Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. However, I do own OC, non-canon and fictional magic.
A/N: Aww, thank y'all so much for the reviews. I realize in hindsight the Smooth Snakes may have been forgotten from the previous storylines. Not to worry, all will be revealed as we continue with it after Sirius' trial. I chose to make this an extra-long chapter because there is too much to put it in it on its own without the Smooth Snakes (next chapter). Also, as much as I do not care for Ron…I do not intend for him to totally suffer. As for Hermione and Séraphine…we shall see.
Ch. XXVIX: The Trial of Lord Sirius Orion Black
Harry silently ate his hearty meal with Sirius. Sighing, he leaned back and regarded his surroundings with sluggish perusal.
Sirius watched Harry like a hawk and struggled for things to say as his godson is clearly unable to do more than eat.
His thoughts recalled Madam Bones' warded letter.
Dear Lord Black,
It is with both sorrow and joy I inform you of your official trial.
Alastor Moody will give you veritaserum. Unfortunately, you will be asked how you escaped and further what your intentions are for your godson.
There will be outcry and character defamation on this score.
I just felt I must warn you.
Very respectfully yours,
Madam Amelia Susan Bones
Séraphine arrived just as Lacie returned to the Bank and lightly knocked on Her Heir's door.
"May I have a word, Lord Sirius?"
"Of course," he answered readily. He tucked Harry in and the child smiled wanly at him.
"Where's Lacie?" He wondered, exasperated.
Séraphine acknowledged Harry and handed him a letter from Hermione.
Since Hermione Blood Bound herself, her letters could Will themselves to Her Ladyship as part of the Black Heir Rights.*
The House-Witch wondered if the girl tattled.
I'll deal with all that later. She thought. The House-Witch felt oddly anxious about their confrontation…if only because her Masters held the Muggleborn in high esteem. And, it seemed she garnered something of a conscience from this Lord Black as opposed to his predecessors.
Sighing, her expression became somber as she led her Master to the Informal Library from Their Heir's bedroom.
"I've arranged for Master Lupin to arrive with the Rat and Junior for your trial." She announced.
Sirius' jaw dropped. "What?" he sputtered. "How?"
"I was brought up to speed by Madam Bones before she owled you, Lord Sirius." Séraphine continued. Her dark eyes steady. "Therefore, I conducted my own investigation and hunted down the Rat―as you know―and utilized Lord Malfoy to hunt Junior." She rolled her shoulders back. "I spoke with Master Lawyer Flameclaw about dropping our prisoners to question as further justice for you and Our House…and I found a way to safeguard you from admitting you're an Animagus to Madam Bones and Auror Moody."
Sirius sat down on a nearby chair.
"How?" He repeated, overwhelmed with the magnitude.
Séraphine remained formal and standing, a servant at attention.
It did not go unnoticed. Sirius waited.
"You must sign this contract as a Martial Mage trainee. You're disallowed from revealing legally or magically any special 'talent,' which enables you on missions."
"Thereby, I work for the bloody Ministry which even ol' Fudge can't fuck up for me and just add to his smudged political career." Sirius surmised. "The only hiccup is Harry; since I run missions I can't be a 'single parent.'"
"I can, by proxy―as can Kreacher." She said with conviction. "As you're a Pureblood Lord to one of the oldest Houses it's permissible based on tradition."
Sirius gestured for her to give him the Black Blood Quill. "I think you did alright, Séraphine." He scowled as he signed his full name and rank. He quickly healed himself with Grandfather's wand. Sirius frowned as he left it on the Informal Library's desk. As a fugitive, the Ministry would confiscate his family's property. He knew they would not return it, even if he is innocent.
"But in the future," he told her firmly. "I expect you to scheme with me."
He could not totally fault his House-Witch.
He got the strong impression, his Servant had to do much professionally and personally to fulfill his House's obligations and honor in order to survive since before and after his Grandfather was Lord Black.
"Anything else?" he queried.
"Not at this time, My Lord." A partial lie. No doubt I'll pay for it from My Heir.
Sirius nodded absently.
"Put the House on Lockdown when I'm gone and―oh bugger it!" He swore, balling his fists. "Bring the Do-Not-Enter-Unless-You've-Got-a-Death-Wish tablet, please."
Complying, the House-Witch watched raptly as Sirius swore in three languages.
"Why does this buggering wizard have such a pompous windbag name?" He demanded rhetorically. "There should be a law against overtly long names."
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore in Sirius' blood shone on the tablet. Séraphine quickly healed Her Master and vaguely wondered how neither of them did it before now.
I guess we just assumed his vileness and the House would, too. She mentally shrugged. At least it's written in stone…I wonder if this will adversely affect Our Heir based on the magical signature?
She would watch and discuss with Lacie.
The House-Witch returned the tablet deep within the House. He muttered his thanks, stood and quickly looked himself down before turning to her.
"Sorry about that," he apologized gruffly. "I'm being rather short with the one person who's done so much for me." He rolled his shoulders back.
"I'm being a bloody git, Séraphine." Sirius continued. "I know you've worked hard―and I'll keep asking you to work hard―especially regarding Harry's health and protection…"
For the first time in at least a generation, Séraphine's jaw dropped.
"My Lord, you deeply honor this Servant of the House." She said in a low, heartfelt voice.
Séraphine knew she is unlovable. However, being thanked―much less apologized to―was the closest she had to reciprocate loyalty.
Sirius frowned slightly before becoming distracted by the chiming half-hour warning before his trial.
"I'll just have a quick word with my boy, then Kreacher and I'll be off to Madam Bones' office with that missive?" He trailed.
Controlling her senses, Séraphine said in soft voice. "I'll send it to Auror Moody, sir. I've already aged it with natural and magical means since the parchment is a 1978* original along with ink, courtesy of Auror Moody and Our House…shall I keep Mistress Lacie on standby?"
"Please and thank you on all accounts." Sirius said sincerely, as he exited the Informal Library.
I better have new copies of Harry's books sent here so he can do his studies like we did…your bedroom should be for sleep and play. Not studying.
Sirius firmly believed in changing environments to promote creativity and exploration.
Shaking his head he carefully opened Harry's door, smiling a little at Séraphine's Old World lady's cursive on the door pronouncing him Heir Apparent.
Kreacher helped Harry drink warm milk. He wore the House of Black regalia on a polished livery reminiscent of a squire.
"Malthus will be returning shortly, Young Master." He informed Harry as the child regarded him innocently.
"But you'll be staying with Sirius, won't you?" Harry asked worriedly.
"Absolutely, Young Master." The House-Elf promised, his sharp pale eyes taking in more than Harry knew. "Kreacher will guard Lord Sirius on his errand and return with all haste in time to give you another cup of warm milk."
Harry looked at the House-Elf.
"Promise Sirius and you'll be safe, too?"
Kreacher stared at the child. "Kreacher will make certain Lord Sirius is safe to return to Young Master." He said simply. "And he will do his utmost to return to the House in safe condition as well."
Harry smiled at the House-Elf.
"Return to me, not just the House." Harry corrected, as he drank a healthy amount of warm milk.
Kreacher started, and not knowing how to respond, turned to Sirius.
Sirius grinned.
Whatever works is fine by me.
He could admit he is very pleased Harry wanted him safe. And, he is man enough to admit he could share Harry's affection with his Servants.
The wizard politely knocked on Harry's door.
The child blushed but watched Sirius as he made his way to sit by Harry's side.
"I have to leave with Kreacher to take care of some things, kiddo." He explained. "Her Ladyship, the House and Malthus will be here whilst I'm away. You seem to be doing better?" He asked.
Harry blinked owlishly. "Healer Thaxton came by and said I could have warm milk with my potion, maybe have some apple sauce." Harry's expression brightened before becoming serious.
"Did she?" Sirius arched a charcoal-black brow as Kreacher nodded and handed him a letter. He would look at it once he exited Harry's bedroom.
"When will you back?" Harry asked warily.
"I'd say around dinnertime. I shouldn't expect to return until nightfall." Sirius answered honestly. He could tell Harry was fighting the urge to sleep.
Harry nodded.
"Get well soon, kiddo." He said. Standing, he brushed a paternal kiss on Harry's messy mop before leaving without a backwards glance.
Harry's jaw dropped.
His eyes watered; and he clutched his doll close. Feeling overwhelmed with…hope.
No one had ever done that before.
Sirius glanced at Lacie's letter and called his House-Witch.
"Make certain Lacie's instructions are fulfilled to the letter." He ordered. Séraphine took it.
"At once, Lord Sirius." She said, before hesitating. "Good luck."
He flashed her his Marauder smirk.
Truth be told he was worried. However, he reminded himself he had strong allies and alibis.
Showtime.
He rolled his shoulders back, and took Kreacher's hand, Apparating to Madam Bones' office in good faith.
He arched a brow as a dozen Aurors withdrew their wands.
Amateurs. He thought arrogantly. He quickly sized them up. All rookies with little experience since Voldemort's downfall.
Dawlish is a bastard but I'd watch him nonetheless.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance." He said in cool, polite Pureblood tone.
"Shut it, Black." Dawlish snapped.
"That's enough." Madam Bones commanded briskly. "He is under my protection."
She looked at him and noted his understated Pureblood Lord's attire.
Very good, Lord Black.
"Do you have a wand, Mr. Black?" She asked.
"No, Madam Bones." He answered. Careful to keep his hands visible.
"Off we go then."
"Wait," said an Auror trainee to her left. "you're just going to believe him?"
She turned and adjusted her monocle to see him.
"His Kiss on Sight order has been rescinded." She said sternly. "He clearly came unarmed and made his trial date and time early. This office is heavily warded and he would have been detained before you could cast a spell. I believe, Mr. Anderson, I have made myself clear?"
"Yes ma'am." The Auror trainee said demurely.
Sirius kept his face neutral.
If that's all you've got, kid, by all means. Once I'm working here, I'll set you straight.
"Mr. Black," she said formally. "you will follow me please, the Aurors will flank you and I will lead you to the court. Once we're at the court, you must sit in the center chair and be given veritaserum and answer our questions. Do you have any objections?"
"None, Madam Bones." He answered just as formally.
Nodding, her Aurors flanked Sirius and Kreacher. They made their way to a grand courtroom that actually impressed Sirius with its magical energies.
He ignored the gasps and jeers as he arrived and sat in the detainment chair with all the aplomb of his upbringing.
Kreacher stood at attention. Sharp eyes taking in all threats and mind whizzing on which spells to use to defend his Lord and Master.
I have a promise to keep for the Young Master. His chest puffed and he awaited his Master's side with his black-and-silver livery on full display.
"Silence in my courtroom!" Madam Bones commanded as she sat down with a slightly green Cornelius Fudge to her left and serious Dumbledore to her right. "Anyone who speaks out of turn will be Silenced in warning. Second offense, will have you escorted by my Aurors. You've been warned."
Sirius crossed his leg over his knee, oddly reminiscent of his deceased Death Eater cousin, Bellatrix before her trial.*
A packed house. He thought, he arched another brow as his wrists and ankles were manacled. Sirius noted Madam Longbottom, and he regarded her steadily before returning to his judge and elected official. He merely inclined his head to Dumbledore. Sirius knew Kreacher would manage seeing things he did not. Focus on her and Fudge. Don't succumb to your temper…he'll pay in due time.
He remained cool and silent as he stared at Cornelius and Madam Bones, who grimaced.
"Per the restrictions on our wizarding laws, we must detain you, Mr. Black. Auror Moody will deliver the veritaserum at exactly three drops and ask you prescribed questions to determine your identity an begin the interrogation."
Sirius nodded.
"Before we begin, do you have any questions?"
Sirius was just about to open his mouth as the door opened.
Bingo. He thought, mercury eyes fixed on Remus and the gelatin prisoners.
"Silence!" Madam Bones yelled as several outbursts and outcries echoed in the courtroom.
Sirius knew Kreacher would be keeping tabs on those who defamed Their House. He willed himself to ignore any nefarious comments about his person and Harry. They're trying to bait you. You didn't suffer and manage in Azkaban to listen to this swine. Calm down.
Moody hobbled over to Junior and the Rat. He commanded his Auror team to position them on either side of Sirius.
Remus stood behind Moody, doing his best to ignore the Werewolf calls and the collusion damnations.
I should've taken it before when it truly mattered. I'm just an errand Wolf to the Dog. He shook his head. He noted Sirius did not look at him, either.
Several Silencing Charms zipped over the crowd.
"Who are these men, Mr. Black?"
"They are star witnesses to my trial, Madam Bones." He answered courteously. "I was framed by Peter Pettigrew and hunted by Barty Crouch, Jr."
"Auror Moody, begin the veritaserum please…and add how he managed this."
"Yes, Madam Bones." Auror Moody growled.
He clunked his way to Sirius and looked at him with both eyes. Sirius opened his mouth and watched his former mentor and friend.
Sirius felt his mind blank, his body relax before staring placidly ahead.
Instant takers…damn.
The curse of veritaserum is the individual could keep his mind. If not his tongue as the truth be willed from his very soul*.
"What is your birth name?" Moody growled.
"Sirius Orion Black." Sirius answered.
"What Hogwarts House were you sorted in?"
"Gryffindor."
"What is your birthday?"
"Nov. 3, 1959."
"How did you escape Azkaban?"
Sirius had to hand it to that inviolable contract. He actually felt something like the Fidelius Charm block the veritaserum from betraying Padfoot.
"I cannot answer that. I signed the Martial Mage Code in 1978 when I signed on as a Magical Mage trainee to destroy Death Eaters."
Moody scowled for effect.
"Did you kill Lily Janet Potter and James Charlus Potter."
"No. They were my best friends and the only family I ever truly had."
"What happened to your birth family?"
"I was kicked out of the House of Black by my parents Master Orion Black and Lady Walburga Black for dismissing the Pureblood racism of my forebears."
"Who is the current Lord Black?"
"I am."
"Since when?"
"Since I performed the ceremony shortly upon my escape to protect Harry."
"Why do you want to protect Harry James Potter?"
"Harry is my legal godson."
"Who betrayed Lily and James Potter?"
"Peter Alec Pettigrew betrayed our friends."
"Why would Pettigrew betray Lily and James Potter?"
"Because he was a double-agent to Voldemort and Dumbledore."
"What do you mean, a double-agent?"
"We were a part of the original Order of the Phoenix. Tasked with destroying Voldemort. All of us were assigned to protect Harry and Neville Longbottom."
"Why Neville Longbottom?"
"Neville Longbottom is Harry's godbrother and godson to Lily and James. They were the only bright spots in our bleak present. Innocent children determined by Voldemort as a threat."
"Why did You-Know-Who consider them a threat?"
"Some stupid prophesy Peter overheard determined Voldemort's end would be either Neville or Harry." If Sirius could shrug, he would have.
"How did he overhear it?"
"Not sure. All I know is, I was able to bring Neville to Lily and James' house in Godric's Hollow because I knew Madam Augusta Longbottom would blame me for Frank and Alice's insanity. I had them return Neville to Madam Longbottom."
"Why would Madam Longbottom blame you?"
"Because I wasn't able to stop my bitch whore cousin, Lady Bellatrix Lestrange, from torturing her son and daughter-in-law into insanity. I was only able to snatch Neville before an influx of Death Eaters came to be."
"How were you able to safeguard Neville?"
Sirius' expression, although slack, showed a strange ferocity. "Because I murdered 16 Death Eaters to get to him and then Apparated using a House of Black Family Spell. As Heir Apparent, I still had access to some of the deadlier spells and felt if it's within my power to protect a child―then I'd gladly go to hell to do so."
There was a small silence.
"Why was Neville Longbottom important to you?"
"He was an innocent child. Son of my closest friends aside from Lily, James, Peter and Remus. It was the least I could do to make sure he had the ways and means with Madam Longbottom."
"What do you mean, the ways and means?"
"I'd established a trust for Neville's education. I had it signed into effect with Lily and James as co-witnesses. It was supposed to be ready for him a year before he started Hogwarts with Harry."
"What happened to this trust? And why did you do it?"
"I knew Madam Longbottom wouldn't accept charity. But, I felt it was in part restitution from the House of Black―which had primacy and supremacy over the House of Lestrange―to the House of Longbottom for impairing and usurping Lord and Lady Longbottom and near-Line Extinction. It was the only money I had at the time. I didn't want the Pureblood lineage for anything. I liked earning my keep as an Auror and figured the Pureblood gold could go to helping out the House of Longbottom any way Madam Longbottom saw fit."
"How did you know Peter Alec Pettigrew would betray Lily and James Potter?"
"I stupidly asked Lily and James to switch me out with Peter and make Peter Secret-Keeper. That way, I could use myself as bait for Voldemort." Sirius dull voice became louder as an alternative to his rage. "I thought it was the most brilliant plan. Everyone suspect me…but who would ever suspect, grubby puppy dog Peter? He was our friend since Hogwarts. A worst misfit than any of us combined. I should have known he always wanted to be around big, powerful friends. That's what the three of us were to him. Why would it be any different? With him going to Voldemort's side? I was ready to take on more Death Eaters and murder Voldemort―or at least Bellatrix myself for what she did to Frank and Alice. Or die trying. They knew I was loyal to a fault when it came to the Potter family and a hot-head. I planned on playing up that reputation in order to decoy myself while Lily and James fled carrying Harry with Peter to the next safe house. It was the perfect plan. Unfortunately, I underestimated Peter. And once I caught up at Godric's Hollow…thank Merlin I found Harry…my hot-head dumbass went after Peter instead of taking Harry then."
"How did you find Harry James Potter?"
"He barely survived the blast…he was wailing and I cleared the rubble. If I was a few minutes too late he'd've died then. I used my magic to heal him as best I could with what I learned earlier. I was so relieved. It dawned on me that it was just us against the world. Then…I saw bloody Rubeus Hagrid. What a fool I was to entrust him to Hagrid. I gave him my prized possession. My motorcycle. Figuring Hagrid would damn well follow my directions and I'd regroup with them later, after I'd gotten revenge on that spineless traitor and make the world safer for Harry."
"What did Hagrid do with Harry?"
"Stupid man took him to Dumbledore. I just agreed because I was afraid he'd crush Harry if I didn't. And why not? Dumbledore was our leader. Instead, they took him to his godforsaken Dursley relatives against Lily's express wishes. I was in line as godfather after Frank and Alice Longbottom. We felt it was best since they were married and had a child. Barring that, it was me."
Alastor chose to ignore questioning Sirius about Dumbledore and allowed the audience to believe Sirius was just kicking himself.
We don't want to overplay our hand and tip Albus off.
"How did it go wrong when you fought Pettigrew?"
"Peter decided to cut off his finger. Then he turned into a Rat Animagus. He used a Blasting Curse, killing 13 Muggles. Then the rat bastard decided to shout that I killed Lily and James."
This is going to be tricky. Sirius braced himself.
"Did you know Peter was an Animagus?"
"He learned it while he was in Hogwarts. I suspect he used that form since it behooved him as a spy and was a literal inscription of his soul and initiative."
That was close. Please don't ask any further detail.
Alastor thought quickly then blurted what he knew would distract the jury. "Why did you surrender when the Aurors arrived? When you could have easily subdued them?"
"I was a naïve 22-year-old Martial Mage third-year Auror trainee who believed in my rights as a wizard and not the Black reputation associated with me since birth. I thought I had worked hard enough to convince everyone I was on the Light side. Instead, I was hysterical. In shock, I damned myself, saying I killed Lily and James since that's what I'd done switching places with Peter. Surprisingly, no one thought to follow protocol and I assumed I was getting my trial. Instead, I was betrayed by the law, wizardkind, my only living best friend, and thrown into Azkaban an innocent man without a trial where I rotted and plotted for 12 years."
"How did you prevent yourself from going insane?"
"I knew I was innocent. That was enough of an obsession to plot and plan my escape to get to the only one who ever believed, loved me as an uncle and never betrayed me. My godson, Harry James Potter-Black."
"How is he Harry James Potter-Black?"
"Legally and magically he is Harry James Potter-Black. I wish it weren't so. I don't want to usurp James in any way. However, for his protection that's what he's known as. And I intend on letting him go by his birth name."
Alastor decided to ignore the 'magically,' part since he knew the audience would assume a magical and Muggle Last Will & Testament based on Lily's Muggleborn heritage.
"How did you ensnare Peter and Barty Crouch, Jr.?"
"Peter was someone I hunted for separately. I actually thought it was strange that even in Azkaban, Junior was morose. He was someone that was already certifiably insane. So Azkaban shouldn't've silenced him because that wizard loved the sound of his own voice. Also, I believed Senior was a fool. Should have paid attention to his own son instead of just his wife and his political career. He used the trial and sentencing to formally disown his own son. Something not even my cruel House did. Straight case study in love your children, for Merlin's sake. I used my House-Elf, Kreacher, to spy on Junior and decided to strike then."
Not bad. Sirius thought. Since Moody's question is simple and vague enough for me to tell a slight truth.
"How did you entrap them?"
"I used a Family Spell."
Alastor could not legally press for specification if it was Pureblood Family Magic. It was just one of those things related to someone's core and legacy. And with Sirius as the only living blood relative of His House and Lord Black with a Magical Heir, he especially could not do it.*
And well the wizarding population knew it.
The grizzled Auror glanced at Amelia who gave him a curt nod. He pulled the antidote from one of his many pockets and administered it on Sirius' lax tongue.
Sirius' eyes flashed from mercury to cool pewter as he looked at Madam Bones and a striking pallor from Cornelius Fudge.
I've so got you by your short-and-curlies…I'll make you sing my praises as soon as I'm done with this farce.
"Release his binding." Amelia said immediately.
Sirius did not flex or rub his wrists and ankles as the binding slithered from his chair. His dignity and pride demanded it.
"This trial is not over. However, Lord Black must remain seated." By calling him by his Pureblood rank it changed the atmosphere immensely.
"Bring in Barty Crouch, Jr. and Peter Alec Pettigrew."
The gelatin prisoners were levitated on either side of Sirius.
Each were constrained by some of the Ministry's most powerful bindings. And Sirius murmured the counter-curse behind his hand. Removing the gelatin fixture.
No one took into account the insane Barty Crouch, Jr.
Just because he had been frozen for a week and starved did not mean he could not think and bide his time. He had a stint in Azkaban and a veritable prison from his ancestral home to hone his predatory patience.
He used his Pureblood magic and slammed Sirius from behind using the Crouch Lynx.*
Sirius smirked. Kreacher had jeweled short swords and slashed Junior's legs bringing the man to his knees. He was prepared for the final blow with such vicious intent that Sirius was somewhat appalled. The House-Elf snarled at Junior. "Does Master want me to end him?"
I would've done the same thing. He thought. Although, I'm very surprised he managed it. Talk about willpower.
The Raven cawed, wrapped Its wings around Sirius as It dove for the Lynx's spinal cord. Ripping it from the Lynx's throat, causing Junior's agonized scream to reverberate. His House of Crouch could no longer protect him. Sickened and weak as it was in Its final attack. The Raven bound him.
"No Kreacher, contain him for Auror Moody."
Alastor wasted no time administering veritaserum and getting Junior's patricidal confession and Azkaban escape.
The entire room recoiled and Sirius grimaced.
Seriously. He thought disgusted. He must have turned himself into a Squib using the last of his Pureblood magic which should've left him as soon as he committed patricide…unless he Imperiused Senior to making him Lord Crouch before he did it? Either way, the man's got Merlin's balls.
Junior is sentenced with the Kiss as soon as the trial ended. He would be given Last Rites in the next room under Moody's watchful eye.
Definitely missing that one.
Peter Pettigrew took the stand.
Sirius had to practice breathing exercises he learned from Lacie.
Peter flinched at the light, moving and twitching in every direction as he carefully did not look at Sirius.
What a shame your mother's actually here to see this. He thought, looking at Mrs. Pettigrew's shocked face. Bet she wishes you'd never been born considering the horrors you pulled.
Remus remained silent.
He could feel his Wolf bray for the Rat's blood.
And well did Wormtail sense it.
Sirius held Remus' gaze coolly. You'll manage it. Like I managed for 12 years without you. His mercury eyes met blazing amber ones.
In much the same vein, the Rat told all under veritaserum. It matched Sirius' rendition and Alastor purposefully did not ask him how he learned his Rat Animagus ability. Instead, he twisted the question into how he used it as Voldemort's spy.
Then, he asked a question that genuinely surprised Sirius as much as the rest of the crowd.
"Is Voldemort officially dead?"
"Yes." Peter's dully replied.
"By whom or what?"
"By Sirius' hands."
In a manner of speaking. Sirius thought, giving the room a cold perusal. Every inch Lord Black. My hands are my Servants.
"How did Sirius kill him?"
"He discovered a spell that Bellatrix used from the House of Black and reverse engineered his location before hunting him and all his Horcruxes."
"Voldemort had Horcruxes?"
"He had seven."
Good, Sirius thought approvingly. Peter doesn't know Harry's healing and it's mum's the word.
"What were they?"
"The Founders' Artifacts, his familiar, his diary, and the Gaunt Ring."
"Why the Gaunt Ring?"
"Because Voldemort was really the illegitimate child of Merope Gaunt and a Muggle named Tom Marvolo Riddle. He was Tom Marvolo Riddle, Jr. It's an anagram which spells Voldemort. He desired Pureblood political and financial power and purposefully tried to get every Death Eater from the Pureblood Houses. Especially Sirius'. However, Sirius would never surrender and I knew that. He ruined the one person Sirius loved first. His brother Regulus Arcturus Black. That's what got him interested in Sirius. He planned on overtaking Reggie…but he didn't understand that Reggie was the Spare in the truest sense. Just because Sirius' parents disowned him did not hold weight. The true Lord Black was Sirius' grandfather, Arcturus Black who died recently. He never disowned Sirius. Therefore, as long as Sirius remained locked up in Azkaban, Voldemort could not overtake the most powerful Dark Magical Pureblood House. Knowing that, I knew if I remained Sirius' friend then I was safe from Voldemort. All I had to do was entrap Sirius and make him do what Voldemort willed."
"How were you going to make Sirius do anything?"
"Torture him into insanity until he surrendered. Or threaten Harry."
"Why did you betray the Potters and Sirius?"
"They were my best friends. I hadn't thought what that actually meant. I just thought they pitied me. I realized after the Potters died that I…fucked up big time. I also knew that I ultimately feared Sirius' wrath more than Voldemort's. It was every man, woman and child for themselves once Voldemort's power diminished. I betrayed a lot of Death Eaters and was not going to go to Azkaban. So I pretended to be a pet rat for 12 years at the Weasleys."
The shock was palpable as everyone processed what he meant.
Damn. Sirius thought, internally wincing as he saw an angry Arthur Septimus Weasley. That's gonna be tough to crack. Everyone knows about Ginny's near possession and rescue from my Harry.
Arthur stood.
"I demand the severest punishment on this monster." He said fiercely. Reaching for his wand.
Sirius raised his hand. Garnering instant attention from the normally kindly, balding wizard.
"Do not waste yourself on him, Arthur." Sirius' cultured voice cut to the quick and said sincerely. "He's not worth pulling your wand out and sending you to Azkaban. With the consequences having Molly without her husband or your children without their father."
Arthur slowly sat down, not taking his eyes off Sirius. He gave him a curt nod. His face a mottled red with seething paternal outrage.
Sirius turned to Alastor.
"Why did you fear Sirius worse than Voldemort?"
"He's a Death Eater killer of 27 confirmed kills." Peter continued. "He'd stop at nothing to safeguard Harry…especially since he has that Black Temper and his Family's known for their Revenge, Cunning, Dark Magic, Capability and Esteem. And he's a bloody Martial Mage Auror. He was just three weeks off graduation. That's quite a résumé. I lost Sirius' esteem. I ruined a child's life and I just didn't care because I just wanted to live. It's all too late for Reggie, Bella, Rab, Ro. Me. Everyone. Voldemort lost. Sirius won. Don't you see? I never really lived once I ruined their lives. My life was stuck in neutral. Getting fat and lazy as I was the family rat. I made a better rat than I did wizard. And my mum? She realizes I'm infamous. I learned all sorts of Dark Magic…it was the only way I had a chance. Besides, I wanted to prove to Sirius and James especially that they didn't have me pegged as their piteous mediocre friend. I didn't realize that they genuinely, Remus too, believed I was their real friend. My life was utter bollocks and mediocre until that day Sirius broke a second-year's nose for bullying me while James had Sirius' back and took detention for Sirius, with Remus pulling me behind him. Sirius believed his friends were his family. He would've died to protect me if the safe house became compromised and I got Lily, James and Harry out. And I made the choice…the decision…to destroy while Sirius never stopped believing and I damned the poor bastard to hell in Azkaban."
The courtroom sat still for a solid minute.
Even Sirius felt slightly off-kilter by Peter's last words.
"The Jury will now adjourn." Madam Bones said to the courtroom. "Everyone will exit to the Common Room for a 15-minute recess except Lord Black, Kreacher, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Lupin."
She wanted to contain Arthur's temper as best she could.
As soon as the room emptied and the doors locked with Amelia and a few Aurors as sentries, Sirius stretched to his full 6'2" build.
"Sirius…I,"
Sirius shook his head. "I owe you restitution, Arthur."
"Wha―what?" Arthur sputtered, as his glasses slipped down his nose, making Sirius recall his child.
"No. 1 you've taken care of Harry in my absence." He said firmly, quelling Arthur with a look. "Please, let me finish." He said lowering his high-handed Pureblood mannerism. "I heard from Lacie." Arthur blushed. "No. 2 I want to be sure Ginny has the best Mind Healing care she needs…I say this because I'm also worried about Harry. I feel like if he had a familiar face by his side then he would go through treatment." Sirius shrugged. "That's how boys are and frankly? If I'd killed Pettigrew upfront then your Ginny would've been safe from Voldemort's possession. So, please…consider it restitution."
Arthur swallowed. "I'll speak to Molly."
Sirius nodded and turned to Remus.
"I'm glad you brought them on time." He said giving his former friend a solid look before kneeling to Kreacher, surprising the wizards and the House-Elf.
"Was that Harry's command?" He asked curiously.
Kreacher puffed his chest. "Master's Child asked Kreacher to protect Master at all costs and to bring him home to Master's Child along with Kreacher. Kreacher could not disregard an order from Our Heir regarding health and safety, sir."
For the first time, Sirius barked a laugh.
"Well my child is indeed shrewd in that department, eh Kreacher?"
Kreacher nodded, smirking at him.
The men spoke about nothing in particular and washed up before the trial's conclusion.
Good thing about Amelia…She's not one for frills and I'll make it in time for dinner to see Harry. Thank Merlin.
As soon as the courtroom refilled, Amelia's monocle slipped and she said in clear, ringing tones.
"I sentence Peter Alec Pettigrew to the Dementor's Kiss with Bartemius Crouch, Jr. for crimes against humanity. Peter Pettigrew's Order of Merlin, First Class is hereby revoked. Bartemius Crouch, Jr. is the last living member of the House of Crouch and with his death is confirmed Line Extinction due to no Heirs as confirmed by veritaserum." Amelia straightened. "Lord Sirius Orion Black is acquitted of all crimes based on veritaserum trial, innocence and restitution from the Ministry of Magic in 12 million galleons representing each year unlawfully imprisoned. He is granted the undisputed legal and magical rights as Heir Harry James Potter-Black's lawful guardian. He will also not be charged with protecting himself with Family Magic from Bartemius Crouch, Jr.'s attack in the courtroom. All documentation will be administerd through the Wizarding Child Services and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This court is adjourned."
Sirius looked relieved and satisfied. An overwhelming feeling that he swore he could utilize in his next Patronus memory.
Still not done for my child's safety. Still have the Dark Witch and Dumbass…but at least I'm free. And I'll have plenty of work to do tomorrow.
He bowed to Madam Bones in a Pureblood fashion and turned and bowed lower to Madam Longbottom before rising. With a nod to Remus, Alastor and Arthur Sirius took Kreacher's hand and Apparated home.
Celebrate while you can. Dumbledore seethed. As political clout and professional courtesy demanded he yielded to the Minister and DMLE Head despite being Chief Mugwump. His mind raced to alternative planning.
I can still use him for the Greater Good.
References: predominately creative license.
Black Heir Rights: creative license with more to come in the following chapters.
Hogwarts Days: Sirius attended Hogwarts from 1971-1978. It stands to reason that Sirius would have joined the Order of the Phoenix upon graduation since the Wizarding War went on during his Hogwarts years and beyond.
Veritaserum: obviously canon with a few embellishments.
Martial Magic Mage trainee: complete AU. I intend for Sirius to be B.A. and part of that deal was him about to graduate after his three years as a trainee. He did have an impressive résumé, if I do say so myself.
Leg-crossing: Pottermore painting of the Lestranges. Bellatrix still looked like a Pureblood Queen despite being imprisoned. Some of the gestures and haughtiness based on their upbringing.
The Longbottoms: I do not think Sirius saved Neville in canon but this would endear him to Augusta to know the truth. I imagine that witch would have held Sirius accountable being guilty by association since she wanted to blame someone for the worst-than-death scenario her son and daughter-in-law faced. Somewhat poetic justice.
Crouch Lynx: total AU. I could not resist the pun. I figured he needed to be wily, relatively small and fierce in similarity (although Junior was arguably tall and lanky) to His Ruined House with a sickened totem.
The Weasleys: obviously they are Harry's friends and Sirius feels guilty for breaking Ron's leg. It is part of his restitution. Also, I think Ginny needed counseling because we just suspect all Voldemort did was mess with her mind. I have accidentally read some FanFics out there where it went much farther and I refuse to entertain the notion. So, poetic happenstance on in my storyline. Besides, Sirius wants Harry to get counseling, too. This helps everyone and we may discover what all happened to Ginny. (NOTICE: I never write about sexual abuse and Ginny will not be exposed to such. I just want her to add to Harry's worldview.)
Pureblood Lore: complete creative license. I extrapolated from the primacy and supremacy Google research I found and just made it my own since I assumed there were clauses if you had a last Heir or Heiress or Regent. Technically, Harry is two out of the three as 'Lord/Heir Potter, Heir/Black, and Sirius is Potter Regent.