The courtroom was further into the ministry than Pettigrew's but not as deep as Harry's. It was a smaller courtroom and Sirius had snuck in before the rest of the body arrived. Shifting from grim to man he seated himself in the chair and was pleased that the chains decided that he didn't need to be restrained.
Black already knew that the Minister had most likely thrown a fit about him receiving a trial to begin with, however he wasn't going to throw his chance at freedom away. He would be able to walk down the street, buy things, buy food, and not have to worry about being a fugitive! They were all things worth having his name cleared for. Then there was Harry, he would be able to be there for Harry, in public.
If he didn't want to do it for himself, and he very much did want it for himself, he would have done it for his godson. Now that Pettigrew was essentially a husk that wouldn't die right away, he wasn't at peace… but he was less crazed. He wasn't as angry. However being locked up and having your frustrations being pent up for over a decade, one act wasn't going to simply wash all that rage away. Never mind the effect of being surrounded by dementors all day, every day, every night, without break or holiday.
He hoped he would be able to portray a better frame of mind than what it probably was. Sirius had taken the time to find a place to shower, and at least transfigure his clothes to be somewhat acceptable. His robes were still faded, but they weren't tattered and ratty. They dingy grey was less dingy, but still a faded warm gray, as though he had bought them that way. They weren't pressed, but they weren't wrinkled either. His hair was washed, but didn't have the sheen that belonged to healthy hair, it had strands of gray and dead ends. He was grateful that his hair had at least survived from being turned into one giant dreadlock. His facial hair he at least tried to trim neatly with his wand, but decided that a dark shadow didn't look so bad when he realized his wand hand wasn't steady enough for such a close shave.
What he couldn't see was the haunted gaunt look that lingered in his bright grey eyes. A look that would stay with him for years to come.
The Wizengamot filed in and took their seats, whispering amongst each other. The Minister looked as though he has sucked on something particularly sour. Bones looked as though she was ready to look death in the face and make a deal with it. Malfoy looked at him with disinterest, however Black noticed it wasn't down his nose that was typical of the aristocrat wizard.
Not being able to help himself Sirius looked to see who decided to come see his trial. He was surprised and pleased to see Harry in the stands with Hermione and what was surprisingly her family. He was more surprised to see the Dursleys, of whom he had the pleasure of meeting once, plus what had to be their son. They looked nervous, but not outright scared or hostile. Next to Hermione though was Snape. He wanted to sneer at the wizard, but thought better of it. He and Snape were of the same opinion at Pettigrew's trial and he didn't make a fuss when he noticed he was sitting next to him. Plus he was sitting with his godson and wasn't looking at him with a foul hatred that he always looked at him and James with…
At least he was no longer atoning for the sins of his father. As much as he wanted to think more on it, he had his own issues to think about at the moment. One of them being this trial.
He had despised growing up a 'proper' pureblood. Being a free spirit growing up in a strict environment was torture. The lessons were horrid, the punishments for not behaving or responding properly were worse. His father turned a blind eye to most of it, but his mother had keen eye upon him as much as she could. This moment however, seated in this courtroom, he was glad for the lessons. He appreciated them. He knew if he acted accordingly, he would be able to walk out a free man, respected by those present (or at least publicly), and with more than he had before he was shoved into hell on an island.
The Grangers and their party made sure to sit in the front row of the courtroom. Severus was polite and just as formal as the rest of them. He fit in seamlessly and Hermione's heart beat erratically the whole time. She hoped beyond hope that he couldn't hear or feel it. This was the most contact they ever had aside from light sparring.
He was firm and warm. He smelled like sandalwood with a hint of orange. It was surprising but very pleasant to the nose. His hair shined, but had bounce in it that was normally absent while at school. Hermione guessed it had to do with all the potion fumes, but she wasn't entirely sure.
They had all managed to seat themselves in the front row, but were pressed against each other. Not uncomfortably so, just enough to be aware of the persons next to them. The potions master waited until Hermione was seated before sitting next to her. He sat between Hermione and her mother, both crossed their ankles and tucked their feet neatly under them, but leaning a bit to their right. Harry was next to her, and next to him was their lawyer.
"Professor, who was the blond fellow?" Leeroy asked him.
The Duke was sure he knew who it was, or at least who his son was, but wanted to be sure.
Severus was startled for a fraction of a second before he answered, "That was Lucius Malfoy."
"Is he related to Draco Malfoy?" he asked calmly.
"Yes," Severus nodded slowly, "Draco is his son."
Leeroy made a small sound and nodded, leaving it at that.
Severus prevented himself from looking at the Duke, concerned and curious about the line of questioning. It was short and might have been nothing, the questions themselves were innocent enough, but he had been around politics long enough to know that there was a slim chance of that.
"Sirius Black, your presence has been requested today for a trial you were due thirteen years ago. You were to be held accountable for the deaths of James and Lily Potter, twelve muggles, and Peter Pettigrew. However, recent evidence proves without a doubt that none of those deaths were your fault, and one of those victims was still alive. As you were unjustly imprisoned in Azkaban for twelve years before escaping we, at the Ministry, feel we owe you a restitution for your trouble. We will not offer you a petty apology as we on the board were not in the places we are today. We cannot apologize for others' actions, but we can do our best to make amends," Amelia said, "and right those wrongs. Do you have anything to say Black?"
Fudge was red in the face, flustered, but managed to keep his mouth shut. He agreed with Amelia that with the reveal of Pettigrew being found alive and guilty, Black's incarceration would make the Ministry look bad, and thus him look bad. Even while knowing that Black was an innocent man, he still somehow felt wronged that the wizard would be walking free. Amelia was doing an excellent job covering their asses though.
Sirius was surprised that he didn't have to present so much as a defense for his trial, but act accordingly. He could feel the ghost pain his mother would have caused him otherwise, alerting him that this was important. He could always feel it before it happened. A wicked harpy she could be, but she beat the lessons into him. He hoped she rolled in her grave with the knowledge that she was helping him, especially since she blasted him off the family tree.
"No, I think that about covers it, Madam Bones. I thank you and the Wizengamot for this long awaited trial and clearance. While I understand it is of no fault of those present; damage was done to my name, my livelihood, most likely my vaults, my wand, and my homes. I am considered a convict, even though I am a non-convicted convict, the people will not see that for a few decades to come."
The Wizengamot stirred in their seats, especially those of the older families. They understood the travesty that had befallen one of The Sacred Twenty-Eight and that it would take a while for his name to be clear once more. There were those of their community that were not always up to date and that Black would face hardships due to the stain that was on his name and image.
"Black, if you would allow me, I would like to personally invest an undetermined amount of charitable galleons to help with these issues," Lucius said, silkily.
Fudge's face lose some of the redness seeing that his major backer was giving Black support. As a politician he knew it was best to agree with your best backer.
"The Ministry would like to offer you your position as an auror back, should you want it," Fudge said, trying to appear generous and humble at the same time.
Umbridge simpered at Cornelius with a trembling bottom lip and what seemed to be a smile.
"That is most generous of you, Malfoy, Minister. I would very much appreciate such generous offers. I would like my job back, I worked very hard to get it. Only on the merit that I go back through training considering that I might be… rusty," he tried to joke, "As for your monetary assistance it is appreciated, and very generous, but I couldn't. If your wife would assist me in managing my homes however, that would be appreciated. I remember Cissy had a way with décor, and I have to admit I'm pants at it."
Lucius raised an eyebrow at the gaunt man, "As you were my wife's favorite cousin, I will see what we can arrange in private."
"Splendid," Sirius said with a tight smile.
"In terms of your vaults, they were to be frozen, however there was never any finality. Should you find anything amiss in your statements we will do all we can to rectify that," Amelia said mildly, although her voice still boomed.
'If the Ministry can't, I know the goblins most definitely will,' Sirius growled in the back of his head.
"I very much appreciate that. I would however also like for it to be released in the press, both wizarding and muggle, that I am innocent. I have had enough of being a wanted wizard... a wanted man. Being innocent I would like to walk down the street without having to worry about having aurors or the bobby called on me. Granted as an auror it would simply waste precious time in the department over what are more pressing manners," he said with a nod and a slight smile.
Those who worked in the ministry nodded, pleased at hearing this. They were pleased that he was already worried about what would be his department, in a way that they considered efficient thinking. It was good work ethic, especially for one who would be responsible for protecting the wizarding community.
Severus however felt the corner of his lip twitch up before he regained control of his face again. He could see right through Black. He dealt with Slytherin children a majority of the year, most of them from pureblood families. All that he was doing was giving them the proper lip service that a 'respected' member of society was expected to give. It was frankly quite hilarious to the potions master.
"Of course," Amelia said surprised, as though there was never a question of the matter.
In spite of what Amelia said Sirius saw Fudge flush and fidget in his seat. They were obviously on two separate pages, if not working from separate books altogether. Of course he held his tongue and nodded with a polite smile.
The rest of the proceedings was polite talk and agreements on what would be done to help Sirius get back on his feet. Some members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight were pleased with the development that was backed by Malfoy's blatant support.
"Sirius Black you are hereby cleared of all false charges and will be given restitution for the gaffe of your wrongful incarceration; as well as autonomous care at St Mungos until you are hale from your constant exposure to dementors."
Sirius's eyes twinkled at that.
"You are too kind. I would like to thank you, the Wizengamot, and the Minister for this provisional legal proceeding," he said with a grin.
"It is your right," Amelia said, her face less severe, and a smile in her eyes.
Harry gripped his pants tightly throughout most of the Sirius's trial, trying not to get his hopes up too high. His poor experiences with the Ministry had left him worried where they were concerned even if it started out well. When they were talking about his restitutions he couldn't help it and reached over to hold his new mum's hand, which she took firmly and gave him the solidity that he needed. He would have rather hold Hermione's hand, but she was two people away. Their mum however had done a lot to get him to be part of their family and he appreciated all of it, even if it hadn't all hit him yet. Her touch was like Hermione's just not as strong. He felt better… after all his sister and mum were with him.
When it ended he grinned so hard that it hurt. Padfoot was officially free! He was given back his job and was going to receive the health care Hermione insisted he needed. They could hang out and do family things together! He could get to know him better. Find out more about his birth mum and dad. Padfoot was free to live his life. Settle down, and have his own 'pups' if he wanted.
Sirius stood and made his way over to his godson.
"Well, Pup? I'm a free wizard now. How about we go celebrate after I stop by Ollivanders'?" He suggested with a grin.
Harry smiled before looking remembering that his… family was there and they should be included too. He looked over with a smile and his eyes green sparkled.
Severus's heart skipped a beat seeing his best friend's eyes sparkle again. They were still in the face of the boy, but they looked exactly like hers. Her eyes sparkled the same way when they first boarded the Hogwarts Express. They were brilliant. His heart clenched at the memory. The longing for his lost friend filled his whole being, and it hurt.
He wanted to sneer and say something, but felt Miss Granger lean over him slightly, her shoulder lightly brushing against his chest. Her scent filled his nose and his heart unclenched, the longing didn't go away completely, but it was a dull thrum.
"I think it would be nice, mum. We could go to Fortescue's ice cream parlour," she said warmly.
Abagail smiled at both of her children. They came because Sirius was important to them, it would be nice.
"I think that's a wonderful idea. But I do think it would be best to make it a rain date, for tomorrow," she said with a small smile.
Both teenager's and Sirius's face fell at the 'but'. Before anyone else could get a word out she continued.
"We should wait until the Prophet is released stating that Mr. Black is free. We wouldn't want to cause pandemonium over a simple misunderstanding. Imagine the stray hexes people would fling in what they would think is self-defense. At least when it's released the public will know, and those who don't, will be told by their friends and neighbors," she explained.
Hermione nodded, understanding her mother's logic, and Harry agreed after thinking about it. He wanted to go out with his godfather, but he also didn't want to be in the thick of it over a misunderstanding.
Sirius looked sad, but with the haunted look in his eyes, he looked miserable. However, even with his childish ways he understood the grown woman's thinking. It was no wonder where Hermione got it from.
"I can see where you got your brains from, Kitten," he winked at Hermione, trying to liven things up.
Hermione blushed.
If she didn't know better she would think that he was flirting with her. She had never been called anything other than her given name or a derogatory term. It was startling since it was a first for her.
Severus noticed the blush that bloomed on her face at the endearment and felt himself burn slightly with jealousy. On the bright side, he was no longer sad. Jealousy was close enough to anger that he was able to handle the emotion better and went with it.
Before he said anything however, he was cut off.
"Mr. Black, a pleasure to meet you. I am Duke Leeroy Granger, Hermione's father. She is a lady and I expect her to be treated as such," he said politely, a smile on his lips and a warning in his eyes for Black.
Severus was pleased with the development, mostly since he hadn't been on the receiving end. All of a sudden he was glad Miss Granger's father approved of him.
"We shall see you tomorrow, Mr. Black," Abagail said.
"Sirius, please. Mr. Black is too formal," he said with a kind smile.
"Sirius, we'll meet you tomorrow at the Leaky Cauldron around noon, does that sound amendable?" she smiled at the shaggy wizard.
Sirius lit up, he had something to look forward to tomorrow, "That sounds wonderful. I'll see you lot then." He said with a grin, "Pup, Kitten," he nodded with a cheeky smile, and left.
"I too, shall be taking my leave," Severus said formally.
"It was a pleasure, Professor. Thank you again," Leeroy said with a smile.
The Duke stuck his hand out for a hand shake that Severus met firmly. Leeroy's eyes had a slight gleam of approval in them.
Again Severus felt himself almost blush.
The Granger women smiled at him and he nodded pleasantly at them, before nodding a farewell to the rest of their party.
He knew that while Miss Granger had done well, Lucius would be sure to whisper their interaction to the Dark Lord. He had always been odd when it concerned the royal family. The potions master wasn't sure what this new development would mean for the future.