The Order of the Pheonix

Chapter Two

Central City

Amestris

Sirius was doing his best to follow the advice of Flitwick and the lawyer and remain quiet as they listened to the testimony of the border guards. Even when the one explained how strange it had felt when he had seen the dog, that turned out to be Sirius. The man's version events would place Sirius as unhinged and dangerous by his descriptions.

They called the ones who hunted him would be testifying next, according to his counsel, they bothered him more if only because they too had been able to track him even in his other form. For all this man made him sound like an unhinged ghost, the others…he couldn't explain.

"I knew it wasn't an ordinary dog, and I tried to warn others, but I still don't know how exactly he managed to slip past the barrier. I would think a chimera with human intelligence would be subject to the same rules in magic as they are in other areas." The man said in conclusion.

"Sirius Black is not a chimera, strictly speaking. He is, as it turns out, an unregistered amingus. "Professor Flitwick said with a sad shake to his head. "It takes years to perfect that spell, he had to have done so long before entering your borders and therefore any charges related to that particular violation would fall out of your jurisdiction I would assume."

"We will need to hear more on the matter; however, I am inclined to agree." Armstrong said, making a note on his book in front of him before asking for the next witness.

The leader of the men who had chased him came in next, Sirius noted as the man took his seat that the Fuhrer appeared rather bored. He wondered what that would mean for him in the long run since his lawyer had explained that the Fuhrer did in fact have the power to overrule the council. The man, named Darius apparently, explained that they had located Sirius quickly when they were called in.

"We, of course, sensed right away that he was human. He tried to evade us, but we were able to smell him and keep track of him for the most part. He isn't a chimera, smells different than that, so I can't tell you exactly what he is." Darius said with a frown. "I admit I was surprised by what I heard about later, because the creature we were chasing seemed scared and tired but not particularly dangerous or violent. Had we suspected he was dangerous, we would have used aggressive means to capture him instead of simply keeping track of his movements."

Sirius found himself nearly grateful to this testimony, after the last witness he had been certain that everyone was going to paint him as a heartless violent monster. Perhaps then after all he would be able to make them see that he was simply acting to protect his godson and they would be reasonable. There was still the matter of the Fuhrer, who still had the same bored detached expression as he had held all morning.

He hoped, when he started, that Harry would be here to hear his defense. The boy needed to understand he was trying to help him, and this would have gone a long way to convince him, but sadly they hadn't brought Harry here. He probably wasn't even going to hear any of the details of the trial. Sirius had missed the rest of the testimony he realized when he noticed McGonagall had once again returned to the stand.

"- amingus do not involve any form of experimentation though it is dangerous. The primary reason you are to register is because if the spells are done incorrectly, it can be very dangerous for the wizard, and they may end up 'stuck' in an animal form or worse. It is, however, not a crime punishable with prison sentence in our culture and judging by the ease he was able to transform he must have mastered the spell many years ago." McGonagall said calmly, Sirius frowned in concern. Should he tell them he had mastered the spell while still in school? Would it make things better or worse for him, he wondered.

As they were thanking her for returning once more, Sirius leaned over to Flitwick "I was in fifth year when I mastered the spell and was able to keep the form for long periods of time. Would it be relevant to explain the details? I do not wish to accidentally betray my friends… though the only one I would worry about is already dead. I can't see anyone else getting in trouble."

"Are you saying there are others who are unregistered that you know of because if you do, you must tell us immediately. At least me so we can warn them of the dangers involved." Flitwick said sharply.

"Just my friends' group, James Potter and Peter Pettigrew. James is dead and Peter's in hiding. We did it to keep Remus company during the Moon." Sirius whispered. "James was a stag; Peter is a rat."

"Peter Pettigrew is dead. You killed him years ago."

"No, I didn't, he blew up the street and faked it. No one wanted to hear me." Sirius said bitterly. "Even Dumbledore, who knew we switched Secret Keeper, refused to listen or help me."

"Dumbledore has made many questionable choices over this whole ordeal. He is considered an enemy of Amestris." Flitwick sighed. "He, like you, slipped into the border. There is some suggestion that you helped each other do it."

"I would never trust that man or help him in any way. He as good as killed James with his choices." Sirius growled.

Xerxes

Outskirts of School

Albus reappeared in the outskirts of Xerxes. he had heard a few minutes ago that the Trial of Sirius Black was over so he hoped the Child would have returned to school by now. He would have to be more careful this time, it had been a foolish mistake before when he was nearly captured.

He waited instead, outside of the house he determined belonged to Remus Lupin. If the trial was truly over and Harry returned to this joke of a school surely Remus would know and wish to see the boy. Albus simply had to follow Lupin's movements to lead him to the correct classroom or better the correct dorm.

Soon enough Lupin left his hovel and began walking toward the campus. Albus followed him at a safe distance, watching for other foot traffic, which was thankfully sparce. Finally, after several minutes, Lupin approached a slightly bigger house, a step above his own dwelling Albus assumed, but still not what he would consider staying in for any time really. It was old, obviously, and made of stone like Lupin's, though this one had a fence around it with grass and flowers growing around it.

Albus saw a young woman step outside, a small child on her hip as Lupin came through the gate. Something about her was familiar, in the way she had her hair in long black braids. She was dressed in clothing suited to a high station despite the house behind her, and he was unsurprised to hear Lupin addressed as Princess.

He remembered now, she had been one of the people they sent to inspect his school…Chen or Chele or something of that nature. At least it wasn't the other one, who seemed to be able to see him even when he was invisible. "I didn't know you were babysitting this afternoon. I can come back" Lupin said with a small wave to the toddler in her arms.

"No, it is alright. We were coming out for a bit of sun anyway. Mei should be back for him soon." The Princess replied. "She just had a meeting and couldn't bring him along. Apparently, the Minister of Magic wrote to ask if we would return Professor McGonagall to take over Hogwarts. I do not believe they have contacted her yet though. She's still in Central in case they need further clarification during the trail."

"I wish they would call me; I really do." Lupin said with a sigh. "I know I mishandled the situation at the time, I was just so surprised he would dare to use those spells…I guess I just never thought he could betray us like that. Not after I learned the truth of what happened all those years ago."

"Have heart, no one is updating you on what is happening; therefore, it is likely you will be called in at some point. They have just started after all." The Princess said as she set the child down to play in the grass. "Aside from Havoc it is unlikely anyone will hold it against you in the long run…I cannot say how Havoc will respond. I only know him in passing. Edward, however, I have known for a great many years and while he CAN hold a grudge, he does forgive easily most of the time. Just never get him lost in the forest. He still hasn't let it go, especially as it was his fault to begin with."

"Still arguing blame then? Didn't that happen when you were children?" Lupin said with a laugh.

"Yes. Did you bring Yuery, William, and Maes' assignments over? I can include them in the package with everyone else's."

"I did. I wish they were safe to return, it seems so unfair we have so many students unable to return at the moment."

"It is what it is. Royal students always have the most leeway and flexibility. I assume you sent the exchange students their work as well? Hopefully we will be able to bring them back next term."

Unconsciously, as they spoke Albus had moved closer, until he was just on the other side of the fence, when they began discussing the students. Suddenly, the Princess looked in his direction with a frown. She couldn't possibly see him. She contained no magic, and he knew she wasn't an alchemist either, yet she seemed to know he was there as she bent to scoop up the now protesting toddler. "He's here, I sense him." She said quietly, as Lupin frowned and followed the direction she was looking.

Albus backed away slowly, he needed to get further away. Now, it was possible Lupin would not believe the girl, but should he hear the loud pop that accompanied apparition then there would be no chance of return. He rushed quickly back to the way they had come, once again taking care to avoid anyone else, as he thought quickly. He had learned a great deal while standing there after all.

Harry had not returned to school, and it sounded as though he would not be returning anytime soon. The rumor that the Black trial was over had been just that, a rumor. Worst of all, apparently the Xing royal family could all sense magic, even the non-users. It was the only logical explanation for her to have noticed him. Perhaps she was a Squib? Either way, he would have to be more careful in the future.

He also needed to find a way to leave because they were trying to give his school to that traitor McGonagall, and he couldn't let that happen! He needed to get back home and fix this, then he could come back once more for the boy. He hoped, perhaps, the boy may even do something foolish like visit the Weasleys where he would be easier to take.

Malfoy Manor

England

Lucius acted as much as he could as a gracious host considering his lack of staff and hoped that Pettigrew would not be staying long. He, of course, was more than happy to host Voldemort as long as needed, though he did hope that the Dark Lord would cut that little rat loose now that a FAITHFUL servant was involved.

"Lucius Malfoy, one of the few who remained faithful in my eventual return." Voldemort rasped suddenly.

"Y-yes sir. I always believed you were still alive and biding your time." Lucius responded.

"Yet, you denied me to the world. Repeatedly. Even in prison you denied our association."

"It was prudent to remain free ass long as possible, so I might be available to aide my lord should you need me." Lucius said without missing a beat. "They were throwing all known Death Eaters in for life, with no means to reach you should we receive your call."

"I see, so it was for my benefit that you denied me." Voldemort sneered, the bundle he was wrapped in shifting slightly. "Just as it was for Pettigrew to fake his death and hide among enemies for the better part of a decade. Years I was left to wait while my faithful servants went on with their lives."

"Sir, I came for you as soon as I heard rumors of where to find you." Pettigrew was quick to insert, nasally whining as always, wringing his hands. He refused to look directly at the bundle.

"No matter, we will discuss your loyalty later. Now we must plan my full return." Voldemort said, cutting off both men before they could defend themselves further. "There is a spell that can return me to my former health. I will need you to gather the ingredients. Lucius, this will fall to you as Peter is regrettably death, and I still require his clumsy ministrations for now."

"Of course, My Lord, anything you require." Lucius bowed.