Chapter 5

World on the Edge

Earlier that Tuesday morning as Harry slipped the Potter family ring onto his finger, several things happened at once. A filing cabinet, in a room filled with an abundance of filing cabinets, deep in the Ministry Of Magic; a single file gleaned a light red for just a second, the letters faded and a new name appeared. No one was presently around to witness the change.

In the Headmaster's office of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, at the bottom of the last drawer of the large, fine wooden desk. Another file much like the one in the Ministry of Magic gave off a light red glow, amending the file name. The Headmaster was absent from his office that morning.

In secret compartment of a trunk, in a room at the top of a tower, another folder gave a light red glow, the name changing. A ward on the secret compartment informed its own that something had changed.

In the office of the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a large book opened itself to a page, a name written on the page there shone a light red for just a second then changed, the book then closed itself. The deputy headmistress was away from her desk.

-oo00oo-

The week was an uneventful one since the alarms at Number Four Privet Lane had mysteriously went off. On the mantel about the fireplace sat those particular alarms. Still baffled by what could have possibly set them off, he had examined them and re-examined them still left with no answer; except that they were functioning properly.

Tuesday afternoon found Albus sitting in his oversized chair in his home in Godric's Hollow, reading. As he read his mind kept wandering to Harry's state of health, he seemed so small and not well nourished for a ten year old child; from the plump forms of his guardians he new there was not a lack food in the home. Albus had always felt such guilt for leaving an infant Harry with his less than kind guardians but he felt he had no other option. He knew the fame that would accompany Harry would not be healthy or safe for him. Albus had always wanted Harry with him to nurture him but knew it was not possible.

Another thought that Albus found curious was the recognition he believed he saw in Harry's eyes that day but Harry was only an infant when he left him with the Dursleys. It could not be possible that an infant Harry would be able to recall Albus's visits to the Potters home.

To put his mind to rest about Harry's welfare he reminded himself of the blood wards surrounding the home; as long as Harry could call the Dursleys family; he would continue to remain safe from what death eaters remained; Lily's sacrifice would ensure that. Unlike others in the wizarding world Albus was sure Voldemort was not gone, he was a shadow of his former self and he would surely return. Harry would need to be protected and Albus felt he was doing that by placing the wards on the house.

"One more year," Albus said out load to no one in particular. He would be sure to keep a closer watch over Harry till he attended Hogwarts. Although the reports were a little upsetting he greatly depended on the reports received from Ms. Figg.

His thoughts led him to tasks left on his agenda for the start of the term. Week after next the teachers would be returning to finish their preparation of the lesson plans, Albus himself would be returning then. Luck was on his side, he had found a new Dark Arts teacher, a position that had become known as jinxed. Quirinus Quirrell was his name, Albus was optimistic that Quirrell would return the following year, breaking the jinx. He would meet with the professors to discuss the term and needed to attend a full session of the Wizengamot at the end of the week.

Albus was finding his vacation to be less than restful; he closed the book in his lap and took the glasses from his face to rub his tired eyes. From the mantel the alarms began sounding off yet again, Albus rushed to the alarms and was startled to find that not only was the blood ward blinking but the wizard detection alarms was as well.

He reached for his wand, becoming irritated with himself to be caught ill prepared; to so easily let his guard down. He turned to the door and made is way to his bedroom were he had left his wand on the nightstand; retrieving it he returned to the library. He tossed a handful of floo powder into the fire and stuck his head just inside the fireplace.

"Moody Stronghold," speaking into the fire. Alaster Moody or 'Mad-Eye Moody' as he was known to some; resided in a common home but referred to it as his stronghold.

"Alaster…Alaster…" persisted Albus. A face badly scarred appeared in the ashes of the fire.

"What IS it Albus? I was sitting down to tea." Albus could see Alaster's magical eye spinning rapidly.

"The wizard and ward alarms, monitoring Potter have just gone off. Meet me on Privet Drive, Little Whinging in Surrey. Hurry, Alaster this the second time in two weeks."

Albus pulled his head from the fireplace not waiting a response. Nearly five minutes passed from the time the alarms sounded to when he was able to get through his homes wards; anti-portkey and anti-apparition before he disapparated with a small 'pop'.

Again Albus appeared in front of number four Privet Drive, he wasn't going to take any chances. Out of the corner of his eye he caught movement. He turned drawing his wand, to his relief he found Mrs. Figg rushing toward him. "Albus…Albus" gasping for air. "What are you doing here?" she asked when she was standing next too him.

"The alarms have gone off Arabella, Have you seen anything or anyone around?"

"No Albus it has been very quiet. I have not seen the Dursleys or Harry in over a week. I was going to contact you tomorrow if they did not return. The drapes have been pulled closed on all the windows all week. I was starting to worry." Arabella replied nervously.

"I was told that they would be on vacation until a few days before school started. Did you see them leave?" Albus inquired.

"No Albus I did not, but they could have departed before I woke in the morning. The car has not been in the drive all week." Just then another pop was heard. Albus turned to the sound with his wand drawn. Alaster Moody appeared a few meters away, his magical eye quickly surveying the area around him and then focusing on the house. He walked towards Albus with a limp, his walking staff in hand.

"Albus what IS going on? There is no one here and the house is empty." Alaster's gruff voice sounded annoyed.

"I do not know Alaster, the alarms just started going off. I checked them all, last week after I had received a false alarm. They are all in proper working order. Mrs. Figg was just telling me that she has not seen the Dursleys or Harry all week. I suspect they are on vacation since the car has not been seen either."

"Albus the car is in the garage in the back. And the house looks to be packed up." Alaster's magical eye focused on the house again.

Albus rushed to the front door his wand in hand. "Alohomora" The door locked clicked. Albus turned the handle and pushed to open the door and found resistance.

"Albus there are several large boxes blocking the door." Alaster told him as he came up beside him. Albus waved his wand again then opened the door. The boxes had been pushed back. Both entered the front hall to find nothing but the boxes. Albus then walked into the living room to find it was also packet up and the furniture covered. After checking the entire house Albus met Alaster back in the hall.

"The downstairs looks haphazardly packed, stuff randomly tossed into boxes; the upstairs is not packed at all. In what appears to be a child's room, the bed has been slept in," reported Alaster as he walked to the door of the cupboard under the stairs. He opened the cupboard and looked inside. "Albus this was being used as a bedroom, there is a thin mattress and broken toys on the few shelves. What is going on here?"

"I do not know Alaster, but right now Harry is missing." Albus walked into the kitchen where he found mail and a couple open letters in a bin. He read the letters, the first being the resignation acceptance letter, then the letter from Aunt Marge to Vernon, his eyes opening wider with surprise as he read the letter.

"This says the Dursley have moved to the colonies. It seems Vernon's sister was not told in advance and is very upset by it." Albus pulled his wand and started to wave it around while chanting. "Ostendo mihi veneficus, ostendo mihi sedeo" the tip of his wand glowed a light blue then a dark blue.

"The blood ward is starting to fade and someone has used magic in the house within the past few minutes. I don't recognize the magical signature. We need to find him Alaster, if we don't…"

"What Albus? What is so important about Potter besides the obvious?" Alaster was staring at Albus, trying to figure out what was going on.

"Oh… oh nothing Alaster, nothing I'm just worried about Harry, he is under my care." Albus replied absentmindedly. His mind was trying to formulate a plan of where to begin. He could not get the ministry involved, or call the Order, at least not yet. "We should be going Alaster, nothing more we can do here. Can you quietly dig around, see what you can find? I don't want the ministry involved yet it would look… I've lost the 'boy who lived' Alaster." Alaster nodded his head in understanding. He turned to the front door and left. Albus took one last look around before leaving.

"Mrs. Figg, please keep an eye on the house, anything at all happens tell me at once. I will be at Hogwarts." She nodded and returned to her house. Albus was at a loss, 'Where are you Harry?' after closing and locking the door Albus turned on the spot and disappeared.

-oo00oo-

Amelia Bones was diligently working at her desk in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; as the head of the department her desk was always piled with unfinished work. She did not complain, she enjoyed her job and was very good at it. She was tough but fair to all; Aurors as well as those they brought in.

She was currently preparing for the meeting of the Wizengamot on Thursday. On the agenda were several minor cases being brought before the full Wizengamot; then some new laws were being presented by Minister of Magic Fudge that would be open to debate. The new laws were minor but controversial and she expected resistance especially from Dumbledore. She also suspected that Lucius Malfoy had influence in the new proposals. She was not in support of them herself; more restrictions on werewolves and goblins.

As she was sorting and organizing her papers, there was a rap on the door. At here invitation to enter the door opened, to her surprise Scott Crandall was at the door to her office. He worked for Gringotts as a solicitor; his visit probably entailed the proposal going before Wizengamot Thursday.

"Come in Scott, it has been much too long since our last visit. I understand you have taken a position at Gringotts since you left Hogwarts?"

"Yes Madam Bones, I'm not disturbing you, am I?" Scott replied to Amelia formally.

"Not at all Mr. Crandall, please come in, you where a year behind me at Hogwarts? How is Gringotts treating you?" Mr. Crandall stepped into the office.

"Yes, class of '41, I am currently Ragnoks personal solicitor. I have however recently taken on another client. May I?" Mr. Crandall indicated to the door. Amelia was at once intrigued, nodding her approval.

"Madam Bones I am here to talk to you about…" Mr. Crandall signaled to Amelia that he wanted to check the office for listening charms as he kept talking about the proposal that was being brought to the Wizengamot. After Amelia nodded her head that he could precede, he pulled out his wand. Her curiosity was peeked regarding this unexpected meeting.

After finishing the incantation Mr. Crandall motioned to Amelia that he had found two listening charms in the room. Amelia looked surprised, taking out her own wand, performed the same spell finding the charms, which she then promptly placed a silencing charm around. She would find out who the charms belonged to later, she was quite annoyed by the discovery.

"Mr. Crandall can you please tell me what this is about and how did you know about the charms?" Amelia then waved her hand to the seat in front of her desk. Mr. Crandall took the seat offered then started to explain.

"Madam Bones, I did not know that the charms would be here, it was merely a precaution. I have some information that is going to cause a stir in the ministry cauldrons and it must not leave this room until it is presented to the Wizengamot on Thursday. Whom the information is about will also need to be handled with caution. That person will need to be brought before the Wizengamot without anyone knowing before hand."

Mr. Crandall then pulled a small pensive from his robes and a bottle with a silvery liquid. "An injustice has been committed by the ministry and an innocent man has been sitting in Azkaban for the last nine years Madam Bones. May I present you with this memory before you ask who it is about?"

"Mr. Crandall if this is about a death eater…" Mr. Crandall interrupted. "Madam Bones please just let me show you the memory and you can decide for yourself if this needs to be taken forward." Amelia nodded her head to the pensive.

Mr. Crandall emptied the small bottle into the pensive then tapped the edge with his wand. A mist formed above the pensive, within the mist the memory played out. It was only a couple minutes of memory but what Amelia saw made her blood run cold. Sirius Black was innocent! If this memory was to be believed, Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper and betrayed the Potters. Who else was in on that conversation that could produce the memory? She had only seen James and Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and the infant Harry Potter.

"Mr. Crandall were did this come from? Who gave this memory? Who extracted it? Has it been confirmed that it has not been tampered with?" Amelia rapid fired the questions. While Mr. Crandall answered the questions he retrieved the memory from the pensive putting both the pensive and memory back in his robe.

"Madam Bone, I personally extracted the memory in the presence of Ragnok, Director of Gringotts. I verified the memory has not been tampered with and I would be willing to make an unbreakable oath to that affect." That surprised Amelia, a solicitor willing to make an unbreakable vow as to the authenticity of evidence.

"As to whom I extracted the memory from, that person would like to remain anonymous unless it is absolutely required. My client is confident that when Mr. Black is placed under Veritaserum in front of the full Wizengamot that he will be cleared. That is why I came to you madam, you are the only one that can get him out of Azkaban without the ministers office finding out. I believe that this could be the end of Minister of Magic Fudge's administration and he would have Mr. Black kissed before this came out along with the fact that Mr. Black was never given a trial." This time Amelia's blood was boiling, she was not aware that Black had never been given a trial, she was an Auror at the time and not involved in the case.

Mr. Crandall and Madam Bones continued their discussion for another twenty minutes. As the discussion concluded there was a knock on the door. "Come," instructed Amelia.

To her surprise, Delores Umbridge Undersecretary to the Minister was standing in her doorway. In a nauseatingly sweet voice Delores addressed Amelia, "Madam Bones, you ARE aware that you are late for a meeting with Minister Fudge?"

Amelia did not recollect having a meeting scheduled with the Minister today. "When was this meeting called, Madam Umbridge? I do not have it noted on my calendar."

"It was called three quarters of an hour ago, have you not checked your memos?" replied Umbridge in condescending tone.

Irritated Amelia retorted, "I HAVE checked my memos today and there was no memo mentioning a meeting, but I will be there shortly; I was just finishing catching up with an old friend." Amelia smiled at Scott. "Please inform the minister I will be there straight away." Umbridge lingered, Amelia addressed her very formally, "Madam Umbridge, can I be of any further assistance?"

"No, Madam Bones but you would be wise not to keep the Minister waiting." Umbridge turned and walked down the hall.

Amelia stood and bid Mr. Crandall a good day; she returned to her chair and drew out a piece of parchment from her desk drawer. She quickly scribbled notes from her meeting with Mr. Crandall; outlining his fictional concerns of the proposals going before Wizengamot. She gathered her work and secured it in a drawer and left the meeting notes on her desk top. She then withdrew her wand from her side and removed the mysterious listening charms along with her silencing charm. She replaced them with an advanced listening and visual charm and connected it with a recorder hidden in her desk. She exited her office and preceded to the Minister's office abandoning her usual routine of locking her office door behind her.

Minutes passed and the door to Amelia's office slowly opened; stealthily a short stout figure entered. Waving a wand in the direction of the previously hidden listening charms; replacing the non functioning ones. The figure stepped up to the desk and scanned the parchment left on the desktop, smirked confidently and exited closing the door softly.

-oo00oo-

To any passer by Mrs. Figg could be mistaken as a nosey neighbor, but she was only following the strict instructions of Albus Dumbledore. She was to watch for any activity at the Dursley home and report any goings-on immediately to Dumbledore. Standing at the window Wednesday morning Mrs. Figg watched a large moving truck drive past her home and pull up in front of number four Privet Drive. Several people began entering the home and began carrying out boxes and furniture to the truck. Hurriedly Mrs. Figg went to the fireplace, pulled a small bowel from the mantel and tossed a handful of floo powder in the fire. "Hogwarts, Headmasters office." She belted out into the green flames. Moments later Dumbledore's face appeared in the flames, "Arabella has he returned, did you see him?"

"No Albus, a moving truck has just arrived, the house is being emptied," replied Arabella anxiously.

"Please step aside, Arabella. I am coming through." Albus stepped out of the green flames into Mrs. Figg's front room. "I will return in a few moments Arabella. I must speak to the movers; possibly they have the Dursley's current address."

Dumbledore transfigured his robes into a handsome gray muggle suit and exited the house. He strode confidently down the lane to the Dursley's home. He walked up to the truck and needed to step aside quickly to avoid being trampled by two men carrying a sofa out of the house. Albus glanced around and saw a man standing with a clipboard directing the men; Albus approached him.

"Excuse me young man, I live down the street and have known the Dursleys for some time. I was wondering if you had an address to the new house in the colonies where I could reach them?" asked Albus in a neighborly way. The young man inspected Albus for a moment before replying.

"I'm sorry Sir, but all I know is that the household is being shipped to the states. It is scheduled to be delivered to a storage facility in…" He pulled a sheet of paper from his back pocket and looked it over. "In the state of Oregon, I believe that is in the north west of the country. That's all I know, it will be forwarded to the final destination after that."

"Thank you young man, I guess I will have to wait until the Dursleys write and let me know the new address." The mover turned back to his crew. Albus turned back to Mr. Figg's house. It appeared to be true; the Dursleys had moved to the colonies. If Harry was in the colonies now, it would mean he would not attend Hogwarts. Albus could not let this happen, Harry needed to be here, protected until he could fulfill his destiny. Albus was filled with regret not fulfilling the wishes of Harry's parents to keep Harry in the wizarding world to be raised by people who loved him. He had to find Harry.

-oo00oo-

Under the pretext of a surprise inspection Amelia Bone visited Azkaban Prison Wednesday afternoon. The island out in the middle of the North Sea that the most feared prison in the world was located could only be reached by boat from a dock on a nearby guarded island or by special portkey.

The prison only had a few Aurors guarding it, including the warden. The rest of the prison was guarded by horrible creatures, Dementors; soul sucking shades that feed on every happy emotion and memory to leave you reliving your worst memories and sins over and over again. Only the most severe criminals where sent here. Those criminals that had committed the most heinous of crimes; murder, dark magic use, the unforgivable curses or where convicted Death Eaters. Azkaban currently housed some of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named most feared followers. Bellatrix Lestrange, Antonin Dolohov, Travers, and Sirius Black, but if what she had learned yesterday evening was true then Sirius Black was innocent.

Using the special portkey that only Minister Fudge and she know how to create, Amelia appeared in the warden's office. Located on the first floor of the prison, furthest from the Dementors, yet she could still feel the chill in the air that they caused. Warden Radley was not expecting any visitors today; when Amelia appeared in his office he jump up wand drawn, stupify, the stunning curse on his lips. When he realized who was in front of him, he pulled his wand back letting out a sigh of relief. "Warden Radley it is good to see that you are on your toes." Amelia said with a smirk. Radley had been promoted to warden a couple years ago, after the last warden had retired. He had been a good Auror during the first war.

"Madam Bones, I was not expecting you today. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Radley asked, the adrenaline still pumping through his veins.

Amelia made a gesture with her hand that any Auror or former Auror would recognize and understand. Warden Radley nodded his consent. Pulling her wand she checked the office for listening charms, finding none.

"Mr. Radley, I have come across some information that if correct will see a few more people enjoying the pleasures of Azkaban and the Dementors. But I need to see one of your current residents; he must go under questioning by veritaserum before the full Wizengamot tomorrow. The nature of this information has many implications; it could expose a member of the Wizengamot as a true death eater. I ask that you keep this visit under the utmost secrecy. I have the necessary transfer papers here." Amelia pulled the official documents, signed by her, from her robe pocket and handed them to the Warden. Radley read the papers his expression turning grim.

"Madam Bones, Sirius Black is a very dangerous man; you should have a squad of Auror here to help with the transfer." complained Radley.

"Don't worry Tim," Amelia smiled as she pulled a set of magical cuffs and a short piece of rope from her robes. "I won't have any contact with him other than in this office. He can not break the cuffs and this is a portkey directly into a special holding cell at the ministry. He will see no one until just before being called to the courtroom."

After another round of assurances from Amelia, Radley called two large Auror into the office. "Bring me Sirius Black, he ordered." Both of the guards paled at the order but hurried away to retrieve Black.

-oo00oo-

A large black dog with matted and dirty fur lay on the floor in a cell at the top of Azkaban. The effects of the Dementors were not felt as badly by a dog as a human; even though the canine was a human wizard in his animagus form as well as an innocent man. Sirius Black was fatigued, filthy and on the edge of insanity. He had been brought to Azkaban and tossed in this cell without being questioned; never mind a trial.

James and Lily, his friends, where dead and his godson Harry lost to him; all betrayed by Peter Pettigrew the rat. Sirius had gone after Peter that night but before he could take his revenge, Peter cut off one of his own fingers, blasted the street killing several muggles, and transformed into his rat animagus form, slipping into the sewers. Witness account had found him guilty of the death of Peter and the muggles. The Auror arrived, taking Sirius straight to Azkaban on the minister's orders; all believing it was Black that betrayed his friends, resulting in their murders.

Sirius had long ago lost track of how many days, years he had spent in Azkaban. After first arriving he counted his meals to help him keep track but gave up hope when the numbers reached the thousands. Sirius's years had been haunted by the shrieks of his mad cousin Bella, a follower of Voldemort; she could be heard screaming the praises of the Dark Lord and the warnings of his return.

Trying to distract himself from the ranting of his cousin, he notice the chill that always filled his cell began to fade away, the Dementors where leaving the area. The large black dog lifted his head and heard steps coming; he stood and took his human form.

'Is it time for my meal?' Waiting at the meal tray slot for his meal, the cell lock clicked and the door opened. Two large Auror were standing just outside the cell, "Your coming with us murderer, you have been called on." They entered the cell, grabbed him violently and dragged him out. They hauled him down several flights of stairs and into an office. His mind was still fogged by the Dementors leaving him extremely confused by the sudden happenings.

-oo00oo-

"Tim," Amelia pulled another parchment from her robe. "These are written orders that none of the current guards can go off duty until after the hearing tomorrow. If it leaked to the wrong person that I am bringing Black before the Wizengamot to testify, he may not live till then. I don't care what happens after, Merlin knows he deserves the kiss, but I have to have him alive tomorrow." Warden Radley informed Madam Bones that none of the guards where due to transfer off the island tonight.

"That includes no owls or other forms of communication. If I find out this leaked before tomorrow I will have whoever up on charges, is that clear? No record of this transfer is to be made; it will update the log at the ministry. I'll take full responsibility and suffer any repercussions that may result from this, please do not be concerned about your part in this."

"Yes, Madam Bones, it will be as you have ordered." The two guards returned at the moment dragging Sirius Black between them.

Amelia slipped the magical cuffs on him and then rapped the rope around him.

As the cuffs were placed on his wrists Sirius felt the magic from the cuffs. A rope was placed around his waist by a woman standing in front of him then touched her wand to it.

"Activate," and abruptly he was spinning round; he had disappeared from the office.

"Thank you, Tim; he will be back in your custody tomorrow afternoon. The orders stand until two in the afternoon tomorrow. Good day." Amelia activated her own portkey.

-oo00oo-

Sirius landed roughly on the hard stone floor; he did not feel the presence of the Dementors from this cell. With his wrist still bound behind him he stood up on shaky legs and looked around. It was a small stone walled room with a single door that had a small barred window in it. There was a cot against one wall and a wash basin on the other wall. Hanging from a peg on the wall near the basin was a set of clean clothes and a robe. Sirius sat on the cot contemplating the last few minutes.

Some time later he heard someone approaching the cell door. He stood up to look out the small window but it was too high to look out. The steps stopped outside the door "Mr. Black, are you feeling any better? I am Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Sirius heard the female voice from the other side of the door.

"You are in a special holding cell in the Ministry of Magic. You will be going before the Wizengamot tomorrow morning. If you do not cause any trouble tonight and stay quiet, you might go free tomorrow. Your presence here is known only to me and my most trusted Auror, please aid me in keeping it that way or it will be the Kiss for you before justice can be done. Please be clean and dressed in the morning. You will have food brought to you in a moment. Just stay quiet, I know that you are innocent. Knock on the door once if you understand." Sirius's head was spinning. He was going to be free, at that moment the cuffs dropped from his wrists. With an unsteady hand he knocked once on the door. His world had just been turned upside down.