Hey everyone,
Only two CR chapters in and we're already starting our first break. Then again, you all know that that is basically the way this story is written. There are hardly five CR chapters without at least one or two breaks in between them. Either that or there is a bit of a break/other form of action written at either the start or end of a chapter. And yet, with these three being the darkest of the HP series, it really only makes sense that I write the story this way.
Just the way it is,

Venquine1990


Chapter 06
Ministerial and Royal Issues

6th of August 1995
Grimmauld Place, London
Sirius' POV

"Why do people keep getting shocked whenever one of my family opens their mouths?" I think while looking at everyone that looks at me shocked. And because I am more than done with people treating me as if I'm dumber than I am, do I speak with a honing tone as I say: "Maybe during my trip from Privet Drive to Hogwarts, as Godric's Hollow is a small village you have to pass through no matter what road you take when going north?"
Everyone seems to realize this and I wonder if they expect us to be stupid and subservient or something. But then I cough as I really don't care either way and just want to finally get out of this damned house and say: "Either way, I'm sure that the reparations to Godric's Hollow will take just enough time for us to contact the Queen and get an appointment with her, so I suggest we go take our chores to action."
Everyone nods and Sora, Harry, James, Tonks, Alastor, Kingsley, Albus and I all stand up. I notice that Riku wants to get up as well, yet he seems to decide to just stay behind and keep Kairi company as I turn to Arthur and say: "Keep an eye on the rest and tell Kreacher this will be the Potter-Black summer home and possible home of one of the Black Heirs. It should inspire that little rot to go and clean up here for a change."

The man nods as I Hermione's affronted look, reminding myself that I need to take my son's words about Muggle integration to heart at some time and I conjure a soft brown collar and leash, hating the things, but knowing they will be necessary if we want to get to Godric's Hollow. I give them to James while sending a small stinging hex at Remus, who I know – even when having my back turned to the werewolf – is trying to smother his laughter.
The werewolf yelps, making the twins smother their own laughter and I smirk as James looks at the leash confused and Harry says: "We need dad's Animagus form to keep him from alerting the Dementors. It's the only way he can travel." James looks shocked at this, but I pay this no mind as I focus on the form I have been using so many times while in Azkaban and several times while I was still on the run in the last two years.
The magic takes effect and I feel the transformation start all over my body, both outside and in. Feeling the black fur grow all over, the muzzle grow out of my nose and mouth, the bones in my ears breaking and rearranging themselves at the top of my head before lengthening and changing shape, do I fully give into the canine mind of my Animagus form, if only to suppress my inner Veela telling me to hump my mate's leg.

James' POV

I don't really understand why Sirius uses his dog form to travel from one place to another, or why he thinks using this place as a summer home is a good idea, seeing his own past experiences here, but I decide to just go with the plans that have been made around me and take Sora, Harry and Sirius outside of the hollow place. And while I walk out the front door, do I realize that Sirius was probably only saying that to get Kreacher to work.
Walking a few blocks on Harry's insistence, I wait on the corner of a street three blocks away and when I look at Harry, I see him looking around, while crouching down and pretending to pet his father. Finally do I understand why Harry insisted and feel proud of how my son is keeping enemies away from our temporary home. Yet at the same time do I vouch for myself that the temporary state will soon be changed to never-again state.
Then, at the nod of safety my son sends at me, do I nod back and raise my wand arm, already preparing to show the Wizarding World my return with a great shock – something I know is the only way those thickheads will believe it in the first place. Then a great shock comes to my eldest as the Knight Bus arrives right before us.
Triple-decked and bright purple on all sides, I shake my head at the exterior and decide to make sure that the Bus gets its old magnificence back as it once belonged to the Potter family, but obviously fell into the wrong hands after Harry – at age one – was deemed too young to care for all his family has left to him.

Determined to change this once we have everything settled, as well as take on all my other duties and responsibilities as the Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter. I suddenly notice that Harry has already paid the conductor of the bus the fee required to get the three of us and our pet to Godric's Hollow and quickly get on board, glad to see that the sleeping settlement that my dad installed is still part of the bus' interior.
But then I shake my head lightly, as if trying to make sure I really see what I think I'm seeing. And when I look again, do I growl softly as the royal, rich beds that used to be part of the bus seem to have been replaced with metallic beds with shallow beddings and actual wheels under the beds, making them move with the movement of the bus.
Hating whoever thought of this dumb idea, do I notice that all of the beds are empty, which I can definitely understand as I ask: "Just a question, my dear man. Who currently owns the Knight Bus?" And the conductor, someone who can't be much older than Sora and has more freckles than the Weasley family all together – almost making it look like a bad case of acne – turns my anger up a notch as he says:
"The Crouch family, dear sir, or at least we used to. The family died out a few weeks, you know. Mr. Crouch was even found dead on the Hogwarts grounds by some random student. So now – we's be all alonesies." And I growl: "Not for long." Making the man slap me on the shoulder in thanks before he helps us up to the first floor of the bus, while the driver and the moving beds make it near impossible to move properly.

Reaching the first floor, I am glad to see that there are a few wooden seats between the beds and when the conductor sees this and wants to change it, do I lie my own hand on his shoulder and say: "Please, keep it this way. We should be at our destination soon enough anyway." The conductor nods and leaves back to the floor below. And only then do I realize that the man didn't make even a mention of the fact that I'm supposed to be dead.
I turn back and sit with my family, hating how we are the only ones on this floor as the floor below us had also been devoid of life and definitely not anyone my son or I had recognized, meaning it would be a lot harder to prove myself as who I claim to be as everyone must be upstairs, on the top floor which I really hope hasn't been changed like the bottom.

Then suddenly Harry pulls my thoughts away as he asks: "Why were you so angry just now, mum?" And I whisper: "I'll explain when we get home. It concerns your inheritance." The boy nods, his eyes wide, but I can tell – also by his wide eyes – that he has no idea what I am talking about, which only angers me more. "What on earth has my son gone through that others would consider that more important than his own heritage?"
Then Sirius pushes his nuzzle into my knee and I see him sitting in front of me as we sit at some of the wooden benches. Smiling at my mate, I allow for him to lie his head on my lap as I softly pat the fur on his head, using it as a way to keep myself calm – and to keep my food inside – as the bus moves as wildly as a bucking broom. Yet Sora proves that he really is one of my own as he actually cheers with every wild turn and crazy twist the bus takes.

Finally do we arrive at Godric's Hollow, but then a few blocks away from our actual home and Harry says: "I told them to drop us off at the town's edge. It makes less people suspect that I am here to check out what made me famous and all that and will throw more people – like Death Eaters – off our trails that way."
I nod, while hating how Harry thinks like he's already at war, and follow his example by leading my family to our old family home through many detours and sideways. Yet as we walk, does Harry mutter: "That – and I have never been there before either." Which increases my annoyance with the others. Eventually do we reach our backyard and already can I see just how awful it was that the Ministry kept this place as a monument to the war.
The front door, just like I remember and can see through a large window in the back wall is blown off its hinges and through the small mirror that Lily had installed next to it, can I see that there are burn marks on the staircase positioned against the right wall of the hallway, while there are small cracks visible in the front window. I also notice that some of these burn marks are actually shaped to look human and this makes me grimace.
Then I look up and instantly I can almost guess what actually happened after Molly made sure I wasn't killed – even if it was for the wrong reasons. The right wall and a large part of the back wall are completely gone, some long strands of ivy either growing into what I know is the nursery or keeping the rest of the wall from collapsing. And there are parts of that same wall piled up against the ride side of the building, bits of paint still stuck to some of them.

Hating how what was once my family home now looks and hating it even more that it looks like no one has been here in a decade, not even to keep the garden, do I try to see even the smallest hint or sign that this is the Manor I grew up in until my Sixth, but other than the enchanted bird bath – that my dad told me was the key between the changes of the House and the Manor – has everything either been destroyed or overgrown.
"You know, if the Ministry had declared this a war monument, then the least they could do is keep it from looking like a total wreck." Sora says, his anger visible in his eyes, but only his eyes as his arms are behind his head and he's leaning on his right leg, giving off a pose that says he isn't bothered by anything at all. Harry is just as angry, yet he seems to be venting his anger out on some of the ivy that is growing out on the edge of the garden, pulling and tugging it loose.
Hating how right my son is, I decide to overthrow them – as is my birthright – and give them a shock they won't soon forget. I put a hand on Harry's shoulder to stop him and gently tell him: "Just let me." As I walk over to the bird bath, clean the water with a small wave of my wand – which Molly had retrieved for me before she had put me down in her basement all those years ago – and then put both my hands in the clean water.

Closing my eyes and focusing on what my father taught me the one day he changed the Manor back and then back into the cottage I see before me – or what's left of it. I sense this magic rippling through the water and seeping through my skin, merging with the magic that surges through my blood as I say: "I, James Christian Potter, hereby call upon my birthright as Lord Potter and order the change of this Manor to its Original State as Potter Place.
So I swear, so mote it be!" And as I speak the last words, do I feel tendrils of water boiling under the surface bottom of the bird bath and wrapping around my hands, mixing with my blood just like the magic of the wards did previously and obviously testing it. Feeling no pain, I know the water accepted my claim and this gives me a sense of peace as I say: "Best turn away, boys. I was almost blinded the last time this happened."
And just at the end of my words, does a light brighter than a thousand Lumos Maxima's erupt from the cottage before me and do I feel an official seal breaking, making me know the Ministry even dared lie their claim on what was once my Family Ancestral Home. Hating their guts, swearing that I will claim a Blood Feud against whoever was foolish and arrogant enough to do so later and loving how this will affect them now, do I wait patiently.

Harry's POV

I may have never been here before and yet I can't help but feel a sense of peace and strength as I stand in the yard. I can feel something break deep within the cottage before me and I can only assume it to be the claim the Ministry laid on my home when I turned into an orphan. Wanting to look at my mum in guidance, I wish the light would diminish, but even from where I'm standing can I almost feel assured that my mum will handle the case.
Then the light does fade, but just when I want to open my eyes and get my first look at my actual ancestral home, my birthright, does the same feeling come on me as when the Ministerial members working at the World Cup surrounded me, Ron and Hermione. Instantly I fear for the others and shout: "DOWN! GET DOWN!" Pushing Sirius and Sora down on the ground with me as at least a dozen loud POPs are heard.

Looking around, I see the pinstriped suit of Cornelius Fudge and the Dark blue robes of several Aurors, who all have their wands out. Not seeing Kingsley or Tonks amongst the group, I turn to my dad in worry, but Sirius just pushes my hand off his furry back and sits up straight next to my legs, posing as a proud family pet more than a hidden Animagus.
Then, before the Aurors can do more than raise their wands in each other's direction, the cynical voice of my mum is heard, the man having remained standing and he says: "Well, well, well. Cornelius Oswald Fudge. Minister for Magic. What a wonderful sight to behold." And while many of the Aurors have their wands trained on my mum, can I see by the look in his eyes that I don't have to fear anyone casting anything at him.
Fudge in the mean time has wide eyes and a slightly open mouth as my mum asks: "What? Surprised to see me? Don't worry, you won't get the chance to slander another member of my family's name. I have evidence to prove my birthright." And while he remains amazingly calm, he opens the right side of his robe, showing off a badge with an amazing, intricate symbol on it, along with the letter P engraved behind the symbol.

Everyone around me gasps at this and Sora, who has secretly snuck closer to where I'm still lying in the grass, whispers: "Do you know what that is?" And while I hate myself for admitting it, do I whisper: "Remember what Dumbledore said that Figgy had been – so-called – teaching me into? That badge must be something I would have known about had I really had those lessons." My brother nods and Fudge asks:
"How are you still alive? We found your body!" But mum shakes his head, the look on his face making it look as if they're just having a conversation between colleagues or something and says: "No, you found a piece of the wall that had been destroyed back during the attack that Molly Prewett decided to change into my body before she kidnapped me. She's also the one that saved me of Voldemort's Killing Curse, but that is other news."
The Aurors around myself, dad and Sora are still with their wands up and when mum turns his gaze to that, does he smile and he says: "Ah, gentlemen and ladies with their wands out, you might want to lower those. It's impossible to curse a Lord on family ground. Speaking of which, you might want to have a look at what was once the family cottage." Everyone looks confused and I decide to be the first to follow his advice.

Turning away from the entire scene and slowly rising up to my knees while looking back at the cottage, my mouth drops and my eyes almost fall out of their sockets at the most incredible change I have ever seen. I stand up and even then have to tilt my head far back to look at the five story manor with at least seventeen large windows on the second and fourth floor and over double of that, but then, smaller windows on the other floors.
The grounds themselves have also been remodeled completely and where once ivy and high grass – and weeds I usually hated to spot among Petunia's flowers – and wilted trees were standing, are now lush grounds filled with the most beautiful flowers, a whole field of ambrosias in the left front corner of the front yard, that is surrounded by berry bushes, a small forest and even a beautiful fishing pond. And the grounds look endless, making me wonder what else they contain
Looking at what has been my birthright all this time, at a place I would have been raised in if it weren't for Voldemort, Molly and the Ministry, I think: "And the Ministry tried to claim this when I became an orphan?" And I glare at the group, fury above anything filling me up as I whisper: "Take them down, mum." Before suddenly I feel something else, something very powerful stirring up from right under us.

Looking around as the grass and the fields softly start to shake, I hear one of the Aurors ask: "What the heck is that Potter brat doing?" And can only roll my eyes at the stupidity of the question, making me wonder if Kingsley and Tonks are dealing with this on a daily basis, before a strong voice shouts: "Not my grandson!" And a man with very strong features, a goatee and my own knobbly knees rises from the ground.
I see my mum's eyes widen and the ghost says: "And I would kindly ask you, dear Auror, to show some respect to the Heir of Potter on his own Living grounds and to follow the advice of the current Lord Potter not to raise your wand at him or his son, thank you." The man ends very sternly, almost reminding me of Professor McGonagall and the Auror whimpers, which I think quite odd seeing all the ghosts at Hogwarts.
Then suddenly the term the man has been using to call me gets through my shocked subconscious and I ask: "Gr-gr-grandpa?" And the man smiles widely at me as he says: "Yes, little one, Grandpa. And I must say, you truly are a fine specimen of Black and Potter united blood. Yes, yes you are indeed, young man."

This makes me smile, but then Fudge asks: "What do you mean, Black and Potter united blood? Lily Potter wasn't a Black, she was an Evans." This, while the stupidity of the man makes me personally scoff at the fact that so many fell for this lie, makes grandpa glare at the man, who whimpers as well. I realize it must be because Grandpa has control off the lands and grounds here that the people around me are scared of his ghost.
The ghost himself then speaks and actually sounds like both McGonagall and Snape (a combination that makes me suppress a shudder of revulsion) as he says: "Yes, Lily was an Evans and a fine one at that, but I would kindly ask you not to insult the bond between my son and son in law by suggesting that my son would betray his own mate by Veela Blood, thank you very much." To which one of the more busty-shaped Aurors retorts:
"But Black betrayed the Potters. He sold them out to You-Know-Who." To which grandpa shouts: "SAY HIS NAME WHEN ON MY GROUNDS!" And the Busty Auror whimpers at the power behind grandpa's voice. I also get startled into wanting to draw my wand, but Sora stops me, putting a gently comforting hand on my arm. My grandpa then calms down and says: "Furthermore, how could any Veela betray their mate? Can you tell me that?"
The Auror winces, obviously unable to and grandpa says: "I thought as much. Harry is the son of Sirius and James and Sirius has never done anything to harm either of them. Let that be a reminder to all of you." The Aurors and Minister nod, even though I can easily see that Fudge is doing this with the greatest of reluctance and that some of them are nodding out of fear. And then my dad's voice sounds from further away than I expected as he says:

"Good, glad that's finally been cleared up." And we all see dad walk over from the front yard, which makes me finally realize that a certain dog is no longer sitting where he was before. The man easily walks over, to the shocked gazes of the Aurors and the Minister, while mum and Sora have trouble holding in on our laughter. Yet I don't share in this and the need to grab my wand rises again as I watch all of the Aurors with fearful concern.
Dad sees the shocked looks and asks: "What, did you really think that I had forgotten who my mate was, or even who my sons were? Why else did you think I escaped?" And before Fudge can even utter a single word, does dad just wave his hand at him and say: "And don't give me that crap of me wanting to kill him, Fudge, my sentences while I slept in Azkaban were way too impersonal for you to be sure I was after my own son."
This makes Fudge lower his head in shame and dad pats him on the shoulder as he says: "Hey there, it's not fully your fault. Crouch Senior should have never sent me to Azkaban without trial and Rita Skeeter should have never started the rumor that James had betrayed me and slept with Lily after Harry was born. And a certain someone definitely never should have kept my destined mate locked up in her basement."

This makes Percy, who for some reason is also present, turn red and he shouts: "Mr. Crouch would never –." But while I suddenly remember the other Weasleys telling me about the boy's promotion, does grandpa then ask: "How else would you suggest that Crouch could send my son in law to Azkaban and make no one complain about his accusations that are based on nothing, seeing Sirius' Veela nature and whatnot!"
The redhead turns even more red, but then of embarrassment and I try not to let anyone see my need to turn my eyes skyward as suddenly a large black limo with golden engraving here and there on the sides rides up the front road and I look at it shocked as I think: "No way did Kingsley and the others already contact the Queen."
And indeed am I proven right as only men with tailored jackets with tails and a holster for their pistols slightly visible under their jackets step out of the back of the limo, all of them standing in two lines opposite each other. Then, following the men, is another set of two men, but these carrying large trumpets, one each.
The two men stand at the end of the lines and while the Minister and the Aurors are all shocked, obviously only just realizing who might come out of that limo, are my mum, Sora and I smiling at each other, while I can't help but wonder what could have made the Queen decide to come before we got the chance to invite her. Yet at the same time do I fight the unease in my stomach as this might make the whole Dursley case more public than I would like.

Then, while a red carpet comes rolling out of the open door, does a man on the front right unroll a scroll of paper and starts to shout in a voice I can hear all the way back here as he says: "Presenting Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of Her other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith,"
And a beautiful woman with curly white-grey hair and silver-blue eyes, who wears a silver-white dress with a royal blue ribbon over her left shoulder and a golden crown on her curly hair steps out of the limo, thanking her crew with a nod, before taking a small bit of her skirt into her right hand and walking over to us.
Instantly do I go down on one knee with both my hands on my left knee and my head down and everyone – even Sora, my parents, grandpa, the male Aurors, Percy and the Minister – follow my example, while the female Aurors go down on their knees with their arms around their head and the woman smiles and nods at us all, telling us we can rise. Yet while I rise back up on my feet, do I keep my head bowed as a sign of respect.

Then she speaks and instantly makes me understand how she could have come here before Kingsley or Ariel could have had a chance to invite her as she curtsies and asks: "Greetings, ones from our Magical Realm, could one of you please explain to us who here re-activated the Noble Magic of the Royal House of Potter?"
I look at my mum and he bows with his right arm in front and his left behind him, taking on a pose and stand that proves he has been used to dealing with high-society members for years as he says: "It was I, Your Grace, and I would like to thank you for coming as we have another combined case of problems that concern the welfare and rights of your citizens." Fudge raises an eyebrow at this as Her Grace nods and says: "Tell us more."

Elizabeth's POV

To have sensed the Royal Power of The Potter Family come back to life was a blessing as I know that one of its Heirs holds a very important title in the Magical Realm of my Sovereign and I had felt the need to visit the palace known as Potter Place, if only to hopefully find the young Potter Heir living up to his Family's reputation.
Instead of that, do I find several officers of my Magical Ministry along with the ghost of my dear Friend Charlus – who so often visited on the many parties my family organized – and Charlus' dear son, son in law and their two sons – of who one I was told had been kidnapped to an area far out of my rights of judgment. I had also, often, been told about the son-in-law being a wanted criminal, but I knew of the bond between the two and never believed this.
Feeling intrigued by all that I am seeing, hoping that I can finally set right to this wrong against Lord Sirius Black, do I ask the one question that has made me come here in the first place and I feel ever so glad to see that James Christian is every bit the gentleman his father was, but then he brings me news I had not expected to hear, even if I had slightly expected there to be a severe reason for the return of the Place.

To hear that one of the reasons as to why the Magical Kingdom contacts me is in order, do I nod at the young man and ask: "Please guide us inside and explain us more, if you would?" And James Christian bows yet again before offering me his arm, his partner – who I know many of my men are looking down on – smiling proudly. I make sure to send a look at them, telling them without words not to attack a Lord on his own home ground.
I then take the man's arm and with his sons in perfect sync behind us and James Christian's partner in marriage behind them, am I escorted into the magnificent palace that many of my ancestors visited before me, before James Christian escorts me to a wonderful parlor with wide open windows and a table big enough for the five of us.

Another table is set next to it on the left, this one big enough for the Minister – who I think very little off, seeing what my Prime Minister has told me of him and how he behaved the few times he even deemed it needed to visit his partner in ruling – and his Assistant, while another table on the left is big enough and has enough chairs for all of my own men and the Aurors that are still holding their wands as they enter the room.
Glancing at James Christian, does the man nod at me, release my arm and does he bow yet again, before turning to the Minister. And this time does Lord Potter come all out within the man, showing the man's great strength and pride and he asks: "Fudge, are you really going to let your men hold a threatening pose in front of Her Grace?" And the man blubbers a little before he says: "My men have their reasons not to trust Black!"
And the men nod, as James Christian lies his fingers against his forehead, with his eyes closed and his head shaking in defeat. Deciding to aid the kind man, do I step forward and say: "Our men have been keeping their eye on Lord Black since his escape and we have yet to see reason to believe your accusations against him. We have been aware of his crimes for years. Our agreement with your world is the only reason we have yet to act."

This shocks both Lord Black – but happily, I notice – as well as Fudge and the Aurors and I continue: "Lord Black has proven us right and you wrong for the last several years since his escape from a wrongful imprisonment. He has shown no reason for us to believe he has any harmful will to any of our people, neither magical or not, and has only shown good will and care when it comes to what you consider his target of murder.
So please do not insult our men, their intelligence or their reports to us, let alone what we have known of those close to our friends of the Potter House, and let your men lower their wands and weaponry when in our presence. If we feel threatened, we have our Royal Guards ready to defend us." And while I can hear some of the Aurors snort derisively, making me recognize them as those kind of Purebloods, do all of them holster their wands as requested.

I nod at this, yet send a furtive look at my own men, telling them to keep an eye on those Aurors that snorted and then seat myself at the table near the large window and James Christian, his sons and partner seat themselves around me in perfect order, with young Harry opposite of me, James Christian on my right and Lord Black on my left. I then turn to James Christian, while the others take their own seats, and ask him politely:
"What exactly is this combined case of problems that concern the welfare and rights as a person of one of Our own, James Christian?" And the man bows his head as he says: "Your Grace, my son, Harry, has been hailed as a hero for the last fourteen years, but according to what I have been told, does this fame have no foundation.
The only reason, I have been told, that this fame exists is because my son, supposedly, was the only survivor of the attack on myself and my family fourteen years ago. No investigation was done to verify or deny this and instead, did the Magical Government allow for fame, gossip and scapegoating to run amok, concerning my son. They even dared to claim my family home, declare it a monument and then leave it to ruin for years.
Yet it's my son, who has really suffered from this incredible problem, Your Grace. His rights as a person have been severely ignored due to people easily seeing his scar and having been told many stories during the time he was in the wrong hands of care and therefore people have been so deeply gone to believe my Heir as Hero, they no longer see how – like them – he too is of flesh and blood, how he too is a human."

This worries me greatly and I ask: "Do you have any proof to verify this?" And young Harry raises his hand, though he does this with obvious reluctance, making us all turn to him. The boy turns a nice shade of red, but then regains himself as he bows his head before he says: "Your Grace, the biggest piece of evidence to verify this occurred last year, when a reporter was allowed to write whatever she pleased about me without my verification.
None of the adults responsible for me at the time said anything about her article or any of the articles that followed, which was filled with lies and slander, and neither did the Government do anything about it, while – as far as I have been told when I was still in my primary school years – publicly slandering a minor is against the English Code of Law. And when I myself spoke up against the articles, my own words were soundly ignored.
Your current Minister for Magic is even currently continuing on the slander written by this same reporter and has allowed for the Magical Newspaper to write such sentences and comments, that my current reputation is changing from Mysterious Hero to Attention Seeking Lunatic." The boy then turns even more red then before and bows his head all the way down as he mumbles: "My apologies for my language, Your Grace."

I nod at the words, while the redhead accompanying the Minister glares at young Harry and the Minister himself turns red in embarrassment. The redhead then coughs to get my attention and bows his head, sending another glare from under his fringe as he does so, before he turns to me and says: "Your Grace, if I may.
The Minister is a just man and has yet to do anything that could bring out the irk of the Potter House. It's his right as our Leader of the Magical Community to speak his mind about his citizens. Surely you see that as well, Your Grace?" And while he tries to ignore the furious glares of James Christian and Lord Black, do I think to myself: "Who is this buffoon and why is he here?" I sit up straight and rise my chin up, looking down at the lad as I say:
"There is the right to speak one's mind, young man, and there is the law protecting minors against slander. And contrary to what you or Heir Potter may believe, this law counts for both our Magical and Non-Magical citizens. The Minister has the same rights as we do, yet we would never defile the good name of a minor who has no one to defend his rights. Would you sincerely say that these comments in the Daily Prophet amuse you?"

The redhead turns even redder than the Minister and says: "Potter made a comment to the Minister that is so highly in its impossibility that the Minister had every right to retort to it in any way he saw fit, Your Grace, and he did." This makes me turn to young Harry, who has his head turned away from the two and I ask:
"What comment did you speak to the Minister, young Harry? We are sincerely curious." And when the young man looks up, can I see in his sea blue eyes that he holds a pain no child should have to burden and the sea blue almost swirls with power and regret, making me wish we were in a more informal environment. The whole stance of the boy belies any statement made by the man on the other table and proves him a simple child, hurt and wronged.

Then the boy speaks, his tone both polite and filled with a sincere heartache that also proves a heavy burden is on his shoulders as he says: "Your Grace, last school year, there was a Tournament held at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where three schools were to be represented by one student each, but unfortunately was I also part of this as someone of – back then – unknown origin had put my name in the Cup."
I nod as I had been told of this by the men I had assigned to keep an eye on Lord Black and the boy continues: "I tried simply to survive the Tournament, which was no easy task as there was a Dragon involved along with swimming in a lake in February. But the Third Task was where this is all centered about, Your Majesty.
During that task was the sign that the Tournament was over hidden deep within a dark maze, of which the walls were too high for anyone to see. Your Grace can understand how this could easily be used by those still supporting the monster of the War of the Seventies." To this I nod again, while the redhead scoffs and young Harry says:

"This is indeed what happened, Your Grace. The sign in the middle of the Maze had been messed with and turned into a Portkey that took myself and the Hogwarts True Champion, Cedric Diggory, far away from Hogwarts School. We wished to try and get back, but before we could – were we attacked – and was Cedric killed."
This shocks me as I know enough of the Tournament to know that the Champion is still a minor by the eyes of my Muggle Empire. And while I am already sure that this is just another sign of the wizarding world growing too arrogant for its own good, do I turn to the Minister as I ask: "Why were we not informed of this? Kidnap of two children and the murder of one? Surely this case is combined enough to be brought to our attention, as per the agreement between our worlds?"
The Minister turns red, while the redhead now has wide-eyes, obviously in disbelief that I am speaking down on his boss and I turn back to Harry as he had cleared his throat, requesting my attention. And the sincere pleading look on his face takes me my breath as he says: "Your Grace, I swear on my Loyalty to your Kingdom, both Magical and Muggle, that Lord Voldemort – the man that killed my dear Aunt Lily – has returned to the living."

Shocking me senseless, reminding me of what our country has had to go through decades ago and I instantly understand what is going on here. Turning from the young man, to the Minister first and to James Christian second, do I say: "You were well in your right to wish to contact me, James Christian, this is a matter where Muggle and Magical obviously need to unite as we have no wish to repeat the Seventies catastrophe."
The man bows his head deep and then the redhead asks: "Your Grace, surely you do not believe the Potter boy, do you?" And while I am already growing quite tired of how he tries to hide a superior tone through a respectful one, do I answer him coldly: "We see no reason why this child would lie about his Aunt's murderer. We also see no reason for you to think so – or for you to have rights to make our people think so."
And finally does it seem as if the redhead has been put in his place as his redness disappears and he lowers his head almost enough to hit the table. In the mean time do I see the dark pain disappear out of young Harry's eyes, making their blue color shine beautifully and he bows his head deeply, muttering: "Thank you, Your Majesty." And the fact that my belief in his claims is enough to make him feel this good makes me determined to help him further.

Sirius' POV

"Heavens be blessed, the Queen believes us!" Goes through my mind, my eyes tearing up as I see how deeply this turn of event affects my youngest son, before I turn to my mate and – knowing he will really need me wherever possible, do I cough myself and ask: "Your Grace, I would be sincerely honored if you could speak to your Magical Empire about your beliefs on my behavior, perhaps even speak in my trial."
The beautiful elder woman smiles at me and says: "Lord Black, as I said before have we been aware of your innocence for many a year and desperate to prove it so. Therefore, it will be our pleasure to see who is correct in their observations, my men or those of the Minister for Magic. When do you wish the trial to be?" And, knowing I am threading on thin ice, do I bow my head low and whisper: "Whenever it pleases you, Your Grace."

The woman nods and turns to the Minister, the pleasant kindness that she has been showing my family gone and a true ruler shown in its place as she asks: "Can you call your reporters here for a speed trial? We shall personally convict Lord Black for both sides of the Law if you succeed." And the man instantly stands up, bows deep to the Queen and rushes off, Percival hot on his heels while he tries to get his equipment out of his bag.
I shake my head at this and think: "I really need to see if that man follows Molly's views or Arthur's. I can't let him further harm that wonderful family. Not when they have been as good to my son for all the years that I couldn't as I know they have. When they were the friends he needed most." I then turn my head to my youngest and think: "Especially if two of the kids have an eye on my son." And a large smile grows on my face as I think of this.

About ten minutes later am I seated in a stone chair with magical chains on the arm rests and the front legs. But while I know that Fudge would have loved to make me sweat by chaining me up, had the chains realized my innocence and had therefore remained opened, even when I purposely laid my wrists on the arm rest chains.
The man had been shocked at this as the chains only close with those guilty of official charges, but because I was never convicted in trial are the charges therefore not official and that, of course, meant that the chains remained open, something that I know amuses and relieves both my mate and my youngest son.

I quickly glance at them before looking around me at the stone raised circle of seats that completely surrounds me, except for the small, single person entrance right behind my seat. The chairs on the back row around me are filled with Ministerial members that I know Fudge only invited to witness my actual official conviction. I definitely spot Lucius Malfoy being one of them and to my amusement, does the man seem to hesitate between triumph and concern.
Forcing myself not to shake my head as this will only blow up in the pudgy man's face at the end of this, do I look at the mid row, where James was able to settle everyone from the Order, even if Fudge got some Wizengamot members to be seated between them, while it will be the Queen's court that will speak out my judgment.

Finally at the front row is said court, with several Ministers and two official Judges, who are seated on both sides of the Queen herself, who has seated herself right in front of me, a royal staff in her right hand and softly resting on her left shoulder as she looks down on me and I know we're both waiting for everyone to settle down.
Finally the last of the Wizengamot has entered the circle, actually grumbling about something until he spotted the queen, after which he has quietly taken place between those I know will speak in my innocence. I can even see Ariel and Erik seated right behind the Queen, the younger Queen sending me a quick wink, before motioning for my own Queen with her head and just by that simple gesture do I know everything I have to.

Ariel's POV

Just before the Queen had taken her seat, had I made sure to be there to meet her up and I had bowed in such a way, Her Royal Highness instantly realized that I too am of royal blood. The Royal woman had also quickly recognized me from my movie and I had proven my identity through my singing voice before Erik and I had quickly explained her that I had planned with Sirius for her, Erik and myself to speak judgment on his faith together.
The elder Queen had been quite enthralled with my singing, yet she had also been more than happy to accept this plan and had therefore, with help of her own judges and staff, made sure that Erik and I could take seats behind her and her two judges and I smile as judgment proclaimed by official judges, the Queen and a Royal Family of another world is something even this stubborn magical world cannot ignore to not have occurred.
I quickly make sure there are no wrinkles in the soft yellow dress with white underskirt, orange-yellow ruffles at the slit where my underskirt is visible, dark yellow bodice and white sleeves, but then Erik takes my hand and whispers: "It's perfect, just relax and stay focused." I nod at him and then send a look at Sirius, motioning for his Queen with my head and by the smile on his face does he know that I told her of our plan.

The queen herself had even patiently waited as many of those of the magical court had come in acting as if they were here against their will. The judge on the left then knocks his hammer on the stone desk in front of him and everyone turns to the threesome, while some of the Wizengamot also look at us, but by their looks can I tell that they think it a disgrace that we dared sit here, something that I ignore by keeping my full focus on the events in front of me.
The man, who actually looks as if he could be part of our own royal court back home with how he dresses, stands up and says: "The Speed Trial of Sirius Orion Black, Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, official Mate of James Christian Potter by Veela Blood and recorded by law father of Sora Arturo and Harry James Potter-Black is now in session. Judges for this trial are as followed." The man coughs and says:

"Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of Her other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith." The Queen in front of me stands and curtsies to Sirius before waving all around, receiving waves in reply even as I spot some of them being more out of duty than respect and sitting down again.
The men then share a glance and the man on the left goes on: "Royal Guard, Court scriber and official Judge of Magical Cases, Sir Lord Hennigsworth." And the man on the right says: "Royal Judge of Magical Cases of High class, under which murder, rape or kidnap of adults or the Five Crimes against Minors, Sir Lord Ponsblight."
The two then both turn to me and Erik and we both stand up as Sir Ponsblight says: "Prince of the Earth Kingdom of Atlantica and Royal King of the Land, Erik." And while many eyes are now wide in shock and I remember Sirius telling me that Atlantica is actually a myth among both the Muggle and Magical World, does Sir Hennigsworth say: "Princess of the Water Kingdom of Atlantica and Royal Queen of the land, Ariel."
We both bow to Sirius and wave to the many shocked eyes and open mouths, me trying not to grin at how easily I bested all of these high and mighty upstarts. While Fudge – who Queen Elizabeth was kind enough to point out to me before we took our seats – is now slightly starting to sweat and I have no doubt he had planned to use our seating position against either this trial or Sirius himself, something he now realizes as a mistake.

The two men then sit down and as we follow their example, does the queen – who told us to just call her Elizabeth – say: "Let the Trial commence." And Sir Hennigsworth unrolls a scroll as he says: "Crimes charged, but never convicted against Lord Sirius Orion Black. Betrayal of the Noble House of Potter to Lord Voldemort, resulting in the disappearance of Lord James Christian and the murder of Lady Lily Potter."
The Queen nods and asks: "How does the defendant plea?" And while Fudge looks at her as if she's lost it, something that is retaliated by a heated glare from Sir Hennigsworth and Sir Ponsblight, does Sirius say: "Not guilty on grounds of my Veela inability to – in any way or form – cause harm to my Mate or Family."
"Yet, you did constantly harm the Noble and Ancient House of Black during your youth, did you not?" One of the members of the Wizengamot suddenly spats, but he too is silenced by a glare and Sirius, who actually looks as if he is able to reign in his own temper a lot better than I feel myself able to, says: "Family is where your heart is. My Veela never recognized my blood relations as family, thus I was able to do as law allowed me."

The man grumbles, having not expected this answer, but having to forfeit to it and the Queen turns to me as she asks: "How does the Royal Family plea?" And I answer: "From the evidence laid before us – namely the loving looks send Lord Black's way by Lord Potter – do I conclude that the charges are impossible to be claimed true."
The Queen nods and Erik says: "Furthermore have we personally witnessed the family bond between Lord Black, Lord Potter and their children and it proves Lord Black's words that he could never harm his family as his heart is too strongly attached to each member of it. We believe that one would only need a single glance at how Lord Black holds either of his sons or his mate to recognize their deep bond. My Queen and I support Lord Black's statement."
This makes Sirius smile, while some of the Wizengamot members are now looking at Harry in shock, the boy himself having his arms crossed and deviant look on his face as he withstands this and I roll my eyes, hoping that Elizabeth will take care of that little problem at a later point in time. Then the judges both knock their mallets and say: "We, the Judges, Her Majesty and the Royal Line declare Lord Black not guilty."

And they knock their mallets down again, causing for a lot of members in the Wizengamot to start grumbling. Yet this is silenced by Sir Hennigsworth who goes back to the scroll and says: "Following charge, the murder of Peter Pettigrew and Eleven Non-Magical citizens of Her Majesty's Empire." This makes me cringe and I wonder how Sirius is getting himself out of this one, even if the man seems to remain calm.
The Queen re-asks her question and Sirius answers: "Not guilty, Your Grace. Veela are deeply loving creatures. We are also protective and only when we feel those we care for to be threatened does our protective nature come out. Else, we are incapable of committing any harm to anyone, especially our mates or family."
"You've always been an odd one, so why should this count?" The same man as before shouts and this time Harry, Sora and James glare at him, their combined glare of blue and brown rage enough to make the man whimper and fall back in his seat, while I personally try to keep my own temper down by squeezing Erik's hand.
The man of my dreams then whispers: "Don't let his words harm our baby." And instantly am I calm as I will not let anything happen to our unborn child. Smiling at my beloved, do I hear Sirius say: "An odd one I was, I agree, but in society. During my years at Hogwarts, my fellow students saw a Veela quite like any other. That is, in the few times I let my Veela out as I dared not reveal my true nature, let alone the identity of my mate."

This makes the man grumble and the Queen stands up as she says: "We are not pleased with how this trial has gone so far as one of our audience takes it upon himself to speak justice in our name. We would like to warn this person – of who the name we do not know – that if he tries interfere yet again, he will be removed from the room."
The man lowers his head, realizing who he is dealing with and I wonder why he didn't take the Queen seriously before, but then Hennigsworth asks: "How does the Royal Family plea?" And I happily smile as I say: "I have witnessed sessions where Lord Black did show anger, but they were always aimed at enemies of his family.
Anyone he heard had harmed his son Harry, he got furious at and about and the anger proved his love for his son." I then nod and say: "That man has too much love in his heart to commit anything that could take him away from the ones he loves the most. I see just no reason to believe this charge to be valid whatsoever."
And Erik nods at this as he says: "Sirius has shown kindness, love, care and a great sense of patience and pride when it came to him being the leading role of the family, especially when he takes charge in making sure his sons live up to the rules. He would never endanger the chance to raise them further or to lose time with them for any longer. We are aware that he has stayed in Azkaban, but believe him to have done so as the life of a refugee is not the life of a child."

Sirius smiles at us in gratefulness, while I also spot a few members of the Wizengamot grumbling as they must have wanted to use Sirius' incarceration against him. The Queen nods at us as both judges knock their mallets again and say: "We, the Judges, Her Grace and the Royal Family declare the second charge null and void." Making Harry, Sora and James applaud and softly cheer, just like they did when the two men declared this for the first charge.
Queen Elizabeth halts them again by raising a single hand and they instantly sit down, their hands folded in their laps and their eyes focused on their Queen as a sign of loyalty. I smile at the three as Sir Hennigsworth says: "Following charge, escape from Azkaban prison." And I cringe as this seems one even I have to judge him for.
But then Sirius smiles and when the Queen asks her question, does the man shock me senseless as he says: "Not guilty, Your Grace, as my stay there in itself was illegal. I may not have been an Auror, but the Late Lord Potter did teach me magical Law. According to Law #1546, paragraph 12, section 2B, a person of the Magical World can only reside in Azkaban prison if any charges against him have been convicted and mine were not. Therefore my stay was illegal."

"But you admit it was illegal, so you're guilty!" The man apparently decides to try again, but then Sirius rolls his eyes and says: "All formality and etiquette aside, who would be brain-dead enough to chose a stay in that hell-hole. Apologies for my word choice, Your Grace." The queen shows only a slight blush, yet I also notice her trying to suppress a smirk of mirth and the man sags down in defeat, his look proving he is just done.
I then stand up and say: "As Lord Black had no right or reason to be in Azkaban prison, do I wish to announce a special sentence for this crime." Everyone looks at me, Sirius, Sora and Erik in shocked betrayal and some of the Wizengamot members – and even one strange blonde in the back seat – with a smirk of delighted triumph, yet I say: "An official warrant where Sirius Black is to be in personal contact with his family for the next twelve years.
Failing to do so will result in a money fine. Failing to do so for more than a week will result in a grounding. Failing to do so for a month will result in the entire family grounded inside this Place for one month. All in favor?" And instantly Erik has his hand up, the Queen and the two Judges following him with a happy smile. And at the same time do I notice all of the smirks on many of the faces around me vanishing and replaced with scowls of annoyance.

Sirius sags in along with Sora and I hear the latter of the two whisper: "Leave it to Ariel to come up with a sentence like that. I should have known." After which the Queen, who sends me a short, but proud grin with a small tilt of her head, rises and I seat myself back. Erik grabs my hand as I do, while I know he wants to give me a big hug to show his pride and I smile back at him before listening as the Queen says:
"We, the Queen, the Judges and the Royal Line hereby sentence Sirius Black to the warrant laid upon him by Her Majesty, Princess Ariel. Is there any other crime for which we are to punish Lord Black?" And I see Harry, Sora and James share a worried look, before Sirius warns them with a quick look of his own and he says:

"Your Grace, I would like to offer two of my Family Vaults for the exchange of my sentence against a crime not even the Ministry of Magic knew of. I have been an illegal Animagus for the last 20 years and in order to pay for this sin, do I wish to offer the Vaults of my family under the name of Lady Bellatrix Lestrange née Black.
I do insist they be checked thoroughly and that any Dark Item my family may have left there be destroyed on sight, but I sincerely believe that giving up these many Vaults, as I know my mother left many of my heritage to Bellatrix after she married into the Lestrange line, will prove that I denounce any and all relations to her."
The woman seems intrigued, while I wonder what an Animagus is and notice that the strange blonde man in the back is now fuming, actually gripping the cane he carries with both hands and Elisabeth asks: "Are Sir Ponsblight and Sir Hennigsworth in agreement to this being a valid crime and the punishment offered by Lord Black himself?" And the two men both nod, before the Queen turns to me and Erik and I nod as well before she says:

"Then it is decided. Lord Black has hereby been freed of the charge of betraying Lord Potter to Lord Voldemort, the charge of him committing murder has been nullified and he has been punished accordingly for escaping Azkaban and for being an Illegal Animagus for the last twenty years. He shall be warranted to remain with his family for twelve years and he shall give up two of his family Vaults to the Royal Empire. We have spoken."
And everyone gets up to applaud, some of the Wizengamot members more fiercely than others. Fudge and the redhead are the only ones not as they are just stunned at what just happened and as I notice the strange blonde storming out of his seat, do I shake my head at how stubborn the two are, obviously living in a world of their own and while I sincerely hope that this has shaken them up, do I feel that I have other cares than these two men.

Just then does James himself jump over the stone wall keeping him from his mate and Sirius happily hugs him as I hear the dominant male whisper: "Twelve years of hell and two years of being on the run. They all paid off now that I have you back in my arms, my love." And James just happily giggles at the comment. And the few members of the Wizengamot who had not been cheering that madly are now gawking at the sight of the two.
I smile at the two and then the Queen stands up again. Instantly the whole audience silences, James and Sirius looking around before they focus on her as she says: "Let it be known that Lord Charlus was a personal friend of ours, just like his grandfather was a royal friend of our dear late grandmother. The Potters are perhaps not of Royal blood, but we of the Royal family do still stand by them and their rights as people."

And with that does the woman leave, me smiling widely as I know what the hidden message behind these sudden words is. Touch or slander the Potters again and you mess with us. Loving this elder Queen, do I softly lean up against my husband and touch Erik's forehead with my own as I whisper: "You think I'll ever be a wise Queen like her?"
And my lovely husband, who has been everything I knew he'd be from the moment I got him to shore all those years ago, whispers: "You already are – to me." This makes me smile, while I know that – had I been a few more months pregnant – I would have had a total mood swing over that comment and I sigh in relief as that stage is still far from due. I then look as the Queen and her court leave and happily join Harry and his family.


Okay, this was fun.
I'm probably going to include the queen a few more times as it just doesn't feel right that I had her play such a major role – and then vanish for another 40 or so chapters. She'll probably appear in a couple of the chapters that involve the Ministry. Heck, I might even add her to that whole drama scene between Percy and the Weasleys after Harry's – ahem – "Trial". And even if she won't play a role, I will make a mention of this chapter from time to time.
All Hail the Queen,

Venquine1990