Harry Potter and the Dragon of Legend
ESKK: Here we go a new chapter of this awesome crossover fic so enjoy it.
(Start Dumbledore's office)
Dumbledore was not looking forward to this meeting. With the discovery of Pettigrew and Aurors on the way it was clear a proverbial storm was about to hit. While he hid it well, he knew not if Sirius would hold a grudge, but he did then it would seem that his sins, even if they were of neglect rather than malice, were coming home to roost.
Just then the door opened and from it, Amelia Bones and Kingsley walked in as it was clear she wanted all hands, on deck for this. "Hello Professor." Amelia said as she gave Dumbledore a skeptical eye. She was never one of Dumbledore's supporters nor did she approve his merciful views on Death Eaters but at the time her hands were tied during the trials. Furthermore, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement had been working with the Department of Magical Creatures to control the rise of these new Dragons.
"I believe this will be of note for you, Madam Bones." Dumbledore said as he gestured to the restrained Peter off to the side shocking Amelia.
"Peter Pettigrew… he's supposed to be dead." Amelia said as she saw Peter there.
"Yes, it would seem that he had us all fooled." Dumbledore said as he looked to Amelia. "As I understand Sirius was sent to Azkaban without a trial." Dumbledore trailed off as Amelia gave him a skeptical look.
"Now then while Kingsley is taking care of this, I have some questions." Amelia said as she glared to Dumbledore who nodded.
(Meanwhile with Harry)
Harry was in the Common Room as Beau was laying by the fire snoring a bit while he rested. Harry was reeling from everything that had happened thus far. With him was Hermione as Wyldfyre as the two Dragons and their riders were around the fire. Ron was off by himself still in shock over what he had discovered about Scabbers.
Considering he was sleeping in the same bed as him would no doubt leave the youngest Weasley in shock over this discovery. As they sat there, Beau was in his red and blue form as part of his disguise as Harry was drawing something in his notes.
"So that was why Beau was so hostile towards Scabbers." Hermione said as she was going over what she learned. "He was trying to protect you, both of them were trying to protect us." Hermione said as Wyldfyre rested her head on Hermione's lap.
"I know…" Harry said as he was reeling from what this information entailed for him. "This man… he apparently betrayed my parents…" Hermione nearly gasped as he was in shock with Beau comforting his rider as best, he could. "He tricked them… and framed the man who should have raised me for the crime." Harry said as Dumbledore's words still rang true for Harry.
"Harry, you didn't know." Hermione comforted but it didn't help.
"I know it's not my fault by after everything…" Harry gasped as this caused Beau to rub closer to Harry as he and Hermione shared a rage to use against the Dursley's if they ever see them.
Just then Minerva McGonagall entered the common room to meet the two. "Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger sorry to bother you both but you two and Mr. Weasley are needed to answer some questions." Minerva said as she looked to the two.
"Ron is upstairs." Harry said and this Minerva nodded before going up to find him.
(Later at Dumbledore's office)
Harry, Hermione, and Ron all walked in with Beau and Wyldfyre being made to wait outside in the hall. Percy as their Prefect and also as Ron's brother was also brought in for the questioning. "Now then, since you three are here." Amelia began as she looked to the trio as more Aurors had arrive since this case was a sensitive one. "My name is Amelia Bones head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Amelia introduced as she looked to the trio.
"Harry Potter." Harry introduced even if it was unneeded.
"Hermione Granger." Hermione followed up and then Ron was last.
"Ronald Weasley." Ron introduced himself and thus Amelia nodded.
"Well met, now then let us get down to business." Amelia said as she had a job to do after all. "Which one of you was the owner of this rat?" Amelia asked as she looked to the trio.
Having recovered, Ron meekly raised his hand which got Amelia's attention. "You're one of Arthur's children?" Amelia asked as she looked to Ron.
"Yes Ma'am." Ron responded with a nod to the woman.
"How long have you had the pet?" Amelia asked as she was being professional about this whole situation.
"Been a long time, Ma'am." Ron began before he then directed his attention to Percy. "I inherited him from my brother, Percy." Ron said as he looked over to Percy.
Hearing this Amelia changed her attention to Percy Weasley as it was his turn to be interrogated. "Where and when did you find the rat?" Amelia asked no doubt wanting to get to the bottom of this.
"It was a month before I was about to go into my First-Year, I found him in the garden in our home. I am currently in my Fifth-Year." Percy explained adding the last bit to show how long Scabbers had been with them.
"Five years is an unusually long time for a rat to live. Did that not come off as suspicious?" Amelia asked as she had a raised brow to this.
"We figured that the rat had some magical properties, contributing to its prolonged life-expectancy." Percy said and in turn Amelia nodded to this.
"Understandable." She began as she got just about everything, she nodded for the time being. "Now, I want to make this very clear, neither you, nor your brother are in any trouble, but this is a very sensitive case, I may need to call upon your family for more information or to act as witnesses." Amelia said and thus the two Weasley's nodded in understanding.
"That goes to the two of you as well, I shall send out a letter if we have need of you as witnesses." Amelia said and thus with a curt nod she began to give out her orders to her Aurors.
Turning her attention to the others in the room Amelia had more orders to give out. "Vance, I want you, Jones, Robards and Proudfoot to pop over to Azkaban and fetch Black. Tell him that there has been an interesting and unexpected development in his case." She ordered and thus the four Aurors understood and went to carry out the order. "Shacklebolt, I want you and Savage to bring Cornelius, and I just want him alone, not Umbridge." Amelia said and thus she went to the last three in the room. "Scrimgeour, Williamson, secure the prisoner, you two are with me." Amelia said and in turn they all got ready to move out.
"Yes ma'am." The Aurors all said but Dumbledore had more to add.
"I would also like to advice you that he is an unregistered Animagus, so you may need a special cell for him." Dumbledore said as Amelia heard this and thus nodded to Williamson and Scrimgeour. He then walked over to Pettigrew who was still stunned and began to levitate him away.
AS they left it was clear a trial was on the way and with it, Harry began to fear for his future. But be it good or bad Harry could only hope for the best possible outcome.
(Scene Break Azkaban)
Sirius Black looked up when he heard a human guard approach. He thought the guard was coming to do a round of cell checks and leave, as they usually did, but the guard stopped outside his cell.
"You have a visitor, Black. Come over here so I can put these cuffs on you, and no sudden moves." The guard said as this got Sirius' attention.
Slowly, Sirius walked to the bars and put his hands, one above the other, between two of the bars. He stood still as the guard placed the magic suppressing cuffs on his wrists, and then drew his hands back into the cell.
"Take one step back." The Guard ordered as he looked to Sirius.
He stepped back as ordered, and the guard opened the cell, and then took one of his arms to pull him into the corridor. During this process Sirius wondered who had come to see him. He tried but alas, Sirius couldn't remember ever having a visitor before. The guard led him down several staircases and through several corridors, before stopping at a room with a closed door. Opening the door, he led Sirius inside.
Glancing around, he saw a table with two chairs, one of them occupied. Sirius gingerly took the other chair, sitting down. The look on his face was one of resigned acceptance.
"No touching anything but the table, Black." The guard said and in turn Sirius nodded in understanding while he focused on his visitor. The visitor held up one finger, the universal signal for, 'wait a moment', and turned to the guard. "I'll be erecting a one-way silencing charm. You won't be able to hear us, but we'll be able to hear you." The Guard said and in turn he waved his hand as if to say, 'go ahead', and the charm was cast.
"Now then, allow me to introduce myself, Mr. Black. My name is Brian Greengrass, and I'm a solicitor." Brian began as he looked to Sirius. "This may be a but to take in but… some information had come up involving your case." Brian said as he looked to Sirius. "Madam Bones had contacted me to represent you." Brian began as he looked to Sirius.
"She did?" Sirius asked shocked that this was finally happening.
"Yes, so be that as it may, the trial… due to this new evidence seems to be a straight cut one that should have you acquitted of your… crimes." Brian said as he had read the files Amelia had provided for him. Brian knew Amelia back in their Hogwarts days and had two nieces of his own in Hogwarts as well. "But even if it is a clear-cut win for you, I do not like to leave things to chance, so that I can more adequately represent you, can you tell me what you remember about when you were brought here?" Brian asked as he wanted to help Sirius.
"Well, a few weeks before Halloween in 1981, I was visiting my friends James and Lily Potter, and their son, who is my godson, Harry. We had been talking about what was happening in the war, and James said that Albus Dumbledore wanted them and the Longbottoms to go under a Fidelius charm and hide. James wanted me to be their Secret Keeper." Sirius began to tell as it seems what came next was a touchy subject if not close to one. "I agreed at first, but maybe a week or so before Halloween, I spoke to them again, and suggested the Secret Keeper be changed, since as James' best friend I was the obvious choice." Sirius explained as he looked to his solicitor.
"Albus Dumbledore wanted both the Potters and the Longbottoms to go under a Fidelius? Did James say why?" Brian asked as he found this quiet odd to him.
"James said something about a prophecy, but I don't know what it was; only that Dumbledore wanted them to hide." Sirius said as he would still need mental help to deal with his time in Azkaban.
"I see. Please go on." Brian said gesturing with his hand for Sirius to continue.
"Anyway, we agreed to change it because I would be too obvious as the Secret Keeper." Sirius said as he looked to the group. "So, we decided to change it to Peter Pettigrew since no one would suspect him." Sirius said as he sounded hurt by the fact. "I made the decision not once suspecting Peter was a bloody traitor." Sirius said as he looked at the table clearly reliving those memories once more. "The plan was simple, if I was attacked Peter would warn James and Lily before fleeing the country but the attack on me never came." Sirius said no doubt he wanted to trade with James to save him or at least suggest someone else to be the Secret Keeper for them.
"And then on Halloween, James and Lily were killed." Sirius said as he was nearing the end of that dreadful night. "Since Peter had told me the Secret directly after the transfer, I was able to go to where they had been hiding." Sirius went on as Brian paid close attention.
"The house was a wreck, so I started checking to see if I could find any of them. James was at the bottom of the stairs, and Lily on the floor of the nursery next to Harry's crib." Sirius said as the memories of that night replayed in his mind. "Both of them were dead, but Harry was still alive, although he had a bad cut on his forehead. I tried to heal it, but I've always been pants at Healing spells" Sirius said as he knew of the scar that had made Harry famous to the people.
"Since Peter had been Secret Keeper, I knew he had to have told old Voldy or one of his Death Eaters, because when I went to check on Peter earlier that day, only an hour or two before James and Lily died, I couldn't find him." Sirius said as he knew Peter must have fled the moment, he told the secret fearing retribution from Sirius Black.
"And what happened after you found the Potters?" Brian asked as he looked to Sirius for more information.
"I was trying to calm Harry down, cuddling him close and rubbing his back. I was able to bring him out of the house, and Hagrid showed up." Sirius recounted for Brian when a name he did not know popped up/
"I'm sorry, but who is Hagrid?" Brian asked and thus Sirius went to explain.
"Rubeus Hagrid. He works at Hogwarts. I'm sorry but I can't remember what he does there exactly other than help Professor Kettleburn sometimes." Sirius said and thus Brian nodded in understanding.
If the prolonged exposure the Dementors didn't do it, the time he was stuck in here may have blurred some of his memories. "So, Hagrid shows up. What happened then?" Brian asked as he wanted to get all the facts from Sirius side of the story.
"He told me that Dumbledore had ordered him to collect Harry and bring him to Hogwarts." Sirius said and thus Brian waited when he saw Sirius was having another moment. "By that time, I was furious with Peter and wanted to beat the living daylights out of him, so I told Hagrid to keep Harry safe, and to tell Dumbledore I would come to get Harry in a day or so, after I had found Peter." Sirius said as he no doubt had been kicking himself for focusing on revenge.
I found Peter after a few hours, and he shouted in the middle of the street that I betrayed James and Lily." Sirius spoke as no doubt sadness was mixing with rage. "Before I could get any closer, he cut off a finger, blew up the street behind him, and ran down a sewer." Sirius said no doubt the memory was one he did not enjoy.
"I'm sorry, but you need to explain that last bit. How was he able to run down a sewer if the street had been blown up?" Brian said as he was partially lying, he knew what the notes said he just wanted to make sure it all matched up and so far, that was exactly what was happening.
"He's an Animagus, a common garden rat." Sirius revealed and thus went on to the explanation. "The street was in pieces, but the sewer was still there allowing him to escape." Sirius recounted on how he escaped. "I was hysterical, and started crying and laughing at the same time, I think. Aurors found me and took me to a holding cell. Next thing I remember, I'm being taken to a boat to be brought here." Sirius recounted and thus Brian saw the big problem.
"So, you don't remember anything about your trial?" Brian asked with a raised brow.
"What trial? I never saw anything but the holding cells in the Ministry before being brought here. I don't even know what I was brought here for, Mr. Greengrass." Sirius revealed and thus Brian sighed to this revelation.
"I see. Mr. Black, I will promise you that I will do everything I can to find justice for you and hopefully get you out of here. The gears are already turning and thankfully in preparation of your trial you'll be moved to St. Mugos to heal any damages your stay in Azkaban had caused." Brian said as he looked to Sirius.
"But beyond that the case seems to be a clear cut one because as you were telling me everything, I was ensuring your story matched up to the one Amelia told me and using your side to fill in the blanks." Brian said as he looked to the shocked yet thankful Sirius Black. "I'll need to put a copy of this interview in your case file at my office just to make sure everything matches up but I'm confident we'll ensure justice is served." Brian said and with a nod from Sirius Brian was ready to leave. "I'll get everything you've told me organized as soon as I'm back in the office. Remember; answer no questions unless I'm there." Brian said and in turn Sirius nodded in understanding. Following this Brian stood up, and then took down the silencing charm. He watched as Sirius was led from the room, and then left the room himself. After checking in with the warden to let him know his visit was concluded, he left the prison.
(Scene Break Dragon Booster London)
The Dragon Booster was out and about again as he rode on the saddle of Beau. As he looked down upon the city Beau glared down as his instincts and senses could notice the things Harry could not. As Beau looked Harry knew something was bound to happen on his patrol but he had a lot on his mind with the recent events.
Now you may be wondering why Harry was out and about in muggle London when his Dragon could put the Statues of Secrecy at risk. Well, it was mainly something Mortis had told him during their last visit to the Dragon Sanctum after the incident.
As the Dragon Booster his responsibilities didn't stop at the border between muggle and magic. Basically, he was chosen and while Harry had chosen to answer the call this also meant he had to help those most magical would not bother themselves with. With the Basilisk, the upcoming trial of Sirius Black, and this Dragon Booster stuff Harry currently had a lot on his plate.
Just then a loud scream was heard down below and thus drew in both Beau and Harry's attention. The partners looked down and saw what seemed to be a situation and in turn opted to jump in and handle it. "I suppose it's hero time." Harry said and thus got ready to save the day.
(Down Below)
A woman was being held at gun point as two sinister men were going through her purse for anything of value to them. "Oi is there anything in there?" The man with the gun asked only to see his partner toss the purse.
"Nothing, save for a few bills." He said clearly dissatisfied with what he had found.
"Bullocks." The Gun holder said and then looked at the woman or more specifically her cleavage. "Still tonight may not be a total loss." The man said as the woman was wide eyed in shock knowing the tone he used.
She had been going about her evening heading home after a trip to the grocery store. It was a bit dreary that evening and her home was not that far away. She never saw it coming, the two men burst out of the alley and grabbed her forcing her into it and took her purse while holding a gun at her.
"No stay back!" She called out as the men chuckled getting ready to do something unsavory to the woman. She then tried to run only for one of the men to grab her and restrain her by the neck. The young woman in response struggled to get free but it was no use so as it was clear she was about to be molested she began to lose hope.
But it seems fate took her side this day as soon a roar was heard getting all of their attention. "The fuck?!" The goon asked and in turn was shocked when from above a black and gold reptilian creature landed and roared at the group. What shocked them was the man on the saddle as he glared at the criminals.
"Step away from her." The masked figure snarled as the two goons looked surprised by this.
"How about you back the fuck!" He began only for the creature to start glowing and send a beam at them forcing the gun out of his hand. It was then followed by the man being pulled away and slammed into a trash can. He fell down knocked out and thus the other good took out a switch knife. But as he was struggling to unfurl it the beast and its rider acted fast. The beast jumped over them before landing on the trash bin where the creature then roared at the man causing him to scream in panic.
He tried to run key word being tried but it would seem he would not get away as the creature sent a beam at the man and stopped him. Following it up he then pulled the man back in as he dug his hands to the ground for some leverage. Of, course it was useless as the man was then pinned down by the creature only for its rider to jump off the beast back.
"W-who are you?!" The crook asked as the rider glared at the would-be rapist.
"I'm the Dragon Booster." Dragon Booster said before he proceeded to knock the man out with a punch to the face. Once the man was knocked out Beau got off as the Dragon Booster backed off a bit. As he mounted onto Beau the woman stood there shocked over her savior. But before any more words could be shared Beau roared and thus began to speed off using a combination of speed and momentum to get atop one of the buildings.
The woman was left there as she was witness to what may very well be something straight out of a comic book, an actual superhero.
(A few days later Wizengamot)
The day of the trial arrived as everyone of importance was gathered for this trial. Among them Harry, Hermione, and Ron were led into the room as they were key witnesses to the recent incident. Their day had started simple enough breakfast before Dumbledore summoned them himself. From there they were told they would be witnesses and thus would be asked to speak on the stand.
They thankfully were given excuses to be absent even if Hermione did not like it, but she accepted it none the less. Wyldfyre and Beau of course refused to leave their riders side, but it had to be done since Beau and Wyldfyre would not be allowed into the Ministry as they were.
Thankfully, Hagrid was happy to watch them while the students were away and thus here Harry stood ready to attend his godfather's trial. Thus, as they were led to a set of bleachers, they were met with the sight of Lucius Malfoy who saw the trio entering the room.
"Why are there children in this meeting?" Lucius asked with a sneer as Harry remembered the man from Diagon Alley.
Amelia of course ignored him and continued with the task at hand. After Harry, Hermione, and Ron had sat down in the bleachers Percy Weasley and the twins, Fred and George Weasley also joined them. No doubt they were being asked to act as witnesses as well since Scabbers had been with them for some time now. The final pair to enter were the husband-wife duo of Arthur and Molly Weasley who joined them at the witness seating area.
Once everyone was where they needed to be and seated the session began with a man in a bowler cap speaking up. "Why have you called us here, Madam Bones!" The man demanded with a pompous tone of voice.
Keeping her cool Amelia began her piece over recent findings. "Minister Fudge, while I had assumed you were made aware, we've made a shocking discovery in the case of Sirius Black that put his supposed, 'guilt,' Amelia began as Fudge scoffed to this.
"What is there to question, everyone knows Sirius Black betrayed the Potters and killed Peter Pettigrew." Fudge scoffed as he also sounded a bit annoyed over being called in for such drivel.
"Then I suppose the illegal Animagus discovered in Hogwarts just so happened to be someone who looks like the departed Peter Pettigrew?" Amelia said and in turn smirked when everyone's interest was perked. "The accused has been hiding with an unsuspecting family for several years. As the Head of the DMLE, I have authorized a full trial via Veritaserum." Amelia revealed and thus looked to some of her subordinates. "Bring the prisoner in!" Amelia commanded and on que Peter Pettigrew was brought in where he was in turn placed on the accused seat much to everyone's shock.
Peter of course tried his damn hardest to get out, but his cuffs were charmed to prevent him from turning into a rat to escape. But because it was clear he would not stay still for it a few Aurors stunned him to force feed him the potion in question.
Up on the bleachers Harry heard the term and thus Hermione looked to Harry. "I read about it, Veritaserum is a truth potion a very potent and powerful one designed mainly used by the DMLE to extract information from suspects and criminals." Hermione said as she looked to Harry. It's also used for the accused and defendants so they can plead their cases without being able to lie or omit information." Hermione added and thus Harry understood enough thanks to his bookworm best friend.
Back on the floor Madam Bones trickled three drops of the potion into the man's gaping mouth and in turn got ready for him to sing like a canary. "What is your name?" Amelia asked as she looked to Peter.
"Peter Patrick Pettigrew." Peter said in a monotone voice and in turn gasps began to spread across the hall.
"Are you an Animagus?" Amelia asked as she kept the ball rolling.
"Yes" Peter responded to the given question.
"What form?" Amelia asked as she wanted specifics.
"Common brown rat." Peter responded as he stood there.
"Why did you fake your death" Amelia asked as she focused on keeping her emotions in check.
"I was scared to feel Sirius' wrath, especially after I betrayed the Potters." Peter said and in turn there was another audible gasp among the crowd while Harry stiffened up. Seeing this Hermione and Ron grabbed either of Harry's arms aiming to restrain him and keep him from doing something he would come to regret.
Somehow, Madam Bones maintained a professional attitude. "What do you mean, you betrayed the Potters? Wasn't Black the Secret-Keeper?" Amelia asked as she glared at Peter.
And in turn the answer everyone had been waiting for had come. "At first, he was but when it became clear he was the obvious choice James, Lily, and Sirius all agreed to switch to me. Their plan was that if Sirius, was captured or killed, I would go into hiding and James and Lily would flee the country." Peter said and it turn it became clear to everyone here that Peter was the traitor and framed an innocent man for his crime.
With a look of disguise for the cowardly man Amelia continued with the questioning. "One final question. Do you have the Dark Mark?" Amelia asked as she glared at Peter wanting a straight answer from him knowing Harry was made an orphan because of him.
After a moment it seemed like Peter was trying to fight the potion, but it was useless. "Yes." He choked out and in turn gave the absolute confirmation of his guilt.
With a curt nod Amelia got what she wanted out of Peter. "No further questions." Amelia said and thus signaled for the antidote to be administered.
Once the antidote was given to Peter, he was taken away to await his fate. But first they needed to get Sirius side of the story but even if they didn't it was clear cut that Sirius would be deemed innocent. "Bring out prisoner #24601 Sirius Black for questioning." Amelia called out for her order and in turn Fudge had some objections to this.
"What the devil are you up to, woman! Black is a dangerous criminal-" Fudge began with an explosion but was in turn cut off by Amelia on this particular subject.
"Really Cornelius?" Amelia began with a question to cut off Fudge tirade. "You have just heard that the man who Black supposedly killed is not only still alive but had just confirmed himself as the real betrayer of the Potters, and a Death Eater." Amelia said as there was no way for Fudge to deny such evidence. "Don't you want to be known as the Minister who corrected a grave injustice?" She offered playing on his ego and vanity to get her way on this.
After a brief moment Fudge began to think on it as he the multi-chinned man was considering his options on this. "Carry on then, Madam Bones." Fudge said with a dismissive wave as he liked the idea of increasing his favor with the masses.
Once this was done Sirius was brought in accompanied by his solicitor. AS he was secured into the seat, he didn't even hesitate to take the potion thus removing the need for the body bind. From what Amelia could see her plan had worked to get Sirius well enough after his stay in Azkaban to stand trial and clear his name. Once that was done Amelia began to question Sirius on the events of Halloween 1981.
"State your name for the record" Amelia ordered as that was widespread practice.
"Sirius Orion Black" Sirius introduced and thus the questions began.
"You are here because you stand accused of betraying the Potters." Amelia began stating why Sirius was here and finally getting the trial that he was denied. "How do you plead?" Amelia asked as she looked to Sirius.
"Not guilty." Sirius said as he was telling the truth under the influence of the potion.
"Are you or were you ever a Death Eater?" Amelia asked and thus Sirius had the answer to that.
"No" He responded much to everyone's surprise, or in the case of those darker few their annoyance.
"So, you don't have the Dark Mark?" Amelia asked as she sounded hopeful about this information.
"I would have preferred to cast the Killing Curse on myself rather than take the Dark Mark and betray the Potters." Sirius said as he would no doubt do it to if it meant to protect his loved ones.
"Were you the Secret Keeper for the Potter's location?" Amelia asked and thus Sirius got to the big story.
"I was, for a while." Sirius admitted and thus they got to the nitty gritty stuff here.
"For a while?" Amelia repeated but in the form of a question.
"I switched with Peter Pettigrew." Sirius admitted as she raised a brow to this.
"Why did this not come up during your earlier trial before you were sent to Azkaban?" Amelia asked but she knew why that was not the case. The political field was a battleground all its own and, in most battles, deception was a key tactic if one desired to claim victory.
"Never had one." Sirius said and in turn Amelia froze when gasps were off around the room. Following it up the audience of gathered Witches and Wizards began murmuring to each other over the newly revealed information.
Once things began to calm down Amelia continued with the questioning. "Please, describe your confrontation with Peter Pettigrew." Amelia said and thus Sirius began to explain.
"I went to Peter's house to find him and when I got there the house was empty and no sign of a struggle." Sirius began as he was shortening the story to the important bits that mattered to the case. "After finding out about James and Lily, I ensured Harry's safety before going after Peter and I tracked him down and confronted him." He said and thus they were getting to the major bit of that night when Sirius was taken into custody by Aurors. "When I found him, he went crazy, shouting that I had betrayed them, he cut off his finger and sent a blasting curse, killing the 12 muggles before he transformed into his rat form and made his escape into the sewers." Sirius said as he then got more to add. "After the dust had settled, I cracked for a bit and then your Aurors showed up and the rest is history as they say." Sirius said and thus Amelia nodded in understanding to such information.
"That will be all." Amelia said and thus Sirius was administered the antidote so the gathered council may cast their vote on Sirius guilt or Innocence over such mishandling of a man basic civil right. "As you can see it's clear a misuse of justice has occurred here robbing a man of his freedom, denying an orphan his godfather, and most of all said godfather being unable to raise his charge as entrusted by his parents." Amelia said as she looked to the seat holders.
"Yes, I believe it is best we cast our votes." Fudge said as he looked to the Ministry members. "All in favor of clearing all charges against Sirius Black and paying restitution for his false imprisonment raise your wands." Fudge said and in turn nearly 90% of the room had their rands raised in favor of freeing Sirius Black. "And all those in favor of charging Pettigrew and stripping him of his Order of Merlin?" He said and in turn the same amount of people raised their wands once more. "And the odds have it." He said and in turn directed his attention to Sirius. "Lord Black I'd like to offer my apologies on the false charges you have been faced with and congratulate you on your hard-earned freedom." Fudge said as he looked to Sirius. "If there is anything the Ministry can do to ease your suffering do not hesitate to let us know." Fudge said and thus Sirius nodded to the fat man.
"I'll hold you to it." Sirius said and in turn as Peter was being taken away Sirius had other things to focus his time on.
(Later outside the Ministry Courtroom)
The Daily Prophet will no doubt be having a field day with everything that had gone on in the trial. But Sirius only had one concern he wanted to focus on and that was Harry. As Sirius left the room, he was surprised to find Harry was outside waiting for him. The boy looked so much like James did at that age save the eyes those were his mother, Lily's. "Prongslet." Sirius nearly sighed as he looked to Harry happy to see he was here.
Harry took notice of Sirius and in turn the two headed over to each other. But while Sirius was happy to see Harry after all this time the tension began to get thick as neither knew how to respond to the other. This wasn't a joyous reunion as many would hope and for varying reasons. Harry had spent over 11 years in an abusive home while Sirius had spent that same time as a Prisoner in Azkaban a true Hell on Earth for its inmates. This was going to take some time for both sides to adjust to this change.
"Harry." Sirius began and then to Harry's shock Sirius hugged Harry and from the sound of it the man was weeping. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry." He apologized and from the sound of it from years of things he feels he failed Harry with. If he never went after Peter if he had put more focus on Harry's wellbeing, then Sirius would not have missed those years of Harry's life. It felt like he had failed James and Lily and he had no one to blame but himself. If he had known what would have happened if he only knew then maybe Harry wouldn't have been alone for so long.
"It's… it's ok." Harry said as he hugged the man back unsure of how to respond to the former prisoner. "You… didn't know." Harry said as he was there and saw how the case rolled.
"There is so much to catch up on but after my 10 plus year tenor in Azkaban I may need to." Sirius began but Harry cut him off.
"Don't worry Sirius." Harry began as he cut the man off knowing he needed to go back to St. Mugos for treatment. "I can wait for the Christmas Holiday and if not winter then Summer, it's nice for warmth and get-togethers." Harry said as he still wanted to introduce Sirius to Beau.
"Alright." Sirius said and thus he stood up and Amelia began to approach.
"Come now Sirius we have to get you back to St. Mugos." Amelia said and thus Sirius nodded to this.
"Of course, but I would like to make a brief stop first." Sirius began and thus Amelia was worried.
"To where?" Amelia asked as Sirius then smirked and gestured his eye over to where she saw Lucius leaving and in turn Amelia knew what Sirius was planning.
(Scene Break two days later)
Lucius was in his study in Malfoy Manor as he two days after Sirius trial. From what he understood Peter was now making home in Black's former cell while Sirius was a free man. But be that as it may that was not the main concern of his worries. For the past two days it had been hectic from ensuring his plans to discredit Weasley and his ilk and his other responsibilities he had regrettably put off trying to secure Draco's ability to secure the Black fortune.
The Ancient and Noble House of Black were an old and wealthy family and with Narcissa being from that family his son had a direct path to it. Furthermore, with Sirius currently without children this made Draco the only possible heir to the fortune. His main concern was to get to Gringotts secure the fortune and hope Sirius was sterile from his time in Azkaban. He was preparing for his trip to the Bank run by those mindless creatures only for a letter to arrive on his table.
Holding the Gringotts crest on it, Lucius rolled his eyes and proceeded to open it. He began to skim through it until certain key words caught his attention. Reading further his look of shock slowly shifted to a look of anger showing the Gringotts letters contents were not something the Malfoy Patriarch was pleased with. His hand began to crumple and clench up with the letter as his rage began to reach it's fated zenith.
When he reached the end Narcissa was passing by the room when she heard Lucius roar out in absolute fury. Entering the room to investigate she saw Lucius enraged as clearly the letter left abandoned was the source of it judging by the Gringotts crest on it and how crumpled it looked at the moment. Picking up the letter Narcissa was wide eyed in shock to the contents it held.
"Dear Mr. Malfoy:
We at Gringotts regret to inform you that do to a breach on your part of the Marriage contract between you and Lady Narcissa Malfoy Nee Black the Bride Price that had been made had been refunded and access to the Black Vaults have been barred. Any use of said vault had since been refunded back to the main vault. If you feel there is some mistake made, then feel free to respond to this letter as soon as possible and be prepared to pay an additional investigation fee
Regards Gringotts Wizarding Bank."
Needless to say, Narcissa could now see why her husband was enraged by this letter. "Lucius what do you plan to do?" Narcissa asked hoping her husband will not do something reckless from this revelation.
"Regrettably, nothing." Lucius said as he knew Black was untouchable. "With Potter currently in Hogwarts it will give Black time to undergo the needed recovery in St. Mugos so we can't claim Sirius as unfit." Lucius growled as he rubbed his eyes with frustration. "And if we, do it will be a slippery slope that would require caution in every single step we make." Lucius added as he was not having a good day. "And even if by some chance we do succeed I fear Potter won't be so welcoming to us nor would Sirius not have some form of back up plan in place in such an event." Lucius said showing he was not going to take such a risk and thus had to deal with it.
First these Dragons, then this Dragon Booster, and now Black being freed from Azkaban. Lucius knew the Dragon Booster had been interfering with some of his less then upstanding business ventures. But alas the Malfoy Family patriarch so far had found little to no means in stifling this vigilante beyond smearing him in the Daily Prophet. But every plan he tried to think of had its problems and very few solutions that didn't create even more problems for the Malfoy Patriarch. He had one option but… no asking HER of all people for aid in this would go against everything Lucius stood for. SHE had the most power in Magical and Muggle Britain, SHE had eyes and ears everywhere and fingers in everything else, and most of all SHE had the money and resources to make headway in dealing with this growing problem.
During the war, the Dark Lord had once sought her out only to be turned away if rumor held truth. Some had believed she died by the Dark Lord's hand only for her to return later after a brief 'vacation,' when word of the attack on her arrived. Needless to say, the Dark Lord didn't try again almost like he was hiding something during his prior meeting with HER. But if things don't improve Lucius feared he would have to swallow his pride and seek her out knowing full well that she would demand something in return. For the time being he had to wait and see other avenues available in dealing with the Dragon Booster before sinking to seeking HER out.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, this had been a long time coming. Sorry for taking so long with this I've been doing some research for later chapters and then my inspiration went elsewhere before we arrived here. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us for what is to come. Until then be sure to leave a review and as I always say here ja-ne.