Disclaimer: We all know how these work, I acknowledge that J.k. Rowlings, Warner Bros. and Scholastic own Harry Potter and all other characters and settings from cannon, and I get to write whatever I please and even add in characters of my own as long as I don't get any money. The no money sucks but there you go, at least I don't get lawyers knocking on my door. Addendum: If you recognize a name of a character from elsewhere it isn't mine.
Sirius' Savior
Chapter 42 In England
Remus went to the annual Order of the Phoenix meeting at the end of April and found it was most all he could do to sit quietly instead of hexing Albus. Albus played his usual games of making everyone at the meeting feel as if he cared about them but Remus noticed that most all of his promises and or comments cost him nothing but garnered him support from most of the even went so far as to say to him, "I have a friend that needs help writing a textbook shall I pass your name on."
In years past he had made similar offers and in years past Remus had been grateful for them. They had been what kept him in food and money for train tickets to deserted moors or securely locked rooms for the nights of the full moon. Remus realized that he had ghost written seven textbooks in previous years but had received no royalties or credit for his work. Thank Merlin for Sirius. Remus had been able to say "No need Headmaster. I have a good job right now." The flash of annoyance in Albus' eyes was missed by everyone else, but Remus caught it because he knew to watch for it.
Albus did his usual song and dance about how many students would be coming to Hogwarts next year and how he had checked the book and verified that Harry still lived then promptly did a little story telling of how it was such a shame that a boy wizard of such light was growing up under the influence of a dark wizard like Sirius. Remus wanted to puke. As soon as the meeting was adjourned he started to leave.
Minerva McGonagall had noticed his slightly uncharacteristic behavior and caught up with him before he left the castle. "Remus, could I speak with you?"
"Of course Minerva what could I do for you?" Remus spoke calmly but watched his words not wanting any warning flags to go up on Albus Dumbledore's radar.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. It's just a bit to close to the full moon is all. How about you come and visit me after school lets out we'll have tea and talk."
Minerva looked at one of her former favorites and nodded. "In six weeks then."
Andie smiled after weeks of subtle stalking she had finally been invited to tea at the Greengrasses'. She and Imogene Greengrass were in Slytherin together at Hogwarts of course Imogene had been a Nott then she hadn't gotten along with her family but had managed in a Slytherin way to get out from under their thumb. Now Andie intended to use her own Slytherin guile to gain an ally and hopefully plant some seeds of doubt about Dumbledore.
"Thank you for having me over for tea."
"Well I was so happy for you when the Duke reinstated you to the family and had you take over the family seats. I have to admit to being curious why not take over the seats himself?"
"Oh it's simple really. His Grace doesn't trust Albus Dumbledore or the Ministry and whose to blame him. He heard about cousin Sirius' trial; well so called trial anyway. I'm afraid I agree with the goblins on this one, a trial where the defendant has no chance to speak to defend himself is no trial at all."
"But didn't your cousin kidnap the Potter boy?"
"So some say, but I know that Sirius was named godfather to the boy. So is that really kidnapping?"
"I thought Albus was the boy's guardian, and Sirius betrayed the Potters."
"And who says that? And what does he gain by it?"
Imogene Greengrass was very quiet as she thought about what she just learned and its implications. They talked of general things, their children, fashion and the weather and after an hour and a half Andie thanked Imogene for hosting, saying they would have to do it again sometime with her a hostess.
A couple of weeks later, Augusta Longbottom smiled as Neville played draughts with Susan Bones. "Have I ever thanked you Amelia?"
"What for?"
"For encouraging me to break my isolation."
"You're welcome. I wondered if you've heard some of the latest gossip, you've been around for quite a while and I thought you might have some insight."
"What gossip is that dear?"
"Well it's two sided actually. One part is about the Duke de Sable. He's been very generous with the auror department and I've heard he's been equally generous with St. Mungo's medical research division. Anyway, he restored Andromeda Black-Tonks to the family and declared Bellatrix LeStrange oathbreaker, and she said he assigned her the Black family seat. Apparently he doesn't trust Albus or the Wizengamot because of the highly irregular trial of Sirius Black."
"Well His Grace must be a generous man. But I have my doubts about that family. As far as what's happened to Bellatrix, it serves the b...Sorry her name infuriates me. She deserves ever bit of bad that comes her way. I had already stepped back from public life to care for Neville when Black's trial was held, not that I cared because the betrayal of his friends is as heinous as what happened to my son. And the kidnapping of a child disgraceful."
"Well see that's the second part of the gossip. Apparently Black was, no is Potter's godfather."
"Wouldn't the rituals as godfather prevent him from...."
"Precisely which leaves the question on whose word did the Wizengamot try Black and who made the accusations of kidnapping. Not to mention the most basic irregularity of a trial where the defendant doesn't get the opportunity to defend themselves."
"Is there any proof?"
"Of what?"
"Of any of it or is it all gossip?"
"I know the wills of the Potters were sealed by Albus Dumbledore, unread. He votes the Potter seat and he has doled out the other positions the Potter's have traditionally held to his cronies. And the details of Black's trial are a matter of public record and the goblins refuse to acknowledge it's results."
"Sounds like Albus is playing God. I'll make inquires maybe I can get more information and proof. After what he tried with Neville I don't like or trust the man at least not about some things."
"Oddly enough that was the conclusion I reached after watching him maneuver at the ICW conference. What did you mean when you said, after what he tried with Neville?"
"After what happened to Frank and Alice, Dumbledore made noises that I was to busy being "La Grande Madam" to take proper care of my grandson to those in authority at WCPS. I got wind of it and was able to head it off but..."
"Do you know why?"
"Frank and Alice went into hiding in one of the family houses shortly after Neville was born. They came out just four days after You-know-who's disappearance only to be attacked by the Le Stranges the same day. When they went to hide I heard something about there was some prophecy about a baby born near the end of July they thought it might be about Neville."
"The Potter's son was born July 31 a day after Neville."
"Then that prophecy might be the reason for Dumbledore's machinations."
"Indeed. Thank you Augusta know that anything you share with me will be held in confidence."
"If I hadn't already known that I would have said nothing Amelia." They went back to watching the two children playing until it was time for the Longbottoms to return to their manor.
On June 21st Minerva walked to the floo in her office and called out the Leaky Cauldron. She came through and was greeted by Tom.
"Ah Minerva, Mr. Lupin said you'd be joining him. He's in private parlor # 2 waiting on you. If you tell me what you want to drink I'll bring it in when I come to collect your food order."
"Tea if you please."
"Of course."
Minerva moved to the door of the parlor which was open. "Remus you look better than the last time I saw you."
"Thank you, new robes have a way of doing that." he said with a smile. "You are looking well too Minerva." he gave her a slight hug then helped her with her seat at the table. "I wanted to talk about..." There was a tap on the door, then Tom pushed it open and brought a tea tray in. "Thank you, Tom."
"Have you decided what you want for lunch?"Tom asked.
Minerva looked at the chalkboard on the parlor wall that gave the menu for the day. "I'll have the chicken pot pie."
Remus said, "I'll have the Cornish Pasties and a salad."
Minerva hastily added, "Salad does sound good. I"ll have one as well."
Tom nodded and left closing the door behind him.
"So Remus you were saying?"
"Minerva did you ever doubt..."he trailed off.
"Did I ever doubt what Remus?"
"Did you ever doubt Sirius betrayed James and Lily?"
"No because who else would James have chosen, and the Headmaster certainly believes he did it."
"Have you ever doubted the Headmaster or questioned his motives or actions?"
"Of course not, I have..." Minerva paused as she remembered a day when she had seen something that made her wonder about what Albus was thinking. November 1 the day she watched the ...Dursleys that was their name. Albus and she had been having dinner when his monitors at Godric's Hollow had gone off. Albus had sent for Hagrid and told him retrieve Harry and bring him to his aunt's #4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey. She had observed the family and had been appalled at the thought of little Harry growing up with those people. Albus had gone to the ministry that day but he had never told her what he had been doing. She paused. "Once. Only once. Why?"
At that moment there was a knock on the door. Remus got up and answered it. Amelia Bones swept in. "Professor McGonagall, Remus. Remus things are crazy at the DMLE today I can't stay but I brought a pensieve and the memory if you could drop it back by my office when you're done.."
"Of course Amelia. It would have been better if you could stay but I understand."Remus said.
As quickly as she came Amelia Bones left. Minerva's curiosity was piqued. "Remus I've known you since you were put in my house sixteen years ago what is this all about?"
"I...I..."
"Spit it out. There is something you want to tell me or ask me but you don't want Albus to know. Very well," her scottish burr easily heard. "On my magic I will not share what I learn this afternoon with Headmaster Dumbledore. Now be the lion I know you can be, and tell me why you wanted to talk with me."
"Do you know who cast the fidelius for James and Lily?
"No, I always assumed it was the Headmaster, or Filius or possibly Lily herself. I know Albus volunteered to be their secret keeper.."
Another knock sounded on the door and Tom came in with the tray bearing their luncheons. Remus thanked him and paid him for the food and asked that they not be disturbed. Tom nodded and left Minerva watched as Remus cast several privacy charms. Turning he said, "I have proof that Sirius is not guilty of betraying James and Lily. Proof that he is innocent of ..."
"Innocent? He didn't betray...my godson?" Minerva suddenly hardened. "Show me your proof, I want to see it with my own eyes."
Remus cast a quick spell at their lunch to maintain the correct temperate the took the vial containing the memory and poured it into the penseive. Minerva wasted no time diving in to view it.
As the memory started to play out it proved to contain four people James and Lily Potter, Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black. She watched as Lily Potter cast the fidelius charm with Peter as the secret keeper. When she finished casting Sirius was wearing a blank expression and asking "Where are we?" Peter whispered something in his ear and his clouded expression lifted. "Well obviously that worked. I'll go around and act like a giant target and that will keep you safe Pete. Moldyshorts won't find you now James. Good job Lily." the memory stopped.
A moment later Minerva was standing feeling stunned. "It wasn't Black. It was Pettigrew."
"Yes."
"We should tell Albus."
"He already knew Minerva. He has some agenda involving Harry. That's why he sealed James and Lily's wills and why he's claimed Sirius kidnapped Harry and why I can't stand him anymore. He has some plot or plan or something about Harry because there was a prophecy made about him. I'm not saying the Headmaster has gone dark but he has his plans for the greater good of the wizarding world, and he doesn't care who he hurts to make those plans come to fruition. I know he knew because I managed to read the goblins copies of James and Lily's wills. Sirius as Harry's godfather is listed first to care for Harry then Alice and Frank, then you then Filius. Peter as secret keeper was to get the cottage in Hogsmeade. And I was supposed to get a bequest that would have meant comfort instead of a hand to mouth existence the last eight years. Albus knew because he signed James' will as a witness."
Minerva sat in shock, her friend and mentor had betrayed the ideals that she held dear.
Remus poured her some tea and added some sugar to it. "Drink this Minerva, then you'll feel better. How about we eat are lunch and then we can talk some more."
A half an hour later she had regained her equilibrium. "So what is the plan, I assume there is one. Sirius always was the plotter of you boys irrational though they were. It was the one good thing that family of his managed to instill."
"At the moment we're trying to find allies here in the United Kingdom. Sirius plans to clear his name and his guardianship of Harry via the ICW. He's managed to get some powerful allies overseas. He inherited a dukedom in France so we try to refer to him as the Duke de Sable."
"Duke de Sable? He donates heavily to the Hogwarts scholarship fund and he provides two scholarships a year to outstanding students in financial need for education beyond Hogwarts. Sirius is the Duke?"
"Yes , but that's not important right now. He plans to have himself cleared by the time Harry's supposed to start Hogwarts. Minerva there are two things you need to realize one Harry is still a target our silence is his best protection, and two You-know-who isn't dead, he'll be back. That's why we are keeping quiet. That and we can't afford to let Albus Dumbledore know."
"Have you seen him?"
"Harry? Yes I have and he's a great kid. If you're willing to swear to keep something else private I'll share some memories."
Minerva returned to Hogwarts that night with memories of a young boy teasing his godfather, a magnificent wedding and a sense of hope that had been missing for a very long time.