By now my schedule is so irregular, I have no idea when I will be able to update next. Probably Saturday or Sunday. I know that in America spring break is about now, but I have to wait for the Easter Holidays for my next vacation.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 10: Let justice roll down like waters
Pettigrew in custody!
Sirius Black innocent?
Custody of Harry Potter?
Last night Peter Pettigrew delivered himself to the custody of Madam Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement! He apparently confessed to the betrayal of the Potters on Halloween 1981 and framing Sirius Black for the death of twelve muggles the same night. The Dark Mark on his left forearm proved he did indeed serve You-know-who. The Kiss-on-sight order for Sirius Black has been revoked and he will get his rightful trial after Pettigrew's.
One can only imagine the battle that will break out between Severus Snape and Sirius Black. Both have equal claims on Harry Potter, as adoptive father and godfather respectively. As last of the male Blacks Sirius Black is eligible as Head of the most Ancient and noble House of Black. It's anyone's guess who would win such a confrontation in court, in this case however Harry Potter's opinion that will have the final opinion. The person who curries favour with the boy-who-lived will get his support.
One must, however, bear in mind that Sirius Black has spent THIRTEEN years of his life in Azkaban and, supposedly, emerged relatively sane. This is no mean feat and it's anyone's guess just how badly damaged his body is. It is doubtful that he will be able to give his godson the care he desperately needs, before he has visited a stack of healers himself.
The trial is scheduled as soon as this afternoon before the whole of the Wizengamot. Your faithful reporter has managed to gain a place in the correspondents' seats and will give you all the juicy details of this sordid tale.
For more information on Halloween 19981, go to page 4
For more information on Sirius Black, go to page 5
For more information on known Death Eater, go to page 6
It had been a rather long week for Harry and his friends. They had brought Neville up to speed with the rest of them, discovering in the process that he used his father's wand, not his own. Severus had spoken with Dowager Lady Longbottom, convincing her that not buying Neville his own wand would only hinder his magical education and development. She had capitulated eventually and already Neville was progressing with leaps and bounds. Some reassurances from Harry had done wonders for his confidence in Potions, resulting in much higher grades overall and better confidence. Harry had not witnessed the strange green light again and hadn't dared to question Neville.
Harry had achieved something of a truce with Draco Malfoy and his posse. They behaved reasonably well towards each other and had even managed a little study session in the library. Only Harry, Hermione, Malfoy and Zabini had been present, making it pleasantly quiet. At the time Ron had been deep in conversation with Oliver Wood over quidditch strategies. While Ron was an average player at best (worse if he was nervous) he was a brilliant strategist. Wood had since taken Ron under his wing and seemed determined to make him his successor as captain and keeper.
The backlash that Harry had feared had been minor, what with two houses backing him unconditionally. Most seemed to respect his choice and left it alone. Rita's portrayal of their happy little family had gone a long way in influencing the public opinion. The special mailbox Severus had installed for Harry at Gringotts meant that all fan mail was screened and answered for him.
Harry had been rather stressed when Severus had been called by Voldemort that first time, but his worry had been for naught. His adoptive father had come home unharmed and pleased with the positive changes in his master. He had explained the plans of the Dark Lord in great depth and while Voldemort had made mention of a meeting between them, he wasn't pressed for time.
Harry agreed with the new course of the Dark sect, but hoped he didn't have to join anytime soon. His core was a mix of all sorts of Magic thanks to his innate nature and bad childhood. He was equally suited to Light and Dark, though spells born from emotion came far easier to him. It was a matter of time before either side would approach him and right now he leaned to the Dark side.
A look on the clock told him Severus wouldn't be back from the meeting for at least two more hours. He cuddled further into the comfortable armchair and turned back to the book on Ancient Runes he had found. This particular volume focused on using Runes as a substitute for spells. They could be just as powerful as any spell and had near endless amounts of variations through combining, layering and enhancing. They needed more time to prepare, obviously, but were more permanent if carved into the right material.
Harry became so captivated by the fascinating theories that were explained, he missed Severus entrance. It wasn't until a hand fell on his shoulder that he looked up. Smiling he set the book to the side and asked about the meeting. From the slope of Severus' shoulders he saw that not everything had gone as planned.
"The Dark Lord wants all of us to create bigger families. In my case it means marrying within the year and getting at least two children. Moreover he has encouraged betrothals for the already existing children with muggleborns, newbloods from now, or half-bloods. There might exist a contract between my heir, you, and the Malfoy heir. Depending on how drunk we actually got, it might also be binding"
Harry was doing a rather nice job of resembling a tomato as he warred with his feelings. On one hand he would get his crush, on the other it would be a forced marriage…. What should he do? He tried to focus on the other point to take his mind of it.
"Do you have anyone in mind? I know you won't marry a woman (thanks to an embarrassing Talk), but I don't think you have ever show partiality to anyone."
"I have two people I will consider, though I'm not too sure of my reception. Don't worry, Little Lion, all will be well. Off to bed, it's past twelve and you have Herbology first thing in the morning."
The courtroom was rather crowded and Harry had to dodge multiple people to reach to his seat. He was here not only as Sirius' godson, but also to witness against Peter Pettigrew. Both Hermione and Ron accompanied him, all feeling put out because Remus wasn't allowed to be there. He was a witness, but his werewolf status prevented him from being called forward. Severus took place between the other Lords and Ladies, as his station as Lord and regent demanded.
First Pettigrew would be tried, and then they would open Sirius' case. The doors closed, signalling the beginning of the trial. Pettigrew was brought in, wrapped in special chains to prevent his animagus' transformation. He looked pitiful in the huge chair, yet Harry felt only loathing for this man, who had essentially condemned him to ten years of hell. If only this man had kept his mouth shut, he would still have his parents.
The trial went rather quick; Veritaserum was administered and Pettigrew's guilt established without doubt. The witnesses were called forward to complete the events of last June. The Golden Trio couldn't bring themselves to pity the traitor. He was too pathetic and they felt too betrayed by him. In the end Pettigrew was sentenced to the Dementors' kiss and the Weasleys got a compensation of 500 galleons for every year they had been unknowingly housing a Death Eater with their children.
Sirius came in alone, looking very presentable. He wore expensive looking robes, had shaved and his hair looked healthy. No longer was he a walking skeleton, though he had clearly not yet reached his optimal weight. Not many questions had to be asked; most was just a repeat from the previous trial. The ministry would give him 1000 galleons for every year in Azkaban and 750 more for his year and a half as fugitive. The parties involved would first discuss all matters concerning the adoption of Harry Potter in private. Only if no understanding could be reached, would they be allowed to take it to court.
The Golden Trio and Severus met Sirius at the doors. He gave Harry a warm hug, greeted Ron and Hermione friendly and then turned to Severus. To everyone's surprise Sirius addressed Severus very respectfully and bowed low.
"I have treated you dreadfully in school, Lord Prince and I'm utterly ashamed of my behaviour. I wish to make a formal apology with full reparations and to explain my actions to you in private as I feel that you deserve this. As Heir to most Ancient and Noble House of Black I apologise for every word and action with which I harmed Severus Snape, Lord of the Ancient and most Noble House of Prince, since our introduction. Nothing can make up for how shameful I've behaved towards you, but let me at least try."
Severus had gone stock-still, his face revealing nothing about his feelings. This was the moment he had hoped for and had feared at the same time. This proved that Sirius Black had grown into a responsible man, aware of the world around him. With no horrible conduct to suppress them, his emotions would have no bounds. If he forgave this man, would he ever be able to get over him and move on?
"Would my private quarters suit your requirements? Though we will have to escort Harry and his friends back first. They have missed enough lessons as it is."
"That would be excellent. Please lead the way."
Sirius didn't show his nerves, even as they swam through his belly. It had taken him nearly all of the past three weeks to come to terms with what his mind healer had told him, ever since he had flipped out over Snape's custody of Harry.
Apparently his family had fucked him up really well. When he had met Severus, he had projected all his frustration and anger caused by them on the boy who was so obviously slytherin and yet an easy target. Through the years those feeling had changed; Snape had developed a sharp tongue and caustic wit, which he yielded like a sword. Sirius had liked that fire, but had tried to repress those feelings, unwilling to expose himself and get hurt that way. It had become a coping mechanism, which he was actively trying to unlearn.
As Sirius walked behind the Potions Master, he forced himself not to block the admiration he felt for the artful swirls of the cape and the tall, well-developed figure. Snape had been rather gangly as child, all thin, long limbs and a big nose. Now he was still tall, but had filled out nicely. His nose didn't seem so big anymore and gave extra character. His hair looked silky, his strides were long and confident.
Sirius snickered quietly at the password, though he did find it rather matching with Snape's personality. Most of the room passed him by; he feared what would be asked in compensation for the year of bullying and hate. Remus had written about his own talk with Snape, but he had done far less than Sirius. Even if Snape didn't carry a grudge, (unlikely) he would still have more than even ammunition.
He accepted the glass of Firewhiskey gratefully and the next few moments where spent in silence, heightening the tension in the room. At last Snape seemed to have ordered his thoughts to his liking and began.
"I will ask no reparations of you, only that you behave in a civil way towards me now and don't leap to conclusions anymore. Your apology was enough, I feel no need to drag this out and make both of us uncomfortable."
"You can't mean this! I nearly KILLED you in school, because I couldn't deal with my family issues the normal way, and you forgive me just like that!"
"Not just like that. You understand the atrociousness and brutality of your actions and have apologised. I never even expected as much, so it is enough. If you truly want to repay me, hear me out. There is a lot of change happening and Harry is going to be in the middle of it. As will you, when you become Lord Black."
Sirius nodded, still not satisfied yet willing to compromise for the moment. He would try his hardest to make up what he could late though.
"First of all the Dark Lord has risen once again. He has however regained his sanity and original brilliance. He recognises that war will only destroy our world and will go the political way this time around. Muggleborns are to be accepted earlier and thoroughly educated in our ways. They, and half-bloods, will get preference when it comes to marriage and bigger families are to be encouraged. Nevertheless they will have to leave the muggle world behind entirely or give up magic. Exposing our world to muggles is a risk we can no longer take."
"That … sounds surprisingly sensible and anyone would be hard pressed not to agree. I suppose he will also want to give more attention to the Dark Arts?"
"Yes, though no magic will be preferred above another any longer. People are born with a certain core, you know. Depending on that core certain magics will come easier than others. The evilest of magic will still be banned, but evil does not equal dark per se. Restrictions on Dark creatures will be undone, so they can have a decent life and be proud of their heritage."
"You mean Remus would be able to become the teacher he has always wanted to be and have his own house. How can anyone oppose You-know-who? Well this new, sane version, that is."
"You would be surprised. Most people are stupid sheep. Give them a leader who is just bright enough to bring on ideas that sound good, but too stupid to recognise how utterly wrong they are in their beliefs and you have a formidable enemy. For example: the Senior Undersecretary of the Minister, Dolores Umbridge, has a deep hatred for Creatures, dark or not. She is the person behind the entire werewolf legislation and more. There is just no talking with that woman, she cannot accept beliefs not her own."
"I see your point. I would like a meeting with You-know-who to discuss his plans, but if he can convince me I would me willing to become a part of the Dark sect. Now I want to talk about Harry."
Seeing the tensed position of the other, Sirius rushed to reassure him.
"I don't want to fight your claim as Harry's adoptive father. As far as I can see, you're doing a better job than I ever could. It's just that I want to discuss me spending time with Harry as his godfather. I'm not fit to take care of anyone but myself and even that is uncertain at the moment."
Severus unclenched his muscles or at least try to relax them a little. In the past weeks he had come to care about Harry a great deal. The prospect of losing him was frightening to say the least.
"You will of course always be welcome to visit Harry, though if you plan a trip or something like that I want to be informed beforehand. You and Remus will be invited for all the important feasts like Yule, Samhain, Beltane, etc. I do ask that you moderate gifts. Harry is not yet used to being wanted and get overwhelmed easily."
The two men separated in peace, both happy with the way this conversation had gone. Nonetheless both yearned for something more to have happened, a sign that their interest might be returned. Both were too stubborn to consider that the other might have hidden their feeling as well, for fear of ridicule.
So I noticed I've misspelled Herbology in the past chapters, please forgive me. I was somewhat confused with biology.
On another note I'm going to make this a SiriusxRemusxSeverus with all of them switching positions. SiriusxSeverus doesn't work for me, because they are both to stubborn and Remus is a good mediator even if he is more dominant in this story. If you don't like this, please either leave or keep you comments to yourself. I will keep the 'sexual' situations to kissing and suggestions, because I don't really know how to write them well and I don't want to write a smut story just yet.