Posted: 8 March, 2010
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this story that is recognisable from the Harry Potter books, movies, etc. Everything else however (eg. story plot, original characters, etc.) stems from my own imagination and belongs to me. No copyright infringement is intended and I am not profiting financially from this story in any way.
Chapter 9 - Decision Making
Tuesday, 28 January, 1992
When the news about Sirius Black broke it was the most talked about topic both in school and the wizarding world at large. The news that an innocent had been sent to Azkaban had stirred up thoughts of 'what if that had been me' or 'could that happen to someone I love' in most people's minds. So, understandably, most were horrified at what had happened.
A week later, the furore had begun to die down a little. That quickly changed however, when none other than Amelia Bones herself, along with three very official looking individuals, had appeared at the doors of the Great Hall during breakfast.
The group headed immediately for the head table where Amelia Bones had a whispered conversation with Dumbledore and both glanced in the direction of the Gryffindors. They nodded and the four exited to the chamber adjoining the Great Hall. Dumbledore then murmured something to McGonagall before standing to follow Bones' group whilst the deputy headmistress descended to the Gryffindor table, coming to a stop behind Harry.
"Mr Potter," she said quietly, but in the sudden silence of the room her voice carried to all present, "if you've finished your breakfast, could you please follow me? You'll be excused for any class time you miss."
Harry nodded amidst the sea of whispers, asked Neville to take notes for him in Herbology, and rose to his feet. He followed McGonagall past the head table and exited the hall through the same door that the others had previously taken
"Ah Harry," Dumbledore greeted as the door closed behind the boy, "please take a seat."
He obeyed, sitting down in the seat indicated, noting as he did the positions of everyone in the room. Dumbledore and Bones were seated opposite him, whilst the three strangers stood off to the side, and McGonagall stood beside his own seat.
"What's this about sir?" he asked.
"Introductions first I think my boy. This is Madam Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"Nice to meet you Madam."
"And you as well Mr Potter," Bones greeted, not realising she was in the presence of her mysterious informant.
"And these three," Dumbledore added, gesturing toward a curly-haired witch, "are Lana Ward, head of the DMCF-"
"DMCF?" Harry asked.
"The Department of Magical Children and Families," he explained and Harry nodded. "And the other two are Healer Gavin Bennington," he indicated a grey haired wizard with round pince-nez spectacles, "and Law-Wizard Alfred Parker," a handsome wizard with piercing, dark blue eyes.
"Hello," he said, nodding at the three who gave greetings in return.
"Now as to what this is about … Madame Bones if you will?"
"Of course. Have you kept abreast of the news recently Mr Potter? Specifically, the release of Sirius Black."
He nodded. "I've read the Prophet. I know that he was innocent."
"Well Mr Potter, in compensation negotiations, Mr Black made a certain request …" She looked toward Law-Wizard Parker. "Alfred?"
"You see Mr Potter," the man said, staring at him intently, "when you were born, your parents named Mr Black your godfather. It was their wish that should something happen to them, you were to be raised by him. Now obviously due to circumstances, that didn't happen. But now that he's free, Mr Black wishes to respect James and Lily Potter's final wishes and take custody of you. As his official Law-Wizard, I'm here to see that done."
Harry blinked, struggling to look surprised as he glanced around the room. Most of the adults seemed to be staring at him expectantly, awaiting his reaction. He noted however that Dumbledore looked faintly worried, though the emotion was well hidden. Likely the man was thinking of the blood wards, and what would happen to Harry's protection if he ceased living with the Dursleys. The only other strange reaction was with Healer Bennington. He seemed to be struggling to remain silent. Sure enough, after a moment he burst out loud.
"I really must object, Madam Bones! As I've told you, Azkaban was not kind to Mr Black. He has been damaged physically, mentally and magically. He needs time to recover, and the responsibility of raising a child would be an unneeded stress."
"Your own report specifically stated that my client has show remarkable resiliency to the mental effects of Dementors," Parker countered. "All Mr Black wants is to be able to take care of his godson, as is his legal right."
"And I'm telling you," Bennington said stridently, "that I don't think he's up to such stress. No matter how impressive his condition is under the circumstances. Mr Black is receiving medical treatment as we speak, but has been so focussed on his godson that he's refused to make time for vital mind-healing."
"Perhaps rather than continue your bickering gentlewizards," Lana Ward interjected archly, "we should ask Mr Potter his opinion. This affects him the most after all."
As all eyes turned to him, Harry bit his lip nervously. This was actually something he'd considered, since turning in Pettigrew. On the one hand finally living with Sirius would be like a dream come true. It was something he'd wanted desperately the first time around, but had been made impossible when he'd lost his godfather so cruelly. On the other hand there were things he needed the freedom to do; places he needed to be able to travel to without restraint. He wasn't sure how Sirius would feel about that. He thought if he explained it all the man would understand, but really, he couldn't afford the risk that he didn't. Added to that, hearing Healer Bennington talk, he really felt it would be best for Sirius to seek the help that was being offered. And so, gathering his thoughts, he made a decision.
"I think," he said, at first hesitant but gaining strength as he explained his idea, "that Azkaban was a horrible place, and there's no way Mr Black could have made it through unscathed – physically, mentally, magically, as the healer said. But he's my godfather, and I want to live with him. I really, really do. So the best compromise I can think of is this: someone convinces him to have that mind-healing. He starts on that right away, and come summer holidays, I'll have day visits with him. At Christmas I'll spend a couple of full days with him, maybe from Christmas Eve through Boxing Day. And hopefully, by the time the next summer holidays come around, he'll be healed enough to look after me full time."
He looked around at the adults present, gauging their reactions. Dumbledore looked less worried, no doubt at knowing Harry didn't plan to leave his relatives permanently just yet. McGonagall was staring at him proudly, likely due to his mature, thought out decision. Healer Bennington looked reluctantly approving of the idea. Bones was nodding but casting glances at Parker, and he got the feeling she was just waiting for him to object. He looked at the last man himself, wondering if he would. But all he did was nod and say, "Okay."
"Okay?" Bones asked, adjusting her monocle in surprise. "Just like that?"
"Just like that," he said easily.
"But I know you Alfred. You're like a dog with a bone when it comes to your job. You don't just give up."
"My client made clear that his godson's wishes were of the utmost importance in this matter. And since Mr Potter seems set in his decision, it is my job to support it."
"Well," Dumbledore said, breaking the silence that followed, "that is wonderful news. Are we all in agreement then?"
"Lara?" Bones asked. "DMCF will support the placement?"
"Under these conditions," the woman said, "yes, I believe we will."
"Then it'll be done."
Reviews make me happy (hint, hint).