Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light
Chapter 12
Previously
"How bad?" he asked faintly.
"A few scars, broken bones, missed meals," Harry said.
"Never again," Remus promised. "Even if we have to run, I will never let you go through that again."
Harry smiled at the softly spoken vow. He believed the wolf; his sincerity. For the first time in both lives, Harry fully believed.
The next few days leading up to the trial, Harry distracted Remus by having him make plans for Sirius' trial and then demanding the wolf borrow some money to buy some new clothes for himself and Sirius.
Harry, however, was distracted himself by his search; he hadn't interacted with Quirrellmort all year. Excluding their Defence lessons, he had avoided the man. He didn't want to be around him, not when he was still so... scattered. The parasite he was while attached to Quirrell wasn't Tom or even the Voldemort he knew; he was a small, insane part of him. Sure, Harry had felt the slight pull, but he had been able to ignore it. He had thought about him, but Harry didn't want to meet the person who he now knew was his soulmate for the first time on the back of his Defence teacher's head.
Instead, Harry used his time in the Leaky Cauldron to visit Knockturn Alley in secret. The shadowy alley offered more in terms of the obscure, as well as the illegal, which suited Harry's needs as he had yet to find something with potential, let alone conclusive results. After spending the afternoon hidden in the aisles of a less than commendable back alley shop, Harry sighed in defeat. He had promised Remus he would be back early so they could go through everything again, before tomorrow. The wolf was anxious and believed Sirius would never forgive him.
Walking out of the shop after leaving a few coins on the counter for the shopkeeper - to show his appreciation in secrecy - Harry walked out with his hood up and head down.
"Buy any books today?" Remus asked when Harry entered the room.
Harry smiled slightly. "No, they didn't have what I was looking for," he said. He had told Remus he was searching Diagon Alley for books, saying he liked ritual magic and found it interesting.
"Well, I am always willing to look around for you," Remus offered.
"Thank you, but I think it will be one of those 'know it when I see it' books," Harry said.
Remus laughed lightly at how put out Harry managed to sound. "I still can't believe Prongs produced a little raven, he was adamant you would be a lion," Remus said. He had been more willing to talk about Harry's parents as the week had gone on, opening up to Harry more than he had in his last life. "But your mother, she would have loved this. James would have as well, after he had gotten over the shock."
"Do you want to get food here or downstairs?" Harry said after a few moments.
Remus considered for a few minutes before he smiled. "How about we go out to muggle London? I know a nice Chinese place. Have you ever had Chinese?" he asked.
Harry shook his head. "No. The Dursleys would have it occasionally, but I've never tried it." He thought it was strange that this was actually true; he was 18 years old mentally and he had never tried a lot of things.
Remus frowned at the mention of the Dursleys. "Well, put on some muggle clothes and we'll get going." He would never say it out loud, but Harry could tell that he felt guilty about the Dursleys treatment of him. He wanted Harry to experience what a real family was, and was trying to subtly act like a parent - or at least like a guardian. It was nice, if a little annoying; Harry was not used to parental figures butting in and, even though he looked like a child, he was not one - at least mentally.
Harry smiled at the meaning though; Remus really was trying. Opening his trunk, he found a pair of grey trousers and a dark green jumper. It was summer, but the English summer evenings were cool.
Walking through the door into muggle London, Remus lead Harry through the streets, pointing out places he had either visited or worked and adding little anecdotes. After around 20 minutes they came to a small Chinese restaurant decorated with traditional lanterns and streamers. Entering, they were greeted and seated quickly.
"So, what should I order?" Harry asked, looking at the menu, unsure about what to get as he had never even heard of half of the stuff.
Remus smiled as he watched Harry frown at the menu, probably annoyed that he was unsure. He had noticed how Harry revelled in his independence and ability to survive.
"Why don't I just order a variety and we can pick and choose?" Remus offered.
"That sounds good, thank you," Harry said.
After they had ordered, Remus and Harry sat chatting about inconsequential things, however eventually this stopped.
"Are you worried?" Remus asked.
"Worried?" Harry queried.
"About the trial? About what you will do if Sirius gets custody of you eventually?" Remus asked.
"I don't think the trial will be a problem, not anymore. Dumbledore and the ministry can't do much to derail it now. He is innocent and that will come out," Harry said. "And as for the custody, I'm not worried - just cautious. I've never had a real family or guardian; I don't think I would cope well with suddenly having my independence taken away, so I hope Sirius doesn't try that. Other than that, no, I'm not worried."
"And if Sirius cannot get custody?" Remus asked.
Harry felt his eyes darken; that would most likely only happen if Dumbledore intervened. "Then I doubt I'll go back to my family - I won't allow myself go back to them. How they treated me was wrong and I severely doubt that the Wizarding world would allow it once it becomes known and I will let it be known if it keeps me from them. At worst, it will be a mad dash about who could take in the precious Boy-Who-Lived," Harry said, using the title he hated to show Remus what he thought about the situation.
Once they had eaten, the two returned to the Leaky Cauldron and turned in for the night. They had to be up early for the trial and Harry wanted to go to Gringotts before that to talk to Ragnok.
The robes they had for the trial where formal, but not fancy; Harry work dark green, almost black, robes over a white shirt and black trousers and Remus had a deep mahogany robe over a cream shirt and black trousers.
Entering Gringotts early, Harry, with Remus trailing behind him, made their way to Ragnok's office. Entering, they saw the chief goblin was sitting, surrounded by papers. Their visit was just a preliminary to make sure nothing had gone wrong; Harry doubted anything would have as the goblin would have summoned him, but still it was better to check.
"Good morning, gentlemen," Ragnok greeted.
"Chief Ragnok," Remus said, bowing slightly.
"You're ready for today?" Ragnok asked, looking at Harry.
"Yes. I doubt that the opposition will be able to do anything with the evidence we supplied," Harry said.
"And if they manage the impossible?" Ragnok asked, more out of interest than real concern.
"I have a few ideas," Harry said, thinking about the breakouts Voldemort caused in his last life. He didn't want to have to use such barbaric tactics, but he would if it meant Sirius was freed. Then again, Sirius could just break himself out again.
Ragnok looked at Harry. "Do these ideas have anything to do with your friend Tom?" he asked. Harry had yet to tell Remus anything about his bond mate. He didn't want to risk losing the wolf before he had Sirius free and stable.
"Something like that," Harry agreed with a smirk.
Remus interrupted then, "Harry, we should get going if we want to get there early."
Ragnok looked at the wolf and nodded. "Mr. Lupin is correct. Do come and visit me when it is over though, Harry," he said.
"Of course, Ragnok."
Harry and Remus entered the ministry early and headed to the courtroom. A few people were milling about but, as far as they could tell, nobody actually knew whose trial it was. Harry, however, was surprised when he saw Lucius Malfoy heading towards them. Subtly signalling Remus, Harry turned to the blond aristocrat.
In his last life he had loathed Malfoy Sr.; he had been tortured by him and held hostage in his house. He knew that the man was ruthless, but he had also felt sorry for him in the end - he had done all he had in order to protect and save his family from the madman Tom had became. However, in this life, he had yet to meet him and his rivalry with Draco wasn't around.
Looking the man in the eye as he approached, Harry watched as Lucius took him in. He noted how Lucius' eyes took in his heir ring.
"Heir Potter," Malfoy greeted.
"Lord Malfoy," Harry said formally, inclining his head in acknowledgement of his status above him as a lord to his heir.
Harry watched as Lucius' eyes flashed with surprise, probably at his respectful tone and knowledge. Lucius then turned to Remus.
"Remus Lupin, I believe," he said, not offering his hand.
Remus didn't show any sign of annoyance at the subtle slight. "Indeed, Lord Malfoy," he greeted.
"I must say Heir Potter, I am surprised to see you here today," Lucius said, turning back to Harry and digging for a hint.
Harry smirked slightly, knowing the Slytherin would pick up on it. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world, Lord Malfoy."
Lucius looked both annoyed and pleased by the answer. "I see, so you are one of the few who are blessed with the knowledge of what this trial is about," Lucius said.
Harry just smirked again. "I could not say. However, I can say this: you will be very intrigued, I believe, about the trial."
Lucius bowed his head slightly to Harry. "I see. Well then, Heir Potter, I look forward to it."
Harry nodded in return. "It has been a pleasure to meet you, Lord Malfoy."
"No, the pleasure has been mine. I must admit, when Draco wrote to me in September saying the Heir to the Potter House had been sorted into Ravenclaw, I was intrigued. And now meeting you, I can see he did not overplay your qualities. You really are quite a mystery, nothing like I expected," Lucius said.
"Oh, I hadn't known I had made such an impression on Draco. Do please say hello to him for me, Lord Malfoy. And as to your expectations, I am sorry if I have not met them; however, I am simply who I am. Who the world wants me to be has very little influence on who I am, Lord Malfoy - after all, I grew up not knowing who I was to this world," Harry said.
"I will extend your greeting Heir Potter - and please, I would like for you to call me Lucius," Lucius said, a look of interest on his face.
"Then you must call me Harrison or Harry," Harry said.
"Of course, Harrison," Lucius said.
After a few seconds the doors opened and Lucius straightened his already immaculate posture. "Mr. Lupin, Harrison," he said in lieu of goodbye before turning and making his way in.
Remus, who had watched their play in silence, looked at Harry with consideration after Lucius had left. "Are you sure you're not in Slytherin?" he joked.
"No, but the hat did consider it," Harry said.
Remus looked slightly pensive and Harry wondered about his Slytherin prejudice. "Harry, I know you are smart, but please be careful around him. He was a Death Eater," he warned, leaning in to whisper.
Harry was relieved that's what his look was about. "Don't worry Remmy, I know what I'm doing," Harry promised.
Remus looked at him again before he sighed in defeat. "Okay, I will trust you, but please remember that, no matter what, I will always be here if you want to talk."
Harry smiled and nodded, leading Remus into the public stands. Lucius and the other Lords were in the Wizengamot section as they would be voting on the outcome of the trial.
Sitting, Harry watched as the stands filled, seeing the moment Dumbledore entered as he wore bright yellow robes with pink stars. He didn't see Harry as he made his way down to the floor; as Chief Warlock he would be down there with whoever was overseeing the trial and the defenders and opposition.
Harry eyed him and was glad to note the tightness in his expression and the dark look in his blue eyes.
Eventually, Amelia Bones entered and walked down. Harry was glad to see it would be her overseeing the trial as she really was a fair woman.
The court turned silent when she sat down.
"We are gathered here today to review evidence that an injustice was overlooked ten years ago. New evidence has come to light that Sirius Black was falsely and unjustly sentenced to Azkaban prison without trial and innocent of the crimes he was accused," she read out.
Hearing the reason why they were here, the court exploded with people refusing to believe Sirius was innocent as they had condemned him.
Harry felt eyes on him and looked up to see Lucius was looking at him with inquisitive grey eyes. Harry nodded his head slightly to show he supported Sirius and watched as Lucius looked slightly shocked before his eyes blanked and he sat back, calming down those around him with a simple look.
Banging the gavel, Madam Bones called for order as Sirius was brought out. He looked bad, worse than Harry remembered, but not as bad as the first time Harry had seen him. His skin was white and shallow, hanging of his skeletal frame. His hair was long and ragged and he had a scruffy beard, which looked almost patchy in places. The striped Azkaban robes hung of his frame and dragged slightly as he was walked to the stand. Harry felt awful for him; however, he had gotten him out as quickly as he could.
"Sirius Black, you are accused of the betrayal of James and Lily Potter to the Dark Lord V-Voldemort, who you assumedly served, resulting in their deaths and the murder of twelve muggles and Peter Pettigrew," Amelia said, slightly wavering in her naming Voldemort.
Sirius opened his mouth, but Edgar nudged him and sent him a look which Harry could read from where he sat which clearly said 'shut up'.
Edgar stepped forward. "My client was wrongly imprisoned without a trial, and is innocent of all crimes here accused. He has agreed to be place under veritaserum for the duration of his trial to prove this innocence."
The courtroom broke out in whispers again and Harry saw how Dumbledore stiffened slightly.
"Very well. Bailiffs, please administer the serum," Amelia said.
Watching as Sirius took the potion without complaint, Harry was relieved. He knew how hot-headed Pads could be.
"I will ask a few basic questions to ascertain the potion is working correctly. Please state your full name," she asked Sirius.
"Sirius Orion Black," Sirius said, his voice raspy but holding the obvious daze associated with veritaserum.
Madam Bones sighed. "Please provide the defendant with some water," she said.
Sirius looked grateful and took a sip when the glass materialised.
"Mr. Black, what is the date of your birth?" she asked.
"3rd of November, 1959," Sirius said, his voice still raspy but much clearer.
"And what is your blood status?" she asked.
"Pureblood," Sirius said.
"I believe the serum is working," Amelia said. "Therefore, I shall begin the questioning."
"Mr. Black, on the night of October 31st 1980, did you reveal the location of the Potter's address to the Dark Lord?"
"No." Sirius said.
"Did you give this location to him on another date?" Amelia asked.
"No, I never betrayed them," Sirius answered.
"You were found screaming 'It was my fault!". Why were you shouting this if you never betrayed them?" Amelia questioned.
"It was my fault—" Sirius said.
The courtroom broke out in shouts again.
"—because I told them to use Peter Pettigrew as their secret keeper. I thought they would be safe! I made them switch to him and he betrayed them. It's my fault!" he cried.
Amelia brought the gavel down and called for order.
"So you were never the secret keeper for the Potter family?" she asked.
"No. James wanted me to be, but I thought it would be obvious. I persuaded him to use Peter." Sirius said, his voice anguished.
"You had no idea Peter Pettigrew would betray them?" she asked.
"No, never! I would have died for James and Lily; I would never have betrayed them!"
"Have you ever been a supporter of Lord Voldemort, marked or otherwise?" Amelia asked.
"No. Never," Sirius denied.
"Very well. I believe we should move on."
The courtroom was whispering madly at this.
"Mr. Black, can you talk us through what happened on the night of October 31st 1980, in your own words" Amelia asked.
"I went to see James and Lily; I wanted to see little Harry. When I got there the door was blasted open and James-James was just - he was laying there, his wand just by his hand. He was dead. I ran to him but there was nothing I could do. He was just gone. I could hear something upstairs, so I ran up. I found Lily then, in the nursery. The room was trashed, it looked like magical backlash. She was lying in front of Harry's crib. She was dead, too. There was a scorch mark next to her and Harry was in his crib. He was crying, trying to get out and get to Lily. I ran to him. He had a cut on his forehead - I couldn't believe he was alive. I was so grateful, but I heard something then.
"I grabbed Harry and his blanket and I ran downstairs. It was Hagrid. He saw me with Harry and he charged before I stopped him; he thought I had done it, but I convinced him it wasn't me. He said he would take Harry for me to Hogwarts, so Madam Pomfrey could look at him and he told me to go after Peter. I agreed - the cut wasn't bleeding badly, but I couldn't heal it and I knew I needed to stop Peter. I told Hagrid to take my bike and get Harry to Hogwarts - but I went after Peter. I found him a few hours later and we fought in the street. He cried out that he knew how I had killed them, before he blasted off his own finger and sent a spell at me, which misfired and caused a muggle electric box to explode. He then turned into his animagus form and escaped just as the aurors came then and I was arrested. I went a bit mad at that point I think - James and Lily were dead and Peter had gotten away. By the time I had regained my senses, I was already in Azkaban."
The room was silent, then everything exploded - everyone was demanding questions. After a few minutes, Amelia called for silence.
"When you say Hagrid came, are you talking about Rubeus Hagrid, the groundskeeper at Hogwarts?" Amelia asked, for clarification.
"Yes," Sirius said.
"You say he told you to go after Peter?" she asked.
"Yes. I thought at the time, the plan sounded like a good idea," Sirius confirmed.
"You trusted him?" she asked.
"Yes. He worked with Dumbledore," Sirius said.
"I see. So, you never sent the spell which killed twelve muggles?" she clarified.
"No, I just sent spells at Peter. None of my spells went off course," Sirius said.
"What animagus form does Peter possess?"
"He's and unregistered brown rat," Sirius said.
"How do you know this?" Amelia questioned.
"James and I are also - were also - unregistered animagus. We became them in our 5th year at Hogwarts. I'm a big black dog and James was a stag," Sirius said.
"You are aware that being unregistered is illegal?" Amelia asked, bemused.
"Yes, but we planned on registering after the war," Sirius said.
"Very well, that is all I need. Bailiffs, please administer the antidote while I will confer with the members of the Wizengamot. After which your sentence will be given," she said.
Harry watched as the seats holding the voting members of the Wizengamot seemed to blur and he took Remus' hand in a show of support.
He also watched as Dumbledore stood and moved towards Sirius. Harry concentrated on the old man: he didn't trust him. Luckily Dodge was aware and he stood, blocking Dumbledore. Harry could just about make out his words.
"...away from my client, Chief Warlock."
After a few moments, the seats refocused and Amelia retook her chair. Harry sensed eyes on him and looked up. Lucius inclined his head towards Harry slightly before he refocused on Amelia. Harry was pleased and intrigued by the new dynamic in his relationship with the Malfoys.
"Mr. Black, we, the members of the Wizengamot, do hereby find you not guilty of all the charges laid against you. You will be immediately released from Azkaban prison and are also to be given two million galleons in compensation. Any medical treatment you also require will be covered by the ministry for the gross injustice you have faced. I know nothing can be done to recover the time you have lost, but the ministry will do its best to compensate you in any way we can," Madam Bones said. "There will also be a trial for Peter Pettigrew, who is now in ministry holding cells, which you are invited to attend to ensure that justice is done correctly this time."
Harry watched as Sirius sagged in relief. "Thank you," he whispered.
Harry and Remus shared a relieved look and stood when the court was adjourned. Instead of going back out the way they came though, they went down to where Sirius was standing with Dodge and Madam Bones. Dumbledore was also there, but he was off to the side, most likely trying to gain some composure.
"Mr. Black, might I introduce the young man who attained me for you and brought to light the injustice of your sentence," Mr. Dodge said, moving so that Sirius and Amelia would see him approach.
"Harry?" Sirius whispered, shocked at the boys appearance and his involvement.
Hearing Harry's name, Dumbledore turned sharply and Harry saw his face tighten and eyes grow hard. Dumbledore moved quickly, jumping in front of Harry with surprising amount of agility for a man of his advanced years.
"Harry, my dear boy, what are you doing here?" he asked, full of grandfatherly concern.
Harry narrowed his eyes and barely stopped them from rolling. "As Mr. Dodge said, I hired him for my godfather. I would not have missed the trial for anything."
"But my boy, what about your relatives? Surely they wouldn't have allowed you to come," Dumbledore said.
"I'm not staying with my relatives," Harry said.
"What?!" Dumbledore barely managed not to shout. "Harry, my boy, you must. I really do insist you return to them immediately."
"Why, headmaster?" Harry asked innocently.
"It is not safe. You need to go back to them for your own protection. I insist."
"I'm sorry headmaster, but I feel a lot safer now than I have ever before and, anyway, where I spend my summers or any holidays really doesn't have anything thing to do with you," Harry said.
"That is enough. Harry, you will come with me and I will return you to your aunt," Dumbledore said, taking a step towards Harry and making him step back.
At this point, Amelia, who had been watching, took a step forwards. "Albus, like Mr. Potter has said, where he lives during the summer is not your concern. If you fear for his welfare, then it is a ministry issue." She then turned to Harry and said, "Good morning, Mr. Potter. My name is Amelia Bones, I think my niece Susan has told you about me." She offered him her hand.
Harry smiled, taking her offered hand and kissing the air above it. "Good morning, Madam Bones. And, please, call me Harry or Harrison," he said.
Amelia smiled lightly. "Susan did say you were charming, Harry. Now, may I ask why you are not staying with your relatives?"
Harry frowned slightly. "I'm sure Susan has told you about them and their treatment of me. I fear how they would react taking me in after I had been away to school," Harry said.
Amelia's expression turned dark. "So you decided not to return to them?" she asked.
"No. I feared what they would do. I sent them a letter telling them I would not return and got a note back telling me good," Harry explained.
Dumbledore interrupted at that. "Come now, Harry. I'm sure they're missing you. They are the last of your family, after all."
Harry frowned. "Blood does not make family, sir. I consider my friends family: Neville, Hannah, Susan. I consider Remus family and most likely Sirius once I get to know him. The Dursleys are not my family."
"But my boy, they are your family. They looked after you for ten years," he tried again.
Harry sent Remus a look. "No, they abused me for ten years," Harry said firmly, making Sirius, who had been silent up to this point, gasp.
"What?!" he said, anguished.
"It's okay, it's over. I'm okay now," Harry said, looking into his eyes for the first time.
"Mr. Potter, Harry, those claims are serious. I had hoped to talk to you when you visited in the summer about them; however, if you are willing and able to provide evidence, I can take your statement now," Amelia said, her face sad but supportive.
"Now see here, is that really necessary? Harry, do you really want to get your relatives into trouble?" Dumbledore asked, staring at Harry intently and ignoring the outrage on the faces of the other adults present. A few of the members of the Wizengamot had, at this point, returned and were listening in - including Lucius, who was staring with disbelief and anger at Dumbledore.
"I would be happy to talk to you, Madam Bones - however, could we perhaps get Sirius sorted first? I'm sure he is not comfortable in those robes and he could probably do with a meal or two," Harry said.
"That would be fine, Harry. Why don't you come in tomorrow, with Mr. Lupin? You're staying with him, I gather?" she asked.
"We're staying at the Leaky Cauldron," Harry said.
"Now, see here. Harry really must return home," Dumbledore said indignantly.
Amelia seemed to have had enough and turned to the old man. "Albus, if what Harry says is true, you are insisting he return home to his abusers. He is perfectly safe with Mr. Lupin, who I know to have been friends with his parents; however, if you are that worried I will have them return to my home tonight. I'm sure Susan would love that, anyway," Amelia said.
Dumbledore opened his mouth again, but closed it. "Very well," he said, before turning and dramatically walking to the doors.
Harry turned and looked at Remus and shrugged lightly before turning to look at Sirius and Amelia.
"Sorry about that," he said softly. "I don't know why he takes such an interest in me."
"It's quite alright, Mr. Potter. Now, the offer does stand if you would like to come back to Bones Manor; you're more than welcome," she said.
Harry thought about it before he spoke, "That's okay. Though I would love to see Susie, I fear if I turned up now she would beat me for keeping all of this from her."
Amelia smiled, "Want me to warm her up for you?"
"Please? Maybe mention how much she would miss me if she killed me for keeping secrets?" Harry added.
Amelia smiled and approached Harry. "You are always welcome at our home, Harry. And about our conversation tomorrow, I will expect you at noon in my office," she said.
"Thank you, Madam Bones," Harry said.
"Oh, and please, call me Amelia when it's nothing official," Amelia said.
Amelia turned then and walked out of the doors Albus had vacated from. Harry walked closer to Sirius and offered the man a smile. Sirius launched himself at Harry and pulled the boy into a tight hug, mumbling "thank you's and I'm sorry's" in between kisses to Harry's head.
"It's okay, Siri - you're okay, I'm okay," Harry reassured the man.
Remus cleared his throat after a few minutes, pulling Sirius out of his mind and back to the real world.
"It's good to see you, Pads," he said hesitantly, before Sirius pulled him down into the hug.
Eventually, Harry wormed his way out and saw that the room had been cleared.
"I think we should probably leave," he said to the two men.
Remus pulled himself up and offered Sirius a hand.
"You're staying at the Leaky," Sirius said, his voice still a bit croaky. Harry watched as Sirius stood and looked down at himself, reminding Harry of what he was wearing. Seeing this, Harry nudged Remus and smiled as the wolf stumbled to pull out the robe he had brought for Sirius.
Sirius smiled and pulled the robe on over his prison clothes; it was dark grey and slightly too big, but it was clean and new.
"Come on," Harry said, "I think we still have to sign some things before we can leave."
After eventually getting free from the ministry, with Sirius barely managing to worm his way out of being admitted to Saint Mungo's for 24 hour care (instead promising to attend daily sessions), the three of them returned to their rooms at the Leaky Cauldron. They made sure to keep their hoods up as the public wouldn't know about the trial until tomorrow's papers.
Entering the rooms, Harry insisted Sirius go bathe and ordered food for them all. It was only just after 12, but still he felt drained. They had a lot to sort out before the week was out and Harry wanted to get started on it right away.
After he bathed, Sirius decided to cut his hair and his beard before he re-joined them. Eating the food quickly and savouring every bite, the three didn't talk until Sirius slowed down.
"So…," Sirius said, eventually looking up at the faces surrounding him.
"Hi," Harry said sheepishly. Now that the drama had calmed down, Harry didn't want to upset Sirius again.
Sirius smiled. "You're just like your father, he always had to break the ice," he said.
"He sounds like a great man," Harry said.
Sirius's smile faded. "He was."
"I don't even know where to start," Harry admitted.
Sirius frowned slightly. "Maybe with why I ended up in there in the first place. Dumbledore knew I was innocent - he was the binder for the spell. Hagrid had seen me," he said, his voice stronger but still raspy.
Remus cringed. "I'm so sorry, Sirius. By the time I got back to England you were already in jail. Harry was just gone and everybody said it was you, your fault. Dumbledore, the papers, everybody. I just couldn't cope…," Remus said, his voice fading as he looked away.
Harry, knowing that the wolf had been controlled, placed a hand on his knee in support.
"I think I should start," Harry said, interrupting Sirius, who looked angry. "When I reentered this world, I visited the goblins. They performed a blood inheritance test on me as I had grown up ignorant of magic with my muggle aunt and uncle - well, mostly ignorant. The test revealed magical blocks and compulsions; Dumbledore placed them on me. There was even a blood glamour on me to make me look like my father. After I had them removed, I didn't know what to do; my memory has always been exceptional, that's why I say mostly ignorant. I can remember you Pads, giving me lifts on your back when I was a baby - that's the only real thing I remember about my life before that night. I asked about you, thinking you had just abandoned me like everybody else seemed to have, when I was told about your imprisonment. That's when I hired Dodge through the goblins."
"Wait, you remember that far back?" Sirius asked, shocked.
"Yes - my memories are vague, but I remember that night clearly. Anyway, after I hired Dodge, I went to Hogwarts. It was my first year, obviously, and I was sorted into Ravenclaw. Dumbledore was weird all year and was overly interested in me. I made friends with Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbott, and Susan Bones, and even they noticed Dumbledore was weird with me. I also then found out he is my magical guardian. However, until the day I saw him at the opening feast, I had never met him. I grew up with my magic hating muggle relatives; abused, beaten, and starved. I had no idea about being the Boy-Who-Lived or any other nonsense. He left me alone, unchecked."
Sirius looked angry and confused, reminding Harry he would have to be cleansed of magic as he probably had compulsions making him want to remain loyal to Dumbledore.
"I met Remus last week; I wrote to him and told him about your trial. I made him get checked out and, like me, he had compulsions on him. Dumbledore has done this before," Harry said.
Sirius was shaking and Harry watched as he seemed to fight with himself.
"They hurt you?" he asked eventually. His voice was abnormally calm.
"It wasn't that bad. This year I had help! Madame Pomfrey and Professor Snape really cared and supplied me with great healing ointments and potions," Harry said.
"They hurt my pup on purpose. Dumbledore abandoned you! He locked me up and abandoned you to be hurt!" Sirius continued.
"Sirius, calm down," Harry said, moving to hug him.
Sirius latched onto the small boy and held him tightly. "I will kill them," he promised.
Harry shook his head. "Killing the ones who hurt you doesn't work automatically," he said, thinking about Hermione for a moment. "Or, at least, it doesn't make you feel instantly better. However, I won't stop you. I will even help," Harry promised, making Remus laugh as he thought Harry was joking.
Sirius smiled lightly as well, however he picked up the slight tension in Harry's body as he promised. "I think I need to visit the goblins," he said.
"I think that's a good idea," Harry agreed, still in his arms.
AN: Big thank you to my Beta reader miisticalwrites for taking the time to check this for me!
Remember people that reviews are always appreciated but I won't hold the story to ransom for them.
Updates should come every few days and like usual this is being posed on Ao3 under the same name.
Hope you enjoy reading
~ Annie