Magic appeared within the deep, dense forest where she'd transported Sirius. She felt the distance from Harry increase greatly, felt his physical pain that lasted zero point nine three seconds. Foremost in his desires was for her to remain with, and care for Sirius Black, his Godfather. Magic gazed at him calmly as he looked back at her. She recognized the look of anxiety and worry in his facial expression, searched through various words to determine an appropriate response to the emotions she recognized in his baring. It took her point zero zero two seconds to realize she required more data, formulating words based on that fact.
"Explain your emotional response so I can assist you." She said. That was the most efficient means of obtaining the data, to ask for an explanation.
The expression of Sirius Black twisted into that of deeper anxiety and anger, directed at her.
"How can you be so cold about all this?" Sirius asked, fury in his voice and on his gaunt, haggard face. "Do you even care?"
She had miscalculated, Magic realized with emotionless thoughts. Obtaining the information was incorrect and didn't serve to best help Sirius. Anger wouldn't help them get along in their relationship, or help her care for him. Magic formulated another response.
"I'm not sure how to express myself." She stated placidly. "I feel no emotion of my own making. I calculate based on pure, statistical knowledge and data. I do what Harry wishes, and Harry cares for you. I feel his emotions toward you. He loves you and desires for me to care for you. Your anger won't help me care for you, as you wouldn't be willing to proceed with me. I'm a part of Harry. I'm an emotionless, calm, stable entity that's Harry's magic, and what happens to me effects Harry's magic, such as my petrification during his second year, which prevented Harry from performing any magic, as I was petrified and his magic was also petrified."
Magic saw Sirius staring at her with pure surprise, as well as an expression of shock. What she'd told him wasn't expected by him, she noted, the data stored within her mind of perfect recall. Three point three seven seconds passed before Sirius blinked and closed his mouth, his expression reforming into a calmer one as he took a breath and let it out.
"Okay." He said. "Let's think about this... So, in a way, I'm talking to Harry now, then? Even though I'm talking to you, Magic?"
"You're speaking with Harry's magic, I, who am called Magic." She stated, determining that was an appropriate response to his question. "I'm a part of Harry, as his magic is a part of him."
"Okay." Sirius said after two point two three seconds. His voice indicated a tone of acceptance and an attempt to understand her statements. That would assist their relationship.
"We're safe here." Magic stated.
"I'm glad to hear that." Sirius responded, then sighed and sat down on a tree stump behind him. Magic gazed at the stump, one meter in diameter, one point one meters high, its surface angled at fifteen point three degrees toward her.
"Will Harry be okay?" Sirius asked after ten point five seconds passed.
"Unknown." Magic stated. "Determining future knowledge hasn't been attempted, and should it be, there are many variables that can change the outcome, therefore, many outcomes that can be seen."
"Exactly what does all that mean?" Sirius asked. "Could you break that down for me a little, maybe?"
Sirius Black required a simpler explanation, Magic concluded, and formulated a response based on the conclusion.
"You wished to know if Harry was going to be okay." Magic stated. "This requires determining if he will be okay using magic to determine a future event. The future is determined based on trillions of variables as small as the direction of a falling leaf. Therefore, the possible number of future events that can be seen number in the trillions, and the possibility of determining which one we will be aware of is point zero zero zero two one eight seven percent."
"No, no." Sirius said with a sigh. "Look, I don't want you to look into the future or anything. Just... Do you think Harry is going to be okay? Base it on what you know about him, what you think might happen."
Magic had again miscalculated his wishes, but was gathering data to determine what he wanted. She wouldn't repeat the error.
"Yes." Magic stated. "I believe Harry will be okay. The loss of me, the use of his magic, and all which that entailed the previous year was far more difficult for him than this event."
"What was that about, anyhow, Magic?" Sirius asked. "How'd Harry lose you and the use of his magic? What happened?"
"A piece of Voldemort's soul was in a diary, which gave it an awareness and ability to take control of Ginny Weasley against her will, after she'd written inside the diary. This led to what had previously been known as a myth, the Chamber of Secrets, being opened. Voldemort, controlling Ginny Weasley, released a Basilisk, which Harry heard the hissing of. His curiosity and desires were for me to follow the hissing sound. I did. I saw the reflection of its yellow eyes in the water, leading to my petrification, which froze Harry's magic, as I was petrified, and I'm Harry's magic." Magic said.
"Wait a minute." Sirius said in a worried tone. "If you're Harry's magic, then he won't be able to use magic when you're so far away from him, will he?"
"Harry can use his magic. He still feels its flame within him. I am that which was formed, and is directly linked to Harry's magic, and am sustained by Harry's magic, and am Harry's magic." She stated.
"Well, we can't just sit around here talking. We've got to get Harry out of there." Sirius said.
"Illogical." Magic stated. "Success is one-hundred percent. However, the Ministry will not stop searching for Harry."
"Then he can hide himself, which I'm thinking he should have done before." Sirius said.
"That wouldn't assist Harry to integrate with society and live among magicals, which he desires to do." Magic responded.
"Even after what they've done to him?" Sirius burst out suddenly.
"Only some magical users have caused this, not all." Magic replied. "Harry judges those that he's met. He won't judge all magical users based on his experience with the Ministry of Magic as it currently treats him. If he did, he wouldn't want to care for you, and would leave me to leave you to fend for yourself, and live alone without him in your life, and without you in his life."
"I suppose that's good." Sirius sighed, looking down. Magic recognized resignation on his face. "That he doesn't judge everyone like that."
"You are malnourished from your stay in Azkaban prison. I can heal you of that affliction with healing magic. Your mind has been damaged by exposure to Dementors. I can heal that with healing magic. This will care for you, and Harry wishes me to care for you." Magic stated. "Doing so without your permission would be an invasion of a concept Harry understands as privacy, and therefore, I do as well. I ask your permission to proceed."
"Are you saying you can... Make me healthy again, like I'd never been in Azkaban?" Sirius asked.
"Mostly." Magic stated, seeing the tears coming from his eyes, his expression that of deep hope. "The mental damage from the Dementors which causes unclear thinking and your negative, fearful emotions to be foremost on your mind will be reversed, leading to clearer, more organized thoughts and memories, and potential less nightmares if you currently have any. You will look healthier, but will still be thin."
"If you can do anything to help me... Yes. Yes, I'd like that." Sirius said in a shaking voice.
"I'll proceed." Magic responded.
She formed the magic appropriately, sent it, along with energy required to regenerate his body to a healthy level, into him. It took one point two seconds to heal him of the mental damage of Azkaban, and appropriately nourish his body physically. His face looked a bit fuller, not quite so sunken, but still thinner than it would be had he not stayed in Azkaban. His gray eyes no longer held a constantly haunted expression. Magic noticed them widen with awe and surprise, recognizing the expressions of emotion on his face. She saw Sirius jump to his feet, stronger than before, healthier, but still thin from his long stay in Azkaban. This had assisted him greatly, and she knew she'd performed a step in caring for Sirius. She saw him come toward her and felt him hug her tightly, and knew from Harry embracing her what the appropriate response was. She wrapped her arms around him and heard him laughing as he tightly embraced her shorter form, felt him lift her up and spin her around in what she recognized as an expression of joy.
"Thank you, Magic!" Sirius hollered loudly. Magic formulated an appropriate and truthful response.
"Harry wished me to care for you. I healed you, therefore, caring for you." Magic's voice was muffled from her face being pressed slightly into Sirius' clothes.
"Still." Sirius said as he lowered her to the ground and let her go. "It was nice, Magic, and I'm glad you helped me. I suppose I'll still have to work out so I'm not so thin, but it's nice all the same." He took a breath and gazed up at the tree leaves and branches that were five point three nine meters above them, preventing most sunlight from entering their current vicinity.
"Magic, if there's something we can do about Harry, you'll let me know?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Magic stated in reply.
"Well, in that case then, would you mind if I asked you some questions about you, maybe while we walked?" Sirius asked.
"No." Magic replied.
She felt Sirius take her hand. She knew the appropriate response from times when Harry had done the same. She curled her fingers around his hand, gripping it in return in an efficient action that wasted no movement, as all her actions were.
"Since you can probably see a bit better than me, why don't you lead me while we talk. I've always enjoyed walking." Sirius' voice was wistful and denoted a reflection on past memories that gave Sirius a sense of peace.
"Okay." Magic serenely stated, then lifted her left foot, moved it forward an appropriate distance, then placed it down on the ground before lifting her right foot and doing the same, performing the action known as walking, her footsteps a precise distance from each other unlike those of Sirius, which varied in length between seventy-three point zero two and seventy-four point two centimeters, an acceptable variation in distance.
"When I knew Harry, though he was blind, I never saw you before last night." Sirius said. "At first, I thought you were Harry's helper or something. How'd you come to exist?"
"When Harry was three months of age, he awoke in the night experiencing anxiety and distress, and wishing for someone to hold him. His magic was powerful enough to form me at that time. He wished his mother. His magic chose the closest to his mother that it could attain, a female girl slightly taller and larger than his own physical body. His emotional need for someone created me and caused me to come into being, and thereby, manifested his magic into my physical form of a living human girl." Magic stated.
"Do you think Harry could do something like that again if he wanted to?" Sirius asked. "If he wanted you to stay with me, but also wanted you in... Wherever he is?"
"Partly." Magic replied. "I'm unique, and am a living body. He could create one identical to me in every way except that of being alive. The manifestation would be that of touchable energy until sufficient energy was attained to make the second a living body."
"Is that what you were in the beginning, energy?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Magic responded.
"Does he know he can... Well, I guess he would know. So has he created another you, yet? I know he's comfortable with you around." Sirius said.
"He doesn't know that he can, because he hasn't desired details on the precise data regarding my creation. That knowledge is outside of that which is received by him, as it is an experience that I have performed, not knowledge that I have received." Magic responded.
"What's the difference?" Sirius asked.
"Knowledge I receive is data that is around us, such as the forest we're walking through. This knowledge contains the composition of everything around us, variations in the level of the ground, distance of various objects from our presence, the precise temperature, amount of moisture in the air, and the precise frequencies of sound that make up our environment. Experience is the words I determine are appropriate to speak to you, the footsteps I take, the thoughts I have, conclusions I form, and actions I perform, though Harry is aware of the magical actions I perform because he wishes them to occur." Magic said.
"Wow." Sirius responded. "That's a lot to take in." After six point three seconds, he asked, "Will he know that you used your healing magic, as you call it, to heal me?"
"Yes." Magic stated. "He feels the use of magic, and will know what I've done, as I'm his magic."
"Then what won't he know about what you're doing?" Sirius asked.
"Currently, he has closed his link of knowledge with me." Magic responded, determining that Sirius liked to receive more explanation than most others she knew. He preferred to receive as much information as he could get, so Magic determined the most efficient means of providing the information. "He will be aware of the magic I perform, but will not be aware of the data I receive, the physical actions I perform, or the thoughts I have. When his link of knowledge with me is open and he is receiving my data, he will be aware of the precise data compiled about every aspect of my surroundings gathered with the normal human senses of a human girl containing perfect senses awareness, and will be aware of my physical actions through any changes in that data. However, he won't be aware of the physical actions I perform based on changes in my position, only based on changes in the manner I receive the data."
"So you're saying that he'll know if you're walking because sounds and sites around you change, then. And can he be aware of what you touch, smell and taste too?" Sirius said after three point four eight seconds, and Magic determined he was likely interpreting her concise and technical, but accurate reply.
"Yes, if his link of knowledge with me is open and he is receiving the data I gather about the environment around me." Magic stated. "His awareness is pure, statistical data, as that's what I receive."
"I see." Sirius said. "Earlier at the house, I noticed you were eating. Why do you do that?"
"Because Harry wishes it." Magic stated.
"Why?" Sirius asked. "Why does he want you to eat? I mean, if you're his magic, you don't actually need to eat, do you? My magic sure doesn't need to eat."
"Your magic isn't manifested in physical form, and Harry's magic is a flame of fire where your magic is a tiny spark." Magic responded. "However, my survival isn't based on eating. I can go without eating if Harry wishes me to. I eat because he wishes his magic to grow in strength quicker than if he ate without me also eating. After my creation, me eating led to my body of energy becoming that of a living girl, as energy was gathered and used for the transformation."
"So, when you eat, anything is basically transformed into what, raw magic, pure energy?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Magic stated.
"Do you sleep?" Sirius asked, his tone of voice indicating curiosity.
"No." Magic responded. She anticipated Sirius would ask why along with various other questions, formulated a response, and continued. "Magic doesn't rest. It exists within someone whether it's used or not. Though I'm fully human in a physical sense, I'm Harry's magic. I don't need sleep. I don't need to shower, dress, or clean myself in any way, nor do I require a change in any physical position. Magic is used to keep me physically comfortable and clean, along with the clothes I wear. I can't be physically harmed, as the magic that created me ensured I'm invulnerable to any physical harm, because Harry never wanted to lose me when I came into physical being at three months of age. My physical strength is also unlimited, because Harry wanted me to have the ability to perform actions normally not capable of a person my size."
"But you just said you're a living human girl now." Sirius said. "And you can't be hurt? How's that possible?"
"Because I'm Harry's magic, and I do as he wishes, and he wishes this to be so." Magic stated.
"Since you're alive, with your own physical body and such, what would happen to you when Harry dies?" Sirius asked. "Or, what if you died?"
"I can't die, since Harry doesn't wish me to die." Magic stated. "When Harry dies, he will burn."
"Burn?" Sirius asked. "What do you mean, exactly?"
"A phoenix burns when they die." Magic replied. "Harry will do the same. I will maintain my physical form."
"But wouldn't you, being a physical body, eventually age to the point where you die?" Sirius asked.
"No." Magic responded. "I will age until the aging process becomes detrimental to my body, then magic will halt the aging process and sustain me at that level of physical fitness and health, as magic sustains me in all ways wished by Harry."
"Why will Harry burn like a phoenix, anyway?" Sirius asked.
"I became one with Athis, a phoenix, and Harry's magic now has those abilities of a phoenix." Magic stated.
"You sure are something, Magic." Sirius said after twenty-three point eight seven seconds.
"Yes. I'm something." Magic acknowledged placidly, and feeling a change in Harry's being, said, "Harry is beginning to calm down now."
"Why wasn't he calm?" Sirius asked, responding point one seconds quicker than usual, indicating he hadn't fully thought through his question. Magic answered nevertheless, even as she noticed Sirius' cheeks turning red indicating embarrassment.
"The events from before you were teleported here, and before I arrived to care for you, caused his emotional state to become unstable." Magic stated. "His emotional state is stabilizing, indicating he is calming."
"That's good." Sirius said. His voice and facial expression indicated relief. "If he's going to get through this all right, he shouldn't lose his temper like he did before. I don't blame him for it, though, I had half a mind to kick Umbridge as hard as I could myself."
"That wouldn't help Harry." Magic stated.
"I know that now, and knew that then, which was why I didn't." Sirius said. "Just make sure he stays calm and doesn't act impulsively when he's being questioned by any of the Ministry officials. If he sticks to the truth, everything'll turn out better for him, and I know you want things to turn out for the best for him."
"Yes." Magic stated. "This is what Harry would wish, so I'll do this."
"Now." Sirius said after three point two one seconds. "Can we try and find Peter Pettigrew so I can get my name cleared of all charges?"
"No." Magic replied. "I can find Peter Pettigrew's precise location using the phoenix magic that was combine with me at the end of Harry's previous school year, incorporating all the abilities of Phoenix magic within me, which will also lead to my never being petrified again. I can bring him to this location."
"Then we can get him into the Ministry." Sirius said.
"No." Magic responded. "I can. However, performing these actions would require I leave you unattended, and therefore, not take care of you."
"But don't you see?" Sirius asked. "If you did this, then Harry would have me as his Godfather cleared of all charges, and he'd be able to live with me in a far more caring environment. Surely that would be better for him than living with someone who's branded a criminal."
"Harry doesn't care about your status as currently registered with the Ministry." Magic stated.
"But if my name's cleared, I'll be able to care for Harry better than I can now." Sirius said.
"Magic can be used to disguise you so you can walk among people freely, and without fear of recognition." Magic stated.
"But we wouldn't have to worry about that if you'd get Peter here." Sirius said.
"It's not a worry." Magic replied. "It's magic we can perform."
Sirius let out a sigh of what Magic recognized to be frustration.
"Trust me, it'll be better for all of us if you'd put Peter in the Ministry, and I assume you can stop him from transforming into a rat." Sirius said.
"I could prevent him from transforming, but placing him within the Ministry would require I leave you unattended." Magic stated.
"Oh, you're hopeless." Sirius muttered under his breath, though Magic still heard him. "Look. Would you just do this for me? I'm sure Harry wouldn't object."
"Harry's objection or lack of objection is irrelevant. Harry wants me to take care of you. Leaving you unattended, even for a brief amount of time, wouldn't be conducive to caring for you." Magic stated.
"You're not going to do this, are you?" Sirius sighed in a defeated way. Magic saw him looking down.
"If Harry wishes me to, I will, but Harry wishes me to care for you now." Magic replied.
"Isn't there any way you could communicate with him and ask him?" Sirius asked.
"Yes. However, communication with him would involve magic that would likely be detectible within the cell Harry is in, which contains far more sensitive magical detection abilities than the magical detection known as the Trace. This wouldn't be conducive to his freedom." Magic responded. "It's advised that Harry not perform magic at the current time."
"How do you know about what's magical in the cell?" Sirius asked.
"I'm aware of everything regarding Harry at all times." Magic stated. "I'm part of him because I'm his magic, so I must be fully aware of him."
Sirius let out another sigh, still sounding defeated.
"All right, Magic. Since you won't budge, I suppose I'll just have to go after him myself."
"I won't allow that, as there's a chance you could be caught by Ministry officials and sent back to Azkaban, which wouldn't assist Harry's emotional health or stability." Magic stated.
"Aaaaa!" Sirius shouted quite suddenly, looking frustrated. "We've got to do something!"
"We don't have to do anything about the matter of Peter Pettigrew." Magic replied. "I'll keep you informed of Harry's status as you wish, and care for you as Harry wishes, and keep Harry calm during questioning should he require it, as would be in his best interest."
"And that's it?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Magic stated. She saw Sirius' face flash with anger and formulated a response. "If you're angry with me, you're angry with Harry, as I'm Harry's Magic."
"But you're a separate individual, and I'm not happy with you." Sirius said. His facial expression and the tone of his voice indicated anger. "You're single-mindedness is really, really irritating."
"I'm aware of your emotional state. Harry wouldn't want you to be angry with me. Your being angry with me won't help your relationship with Harry." Magic stated.
"Then exactly what am I supposed to do?" Sirius asked furiously. "Just let him get away?"
"I don't know how to respond to ease your anger and assist in our relationship, and by extension, your relationship with Harry." Magic replied. "If you're angry with me, Harry will feel guilty, which won't assist his relationship with you."
"Look." Sirius said. "Harry's got nothing to be guilty about."
"He won't see it in that way." Magic stated. "He's unstable and emotional compared to my steady, consistent behavior. Please don't be angry with me." Magic stepped in front of him and embraced him in an unemotional hug, then gave him an unemotional kiss on his left cheek.
"Okay, Magic." Sirius said, hugging her back. "I'll try."
"Family is more important than anything." Magic stated. "To Harry, that is the truth, and therefore, it's the truth for me as well."
"You're probably right. I just need some time to work this out, okay?" Sirius asked.
"Okay." Magic stated. The pair of them continued to walk in silence through the dense forest.
*** MINISTRY HOLDING CELL ***
Harry wiped his eyes, having calmed down a great deal. He was glad Magic had stopped him from continuing to hurt Umbridge. Now that he thought about what Magic had told him, he realized that it had been best for him to stop. And, not only that, but deep down, he didn't want to hurt anyone if he could at all avoid it. Slowly, Harry stood to his feet, feeling the magic within the cell. From what he could tell, it was there to detect any magical use. There were also other types of magic that he couldn't determine, but it was as if they weren't actually being used, almost like they needed to be activated in some way. Slowly and carefully, he made his way around the cell, finding a toilet, a sync, some soap, and the bench that he'd been sitting on before. Listening to his surroundings, he heard mostly silence, and an occasional door close. Sighing to himself, Harry felt along one of the walls to the door of the cell, touching the metal bars that held him within. The floor and walls, from what he could tell, were made of stone, which likely meant the cell was pretty strong. After a moment of gripping the bars, Harry sat down on the bench behind him and put his hands in his lap, waiting.
About an hour later, Harry heard a door far closer to him close, then heard footsteps moving toward his cell. They were heavy, slow, but also moved quickly toward him, perhaps indicating someone that was tall. He stood up as the footsteps stopped in front of the cell.
"Mr. Harry Potter?" A deep, calm voice stated.
"That's me." Harry replied.
"You are to be taken for trial immediately." The man stated.
Harry heard wood tapping on the metal bars, then the door squeaked a little as it swung open. As Harry stepped from the cell and took one of the man's large arms, he asked, "What happened to Sharen?"
"She'll be sent to Azkaban. It was determined that she impeded a Ministry investigation." The man responded calmly as they started walking.
"I almost expected to hear that." Harry said. "Did you know that your own Miss Umbridge placed Sharen under the Imperius Curse just to get me from her house?"
"I wasn't aware of that." The man said. His voice was still calm, but Harry heard some surprise and shock in his voice. "If you decide to defend yourself in your hearing, you may make a statement to that regard. However, you may not be allowed to do so given the severity of the charges against you."
"What severity of charges?" Harry asked.
"Umbridge has formally charged you with intent to kill." The man said as a door in front of them was opened.
Harry let out a sigh. He couldn't even bring himself to be angry, though it had briefly gone through his mind. Instead, he felt his flame of magic wrap around him, soothing him, keeping him calm. Odd, he thought, though after a moment realized that it was best he remain calm and not get emotional. That realization led Harry to realize that his own magic was gaining further autonomy and awareness, more wants of her own. He didn't smile, though, but was glad.
Harry was led through some corridors and after a minute or so, entered a room where he could hear people talking, though the talking of people went silent quickly after he entered. The man led him over to a chair, Harry taking a deep breath to calm himself. He sank into his flame of magic, sat down in the chair, felt some type of unfamiliar magic as he heard the chains of the chair rattle, felt them bind him to it. At the exact same moment, his flame of magic was extinguished as if someone had put out a fire. It wasn't even ice. It was simply gone, as was his sensing of all magic. It was far, far worse than the previous year had been when Magic had been petrified, and feeling absolutely nothing at all where his magic should be, Harry began to scream.
*** THE FOREST ***
Sirius had been calmly walking along with Magic through the forest, thinking of all she'd told him. It was a place he didn't recognize, he remarked, though suspected they were merely walking in circles. He didn't mind, though, as it gave him time to think about Harry's situation. The Ministry really had nothing on him at all, though he wouldn't put it past them to come up with some charges, as they undoubtedly already had.
"Magic, I think we should come up with some type of plan to..." Sirius began as he looked at her calm and placid face, then stopped. Her expression twisted into that of agony, of pure desperation. She stopped walking, frozen like a statue. "Magic, what's wrong? Magic?" Sirius' voice was frantic.
Magic released Sirius' hand and stepped in front of him, grasping his shoulders in her hands, her face still twisted into that of pure desperation.
"I'm bound." She said, her voice wild, panicked and desperate. "I don't know what to do! Help me!"
"Okay, okay, calm down." Sirius said, taking hold of her shoulders.
"Help me!" Magic shouted wildly.
"Magic, focus!" Sirius said firmly. "I need you to tell me what happened just before you were bound!"
"Harry entered a large room with sound that echoed and was led to a chair and sat down and was bound by chains and now I am bound!" Magic shouted, shaking him. "Help me!"
Sirius wanted to swear and shout, but instead, took a deep breath and hugged Magic's rigid body. Magic's arms flung around him firmly.
"That chair... It binds a person's magic, should that be chosen. There's nothing I can do, Magic, you're going to have to wait it out. Okay?" Sirius asked.
"I can't help you or care for you!" Magic screamed.
"Magic, shouting won't do any good!" Sirius said firmly. "Keep your voice down or we could be caught!"
"I can't use magic at all, I'm just like a Muggle. I can't care for you. I can't use magic. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to formulate an appropriate response to this situation. It's unknown and I don't understand it. It's unknown. It's unknown..."
"Magic, you can still talk with me, see things, you're still aware of your surroundings, right?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Magic responded quickly.
"All right, good." Sirius responded. "We'll just have to do things the old fashion way, then. No magic, just our five senses."
"But without magic I can't protect you properly." Magic stated, starting to sound calmer. Sirius let her go and she released him instantly, taking a step back. Her face still looked wild and desperate.
"All right, that's enough! I don't know what's going on here, buddy, but I've got a gun pointed at your head! Get away from the girl right now!" Sirius sighed at the sound of a man yelling, heard his footsteps as he was moving quickly closer to him. Magic's hands gripped his arms.
"Help me. Help me. Help me." She muttered quietly and quickly, though didn't shake him. Within moments, the man was at his side.
"You can let him go, girl, it's okay." The man said, and now that he was closer, Sirius could see the rifle aimed at him.
"What is that?" Magic asked as she stared at it.
"I'm going to keep you safe, now, okay?" The man's voice was comforting, though Sirius knew he didn't have any idea what he was dealing with, or who. He still felt mostly calm, but quickly tried to think of how he might get out of this one. He had no wand, if he tried to transform there was a chance the man could shoot him, and he had a panicked and distressed Magic to deal with. Not good, he thought.
"Are you really sure you want to fire that?" Sirius asked, his voice casual. "Those have been known to explode, you know."
"Wait just a minute." The man said in sudden recognition. "You're Black, that fellah they had on television!"
A loud bang filled the forest. Sirius felt pain rip through both of his legs, one above the knee, the other below near his foot. He screamed in agony and started to fall forward. Magic, who was in front of him, grabbed him and swiftly placed him on the ground, still looking wild and panicked, though seemed to be adapting to the situation a little. He struggled to keep the tears from his eyes and focused on his Auror training, pushing the pain to the back part of his mind, focusing to perform any kind of wandless magic, even summoning the weapon or pushing it to one side would do.
"You hurt him." Magic stated wildly, voice containing raw desperation and pure panic. "You hurt him."
"He is a dangerous criminal, girl, but you're..." The man began.
Magic jumped at the man, looking feral, crazed. Her hands grasped the rifle and she twisted it free of his grip before spinning it to face him, bracing it against her shoulder as if she was about to fire.
"Don't kill him!" Sirius shouted through his pain.
"Go away now." Magic stated in her panicked voice. "Go away."
"Just give me that and no one needs..." The man began.
Sirius jumped as he heard the shot of the rifle again, and the man let out a shout of surprise, looking terrified.
"That was one centimeter past your left ear." Magic stated rapidly. "If you don't leave now I'll hurt you." Looking white faced and terrified, the man spun around and ran quickly off. Magic lowered the rifle and put it down within visual range, then jumped to his side and knelt. "What do I do?" She asked quickly.
"We've got to clean these first." Sirius said, shaking. "But bandage them..." He tore at his shirt until he had a fairly good sized strip of cloth, wrapping it around his left leg, crying out in pain. As he did so, Magic jerked at his shirt and tore free another piece of cloth, her strength still incredible, and wrapped his right leg where he'd been shot. He trembled in agony as he tied off the makeshift bandage, then looked up at Magic's wild gaze.
"We didn't clean them yet, you said clean them first but we bandaged them." Magic said.
"That's because, we've... Got to find... Water, or alcohol... Or something..." Sirius said as he gritted his teeth and struggled to stand. Magic effortlessly lifted him in her arms.
"Direction." She said. "To walk."
"Follow that man, maybe he's got something... Try not to run me into anything, but hurry." Sirius said through his pain. Magic began to sprint quickly, running faster than he'd thought her capable of given her condition of being unable to use magic.
*** COURT ROOM TEN, MINISTRY OF MAGIC ***
Harry didn't know how long he'd been screaming wildly, desperately, struggling against the chains that bound him, not realizing that they were tightening around him as he struggled. He was hardly aware of anything else around him, only aware of the terror that not having his flame of magic was giving him. He felt utterly helpless, as if a large part of him had been lost to him, and had no idea what had even happened to Magic. There was no flame of magic, not even a frozen one. There was simply nothing where it should be, and the feeling was terrifying. Gradually, he began to become aware of other shouting, struggling harder than he ever had to stop screaming, to get his pure terror under control. He took a deep breath and let it out, then took another, panting hard in sheer terrified fear. He knew he had to express himself to these people, but didn't know precisely what to say, couldn't think of anything but his fear, his building rage. He could feel hot tears streaming down his face as he felt himself trembling, his heart pounding hard, he still crying out. The sounds around him came into further awareness and he realized people around him were shouting about what had just happened. That didn't help him think, that even the adults weren't in control of the situation, and knew of only one thing to say.
"Stop it!" He screamed, hearing them starting to stop, but not quite yet. "Stop it, stop! Stop! Stop! Stop stop!" He screamed, shrieking wildly until there was only silence. "You stole my magic you took it away! I'll never ever get it back and it's all your fault because you wouldn't listen! You wouldn't listen to me you just do what you want when you want and I hate you, I hate you I hate you!"
Harry knew, in some distant corner of his mind, that he was acting like a child, but didn't care at the moment. He didn't even care that he was screaming so loudly his throat was getting sore. All he cared about was the flame of magic that he'd once had, and would never have again. He kept screaming until he felt an unnatural calm descend on him, seeming to put out his terror and panic. He still trembled, still breathed quickly, still felt his heart pounding, but was able to think clearly.
"Hem, hem! Are you quite finished with your tantrum now, Mr. Potter?" Umbridge's familiar, high voice stated.
"You put the Imperius Curse on Sharen!" Harry shouted furiously.
He heard everyone around him start to talk and shout again, then heard the sound of a slam.
"Order!" A man shouted. "Let's all just calm down!" Everyone gradually fell silent. "Now, we know that Potter here has been traumatized by something, but the calming charms are holding! This is obviously his lashing out!"
Harry was about to say something, to scream that he wasn't lashing out, but a woman's voice spoke clearly.
"Mr. Potter, can you explain to us how you know what the Imperius Curse is, and that it was put on Sharen?"
"Hem, hem!" Umbridge coughed. "I don't believe that's necessary, do you? I mean, look at how scared he is! He's obviously attempting to gain sympathy!"
"Is he?" The woman asked. "Or was he correct? Please answer the question, Mr. Potter."
"I felt it." Harry said quickly, his voice a little louder than it normally was due to his terror, which was starting to creep back in even more. "It was like someone manipulating Sharen's will, her very being, and I didn't recognize it until she spoke in a cold voice that wasn't hers, and Umbridge told me herself she'd put the Imperius Curse on Sharen to get around a binding oath I'd made with her that would prevent her from revealing the address of our home to anyone I didn't give permission to for my safety! She made her take her there and got around it!"
"Your wand, Madam Umbridge." The woman stated coolly.
"I'm not on trial here!" Umbridge called sweetly throughout the court room. "I see no reason to give up my wand!"
"Your wand. Now." The woman stated.
"This is ridiculous!" Umbridge shouted, then Harry heard a slam and a cry of pain.
"Madam Bones!" The man who had called for order before shouted, sounding indignant.
"Prior Incantato!" The woman stated clearly.
A few moments passed, then Harry heard several gasps of what sounded like horrified astonishment.
"Deletrius!" The woman called, then said, "Mr. Potter, I will be releasing the binds around you now, and you will feel your magic once again. Prepare yourself."
"Madam Bones, we have not finished the trial!" The man shouted.
"With all due respect, Minister Fudge, he is only a child, for which you have placed him on trial for nothing." The woman, Madam Bones, stated. Harry felt the chains fall away from his body and felt his flame of magic appear within him again. He gasped and wanted Magic with him, but also wanted Magic to remain and care for Sirius. He felt a strange sensation then, as if his magic seemed to almost split. He heard more gasps around him, then felt Magic grip his shoulders in her hot, strong hands, he feeling nothing but pure magic in front of him.
"I'm here." She said.
*** THE FOREST ***
Magic stopped running after the man with Sirius still in her arms. She saw Sirius look up at her, no longer felt the uncertainty of the unknown, was aware of her senses. The emotions she'd previously felt seemed to vanish from her mind, and all memory of feeling the emotions themselves left. Magic formulated a conclusion based on the available data she now had, that she'd emulated the emotions felt in order to help Sirius Black recognize her situation, setting aside the mystery of why something had completely left her mind.
She felt Harry's wishes, and became two. She was in the court room as well as carrying Sirius in the forest, but it was easy for her to separate and be aware of both points of view at once. The part of her in the court room wasn't distinct yet, wasn't a physical body.
"I'm here." She said to Harry as she gripped his shoulders.
"I'll heal you now." She said to Sirius, and in an instant, Sirius was healed and his shirt was repaired. She put him down on the ground as she felt Harry hug her, was aware of his terror.
"You can use magic again?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Magic stated, gazing at Sirius. At the same moment, her energy form was rubbing Harry's back in precise motions.
Sirius looked at Magic's calm and placid gaze. She didn't look wild or desperate anymore, and he sighed with relief as he took hold of her shoulders carefully.
"Let's get out of here." He said.
"Where should we go?" Magic asked.
"Somewhere without any people. I'm sure the Muggle authorities are going to try and find me after this." Sirius said.
Magic transported them closer to where Harry was, but still in a deserted place. They stood in an alley that had been abandoned, and looking around him, Sirius saw empty cans and bottles, trash bins overturned, and bits of plastic littering the ground. Trash lined the sides of the alley and it smelled like rot. His face twisted into disgust.
"You don't like that." Magic said.
"No, I don't." Sirius said. "How far are we from that forest? That's what's important."
"Forty-three kilometers." Magic responded.
"Good." Sirius said. "They won't think I've been able to travel that far. All right, Magic, make me unrecognizable so we can walk among the people. I want to go find Harry."
*** COURT ROOM TEN, MINISTRY OF MAGIC ***
Harry couldn't help himself. He jumped from the chair and clung to her, crying hard into her shoulder. Magic, as she always had, unemotionally wrapped her arms around him and rubbed his back in precise, calculated movements. It was the best thing in the world, but his terror didn't leave quite that quickly. It took a few moments, but he calmed himself, removing the feel of the calming magic that had been placed on him. Trembling a little, he pulled away from Magic, who responded to his wishes by stepping to his left and gripping his hand firmly. He soaked up her physical presence that he could touch and feel, but something was different about it. Gripping her hand made him relaxed, feel as if his flame was pouring into him from that touch, and going out of him to keep the physical construct alive. It didn't matter to him, though, he only wanted her with him.
"Is it true, Mr. Potter, that you intended to kill Madam Umbridge?" Madam Bones asked.
"No." Harry responded. "When I felt the Imperius Curse on Sharen from Umbridge, I just got so angry, I wanted to hurt her, to make her forget what she'd seen and make her leave. But Magic knew I didn't want to put myself in even deeper hot water, so she pulled me away." Harry's voice still trembled a bit, but as he spoke, he kept holding Magic's hand, feeling the strange flow of his magic, which was oddly comforting in its own way, though he much preferred Magic herself.
"You can feel magic." Madam Bones said. "Please, demonstrate this for me."
"The chair behind me." Harry said. "I recognize its magic now. It can bind people physically and magically... And now that I know that magic, I know what to expect from it. The magic in the room feels like... I don't know, I've never felt this magic before, but it's in the walls and roof."
"He's making that up!" A man shouted from a high bench off to his left.
"No, he's not." Minister Fudge spoke. His voice was trembling fiercely, as if he was terrified.
"Mr. Potter, I shall perform a charm which you should be familiar with, and I wish you to tell me what it is." Madam Bones said.
Harry felt the familiar feel of the levitation charm and said, "It's the first year levitating charm."
"He can use magic and can feel it!"
"He didn't make up those exam results!"
"How dare you expel him for being a danger to us, he knows what he's doing!"
"Incompetent minister, you're incompetent!"
The shouts of people all around was loud and spoke of anger. Harry heard several bangs and felt the magic that made them, then heard Madam Bones speaking again.
"Mr. Potter!" She called loudly. Everyone was quieting down. "I wish you to perform a piece of magic that isn't dangerous for us. If you can prove to this court that you are, indeed, capable of performing magic safely and in a controlled way, we will vote to drop all charges."
"But he tried to kill me!" Umbridge almost shrieked.
"His actions, I don't blame him at all for, Madam Umbridge. It has already been clearly proven that you placed the Imperius Curse on Sharen Henderson illegally, for which you will be taking a one way trip to Azkaban." Madam Bones stated. "Harry was acting in defense of both himself and his guardian."
"What about Sharen, is she going to Azkaban? I hope not." Harry called.
"No, Mr. Potter, she is not. I've already sent a memo out to the Aurors to release her and, if she wishes, to escort..."
The court room door opened and Harry heard Sharen's familiar voice call out, "Harry!" She sounded relieved, terrified, and angry at the same time.
"Sharen!" Harry said as he let Magic go and turned to face her, she running into his arms and hugging him tight. With a thought, Harry combine the two Magic's again into the one caring for Sirius, hearing the court gasp and feeling the constant flow of magic vanish. "Sharen, can I use you for an experiment here, the court needs to see safe magic."
"Okay." Sharen responded, the two of them speaking quietly.
Harry was familiar with the magic in a broom, so decided to manipulate that to serve the purpose of displaying a safe piece of magic that wasn't dangerous. He rose into the air with Sharen, then stepped back, hearing Sharen gasp and chuckle a bit as he changed her position so she was laying down in mid air.
"As you can see, I'm capable of performing..." Harry began, but the uproar of everyone talking was suddenly very, very loud again. Grinning a bit, Harry reproduced the magic that had made the bangs again, hearing them boom through the court room and silencing everyone.
"Thanks!" He said. "So, that's four pieces of magic I've demonstrated today, Magic appearing, vanishing, the hovering, and the bangs! Shall we go on? Perhaps, while I'm here telling stories, I can tell you all about how Professor Dumbledore is one of the most competent wizards I know, and isn't at all responsible for the deaths at Hogwarts last year? It was a Basilisk that I killed."
"That would have been during the time you allegedly lost your magic, when the Basilisk was killed. Do you expect us to believe that you murdered a dangerous beast that many full grown wizards couldn't even kill, with nothing more than the skills of a blind Muggle?" Madam Bones asked. She sounded like she didn't believe it herself. Harry lowered he and Sharen to the floor, making sure both landed on their feet. He heard Sharen stumble a bit, but quickly regain her balance.
"I had a little help from a phoenix named Athis, who became one with my magic when it wasn't petrified anymore." Harry said. "But, aside from the phoenix bringing me the Hogwarts sorting hat, I also got a sword from it and was able to stab it."
Everyone started to talk and shout again, but Harry amplified his voice to talk over them.
"If you don't believe it, I can take everyone here to the chamber where it happened! You can see for yourself!"
Everyone was in an uproar when they heard that. It reminded Harry of a sporting event where the fans got very competitive. The chatter went on for a few minutes with Minister Fudge trying to restore order, but eventually, everyone calmed down.
"Thus far, you've told us the truth about everything, so far as we can determine. I see little reason for you to lie now, so I tend to believe what you're telling us." Madam Bones responded. "I believe we can now place this to a vote."
"V-v-very well." Minister Fudge sounded like he was stammering, Harry realized. "All... All in favor of charging Harry Potter with... With the charges as written?"
Harry heard silence.
"And all in favor of clearing... Clearing Mr. Potter of all charges?" Minister Fudge asked.
Harry heard the movement of cloth, indicating people around the room raising their hands.
"Very well, Mr. Potter, cleared of all charges." Minister Fudge stated. Harry grinned with relief, but as everyone began talking, he spoke.
"I also wish to ask one more thing!" Everyone went silent slowly. "Why wasn't my Godfather, Sirius Black, given a trial? And in the explosion that he supposedly killed thirteen people with, how many pieces of people were found around the area? Was blood from Pettigrew also found on the seen, who was supposedly killed? Who, by the way, can transform himself into a rat, and has been living as the Weasley's pet for the last twelve or so years?"
There were shouts of outrage and more statements by people thinking, once again, that he was making this up. The bangs occurred once again, and Madam Bones asked, "Can you prove this?"
"I can." Harry responded confidently. "Part of a phoenix's magic, and now mine, is the ability to determine where a particular person is located. I can have my magic, Magic, transport him here now, but only if everyone please stays quiet. This loud shouting's starting to make my ears ring."
"Please do so, if..." Madam Bones began.
"I object to this!" Minister Fudge shouted.
"I see little reason to object, Minister. You will already be kicked from office after the stunt you pulled in unjustly expelling Harry Potter from Hogwarts. Now, Mr. Potter, if you will, please transport him here with, your magic. And, if you're capable of doing so, please transform him into his human form, and prevent him from transforming into a rat. Also, if you can remember this as well, the dark mark is typically on one of the arms of a Death Eater. Perhaps you could uncover them for us as well, so we can see if he is, indeed, a Death Eater."
"Okay." Harry responded. "This is a lot to take in. Transport Pettigrew here, transform him to human, stop him from transforming into a rat, and uncover his arms. Right?"
"Correct, Mr. Potter." Madam Bones responded.
"Okay." Harry said. "But, Magic's currently with Sirius Black so I'd..."
Everyone around him started shouting again, and getting fed up with it, Harry silenced those who were shouting with a thought.
"I'd like to bring him here as well." Harry continued in the silence.
"This should prove to be very interesting." Madam Bones replied. "Please, proceed."
In moments, Harry felt Sirius Black standing in front of him, and opening his link to Magic, knew she was gripping his arm. Sirius gasped as he stared around him, and Harry smiled as Magic disappeared.
"Just don't do anything." Harry said. "We're about to free you, hopefully."
Harry felt Magic return and could hear the squeaking of a rat, but in moments, the squeaking became the terrified whimpering of a person, who's arms Magic uncovered. He heard Madam Bones and a few of the others who hadn't been shouting before, gasp. Curiously, Harry felt Pettigrew's magic, and realized he could feel a very thin tether of magic leading in a specific direction, along with the bind he'd put on Pettigrew to prevent him from transforming, though the tether was faint and something he had to specifically look for.
"Is one of the marks of a Death Eater being linked to Voldemort?" Harry asked.
Harry heard startled gasps at the use of the name, though was used to that by now.
"We think so, as we know You-Know-Who can call his followers to him." Madam Bones said, voice trembling a bit.
"Well, I can feel that on..." Harry began.
"Please, please! I didn't mean to, I had no choice!" Pettigrew's voice interrupted him, sounding winy and terrified.
"Really?" Harry asked a bit coolly. "From my experience, unless you're under the Imperius Curse, you always have control over your choices. But that wasn't the case with you, was it? Not only did you give Voldemort information about me and my parents, you pretended to kill yourself."
"He... He was getting more powerful all the time! He s-s-said he'd k-kill me!" Pettigrew whimpered in what sounded like a terrified voice.
"Well, that's too bad." Harry responded.
"Mr. Black." Madam Bones stated firmly. "If you will, please tell us how you have come to health so quickly, and how you broke out of Azkaban."
"Well I... I'm an illegal Animagus also." Sirius said, then transformed into a dog for a moment before returning his form to a human. "And Magic, here, healed me of my deficiencies from being in Azkaban for so long, physical and mental health."
"And it was you, then, Mr. Pettigrew, who was responsible for the murder of twelve Muggles, along with cutting off your finger to fake your death." Madam Bones said.
"No!" Pettigrew cried. "It was the Imperius Curse I didn't..."
"How transparent of you." Madam Bones stated. "You indirectly claim you joined You-Know-Who out of fear. Now you claim the Imperius Curse. I don't think so. I'm officially placing into the records that you are charged with being a Death Eater, and the murder of twelve Muggles. Mr. Black, we shall vote to drop the charges placed on you, and charge you with being an illegal Animagus."
"I've been in Azkaban for almost thirteen years, I don't think I ought to be charged with anything!" Sirius cried.
"You yourself admitted to being an illegal Animagus, and while charging you with nothing may sound good, the law is what it is. I won't change it simply because you were in prison unjustly. However, should your current charges, but that of being an illegal Animagus be dropped, you will not be fined, and shall be compensated at twenty-thousand galleons for each year you were unjustly in Azkaban prison. You'll be required to register as an Animagus before leaving the Ministry, as well. Do you clearly understand the terms?" Madam Bones asked.
"Yes." Sirius replied.
"Very well. Minister?" Madam Bones asked, then after a few moments said, "Mr. Potter, if you please, most of the court room is still silenced."
"Oh." Harry blushed. "Sorry." He removed the silencing on everyone, hearing them start shouting for just a moment before they stopped, apparently a little surprised.
"Okay... Um... Mr. Black... To drop all charges... But... The illegal... Animagus... Who's in favor?" Minister Fudge stammered.
Harry heard hands raise around the room.
"And for... P-Pettigrew to receive, the... D-Dementor's kiss?" Minister Fudge asked.
Harry heard no movement, but Sharen said quietly, "Most of the hands are still up."
"No!" Pettigrew wailed in terror. "No please don't! Please no! Noooo!"
"Aurors, take him!" Minister Fudge said in a more confident voice than Harry had heard from him in a while. He heard Pettigrew being grabbed and removed from the room, still shouting in terror, and felt a stab of pity.
"What's the Dementor's kiss?" Harry asked.
"Your soul's removed from you, and you're nothing more than an empty shell." Sirius responded grimly.
"So it's a death sentence." Harry said as he heard Minister Fudge say, "The rest of the Aurors, take Umbridge to Azka..."
Harry heard a slam, a cry of what sounded like pain, then Umbridge wildly shout, "No, I'll never go! I will not allow this threat to society to continue existing! Avada Kedavra!"
Harry acted immediately, as he knew, from what Magic had told him about his parents deaths, what that spell was. With a thought, he used the binding magic from the chair that had bound his magic earlier, to prevent Umbridge from using her magic, and heard her screaming and being grabbed.
"No!" She screamed wildly. "No! Let me go!" She was quickly removed from the court room, and around him, Harry could hear whispering and the chatting of everyone.
"Just what did you do?" Sirius asked.
"Stopped her from using magic. She was going to kill someone." Harry said. "I couldn't let that happen, now could I?"
Silence fell.
"You prevented Umbridge from using her magic, and thus, why the unforgivable wasn't fired?" Madam Bones asked.
"Yes, I did." Harry responded.
"Then I wish to personally thank you for saving my life, Mr. Potter, and officially tell you that I owe you a life debt for what you've done for me today." Madam Bones said. "Though, given the instability of Umbridge, I think it quite likely she would have killed you next."
"I just saved your life." Harry said, blushing. "It's not a big deal or anything."
"Precisely." Madam Bones responded. "If there's anything I can do for you, Mr. Potter, please let me know."
"There is one thing, yes." Harry said. "Please let Professor Dumbledore continue to run Hogwarts school, he really is the best person for the job."
"I believe that is easily arranged, Mr. Potter. You, Sharen, and Mr. Black may go whenever you wish." Madam Bones announced.
"Thanks." Harry responded, and with Magic at his left side, with Sirius on his right and Sharen in front of the trio, left the room, glad that he was once again allowed to attend Hogwarts, and anticipating his return there.