Chapter 12:

Harry was angry. "But Remus I don't understand. He's my godfather. And it was my parents. And I want to be there!"

For maybe the first time Remus regretted telling Harry about the trial. "I know you do cub. And it's a good thing that you want to be there. But you can't be."

Harry frowned, "Why not?"

Remus lifted a brow, "Well you could, but then everyone finds out I took you from your muggle relatives and you go back to the Dursleys and I go to Azkaban right into Sirius's old prison cell."

Harry blinked and then shook his head. "Wait? You'd go to jail for taking me?" Suddenly worried that the police were going to barge in and take Remus away. Harry was experiencing a lot of stress for an eleven-year-old. Remus spent a good amount of time trying to reassure Harry.

Remus sighed and shook his head, "Harry. No muggle jail could hold me, and no muggle police could catch me. I'm a wizard. Now, sure a muggle could get lucky and shoot me with a gun, or if I crossed the road and just wasn't paying attention and got hit with one of their cars sure… I guess they could hurt me, but it's very unlikely."

Remus was sure the message of reassurance was getting lost in translation. He tried to pull himself back on track. "The point is, so far, no one in the wizarding world knows you are missing. But Harry, Dumbledore is the only one that thinks you should be with the muggles. And if Dumbledore finds out you are with me, he'll be disappointed in me I guess, but he won't turn me over to the authorities. I suspect that he wouldn't even mind you being with me as long as I give you back at some point. The wards around your house require you to spend part of the year there and your mum knew her stuff. I don't think she intended for you to stay with the Muggles though. And the wizarding world is pretty caught up in other things, Sirius's trial for example. Augusta isn't about to tell and neither is Neville. There wasn't even a mention of our trip to The Alley in the Daily Prophet. So… Stop worrying about this okay?"

Harry laughed a bit as Remus intended. Though he knew that a muggle gun was no joke and just as deadly as any spell a wizard could cast. He calmed his want to go to the trial and instead asked Remus to take the Dictapen, He wanted to know exactly what happened. Every word!

Remus grinned and told Harry he would do him one better and presented what looked a lot like an old-fashioned radio. "This Harry is a Wireless radio. I believe that they will broadcast the trial. Both you and Neville can listen if you want." The prophet article that explained that Sirius Black had not been given a trial had garnered a huge response and reporters demanded to know when the trial would be so they could broadcast it. The public has a right to know and all that. Remus showed Harry how to use the radio to listen to the trial live.

Harry was convinced that Sirius was innocent but was basing his opinion on a lot more than just some trumped-up illogical reasoning. Harry was biased of course, due to his familiarity with Padfoot and his refusal to believe he would betray him. He'd taken to staring at Wormtail a lot trying to catch him doing something that could be deemed guilty, convinced that Padfoot was telling the truth and the true guilty party was the one who hadn't given his memories up for the painting. Padfoot was right. It looked pretty dodgy.

Even Neville's gran was going to the trial. She had a seat on the Wizengamut and had to decide on his godfather's guilt or innocence. Harry wasn't allowed, according to Remus to talk to her about Padfoot's case. "Lady Longbottom will be a fair jurist Harry. But she should also remain insulated from outside influences."

Harry tried to communicate telepathically by staring a hole into her head thinking hard, 'Sirius Black is INNOCENT! INNOCENT!' He had read a book in Remus's library that talked about Mind magic and a branch of it called Legimency or the ability to influence and read minds. Harry soon learned he was terrible at it because Augusta Longbottom snapped at him several times for staring at her funny.

Remus had laughed later when Harry told him what he was trying to do. "It takes years of practice cub. So keep trying. You never know!"

Neville and Harry were going to stay at Longbottom Manor and listen to the trial on the wireless. The House Elves would babysit. Harry hated that word. He wasn't a baby and neither was Neville.

Harry brought the box with him to Neville's house the night of the trial. Remus was nervous and kept asking Harry if he was sure he would be okay by himself, and Harry had to tell him he wasn't alone. But Remus pulled Harry aside just before he stepped through the floo after Lady Longbottom and dropped to one knee in front of him to get eye level. "Listen Harry. I don't know if this trial is going to go the way you want it to or not. For your sake, I hope that it goes exactly as you want it to. But Harry, guard your heart. You aren't alone and Padfoot is going to have a fair hearing. If he is innocent then you will be seeing him very soon."

Harry nodded and smiled, "Thanks, Remus. I know you think he's guilty, but you should prepare yourself too. Cause Padfoot is innocent." Harry gave Remus a smile. Remus went to the floo and said, "I'll be home as soon as I can. Be good for Hanky and Panky."

Harry cracked up every single time he heard the names of the Longbottom elves, Neville explained that his dad helped name them. They were twins and had been born into the Longbottom family. But he merely nodded and said, "Don't forget to give him my letter."

Remus smiled, "I won't forget." And then disappeared into green flame.

Harry smiled at Neville and said, "So. Let's go to your room. Carry the wireless won't you?" Neville only then saw that Harry's hands were full of a cardboard box.

"What's in the box, Harry?" Neville asked when they had reached the room.

"I need your promise not to reveal to anyone what I am about to show you," Harry announced as he put the box down. Neville nodded and said, "I promise." Not really a formal vow, but they were both new to wands and magical oaths as well. So Harry showed Neville into the box and introduced him to the Marauders.

The Marauders, Neville, and Harry tuned in to the wizarding wireless and listened to the trial of Sirius Black.

Kingsley Shacklebolt escorted Sirius into the courtroom and to the chair that he became immediately bound to by thick metal chains. Once seated Sirius looked up at the gallery of witches and wizards all decked out their Wizengamot finery, staring down at him like he was some kind of bug. He lifted his eyes and found a few familiar faces staring them down until they looked away.

First was Barty Crouch glaring at him from his perch like a jumped-up pencil pusher with an ego that could only disguise a weak coward. Sirius sneered at him and then refused to look his way for the rest of the proceeding. As if he was beneath his notice.

Next was Albus Dumbledore. Sitting in his vaunted position giving him a sad shake of the head, as if he'd disappointed him beyond measure. Sirius rolled his eyes. The old man was way in over his head here. He almost felt sorry for him. Almost, Remembering that everyone got a second chance with Albus, except him. He didn't even rate a visit. Dumbledore never even cared enough to find out why! Sirius returned his disappointed look with heat causing the old man to blink and turn away with an air of confusion. Not acting the way a guilty man should act am I Dumbles? Sirius shook his head and then let his gaze fall upon the visitor's gallery.

He found him trying to blend into the woodwork. Remus Lupin stared at him with wide hurt eyes, but there was something else there. Hope? Sirius gave him a genuine smile. The man had after all done what he could not. He had rescued Harry if the letter was true. That put Sirius fully in Remus's debt. And he'd secured him a lawyer.

Sirius couldn't take any more after that and his eyes fell to a spot on a wall and he kept them there for a long while. His part to play in these grand proceedings would be simple. Take three drops of Veritaserum and tell the truth.

"Seal the Doors!" Dumbledore's amplified voice caused Sirius to jump. He glanced to the table to his right and saw his defense lawyer Mr. Pepper already sitting there. When did he get there? Sirius hadn't even noticed him come in. Keep it together Padfoot. Sirius did some self-talk and took a deep breath.

Sirius grinned at his council and said, "Glad you could make it."

Mr. Pepper patted Sirius on the arm and said, "It will all be over soon,"

Sirius wasn't soothed.

The Wizengamut was called to order and then the reason for the emergency session was stated by a blonde witch with an eye monocle. She looked no-nonsense and tackled the bureaucracy with an efficiency not seen in forever at the Ministry. Sirius leaned over and whispered to his lawyer while she was reading the charges against him. "Bet you a galleon she becomes Minister of Magic within ten years."

Mr. Pepper nodded, "She is formidable."

"One count of premeditated murder of Peter Pettigrew, and thirteen counts of negligent homicide. Lord Black, how do you plead to these charges?"

Sirius Black spoke loudly, clearly, and succinctly. "I'm fucking innocent!" There were gasps and mutters throughout the chamber. His lawyer leaned over and whispered angrily at him. He thought he heard a nervous laugh from where Moony was sitting.

"Very well Lord Black. Mr. Pepper, does your client have any objection to being questioned under Veritaserum?"

"As that is the only way my client can prove his innocence Madam Bones, he does not." He glanced at Sirius and muttered, "You don't do you?"

Sirius shook his head. "Do I look like I object?" Sirius knew he was being belligerent but if he couldn't present himself as a broken and cowed man, then he'd go with belligerent. Cause today seeing witches and wizards with true evil staining their souls, passing judgment on him for a crime he didn't commit, was getting him a bit fired up.

There was a brief wait as the potion was brought and an unspeakable administered it. Three drops and instantly he felt as if he didn't have a care in the world. All animosity and anger bled away.

And then the questions began:

What is your name?

Sirius Orion Black

Were you the Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter on the night of October 31, 1981?

No.

Were you ever the Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter?

Yes, in the beginning.

What happened?

We switched. I convinced James to switch. I thought that I was too obvious a choice.

There were more gasps and mutters through the chamber and Dumbledore had to call order.

Who became the Secret Keeper after you?

Peter Pettigrew.

More loud whispers and even louder mutterings and gavel poundings.

Did you kill Peter Pettigrew?

No. I was trying to arrest him. He cut off his finger, blew up the street and turned into a rat and escaped into the sewers.

Peter Pettigrew is a Rat Animagus?

Yes.

And he cut off his own finger?

Yes.

And escaped into the sewers?

Yes.

Did you cast any spell that night at Peter or the Muggles?

I cast a shield charm. I'm not sure. I think I lost consciousness. I hit my head pretty hard.

Did you get medical treatment for your injuries that night?

No.

Were you questioned under veritaserum that night?

No.

Were you questioned at all by any Auror or official about what happened?

Yes. I kept saying it was my fault that James was dead.

Why did you say that?

It was my fault James was dead. If I hadn't suggested Peter. If I hadn't switched. James would be alive. It was my fault. The rat betrayed him. Voldemort killed him. But it was my fault. Do you see me now? Do you see?"

The serum was starting to wear off and Sirius was becoming agitated. "Do you see damnit!? What did you do to me? What did I do? I killed my brother! I deserve to die. No. I'm innocent. I'm innocent. The rat did it. The rat. The rat killed James."

Sirius began rocking and fighting his restraints so Madam Bones sighed and said, "Finite." Ending the effects of the serum.

She looked at Sirius who was now openly crying and trying desperately to pull himself together taking deep shuddering breaths. "I apologize. I am suffering from the effects of the Dementors. Might I suggest you find a way to kill those monsters? They are the most vile of creatures."

There seemed to be another strong reaction through the chamber as witches and wizards shifted at the uncomfortable truth Sirius was dishing out.

Madam Bones sighed and turned to look at the solicitor who seemed to have the easiest job at least in this particular open and shut case. There was a vote and not a single wand was raised in favor of Sirius Black's conviction. "Cleared of all Charges." She announced as the vote tally was taken. The chains that bound him were released and Kingsley stepped forward quickly to take off his shackles. He gave Sirius a grin and said, "Ten galleons. That's how much I just won from Dawlish. Congratulations." He shook Sirius's hand and stood beside him playing bodyguard.

"Lord Black. You are a free man. And on behalf of the ministry I offer my deepest apologies for this miscarriage of justice. Though the previous administration oversaw your incarceration this Ministry is more than willing to make up for their mistakes. You shall be compensated of course. We shall be in contact with your solicitor once a settlement amount has been agreed to. No amount of galleons can erase what has been done to you. I hope that in time we can find ways together to ensure this never happens again."

This last was from the Minister of Magic. Sirius didn't even know his name. He might have been a Slytherin that he and James pranked on more than one occasion. Fudge wasn't it? He was surprised he found a way to rise so high the man was so short. Just went to show you anyone can rise above their station and anyone could fall to his.

His gaze moved up to Remus then, the only one whose reaction he cared to see. Remus was smiling and crying. Sirius grinned at the man and mouthed, "Thank you Moony."

Harry and Neville were cheering and dancing around the inside of the box and the Marauders were jumping around and dancing inside the frame. It was pure mayhem!

"Innocent! Innocent! I'm INNOCENT!" Padfoot grinned at Moony, "Pay up." Moony handed Sirius a pouch.

"Was there any doubt?" Prongs gave his best friend a hug.

Another wizard had been listening to the wireless from his desk at the Ministry. Arthur Weasley heard what Sirius Black said. About a rat. And a missing finger. He started running as soon as he connected the dots. He slid into the Auror's office and damn if there wasn't anyone there. They were all at the trial! He ran to the elevators in search of an Auror. Scabbers was a death eater! He started to hyperventilate in the elevator and willed the damn thing to go faster. He had to wait for the doors to be unsealed before he burst through and then headed straight for Professor Dumbledore and Allister Moody. "Sorry to interrupt." Arthur panted. "But I need your help."

AN: If you are enjoying this story and are interested in being a Beta Reader for this fanfiction, please let me know! This chapter has been minorly edited.