A/N I usually don't respond to reviews in the author notes but there have been several reviews pointing out that Harry would show the diary when it starts talking back and not make it into school. The diary will make it to Hogwarts and the chamber will be opened for two reasons. Reason one, Harry has been in the magical world for a little over a year. In a world with flying brooms, talking portraits, is it is not that much of a stretch to assume a diary can talk back to you. Unlike Ginny, no one ever told him not to trust things if you can't see where it keeps its brain. It's not like Riddle started out right away saying kill everyone. Second of all, if the diary were to be discovered in the 5th chapter that would make a pretty boring story for the rest of the year. Ok that's all again; I do not own any of the characters or make any money doing this.

Ch. 6

Susan sat at breakfast the next morning with her auntie eating a bowl of oatmeal. "Auntie, yesterday they announced that Gilderory Lockhart was going to be our new DADA teacher. How can they allow that ponce to teach? His books are complete rubbish."

"I know dear. Madam Longbottom and I were talking about it a week ago. You are not the only one who is not happy with his appointment. Apparently the new headmaster shares your views on his books but by the time he was hired, the Board of Governors already hired him and had his contract signed. Augusta says that without any type of proof of substandard teaching or blatant fabrications his hands are tied for now." Amelia paused for a second, "That being said, I have it on good authority that the new headmaster will be doing a full evaluation of all teachers and subjects the first month of school. Augusta says that one of his major goals is to return Hogwarts as the premier magical school in the world."
Susan smiled at the thought of some of her least favorite professors being held to the proper standard. "Maybe soon we can have a History of Magic teacher who doesn't put almost everyone asleep."

Amelia nodded and the two Bones women went back to eating their breakfast in companionable silence until Harry came into the kitchen.

"Good morning girls." Greeted Harry as he sat down and a bowl of oatmeal appeared in front of him. "Thank you Puck."

"Good morning Harry." Susan said and noticed that he was in his workout clothes. "Get an early start on exercising this morning?"

"Yup, I had one of the best night sleeps in my life. That new journal you got me was a big help. So when I woke up this morning I thought I would take a jog."

"I'm glad it helped" said Susan. Both Susan and Amelia smiled at the young man happy that he got some good sleep.

"Now that you're here Harry, we have some things to discuss" Amelia said. "I want you both to wear these at all times." She reached into her bag and brought out two necklaces. "These are special portkeys that Croaker cooked up for me. They have a few special properties too them. They are able to bring you safely to the manor at any time through any wards even Hogwarts. They also allow me to portkey directly to you. You activate them by saying 'Os Domus'." Both kids took the portkeys and put them around their necks. "Also, I have some good news. Working with Madam Longbottom, we will bring Sirius up for trial at the next meeting of the Wizengamot that is scheduled for the day before you two leave for school. If you would like, you both can attend in the visitor's gallery."

"That would be great Auntie" said Harry. "Thanks for arranging all that."

"We would love to go to the Wizengamot session." Susan looked over to Harry who nodded vigorously. "I know they usually are quite boring but this one should be fun. And besides, both Harry and I will inherit seats so we should start to learn the ropes."

"True, both of you should start to learn about your duties and responsibilities." Amelia paused, thinking. "Speaking of that, how about we go through your account documents and I can help you understand everything." For the rest of the day Amelia walked Harry and Susan through the basics of his accounts and went into depth about his holdings, investments, and an over view of estate management.

HC

The rest of the summer passed quickly for the four friends. They continued their routine of working on defense with Kingsley, Occlumency with Croaker and dividing the rest of their time between the three houses. When the book list came Susan was disappointed to see that indeed the DADA book was all of Lockhart's books. The four kids decided to only buy one set of the books between them and pass them around as needed. It only took Susan reading one book to realize that unless something happened this year's DADA class would be useless.

The last day of summer dawned and Susan woke up and got ready for their trip to the Wizengamot. Her auntie had told both kids they should both wear their formal robes with her family crest displayed prominently on her right breast of the robe. Amelia had explained that this was important since not only would this be their first time in the chamber but to start with a good impression for when they assumed their seats. When she was ready she met Harry and Amelia down stairs both wearing similar robes but with the Potter family crest on Harry's robe. After a light breakfast and conversation the three of them took the floo to the Ministry of Magic.

Upon arriving at the Ministry, the three walked through the security desk and the two kids checked their wands and received visitor's passes. They took the lift to the Wizengamot chambers and as they entered Susan saw as a small flight of paper airplanes fly into the lift with them and circled around the ceiling. Susan watched as Harry followed the planes with his eyes with a curious and amused expression on his face. Amelia noticed Harry's expression and explained. "Those are interdepartmental memos. This is a lot cleaner and quieter than owls." When the lift doors opened again they walked to the Wizengamot Chambers and entered through the visitor's door. Amelia saw the kids seated and left them to go prepare for the session. The kids got comfortable in their seats and started to chat between themselves.

"I hope everything goes as planned Suzy." whispered Harry.

"I'm sure it will. Auntie is pretty confident that between her and Madam Longbottom they should be able to get Sirius tried under Veritaserum."

"I know Suzy, and I have faith in Auntie, it's the people like Fudge and Malfoy I have no faith in." Susan nodded in agreement with him. At that moment, the last Wizengamot member took their seat and Chief Witch Longbottom banged her gavel bringing the meeting to order.

"Wizards and Witches of the Wizengamot, I call this meeting to order. As there is no outstanding old business to accomplish, and it has been brought to my attention that there is an important issue to be discussed by this august body, I move that we table the agenda for the meeting and move directly to this pressing issue."

Susan could see a few of the members looked intrigued at this. Madam Longbottom was known for her adherence to the Rules of Order and for her to go against the normal meeting agenda signified that this issue was important. After a second and a quick vote, it was agreed to suspend the normal meeting agenda in favor of hearing this new business.

"Thank you, I yield the floor to the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Lady Amelia Bones." With that, Madam Longbottom returned to her seat and Amelia stood up. Susan couldn't help but smile as her auntie stood to addressed the Wizengamot. She had sat and listened to her auntie rehearse what she would say for the last week and probably new the speech as well as she did.

"Wizards and witches of the Wizengamot, I come before you today in my capacity as the Head of The Department of Law Enforcement. During one of my routine evaluations of past crimes and their cases, it has come to my attention that a grave error in justice has been committed. A Head of a Noble and Ancient house has been incarcerated in Azkaban and denied his right to a fair trial."

Susan watched the members of the Wizengamot rose and voiced their displeasure at this. Susan saw that Fudge had gone pail and a women in a frilly pink cardigan that resembled a toad looked angrily at Amelia. The toad lady leaned over and whispered something in Fudge's ear and Fudge nodded vigorously. He stood up to address the Wizengamot.

"Madam Bones has done well to bring this to our attention; my administration will not stand by and let a prominent member of our society sit in prison. Madam Bones, can you give more details about this miscarriage of justice?"

"Thank you Minister and I am pleased to hear that you support rectifying this situation. This individual was arrested 11 years ago and sent directly to Azkaban Prison on the strength of one person's testimony we now know cannot be trusted. I move that we hold a trial for Sirius Orion Black."

The chamber erupted in shouts of outrage. The noise was so loud that specific things could not be heard. Susan was able to just make out that most people were in support of holding a trial for Sirius. To her surprise even the darker Pureblood members of the assembly seemed in support. She was sure that they would be the hardest to convince. When she pointed this out to Harry he leaned over and whispered in her ear.

"I don't think it is so much the person who is getting the trial or for what he allegedly did, I think they are more concerned that they might end up in the same situation. If something like this could happen to a family as old and as wealthy as the Blacks, it could happen to them too. They are looking out for their own self-interest in this. I think that's why Auntie presented her case like she did."

Susan nodded. "I think your right Harry. The only people who are not supporting this look to be some of Dumbledore's oldest supporters who still believe he is Merlin incarnate." Down on the floor of the chambers Fudge was having a hurried conference with the toad woman and Lucius Malfoy. All three looked to be rather flustered and trying to think quickly. "What do you think those three are talking about?" Susan asked pointed out the small group of three.

Harry leaned over and got a good look at the three in question. "Well, I don't know who the toad woman is but she looks, unpleasant. If I had to guess, I would say the blond man with the cane is Malfoy." Susan nodded. "Then I suppose they are trying to think of a way to cover this up or make it sure that Sirius never makes it to his trial. That's what Amelia was the most worried about in this whole plan." No soon had Harry said this then the three broke up and Fudge addressed the Wizengamot again.

"Madam Bones, I agree that Black should be given his trial. I propose that we set the date a month from today so we can take the necessary precautions to ensure the public's safety."

"Thank you Minister, but there will be no need to wait the month. When I discovered this injustice, I moved Black to a secure cell in the Ministry as is my rights as head of the DMLE. He has been under 24 hour surveillance by trusted Aurors. So with the approval of the Wizengamot, I move that we hold the trial at once." The look on Fudge's face was priceless. Susan watched as he stood their opening and closing his mouth trying to think of what to say. Madam Longbottom stood and called for a vote to hear the trial today. Unsurprising to Susan, the only three that did not vote for trial were Fudge, Malfoy and the toad woman.

Amelia made a signal to one of her Aurors standing at the door and she quickly stuck her head out and spoke to someone outside. A few minutes later, Kinglsey entered escorting a man who Susan could only guess was Sirius Black. He looked like a skeleton of the man that Susan had seen in Harry's photo album. His clothes resembling rags that hung off his emaciated and dirty body and his hair was long and matted. A chair was conjured in front of the Wizengamot benches with large chains wrapped around and when Sirius sat there the chains wrapped around him.

With Sirius secured in the chair Amelia stepped up to him. "Sirius Black, you have been brought here to face charges of fourteen counts of murder, two counts of accessory to murder, one count of accessory of attempted murder, and belonging to an illegal organization. How do you plead?"

"Not Guilty." Sirius responded in a stronger then expected voice. "I request the use of Veritaserum as is my right under Wizarding Law."

"Very well." Amelia responded and motioned to man from the Department of Mysteries who stepped forward and verified the potion was the correct one and administered three drops on Sirius's tong causing Sirius's eyes to glass over. He stepped back and gave a nod to Amelia.

"What is your name?"

"Sirius Orion Black."

"Were you the Potter's Secret Keeper?"

"No" loud gasps escaped from both the visitor's gallery and the Wizengamot benches.

"Who was the Secret Keeper?" Amelia continued.

"Peter Pettigrew. We switched knowing I would be the obvious choice and no one would suspect Peter."

"Who knew of the switch?"

"Albus Dumbledore and Lily and James Potter."

"Did you kill Peter Pettigrew?"

"No, I never fired a spell. Peter was the one to blow up the gas pipe and killed those people."

"Do you know what happened to Peter after he blew up the street?"

"No, I was thrown back in the blast and did not see what happened to him."

"Are you, or have you ever supported Lord Voldemort?"

"No."

"Thank you." Amelia turned to the Unspeakable. "Please administer the antidote."

With the antidote administer Sirius's eyes came back into focus and a smile played on his gaunt face.

"Thank you for your testimony Mr. Black." Amelia turned to the Wizengamot. "Chief Witch, I yield the floor back to you." Amelia returned to her seat and removed her monocle to polish it a small smile on her face.

"Thank you Madam Bones, Wizards and Witches of the Wizengamot, we have heard the testimony, it is now time to vote. All those in favor of exoneration please raise your hand." Everyone in the Wizengamot raised their hands, even Fudge and Malfoy though reluctantly. "Sirius Black, the Wizengamot finds you not guilty. Further, you are awarded the sum of 10,000 galleons for each year you were falsely incarcerated in Azkaban along with our apologies that it took so long to see justice done." Madam Longbottom banged her gavel and the chains fell from Sirius. He stood up and gave a loud yelp of excitement and headed for the door a free man. "I move that we take a 10 minute recess and then we can return to the agenda. I believe we are voting on Mr. Weasley's Muggle Protection act and will be receiving an update on his raids for dark objects." She banged her gavel again and everyone stood up.

Susan stood up and threw her arms around Harry who hugged her back just as fiercely. "Oh Harry, that wonderful. Sirius is free."

"I know it's great. I wonder what he will do now."

From behind them came a familiar voice, "Why don't you ask him yourself?" Susan and Harry turned around to see a smiling Amelia and a Sirius. "Come on you two, Kingsley is going to take you all back to the Manor. I will probably be home around 5 for dinner. I have a feeling this Muggle Protection Act is going to be a lot harder to pull off then Sirius's trial so I will probably be here awhile."

"Ok Auntie. We'll see you when we get home" said Susan. Amelia turned and left and leaving them alone with Sirius.

Susan watched as both Harry and Sirius looked at each other nervously neither of them wanting to take the first step. Rolling her eyes at her shy friend she took matters into her own hands. "Hello Mr. Black, I'm Susan Bones. Amelia is my Auntie and our guardian. It's nice to meet you." She stuck her hand out and shook Sirius's hand.

He smiled at her and shook her hand back. "It is a pleasure Miss Bones, but please call me Sirius or Padfoot. All my friends do."

Harry finally seemed to come around as he also stuck his hand out. "Hi Sirius, I'm Harry, I'm glad to finally meet you."

Sirius shook Harry's hand back. "Hello again Harry, I look forward to getting to know you. Shall we head back kids?"

The two kids nodded and together with Sirius and Kingsley they made their way back to the house. The rest of the afternoon was spent getting to know each other. Harry told Sirius how he ended up coming to live with the Bones and about their first year at Hogwarts. He seemed surprised to find that Harry was in Hufflepuff instead of Gryffindor. Susan scowled at Sirius for the perceived insult to their house. He must have noticed the look on her face and quickly moved to clarify.

"I'm not saying anything against Hufflepuff, I know it's a great house with lots of wonderful witches and wizards, I was just surprised is all."

Susan nodded slightly mollified at this. Dinner was wonderful with Puck pulling out all the stops celebrating both Sirius's release and the last night of term. Conversation around the table was light and revolved around more getting to know each other. Sirius knew Amelia from before while he worked as an Auror with James and they were friends before being thrown in jail and Susan was happy to see the friendship picked up almost right where it had left off. After desert was served Sirius stood up to say something.

"First of all, I would like to thank you for all you did to get me out of Azkaban. Second, Harry, as you know, James and Lily made me your godfather. I was supposed to look after you if anything happened to them. If I hadn't been stupid and let Hagrid take you to Dumbledore and not gone after the rat, life could have been so much different. Saying that, I can tell that you are happy here and this is a good place for you. I have no intention to change the way things are. I just want to be a part of your life."

Harry got up from his seat and gave Sirius a hug. "It's not your fault Padfoot. We all trusted Dumbledore to do what was right. I'm glad you're here now and hope you will be a big part of my life."

Susan smiled at her friend as he said this with tears in her eyes. She was relieved that Harry wouldn't be leaving them. She had feared that with his godfather free he would not want to live with them anymore. The two men sat back down in their seats and resumed eating their desert.

"Sirius," Amelia started, "you were in Azkaban for almost 11 years. How is it you are still sane? Or at least not any more crazy then you were before."

Sirius chuckled at the small joke. "Well as to that, I think the big reason was that I knew I was innocent. The dementors suck all happy thoughts out of but since that wasn't a happy thought, they couldn't take it away. Also, I do have a small confession to make." Sirius disappeared from view and was replaced by a large black dog. After walking around the table and licking Harry's face he changed back. "James, Peter and I all were Unregister Animagi. I was a dog, James was a stag, and Peter was a rat. We should have taken that as a sign right away. Dementors don't see and while in my dog form, their effect seemed less, so when the depression got too much I would change and find some relief."

Amelia nodded. "Well, as the head of the DMLE, I request that you register at your earliest convenience. Come see me to my office and I will issue you your formal fine. So do you think Peter is still alive?"

"I suspect so. If I would to hazard a guess, when Peter blew up the street he then transformed into his rat form and escaped into the sewers. Where he is now is anybody's guess."

"According to the reports, all that was left was a finger so we can assume that he cut off his fingers and fled. So we will have to be on the lookout for a rat missing a few toes. Changing the subject, Even though you made it through Azkaban with your sanity intact, I still took the liberty of making you a reservation at a special recovery resort in the Canary Islands. It will have sun, soft beds, good food, and professionals to talk to and time to recover. The program lasts about four months but by the time it is over; they say you will be good as new."

"Thank you Amelia, that sounds wonderful. I would like to try to get back in contact with some of the old crowd also and what little family I have left that I was on good terms with manly my cousin Andromeda Tonks. Have you heard from Lupin?"

Susan saw a scowl briefly cross her aunt's face. "No I have seen no hide or hair of Lupin. I have a few questions I would like to ask Remus. As for the Tonks, I know that their daughter was just accepted to the Auror Academy. Her name is Nymphadora I think. The kids met her last year and she seems like a nice young woman." Sirius seemed taken aback by Amelia's response but looked like he decided to drop the subject. Amelia looked at her watch. "Ok kids, head to your room and finish packing. I don't want to be late tomorrow." The kids got up and headed up to their rooms. Susan finished packing the last of her things and laid out her clothes for tomorrow. She crawled into her bed and went to sleep ready to start her second year at Hogwarts.