
"Well, it is similar. You will need to guide magic over your mind and form a barrier with it. You can form it in multiple ways. With most of my past students, I usually found them putting up a blank wall of magic. One of my more inventive students created an endless maze. The invasive mental probe would be locked into a never-ending loop of visions of the student being under water."
Harry stared at Herpo blankly as he reminisced about his past student. 'That student must have been powerful.' Harry thought.
When he voiced his opinion, Herpo chuckled and said, "Oh no, she was just very imaginative. Similar to your friend Luna. She did not even possess the magical power you have now. She had a very nuanced understanding of magic." Harry nodded in understanding.
"You will initially only be able to form a barrier for very short durations of time. Over time and with a lot of practice, you should be able to protect your mind over longer durations, maybe even permanently, like me."
"Now let us begin. This should be one form of magic you can practice here in this room. You will need to clear your mind of thought and focus on guiding your magic towards your mind and forming the barrier. Let me know when you feel you are ready, and I will evaluate the barrier."
By the end of their session, Harry wasn't completely successful, but once again received encouragement from Herpo about his ability to perform occlumency.
-(HHoHH)-
Dear Madam Bones,
I would like to first thank you for asking the questions that I had presented to you to Peter Pettigrew. It would seem that some justice prevailed at the end.
On that note I have attached a letter, which I received in the evening after it was announced on the Prophet that Peter Pettigrew was guilty of the crimes against my family and would be given the Dementor's kiss. In it, the writer requested that I forward it to you so that you may take the necessary action as director of the DMLE. The contents of the letter surprised me and will surprise you too, I am sure.
Please look into the matter. If it is found valid, it would negate a grave injustice that has been committed by the ministry of magic and the DMLE.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Harry Potter.
[-]
Dear Harry,
I read this morning that Peter Pettigrew was revealed to be a rat and was found to be guilty of the crimes that I have been accused of.
While Peter has received the dementor's kiss, I am still on the run. I am still being chased by dementors and aurors for crimes that I have never committed. I can see that even now, the dementors surround Hogwarts putting the students in danger.
I did not betray your parents, Harry. I only felt as though I let them down because I forced James to change the secret keeper to Peter.
I did not kill those muggles Harry, Peter did that after he stunned me when I finally caught and confronted him.
When I tried to enter Hogwarts earlier this year, it was to catch Peter. I found out that he was in Hogwarts and did not want him hurting you in any way.
I did not attack you, Harry. You are my godson, and I would never attack you as I have sworn to protect you at all costs.
Now though, I will need your help, if I am to be declared innocent. I would like to request that you forward this letter to the necessary authorities, so that I may be free to pursue my duties as your godfather.
I will understand if you feel this letter is a farce and discard it. But Peter has already proven the fact that I am innocent.
Regards,
Sirius Black.
Amelia Bones put down the letters and rubbed her forehead. Potter was right once again. They had ignored the fact that with Pettigrew's confessions, Black was innocent. She was also surprised the dementors had not yet been recalled.
The minister was still wallowing in the praise he received for bringing Peter to justice. She could use that fact to get the job done, if possible, silently. Otherwise, it would be her department that would lose its face. She had already faced budget cuts every year thanks to Fudge.
She made a Floo call for Rufus Scrimgeour, the head of the Auror office, asking him to bring every detail they had on Sirius Black and his incarceration along with the details known regarding his escape and movements thereafter.
Scrimgeour would need to see this letter. She could use the wily fox's help in spinning this the right way.
-(HHoHH)-
The new term started early in January; Harry realised his schedule was about to become much more hectic. He forced himself to wake earlier in the mornings to spend more time with Sirius after his morning exercises.
His godfather had very quickly started to lose the gaunt look that he previously had, and had put on some weight, thanks to Dobby. The house elf had also arranged to allow Sirius to groom himself, thereby losing the haggard image that he gave out.
On the last Hogsmeade weekend of the holidays, Harry spent a little money to get Sirius some fresh clothes. Once Sirius changed his clothes, Dobby was tasked with destroying the old clothes.
Harry spent a lot of time in the library trying to learn about the wizarding government but struggled to understand it completely. He realised he needed a tutor, someone who understood wizarding government thoroughly and could only think of one person.
Harry eyed his target. Percy Weasley cut a morose figure ever since Wormtail's deception had come to light. He had been harassed far worse than Ron by the rest of the houses and did not receive much support from his own house, barring his family and some friends.
Harry had already consoled Percy the day after he rescued Sirius, but it didn't seem to have done much to help the head boy. It seemed the boy needed something to divert his mind off the topic of Wormtail.
Harry approached the older boy as he stood on the third floor leaning on the guard rails overlooking the magical staircase. He was observing the students as they made their way through the ever-changing stairs.
"Excuse me, Percy?"
"Huh, oh Harry! I didn't see you there." Percy exclaimed.
"Sorry, I wanted to ask for your help with something." Said Harry. At Percy's nod to proceed, Harry continued.
"Ever since I read the article that said Peter Pettigrew was charged, I've been curious about how things worked at the ministry. I started reading about it, but I got a little confused. Since you've been planning for a job at the ministry, I thought you would be the best person to approach for help on the topic."
"Is there anything specific you wanted to know?" Percy asked curiously.
"Like how the Wizengamot works in both the judicial function and in a law-making function. Does that mean they preside over every case? Or is it just certain cases? At what point does a case go in front of the Wizengamot?"
Percy smiled and nodded, "That will require a long answer, Harry."
Percy hummed while thinking, "How about I teach you about the government and all its functions and how they work?"
Harry nodded vigorously, "That would be extremely helpful Percy. I still don't understand how the wizarding world works entirely and I thought why not start with learning how the government functions first. I knew you would be the best for that."
"Well, I should warn you, it would make your schedule rather tight. I know how busy you have been making yourself this year, Harry."
Seeing Harry's widened eyes, Percy grinned, "Wood told me how you've started training like him every morning. And Ron has been complaining about how you've been constantly reading or studying this year. Although, all the professors say that you have shown vast improvement this year, even Snape. I also know that you have sessions with professor Lupin. In all this, do you think you can squeeze in my tutorials too?"
Harry smiled sheepishly and nodded, "I think I can manage, Percy."
Percy nodded and said, "Right, do you have some parchment? I will write you a list of my recommended books. They should be in the library. Bring them to the common room on Thursday, I'll be teaching you for at least an hour after dinner."
"Thanks Percy, I hope this won't disturb your NEWT studies."
Percy just smiled and shook his head to say no.
-(HHoHH)-
"Mr. Longbottom, could you stay after class?" Remus said while dismissing that after noon's defence class.
Harry decided it was time to confront Remus about the secret that he had found out from Sirius. He asked Ron and Hermione to go ahead without him as he wanted to talk to Remus about something. His friends complied, thinking it was regarding his additional classes.
Harry waited outside the open door to the classroom and unwittingly peeped in to view the conversation that was happening inside.
"Mr. Longbottom, I wanted to talk to you about your performance in my class, specifically when it comes to casting spells. I noticed that you seem to struggle with casting spells and usually seem to have to put a large amount of effort into the task."
Neville nodded before stuttering in reply, "Yes…Yes ...professor I have always found it difficult to cast spells. My family says that I was a late bloomer and that it took a long time for my magic to show."
"That should not affect the ability to cast spells with one's own wand Mr. Longbottom. An old friend of mine had the same issue, but he never displayed the same problem as you."
Remus paused and turned away for a moment to think. He turned back to Neville and conjured a dummy, "Mr. Longbottom, could you please perform the fire making spell at this target?"
Neville nervously nodded and cast, "Incendio".
When nothing happened, Neville frowned and cast the spell again, this time with much more force. A small stream of flames launched from the wand and hit the target.
Remus frowned, "It seems like your wand is fighting you when you cast spells Mr. Longbottom. Would it be possible that your wand wasn't purchased for you at Ollivander's?
Neville shook his head, "My grandmother gave it to me professor, it was my father's wand. She hopes that I can live up to him."
"What utter nonsense!" Remus said groaning, "Mr. Potter, since you have been kind enough to eavesdrop on this conversation, you could explain to Neville here, what Ollivander tells anyone who purchases a wand from him."
Harry did a double take and sheepishly walked into the classroom. "Sorry professor, but I wanted to speak to you after this." Remus nodded and gestured to Neville.
"Ollivander says that it is the wand that chooses the wizard, he told me, and he even told Ron after he bought his new wand this year."
Anger grew in Neville as he turned to Harry, "Does that mean that I am not good enough to use my father's wand?"
Remus quickly butted in, "No, Mr. Longbottom, it means that you are not just your father's son, you are your mother's son as well. You are also the grandson of both sets of your grandparents. Every wizard or witch needs a different wand. One that would suit him or her better."
"Nev, why don't you try casting the spell with my wand, just to see the difference." Harry said, handing him his wand.
Neville took the wand apprehensively, and pointed it to the target before casting, "Incendio".
The jet of flames that shot out was a little brighter than when he had cast it with his own wand. Neville looked at Harry's wand with raised eyebrows.
Remus smiled and said, "As you can see Mr. Longbottom, a wand that suits you will provide you with far better results. Now, I will be writing to your Head of house and your grandmother on this matter. You will have to make sure you have a new wand before the exams."
Neville nodded, still in shock. He jerked out of his shock when Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. "Neville, you are your own person. You deserve your own wand."
Neville nodded and walked out of the room deep in thought.
Once Neville left, Harry walked up to the door and closed it. He then turned and walked up to Remus.
With a lowered voice he asked, "I realised why you are called Moony. When were you going to tell me?"
Remus' shoulders sagged at Harry's statement. "I was hoping you would never find out. It is something that has troubled me a lot in the past and isn't something I wish to reveal to anyone. Especially since it has cost me numerous jobs in the past."
"It is why you call in sick every month, isn't it. Well, someone is going to put two and two together, especially since Snape has been having us going over werewolves during the classes where he takes your place."
Remus sighed, "Yes, I heard. I expected him to not hold me to a high opinion, but I did not expect such animosity from him. Anyway, now that you know, Harry, I hope you understand why I keep it a secret and do not reveal it to anyone."
Harry nodded he thought for a while before getting an idea.
"Moony, I have a suggestion. Instead of Snape taking your place, For the younger years, you can have one of the prefects take the class. And for the senior years, you could have them perform Duelling sessions like with me."
Remus smiled, "Your idea for the junior years holds some merit, Harry. But I cannot let the older students duel unsupervised. You can imagine the carnage that would take place if a pair like you and Malfoy had a duel. Madam Pomfrey would skin me alive."
Harry frowned and went back to thinking of a solution.
"Don't break your head over it, Harry. I'll think of something that would be a better alternative to Severus taking those classes." Remus said while ruffling Harry's hair.
-(HHoHH)-
Dear Mr. Potter,
The oversight that was pointed out by your letters will be rectified. I apologise that it took longer than it did, but it requires a few more steps for the matter to be completely resolved.
We will require Sirius Black to testify at the Wizengamot and stand for questioning. It is only then that the body can officially decide on his innocence. In this regard, we will require that he presents himself to the Aurors at the ministry by the day after tomorrow before the Wizengamot meeting begins.
The kiss on sight order has been revoked and the dementors have been recalled to Azkaban. All law enforcement personnel have been instructed to arrest him with only minimal force, and only if deemed necessary.
Further, I will require your help in communicating the same to Sirius Black. The department has not been able to reach Sirius Black. His current location has been deemed unplottable as owls that we have dispatched have returned to us without delivering the necessary letter.
We will be announcing the above to all newspaper publications tomorrow so that it may reach Sirius Black in some way. Muggle press will also be alerted in the form of a missing persons advertisement.
We at the Department of Magical law enforcement are profoundly grateful to you for your cooperation and diligence into assuring that justice prevails.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Amelia Bones
Director of the DMLE.
Sirius re-read the letter multiple times, hope and excitement brewing in his heart. He turned to his godson in tears and pulled him into a bone crushing hug.
It had been fifteen days since Harry had sent his letter to Madam Bones. The reply had come the night before and Harry had struggled to sleep in his excitement. Herpo had congratulated him and had given him some advice on the matter before letting his mind rest for the night.
"I don't know how to thank you, Harry. James and Lily would be so proud of you. I know I am." said the sobbing dogfather.
"Well, it's not done yet." Said Harry as he extracted himself from the hug.
"We need to plan how we can get you to the ministry. While the letter says that the dementors have been recalled, I can still see them floating around Hogwarts on the way here. We shouldn't trust the ministry completely." Said Harry.
Something told Harry that Sirius might need an escort. Remus' condition meant that the ministry would not trust him. It would have to be someone that the ministry would be afraid to cross.
Harry sighed, there was only one person who fit that description. "We'll have to use Dumbledore." He stated.
Sirius blinked, "Are you sure? I don't know if I could trust the old man, Harry. He left me in Azkaban without even checking to see if I had a trial."
"Yes, but he is the only one who can take you into the ministry without anyone crossing him." Replied Harry.
Sirius' eyes bore into Harry's, his mind deep in thought, before he reluctantly replied, "Fine, I see what you mean."
"And here I was thinking of making some grand Marauder style entrance at the ministry, only to have a child tell me, the adult, that I shouldn't do it." Sirius muttered childishly.
"Alright, I'm going to go back to the castle. I'll show Dumbledore the letter that Madam Bones sent me. Hopefully, I can convince him to help you without revealing too much." Said Harry as he walked towards the exit of the chamber.
-(HHoHH)-
At breakfast that morning, Harry quickly ate some food before walking toward the head table, zeroing in on the headmaster.
"Excuse me, Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked, interrupting his talk with Flitwick.
Yes Mr. Potter, what can I help you with?" asked the professor in a cheery manner.
"I wanted to talk to you about something. Could I meet you in your office after breakfast?" Harry said, looking down while feigning shyness.
"Of course, Mr. Potter, I believe we can go right now." Said the headmaster as he got up from his seat. He then turned to Flitwick and said, "Filius, I hope you don't mind me interrupting our conversation. We shall continue or talk during lunch."
Flitwick nodded, "Of course headmaster, you should look into the needs of our students first. Especially one who has shown remarkable improvement this year in his studies." Said Flitwick as he smiled proudly at Harry.
Harry blushed slightly at the compliment and nodded. He then followed Dumbledore out of the great hall, all the way into his office.
"Come Harry, please have a seat." Said the headmaster as he sat down behind his desk.
As Harry entered the office, he paused for a moment to pet a happy Fawkes, who looked resplendent. He then sat down on one of the chairs in front of the headmaster and handed him the letter he received from Amelia Bones.
The headmaster took a moment to read the letter and then looked at Harry with a frown.
"Would I be right, Harry, that you contacted Madam Bones directly with the question of Sirius Black's innocence?"
"Yes Professor. She had questioned me on Pettigrew's capture and had seemed a little trustworthy at the time. After reading that Pettigrew was to be punished, I realised the dementors were still outside Hogwarts looking for Sirius black. I just thought that, with Pettigrew punished for those very crimes, wouldn't Black be innocent? So, I sent a letter pointing that out to Madam Bones. My main goal was to get rid of the Dementors from Hogwarts. It is just a horrible mishap waiting to happen."
Dumbledore peered at Harry. with his usual twinkling eyes. At that moment Harry felt something tingle at his forehead and quickly closed his eyes and dropped his head.
"Please Sir, could you not do that? I usually get a headache afterwards." Said Harry hoping Dumbledore would drop it at that.
When Harry opened his eyes again, He saw a frowning and wide-eyed headmaster glaring at him. Harry knew he needed to say something to assuage the shocked old man in order to prevent the situation from escalating.
"I found a book on meditation and memory exercises during the summer. It was in the muggle library. I tried those exercises and found them extremely useful, Sir. It is why I have improved in my studies. I am able to focus better and read easier after doing those exercises over the summer."
Dumbledore seemed to be satisfied with the answer as he visibly relaxed. He heard the old man sigh and go back to reading the letter once again.
Dumbledore began, "I agree my boy, that the verdict against Mr. Pettigrew does draw doubt on Mr. Black's guilt. I am also glad you wish that Hogwarts is rid of the dementors. I too have been fighting with Cornelius on the very subject."
The headmaster paused for a moment before speaking, "What I would like to know, Harry, is what am I to do. As far as I know, Black has been missing for a while after being last sighted near Hogsmeade over a month ago."
Harry took a deep breath before replying, "After the announcement of Pettigrew's guilt, Black contacted me through a letter. It said that he was innocent, and that the judgement proved it."
He observed Dumbledore frown at the mentioning of the letter.
"He asked that I forward that letter to Madam Bones, and I did, along with my own asking the same question." Harry said.
"Have you had any more contact with Mr. Black, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
Harry paused to think and then took a long deep breath before replying, "It is why I've come to you, Sir. Madam Bones' reply says that the Dementors have been recalled, but I still saw them this morning. I wondered, if Black were to arrive at the ministry, would what Madam Bones has said be upheld?"
Dumbledore leaned back as he rubbed at his beard in thought. He stared at Harry; the twinkle was gone from his eyes.
"So, you feel I should be present when Mr. Black goes to the ministry in order to avoid any possible mishap." Said Dumbledore after some thought.
Harry nodded, before quickly replying, "That is Black's request, Professor. A fair trial, one which he says he never received when they first arrested him."
Dumbledore looked away deep in thought. Fawkes began to trill a happy note in the background.
"Please allow me some time to think on this matter, Harry my boy. I would like to speak to you before lunch. I believe you will have a free period owing to you not being in the Divination class. Please return here then. Now go, you will otherwise be late for class."
Harry nodded and left the room.
-(HHoHH)-
Harry walked back into the headmaster's office an hour before lunch. As walked in, he found Dumbledore looking out of the window. After petting Fawkes over his crest, Harry walked up to the headmaster and waited.
"Harry my boy, I have spoken to Amelia Bones and have decided for her and a team of trusted Aurors to meet Mr. Black and I at the ministry atrium tomorrow morning at 6 am. I will need you to try and contact Mr. Black and inform him that he can meet me at the school entrance at midnight tonight. I will allow him to stay in my office and I will take him to the ministry in the morning through the Floo."
"Okay. Umm... professor, do you still have the letter that I gave you this morning? I would like to send it to Sirius Black as proof."
Dumbledore nodded and opened his desk drawer and pulled out the letter, which he then handed back to Harry.
Harry nodded and asked, "Professor, would it be possible for me to use a house elf instead of Hedwig or a school owl to inform Sirius Black?"
Dumbledore smiled and said, "Yes, Harry, very thoughtful of you. Few realise that a house elf can be used to do so. I believe Malfoy's former elf Dobby is serving in the school kitchens. Since you are already familiar with him, you take his help to perform this task."
Harry looked confused, "Dobby is working at Hogwarts? But he wanted to be a free elf."
Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, he is. He approached me after you freed him from his oppressive old master. You should understand, Harry, that a house elf needs the magic of a wizard to survive. It feeds off the magic of the wizard it serves while repaying the wizards through servitude. Many old families grossly misuse this fact."
"So, he is bonded to you?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore shook his head, "No, he is bound to the school. The beauty of Hogwarts, Harry my boy, is that it holds so much magic within it that the house elves are able to sustain themselves on it."
"Okay professor. I'll be leaving now to write that note to Black and to ask Dobby to deliver it to Sirius Black." said Harry.
"Please do so, Harry," said Dumbledore.
Harry rushed out of the office to get his given task done.
-(HHoHH)-
The plan went off relatively smoothly. Sirius was met by Dumbledore at the entrance hall that night and placed in the headmaster's office. He was taken early the next morning to the ministry of magical Britain. Harry had followed these movements all through the night with the Marauder's map and had prayed that everything would be fine.
Once at the Ministry, a team of Aurors along with their Head, Scrimgeour and Madam Bones, collected Sirius and took him directly to the antechamber of the main Wizengamot chamber. There they waited for a few hours for the meeting of the Wizengamot session to begin.
The trial did not last very long as Sirius had followed Harry's suggestion and appealed for the use of Veritaserum during his questioning conducted by Rufus Scrimgeour.
At the end, it was a forlorn conclusion. Sirius Black had been declared innocent of all crimes except being an illegal animagus. He was awarded monetary compensation and treatment for the effects of time spent at Azkaban.
Sirius was then guided out of the chambers by Aurors, who then took him directly to St. Mungo's for treatment. It was from the Hospital that Sirius penned a letter to Harry, informing of the happenings in the ministry.
it would seem many members of the Wizengamot were not happy at the declaration of Black's innocence, chief among whom were the minister of magic and Lucius Malfoy.
Sirius also mentioned how the Wizengamot members were particularly sour at the fact that a member of an old family was not even given a trial before he was shipped off to Azkaban. Someone called Barty Crouch received a large chunk of the blame and would therefore be facing some degree of punitive action.
On the evening of the trial, Harry informed Remus of the plan and the events leading up to the plan. Remus Lupin was left feeling a range of conflicting emotions but finally gave in to happiness when Harry told him that he would finally have a childhood friend back.
The next day, the staff and students of Hogwarts were once again in a state of chaos as the front page of the Daily Prophet delivered the main Headlines.
Sirius Black declared innocent!
-(END)-
AN: Wishing all my readers a very happy new year. Hope you had a wonderful time welcoming 2023. It took me while to get this chapter sorted. And, the title is a bit 'meh..'
As always, my thanks to all who have reviewed, favourited, or followed this fic. I really appreciate it.
Until next time.