Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
A/N: Italics represent parseltongue. Big thank you to Coastalfirebird my co-writer. Note the OC Irene Conley is the creation of Coastalfirebird.
DMLE Holding Cells
Albus Dumbledore was pacing back and forth in a small eight by six room. His house of cards had come crashing down. Where had he gone wrong? What did he do to cause Fawkes to turn on him? And last but not least: Why did James and Lily hide what they were doing from him?
The sound of a heavy door opening and closing snapped Albus from his thoughts. He heard the cell next to him open and close. The sound of someone across the hall whimpering could be heard as well. He knew that a magically restrained Peter Pettigrew was in the cell across the hall from him, and by the sound of things Peter did not like who they had placed in the cell across from him. His solicitor Irene Conley stood in front of his cell with a very irate looking Auror. The woman's hair was a deep crimson red and she had eyes that matched.
"You're free to go Headmaster Dumbledore, and do note that you are prohibited from coming to the Ministry unless you have been given official notice to be here." The sarcastic way this young woman spoke to him made Albus think that she didn't know who he was, or what he had done for this community.
"Excuse me, young lady, but who are you?"
"I am Nymphadora Tonks. I am Sirius Black's second cousin. You know the man you let sit in Azkaban for ten years for no apparent reason." Nymphadora huffed.
"Nymphadora, I…" Dumbledore started to say but was cut off.
Her hair went a bright shade of red. "Don't call me Nymphadora! It's Tonks, you old fool." She turned and stormed off.
Conley cleared her throat. "Well, Albus, it seems you have made a lot of people mad today."
Albus opened the door. "Well, a lot of people can't see the Greater Good that I see."
"So it seems, Headmaster," She started walking away. "This is my last service to you Albus, and don't bother asking for my help again."
Dumbledore stared open mouthed at the retreating woman. She stopped in front of the cell adjacent to his cell for a second then moved on. As he went after Madam Conley a hand grabbed him from the cell he was passing. The man inside the cell had long black hair, and a scruffy beard, and he was wearing an Azkaban Prison uniform.
The man growled out. "Long time no see Professor Dumbledore. How have the last ten years treated you? Cause they have been rather lousy for me." While Albus didn't recognize the face the voice was unmistakable.
"Sirius, so good to see you again and I can assure you that…" Albus was cut off.
"Save it, you bumbling old fool. I don't believe you, and I will never trust you again." Sirius let his arm go. "Now leave before my cousin changes her mind about hexing you."
Dumbledore looked over to the metamorphmagus. Her hair was blazing red and her eyes seemed to be made of fire. Even at one hundred and nine he could still move fast if he needed to.
Greengrass Manor
Harry had just slipped on his formal robes when he heard Martha call him down as their guest of honor had arrived. As Harry walked down the stairs he was trying to picture what the man would look like now. He had seen pictures of Remus when he was younger, but that was when he had a good circle of friends to look out for him. Once on the bottom step he saw a man with ragged clothing, shabby luggage, and even worse looking scars on the left side of his face. The scars looked new, but the clothes and suitcase looked ancient. Clyde and Martha were talking with him, and he had a broad smile on his face.
"You must be Remus Lupin." Harry said as he stepped onto the ground floor.
The man turned around and his smile only got bigger. "My god, Harry, you look like your father. Well, except for your eyes of course…" Remus trailed off remembering the friends he lost.
"I know they are my mother's eyes." The man gave Harry a small hug. "How have you been Mr Lupin?"
"I have been fine Harry." The man said with a slightly shrinking smile. "And it's Remus or Moony to you Harry."
"Okay, Remus and it's okay; I know about your "furry" problem, but we have a potential way to cure that problem that does not involve you dying." Harry said as he placed a hand on the man's arm.
"What do you mean?" Remus looked over to Clyde.
"We were gifted with something that can potentially cure you Remus, and we would love to tell you more but we thought that Sirius would love to be here when that happened."
"What are you talking about he KILLED-"
Martha interrupted him. "No, he didn't Remus. Harry caught Peter in his rat form, and the truth came out. It turns out Dumbledore knew the truth all along and he has been thrown in jail for obstruction of justice, and Barty Crouch is in jail for abuse of power and whatever else they can throw at him for this miscarriage of justice."
"You're kidding?"
"No, she's Martha." Harry said. "And we are about to go to Sirius' trial. It is in thirty minutes. Would you like to accompany us?"
"Yes of course." The man's voice was barely above a whisper.
Ministry Of Magic
Harry looked around the chamber; he noticed nearly every seat in the public gallery was filled. As he was too young to take his seat on the Wizengamot he and Daphne had decided to sit in the area reserved for the Heirs of the respectable houses. Harry took a quick look around. He noted several faces of students from his year. There was Neville Longbottom, Tracey Davis, Susan Bones, and several Slytherins. He then looked at the Wizengamot and saw Lord Greengrass sitting there surrounded by his other seats. Harry noticed a woman he had never seen before standing at the defense desk. She looked middle-aged, long black hair that cascaded down her back in curls, but what got Harry attention were her green eyes. They looked like they could pierce your very soul. Suddenly, the Minister stood up.
"Order, order," Minister Fudge said in a commanding voice. "Will the Auror please escort the accused?"
Harry watched as a man in a black and white striped outfit was lead to the chair in the middle of the chamber; he had long black hair and a beard, he looked really pale and underfed. The chains around the chair came to life trapping him in the chair.
"Sirius Orion Black, you are accused of being a follower of the late Dark Lord, and murder of Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles on the 1st of November 1981 how do you plead?"
Sirius looked up at the board and said in a calm and loud voice "Not guilty."
The Minister jotted down his plea and then said "So noted, Aurors, please administer the veritaserum." Two Aurors stepped forward and applied four drops onto Sirius' tongue. The chamber watched as his eyes glazed over signalling the serum had taken effect. "Miss Conley you have the floor."
The black hair witch stood up and walked in front of Sirius "What is your name?"
"Sirius Orion Black," Sirius said in monotone voice.
"Date of birth?"
"March 15th 1960."
"Mr Black, are you or have you ever been a follower of the late Dark Lord?" Conley was methodical in her tone, and the serious expression on her face made it seem she meant business.
"No."
"Were you the Potters' secret-keeper?"
"No."
"Did you murder Peter Pettigrew or any of the Muggles?"
"No."
"Could you please tell the court who was the secret-keeper, and who performed the charm?"
"The charm was performed by Albus Dumbledore, and Peter Pettigrew was chosen to be the secret-keeper, as we all thought I would be too obvious."
There was a sudden intake of air when this news was released. Harry could also hear the quills of the reporters going nonstop. Some of the witches and wizards who had cringed at the sight of Sirius Black were now screaming in outrage at this news that the trusted former Chief Warlock had betrayed them all. After Minister Fudge brought the chamber to order Harry noticed the serum was wearing off.
Miss Conley turned to the Wizengamot. "As you have clearly heard my client was never a follower of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He never killed Mr Pettigrew, or the twelve muggles who died that day. Nor did he cause the deaths of the Potters. As such I ask that the court to find my client not guilty of the crimes brought against him, and that he is compensated for the time he spent in Azkaban."
There were murmurs within the chamber until the Minister banged his gavel "Order, order. Esteemed members of the Wizengamot, please signal your vote by raising your wand in the air and lighting the tip."
Madam Bones rose and asked the question. "For the verdict of guilty raise your wands please."
Harry noted several wands had been raised much to the shock of the Wizengamot, and those in public arena. Harry noticed they were all members of the dark families and suspected Death Eaters. Harry turned his attention back to Madam Bones.
"All those who find Lord Sirius Orion Black not guilty raise your wands now please."
This time nearly every wand hand rose with a light at their tip. Harry sighed in relief. He turned back to Minister Fudge.
"Lord Sirius Orion Black, we find you not guilty of all charges. You will be released immediately and your compensation will be one hundred thousand galleons for each year spent in Azkaban to a sum total of one million galleons. Auror, release the accused. This court is adjourned for two hours. Then the trial of Peter Pettigrew will take place."
Harry took Daphne's hand and led her out of the courtroom. He was most pleased that he had his godfather back, and could not wait for Peter's trial. He was going to use the laws of set forth by Ignotus Peverell to have him executed by the Dementor's kiss right after his verdict. It would send a message to all those who wish to cross him, his house, or those even contemplating joining the Death Eaters.
The two walked around the outside avoiding all the press and masses of witches and wizards alike congratulating Sirius on his release. Unfortunately Sirius had spotted Harry dressed in his robes with the Potter crest on it and was making his way over to both of them.
Harry bowed then began to speak "Lord Black, it is an honor to finally meet you after all these years. As you no doubt know, I am Lord Harry James Potter, heir to the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Peverell, and Potter families. This is my intended, Lady Greengrass. We are both pleased that you were found innocent and look forward to catching up on lost time."
Sirius was taken back a little by how Harry was acting. He could not believe that an eleven year old was so well tuned in the ways of greeting a fellow lord or how to act politically within the ministry. He grinned then said "You may have to add Black onto the list of all those titles Harry, as the time in that hellhole has made me infertile; meaning I cannot produce an heir for my house. As you are my godson I am making you next in line, now drop that charade and come give your godfather a hug."
Harry grinned then wrapped his arms around his godfather. Remus stood behind and smiled he was finally happy to know Harry was okay; also that one of his best friends was innocent of betraying James and Lily. Harry had already discussed Peter's punishment and Remus couldn't help but agree. Prison was too good for the traitorous rat. However, he could not get over how Dumbledore had changed from the leader of the light to some manipulating old man.
Harry treated Sirius and Remus to lunch; they had decided to take a quick trip into Diagon Alley so Sirius could get his hair cut and order some new robes with the Black crest. They had also been to Gringotts and filled out the paperwork allowing Harry to be recognized as the heir of the Black estate and title of Lord Black. Once everyone was finished their meals they all flooed in to the ministry and headed towards the courtroom for Pettigrew's trial.
The chamber again was filled with wizards and witches chatting away. Harry noticed the same lady who had defended Sirius was now on the prosecution desk. No doubt she was going to make sure he was punished. Harry noticed the defense desk was vacant, so he assumed that no one wanted to represent the traitorous rat. The Minister again banged his gavel.
"Order, order…Aurors, please bring in the accused."
The doors opened revealing two Aurors surrounding the bald little man. They escorted him into the chair and watched as the chains sealed Peter to the chair. The minister stood and looked down at him.
"Peter Patrick Pettigrew you are charged with being a follower of the late Dark Lord, betraying the Potters to You-Know-Who and murder of twelve muggles. How do you plead?"
Peter spoke in a scared tone "Not guilty!"
Harry sniggered in the stands and watched the Minister jot down his plea. He then watched as Peter was forced to take the truth serum. Harry looked at Peter and saw his eyes glazed over. Miss Conley stood in front of Peter.
"What is your name?" This time her voice was not only cold it was also calculating.
"Peter Patrick Pettigrew."
"Date of birth?"
"February 29th 1960." Peter squeaked out.
"Are you or have you ever been a follower of the man known as V-Vol-Voldemort?" There were gasps in the courtroom, and a woman sitting behind Harry fainted.
"I have and I still am a follower. I will be rewarded when he comes back." He said this with the slightest hint of a smile on his face.
The gallery erupted in chaos and many began screaming and shouting. The Minister banged his gavel "Order, order. Please control your emotions or I will be forced to clear the courtroom." The crowd died down and Miss Conley continued her questioning.
"Were you the Potters' secret-keeper and did you frame Lord Black by murdering twelve muggles and cutting off the tip of your finger?"
"Yes, I escaped in my animagus form, leaving behind a finger. Giving the illusion that Sirius had killed the filthy muggles, allowing me to get away scot free."
Miss Conley walked over to her desk. "Your honor, the prosecution wishes to enter exhibit A: The wand of the late Dark Lord."
The gasp in the crowd grew until the Minister banged his gavel again "Order, order. Miss Conley, we accept the evidence brought in front of us. Please continue."
"Mr Pettigrew, could you please tell the court whose wand this is?"
"It is the Dark Lord's."
"Could you explain to the court, how you had the wand in your possession during your arrest."
"When Harry Potter hurt the Dark Lord I was there. We retreated to Albania where his other followers were waiting. The Dark Lord entrusted his wand to me, as he knew of my animagus form, and that I could keep it safe until he returned." Pettigrew was saying this with such pride one would think the man enjoyed being someone's lapdog.
The serum began to wear off. The chamber was in complete silence. Madam Bones stood up again "Members of the jury, you have heard the testimony of Mr Pettigrew. I ask you now to vote. All those in favor of clearing the accused raise your wands".
No wands lit up.
"All those in favor of finding him guilty of his crimes please raise your wands."
Every wand lit up; sealing Peter's fate. The Minister grinned at Peter then stood up. "Peter Patrick Pettigrew this court finds you guilty of all charges. You will be taken to Azkaban and will spend your life within its walls, may the gods have mercy on your soul."
Just as the Minister was about to bang his gavel Harry stood up. "Excuse me, Minister, as his crime is against my house. I am using my power as the Peverell heir to change your verdict. Peter Patrick Pettigrew, I, Lord Harry James Potter-Black-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Hufflepuff-Slytherin. God, that's a large title. I hereby sentence you to death by the Dementor's kiss immediately, so mote it be."
The court was blinded by the pure magic sealing the oath. Two Aurors left the court then returned a few minutes later escorting a Dementor within a warded box. The crowd cried in shock at the presence of the foul creature. However, Peter wet himself looking at the executioner of his life. The Minister stood up.
"Very well, Lord Potter, we, the Wizengamot, agree to your ruling, Aurors please escort Mr Pettigrew to the box. Ladies and gentleman those who do not wish to see the kiss performed please turn away now."
Peter cried and tried dragging his feet as the Aurors pulled him closer and closer to the warded box. He could feel the presence of the creature even through the wards. The two Aurors pushed Peter through the wards and stood and watched as the Dementor grabbed Pettigrew, then lowered its hood and leaned over the trembling bald man. It bought its lips close to his and began to suck out his soul. Peter tried to cry out, but it was no good. Finally, it was over and Peter's body fell out of the wards dead and unmoving. Many of the crowd gasped as the traitorous rat, Peter Pettigrew, was no more.
Harry stood and turned to the crowd "Let this serve as a warning to any who which to cause harm to my house and vassals. Anyone who supports another dark lord will meet the same fate." Harry then walked out with Daphne on his arm, followed by Remus and Sirius. Several Death Eaters shifted in their seats including one Lucius Malfoy. They all knew their time was at an end and Lord Potter's reign had begun.
A.N: Hope you enjoyed the Chapter. A big thank you to HowlnMadHowie, who has proof-read and fixed this chapter.