Dumbledore's smile completely faded because of the ice in Sirius' words. He didn't know what he had done to offend the younger man.

Nevertheless, he gestured for Sirius to sit down and was a bit disconcerted when the younger man didn't accept. "Is something bothering you, Sirius?"

"After everything that's happened, you have quite the nerve to ask me that." Sirius' voice was sharp, slicing through the silence like a fiery whip.

"My b—"

"Don't you dare 'my boy' me, Dumbledore!"

Dumbledore was quite taken aback by Sirius' ire. He didn't know what he had done to cause such powerful anger.

"You promised me, you swore to me that Harry was safe and happy with his Aunt and Uncle."

A small knot formed in Dumbledore's gut. "But he was. The Dursley wards protected him from any external threats that may have otherwise harmed the boy."

Sirius glared at him. "Only external threats, Dumbledore. You never considered the activities that took place on the inside."

"Were you aware of Lily's strained relationship with her sister? Of how Petunia was always jealous and spiteful? She hated all things remotely magical and you go ahead and place Harry at her door. With no explanation other than a letter." His voice curled around the last word in disgust.

"In those ten years, didn't you ever feel the need to check on Harry?"

"Si—"

"To ensure that he was happy? You bloody well didn't!"

Sirius snapped.

"You dumped an innocent baby at the doorstep of a pair of anti-magic muggles and on top of that, you didn't bother to check on him even once! Did you ever pause to even think about the child? Didn't you even wonder for one bloody moment as to why Harry's acceptance letter was addressed to a damn cupboard?"

Dumbledore's silence only fueled Sirius' anger.

"Congratulations, Dumbledore! Your negligence only served to condemn a child to a life of hate, loneliness and abuse! Well done."

Dumbledore swallowed thickly. "I'm s—"

"Zip it, I'm not finished! You have made horrible, irreparable blunders in the past few years. You didn't stop to consider your actions or the consequences they would have for others. All his childhood, Harry never knew a moment's happiness you stupid old b—"

Sirius gripped the edge of the desk until his knuckles turned white. He forced himself to take a deep breath and rein himself in.

"They beat him. Harry Potter, son of Lily and James Potter, my godson grew up scared, hungry, unloved and neglected all because you weren't responsible enough."

At the age of one, Harry had probably been the most spoilt baby on the planet with more clothes, toys and love than one could possibly imagine.

Sirius himself had spoilt the baby at every instance. And to think that the very same child had grown up wearing oversized hand-me-downs, slept in a cramped cupboard, did chores way beyond his capacity so that he could earn his keep! And to top it all, they had treated him worse than one would treat their house elf.

The image of Harry's frightened face, the lashes and welts across his back, his soft voice when he had poured his heart out to Sirius last night and the way he'd given in to the exhaustion was still raw in Sirius' mind.

"I was only acting in young Harry's best interests, Sirius."

"Don't you dare say that! You have no bloody right to say that. Acting in my boy's best interests would have involved a thorough background check on those blasted muggles, periodic and surprise visits to that mundane neighborhood. If you had done that, you would have seen just how pathetic the conditions at Privet Drive were."

Sorrow took over Dumbledore's face but Sirius couldn't care less.

"Or if you ever had half a brain in the first place, you would never have even considered the Dursleys an option. But no, you just left him there."

All the respect that he had ever held for the old man in front of him had dissipated in the span of less than twenty four hours.

He was pretty sure that if his parents had been alive, they would've been proud of their blood-traitor son for the dressing down he was currently delivering to Albus Dumbledore.

"I'm sorry, Sirius. I am truly sorry for the pain that my actions caused to Harry. It was never my intent."

Sirius wasn't satisfied. Not one bit.

He sank into one of the chairs opposite Dumbledore and glared at him.

"Your apology means nothing to me. It's too little, too late. Your apology doesn't change or reverse everything my godson went through."

Dumbledore's face was the picture of guilt but Sirius couldn't find it in himself to feel sorry for the man.

Not after everything that had happened.

"I don't want you to express how sorry you are. It will achieve nothing. Instead, I want you to promise me something."

Dumbledore sighed. It was the least he could do. "You have my word that I will fulfill whatever it is that you require of me to the best of my ability."

"Your word alone is no longer good enough, Dumbledore."

The old man's shoulders tensed infinitesimally before they sagged in defeat and the lines and wrinkles on his face suddenly appeared more pronounced.

"It saddens me greatly that you no longer trust me."

Sirius scoffed. "Can you blame me?"

"I'm afraid I'm in no position to do that. I want to make amends, Sirius. What do you need me to do?"

"It's more about what I need you to not do."

Confusion reigned on Dumbledore's face. "I'm afraid I don't quite understand, Sirius."

"Allow me to elaborate. The goblins are drawing up a Blood Oath as we speak. The terms of which are non negotiable. It should arrive in half an hour or so."

Dumbledore said nothing but his eye twitched, betraying his emotions.

Whilst a Gryffindor, Sirius belonged to the darkest family to ever walk this planet. Apart from being inhumanly cruel, Blacks were intellectuals and shrewd ones at that. They knew their details.

From amongst the Marauders, while Remus scored the best grades, Sirius' intelligence was more widespread. There weren't many things he didn't know.

And from a very young age, he had proved that he wasn't afraid to use his shrewd intelligence to his advantage.

"According to said agreement, you swear never to interfere, manipulate or dictate the terms of the life of Harry James Potter. With Harry's consent, I shall be assuming any and all responsibilities as his legal guardian as in accordance with the will of the late Lily and James Potter. Any authority, which you claimed to have over him, will he declared void. Harry is solely my charge until he comes of age."

Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak but Sirius wasn't finished.

"It was clearly stated in the Potters' will that under no circumstances whatsoever was Harry to be placed under the care of Petunia Dursley. No circumstances whatsoever. Not only did you overstep, but you also disregarded their will."

Dumbledore had no answer.

"You will sign this agreement and adhere to it. I don't have to tell you what happens when you break a Blood Oath that's been drawn by the goblins."

He most certainly didn't.

Such kinds of agreements were rare and few were even aware of their existence. A handful of wizards had endured the goblins' draconian ways.

Breaking such an Oath resulted in an immediate loss of magic that a wizard/ witch was born with. In addition to that, they would be completely cast out of the Wizarding World, all ties cut off.

And Albus Dumbledore could ill afford to lose his powers. There was no doubt that he'd be staying out of Harry's way henceforth.

"Am I understood?"

"As you wish, my boy. I will sign." Dumbledore regretted that his former— and one of the cleverest he'd ever taught— student now viewed him with such disdain.

Sirius didn't say anything after that. He merely sat there silently while they waited for a goblin to show up with the Oath.

About ten minutes later, there was a crack and a goblin appeared out of thin air. Goblins normally didn't leave Gringotts but they did do the occasional favour for old friends.

"Lord Black, Professor Dumbledore," the goblin greeted the two men before proceeding to take out a scroll from his robes. The creature broke the seal and unrolled the parchment before placing it in front of Dumbledore.

The goblin gave said nothing at all but silently did his job. He held out his hand and looked at the headmaster expectantly. The old man held out his hand.

The goblin took out a knife and slashed it expertly across Dumbledore's palm and mumbled something softly.

A quill appeared on the parchment. Silver tipped with a jewel encrusted feather.

With one last sorrowful and apologetic look at Sirius, the old wizard let his blood fall onto the parchment and signed his name. The cut healed immediately.

The knife— which had magically cleaned itself in less than a minute— was then used to make a cut on Sirius' palm as well.

The Animagus signed the Oath as well, effectively sealing Dumbledore's fate.

The moment Sirius lifted the quill off the parchment, Dumbledore felt invisible chains surround his person, enslaving him—body and soul—to the Oath he had just sworn.

The goblin collected the parchment and vanished, just the way it had appeared.

Sirius felt a sense of satisfaction. He'd done his job here. Albums Dumbledore would no longer interfere in Harry's life ever again.

After having successfully dealt with the headmaster, Sirius arrived at the DMLE for his meeting with Amelia Bones.

He explained the situation to her, leaving out what he'd done with Dumbledore. That was goblin business after all.

She was justifiably upset on hearing how those muggles had treated the boy-who-lived.

"How exactly do you need my help?"

"I don't want to involve the Wizengamot in this matter. It will only create a lot of unwanted rumours and rubbish and that's the last thing Harry needs right now. The muggle authorities will take care of the issue once they've been notified. I need access to the Dursley file from your muggle archives."

"That can be arranged," Bones replied. "But, there will be a trial. You know that don't you? If you want the Dursley couple to be incarcerated, even in a muggle prison, Mr. Potter will have to speak at his uncle's trial, albeit a muggle court. Are you sure that's what you want for the boy?"

Sirius mentally swore. This was exactly what he'd feared. He would talk to Harry before deciding on the trial.

"I'll talk to him about it. I'll let you know what he decides."

The woman nodded. "Very well. I shall notify muggle authorities about Vernon and Petunia Dursley. Until you talk to Harry, there will be an ongoing investigation. If your godson agrees, the court will issue a subpoena. Other than that, I will owl the Dursley file to you by the end of the day."

"Thank you."

When Harry flooed back home, he found Sirius talking to Remus.

"Hey, kiddo," his godfather greeted.

Harry smiled back before raising his eyebrows in greeting to Remus.

"Why don't you go upstairs and draw yourself a bath?" Sirius suggested on noticing Harry's sweaty appearance and the way his hair was plastered to his forehead.

The boy had clearly enjoyed himself at his best mate's place.

"Stay like this any longer and you'll be growing potatoes on your skin," Sirius teased.

Harry rolled his eyes at his godfather, secretly pleased with the fussing. "Okay, okay I'm going," he conceded and bolted up the stairs.

Sirius turned back to see Remus looking at him weirdly. "What?"

The werewolf shook his head. "Nothing. That was oddly... fatherly of you. He listens to you and looks up to you. You're good with him and he's warmed up to you surprisingly quick."

That was true. Although Harry had known Sirius for less than a month, he had gotten attached to his godfather in that short span.

Sirius had never planned on becoming the boy's father. But now, that's what he was, legally at least.

Sirius hadn't told Remus about what had actually happened to Harry at the Dursleys since it wasn't his secret to tell. All he'd said was that Harry was living with him a little earlier than planned.

The only people who knew were Dumbledore and Amelia Bones.

Remus left after a while and Sirius went upstairs to check on Harry.

The boy was sitting on the floor, next to his wardrobe and in front of his open trunk. He was unpacking. His cheeks had a pinkish tinge to them from being scrubbed clean and his hair was damp.

A fond smile tugged on his lips as Sirius watched him. "Pup, you do realise that I could have simply spelled the clothes into the wardrobe?" He had been planning on that.

Harry grinned sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. "I forgot," he mumbled. "Do you mind if I put away my things without magic? I want to sort of... you know?" He gestured to the room around him.

"Not at all, I understand."

Sirius went inside and sat down next to his godson. "I actually want to talk to you about something important," he began.

Uncertain green eyes turned to him. "What about?"

Sirius took a deep breath. "In the Ministry, there's a separate unit that deals with muggle jurisdiction. Particularly for the protection of underage witches and wizards."

"Children," Harry realised.

"Correct. What your relatives did, that was unforgivable. You know that don't you? Do you want your uncle to answer for what he did?"

It was an honest question, void of any judgement. Harry found himself nodding. He did want Vernon and Petunia Dursley to answer for their mistakes.

There was a small malicious part of him that wanted them to suffer and be afraid, just as he had. But then he immediately felt guilty for thinking that way.

"I spoke to the concerned authorities today regarding the Dursleys' crimes."

"Sirius—" the poor boy's voice was full of apprehension.

"No one will know, pup. I promise." Sirius squeezed Harry's shoulder comfortingly. "It'll be a quick and silent affair, all in the muggle court of law. The Wizarding World won't know a thing. There will be a trial if you agree."

Harry looked at his godfather searchingly. "You're asking for my permission?"

The man nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't do anything unless you were okay with it."

"Will they go to jail?"

"Yes. I'm not sure for how long, but they will."

"What will happen to Dudley?" He didn't want his cousin to be abandoned. As much as he despised his cousin, Dudley had only followed in his parents' footsteps.

"He'll probably go and live with the closest relative."

So Aunt Marge.

"Will I be asked to speak at the trial?"

"Unfortunately yes. But you won't be alone. I'll be right there. Remus too, if you want him."

"I'll do it." Harry's words were soft but sure. He wanted to put this behind him once and for all.

Sirius was going to be there with him and that was more than he could ever ask for. Living with his godfather was going to be a completely new experience.

And Harry couldn't deny that he'd sleep better knowing that his uncle was locked away and would never be able to lay a finger on him again.

Sirius was pleased that Harry had agreed, although if the boy had refused, he wouldn't have pressured him to agree.

Now that Harry had agreed, Sirius decided to send that letter to Amelia.

"Pup, you finish up here, wash up and come downstairs for dinner," he said as he stood up and ruffled Harry's hair. He hesitated for a second before bending down to press a quick kiss to the boy's forehead.

"What's for dinner?"

"Shepherd's pie," Sirius replied and a childlike smile appeared on his godson's face. Another one of his favourites.

He started putting his things away with renewed energy. "I'll be downstairs as fast as I can."

The man laughed and shook his head fondly. "Good boy."

Vernon Dursley had spent the last two days looking over his shoulder, dreading when the freak's murderer of a godfather would show up and make good on his promise.

He had wrapped up his lunch break and was headed back to his office. Hopefully, if he completed this project soon, he'd be moving into a much bigger office in his firm.

He went inside and stopped short. He felt the door close behind him and heard the faint click of the lock.

"Afternoon, Dursley."

How had he gotten in here?

Unlike their previous encounter, this time, Black was properly dressed. He wore a three-piece charcoal grey suit—perfectly tailored—that probably cost more than Vernon's car.

He was lounging in Vernon's chair with a lazy arrogance and a careless smirk that only came from old money.

He had helped himself to a glass of the scotch which Vernon normally reserved for the richer clients.

"Good stuff," the man drawled, swirling the glass. "Do sit down, Dursley. Make yourself at home." Black waved to the chairs on the other side of the desk.

"What are you doing here? How did you get inside?" He nearly yelled, fear betraying him.

"Does it really matter?"

"I demand you leave this instant!" He shouted, his face working itself into an ugly purple colour.

If anyone passed by Vernon's office at that time, all they would see was an obese man standing in the middle of his office and seemingly shouting at his own empty chair.

"Oh I will. I just wanted to watch you open this." He picked up an envelope that hadn't been there on his desk before he'd left.

A heavy unease settled inside him. He plucked the envelope from the man's long fingers and opened it with his meaty ones.

"It's a summons! What's the meaning of this?"

"Very good, so you can read. You must forgive me for having my doubts on that. Read the rest of it will you?"

He was about to protest when Black pulled out his wand and carelessly twirled it between his fingers. "Go on."

All of Vernon's courage fled at the sight of that blasted wooden stick in the other man's hand.

He gulped uneasily and read it. The charges accused him of child abuse: physical and emotional abuse, neglect and mistreatment. He read the rest of it. Other than that, he had also been accused of— his eyes widened dramatically—embezzlement.

His heart pounded, terrified and his mouth went dry.

He couldn't know.

How did Black know about that? He hadn't even told Petunia about it!

He would stand trial two weeks from today.

"You will have to agree to a lawyer provided by the State. Thanks to the embezzlement charges, your finances are currently frozen. You will receive word about that soon enough."

He could feel his hands getting sweaty. His tie was too tight and took away his ability to breathe properly. His suit was thick and uncomfortable. Beads of perspiration trickled down his face.

Black stared at him with barely controlled glee. "I hadn't expected to find out about your embezzlement when I did some digging into your finances and background, but that proved to be a real bonus."

Black stood and buttoned his blazer. "Enjoy your house and this office while you still can. I'll see you in court, Dursley. Thanks for the drink."

And with that, he disappeared into thin air with a loud crack. Vernon was left standing alone in his soon to be ex-office, helplessly clutching the papers that sealed his doom.

Next chapter: the Dursley trial. I've been wanting to update this story for a long time and I'm so glad I could finally do it.

This chapter was a real pleasure to write, especially the part where Sirius tears Dumbledore a new one. As you guys might've guessed by now, I'm a real sucker for BAMF!Sirius

Do review so that I know how you felt about this chapter.