A/N: 1 Before anyone gets confused, please note the date written.
A/N: 2 Sorry that this is mostly an info dump chapter. Considering Sirius was with his Grandfather and not in Azkaban, I wanted to make it clear why Narcissa thinks both Bellatrix and Sirius are still in Azkaban.
November 1st, 1981
It was a weird standoff within the Black Manor. Sirius was watching his grandfather with his hands in the pockets of the trousers Hermey had brought for him. Hermey was hovering over Arcturus as if concerned that he would have a heart attack at a moment's notice.
Arcturus Black sat at the desk in his study, his eyes fixed on his grandson, Sirius, who was standing before him with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
"Grandfather, I can't believe you're even suggesting this," Sirius said, his voice low and angry. "You want me to go back to Azkaban? After everything I've been through?"
Arcturus sighed. "I know it's not an ideal situation, Sirius, but we need to find a way to speak to Madam Bones without attracting too much attention. If we simply walk into the Ministry and ask for a meeting, there's a good chance that someone will recognise you and raise the alarm."
"But why do I have to be the one to go back?" Sirius demanded. "Why can't you go yourself?"
"Because, my boy, I am a known associate of the Blacks," Arcturus said, his tone gentle but firm. "If I were to show up at the Ministry asking to speak to Madam Bones, it would raise suspicion. But you, you've been out of the public eye for years. No one is looking for you, and if we're careful, we can slip you in and out of Azkaban without anyone noticing."
"But what if something goes wrong?" Sirius said, his voice rising in frustration. "What if I get caught? What if I never come back?"
"I have every confidence in you, Sirius," Arcturus said, his eyes locking with his grandson's. "I know you're strong enough to do this. And it's important that we try, for your sake and the sake of your reputation."
Sirius hesitated, his expression softening slightly. "I just... I don't understand why you don't trust me enough to handle this on my own."
"It's not that I don't trust you, Sirius," Arcturus said, his voice gentle. "I just want to ensure we're being as careful as possible. I couldn't bear it if anything were to happen to you."
Sirius let out a long breath, his arms falling to his sides. "Fine," he said, his tone resigned. "I'll do it. But I don't have to like it."
Arcturus smiled, relieved. "Thank you, Sirius. I know this isn't easy for you, but I promise you, we'll make it right."
"This is a 'Sirius'ly big problem, Grandfather," the dog Animagus murmured, only loud enough for his grandfather to hear. The quirk of the lips made him feel better.
Arcturus watched as Sirius trudged back into the study, his expression downcast and his shoulders slumped.
"I don't suppose you have any tea?" Sirius said, his voice weary. "Or maybe a hot meal? I don't think I can face returning to Azkaban on an empty stomach."
Arcturus smiled sympathetically. "Of course, my boy. I'll have Hermey bring something up for you."
As he waited for the house elf to return with food and drink, Arcturus turned to Sirius and said, "I just want you to know, Sirius, that I appreciate everything you're doing. I know it's not easy for you, and I don't want you to feel like I'm taking you for granted."
Sirius looked up, surprise evident in his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that I know I'm asking a lot of you, and I don't want you to think that I'm not grateful for your efforts," Arcturus said. "You're a good man, Sirius. Strong, and brave, and true. And I'm proud to call you my grandson."
Sirius was quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on the floor. Then, slowly, he looked up and met Arcturus's eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft. "That means a lot to me."
At that moment, Hermey appeared with a tray of food and tea, and the two men sat down to eat together. The meal was a small comfort, but it was enough to lift Sirius's spirits and give him the strength he needed to face what lay ahead. As they finished their tea, Arcturus gave Sirius a slight nod, and the young man rose from his seat and prepared to leave.
"Good luck, Sirius," Arcturus said, his voice steady. "I'll be here when you get back."
"Here," Sirius whispered, putting his wand to his head and picking up a vial to distribute his memories. "They likely have my wand as well; it hasn't been used since I used it. Make them do a Priori Incantatem, and it should be enough evidence. With my memories, in addition to my wand's Reverse Spell effect, it should convince Madam Bones to give in."
With that, Sirius walked out of the room, his mind focused on the task ahead, but his heart was lifted by the knowledge that he had his grandfather's support.
Arcturus summoned Hermey and instructed her to take Sirius back to Azkaban as quickly and discreetly as possible. Sirius followed the elf to the front garden, and the tiny elf gently took his hand, nodded her head, and they apparated.
Sirius immediately turned into a dog, whining as Hermey hesitated in leaving him there.
"Hermey will be back for Master Sirius. Don't bes worried."
Arcturus was on his fifth piece of parchment. He had crunched up and thrown out the previous four. If he was going to save his grandson from forcing him back to what could have been an easy escape, he would need to do it right.
Bending his head close to the parchment, he dipped his quill into the ink bottle again and wrote, keeping his penmanship perfect as always. Finally, he looked down at what he wrote and found it acceptable.
Dear Madam Bones,
I hope this letter finds you well. I write to you today as a concerned citizen of the wizarding world and a member of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. As I'm sure you are aware, my godson Sirius Black was recently imprisoned in Azkaban for crimes he did not commit. However, I have reason to believe that he has been unjustly accused and that the true perpetrator of the crimes in question is still at large.
I understand there may be some scepticism regarding Sirius's claims of innocence. Still, I assure you that he has always been a loyal and honourable member of the wizarding community. As someone who has known him since childhood, I can attest to his character and integrity. I believe that if given the opportunity to present his case, he will be able to prove his innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Therefore, I respectfully request a meeting with you to discuss the matter further. I understand that your schedule is likely quite busy, but I would be happy to arrange a time that is convenient for you. I believe that if we are able to have an open and honest dialogue, we may be able to arrive at a solution that is beneficial to all parties involved.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Lord Arcturus Black
It was finally done. As an afterthought, Arcturus spelled the parchment unreadable by anyone other than the intended and that it would burn up in flames once she was done reading it. It wouldn't be suitable for someone else to be aware of Sirius' predicament before the right time.
With a deep breath, Arcturus Black strode purposefully through the halls of his ancestral home, his steps echoing off the polished marble floors. He held a sealed envelope in his hand addressed to Madam Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the Black family's owl, a magnificent bird with dark feathers that seemed to shimmer in the light.
The owl landed on Arcturus's outstretched arm, its sharp talons digging into his skin. Arcturus affixed the letter to the owl's leg and whispered a few instructions into its ear. With a screech, the owl took off into the air, its powerful wings beating a steady rhythm as it soared into the sky. Arcturus watched it go, a sense of pride swelling within him at the sight of the majestic bird carrying his message to its intended recipient. At least his name wouldn't be tarnished based on the type of owl he used.
Sirius Black felt his heart sink as he approached the towering walls of Azkaban prison. The familiar sight of the dementors hovering in the air like dark clouds filled him with a sense of dread that he couldn't shake. It had only been a few hours since he had set foot on this godforsaken island, and he had hoped never to return. But now, here he was, back in the company of the creatures that had nearly driven him mad.
The memories Sirius had barely kept back surfaced again, and he yanked at his hair, feeling resentful the slightest bit towards his grandfather. He knew it was for his benefit, as he would likely get thrown back into Azkaban without ever being allowed out if news got out that he had escaped.
His thoughts drifted to Harry. Had Dumbledore read the will already? If he had it his way, he would find and take care of him, but with Arcturus waiting to hear back from Madam Bones, he had no idea how long he would have to wait before he could take care of Harry and get official guardianship.
A dementor passed his cell, and he growled at it, but of course, it got no reaction. His grandfather had better pull through.
Arcturus Black waited with bated breath for the return of his owl, eager to see what response Madam Bones had sent him. When the bird finally arrived, he took the letter from its leg and quickly broke the seal. As he read the letter's contents, his expression shifted from hopefulness to disappointment.
Lord Black,
Thank you for your letter regarding your godson, Sirius Black. I appreciate your concern for his well-being and your desire to see justice done in this matter.
I would happily arrange a meeting with you to discuss the case further. However, I must emphasise that even if Sirius is able to prove his innocence, that does not necessarily mean that he will be released from prison immediately. As you may be aware, the Ministry of Magic has a duty to ensure that those responsible for crimes are brought to justice, and we will not rest until we have found the actual perpetrator of the crimes that Sirius has been accused of.
That being said, I am open to hearing any evidence or testimony that you may have that could help us in our investigation. It is essential that we leave no stone unturned in our search for the truth, and I believe that your insights and knowledge of the Black family could be valuable in this regard.
Please let me know a convenient time and place to meet, and I will do my best to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to discussing this matter further with you.
Sincerely,
Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Arcturus couldn't help but feel frustrated at this news, but he refused to give up hope. He knew they had to keep fighting for Sirius's freedom, no matter how long it took.
Despite his disappointment, Arcturus remained determined to do whatever it took to help his grandson. He had always been a fierce protector of his family and would stop at nothing to ensure that Sirius was cleared of the false charges against him. He knew the road ahead would be long and complex, but he refused to let anything stand in the way of justice. With a deep breath, he folded the letter and placed it in his pocket, steeling himself for the next steps in their battle against the Ministry of Magic.
For now, he would need to arrange the appointment.
Dear Madam Bones,
Thank you for your prompt response to my letter. I appreciate your willingness to hear me out on this matter. I understand that proving my grandson's innocence may be a long and challenging process, but I am willing to do whatever it takes to clear his name.
If it would be possible, I would be most grateful if we could arrange a meeting at noon today, as that would be most convenient for me. I believe that we have a lot to discuss, and I am eager to work with you to find a way to resolve this situation.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Lord Arcturus Black
Arcturus was in the library when he received an affirmative from Madam Bones. It was a shock to him that she even accepted on such short notice, but he wouldn't waste his time pondering on it. He immediately apparated into the Ministry of Magic with Sirius' memories safely in his cloak pocket. Arcturus Black materialised in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic, his expression sour as he took in the sight of the "Magic is Might" fountain. The statue towered above him, its grotesque figures casting a shadow over the entire room. Arcturus couldn't help but feel a sense of disgust at the sight of the fountain. To him, it represented everything wrong with the Ministry - its corruption, cruelty, and willingness to sacrifice its citizens' rights and freedoms in the name of power.
He shook his head and continued on, nodding to a few familiar faces from the Wizengamot, who greeted him with a polite but deferential tone. As he approached the security checkpoint, he bristled at the thought of having to surrender his wand. But he knew that it was necessary to gain entry to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Arcturus handed his wand over to the guard, a burly man with a thick beard and stern expression, who inspected it carefully before returning it to Arcturus with a nod.
With his wand back in his possession, Arcturus strode purposefully toward the DMLE. His mind was focused on the task at hand, and he refused to let the Ministry's oppressive atmosphere get the better of him. He was determined to do whatever it took to clear Sirius's name, and he knew that the path ahead would be a long and difficult one. But he was ready for the challenge and would not rest until justice was served.
When Amelia was finally ready to see him, Arcturus could feel the sweat building up underneath his tunic. Amelia Bones was a woman of impressive stature, standing tall and straight with a regal air about her. She had a commanding presence that made it clear she was not to be trifled with. Her sharp, angular features were set in a serious expression, giving the impression that she was always deep in thought. She had dark hair pulled back into a severe bun, and her keen eyes seemed to miss nothing. Her clothing was always immaculate and tailored to fit her perfectly, adding to the overall impression of authority and control that she exuded. If Arcturus wasn't so impressive himself, he might have felt intimidated. As it was, he was only worried she would deny Sirius.
"Alright, Arcturus," Ameilia murmured, "What do you have for me?"
"I have Sirius' memories of that night. And if that's not enough, you can also do a Priori Incantatem on his wand. He is also willing to go under Veritaserum.
Madam Bones gave him a look. "I'm not going to ask you how you got the memory, Arcturus."
Arcturus gave her a scandalised look. "I went to see him, of course."
Amelia snorted. "Of course you did."
Arcturus shrugged and gestured for Amelia to carry on.
Arcturus and Amelia both leaned forward as Amelia withdrew a small silver basin from her desk drawer. With a flick of her wand, she extracted the memory from the phial and placed it into the pensieve. The two of them leaned in together, their faces reflecting in the rippling surface of the magical basin as they immersed themselves in the memory. For several long moments, they watched as the events of that fateful night unfolded before their eyes. The memory was vivid and visceral, and both Arcturus and Amelia felt a sense of deep sadness and regret as they watched Sirius being wrongfully accused and taken away by Aurors.
Finally, as the memory came to an end, they both leaned back, blinking as they returned to reality. The pensieve glimmered in front of them, the memory safely stored away until they needed it again. Arcturus sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he contemplated the task ahead. No matter what, though, he was determined to fight for his grandson's freedom, no matter what obstacles lay in his way. His original plan of going back in time had failed miserably, and he wouldn't risk messing around with Magic or time. Arcturus hoped he could do it before he died, or Sirius may never get out.
Amelia nodded in agreement, her expression resolute. Together, they would work to uncover the truth and bring justice to those who had been wronged.
"He may still have a chance after all," Amelia whispered.
"I'm counting on you, Amelia," Arcturus said strongly, trying not to glower.
"It's obvious he didn't do it, Arcturus. Do you know anything about Pettigrew? Maybe we can remove Sirius from Azkaban and keep him in a comfortable suite in the Ministry confines until we know better. It will be nothing like Azkaban. And we can keep it quiet."
Arcturus thought about it. "He will have access to everything he needs and have full comfort?"
"Everything except the ability to leave, yes."
"Fine," Arcturus nodded. It was better than he expected. "Do it."
End A/N: Please keep in mind that I am using a beta called Grammarly. I am likely to miss mistakes, especially if something is written correctly but with the wrong usage. Please point out any mistakes!
Thanks all, and thanks for reading!