Competition/Challenge Block
Written For: Monthly Challenges for All (Year 6); Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry 2.0 (Year 1)
Hogwarts: Mythology Task 2; Web (Harry Molly [Dialogue 22 "This is better than any dream."]); Party (Wizard 4 [Conjuration 2]); Case (Runespoor [M: Amelia Bones]); Channels (Simpsons 1); Honeydukes (6 "I shouldn't be surprised."); Grove (Bodyguard 2);
MC4A: Hunt (Su Set [Tense]; Su Items [Dress/Skirt]; Fa Set [Family Meal] Fa Con [Soup]; Fa Item [Frying Pan]); Soup (D [Did]; A [Adoptive]; M [Mother]; O [Orphan]; N [Nurturing]); Bingo (SpB [ ]; SuB [ ]; FaB [ ]; TrB [ ]; AUB [ ]; SetB [ ]);
Word Count: 3,827
Warning Tag: Canon-Typical Character Behavior; References Canon Child Abuse
Author's Note: Look, don't come at me. This was a long time coming, okay? I like Molly, but she does have flaws and opinions and things, and unfortunately I can't fully ignore canon. Harry should have always ended up with Sirius hands down. The government really did him dirty.
Anyway, the sense of time is all muddied up in this story, but it is what it is. I know it feels rushed, but in this perfect fictional world maybe things can be done so efficiently. Also, court stuff is blah, but hey. I hope that it is a satisfactory end, at least.
Lastly, I will give this a proper proof later, right now I am just tired of looking at it.
Enjoy.
Sirius
"What?"
It was the third time Molly said this, completely rendered speechless at what Amelia had just explained to her.
She was visiting the Ministry to discuss the situation of Harry's living arrangements, wishing to take that next step to be the child's official guardian, but she was not expecting to find out that her plan may not come to be after all left a sour taste in her mouth.
"What?"
Amelia raised a brow at this, steepling her fingers in front of her.
"I do not know what you aren't understanding, Molly. The Potters Will is quite straightforward and I quote yet again; 'Should both parents of Harry James Potter no longer be able to care for him, then his godmother, Alice Longbottom, will be his appointed guardian. Should the godmother be unable to care for Harry James Potter, then his godfather, Sirius Orion Black, will be his appointed guardian.'
"As we know, Mrs. Longbottom is permanently injured and so cannot take him—"
"Yes, and that Black fellow is in prison! How can a criminal take care of a child? Especially one from the people he murdered?" Molly practically shrieked. "You absolutely cannot allow that!"
Amelia put a hand up to stop Molly from continuing her rant.
"You must understand the circumstances that are in play, Molly, "Amelia stressed, subtly squaring her shoulders. "Twelve years ago, Mr. Black was arrested with the accusation of the murder of twelve muggles and the Potters. However, after some extensive investigation, he was never properly processed, placed on trial, and sentenced under the Wizengamot of the alleged crimes, and so was improperly imprisoned. Now that an urgent legal matter has risen that involves him, these steps must now be properly taken in order for rightful justice to be exercised.
"Should he be cleared of all charges, then he will be submitted for evaluation at Saint Mungo's to determine if he is suitable to care for Mr. Potter. Once all of this is handled and if he does not meet the requirements, only then will I be able to arrange alternative placement for the child."
Amelia had that look that said she would not waiver from this process. She was very good at following proper protocols within the otherwise chaotic mess that was the magical government. She did work through a lot of red tape to essentially pardon Arthur for the Ford Anglia debacle for them. Molly would forever be grateful for that, but she wasn't sure if she'd ever see Amelia in as pure of a light as she used to once what she proposed followed through with the rest of the law department. Allowing a criminal to raise a child—the child of the ones he murdered no less—was the sickest, most twisted joke Molly has ever had to stomach, and she was raising two mischievous twin boys!
Taking in a deep, calm breath, Molly recollected herself before speaking again.
"Very well. When will all of this start taking place?"
Amelia didn't relax her posture in turn, keeping the stern appearance up as she reached for a document.
"If I have anything to do with it, which I do, my proposal for a trial is already being processed with the Wizengamot."
Molly shouldn't be surprised by this, Amelia worked efficiently and well, knowing all the ways to fast track important things when needed but never cutting corners. She was, however, not liking the confidence that Amelia radiated about the entire situation. It was as if she saw that terrible man as innocent as a butterfly. Fifteen people were murdered that day by that deranged man, whomever found Sirius innocent after knowing that information alone were just as unstable as him.
"However, until such matters come to pass, and with the knowledge that Mr. Potter's relatives have disowned him, he is considered orphaned on paper." Amelia gave Molly a single look to not interrupt. "Therefore, I am granting temporary guardianship to you. This contract will be valid up until Mr. Black's sentencing where it will be revisited once all required elements have been processed. Do you accept these terms?"
"Yes, of course I do. Thank you, Amelia."
She nodded in return, offering Molly a document after signing it. "I will see you again soon, I'm sure."
"Alright," Molly said, trying to not sound defeated or disappointed while accepting the contract. "We will keep in touch."
"I expect no less, Molly," Amelia said. "Good day to you."
There were no words Molly knew to explain how she felt and what she thought the second the Wizengamot read Sirius Black's sentencing to the court. Amelia wasn't messing around with the procedure to get the criminal to trial, only taking a handful of weeks since Molly first learned about it happening, and now her chances of becoming Harry's legal guardian was all but abolished at this point.
Sirius Black was declared not guilty on all charges.
Her son's pet rat was not a rat at all but a man hidden as an animagus. Molly felt utterly sick at that discovery. A murderer was among her family for twelve years, sleeping happily under the bedding with her children, cheerfully eating scraps provided to him at the table.
She shuttered.
Molly didn't know what to believe anymore. All she knew was that someone not quite sound of mind was possibly going to be given custody of Harry. She could only hope that his psyche evaluation at Saint Mungo's will not clear him and put him back away instead. Surely being in prison has taken its toll on the deranged man, he did admit to the entire court that discovering what had happened to the Potters caused him to not think straight and respond very impulsively to the situation, yet he was still never found to have actually harmed anyone, much less murder them. Instead, it was all a setup, wands do not lie, and the true culprit was seized once Scabbers was hastily provided to the court by Arthur.
It was all outrageous, and regardless of Sirius' claims, Molly knew that the Black family always was a bit mad. A sickness was rooted in their bloodline, one that traced back generations, and that will be the man's ultimate downfall—she could only hope, anyway.
The worst part of the entire outcome was that Harry had to be told he has a godfather who is willing to take him in. The boy was barely thirteen, how could he make such a decision for his well being? Sirius was a complete stranger to him, he would never blindly trust a former prisoner to raise and take care of him, right? Regardless, he needed to be told, and Molly was not looking forward to the conversation.
If anything, she can be a guiding hand in his choices, but it would still come down to what he wants in the end.
Arrangements had to be set soon regardless of the outcome because next term was just around the corner already. It seemed like time just decided to fly by faster and faster for Molly that it was quite difficult to keep her head straight. The hearing was mere days away, and she had yet to prepare Harry for any of it.
"Harry, dear," Molly said one evening as everyone started drifting from the table, "Would you mind helping me clean up?"
She never directly asked him to help before, so the peculiar look on his face told her he was nervous.
"He'll be up shortly, Ron. Now run along," she said, shooing him out of the kitchen with a dishcloth.
"Am I in trouble?" Harry asked, carefully collecting the soup bowls off the table.
"Nonsense, hon," Molly assured. "I actually wish to speak with you about an important matter in regards to your living arrangements."
Harry's face fell, gaze casting to the floor. "Oh."
Molly felt her heart crack. "Here, come sit."
The leftover soup pot still simmered away on the stove next to the freshly cleaned frying pan. Molly flourished her wand to have the table cleared and to set the dishes to self- wash. Once she and Harry were comfortable on a pair of mismatched dining chairs, she smoothed out her skirt and did her best to make eye contact with him despite he shying away under his black fringe.
"As I'm sure you have heard some inkling of news by now over the summer, things have gotten complicated. Not because of you," Molly quickly assured, "but rather the legal side of everything.
"Due to the circumstances of your relatives no longer willing to welcome you back due to you running away, the government has had to step in to oversee what is best for your living arrangements."
"The orphanage," she heard Harry mutter so quietly she could've mistaken it for the wind.
"Nonsense, deary. Not if I have anything to do with it." Molly squared her shoulders. "I have been able to secure temporary guardianship over you for the time being, however, something that no one has anticipated came up during this complex process and, well, how do I put this…"
Molly watched Harry perk up some, showing hope for some good news. She just needed to keep her own jealousy at bay, it was not fair to him.
"One of your parents' very close friends might be able to take guardianship over you. He was deemed your godfather in your infancy."
"You mean Sirius Black?" he asked suddenly.
"I shouldn't be surprised by you knowing his name," Molly said. "I suppose you have questions about him and where he has been up until now."
Harry gave a little shrug. "I know he got tangled up with the law, but it was recently sorted out. Hagrid gave me a photo album at the end of first year and told me a little bit about everyone."
"Well, that's something, I suppose," Molly said. "There's a hearing at the end of the week that will help decide everything, and I made sure that you would have a say in where to go. I know a lot is happening quickly now, and I am sure all of it is quite overwhelming for you, but you won't be dealing with it alone, okay? I'll be there every step of the way and support you in whatever choice you make in the end."
Harry nodded as she spoke, processing everything carefully. "I'll be able to meet him first, right?"
Molly heard that hint of uncertainty in his tone, telling her there was a smidgen of doubt clouding his mind. She leaned in the chair to place a hand on his shoulder, smiling warmly when he met her gaze.
"Of course, sweetie. Unless you're completely unsettled by the idea, your comfort is my utmost priority in this," she said.
"Okay."
Molly straightened up, the chair creaking slightly. "Now, are there any other questions you have?"
Harry bit his chapped lips as he fiddled with a loose thread on his sleeve. "What if I have to go back to Privet Drive?"
The fear was resounding.
"You won't ever have to go back unless you so choose," Molly assured.
"How do you know that they won't make me?"
"Because, dear, I will never allow it. You will have the Burrow to call home no matter what, alright?"
The tension in Harry's shoulders relaxed. "What of my things?"
He clamped his mouth closed then, seemingly to realize what he said. "Nevermind. I believe I packed everything I own in my trunk already."
"No matter, whatever you had left behind has already been collected by me," Molly said almost too happily. "I already laundered it and put it with the rest of your things and your trinkets are temporarily stored in our shed."
Molly would never get used to Harry's sudden embraces, but she gladly accepted it when he lunged at her. She could feel his hesitance of pulling away, but it eventually happened.
"Thank you, Mrs—Molly," he said. "For everything."
"Of course, sweetie."
The dreaded day had arrived. Molly had herself ready early and breakfast waiting under warming charms for everyone else for later. She and Harry had a quick meal before their authorized Floo travel to the Ministry of Magic. She kept a warm smile whenever Harry glanced at her to help bring comfort, concealing her own worries over the unpredictable outcome.
They paused just outside the door to the small hearing room. Molly let out a long breath and looked at the very nervous Harry.
"Just remember that whatever happens, you will have the choice in the end. Don't worry about how long you take to decide, either. This is for you and your wellbeing," she said, placing a hand on his upper back. "I know it is a big decision to make, but I know you have a good head on your shoulders."
He only nodded in response, let out his own heavy breath, squared his shoulders, and followed her lead.
It was interesting to see the newly reformed Sirius Black. She didn't know what to expect, but he looked far more put together and sane than she recalled ever seeing the man. Amelia was also present as was another woman who Molly knew was on the Wizengamot and seemed to be present to transcribe the meeting. Dumbledore was also present, considering he was the Chief Warlock, but she had a sneaking suspicion that he had an alternative motive.
She led Harry over to Sirius, who had stood up by the time they approached him. She could see the joy shining on his face as he kept himself reserved when they exchanged introductions. The handshake was firm, and they said a few quick and quiet words Molly couldn't quite distinguish before Amelia called the room to order.
"We are here this morning to discuss the details of the legal guardianship over Mr. Harry Potter," Amelia announced. "As of now, the previous arrangements for him have been terminated based on my own formal investigation of the Dursley family and Number 4 Privet Drive residence."
Naturally, everything that had happened up to this point had to be relayed to all parties present. Each person wishing to take guardianship over him also had to speak their case and provide details of income and residence as proof in supporting him. Molly wasn't worried about any of this, she and Arthur had been doing perfectly well with their household and finances for many years now. Sure, there were moments of struggle, but they made do with what they all had.
She was shocked to hear that Sirius had legal access to not only the Potter Estate, but a comfortable inheritance from the Potters and a fellow Black relative to boot. This information alone sent Molly into a bout of silent jealousy, knowing that was one of the biggest things she thought would be her leverage—a safe and secure home. Sirius also presented his plan to have the estate heavily enchanted and protected against any threat that may come for the boy, especially since there have been whispers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named lurking in the shadows of the magical world once more.
"I believe that both cases have adequately provided the necessary requirements for the placement of Harry Potter," Amelia began before being interrupted by Dumbledore.
"If I may be considered, Mrs. Bones," he said ever so softly. "Despite the seemingly permanent decision made by the Dursley family, I would like for you to strongly reconsider that Mr. Potter will be best to stay under their care due to ancient magical circumstances beyond all of our modern understanding."
Amelia pursed her lips. Molly felt her entire body flood with barely checked anger. Harry paled and looked to be sick at any second. Sirius had half-risen in his seat, protesting the request before Dumbledore had finished the appalling proposal.
"With all due respect, Mr. Dumbledore, but I had clearly stated earlier that I professionally conducted an approved inspection and interview of the residence and the Dursley family. Based on the information I gathered, I concluded that the request from the family to no longer be a part of their nephew's life was to be respected and submitted as their official statement and withdrawal of any legal custody of him.
"I also performed extensive investigation of magical traces that were suspected of being placed on the residence and detected nothing of any impressive or unusual significance aside from the remnants of Mr. Potter's own magical signature. So the claimed magic you say that is placed has either dissipated over time or had never been implemented to begin with."
"If I may have the opportunity to speak with them myse—"
Amelia raised her hand to silence him.
"That will not be required, Mr. Dumbledore," she said firmly. "I will set a one hour recess for lunch. When we resume, I wish to hear from Mr. Potter and his case on his desire for placement under guardianship."
Molly wasn't surprised by Harry asking to have lunch with Sirius. She knew it was best for him to get to know the man who was wishing to take him in and raise him. She still didn't agree with the idea of Sirius being Harry's guardian, his state of mind had to be severely compromised in some way. She just didn't like it at all. Despite this, she kept her distance and a watchful eye on them up until they went back to the courtroom. Dumbledore was in a very agitated state, but she didn't think he would override Amelia's verdict once it was made.
Harry was clearly nervous, and all Molly could do was offer a reassuring smile of encouragement. She noticed Sirius was sending his own silent encouragement as well. He spoke about his life with the Dursleys, often choking on his words and wiping free-falling tears from his face. Molly wished she could just take him under her arm and whisk him away. She could tell he withheld details, but it didn't need to be said to know the extent of abuse he endured. The clenched hand Sirius tightly held the entire duration was how Molly felt on the inside.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter," Amelia said, silently dismissing him.
But before anyone was able to say anything else, Sirius cut in.
"They should be in prison," he hissed, sending daggers at Dumbledore. "You should be too as you are directly responsible for it and allowing all of that to happen!"
"You are gravely misguided, Mr. Black," Dumbledore countered with that ever-growing irritating level of calm and collected. "I had no other choice in the matter."
"That's a load of dragon dung and you know it," Sirius snapped back. "He had me! James and Lily would be rolling in their graves if they knew that you of all people would put their son in her hands!"
Amelia allowed the heated discussion between the two, observing Sirius and how he managed his temper. Despite being severely angry, understanding enough, Molly was impressed to see how collected he remained. She completely agreed with what Sirius had the guts to say out loud, something she didn't have the courage to do herself. But showing any sort of agreement with him could mean she'd lose any chance to keep Harry.
What no one else seemed to notice was how Harry completely shrunk into himself during the alteration. She put her arm around his shoulders and pulled him to her.
"We've been prattling on about this long enough," Molly interjected, tired of hearing them argue over the gritty details, "l believe we should ask Harry what he thinks."
She turned to look over at Harry, who appeared exhausted and upset about everything and everyone.
"My dear, what are your thoughts on all of this?" she asked gently, motherly. "I know it is a lot, but it is very important for you to know all of your options for your safety and future."
Harry took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The tight fist his hand was in still remained on the table as Molly watched and waited for him to say something, anything in regards to the matter.
It turned out that the end result was not what she had hoped for in the end.
"I want to go with Sirius."
He looked directly at Molly, who unknowingly let out a gasp.
"If you're concerned about me going with him, please don't be. I have been longing to know more about my parents since… well forever and now I have that chance. This is better than any dream I've ever had.
"I will always be grateful for everything you have done for me. You saved me and helped me reconnect with a part of my family that matters."
She was met with another warm embrace, she could feel the tears burn in her eyes. What she didn't expect was for Sirius to come and offer his own hug of thanks as well the second Amelia announced the verdict. Dumbledore let out a huff of disappointment yet still signed the documents beside Amelia's name and left without another word.
"I will forever be in your debt, Mrs. Weasley," Sirius said, a waver in his voice. "Thank you to the stars and back for reuniting us."
Molly couldn't keep the tears in then, but she sniffed them back and wagged her finger at him. "You better take good care of that boy or so help me."
Sirius couldn't help but laugh at the threat, pulling her into a half-hug and offered a handkerchief she quickly accepted to dab her eyes.
"I would never wrongly cross a lioness."
Perhaps Harry would be in good hands after all.