Harry stood stock still at the tone of the man's voice. He had never heard his name uttered with such a tone of love – at least not in his memory. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall had expressed friendliness and even affection, but it was nothing like what he heard at that moment.

Professor Dumbledore finally broke the spell. "Sirius Orion Black, I would like to reintroduce to you your godson, Harry James Potter. Harry, I would like to introduce one of your father's best friends and your godfather, Sirius Black."

The two moved toward each other slowly until they were only a short distance away. The man looked at Harry and said, "Hello, Harry. I am your Godfather." Who initiated the embrace was uncertain, but neither protested.

After a long minute, Sirius moved back while gripping Harry's shoulder. Harry finally answered, "Hello, Mr. Black – I'm Harry."

Sirius tut-tutted at this, "Forget Mr. Black. If things were different you'd be calling me by my name or by Padfoot or even Uncle Sirius. Let me get a look at you!"

Sirius finally finished inspecting Harry. As Sirius led Harry over to the bed so that both could sit next to each other he said, "Well, you're a bit skinnier than I expected but you look good! What brings you here?"

Albus answered before Harry could, "Professor McGonagall and I delivered young Harry's letter today and are reintroducing him to the Magical world."

Sirius looked excited, "I want to hear about that! First, let me introduce you to another one of your parents' friends. Harry, this is Remus Lupin. He, your father, and I were fast friends at Hogwarts."

The man who had been sitting had stood up. He reached his hand out and said, "Hello, Harry. I am Remus. You can called me Remus or Moony or Uncle Remus. I'm not fussed about it either."

Harry basked in the familial relationship that the others in the room projected. He had never really felt he had a proper family before.

Sirius finally said, "Now tell me about your introduction!"

Albus, Minerva, and Harry all took turns explaining their introduction. Sirius was overjoyed to hear that the introduction went well, as well as furious at Harry's treatment at his Aunt's home. He was relieved that Harry had not suffered worse physically and saddened by the apparent lack of love. Remus had also reacted poorly to the description of Harry's circumstances – Sirius had to convince him that they both would ensure proper behaviour by the Dursleys in the future.

Finally, Harry asked the question he had been holding on to. "Sirius, Professor Dumbledore told me you had been framed and put in prison. He also said you were recently proven innocent. He wouldn't give me details until you were there. So, can you tell me?"

The adults all agreed to supply their parts of the stories.

(A/N: WARNING – Change in format - only for some parts. I promise to avoid it in the future)

(Sirius Speaking)

When your parents were killed I admit I went a little mad. Me and Prongs … Oh, Prongs was your father. Why that is – well that will come up in a bit. Anyway, me and Prongs had come up with a plan to prank the Dark Idiot. Yeah – Voldemort. Never called him a Lord cause I never heard of him getting a peerage. Some old families call themselves Noble, implying that they are 'Lords and Ladies' but Wizards gave up titles of Nobility when we separated from the Muggle world.

Mundane? Sure. Sounds a lot less stupid. Anyway …

As I was saying, some families still call themselves Noble – even my family – because they HAD titles but it's not really polite to say. Your family? Not certain. Possible, but not likely – I think the Potters were a merchant family. Anyway, so I never agreed to call the Dark Dingus Lord.

So, me and Prongs decided to prank the Dark Not a Lord. Your parents went under a Fidelius. ... Spell to keep a place secret, except by one person who can say called the Secret Keeper. James asked me, but I was too obvious. We decided to change to another friend. I was going to act like I knew and draw fire away.

If they went after me and left you alone? Totally worth it.

We decided to make Peter the Secret Keeper. Unfortunately, we knew there was a traitor because too many were getting killed. Moony has a condition and unfortunately he had to spend too much time dealing with people most consider Dark – even if they aren't. We couldn't use him just in case he leaked – and the traitor kept pushing that Moony could be the traitor. Turns out to be exactly wrong – Moony would have been the best.

It's his story to tell.

Anyway, here I was trying to make noise elsewhere and suddenly I had a bad feeling. I went to check on Prongs and Lily and found them dead and you with the cut on your head still alive. Dark Idiot's cloak was there but no Dark Idiot. I was, as I said, a bit mad from grief. I realized that Peter must have been the traitor. Wanted to kill him but I had to get you to safety. I knew that the Magical surge must have been detected by the Ministry. They watch for improper use of magic and this was big.

At that point, Hagrid came up sent by Dumbledore to check on the family and to get you to safety if it looked bad. Hagrid was a solution to the problem of making sure you were safe.

Hagrid? He works at Hogwarts. Been there forever. Totally loyal to Dumbledore. ... Fine, PROFESSOR Dumbeldore. You sound like your Mum… Thank you, Albus … totally loyal to Albus. Hagrid loved your Mum and Dad and you. You'll meet him soon.

Hagrid was told by Albus to take you to him to make sure you were safe if things were as they seemed – and they were. I did wonder why Dumbledore had assumed but never found out. You'll tell us soon but later? I can live with that.

Anyway, I gave Hagrid you and my motorbike to make sure he got away as fast as possible…. You remember that? You have a good memory!

After I saw him safely away, I decided to go Rat-hunting. I magically chased the worthless traitor all over England and Scotland, popping here and there. When he had exhausted himself finally, I had him cornered. I was about to hex him when he did something extremely unexpected: In front of witnesses, he accused me of betraying Lily and James. He then sent a spell. I put up a shield but the spell wasn't at me, it was at something which caused an explosion. I saw him cut his finger off and then he turned in to a rat.

He was an animagus, a person who could turn in to an animal. He was a rat. I'm a dog. Your father was a stag. Thus Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs. I probably shouldn't but … PLEAAAAAAASE, Minnie?

Maybe when you're older. And no that doesn't mean "No, Shut up." When you know me, you'll find I'm not the type to say that.

Moony has something else – if he wants to say later, he has to tell you himself. ... Wow. A goat? That IS pretty useless.

SORRY, SORRY. You ARE just like your Mum. She would have hexed me.

Anyway, so the traitor looked like he blew up after accusing me of treachery. I was just shocked. I was completely shocked. All I could do was laugh because I couldn't believe that the sniveling bastard … okay, okay, Sorry Minnie. She's just like a mother … the sniveling git had gotten one over on me.

So there I am standing laughing and the Aurors show up … Dark wizard catchers … I'm alone, the git is gone and I look guilty. The Boss decided I was guilty and sent me to Azkaban immediately. No trial. No questioning.

It WAS crazy and wrong. He was trying to make himself look good. Didn't help that his son was found out to be a Death Eater soon after. … followers of the Dark Idiot …

So, there I am in the worst place in the world … Maybe Albus can explain … yeah Dementors, they suck all the happy thoughts out of you and can suck out your soul … I wasn't guilty. It wasn't a happy thought, so I could hold on to it. Also turning in to Padfoot meant that the effects were blunted.

So, I'm sitting there and I don't know how long it's been. Time gets away from you in that place. And suddenly, one day, a couple of Aurors show up and tell me I'm getting a trial. Let me tell you, I was a bit surprised. I'll let Albus tell you the rest.

(Albus)

Recently I was reminiscing on all of the errors that had been made in the last decades, especially my errors. I am a man like any other and make mistakes. No one is perfect. This is one reason you must always use your own reason and logic to make decisions, not blindly follow anyone – even me.

As I did so, I thought of you and the others your age who were children of those that were lost in the conflict against Voldemort. … Really, Minerva, it is just a name. If it makes you uncomfortable, I shall refer to him as Tom as that is his name. … In recollecting, I remembered suddenly that Sirius here was your Godfather and I was lamenting that you had not grown knowing your parents. It struck me then that I did not recall the trial for young Sirius. … When you get to be my age, anyone under a hundred years can be considered young. …

I also recalled another who had not received a trial and decided to use my political influence as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot to ensure proper procedure. … The body that decided the laws and acts as the judiciary for Magical Britain. … I apprised an ally of the circumstances and at the beginning of the summer sessions she, as I asked, brought up the other man's situation. … I knew of his innocence and I deemed it more urgent. Sirius was to come as I also took steps there.

When your parents died there was much confusion, as we discussed earlier today. To prevent exploitation and to protect from Tom's uncaught followers, I sealed your parents' wills and placed you with your mother's blood, allowing me to enact protections against other Wizards, especially Tom and his followers.

One aspect is a mild Confundus Charm which causes others to not notice if anything strange is happening at your home. Unfortunately, this progressed to no one particularly paying attention to you and the things that were not right at your home, and for this I accept full responsibility. It was my error and my error alone and I humbly apologize.

Thank you, Harry. You are very generous to this tired old man.

Yes, I am quite old. I just turned 110 years June 14th last. … Thank you. You shall achieve 11 years in nine days, correct? I am certain that by then young Sirius and young Remus will be available to celebrate.

As I said, the first step was unsealing the Last Will of your parents. With witnesses, I did so and found a codicil which seemed to call into question Sirius's guilt. I directed Amelia Bones, Director of Magical Law Enforcement to investigate. The Minister, ever a politician, allowed his Deputy to attempt to derail or tone down the investigation as it would reflect badly on the Minister's Office, even if it was Minister Fudge's predecessor's error and not his own. However, Director Bones is not one to allow the Law to be so casually cast aside.

Within a week, she was ready to proceed.

(END OF FIRST PERSON NARRATIVE)

Flashback Begin

Albus Dumbledore called out, "As Chief Warlock, I hereby open the day's session. For the first two items on the agenda, I call Amelia Bones, Director of Magical Law Enforcement." He then sat down.

"Minister, Chief Warlock, Fellow Wizengamot members. First I submit a report from the Auror's Department as regards the investigation of Rubeus Hagrid in the death of Myrtle Malone on 13 June 1943. Mr. Hagrid was accused by a fellow student and the Headmaster at the time expelled him and had his wand snapped. There was no trial, nor investigation by the Council of Magical Law.

"In reviewing this case, the only proof was a report by the then Head Student, Tom Marvolo Riddle, that Hagrid had kept a creature which was suspected as being the cause of the death. The creature, an Acromantula, escaped to the Forbidden Forest. With no evidence of actual foul play, there was no action by the Ministry of Magic beyond the snapping of Mr. Hagrid's wand."

Suddenly, a sound was heard by the Wizengamot. "Hmm. Hmmm."

All turned toward the chairs containing representatives from the Minister's office. Dolores Umbridge was wearing Wizengamot robes with a hideous pink Cardigan below it in evidence by the collar. "It seems the matter was resolved. The girl was killed by the creature that was introduced by Rubeus Hagrid. It seems a just action."

At this Madame Bones disagreed. "Several facts actually indicate otherwise. First of all, Ms. Malone was not marked by any marks or bites from any venomous creature. Second of all, the accusing student led the teachers directly to Mr. Hagrid. The suspect creature was locked away in a magical trunk and not loose. Third of all, the accusations were made by a person who was later determined to be a Dark wizard."

Chatter was heard. "A Dark wizard? Head boy? Why are we not more familiar with this Riddle boy? I am certain someone would have heard of him had he been a Dark wizard!" The Toad looked pleased with her argument.

At this, Amelia Bones had a somewhat satisfied look. "You have all heard of him."

The Minister, getting frustrated with the matter as it was so old and wasn't particularly a help to him politically, interrupted. "I am certain that none of us have heard of this 'Tom Riddle' you mention."

At this Madame Bones said, "Chief Warlock? Can you explain this person?"

Albus nodded as he stood. "Tom Marvolo Riddle graduated in 1945 and shortly thereafter disappeared. He had the highest grades for NEWTs that had been seen in many years. Many expected him to achieve great things, perhaps even become Minister; surprising at the time as he was a Halfblood orphan."

The Undersecretary made a derisive noise. "Obviously many were deluded that such a person could become Minister of Magic."

Albus looked at the woman, wanting to hex her for the beliefs she so espoused. Instead he continued his explanation: "It would seem that he agreed it was unrealistic. After a short time working in Knockturn Alley, he disappeared. He appeared again a number of years later with the much better known name 'Lord Voldemort.'"

There were many voices raging in the chamber. The Minister was brought up short. The information passed on was explosive. He wanted to make sure it never saw the light of day.

Madame Umbridge was furious. She was not stupid. Accusing that dirty creature of a Caretaker of being in league with the "Dark wizard" would now not be an effective tactic. Everyone knew that the large Groundskeeper at Hogwarts hated the Dark Lord and followed Albus Dumbledore in all things.

Many members were shocked at the knowledge that the Dark Lord was a Halfblood and not a Pureblood. The ones who had aligned with him did not want this known because they would then have the stigma of following a Halfblood. Those who hated him were prepared to disseminate this information far and wide. Somehow.

Finally, Augusta Longbottom stood up. "For one, I would question anything ever claimed by that evil creature. It is obvious that an injustice was committed! I move that the expulsion of Rubeus Hagrid be cleared from his record. I also move that the Ministry cover the cost of reparations including his getting a new wand and getting educated on what he missed because of it." Amelia and Augusta were known as being fairly friendly with each other.

Minster Fudge objected. "The Ministry was not at fault! It was Hogwarts that snapped his wand!"

Amelia shook her head. "However, it is the Ministry which prevented him from seeking education elsewhere. As a result, he has lost 46 years worth of whatever he would have made versus what he does make. SOME reparation is in order."

Amelia knew that as soon as the facts were known, the Wizengamot could not afford to refuse – it would look like they supported Voldemort and that was political suicide at present. In the end, an agreement for the Board of Governors to cover the cost of the wand and the Ministry to cover the cost of education and 50,000 galleons was reached. It could have been much more as it was likely that he had lost 240,000 in the course of 46 years.

When the matter was concluded, Madame Bones brought up the second point.

"In recent investigations by the Department of Magical Law enforcement, we found that basic procedures were not followed after the arrest and imprisonment of a Wizard following the disappearance of He-Who-Must … Tom Marvolo Riddle." There was a small, uncomfortable stir at the blatant use of the name to refer to the Dark Lord. "Although many trials and investigations were completed as regards Death Eater activity, there was a single wizard sentenced to Azkaban without such being done. I would like to rectify that."

The Wizengamot saw a lot of shouts and questions being asked. It took several minutes for order to be restored.

Finally, one of the Witches on the panel asked, "What was the name of the wizard?"

"Sirius Black."

Loud protests were heard in the chamber. One of the most vociferous was Barty Crouch – who had sent Sirius Black to prison originally.

Crouch yelled, "I object! Black was caught at the scene talking loudly of his guilt! He was You-Know-Who's greatest Lieutenant!"

Amelia Bones took on a very stern look. "Actually, the investigation did not bear that conclusion out. No Death Eater named him. He carried no Dark Mark. And his statement according to the file, 'I killed Lily and James,' is not a confession as all know that their killer was Tom Marvolo Riddle."

"He was obviously guilty and admitting his place in telling He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named!"

Amelia shook her head. "Unless I get proof, I do not know that."

Another Wizard attempted to rise and interject, but the Minister of Magic interrupted. Lucius Malfoy had quietly been whispering directions. Minister Fudge would not want to disappoint his advisor. "Before we continue this, I move that the investigation be submitted to the Wizengamot so that we can determine the validity of questioning Black's imprisonment." No one missed Lucius Malfoy's satisfaction.

Albus Dumbledore interrupted before anyone could second it. "As a point, the Motion for Director Bones to submit her report is redundant – as she is in process of doing so and still has the floor. Madame Bones, pray continue."

Amelia Bones' face now took on a look of satisfaction while Lucius Malfoy's was a study in the attempt to use a mask to cover rage. Minister Fudge's face was worried.

"As I was about to report, evidence has come to light which casts doubt on the conclusion that Black was guilty. Regardless, as Director of Magical Law Enforcement I am bringing the matter here for inquest or trial."

Umbridge was heard to clear her throat. "Hmm. Hmmm. We cannot proceed to trial as the witnesses are not present and the Wizengamot has not been presented a report. I move that …."

Augusta Longbottom, who really hated Madam Pink Toad, stood up quickly. "OBJECTION! The floor is held by Director Bones! She IS PRESENTING her report! Making any motion before we hear the full report is premature. Once again, Madam Umbridge, if you feel that the business of the Wizengamot is a poor use of your time – feel free to depart!"

The earlier statement by Augusta Longbottom of same had opened the door to the image of Madam Umbrige as a waste of time. Subsequent actions she had taken with other staff at the Ministry only reinforced the idea. She was slowly losing clout and did not like it.

Amelia with some amusement added, "We have all witnesses, evidence, and the defendant ready. I know of no reason for it to be put off."

Albus stood, "We have a motion to proceed to inquest and trial." Before he could continue on and before those who opposed it could object, Augusta Longbottom yelled, "SECONDED!"

The Chief Warlock chuckled. "As the next part it now moot, I cede the floor to Director Bones. There will be a fifteen minute recess for the parties and evidence to be brought in to the room and for members to refresh themselves as necessary."

Lucius began to stand up. Those who knew of families and money knew that his son was currently in line to inherit and this trial could derail that. Before he could do anything to prevent it, several Aurors at Madame Bones' direction moved a gaunt, dirty man to the chamber where witnesses were to wait until called. Another DMLE member carried several small files. That member was guarded by two Aurors. The DMLE member placed the files directly on the small table in front of Madame Bones and then left. The two Aurors stayed.

Lucius had taken on a furious look, as though thwarted in some great thing. Many observing him knew that he was not happy with the day's events. Lucius still moved to speak quietly to other members of the Wizengamot.

None of the other members he spoke to particularly wanted to run afoul of Madam Bones apparently as none seemed particularly happy to listen to his comments.

When the recess was ended, Madame Bones began. "Arculus Craftage is the DMLE member who has agreed to aid me. He will read the information I ask for in to the record." She addressed her employee.

"Mr. Craftage, please read the on site report which describes the capture of Sirius Black."

"There is the statement in which he is caught after an explosion. He was caught saying 'I killed James and Lily' and that was all."

"What else is there, Mr. Craftage?"

"The only other thing that is contained within the file for Sirius Black is an order sending him to Azkaban."

"No notes? No reason? No investigation?"

"No, Madam Bones."

"What charges was he incarcerated for?"

"There is no record that he was ever charged."

Amelia nodded. "Are there any reports from the Obliviators for the night that Sirius Black was questioned?"

Craftage pulled a sheet. "The report states that five surviving Muggles were present when the explosion occurred. All were charmed to believe it was a gas explosion and then sent on their way."

"Is there any information that they gave which was entered in to the report?"

"No, Director. Just a note that they were obliviated and sent on their way."

"Thank you, Mr. Craftage." She turned toward the Chief Warlock. "The only officer on duty that night that is still available is Alastor Moody. I interviewed him to find out his recollection."

"Mr. Craftage, please read the interview summary for Alastor Moody, dated 5 July 1991."

The man pulled another sheet. "The interview was conducted by Amelia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It indicates that the witness was cooperative. When asked about the night in question, the witness stated that he was not on that case and so could not offer any testimony. The other Aurors in the field that he named are both since deceased. All other Aurors on duty are recorded as having been in the Ministry that night."

"Is there any other comments from the witness?"

"Just one: Black was one of his trainees and he never had any sign he was a Dark Wizard."

"Thank you. Please pass the file with the Last Will for James and Lily Potter. Call for the Director of Administrative Services."

One of the two Aurors guarding the evidence left and returned with the Director.

When his credentials had been verified, "Director, please inspect this Seal." "Were you present when this Seal was placed." "Who placed the Seal?" "Has it been tampered with?" "Describe the events leading up to this."

The man answered all of the questions and described the unsealing and resealing.

"Chief Warlock, does this match your memory of the event in question?"

"Yes, Director Bones, it does."

"I will now release the Seal and ask Mr. Craftage to read the codicil dated 26 October 1981."

When this was done, the Wizengamot was staggered. Right in the document, there was evidence that Sirius Black was not the Secret Keeper. Lucius was upset with the Oath-Bonded Godfather statement, as this meant that Harry Potter was closer to the Black fortune than Draco. No one else noticed this part, as most had reacted to the last thing they heard. Lucius had stopped listening after the line which he was interested in.

Soon the Wizengamot would be forced to recognize the point. "I call Algernon Croaker to the stand."

The Head Unspeakable moved in to the chamber. "Mr. Croaker, I thank you for coming. I need testimony on magical effects and you are considered the authority." The man nodded. "Have I consulted you as regards the matter at hand?"

"No, you only asked that I appear today. I am most curious as to why."

"I will explain in a moment. Mr. Croaker, if a Wizard completed the Godfather Oath would that Wizard then be able to lead a murderer to the child's home or to direct one there?"

"It could be done. However, in the instant it was done the Wizard in question would become a Squib – or dead."

"We have a document which states that Sirius Black is Harry Potter's Oath-Bond Godfather. Sirius Black was then accused of casting a spell which killed thirteen six days after the document was dated, signed, and witnessed. What is your conclusion?"

"Either the document is wrong, or the report is wrong. Both cannot true."

"Thank you, Director Croaker. Do any of the Wizengamot have any questions for this witness as regards this matter only?"

At the silence, the man was dismissed.

"At the time of Sirius Black's incarceration, the Director of Magical Law Enforcement was Bartemious Crouch. Member Crouch, where is the investigation report for Sirius Black?"

Barty Crouch was very uncomfortable. "I do not know."

"Did you see one?"

"I do not recall."

"As the Director of Magical Law Enforcement, did you have the authority to authorize a Bill of Attainder?"

Barty Crouch was stoic. "No, I did not."

"Who holds that authority?"

"The Queen or King of Britain holds the authority but has not been consulted since the Statute of Secrecy was implemented. Since that time, only in times of War, the Chief Warlock, the Minister, and the Director of the DMLE must all agree."

"Was this done?"

"I believed so."

"They agreed to it?"

"The Minister agreed. The Chief Warlock acknowledged it when he was informed."

"Was Magical Britain at that moment in a declared state of War?"

"No. However, a State of Emergency was declared, allowing temporary Bill of Attainders until the Emergency was declared complete."

"When was the Emergency declared complete?"

"7 November 1981."

"Were you still Director of Magical Law Enforcement on that date?"

"Yes."

"You were then responsible to ensure all detained individuals received trials?"

"Yes."

"How many did not receive a trial?"

"One."

"So, while the incarceration appeared to be valid, there were legal issues with it?"

"Yes."

"Where is the Bill of Attainder?"

"I do not know."

"Do any members have any questions?"

Madame Umbridge asked, "As far as you knew, at that time you had the authority to order the Bill of Attainder?"

"In certain circumstances, yes."

"And Black's circumstance matched these?"

"Yes, in my opinion."

"Who replaced you as Director of Magical Law Enforcement?"

"Madam Bones."

"So, it would have been her responsibility to ensure a trial?"

Augusta Longbottom stood up. "OBJECTION. Mr. Crouch was Director until 1990! He had MORE than enough time to follow the law. I object to Madame Umbridge attempting to cast aspersions on Madame Bones for this as she has held the post nine months vs. the nine years Mr. Crouch held the post AFTER the Emergency was resolved. Besides, isn't that what she is doing now?"

The Minister was once again looking with disapproval at Madame Umbridge. He looked to be seriously considering not allowing her to come to the Wizenmagot. She really did waste time.

She was going to object that she had not cast any doubt, but of course that had been her plan. The other Members were not listening to her! They even seemed upset with her! She decided discretion was the better choice.

"I was just showing that the Law, however belatedly, was being followed. I have no more questions."

The Members were really getting tired of Dolores Umbridge's mishaps. Lucius looked unhappy as well. If he had been forced it would have been found that he was unhappy at the Minister's Undersecretary for making the case against Black seem even more ludicrous.

"If there are no more questions …," silence met that, "I now call Sirius Black to be questioned."

The gaunt, dirty man was led into the room. He was placed on a chair in front of the Wizengamot. As this was not Courtroom 10, there was no Defendant's chair. All were surprised to see that after 10 years in Azkaban, the man seemed fairly alert.

"Sirius Orion Black, you have been brought before the Wizengamot to answer the accusation that you caused the Murder of James and Lily Potter and killed twelve Muggles when confronted by Peter Pettigrew. Are you willing to be questioned on this matter using Veritaserum?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

Amelia presented the vial. "Chief Warlock, please verify that this is a sealed vial of Veritaserum." Albus looked over the bottle, label, and seal, and then nodded. "Speak verbally please, for the record."

"This appears to be Veritaserum. It is sealed and appears to be untampered with."

"Thank you, Chief Warlock. I will now administer the drops to the defendant."

After being administered the drops and telling exactly what had happened, it was obvious to the Wizengamot that Sirius Black was not guilty.

When the questioning had been complete Amelia said, "I have no more questions."

Albus Dumbledore stood and asked, "Are there any other witnesses or evidence to be reviewed?"

"No, Chief Warlock."

"Very well. Does any member call for deliberation?" No one did so, though several looked unhappy. "Very well. I call now for the vote. All who find cause for this to move forward as a trial, please do so with your wands." Dolores Umbridge was about to, but one look at the Minister caused to change her mind.

Dumbledore looked around. "As this, procedurally, could only called an inquest, the Wizengamot has not found sufficient cause to move this to trial. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I dismiss all charges against Sirius Orion Black, with prejudice. He cannot be tried again for anything related to this matter."

More unhappy faces, but nothing could really be said.

"I move that he be given over to St. Mungo's to treat him for Dementor exposure. Are there any objections?" None raised their hand. After the Aurors led him away to clean him up a little before sending him, Albus asked, "Does that complete your business Director?"

"No. We have to discuss his reparations for being illegally detained. His incarceration was illegal as of sixty days after the end of the declared Emergency. That was 7 January 1982. We owe him over nine years of back pay."

Flashback End

"And that was how Sirius was freed."

Harry had been entranced. "But how was Peter caught? Professor Dumbledore, you said something about that. I want to hear how it happened." Harry had relaxed on the bed next to Sirius, looking nothing more than a child who was pestering his family for a story. All of the adults smiled at the sight.

Sirius said, "That was a bit of luck. As it happens, right after I was cleaned up I ran in to an old friend from the same group your parents were a part of. His name is Arthur Weasley. He had heard rumours about my release and when he saw me, he came up to greet me. I was amazed when …."

IN THE AFTERLIFE:

Lily Potter was relieved that Sirius was now meeting her son. She had beamed and laughed when he had corrected Padfoot's manners. Her Harry was just like her.

He was such a good boy – who had been mistreated for so many years. She wanted to yell at her sister for her actions having to do with Harry – and Dudley. Merlin, she was destroying that boy.

Marge Dursley – there was someone she wanted to hex. And then heal. And then hex again.

She, her husband, her parents, James' parents, and several other friends and relatives had been invited to watch the actions of the Albus replacement. They were admonished to not harm Wulfric or even directly talk to him.

It was explained that his punishment included hearing what their reaction was to Albus' decisions and the comparison of Wulfric's. Apparently it hurt him more to be unacknowledged than hexing him ever would. She was quite happy to help out.

Wulfric was not so pleased. He had watched as Sirius Black had been freed. He had now watched as Harry Potter was given far more information than was wise at this juncture. He was resigned to this. But he was really looking forward to having all of his tormentors see how poorly Albus' decisions would result. Then they would know of his own greatness and see why he had to do as he did.

Wulfric was really delusional.

BELOW are answers to reviews and a bit of ranting – ignore it if you like.

alix33: This reviewer, who is, sadly, a muggle, would be SO screwed at that politeness requirement in magical society, even among archenemies, as I have hardly any manners to speak of.

A/N: If you ever read Emily Post's "Etiquette" it really covers traditional social practices. It's in its 18th edition. I imagine the manners that are explained in the first edition (ca 1922 entitled "Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home") I am certain that some of the practices would look outdated or insulting in today's world. The point is that Wizards are very conservative. Medieval manners among the nobles was very similar to how I explained. If you couldn't PROVE someone did something, you were expected to treat them politely, even if they might have gotten family killed or some such. War, intrigue, assassination, hostage taking, poisoning – these were what was considered good politics. People who couldn't maintain their poise and grace or who acted or decided with emotion were looked down upon. Consider the Magical world's view on the Weasleys – the way they act would be considered horrible by such standards. Notice Lucius trying to get Ginny killed to overturn Arthur's Protection of Muggles Act: Such would be considered unremarkable in medieval times. Basic human kindness had no place in politics at that time.

UniquelyMi: I liked this (though I'd rather have seen Wulfric sobbing - he was relatively good-hearted). Thank you for not making the Dursleys worse. I'm really tired of the fics where Harry is beaten and half-dead because one, it's not canon or justifiable using canon, and two, it seems to downplay the abuse Harry suffered. I feel like the authors (and this is just me) have a "oh, he wasn't beaten, so it really wasn't that bad" attitude.

But anyways. I like the explanation for squib and muggle (real or made up?), but mundane is really really really (triple the "really" for emphasis) easy to turn into an insult. I once called my friend, jokingly, normal, and she unleashed onto me a full rant about stuck-up people who thought they were special. If I were Albus, I'd choose non-magical, which is true, or if he wants to be self-decrepating, logicals (though that's not always accurate, our power is rooted in logic). You know, magicals vs. logicals. Squibs can be lagicals because they border the worlds :D I enjoyed the comparison between Hitler and Voldemort - I feel like it's ignored too often. Though the Nazis actually (if unintentionally) helped modernize the world - Voldemort didn't even spark any major inventions other than Wolfsbane.

A/N: He was described as relatively good hearted. There is a history in fiction of the "good wizard" being a bit manipulative to get results: Gandalf, Obi-Wan, Belgarath, Polgara, etc. They tell truths in a way that will be misinterpreted to hide things so the protagonist doesn't "go evil" or to get them to do certain things for the "greater good." Even the killing of Smaug by the dwarves was such, if you read the appendixes in the books. In this story, I am implying that 'Wulfric's' mental processes actually reflect the worst interpretation of his actions. The Dursleys in canon (except Marge) mostly seemed to reflect what I am putting out up to that point – except maybe the encouragement for Dudley. That was never said in the books. They got worse and worse as the series went, but mostly it was a response to what happened. Harry being left on the doorstep, the tail, the pudding on the guest, blowing up the aunt (even if she deserved it), the prank on Dudley by the twins, the effect of Dudley by Dementors: All of these worsened and worsened their reactions. They were scared and scared people do stupid crap to overcome what makes them afraid. Wizards don't help by being illogical as they are. Convinced they are right, they do stupid things. Which mostly gets Harry in to more and more trouble as he is the source of them being affected.

Squib I don't know – it came in to use in the 15th century for the fireworks. No one knows where it came from. I am positing that one came from the other – and no one knows which.

The explanation for Mug WAS devised by Rowling from "Mug" for someone easily fooled and the end to make them more "cuddly." I think she was implying the wizards' views on non-magicals. The use of Mundane – which CAN be insulting – is deliberate. You'll see why as the story progresses.

I would much rather be called something which implies I am unremarkable than something which implies I can be easily fooled.