Chapter 8
Hufflepuff had easily won their game against Gryffindor, it was the first time in many decades that their House had won the Quidditch Cup and the celebration currently occurring in their common room was filled with joy and revelry.
"That was a fine catch, Cedric." said Harry to the beaming fourth year.
"Just luck, Harry, just luck; I was in position and chanced upon the snitch. I can't really take credit for that."
"Yes, you can. We've both trained hard this year, and all the effort went into helping us come out on top. I know Professor Sprout is very proud of you."
Cedric blushed a little. "Yeah, she is, but I think she's proud of all of us Harry. And besides, we're not losing anyone to graduation this year, so our team will be the same next year. We'll definitely have another chance to win."
"Oi! You two gits, get over here!" yelled David. Cedric glanced at Harry with an amused expression and winked.
"Yes Captain?" they said together.
"Really? Both of you?" sighed David in frustration. "Alright, enough with that already! Attention everyone, I'd like to show appreciation for two members of our team that have shown all year what it means to be Hufflepuff! Cedric Diggory, you are the soul of the team, without you we would have been beaten mercilessly by the other houses. You showed great bravery against Slytherin, something that we're all proud of." Hufflepuff House cheered at the blushing fourth year, but Cedric stood tall and accepted the cheers gracefully.
"And of course, we've our very own Lord Potter here to congratulate as well. It was an exciting game versus Ravenclaw, where he managed to somehow avoid collision and catch the snitch in his very first game. That he presented said snitch to the redhead that looks like a tomato back there is something that all of us will remember as being one of the sweetest things we've ever seen. Against Slytherin, Harry managed to make all of those overgrown bullies look like fools and once again captured the snitch. Now, despite the serious injuries he received in that game, Harry played the game with honor and courage. It may have been a little Griffindorish of him, but the loyalty he showed Cedric and our team truly shows what it means to be a Hufflepuff. So Harry, on behalf of the whole team, we'd like to give you this award from us for the being the most valuable of the team this year. C'mon everyone, give it up for Harry!" The cheers, loud and thunderous, replaced the usually calm and serene scene that usually pervaded the 'Puff common room.
A stern faced Pomona Sprout raised her hands to silence her gathered badgers. She looked each and every single one of them in the eye, with a smile on her face, "I'm proud of all of you. We've a lot to be thankful for this school year. It has been many years since Hufflepuff has held the Quidditch Cup. Many, many, many long and arduous years." joked Madam Sprout. "Of course, you all probably know by now that we're in a tie for the House Cup with Slytherin. With only a few weeks left before the summer break, let's see what we can do to bring that trophy away from them. Win or lose, this House has proved to everyone that we are not the House of the discarded or unwanted. Remember that we've defied everyone's expectation and have actually come ahead of the Lions, the Ravens, and the Snakes. Professor McGonagall was not kidding when she said that your House was like your family. You've all proved that this year. You've all looked out for each other, you've all helped each other, and you are all members of a large family. The Hufflepuff family! Alright, let's begin our celebration. Oh, and before I forget, I want you all to thank Hannah Abbott for her donation to the general fund that allows us all to enjoy tonight in style."
It was with awed faces that the gathered 'Puffs eyed the appearing cases of iced butterbeer and tables laden with assortments of delicious food. "Thank you, elves!" yelled everyone to the invisible helpers.
"How'd you get money to get all this stuff, Han?" asked the wide-eyed Susan in astonishment.
"What...oh, nothing, I just won a bet is all; nothing to worry about. C'mon, let's grab the boys and get something to eat. I'm starving!"
"Okay, you totally sounded like Neville there."
"Hey, lay off now; great minds think alike and all. Besides, look at that, the food looks amazing."
Susan frowned a little. "It's too bad we couldn't get Hermione in here. She'd probably enjoy herself more with us than being in the Gryff's den tonight. I worry they might be giving her hell for being friends with us."
"You know, I hadn't even thought of that. Should we mention it to the boys?"
"Gods above, no! Harry would tear out of here in a second if he thought for a second she was in danger. Hermione has become like a sister to him in a very short amount of time. Anyone harming her will become a target of the green-eyed monster, and I'm not talking about jealousy here either."
Hannah chuckled, "Yeah, they'd become feathers."
"Huh?"
"Oh c'mon, feathers...really? He'd put them through the roof..." she explained. Susan thought about it for a minute before starting to giggle.
Susan, arm in arm with Hannah, set out to find her now missing boyfriend. She'd written her Aunt about the change in the relationship between Harry and herself and had been rather worried about what she'd say. It surprised her immensely when the return letter congratulated them both and only asked that they'd take things slowly. They were, after all, rather young. Her Aunt loved Harry, of that there was no question, but that would never stop her from considering Susan her daughter. Amelia Bones was an auror after all and no one in the world would risk her wrath if anything should happen to her Susan. Not even Harry would be spared, a fact that had been explained to him in excruciating detail in the letter he'd received from Auntie. Harry had been rather green in the face for a couple of days after that.
"Sue, butterbeer?" offered Harry.
"Thanks. You get something to eat yet?"
"Nah, waiting on you, my fair lady." he said with a bow.
"Well, your manners seem to be improving," she teased, "but we still have to work on your bow."
"I'll make sure to let Gran know you disapprove." he said with a grin.
"Don't you dare! Auntie scares me when she's miffed, Dame Longbottom absolutely terrifies me."
"Yeah, me too, so I guess I will just have to make sure it's you that teaches me properly before she gets miffed at me. All this 'pureblood' etiquette stuff is really hard to learn. I'm basically a muggle after all, so my ideas about how things are done sometimes clash with Gran's."
"Like what?" she asked curiously.
"Well, for the most part, muggles are a pretty straight forward bunch, right? They say what they mean without all the flowery language. I sometimes don't see the point."
"But flowery language is not a bad thing."
"No, it's not. I guess I'm somewhere in the middle. I see the value in a lot of the pureblood behavior, but I also see the other side, the muggle way. Both have good and bad things. I suppose I just want to take the best from both worlds and marry them together somehow."
"Guys, you're missing out on all the great food!" called Neville who was carrying a loaded plate. "This stuff is amazing!"
"Shall we?" asked Harry, offering his hand.
She took it, managing not to blush for the first time since they'd gotten together. "Yeah, let's; I suppose I could eat."
"It's too bad Hermione couldn't join us." Harry said.
"I told Hannah the same thing. I'm worried about her Harry."
"You too?" Harry looked at her worriedly.
"She's our friend. Our Gryffindor friend; a member of a Gryffindor House that just lost the Quidditch cup to her friends from Hufflepuff."
"They wouldn't be that petty, would they?" Susan arched an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, okay, you're probably right. I think I'll let Madam Sprout know, she can let Professor McGonagall know."
"Good idea. Why don't you do that now and I'll grab us some food. I take it you want some treacle?"
"You seriously have to ask me that?"
"Go, boyfriend, I'll take care of it. Come back quick though, or there won't be any left."
"Something I am all too familiar with, Lady Bones." he kissed her forehead and went in search of his Head of House. She smiled after him, and sighed contentedly.
"Where did Harry go?" asked Hannah, watching the retreating form of the raven haired boy.
"To talk to Madam Sprout about Hermione; I'm worried about her, I just told Harry to have her warn McGonagall about it just in case."
"Probably a good idea. Nev, sweetie, you got us someplace to sit?"
"Step right up to the cool table, ladies. We'll just pretend you two belong here that way I don't have to eat by myself." said the smirking Neville. "Where's Harry?"
"Talking to Madam Sprout; he and I are a little worried about Hermione. I wouldn't put it past those moronic Gryff's to berate her or worse for being friends with us. And, Neville, this would only be the cool table if you weren't sitting at it." said Susan.
"What's this about Hermione?" interrupted Hannah.
"Nothing, or at least we hope it's nothing. Don't worry about it now, we're just taking precautions." Susan gazed across the room, hoping to see Harry. Not spotting him, she closed her eyes and thought of him and was not too surprised to see in her mind's eye that he was in Madam Sprout's office conversing with her. She never gave a second thought to how odd that was.
OoOOooOOoo
"Ma'am, is alright is I ask you for a favor?" asked Harry of his Head of House.
"Harry, what are you doing here? You should be out there celebrating with your friends."
"And I will, ma'am, just as soon as I get something off my mind that's distracting me with worry."
"And what could that be?"
"Hermione, ma'am."
"Miss Granger? Why are you worried about her?"
"You know she's been bullied before?"
"Of course, but how is that any concern of ours? I'm sure Professor McGonagall has things well in hand within her House." replied candidly.
"Call it intuition, call it a gut feeling, you can call it anything you want. I just have...I just have a bad feeling where she's concerned. I may be wrong, of course, but I'd rather be mistaken and have to apologize to Professor McGonagall than have to deal with any consequences if she, Hermione, is in fact in some sort of trouble."
Pomona could sense something in Harry's words. She looked at him curiously, noting the beads of sweat that had collected on his forehead. "Harry, are you alright?"
"Ma'am, please, call..."
"Harry?" she asked worriedly. Harry's eyes began to glow, a burning fire of green that made her shudder in alarm. "Harry, what is it?"
"Hermione!" he yelled. Harry, eyes blazing, turned and ran from her office. She froze momentarily, unsure of what she should do.
"Ma'am, everything okay? Is everything alright with Harry? He just ran out of here like his head was on fire." asked Cedric as he poked his head into her office.
"Cedric, quickly, grab Michael and run to Gryffindor Tower. Harry believes that his friend Miss Granger is in danger and ran out of here to aid her. Make sure he's alright, fly there if you have to, just get to Harry!"
"Yes, ma'am!" said Cedric.
Pomona turned to her floo and grabbing some powder threw it into the fire. "Minerva? Min, are you there?"
"Sweet Merlin, Pomona, you realize the time? What could possibly be so important it couldn't wait until tomorrow?"
"It's Harry, Min; he's worried about your Miss Granger. I think he had a premonition of some kind that showed her as being in some sort of danger. I apologize if it is nothing, but could you please check on the young woman?"
"Really, Pomona, a premonition?"
"Listen, okay, Harry came into my office and asked me to contact you regarding a feeling he was having regarding Hermione. Suddenly his eyes flared and he ran out of here hell bent on, well, I don't know what he was hell bent on but I can safely assume that he's on his way to Gryffindor at this moment to check on her."
"But he'd not be able to get in..." a loud crashing sound interrupted Minerva as she jumped back, startled.
"...and I'm guessing Harry just got there. Min, go! Go check on your children!"
OoOOooOOoo
Susan saw Harry emerge from Madam Sprout's office and make toward the 'Puff exit. "Harry?"
"It's Hermione, something is wrong." he said.
"C'mon, let's get to her. Neville, time to put some of that training you and Harry have been busting your butts over! Our friend is in trouble, let's move!" Neville took in Harry's blazing eyes, something he'd only seen when they'd faced the troll.
"I'm ready, lead the way brother! Hannah, you coming?"
"And let you three have all the fun messing up some Gryff's? I don't think so!"
The quartet 'Puffs raced through the school hell bent on getting to their friend as quickly as possible.
"Harry, do we even know where the hell Gryffindor is?" yelled Neville.
Harry skidded to a halt. Susan reached out to take his hand, hoping to help him calm down. She was surprised at how warm his hand was, she could actually feel his magic coursing through his body. "Talk to me sweetie, where are we going?"
"Those stairs." he whispered, pointing to the marble staircase that had moved back into position.
The Fat Lady had just snuggled down for the night when she heard footsteps approaching her. "It's almost after curfew you know? Professor McGonagall will not be happy that you guys are out this late!" she said with a yawn.
"Open the door." said a cold voice.
She opened her eyes lazily, rubbing them with the back of her hand to wipe away some of the sleep. "Hang on, you're 'Puffs! I can't open the door for you!"
"Open. The. Door." said Harry again.
"I'd listen to him if I were you. My Harry will gladly disintegrate the door open to get in. So either open up, or get into another painting before he obliterates you." added Susan.
"I can't! I can only open for Gryffindors, professors, or the prefects. You all are not any of those."
"Then get out of the way, 'cuz I'm coming through right now!" yelled Harry. The clenched fist of his right hand was glowing brightly. He lifted it towards the painting and released his magic. Luckily, the fat Lady had enough sense to move out of the way as the destruction of the door was something spectacular to behold.
"Remind me not to piss him off." whispered Hannah.
"He's protecting family; this has nothing to do with him being pissed off. Get out your wand, anybody moved against us, just stun them."
"Stun? I can hardly get a feather to float and you want me to stun?"
"Just stand behind me, watch my back." Hannah nodded in agreement, grabbed Neville's offhand, and got behind him.
Stepping into the Gryffindor common, Susan was alarmed at the scene before her. The twins, along with a couple of younger girls, looked to be petrified and enveloped in ropes. That the screaming they were obviously doing couldn't be heard meant that they were probably silenced as well. She gasped when she saw her friend, her legs had been bound and her hands were tied behind her back. The word 'traitor' was written on her forehead and her robes seemed to be torn, exposing her for all to gape at.
"Potter, what the hell you are doing in our common room. Get the hell out of here!" roared a redheaded moron.
Harry simply raised his hand again, and the bleating redhead flew backwards until he impacted the wall. The boy groaned as he slid, unconscious, toward the floor. Four boys, who'd been standing next to the redhead, raised their arms in surrender.
"No, Harry." pleaded Susan. "Just tie them up. Wait until a professor gets here, don't hurt them."
Harry looked at her questioningly, but nodded in acceptance. Raising his hand once again, the four boys found themselves tied up and falling heavily to the floor. "Neville, the twins and the girls, please?"
"You got it!" responded Neville.
"Let me handle, Hermione. She's probably embarrassed to be seen like this. Can I borrow your robe?" asked Susan. Harry slid off his robe and handed it to her. She took it, and placed a hand on his cheek. "She's safe now, Harry. We got to her on time. Hannah, grab Harry please. He's going to pass out here in a second. He used a lot of magic just now."
"I'm going to be really pissed off if I wake up in the infirmary again." said Harry just before he collapsed into her arms.
"I've got you Harry, I've got you. Neville, a hand here please?" Hannah pleaded.
"One sec, I'm almost done here. There, you guys gonna be okay? I gotta tend to my brother." Neville quickly moved to Harry and Hannah's side, taking hold of his brother and gently settling him down on the ground. "Go, help Sue, she'll need your help with Hermione. I got Harry."
"You're a good boy, Neville." said Hannah, and taking her cue from Susan, she gently placed her hand on Neville's cheek a planted a kiss on his forehead. She quickly moved to Susan, who had managed to cut the ties that bound Hermione.
Hermione collapsed into Susan and Hannah, wailing in anguish and fear. "I knew you guys would come for me...I knew you guys would come..."
"You're as good as my sister, Hermi, don't you forget it. You are now family and that means something to Harry and me. C'mon, let's get you to the infirmary." she said softly as she wrapped Harry's cloak around her friend.
Cedric and Michael came roaring in on Cedric's broom, only to be amazed at the mayhem that it seemed Harry had caused. Their expression changed to absolute anger when they saw the condition of Miss Granger, who was crying inconsolably against Susan. "What the fuck is going on here?" roared Michael as he dismounted Cedric's broom.
"Mr. Blake, while I admire your verve in this situation, I will not have such language spoken here!" roared McGonagall as she raced into her common room.
"Seriously? You have an eleven year old witch who seems to have been assaulted by most of your House and you're worried about my language?" he yelled back at her.
"Minerva, what's going on here?" asked the aged Headmaster as he also made his way into the common room.
"I have only made it here myself, Headmaster, and have yet to ascertain what has happened." replied McGonagall.
Harry mumbled softly and slowly opened his eyes. "Nev?"
"Hey, brother, you gave us a bit of a fright there. You alright?" Neville asked, the worry obvious on his face.
"Yeah, help me up, would you?" grabbing both of Neville's hands, Harry pulled himself up. He felt drained. He looked around, "Hermione!"
"Over here Harry." called out Susan. He ran to them and took hold of Hermione. "You okay there, sis?"
"You're here now, of course I am. But, I think I'm going to pass out now. You got me?" she whispered.
"Always." he replied.
Hermione wilted into him and once again he seemed to find himself once more carrying this young woman that was quickly becoming family. He reached down and placed an arm behind her knees and lifted her up into his chest. "Let's get her out of here. The atmosphere in here is going to make me puke and I think Hermione might get upset with me if I'm sick all over her."
"Right behind you, love. Han, Nev, you coming?" Susan asked.
"We got your backs guys. Lead on Harry." answered Nev. Hannah took his hand and nodded at her redheaded friend as well.
"Lord Potter, I have not given you permission to leave." said the Headmaster in a stern voice. Cedric and Michael both became incensed at the man's words, and both quickly made their way to confront him, as did the twins and the two girls that had been tied up with them
"Go Harry, we got this." said Michael.
"Lord Potter, I must insist that you stay behind."
"Headmaster, insist all you like, Harry has his priorities straight. He's seeing that his friend is attended to by Madam Pomfrey. A friend that looks to have had a traumatic night; what are you doing?"
"Mr. Blake, you will show to the Headmaster some respect." said McGonagall. "Harry, go, I'll come find you all later. Make sure you all stay with her. I'll let Professor Sprout know where you all are."
Harry bowed his head and made his way out of the Gryffindor common room. It was and impassive bunch of 'Puffs that made their way towards the infirmary. The occasional student hurrying to their common rooms stopped to stare at quartet of 'Puffs that made their way through the corridors of Hogwarts and just seeing the looks of absolute rage that the four had made everyone coming near them back up in fright.
"Madam Pomfrey," called out Susan, "we need your help please."
Poppy stuck hear head out of her office door, and saw the unconscious form of the young girl in Lord Potter's arms. "Harry? Susan? What's going on?"
Susan grabbed Harry's arm and led him a bed. "Here, Harry, put Hermione here." Harry complied, still a bit out of it, but understanding what Sue was asking of him. He gently placed Hermione on the bed.
"Harry rescued Hermione here from an assault in Gryffindor Tower. We just grabbed her and raced here. She doesn't look too injured, but we want to make sure and we sure as hell were not going to leave here in that hyenas den." Poppy looked intently at Susan, noticing a change in her demeanor. She seemed older, somehow, more self-assured.
"Very well, Miss Bones, leave her to me. Why don't you all head back down to your common room. It's almost past curfew."
"Forgive us, ma'am, but we're going nowhere. The four of us intend to be here when she wakes up. Take points, give us detention, it doesn't matter. We're not leaving her side." said Susan in a voice Poppy found eerily reminiscent of Amelia Bones at her most intimidating.
"Very well, just please stay out of my way while I tend to your friend. Harry, did you just use a lot of magic?" she asked.
"I don't know," he said glancing at Susan, "did I?"
"Miss Bones, please but him in that bed over there. He looks like he's going to lose consciousness. I'd rather he do it in bed rather than on the floor."
"C'mon, sweetie, let's put you to bed." Susan grabbed Harry and gently led him to the bed next to Hermione. "Get on the bed, Harry."
"Sue?" asked Harry a bit unfocused. "Why are we in the infirmary? I didn't get hurt again, did I?"
"No, Harry, you're just really tired. C'mon, get in bed." Harry smiled but did as she asked. It wasn't but a moment later that he closed his eyes and passed out.
"Miss Granger seems to be fine. There's some bruising on her cheeks and ribs. Her upper lip has a rather deep cut and she looks to have chipped a tooth or two. By the state of her clothing, I assume she was assaulted. Hannah, be a dear and hand me the potion in the blue bottle. Susan, how's Harry?"
"Passed out, ma'am, he does have a smile on his face though so I'm going to assume that he's just exhausted. He definitely used a lot of magic." she replied.
"What did he do?" she asked curiously.
It was Neville that answered. "Ma'am it was seriously the most amazing thing I've ever seen. His hand glowed and he pointed it at the door and a burst of what I can only assume was pure magic shot from it. He then banished a student away from Hermione and bound him up along with four others. He passed out for a few minutes then but woke up and carried Hermione all the way here."
"Amazing." whispered Poppy.
OoOOooOOoo
"I now call to order this Extraordinary Wizengamot meeting of the Wizard's Council to order. Lords and Ladies, please be seated one and all. We're her to sit in judgment on one of our own. May Merlin and Morgana bless us with wisdom and foresight." intoned the esteemed witch who headed the council of witches and wizards. Griselda Marchbanks was a well respected witch, one that had held a seat in this chamber for nearly a hundred years. She was well thought of, not only for her fierce devotion to the law and justice, but also because she was a formidable witch who brooked no disrespect.
Fudge looked perplexed as his gaze wandered over the people sitting in the Great Chamber. He'd expected more people to be present; he certainly expected more of his cronies to be here. It was then that he realized that those present represented the aristocracy of their world. He now understood why the Chief Witch pro-tem for this trial was the Lady Marchbanks and not Dumbledore. This trial was for a peer and in the insular world of magical Britain, Lords and Ladies vehemently defended themselves against all who would try to rock the establishment. He racked his brain, trying unsuccessfully to think of anyone who fit the criteria. No Lord or Lady had been charged with any crime during his tenure as Minister, such a thing could have been easily avoided by the judicial application of monetary incentive, something he was more than familiar with given his association with...well...certain individuals who liked to wear masks late at night.
"Regent Bones, you have the floor."
"Thank you Lady Marchbanks. Lords and Ladies, I have invoked the law of the land and called you all here today to sit in judgment against one of our own." she said loftily.
"Regent Bones, could we get on with this, I'm a very busy man and have better things to do than to be here to pass judgment on one of own for a simple case of drunken debauchery or terrifying a muggle." responded Fudge trying to sound authoritarian.
"Forgive me, Minister, it was my understanding that part of your job description was to actually sit here in judgment of one of our distinguished society. Are you implying that such things are beneath you?" Amelia smiled inwardly, always happy to slap that rotund jackass down at every opportunity, and given the red state of his face she'd done a good job of it so far. The tittering in the crown only added to his anger.
"That is true, Regent Bones, but I can't think of anyone that has been imprisoned for something that would take the efforts of the esteemed gathering of the Wizard's Council we have before us. Such matters could easily have been dealt with in a general session of the Wizengamot."
"Can't you, Minister? Can you not think of one person who was thrown in prison without even a trial?" she asked in a cold voice.
And with that statement, Minister Fudge finally twigged to the person Amelia was alluding too. "I must protest, Lady Marchbanks, the person that Madam Bones is suggesting to us is worthless criminal that is serving his sentence. His crimes were heinous enough that even bringing up his name would cause widespread panic in the populace."
"I doubt that it is widespread panic you're afraid of, Cornelius. I believe it's the fact that if this man were proven innocent then you're popularity would take an immense hit. Far be it for our Minister to be more concerned with the good of one of his citizens than retaining his seat." said Augusta as she stood from her seat to add her two sickles.
"Would it be possible to include us in the conversation, Augie? Most of us have no idea who you are talking about."
"Sorry about that Griz; Amelia would you continue please?"
"Forgive us, Lady Marchbanks." said Amelia with a bow. "We are speaking of course of none other than the Lord Sirius Orion Black."
It took a few minutes for the roar to die down. Fudge was as white as sheet, terrified beyond words at the outcome that came from this body. A verdict of not-guilty would more than likely see him crucified in the press, it wouldn't matter that someone else had been in charge back then.
"I object in the strongest possible terms! Sirius Black was found guilty and tossed into Azkaban for good reason. He brought about the death of the Lord and Lady Potter! He killed Peter Pettigrew and a dozen muggles before he was apprehended! He's as guilty as they come, I will not allow this to continue."
"Allow...?" asked Madam Marchbanks.
Fudge hurriedly backtracked, "My apologies, Lady Marchbanks, I only meant to say that it shouldn't be for the great ladies and gentlemen of this court to deal with matters as upsetting as this. I beg you to allow me to take this matter to the greater Wizengamot."
"For what purpose would I allow that? It is well known to us here, Cornelius, that more than a few members of that body can buy your ear. Is it for that reason you wish to take this matter up with them?"
"I will not stand here and be accused for something..."
"Shut it, Cornelius, no one here wants to hear it. When we're done here, you can run your silly ass down to Lucius and beg his help in keeping your seat. Now, let's move on. Amelia, I believe the floor is still yours?"
"Most of us assume that the 'facts' surrounding the murder of the beloved Lord and Lady Potter are irrefutable. I stand here before you today with ample proof that a great miscarriage of justice was done, all in the name of the greater good." said Amelia.
The hall got real quiet at that last part of her statement. Most, if not all, had heard variations of that same phrase at some point in their careers, and those words came directly from the mouth of the esteemed Headmaster and Chief Wizard, Albus Dumbledore.
"I have here the goblin verified will of the Lord and Lady Potter. The most salient fact that comes from this document is the express statement that it was Peter Pettigrew who was their secret keeper, and not Lord Black."
"That cannot be true, everyone knows it was Black..." started Fudge again, trying to get a word in.
"Everyone knows? Everyone knows? Are we or are we not the judicial branch of the government? Do we take dubious statements as fact in this body? The facts are stated in the will; Lord Black is innocent of betraying the Potters. Furthermore, the head of the Black family estate has declared in no uncertain terms that Sirius Black is innocent of the charges levied against him. He IS Lord Black. The Black Family magic has accepted him as its sovereign.
"But there is still there is still the murder of Pettigrew and the muggles who died by his hand. How about them?" Fudge tried again.
"Well Minister," she said contemptuously, "what do you think of getting the truth from the horse's mouth?"
"What do you mean? You cannot bring Black into this chamber; he is a danger to all members of the Council and must not be allowed before them."
"Cornelius, once again, would you please shut the hell up?" Griselda said in a voice that chilled his bones. "Amelia, I take it you've gone to Azkaban to fetch Sirius?"
Amelia almost lost her concentration it at that point, imagining in her mind playing fetch with the huge black grim that was Sirius' animagus form. "I have, Madam. He has consented to the administration of veritaserum, and has also declared he'd give oath on his life and magic should we require it as well."
"Bring him in, Amelia, and I believe the potion will do just fine. Anyone disagree? Except for you, Cornelius, my order to shut the hell up still stands."
Seeing no objection, Amelia signaled Tonks to bring in her cousin. Nym was shocked beyond belief at her first meeting her Uncle Sirius. He'd grown up with parents that had taken polar opposite views on the man, one who thought him evil incarnate, the other parent that saw him as a kind and generous man that put his family and godson above all things.
"You ready, Uncle Siri?" she said to the man who was lounging lazily on a comfortable wing backed chair. He looked better, although still emaciated.
"I suppose, might as well get this over with." he said lazily. "Are you going to be okay, Nym? I know seeing me is probably a shock to the system, and though I'd be disappointed and sad, I can certainly understand if you'd rather not get to know me again." he said sadly.
"I remember a man who laughed loudly, a man who lived his life for others, a man who loved his godson so much he didn't care if he looked foolish playing with a baby. I remember the man who hugged me and tickled me silly when I'd been teased at school, a man who taught me how to throw a punch. If it's okay, I'd like to get to know that man again?" she said with a smile.
"That man is still inside me, somewhere; hopefully you and Harry can help me find him again?
"Harry is going to love you, Sirius, you wait and see. But you better include Susan in anything you have planned for Harry, they won't be separated." she replied.
"I've heard. He's eleven, I just can't understand..."
"Later, okay, leave it until you've actually seen them together. Then we can talk. I've spent time with them both, not as much as Madam Bones or Longbottom, but enough time to see what they see. And so will you. Now, let's get you out of Azkaban for good. Disappointing Harry is on the top of my list of shit to never do!"
Tonks led Sirius, who was unfortunately once again handcuffed, into the grand chamber of the Council. He stood proudly before them, looking at each in every member in the eye before he bowed deeply to the congregated assembly.
"Sirius Orion Black, it is our understanding that you have consented to questioning under veritaserum. Do you do this of your own freewill and understanding that you may implicate yourself in the crimes that you've been accused of?"
"I do, Madam Chief Witch. Please, let us proceed. I have a godson I haven't seen in ten years and I'd really like to get to know him again."
"If you would administer the veritaserum please, Madam Bones?"
Amelia grabbed the potion bottle from her robes and administered the three drops to the tip of Sirius' tongue. Sirius eyes took on a glazed look and his head bobbed a little. For the next two hours, Sirius answered question after question regarding that horrible night. Fudge had even attempted to implicate him as a Death Eater, to which Sirius had laughed long and hard.
"Cornelius, how the Head of the Department of Magical Accidents became Minister for Magic is beyond me. Lucius and his minion must have thrown the gold around pretty liberally to accomplish that." said Sirius in his half drowsy state.
"Any further question from the assembly?" asked Lady Marchbanks.
"Just one, Madam Chief Witch, if I may?" asked Amelia.
"Of course, Amelia, go ahead please."
"Lord Black, who is your godson?"
"Well, from what I've heard, my godson is currently the best seeker that Hogwarts has seen in a hundred years and a ladies' man to boot!" he replied with a smirk.
"Lord Black..."
"Hm, oh, sorry...my godson is Harry James Potter." he said puffing out his chest in pride, his eyes shining with obvious affection.
The astonishment from the assembly was almost palpable. "Any further questions? No? Very well, we will take a short recess while we deliberate. Madam Bones, if you would please see to Lord Black?"
Amelia bowed her head in acknowledgment and walked up to Sirius. "You alright there, Sirius?"
"I'm fine, Madam Bones." he said coldly.
"I know it's a lot to ask, but I hope someday you'll be able to forgive me."
"I loved you, you know. Hell, I still love you! I would have broken into Hades to save you. How do you think it makes me feel that you'd not do the same?"
The tears that she'd been holding back finally came tumbling down her cheek. "I'd be pretty pissed, I guess."
"So tell me why I should forgive you?"
"Because I was young and foolish; an impressionable witch who'd just made Auror. A witch that believed that the great Albus Dumbledore could speak no lie and did not make mistakes; a witch that betrayed the only person who'd ever mattered to her who wasn't family. The only man I will ever love looks at me now with pain in his eyes and I can't help him heal because I was too afraid to help."
"You still love me?" he asked seriously.
"With all that I am."
"You still have it?"
"Have what?"
Sirius rolled his eyes, "the engagement ring, Ami?"
Amelia blushed a little, something she'd not done in many a year. She grabbed her wand and passed it over her left hand, revealing the ring to Sirius.
"You found it?"
"No Sirius, I never took it off. It hasn't been off this finger since you put it there." she said defiantly.
"That's my witch! However, I am still a little pissed at you. It may take me some time but I will get over myself and accept the fact that you made a mistake. However, if you ever..." Sirius found his words halted by the lips that had firmly attached themselves to his. "Merlin, I've missed those kisses!"
"Well, as I see it, I have ten years to make up for as far as the kissing goes. I'll see what I can do." she said with a smile before once again kissing him firmly.
"Hmm, hmm..." someone coughed behind them. "Lord Black, are you being accosted by the head of the DMLE? Would you care to press charges?" asked the bemused Lady Marchbanks.
"I don't know about charges, but I can certainly think of a couple of things I'd like her to press..."
"Sirius Black, don't you dare finish that sentence." yelled Amelia. Sirius just grinned at her wickedly.
"Take your place Amelia. The members will be rejoining us momentarily. I take it you know each other?" Amelia raised her left hand.
"I see. Well then congratulations you two, take it from me who's been around as long as I have, love is a wondrous thing, but it will wither on the vine if not tended to. Make sure you take the time to rebuild what has been lost all these years. It's been ten years; make sure you take the time to get to know one another again."
"We will, Madam Marchbanks, and thank you for the advice. I take it then that the verdict will be in our favor?"
"Yes, however you two may want to be careful. Cornelius will not let this go and may drag the full Wizengamot into it as he's more support there than here in the Council."
"Not to worry, ma'am, Augusta and I have a plan already in place. Cornelius may find himself out of a job sooner rather than later."
Griselda arched an eyebrow at Amelia, her eyes alive with delight. "Oh, goody, I detest that man and all supposedly stands for."
The assembly of Lords and Ladies quietly made their way back into the chamber, each of them glancing at Sirius with a mixture of shame and guilt.
"Lady Longbottom, how does the Council rule?"
"Madam Chief Witch, the assembled Council rules in favor of Lord Black. He is to be immediately released from his unjust imprisonment. A full page pardon will appear in the Daily Prophet giving a detailed explanation of the events that transpired that night and advising the wizarding community of your innocence. Lord Black, on behalf of the Council of Witches, we ask for forgiveness regarding your treatment. Go back to the world, Lord Black; go back to your life. And take my word for it, your godson is a handful and will need you back in his life." she finished with a wink at Sirius.
"This is not the end of this, Black. I will see you back in Azkaban, you mark my words." yelled Fudge from his seat.
"Minister Fudge, it has become quite apparent to House Longbottom that you are severely incompetent and unable to fulfill you duties as Minister. As such, House Longbottom withdraws all support from you and asks all our allied Houses to join with us in getting this man out of office."
"You can't do that, you pledged your support." he said horrified.
"Shut the hell up, Cornelius, I'm not done yet. As Regent of House Potter and with the full knowledge and backing of Lord Potter, House Potter withdraws all support from Minister Fudge and asks all allied Houses to join us." said Dame Longbottom.
"House Bones also withdraws its support from the Minister and asks all allied Houses to join us." said Amelia with an evil grin.
"Amelia, I thought we were friends, how could you do this?"
"Oh, heck this looks like fun, can I join in? I, Lord Sirius Orion Black, hereby rescind and withdraw all support from Minister Fudge. All vassal Houses to House Black will immediately withdraw their support from him or face the immediate calling in of all loans due House Black." laughed Sirius.
"You can't do this to me! I am the Minster for Magic!" pleaded the white faced soon to be former Minister.
"Not for long, Fudgie, not for long." retorted Sirius in amusement.
"Behave, Sirius, for once." whispered Amelia.
"Yes, dear! That was fun, can we do it again? I want to see if I can make his eye twitch like we used to do to Snivellus."
"Merlin, help me!" groaned Amelia.
OoOOooOOoo
"Is it at all possible for me to go a week without waking up in this damn place?" asked Harry aloud as he came to.
"Harry?" asked the voice of his girlfriend.
"Glasses please," he asked, "ah, there you are beautiful. Miss me?"
Susan tried not to laugh by rubbing her eyes with thumb and forefinger in a manner eerily suggestive of her Aunt when she got frustrated at something she'd done.
"It's a good thing you weren't in danger, or once again, I would be one seriously pissed off witch." Susan hugged Harry tightly. Pulling back a bit, she looked into his eyes and placed a tender kiss on his lips. "Feeling better?"
"Much." he said before a look of terror came over his face, "Hermione!"
"She's fine, Harry, she's in the bed right next to you. Come on, get up, Madam Pomfrey wants you walking around. Let's go check on our sis."
Harry, very carefully, rose from his bed and wrapped an arm around Susan's shoulder. Letting her lead, she led him to Hermione's bed. "Is she okay?"
"She'll be fine. She wouldn't take the sleeping draught until Madam Pomfrey checked on you. She calmed down once she knew you were okay."
"I imagine Madam Sprout will be here soon to yell at me?" he said warily.
"I doubt it, sweetie, you did a very good thing last night. The school is abuzz with curiosity at what happened last night."
"Great, that's all we need..." Harry groaned. "Neville and Hannah?"
"They went back to the dorm to get a quick shower; we'll see them at lunch in a bit. Madam Sprout had to literally drag us back to our rooms last night, none of us wanted to leave you two. Oh, and by the way, my Aunt is seriously pissed off."
"Should I start running now?" he asked.
"What? No, dummy, she's not mad at you. She's mad at Gryffindor and Dumbledore. Probably McGonagall too, she being Head of House and all; it's not going to be a pleasant week for any of them."
"Mr. Potter, it seems we meet again?" asked Madam Pomfrey with a smirk. "I thought we'd seen the last of each other, given the fact that the quidditch season is over."
"Well, I couldn't pass up another visit before the end of term, could I?"
"Cheeky bugger!" she said amusedly. "Just like your father. It's a good thing you're a good deal cuter than he ever was."
"Hey, now! That's my boyfriend you're talking about, ma'am."
"Quite right, dear; so, how are we this morning, Mr. Potter?"
"Fine, if a little tired still. But my energy seems to be coming back to me quickly."
"And we're sure that this is not an attempt to leave my tender mercies?"
"Tender?" he said with a grin.
"Scamp! Check on your friend, children, and then head down to breakfast. The DMLE is sure to show up, so expect some questioning regarding the events of last night."
"We will, ma'am. How is Hermione?"
"She'll be fine. I've taken care of all her external injuries. I will recommend she see a mind healer to help with the internal problems that may crop up after her ordeal. Oh, and since you're here already, make sure to take your nutrition potion before you leave."
"Will I ever be rid of those? They are really horrid!"
"Are you six feet tall yet?" asked the healer.
"No, why?"
"Because you will keep taking them until I say otherwise or your reach six feet, Mr. Potter. And if you don't I'll sic the Dame Longbottom and Miss Bones on you, are we clear?"
"Yes, ma'am, taking the potion right now!" he replied more than a little frightened.
"Harry?" called out a small voice.
"Hermione?" Harry asked as he quickly stepped up to Hermione's bed. Susan and Harry both reached out for their friend's hand, something that Hermione was grateful for, as it assured her that she'd not lost her friends.
"Looks like I owe you another one, Harry. Thank you."
"You owe me nothing. You're our friend. I'd do it again in a second, and don't you forget that." he replied honestly.
"We would, Hermione, all four of us will always be there for you." added Susan.
"Okay, kids, get yourselves to breakfast. Miss Granger here needs her rest; you may visit her again later in the day. Until then, out!" she said sternly.
"Yes, ma'am!" they replied. Giving Hermione a quick hug as they left, Susan and Harry headed down to the great hall. The atmosphere in the hall was subdued and very quiet, a most uncommon thing for a place that was usually loud and swarming with overactive kids. George and Fred both ambled over to the couple. "How's Hermione?" they asked.
"As well as could be expected, I suppose." answered Susan. "Madam Pomfrey has taken care of her injuries. She should be out of there this afternoon or later tonight. Harry, where's she going to stay, I don't want her going back to that place!"
"The rumor is that she's going to be resorted. Chances are she'll be a 'Puff or a 'Claw before the weekend is out." answered Fred.
"I hope she'll forgive us," added George. "We did all we could to get to her. We were terrified of what they had planned for her. I can't believe what some of those people did, makes me sick to be a Gryffindor!"
"I don't think Hermione has anything to forgive you guys for. From what we could see, those people had you guys well and truly bound and out of action. There would have been nothing either of you could've done. How are the two girls that were there next to you?" asked Harry.
"Parvati and Lavender? As far as we know, they're doing fine. They were in the infirmary right after you guys got there, Harry, though they did say that you were passed out. I'm sure when they work up the nerve they'll stop by and talk to you two. I think they were both a little intimidated by you, Harry, but very thankful that you showed up when you did."
Harry looked at the twins curiously, "Intimidated?"
"Well, yeah, you're Harry Potter, savior of damsels in distress, slayer of trolls..."
"I did nothing that special, anyone else would have done the same thing." he replied.
"Harry, I don't think more than a handful of people in the castle would have gone out of their way to help someone like you did." said Susan.
"That can't be true, can it? Besides, you , Nev, and Han were all with me."
Both the twins did their best to suppress the look of mild awe that they felt for this boy...young man that had gone all out to protect the defenseless. "Harry, mate, Sue's right, there was a common room full of people and no one did anything. Fred, let's get going, Mom and Dad are probably going to show up soon."
"Your parents are coming to school?" asked Harry.
The twins looked embarrassed and ashamed. "The one that started all this is our brother Ron. He was the one you blasted against the wall when you first came in. We don't know what's happening with him. George and I don't think we could have ever predicted him turning into such an asshole. Listen, we'll catch up later, we're going to head up to Dumbledore's office."
Hannah and Neville were waving at the couple, beckoning them to the 'Puff table. "How are you doing, Harry?
"Good, brother, just a little tired is all. But it gives me a good excuse to put my arm around Susan, so I'm not going to complain too much." said Harry as he shot a smile at his girl.
"Sorry, sweetie, but you don't need any excuses to do that. Come on, sit, get some food and eat. Madam Pomfrey was most explicit with me regarding your diet. And I for one do not want to disappoint her."
"Yes, ma'am!" he said as he loaded some food onto his plate. "Any news on what's happening to the people who were in on last night?"
"Nothing yet, even the gossip queen over here couldn't get anything out of anyone." said Neville.
"Hey now, I'm just the gossip princess for now, give me a couple of years and then I'll be queen. But he's right, the professors are all being rather tight lipped about last night's events. The guys you knocked out, Harry, haven't been seen in the castle all day. Sue, look!"
Susan looked toward the entrance of the great hall, and was not at all surprised to see her Aunt Amelia walk in with a group of Aurors. "Hey, Susan, we're headed up to the Headmasters office but I wanted to stop by and say hi to you and Harry." said Amelia as she wrapped her niece in a hug. "Harry, you did another brave thing last night. I have spoken to Hermione's parents and they wanted me to convey their gratitude to you. Neville, your Gran is very proud of you, and Hannah, so are your parents."
"Harry did all the work, we mostly just stood there and did what he told us." replied Hannah.
"Nevertheless, protecting someone from harm is to be commended." said Amelia proudly as she gazed at the four. "Okay you guys, we're headed to our meeting. I'll make sure to come and see you before I head out. Harry, Nym said to say hi, she's been here all night but couldn't get away to see you in the infirmary. I'll let her know you're alright. Oh, and Harry, you're going to be getting a visitor tomorrow."
"Who's coming to see me Aunt Amelia?" asked Harry.
"You'll see!" she said with a wink.
"Merlin, I'd love to be a fly on the wall of that meeting in the Headmasters office!" said Hannah.
OoOOooOOoo
Remus was pacing in front of the large fireplace in Longbottom Manor, nervous about seeing a man he'd thought betrayed them all those years ago. The mere thought of Sirius, even as recently as six months ago, filled him with vitriolic hate.
His thoughts turned to long ago passed school days, where four friends, brothers really, had left their mark on Hogwarts with their sometimes less than stellar activities. But he'd been proud of all of them as well, as they had also left their mark on the school as they'd all, well, three of them anyways, left with the top marks of the graduating class, bar one: the incomparable Lily Evans, who'd been so ahead of her peers that her academic marks would withstand decades before anyone would challenge them.
Ever since that fateful Halloween night, Remus had become a shadow of his former self. His career path as an Enchanter had been thrown to the wayside; he'd spent the next several years in an alcohol induced stupor, barely eking out a living in the muggle world. His life from that night held nothing but hate and anger. It had only been the intervention of Ted Tonks just a few months ago that had brought him back to himself. The fact that the one person he hated above all others was innocent of the death of those he considered family shamed him into sobriety. He'd spent the next several weeks recovering, emotionally and physically.
All of the good that had come to his life recently could all be attributed to a single source: the son of a man he considered a brother, the son of a woman he'd considered a sister, the little baby he'd held in his arms and rocked to sleep on many a night. He'd failed Harry up to this point, something that he swore to himself to never do again. He'd go happily to his death knowing he'd given his all to see Harry live the life that Jamie and Lily should have.
The happiest day, in recent memory, of Remus' life had been that extraordinary day that he'd spent with Harry. It took a while for the shy and timid boy to come out of his shell, but when Harry finally felt comfortable with him, the light in his eyes and the splendor of his laughter had repaired a large portion of the damage that had been done to his psyche over the years. He'd regaled him with hours upon hours of stories about his parents and Harry had soaked up like a sponge, reveling in every single detail about a mother and father he knew nothing about. Sirius and he would have to wait a few years before telling them some of the more interesting stories about his father and the mischief that the Marauders had gotten up to.
The roaring fire brought Remus back to the present, and when the thin and pale form of his brother stepped out of the fire, he let himself succumb to the emotions he'd been holding back for too many years. Tears streamed down his face, his chin dug into his chest, and his shoulders rocked from the sobs he was letting free.
"Are you crying?" asked Sirius.
"No..." replied Remus.
"'Cuz it sure as hell looks like you're crying."
"Well, okay, maybe a little. I'm allowed, aren't I?"
"Not if you want to hold on to your Marauder membership. If James only knew you were crying here like a little girl he'd beat the crap out of you."
"I betrayed you, Sirius, I betrayed all we stood for and turned my back on a brother! I turned my back on family."
"Moony, maybe you did but I bet you're not going to do that ever again; are you?"
Remus shook his head. "No, never again; family is all, right?"
"Remember what Prongs used to say? 'Brothers in all but blood.' Nothing has really changed except for the fact that I'm skinnier than broomstick and you're much more hairy than I remember. I'm back, and after spending all those years in Azkaban, I find that forgiving is actually much easier than hating. And I could never hate you, Moony. Although I should kick your ass for not getting Harry." he added seriously.
"In all of this, that is my deepest regret, the one thing that I'll never be able to forgive myself for. I should have told Albus to go fuck himself and taken Harry from him."
"The man did a lot for you over the years, Remus, more perhaps than most people ever would have for someone with your condition. I can see why you hold the man in high regard..."
"But he wasn't family and Harry was!"
"This anger Remus, this anger you're feeling, I want you to save it for when we can confront that meddling antique. Teddy showed me Harry's medical records and it was only Andi and Nym sitting on me that stopped me from charging out of there and murdering a couple of muggles. You know what brought me to reality? It was something that Teddy said: 'we've all let that young man down and it I now time for all of us, our family, to make sure that Harry has the life he deserves to have.'"
"Yeah...I can do that. Maybe we can visit Albus on a night with a full moon?" he joked.
Sirius barked out a laugh. "Now that's the Moony I remember!"
"Come, Lady Longbottom has set up a room for you. You and she are going to go see your godson tomorrow and it wouldn't do to look like an inferi."
"Are you saying I look like shit? Because I'll have you know that my fiancée thinks I look hot, and I'll trust her word above yours in regards to my rugged handsomeness!"
"Amelia?"
"Yeah, she's the one, Moony. She's always been the one. I did make her grovel for a bit though." he said with a wicked grin.
"You didn't? You're an asshole, you know that?"
"Hey, she pissed me off! She let me rot in that place for ten years; I thought a little bit of groveling was fair payment for that. She still scares the shit out of me though, so please, keep that to yourself." Padfoot's face clouded over. "It was two things that kept me sane in there, Moony. Harry and Amelia; I would have lost all hope and the will to live if I hadn't been able to keep them in my mind."
"Sirius..."
Sirius waved away his friends concern. "So, are you going to tell me about how awesome my godson is? Are you going to tell me he is the pranking king of Hogwarts? Are you going to tell me how he's the youngest seeker in a century? And how the fuck did he kill a troll?"
"Harry is..." started Remus, "Harry is the perfect combination of Prongs and Lily. He looks like James, but has almost none of his personality. I only got a chance to spend a few hours with him but I could tell right away that he's more Lily than James. He's a thinker, Sirius, and the loyalty he shows to those he considers family is rather awe inspiring. Oh, and the troll, he did that to defend his girl."
"And that's another thing, how in the name of Circe did he get a girlfriend as a firstie? It wasn't until third year that I could string a coherent sentence together when talking to a member of the opposite sex."
"Sirius, we both know that you've never been coherent." teased Moony.
"Shut it you! I was a ladies' man and you know it. It just took me a couple of years to find my groove."
"Your groove, you had a groove? Please, you were almost as bad as James."
"Hey, I was never like...okay, maybe I was a bit like James after all. However, I got my girl way before he got his!" he grumbled.
"Lord Black." said the aged voice of the Lady Longbottom.
Sirius quickly stood, and gave the woman a deep bow. "Dame Longbottom, I want to thank you..."
"Save it Sirius. I appreciate the sentiment and the fact that you're grateful but we've bigger issues ahead of us and it's going to take the combined efforts of all of us to see the wrongs done to Harry righted. I remember you from Hogwarts, Sirius, are you going to be that arrogant man-child of your youth, or are you going to man up and accept your responsibilities to your godson." she asked bitingly.
"Everything for Harry, ma'am; aside from Amelia, he will be my number one priority in life." he replied honestly.
"Yes, I've heard about you and Amelia. My congratulations, she's a fine and strong woman. Treat her well, or you'll have to deal with me. You understand?"
"Yes, ma'am, completely." gulped Sirius.
"Alright then, first off, we're both of us going to Hogwarts tomorrow to see Harry. He had another 'adventure' last night and all of Hogwarts is awash in gossip."
"What happened?" Remus asked.
"A young witch named Hermione Granger has become friendly with both my grandsons along with Susan and Hannah. Harry considers her family. She was accosted by members of her House and Harry rescued her. And before you ask anything further, that's all I know. Amelia was on her way to the school and just wanted to reassure me that they were all safe and sound."
"What the hell is going on in that school, Augusta?" yelled Sirius.
"That, Sirius, is one of the things we're both going to get to the bottom of. If I had my druthers, Harry and Neville would be long gone from Hogwarts. But neither of them wants that, and I for one would like to respect their decision in this matter." she cast a glance at Remus. "Did you tell him about Susan and Harry?"
"Madam Longbottom, it's not my place." answered Remus.
"For the love of Merlin, Remus, haven't we been over this already. You are family." she scolded.
"Uhm, sorry, Susan and Harry?" interjected Sirius.
"You saw them as children, did you not? What can you tell me about them as babies?"
"Well, they were really close. Hated being apart from each other, oh, and there was tons of accidental magic going on around them. I think Harry changed my hair to blue for a couple of weeks. Why?"
"When Amelia and I took Harry to see his account manager at Gringotts, it came to our attention that Harry had been set up in a marriage contract. Do you know anything about that?"
"No. Really, a betrothal? To whom?" asked Sirius.
"I thought you said he was bright?" she asked Remuis.
"Well, he has been in prison for a number of years. I'm sure that did nothing to help his already lacking mental acuity."
"Hey, now, no need for that!"
"A contract between Susan Bones and Harry Potter was set up a few months before both sets of parents were murdered, Sirius."
"Hold on a goddamn minute, Harry is engaged?"
OoOOooOOoo
A/N
Hey guys, thanks for reading! I wanted to get this chapter up sooner rather than later, as I'm off to a conference for a few days. Forgive any grammar and spelling mistakes, I'll try and take care of them in the future. I just didn't want to leave this story languishing for too long.