Quoth the Raven, Nevermore

Disclaimer: See chapter 1. Reviews are welcomed, flames are not. As per request, this is a much longer chapter, covering two years.

We tried all weekend to upload this but FF log-in was being a royal pain. -GF and the Frau

Chapter 26: All My Soul Within Me Burning

The trial of Sirius Black was very anti-climatic for many. A few drops of a magical truth serum and Black told everything in front of several government officials, including Fudge and the Muggle Prime Minister.

Albus Dumbledore tried to stop the proceedings several times. It seemed to those present that the elderly wizard had a hidden agenda he didn't want revealed, and he would go to great lengths to keep it under wraps.

"Albus Dumbledore," the PM glared, banging his gavel. "You are to sit down and be silent! You are wasting our time with your tedious disruptions. Sirius Black voluntarily surrendered himself into my government's custody - and, I might add, is under a royal reprieve. You are here only as a courtesy and are not a part of these proceedings. Do us all a favor and sit down. If you interrupt one more time, you will be brought up on the charges of hindering and obstructing Her Majesty's justice. That goes for everyone else as well. Do I make myself clear?"

The silence following the PM's angry words told its own tale. The aged headmaster gave a long-suffering sigh and did as he was bid.

An hour later, after no more interruptions, Sirius Black was a free wizard! The first thing he demanded was the whereabouts of his godson, Harry Potter. Black was almost frantic, spewing questions left, right and center, ending with, "Has he grown up happy and healthy? Well?" He demanded with a snarl. Dumbledore and Fudge paled.

John Major hid a chuckle at their obvious apprehension as he quietly left, along with a grinning Amanda Kensington. Both had little desire to be in their shoes. They also didn't want to be there during the questioning they knew would follow. Neither one wished to see the heartbreak on Black's face when they told him of Harry Potter's unknown fate.

"My dear boy, this is neither the time, nor the place to discuss this matter," Albus Dumbledore started, only to be cut off by a savage growl from Sirius.

"You old bastard! First you left me to rot in that hell-hole, and now you try to keep me from Harry!" Sirius' enraged bellows could be heard clearly throughout 10 Downing Street.

0o0o0o0

Later that week, Sirius snarled in frustration as he left the Muggle Liaison Office at the Ministry of Magic. Miss Kensington was the pretty Department Head who didn't seem to fall for the Black charm, so he found himself at yet another dead end. She reported that all records had been sealed, per Royal Decree. She did, however, produce a file full of old newspaper clippings that she was able to dig up for him.

The headlines he read painted a very disgusting picture, one for which Sirius was going to make sure Albus Dumbledore paid dearly.

Amanda hated the sight of Black's slumped shoulders as he walked out of her office. She had her orders though – Lord Harry James Potter must be protected from the wizarding world until he was ready to take his place as a peer. Sirius Black was believed to be unreliable, and so he must wait with the rest of the wizarding world, until the Lady deemed it time.

0o0o0o0

When told the results of the hearing, John sadly confirmed that his late parents' best friend couldn't be told his location, the reasons being Dumbledore and Riddle. They were both still out there and each one had their own agenda for Harry Potter. No-one would be allowed to interrupt the Lady's plans!

John hadn't liked it, but the Lady comforted him and promised that things would work out. It was for his own safety that it had to be this way.

0o0o0o0

By the time summer was over, John was through the fourth-year Hogwarts curriculum. Wolf had stepped up his physical training and the young teen was developing nicely.

This year John also began a general study of the law, both Muggle and wizarding. As a peer in both realms, it was his duty to eventually take his rightful seats in both governments. The goblins - for a fee, of course - supplied a tutor and an accountant to meet both needs. Their tasks were to help John with the intricacies of managing his estates as the Head of two Ancient and Noble Houses.

0o0o0o0

Since Sirius Black was exonerated of all charges, there was no need for Fudge to follow through with his plans of sending Dementors to Hogwarts, and so Hermione's third year at Hogwarts was relatively quiet.

She wanted to take all the elective classes Hogwarts offered, but was unable due to time constraints. She was very brilliant in her studies and top of her class. Many compared her to the late Lily Potter in her intelligence and drive. Her Head of House commended Hermione on her excellent study skills, but urged her to have fun and make friends as well.

Hermione assured Professor Flitwick that she did indeed have friends. One of her closest was Luna Lovegood, who seemed to blossom under Hermione's mentoring. Hermione refused to allow the strange second-year to be bullied and, though they were a year apart, they were most often found studying together.

Neville Longbottom made up the other third of their small group. Both girls had a soft spot for the shy Gryffindor and tried to encourage him when they could. He, in turn, helped them with Herbology. The three had become close friends in the last three years.

Although she wasn't in Hermione's circle of close friends, Mandy Brocklehurst, Hermione's dorm-mate, often joined their study sessions.

0o0o0o0

Dear John,

How are things going for you? Wolf still on the warpath with your training?

Our new physical instructor, Remus Lupin, seems to be a very good teacher this year. I am quite pleased with the way his subject is going, although there are times when he gives me the strangest looks, which makes me uneasy. Then he shrugs and turns his attention elsewhere. I tell you, John, it is really odd, but I do enjoy his class.

We had a bit of excitement here the other day. During our zoology class, Draco Malfoy (you remember me telling you about the spoiled prat, don't you?) refused to listen to our Instructor. Malfoy was lightly clawed when he refused to follow proper handling instructions for a large bird of prey. The enraged creature promptly attacked him, smart bird.

Of course, his arrogant father couldn't let such an "attack" to his precious heir go. Everyone present said the younger Malfoy had been at fault. Get this, John. . . when Mr. Malfoy appealed to the authorities, they issued a death warrant for the poor animal! The Instructor was also hustled off to jail as well, for keeping such a dangerous creature on school grounds.

Well, I have to run to class now. I'll keep you informed if anything else develops.

I really do miss you, John. Love,

Hermione.

0o0o0o0

After weeks of debate, the Ministry-appointed committee arrived at Hogwarts along with Cornelius Fudge and Lucius Malfoy to destroy the hippogriff that attacked his son, Draco. They were met with a big surprise.

Sirius Black greeted them with a scroll in hand. "Gentlemen," he called to them with a smirk.

"Lord Black?" Fudge huffed, green bowler in hand.

"Black," Lucius sneered. "To what do we owe this... honor? And where's the animal that attacked my son?"

"You mean the hippogriff that your son insulted? . . . I own him now. Hagrid was kind enough to sell him to me. The feisty 'little beastie' is now on his way to a reserve that is in need of a young, virile stallion." Sirius's smirk widened into a leer, as he lounged on one of Hagrid's giant pumpkins. "It's a much better fate than what you had planned."

"How dare you!" Cornelius Fudge shouted. "You had no right to interfere!"

Sirius straightened and held out the rolled parchment. "As Lord of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, I can bloody well dare plenty, Fudge. It is a known fact the only reason you are still in office is that you're useful to people like Malfoy here. Since you refused to allow the Aurors to do their proper jobs, I did it for you," he spat, shaking the scroll under their noses. "I have here statements from all of the teachers and students involved. I have Madam Pomphrey's report, and I have witnesses who overheard young Draco bragging that it was, 'only a scratch, but it would be enough for his father to make some changes in the school.'" He shoved the scroll into Fudge's hands as he smirked at Malfoy.

Sirius then gave them all an obscene salute as he turned to walk away. "And I better see that Hagrid is out of Azkaban and a proper hearing has been held, or I will personally see to it that you are placed in the cell right next to him for denying another man his rights under the law. Good day, gentlemen." He then sauntered off whistling.

Not long after that, it was decided by Albus Dumbledore to hire Sirius Black part-time when Professor Lupin came down ill several times that year.

0o0o0o0

Being hired to help Remus part-time gave Sirius enough free time to further his goal – to stay close to Dumbledore in hopes of finding his missing godson.

Sirius Black had long been known as someone that you didn't want to cross; one that held a grudge. Right now there were at least four people at the top of his list who had earned that dubious distinction.

First was Severus Snape. That grudge was long-held and very old, mainly because Snape had once stood between James and Lily.

Second was Albus Dumbledore. That man had no business anywhere near children! The old bastard had no concept of responsibility; he was too caught up in his own image. He never took the time to look in on Harry at the Dursleys'. If Harry was really that important to everyone, you'd think he would've. Shouldn't Dumbledore have taken better care of him? The old fool had a lot to answer for, and Sirius was going to make sure he did!

Then there was Cornelius Fudge, the idiot. How that man managed to remain in office this long was beyond Sirius' comprehension. Wait, he did know! Malfoy money. Well, Sirius could and did take care of some of that. He'd called in several loans that Malfoys, present and past, had taken out, forcing the family to scramble to repay them. They were now no longer one of the richest families in the wizarding world. He had even considered dissolving his cousin Narcissa's marriage to Lucius Malfoy but decided leave it on the back burner for now. He could revisit that notion at his leisure.

And last, but by no means least, Wormtail! If he found that rodent again . . . He had dreamed of many scenarios while he was in Azkaban, each more gruesome than the last. It was too bad that the rat escaped while Sirius was being questioned by that wonderfully insightful Muggle of a prime minister.

Grudges aside, Sirius pondered on how to find his godson, if he still lived. The old bastard hadn't been much help; in fact, the Headmaster had done everything he could to hinder his search! He'd buried all the paperwork. He then had placed Harry in the Muggle world with Lily's sister, ignoring James and Lily's will after their death. He then made sure that the will would never see the light of day . . . Yet another reason to to see the old wizard remained high on Sirius' Major Grudge List!

0o0o0o0

The summer John turned fourteen started with the return of Hermione from her boarding school. Wolf, ever the slave-driver, added even more to their physical training now that she was home.

Over the past year, John had become more adept with his staff and he was now in his fifth year of magical studies. If things went well this year, he would be taking his OWLS around Christmas. John hated that he was ahead of Hermione in his magical studies, but it couldn't be helped.

Word from Amanda was that Albus Dumbledore was trying to bolster his flagging reputation as a great wizard, and Leader of the Light, by negotiating with two other schools for the resumption of a very dangerous contest. Amanda promised she would keep them informed.

Both Wolf and Ben decided the Quidditch World Cup was too dangerous for John to attend that year. John didn't mind; he wasn't really that interested in the game. He cared more for just flying, and trick flying at that! He got enough of that as Scrapper. They never clipped his wings, or curtailed his

flights in raven form because they weren't too sure how much damage they would inflict if they did. John was a very disciplined teenager who took his studies seriously, and flying was his one joy. No-one wanted to take that away from him.

0o0o0o0

September first Amanda paid a visit to John and Wolf after Hermione had left for Hogwarts. The Tri-Wizard Tournament would be held at Hogwarts this year. She went on to explain that it was quite a feather in Dumbldore's cap to re-instate the blood-thirsty tournament and have it held at Hogwarts.

Wolf looked down at his charge. "What is your opinion? Do you think that the Dark Lord will try and capitalize on this? It has all the earmarks of an opportunity that he can't pass up."

John sighed. "The Lady told me he'll have a body by next summer. She knows how he'll do it, but She won't tell me. She said it's a very old and foul ritual, one too evil for my innocent ears."

Wolf nodded. That statement was saying something about the ritual. "That means we need to step up your training."

John agreed with a sigh. "I have less than a year left. She's lifting my protection on my fifteenth birthday. She says I'll be old enough then."

Wolf rubbed his eyes. In olden times, sons were considered of age at 15 and ready to go to war. The Goddess Morrigan was a bloodthirsty deity. Fifteen would be just about right for her purposes. He had less than a year to give John a chance of surviving whatever he would have to face.

Thus John Hadrian entered his most intense training schedule to date. He was now being trained in more advanced magic, including Auror level combat spells. Wolf tried to include some fun where he could, but the training was hard, dangerous and deadly serious.

0o0o0o0

Wolf, Ben, Amanda and John Major conferred in a small conference room the day after the posting of the Tri-Wizard school champions.

"So, someone tried to put Harry Potter's name into the goblet," the PM mused.

"They tried. However for it to be a binding magical contract,and so enforceable, the person had to be a student of one of the three schools. Had to be of legal age and accept the contract. Since Lord Potter is not a student of any school at present, he wasn't eligible. Nor did he send a legal magical representative to put his name in the goblet, and he is most definitely underage," a scornful Amanda replied.

"Anyone investigating this incident?" Wolf demanded. His furious glare told everyone just what he thought about the whole situation.

Amanda shook her head. "There are rumors that they are, but my sources are saying 'no'. It's being hushed up by someone higher up." There was no need to mention just who those higher-ups were. They all knew.

"Typical," Wolf snorted.

0o0o0o0o0

John waited for Hermione to join them at King's Cross. It was the Christmas hols and she was coming home. She'd written that she was asked to stay back at school for a Christmas Ball, but she'd declined, saying she wanted to come home to her family.

John had protested, she should've stayed, as formal Balls don't come around that often. Hermione sent back a note saying, that if she couldn't go with her best friend then she wasn't going at all.

So, as a surprise, John, with the help of Amanda and the Prime Minister, got invitations to for the two of them to the annual Military Widows and Orphans Christmas Ball, a charity John Hadrian was more than happy to support.

"Mum!" Hermione shrieked. "Why does he do this to me? Now I have to go out and buy a new gown!" Her mother's laughter echoed as they pulled away from King's Crossing Station.

0o0o0o0

That spring saw another conference. This time, Amanda had alarming news. The tournament had been used by the Dark Lord to regain his body, just as John had predicted. He had used the blood of one of the champions to perform the ritual.

Cedric Diggory was an unwilling participant to the ritual, which used his blood, and barely escape as the Dark Lord rose from a cauldron. He managed his only feat of wandless magic by summoning the trophy cup to his hand and port-keying back to Hogwarts.

"So now it's a waiting game?" the PM asked.

"Yes sir," Wolf nodded curtly. "John is as ready as I can make him. He's been well trained in combat, both magical and physical, and strategy. He can run just about any survival course I can throw at him as well."

"He's been trained in Court etiquette, past and present, wizarding customs and law, as well as what he needs to know to claim his seats on the Wizengamot," Amanda added.

"Now what?" John Major asked.

"Now we wait for John to be discovered. We won't make it easy for them to find him, but we won't keep John wrapped in cotton wool either. The boy has a life to live," Ben said. "And he won't be going to Hogwarts alone."

Wolf swore under his breath. "No, he bloody won't!"

0o0o0o0

Thanks for all the reviews. Special thanks to Phil who helped with the beta'ing and Brit speak. We love you Phil!

This time, we added two chapters together. We may or may not do it again. We will see.

Until next time. -GF and the Frau