He's Not Dead Yet

Yep, here's another update. I don't own Harry Potter.

Oh, P. S., it's not widely known but Harry actually had three weeks and several days away from the Dursleys before he started school. You see, Aunt Marge stayed for a week after Harry's birthday (July 31st) and school starts on September 1st. This means that Harry had three weeks and two days all to himself. However, the book states that Harry only had two weeks to himself. This is probably an error that Rowling made because, as she has admitted, she has some difficulty with math and did not calculate the time correctly. This also ties into the incorrect dates I have noticed while reading the series. But, that is neither here nor there.

…And Parrots Started to Announce Television Programs

Harry Potter awoke on Saturday morning in good spirits. Sirius was looking phenomenally better after having had a few good meals. Harry had just finished getting dressed when Hedwig swooped into the room to deliver a letter from Mr. Bayly. Harry handed the owl a piece of bacon from his breakfast plate and quickly opened the letter only to give a cheerful smile when he finished reading.

"Sirius," he said, "I do believe you'll be getting that trial very soon. Listen to this:

"Dear Mr. Potter,

We have finished preparing for the case and shall present it at the earliest possible date. All that is left to do is find a way to arrange a trial for Mr. Sirius Black before the Wizengamot. If you are not too busy, could you and your godfather stop by our office at 6.00pm? It just so happens that Lady Amelia Bones (Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement) has decided to pay us a visit and I feel it is in your best interest to meet with her.

Yours sincerely,

Hamilton Nathaniel Bayly

Attorney at Law"

Sirius (who was currently in his dog form) looked up excitedly and began to wag his tail. The morning's surprises only continued with the arrival of a letter from Luna.

Dear Harry,

In response to your request, daddy has written the article you requested and, once you and your godfather decide if it's good, we will be only too happy to publish it in this week's edition of The Quibbler. You will find the article draft enclosed along with the complementary pair of Spectrespecs that all friends of our magazine receive.

Oh, and thank you for the sunflower bouquet you sent me (there wasn't a single nargle in them); how did you know they are my favorite?

Hope to see you soon,

Love,

Luna

Harry began to feel his cheeks redden slightly; a fact that wasn't helped by the knowing look Sirius was giving him.

Amelia Bones, one of the best heads of the DMLE the Ministry had ever had, was currently sitting in the lounge of the single-most successful law firm in the magical world (probably because it was one of the only law firms in the magical world). The reason why she was at such a noteworthy establishment was because she had received a letter the day before that mentioned information about Sirius Black. Ordinarily, she would have replied by telling the author of the letter to simply contact the local Auror office; but the fact that it was this particular law firm that contacted her made her decision to present herself at the office in question.

"Madam Bones," a young woman with curly ginger hair greeted her warmly, "Thank you for coming. Mr. Bayly will be with you presently."

"And, you are?"

"Frieda Bayly; Mr. Hamilton Bayly is my father."

"What exactly is this meeting about, Miss Bayly?"

"Well-"

Red was cut off by the sudden arrival of Harry Potter and a scruffy, black dog.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, thank you for joining us," she said. "A few minutes early, too; excellent." She then went over and opened a door. "They're here."

"Thank you, Frieda, that will be all," Mr. Bayly said dismissing her.

When Frieda had left the room, Mr. Bayly offered some tea and then got down to business.

"Madam Bones," he said, "were you aware that one Sirius Orion Black never received a trial?"

"I beg your pardon?" she gasped.

"Not only that, he was never questioned under Veritaserum, nor was his wand checked with Prior Incantatem. The law clearly states that the maximum amount of time a person can be held until trial is twenty-eight days if the suspect is represented and consents to being held; this Remand period is reduced to seven days if the suspect is not represented or does not consent to a longer Remand period. Seeing as how Mr. Black was imprisoned without trial for twelve years, the Ministry has no reason to have a warrant for his arrest; to say the least of the fact that the Minister has ordered for an administration of the Dementor's Kiss. However, Mr. Black prefers to have the trial in order to ensure his name is cleared."

"You have correspondence with him?" Madam Bones inquired.

"It just so happens that he has been here the entire time we have been talking, Madam Bones."

"What?"

Once again, Sirius reverted to his human form.

"So, am I going to get a trial or what, Amy?" he asked with a superior smirk.

It was not easy to startle Amelia Bones; she was a former Auror and had seen all but one member of her family killed. But seeing the man supposedly responsible for handing the Potters over to Voldemort now sitting calmly beside the boy he was allegedly out to kill; let's just say that Amelia knew she would be in for a great deal of paperwork.

The following day brought even more promise of a potential trial for Sirius Black with the newest copy of The Quibbler. Beneath a photograph of a young Sirius Black and James Potter (that Harry had found in his photo album and lent to Mr. Lovegood for the edition), was an article that sparked controversy up and down the country.

Sirius-Black as he's Painted?

By Xenophilius Lovegood

Every witch and wizard in Great Britain's magical community knows what happened on the day after Halloween of 1981; or do they?

It is a little-known fact that, even though he was apprehended at the scene of the crime, Sirius Black never received a trial. There was no administration of Prior Incantatem, no interrogation with Veritaserum, and the fact that the man spent twelve years in Azkaban despite the standard procedure being that a suspect cannot be held without trial for a Remand period longer than twenty-eight days. The excuse that "everyone knows he's guilty" is not a feasible explanation for sending any person to Azkaban without due process of the law. If Sirius Black is indeed guilty, why was he not at least interrogated about who other Death Eaters might be? Does the Ministry have something to hide?

We obtained an interview with someone (who wishes to remain anonymous) who has actually spoken with Mr. Black after his escape from the supposedly inescapable prison.

"He did seem a little crazy, but who wouldn't be after spending twelve years in a hell-hole like Azkaban? The place is inhumane. He didn't seem evil to me; if you just looked at his eyes you would see that there is an incredible sadness to them. This was not a man who betrayed the people who were family to him like everyone thinks; this was not a man capable of harming the innocent. This was a man who had seen cruelty and injustice.

"I talked with him for a good deal of time. What he revealed to me was shocking. The Potters, when they went into hiding, placed their home under a Fidelius Charm; but, what isn't known is that Sirius Black was not the Secret-Keeper. He told me that James Potter had tried to get him to be the Secret-Keeper, but Black felt that was too obvious a decision. Instead, Black nominated the least-likely person, a man who, unbeknownst to them, had been secretly giving information to the Death Eaters. The Secret-Keeper was none other than Peter Pettigrew.

"To say I was shocked is an understatement. I asked him about what happened that day he cornered his former friend. What he revealed is something that could shake the very foundation of the accusations against him."

Our anonymous source then repeated what Mr. Black said about that fateful day.

"I had just lost the two people I loved most in the world," said Black, "and my godson was taken away on the orders of Albus Dumbledore. I had learned the hard way that you should be careful whom you trust; a man I thought I knew turned out to be nothing more than a lying, traitorous bastard. I was angry. No, I was blinded with rage. I knew I should've gone to the Ministry and told them the truth, but I was disoriented by a thirst for vengeance. I just wanted to make the traitor suffer as I was suffering. It was stupid, I know; but if you had lost the people closest to you in the world, what would you have done?

"I followed Peter into that crowded street. I knew there were Aurors following us and if I just got a little revenge before they took the bastard away, I could have just a little piece of mind to settle my already guilty conscience. I believe the Muggle term for what I was feeling is 'survivor's guilt.' Anyway, I had him cornered and I had just raised my wand when he pulled his little stunt. He shouted out that I was the traitor and then blew up the street and killed those twelve people. But Peter wasn't dead.

"I had always feared having to give this revelation but the Ministry never knew there were three unregistered Animagi wandering around. You see, when I was at school, James, Peter, and I all became Animagi. James took the form of a stag, I took the form of a dog, and Peter took the form of a rat.

"Once he blew up that street and killed all those people, he cut off his finger and transformed to make it look as though I had done it. It was all an elaborate bluff. Peter is still out there, and I am going to find him."

We at The Quibbler commend Mr. Black for speaking out at last and also thank our anonymous source for bringing this to light.

For information on the Fidelius Charm, see page 17

For information about Animagi, see page 23

It seemed The Quibbler article had done its job. By the time the sun had started to set, the Minister was up to his elbows in howlers from people who were furious over the miscarriage of justice twelve years ago. But Fudge, ever the politician, knew exactly how to get people off his case; all he needed was a scapegoat. Luckily, the scapegoat he was looking for was inside the Ministry that very same day; what was even better was that he knew who to go to in regards to putting all the controversy to rest.

"Amelia," he said to his Head of the DMLE, "by any chance, could we arrange a trial for Sirius Black?"

"I'm sure the man would be only too happy to have the trial he was supposed to have twelve years ago." The sharpness in her tone made Fudge flinch.

"Yes, it's entirely Crouch and Bagnold's fault; those two would've sent someone who looked at them askance to Azkaban without a trial. If there's any way to get in contact with Mr. Black, I would be willing to promise him that he would receive the trial owed to him and that those responsible for his incarceration are punished if he is found to be innocent."

"Even if he's found to be guilty," Amelia countered, "Crouch and Bagnold still violated the law. Because he was never convicted and he was held for longer than the allotted Remand period, Black still goes free because of their screw up."

"Right," Fudge admitted. He was seriously hoping that Black was innocent; if he were found guilty, then it would mean a Death Eater goes free. Damn Crouch and Bagnold; they leave me their mess to clean up. At least if Black is found innocent then it means good PR for me.

The trial was scheduled for Thursday. Sirius was escorted by Amelia Bones and several Aurors to a Ministry holding cell. On the way, Sirius turned to one of the Aurors; she was very young and looked like she was still a trainee; she had short, spiky, pink hair and there was something about her face that was familiar.

"Um, pardon me, but have I met you before?" he asked her. "You look like someone I know but I can't place who right now."

"I'm Auror Tonks," she replied.

"Tonks. Oh, yeah, you're little Nymphadora."

"Don't call me that! Wait…how did you know?"

"Your mum's my favorite cousin. How is Andromeda doing these days?"

"She's fine." Tonks was finding this whole situation very confusing. Here was a man she had grown up learning to despise, and yet he was talking to her as if they were old buddies having a drink.

"And your dad? How is Ted doing?"

"He's good; he actually took an early retirement a month ago."

"Huh, well, when you see your mum and dad next, tell them I said hello."

"How did you recognize me?"

"Well, I used to babysit you."

"You did?"

"Honestly, was it that long ago that you don't remember 'Uncle Siri'? You used to run around the house knocking things over and laughing as I tried to catch you."

Tonks racked her memories for a moment and she did faintly remember a little of what he was talking about. She was really starting to hope that this guy was innocent like he claimed.

Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office at Hogwarts, completely oblivious to the recent events; he was still trying to sort things out with Gringotts and the goblins were certainly not going to cut him any slack. Didn't those stupid little buggers know who he was? He was Albus Dumbledore! Everything he did was for the Greater Good!

After all, it wasn't as though Harry would need that money. The boy was destined to sacrifice himself so that, when Voldemort returned, he, Albus Dumbledore, could emerge as the hero once again. Who cares about one insignificant child when the fate of the world was at stake? Of course, Dumbledore knew that seeking help from the Ministry was out of the question; no, having too many people involved in this may eventually lead to some awkward questions and there was the possibility that someone would end up learning about the Horcruxes. That would completely ruin Albus' plans.

He was just helping himself to a sherbet lemon when The Evening Prophet was delivered. He opened the paper and the first thing that caught his attention nearly made him have a heart-attack. Sirius Black to Receive Trial. This was not good for Albus Dumbledore's plans.

Harry Potter was currently sitting alone in his room at the Leaky Cauldron. He already missed Sirius, but he knew that his godfather would be out in no time. He just had to be patient. Just a few more days and Sirius would be a free man. As there were a few days left until the trial, Harry decided he would try and get some work done; and not the homework kind because he'd already finished with that.

No, Harry got out several rolls of parchment, some ink, and his quills and began to write. The first thing he did was write out two lists. The first list read:

Things I Have Gotten Done:

-Make contact with Bayly, Black, and Prewett

-Inspect parents' will

-Review Potter family holdings

-Change elective from Divination to Arithmancy and Ancient Runes

-Secured a contract with The Quibbler in order to protect my image

-Arranged for Sirius to get a trial

-Petition for a restraining order against Snape

-Got that article about Sirius published

-Acquired the new course materials

The second one read:

Things I Need To Do:

-Catch Pettigrew

-Destroy the Horcruxes

-Visit St. Mungo's and get the binding on my magic removed

-Get in contact with Robert Preston about private Potions tuition

-Find a decent instructor in Occlumency

-Find a tutor in magical customs

-Investigate the value of the basilisk carcass that's still in the Chamber of Secrets; if it is worth much money, divide it amongst those who were harmed

-Inspect the inventories of my other vaults

-Visit my family properties

-Retrieve the Diadem from the RoR and inspect the other items in the Room of Hidden Things

-Give an interview to The Quibbler about the truth of my life

-Keep Malfoy from getting Buckbeak in trouble

-Work on social life; perhaps I should start up the DA as a club this year

-Maybe begin more business ventures in Hogsmeade (the place really could use more attractions)

-Begin a research of technomancy; it is time that the magical community incorporates some Muggle technologies (will require some researchers)

-Reform Hogwarts educational system, institute anti-bullying and anti-bigotry rules, and perhaps alter the House Point system

-Find six wives (no hurry on that one)

Harry looked at the very last point on his 'to-do' list and nodded. He had no intention of rushing into any sort of relationship; although, Harry suspected that Sirius wouldn't allow him to slack-off in the romance department.

Harry then set his lists aside and took out another piece of parchment.

Dear Hermione,

I've been missing you a lot. What's new and exciting in my life, you may ask? Well, I'm not sure if you know yet, but I accidentally blew up my Aunt Marge. Before you go off on a rant about how irresponsible I was, I would like to make it clear that it was an accident. She was saying things about my mother that made me very much want to strangle her. And, no, I'm not overreacting. I've also recently secured legal representation in order to prevent being misrepresented in the media. Once again, no, I am not being too extreme. People have been making money off of my name and image even though I have no idea who they are.

Have you heard about the Sirius Black trial that's taking place this Thursday?

Turns out the 'wanted murderer' is really my godfather and is completely innocent. At least when he gets off I won't ever have to go back to the Dursleys ever again. Before you start thinking that I shouldn't assume Sirius Black is innocent just because a magazine stated that he is, I would like to point out to you that I have, in fact, met the man already and have no doubts regarding his innocence.

By now you are probably wondering how I guessed your reactions to each piece of news. Well, considering you are my best friend I think I have a fairly good idea about how to read your responses to various things. But, I digress.

A great many things are changing for me, Hermione. I would like to tell you more about it, but I think I've talked enough about myself.

I would really like to hear more about how your summer has been going. How are you? What have you been up to? Have you been having fun?

I would also like to take a moment to apologize to you, Hermione. I don't think I've been a very good friend over these past two years. I mean, I haven't even asked you about your life before Hogwarts, at all. I don't really know anything about your family except that both your parents are dentists. I really think I've taken your friendship for granted and humbly ask that you forgive me.

I also got some very interesting books that you might enjoy reading; I know I certainly did. Now you're probably wondering 'Harry Potter reading? Hell must've frozen over.' Yes, Hermione, I have decided to take a leaf out of your book, as it were, and started paying attention to my studies.

Speaking of studies, I can't wait to see you in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. I'm sure you'll be the best, like every other class.

Well, I've got to go,

I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron,

Hope to see you soon,

Love,

Harry James Potter

Harry smiled as he tied the letter to Hedwig's leg. The Snowy owl gave him an approving look (as though she knew what he was doing), nipped him affectionately on the ear, and set off into the evening sky.

When the letter reached Hermione, the bushy-haired girl wasn't sure whether to cry happily or laugh outright. It was so typical of Harry that he would apologize for something he hadn't done and then try to make up for it to her with a peace offering of books and his promise to do better in his studies. Hermione had never once thought that Harry took her for granted; though she was shocked that he called her his 'best friend' as she believed that Ron already held that title. She was also taken-aback by Harry's sudden interest to know more about her; though she was very touched by the consideration.

Hermione knew that she hadn't been very forthcoming about her life. She was a secretive person by nature as her childhood had not been a particularly happy one. Oh, her parents loved and cared about her all right, but that wasn't the problem. The problem was that, in primary school, whenever she had tried to open up to any of the other students they had turned around and hurt her; this caused her to avoid talking about herself for fear of giving someone else ammunition to cause her pain. And it wasn't just the kids at her old school; her cousins, Caitlin and Roslyn, were absolutely merciless; both girls had gone out of their way to make Hermione miserable, both with verbal insults and even occasionally resorting to physical injuries (often in the form of cruel pranks).

However, despite her anxiousness about talking about herself, Hermione knew she could trust Harry. Her friend had long since proven himself loyal (well, jumping onto the back of a rampaging troll in an effort to save her would tend to do that).