Sirius the Black
Chapter Two
It was only two days later that I received an owl from my godson. He informed me that Amelia Bones used Veritaserum on Peter and now they knew the truth. In addition, she did some research and discovered that I indeed did not get a trial.
She scheduled one for me for the following week. The kill on sight order was rescinded and I was encouraged to attend my own trial so additional information could be gathered and I could be publicly exonerated in front of the press.
I met Amelia outside the Ministry on the day of the trial so she could escort me in. She brought along with her Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mad-Eye Moody, and my second cousin, Nymphadora Tonks, who was a young auror under the tutelage of Mad-Eye.
With such a good guard no one attempted anything against me and the trial went off without a hitch. When it was over I announced myself as the new Lord Black and that I had every intention of filling my seat in the Wizengamot upon the next gathering.
Lucius Malfoy was not happy about that since he had usurped my seat after my grandfather passed. His wife, my cousin, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, gave him a shoe in for the seat since no one else spoke up. Unfortunately for him, I didn't really care how he felt about it.
On the next meeting of the Wizengamot, less than a week later, Lucius had every intention of presenting an argument that I wasn't fit to hold the seat after such a prolonged stay in Azkaban. He was very surprised at my answer, especially when I agreed with him.
What surprised him even more was when I presented my cousin Andromeda Tonks, who was a lawyer and his sister-in-law, as my stand-in for the seat until I was ready and healthy enough to take it up.
No one had any objections as she was a Black who was more than capable of fulfilling the seat. The only problem in Malfoy's eyes was neither she nor I were on the dark side so they lost a powerful vote. The Black family had been around for a long, long time and held more power than most.
Lucius had plans for that power and now he was seeing it go up in smoke. He still had his son Draco, who was of Black blood from his mother's side, plus he knew I had no heirs. I was not even married. There was still hope yet, he was thinking.
That is, until I announced that my godson, Harry Potter, was named my heir in case of my death or in the event I have no children. Lucius was not very happy after that either.
Once again, I didn't care how he felt.
I ended up going to Ollivander's for a custom made wand right after I was declared free. I told him I would gladly pay the extra, but I did not want to go through his ready-made wands again this time. I wanted the best fit possible and that required a custom made wand with my blood mixed in so it wouldn't work for anyone else except maybe another Black, and even that was questionable.
It cost me three times as much but it was well worth it.
I had been filling out more as I gained some of my muscle back. The potions I made using private Black family knowledge helped the most, then if you add in the nutrient potions, and the good food, it was indeed working as I gained my strength back.
I began some regular exercise to increase my stamina and bring my body back into peak health.
With my occlumency shields rebuilt and back in place, I was able to lock away all the negative memories from Azkaban and the dementors. This improved my sleep immediately, taking away the nightmares that had been plaguing me for years.
After another month, I shocked many at Hogwarts when I showed up at the end of dinner to visit my godson. He was actually the only one who was not surprised since I told him I was coming. He was just thirteen so he needed a parental figure and someone to love him like he deserved to be loved.
Harry had been telling me in his frequent letters before school about how he'd been mistreated by the Dursleys. I almost paid them a visit and gave them what for, but instead I heeded my godson's words and made a better decision. I decided that Harry was not going to live with those horrible people ever again.
We also discussed what classes he was taking in his third year since that was the year you picked your electives. When he told me he picked Care of Magical Creatures and Divination, I immediately responded with why.
I admitted that Care of Magical Creatures could be fun but if you aren't planning on managing magical animals for a living, it would only be for fun and not beneficial for whatever kind of work you plan on doing. Also, unless you have the gift of sight then there was no point in taking Divination at all.
His response that his friend Ron thought these classes would be easier, made me wonder if Albus was doing anything as his magical guardian. Sure, he was automatically made any student's magical guardian if they did not have one, but he could assign their heads of house to look after them and advise them if he doesn't have the time to do it.
Delegation, anyone?
We conversed back and forth with me explaining the benefits of Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, plus I went over the other electives in more detail for him. When he finally realized he had someone concerned about his grades and his education, it finally clicked for him.
He then dropped Divination and added Runes and Arithmancy. He kept Care of Magical Creatures for now as he liked Hagrid and found the subject interesting. He was confident he could handle the load but if for some reason he could not, then he would drop Care of Magical Creatures.
He also told me he had a secret weapon named Hermione Granger who was one of his best friends. She was a Muggleborn who was the smartest witch of their age. She was taking the same classes and would be a big help to him as they could study together.
I decided that
Harry was going to live with me and I was going to make sure Dumbledore knew that he no longer was Harry's magical guardian. I was going to serve in that role from now on so I knew for sure my godson was getting the best care he could get.
I was hopeful now to find a wife and have some kids in the future, but I was still going to train Harry as my heir. Even if he gets replaced by a future child of mine to serve as the head of the Black family, Harry was still the last Potter. He could take that training and find great use for it as the head of the Potters.
I walked in through the doors to the Great Hall on the side where the Gryffindors sat. Harry and everyone else saw me when I entered. I was impeccably dressed as a proper lord should be so I would make a good first impression.
It did not take me long to recognize Harry. He looked so much like James it was easy to spot him, only he had Lily's eyes, those sparkling emerald green irises that just drew you in. I walked toward him so he stood and turned toward me.
"Hello, Harry. It's great to see you. I'm your godfather, Sirius Black," I said as I held out my hand for a shake.
Harry just ignored my hand and hugged me instead. I was very pleased with that. I remember holding him as a baby and playing with him as he got a little older. It was nice being with him again. It was like a part of me had been missing and now I was whole.
"Sirius? Can I help you with something?"
Ah, yes, the headmaster. "Excuse me just a moment, Harry. I need to speak with Albus and then how about we go for a walk after you finish eating?"
"That'd be great, Padfoot."
"Go ahead and finish eating and I'll come back as soon as I get done."
Harry nodded and returned to his food.
I turned toward the head table and made my way to the middle of it where Dumbledore sat with Minerva on his right side. The other professors nodded at me while Severus sneered. Remus smiled so I smiled back at him.
Albus was standing when I reached him. So was Minerva.
"Hello, Albus, Minerva. It's great seeing you both again."
"It's good to see you, too, Sirius," Minerva replied with meaning.
"Yes, but why are you here, Sirius?" asked Albus curiously.
"I'm here to inform you that you are no longer needed as Harry's magical guardian, Albus. I have taken that role up as is my right as his godfather. It is also what James and Lily wanted should anything happen to them. It was in their will."
"Are you sure you are well enough?" he asked me concerned.
"Of course I am. I'm ready now after the regimen I've been on, but I will not really be needed in his presence until this Christmas and then again in the summer. Although, I may visit him on Hogsmeade weekends just so we can get caught up."
"He will need his permission slip from his guardians and as I understand it, they failed to provide it," added Minerva.
"Not a problem," I said pulling a piece of paper from my robes. "I have his permission slip right here since I am now his legal guardian," I said handing it over to Minerva, "and not only magically but also for everything else. As a matter of fact, I have already informed his relatives that Harry will not be returning to their home ever again."
"You did?" asked Albus incredulously.
"I most certainly did. They have been abusing that boy and I will not allow him to ever go back to them. Now, if you'll excuse me, I would like to say hello to an old friend before Harry and I take a walk and discuss our future plans together."
I turned and started to head for Remus, but remembered something and turned back to Albus.
"Oh, I just remembered. You and I need to talk about some sensitive information I've been made privy to once I escaped. You will definitely want to hear what I have to say."
"In that case, come on by my office after you and Harry are finished. We can talk then."
"I'll do that, Albus."
I then walked over to Remus who stood and came around the table to meet me, where we hugged each other right in front of Severus who was still sneering.
"It's so good to see you Sirius," he said to me.
"You too, Remus. You look like you've been doing alright."
He shrugged his shoulders. "Good job and good food, I guess."
"Hey, let me know when you have time to catch up. Right now, I need to spend some time with Harry."
"I'll send you an owl, but it will likely be the weekend before I have enough free time."
"Not a problem. That sounds good. I'll look for your owl. Talk to you later."
Remus nodded and returned to his seat while I turned around and went back to Harry. He was done eating and waiting on me.
"Are you ready to make some plans?" I asked him.
"Sure!"
"Let's go for a walk and we can discuss it."
And with that Harry joined me as we left the castle and went outside. We walked down toward the lake as we chatted back and forth. We then turned and walked alongside the lake as we continued to make more plans.
Harry was thrilled beyond measure when I told him I was now not only his magical guardian but his guardian period and when I told him he was never going back to his relatives, his eyes got misty and I thought he was going to break down and cry. He managed to stave it off though.
I informed him about his permission to visit Hogsmeade and that I would try to visit during that time on Saturday or Sunday. We could owl each other with the details. We then made plans for Harry to visit me during Christmas break and then he would spend the summer with me once school let out again.
I told him I had a surprise for him during the summer but made him wait to find out.
I was amazed at how much happier Harry seemed to be after we made our plans. I wasn't expecting my thirteen year old godson to be all that excited about hanging out with an adult like myself, especially since he could hardly remember me.
Those Dursleys must have done a number on him. I still felt anger every time I thought of how they treated Harry.
We talked about how his classes were going before we parted so he could work on homework and I could visit with Albus. He said it was going great and he was glad I advised him to change electives. He also said his friend Ron had a difficult time understanding but eventually came around.
I walked Harry back to Gryffindor tower then left him to go see the headmaster.
He had his stone guardian at the bottom of the stairs allow me to pass when I walked up. I believe he recognized me from when I attended school. I rode the winding stairs and knocked on the door to the office.
"Come on in, Sirius," I heard from inside the office.
I went in and felt nostalgic after all these years. Albus was smiling at me as I'm sure he guessed what I was thinking.
"Have a seat, Sirius. Tell me what this is about."
"Very well. I'll get right to the point."
I told him of Kreacher, the house, and both their states of being. I then told about the locket but didn't name what it was yet. I mentioned how I had to seal it in a lead container to prevent it's evil from continuing to spread. I also told of my brother and the role he played in it. I then turned to Albus and asked a question.
"Have you ever heard of a horcrux, Albus?"
He had been leaning slightly forward as I told my tale, but when I said horcrux he sat back in astonishment.
"From your reaction, I would say your answer is yes," I told him as I reached into my pocket, pulled out the locket, and placed it on the desk in front of Albus.
He immediately pulled his wand and cast a spell, and then another.
"This is not a horcrux, Sirius."
"Not anymore, it isn't. I had the horcrux destroyed."
"But how?"
"Gringotts. I figured out why neither Kreacher nor myself could destroy it. Voldemort is a known Parseltongue. He sealed Slytherin's locket in that language. It needed a speaker to open the locket before the soul anchor could be destroyed."
"I see," replied Albus.
"Gringotts provided the Parseltongue speaker and a tiny batch of basilisk venom. Once the speaker had it open, I allowed Kreacher to pour the venom inside the locket. It killed the soul anchor and then we doused the locket in water before washing it to make sure all the venom was removed. Kreacher polished it to a nice shine after that. I thought since it's a founder's artifact, the school could use it."
Albus reached into the drawer of his desk, pulled out an old black book that had a hole in it, and threw it up on the desk in front of me. I looked at it then looked back at Albus for an explanation.
"Tom Riddle's diary. It was a horcrux," he said.
"Who's Tom Riddle?"
"That is the real name of Voldemort."
"Riddle? I don't recall any Riddles in the pureblood lines."
"That's because his mother was Merope Gaunt. As you know, the Gaunts were descendants from Slytherin. However, his father was a Muggle."
"A half-blood who calls himself Lord?" I asked incredulously.
Albus nodded. "He was named after his father, Tom Riddle. He received his middle name from his mother's father, Marvolo Gaunt. If you mix the letters of his full name," Albus said as he wrote out 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' then with his wand he swirled it so it spelled something different, "you get 'I am Lord Voldemort.'"
"Well, Merlin's beard. Don't that beat all? And he spouts pureblood nonsense?"
"It's for his followers, but I'm sure a few of his inner circle know the truth."
"Where did this diary come from and how was it destroyed?"
"That's where your godson comes in."
"Harry?" I asked wondering why he would be tied into anything dealing with horcruxes.
"Lucius Malfoy dropped the diary in Ginny Weasley's cauldron just before school started last year. It was her first year. I don't think Lucius knew what it was and he only did it to discredit Arthur Weasley who had sponsored a bill Lucius didn't like.
"Miss Weasley thought it was a diary her parents gave her so she started writing in it once she got to school. It started trying to take her over but that girl has fire in her soul, even then at eleven years old. She fought it for the whole year, but he finally got her.
"He took her to Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets and was slowly draining her life force when our young Mr. Potter showed up. He's the only other one I know of in this country that can speak to serpents. Harry ended up saving Miss Weasley and defeating the shade of Tom Riddle who was before him looking like his sixteen year old self.
"What's interesting is Harry used basilisk venom to destroy the horcrux."
"How did it get a hole in it?"
"Harry used a basilisk fang and stabbed it with that."
"And just where in Merlin's name did my godson get a basilisk fang with venom in it?" I asked a little heatedly.
"I'm afraid that is Harry's story to tell. You will have to ask him."
"Albus?" I asked confused.
"No, I've told you more than I probably should have. It's his story. I only watched the memory after the fact."
"Very well. I'll be sure and ask him about it" I said then paused as I thought about all we had discussed.
"Now, tell me, Albus, why anyone would be crazy enough to create not one, but two horcruxes? It's difficult enough for me to understand the creation of just one and I come from a very dark family."
"I highly doubt it's just two," he replied. "Tom is a curious individual so he likely wanted to use a magical number. Granted three is a magical number and if you count these two horcruxes, plus the one he still carries as a wraith, you will get three. However, seven is a much more powerful number."
"Wouldn't that be very difficult and quite dangerous to split your soul that many times?" I asked. "Even if he succeeded, I doubt he would be able to do another one. I mean he must be down to a sliver of a soul if he created that many."
"I agree, he would be very unstable with that many, but when has he not been a little crazy? Don't get me wrong, he's brilliant! There's no questioning his intelligence, but he's a very powerful wizard with no morals, no scruples."
"That's a very bad combination."
"I'll keep digging on my end, Sirius. I'll see what else I can come up with. Maybe we can figure out how many he actually made. They all have to be destroyed before he can be killed for good."
"I'll research on my end too. I have a feeling since he gave one to dear old Lucius, then he likely gave another to one of his other favorite followers. My cousin Bellatrix would certainly fit the bill."
"But how would you get to any of her things? She's a Lestrange now."
"I'll start with her vault at Gringotts. I'm ready to lower the hammer on the other members of the Black family that deserve it. I'm also going to invite Andromeda back into the fold. Bellatrix and her husband are going to be forced to pay restitution for what they did to Frank and Alice."
"Very good. Let me know if you find another one, Sirius."
"Will do. It's a little late. Mind if I use your floo?"
"No, go right ahead."
I left using the fireplace and arrived back at my home.
Kreacher had the place looking very nice now. I allowed him to buy anything that was needed to get it all repaired and fixed. He worked very hard and seemed to work even harder after he was allowed to destroy that horcrux.
I planned to go the next day back to Gringotts and make some relatives very unhappy.
"Bonecrusher, as the head of the Black family, I wish to confiscate Bellatrix Lestrange's entire vault as restitution for the Longbottom family. This will be her punishment from her head of house. After that is done, I will also cast her out of the family.
"However, only the money is to go to the Longbottoms. The other items in the vault will need to be inventoried. I must warn you that I found out Voldemort created another horcrux using his diary. He gave it to Lucius Malfoy for safe keeping. But Lucius planted it on a first year girl going to Hogwarts. It was destroyed by my godson.
"I'm telling you this because my cousin Bella is one of the dark lord's favorites. He may have given her one too and it could be in her vault. Please be careful when the vault is inventoried. If there is a horcrux in there then please cleanse it and let me know what exactly it is."
Bonecrusher nodded.
"For Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, she will be fined the total amount of her dowry which is to be returned to the Black family vault. After that is complete, she will also be removed from the Black family, along with her spawn.
"For Andromeda Tonks nee Black, she will be given her full dowry which she never received and I will personally invite her back into the Black family.
"That is all I have for now. Please let me know if you have any questions."
"I have everything written down and will take care of all of your requests, Lord Black," replied Bonecrusher. "I will let you know when everything is completed."
"Thank you, Bonecrusher. Have a great day!" I told him happily.
"Now, Moony, I'm glad you could visit as I have something important to talk with you about."
They had just finished a good dinner prepared by Kreacher and had sat down in newly decorated lounge with a couple of drinks. In fact, the whole house had been redone. The place was much lighter and pleasant.
"What's that, Padfoot?"
"Have you ever heard of a horcrux?"
Remus thought for a second. "No, that is not a word I'm familiar with."
"I'm not surprised, Moony. The only reason I know is due to the dark family I come from. A horcrux is a horrible thing, one of the darkest of all dark magic. It's a way of preventing yourself from fully passing on after you die, an attempt at immortality. You split your soul and put a piece of it in a container or object and that becomes a horcrux. When you die, your soul is unable to move on since part of it is tied to this world in the container."
"Why are you telling me about this, Padfoot?"
"Because Voldemort did this. That's how he didn't completely die when he attacked Harry."
"So, Voldemort created a horcrux and it has to be destroyed before he can truly die? Is that what you're telling me?"
"Mostly, but he didn't create a horcrux, Moony. He created several."
"How many?"
"We're not exactly sure of the number yet but it's starting to look like seven."
"Who is we?"
"Albus and I. By the way, he wants to keep this hush, hush. People do not need to know about horcruxes, especially more dark wizards. The last thing we need is more of them creating these abominations. We'll need help though so that's why I'm telling you and I know I can trust you."
"How do you create one of these things."
"It's a small ritual and a follow up spell at the specific time to transfer the piece of soul into the chosen object. The catch is you have to murder an innocent in cold blood to split the soul since that's a crime against humanity and magic."
"You said seven? No wonder it's such a bad thing to do. How are we going to find any of these things since he could choose any object and hide it?"
"Actually, Moony, I've been able to get rid of two so far and Harry took care of another one last year. There was one in this house that my brother Reggie wanted Kreacher to destroy as his dying wish. I helped Kreacher with that one. I then found another in Bellatrix's vault when I punished her for the Longbottoms and cast her out of the Black family. Harry destroyed the other one during his adventure in the Chamber of Secrets at the end of his second year."
"I heard a little about that."
"Well, I insisted Harry show me the memory of it so I could be brought up to speed. He also showed me the memories of his adventures for his first year. I'm telling you, Remus, I am not happy with everything Harry has had to face since he started at Hogwarts. Adults are not doing their jobs and instead are leaving it up to Harry to fix. This has to stop!"
"Tell me where I can help, Sirius. I care about Harry, too."
"I want you to keep a close eye on him this year since you're at the school and I can't be there. If Albus and I get any more ideas about these horcruxes, I'll let you know where you can help."
"Definitely. I can do that."
"Also, I'll be glad to meet up with you in the Shrieking Shack on the full moon each month. If anything comes up that prevents me from making it, I'll try and let you know ahead of time."
"Thanks, Padfoot."
"Now, to more important things. Tell me, Moony, do you know if there are any single women left that I can date."
"Uh…."
"If everyone will take a seat, I'll call this meeting to order," Dumbledore announced.
The Order was represented by many of the old members and several new members, Albus decided to invite. As soon as everyone was seated around the table and quieted down, he began.
"First of all, I want to thank Sirius for providing a safe and clean place for the Order to meet. That is very much appreciated. I would also like to thank you all for coming. And, while we are not going to be meeting on a regular schedule at this time, it's important that we meet tonight so everyone can be brought up to speed. You need to be made aware that in the future we are very likely going to have to start meeting frequently again."
Many gave strange looks wondering what could have happened.
"I know that most of you have been led to believe that Voldemort was killed in 1981 and that was the end of him," Dumbledore continued. "However, that is not the case. Voldemort used some very dark magic to prevent him from passing on. I will not discuss the means he used as it is the darkest of magics. The fewer people who are aware of such horrific deeds, the better. We do not need other dark wizards or witches gaining that knowledge and following this same path.
"There are some in this group who know of which I speak. I ask that you keep that to yourself. For those of you not aware of this extremely dark and disgusting magic, be thankful that you don't.
"You should know that at the end of Harry Potter's first year, he discovered that Voldemort's wraith was possessing Professor Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher that year. Professor Quirrell died but Voldemort's wraith escaped. Then in Harry's second year he faced Voldemort again and stopped him from possessing a first year student. He is now in his third year and we are all keeping a close eye on him at Hogwarts. Who knows what might happen this school year?
"There appears to be no doubt that Voldemort is anxious to finish Harry off. That is why it's extremely important to keep Harry safe. Sirius has taken up his role as Harry's godfather and guardian, so he will be watching out for Harry when he is away from Hogwarts. Remus, I believe, will be helping with that. I would appreciate it if all the members would keep an eye out for Harry whenever possible."
There were nods all around.
"From talking with Harry," I said jumping in, "I know that he has never been shopping for new clothes, except for his Hogwarts uniform that is. His relatives treated him like a house elf and only gave him hand me downs from his whale of a cousin. This means he's never had regular or even nice clothes that fit him properly."
Many around the table were shocked at this information.
"As soon as he is on break for Christmas, I'll be taking him shopping in Diagon Alley and into Muggle London for some additional clothes. I'm sure I can get Remus to help but I can send word of when we will be there if some of you would like to be in Diagon Alley at the same time."
"You just let us know, Sirius," answered Molly, "and several Weasleys will be there to help keep an eye out. I think of Harry as one of my own. He and my son, Ron, are best mates. The twins are fond of him too."
"It'll be up to Mad-Eye here, but I'll be available if I can," said Tonks.
"Aye, lass, we'll likely both be there."
Many others assured them they would help if they can before they closed the meeting and went to their separate homes.
