Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light
Chapter 14
Previously
Having had his blood inheritance results and being cleansed, Sirius realised now that most of his behaviour was influenced by his Hogwarts letter and the compulsions placed on it; not that his family wasn't awful, but they were not awful because of their magical classification. They were just awful people in general - well, most of them.
Sirius though, he had denied his own magic and forced himself to become something he was not. He was a Dark wizard. Not a bad person or a sadist, but his magic was naturally Dark. Forcing himself to only do Light magic and become a Light wizard was unnatural for him; it had made him weaker. He would be dammed if he would force Harry to be anything other than who he was and, in the short time he had been with the boy, he suspected the boy was Dark. How Dark, he didn't know, but he would support his godson no matter what.
Harry had given Sirius back his freedom, both from Azkaban and from Dumbledore. He would do anything for him now.
The next morning, Harry and the two men had breakfast together before Sirius left for his appointment at St. Mungo's. Harry's appointment wasn't until noon, so he and Remus had some time.
Harry was waiting for Hedwig to return with his letters and the daily newspaper, anxious to see how the paper reported Sirius' release and trial. Setting aside his replies, Harry gave Hedwig some treats and unrolled the paper.
Ministry Blunders - Who Else is Innocent?
By Rita Skeeter
Yesterday in a shock trial, which had members of the Wizengamot unaware until the trial itself, revealed shocking ministry injustices.
Sirius Black, renowned for being a mass murderer and supporter of You-Know-Who, was found to have been innocent of all crimes! The man, now 31, was imprisoned without a trial in Azkaban ten years ago after being accused of the murders of Peter Pettigrew - who has been found by aurors in the last few days - and twelve muggles. In a great twist, it has been revealed that it was Pettigrew who betrayed the Potter family to You-Know-Who, resulting in their murder and it was Pettigrew who killed the twelve muggles. The man is an unregistered rat animagus and was found just days before the trial of Mr. Black by Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt.
What happens next? Who knows, but it begs the question: if Mr. Black is innocent, how many more are?
This reporter aims to find out.
Harry smirked as he read the article before handing the paper to Remus. Picking up his letters, Harry was slightly relieved that Susan hadn't sent a howler. Reading her letter first, Harry opened it.
Harry,
Harrison James Potter, you don't know how lucky you are that this letter isn't a howler. My aunt refused to do the charm for me - so you should thank her later!
How could you keep this from us?! You know we would have helped you!
Screw Dumbledore - yes, I swore - we're your friends, Harry! We will always stand by you and help to support you.
You had better not keep anything from us again without a great reason!
When we meet up on the 1st, you had better be prepared to answer all my questions mister, or I will not be happy.
I hope your summer has been okay regardless. I was getting ready to send my aunt after you because I hadn't yet heard!
So, don't be a stranger and write! I want to hear all about it!
Love, Susie,
Your still frustrated but loyal friend
Hannah's letter was more reserved than Susan's, but Harry was still a bit apprehensive for seeing the two girls together.
Harry,
How could you not tell us? Don't you know how worried we've been?! Next time you had better keep us in the loop.
You had better hope that Amelia doesn't do the howler spell for Susan!
I do understand why you were worried, but next time, let us be involved; we're your friends for a reason, Harry - we want to help you!
I can't wait to see you on the 1st and I hope you're prepared to talk, mister!
Either way, I hope your summer's been good! If you need anything or just want to talk, remember, I'm always here!
Love, Hannah
Neville's letter was like Harry expected: reserved, but understanding. He really was glad he had befriended the blond boy.
Harry,
I can't say that I'm too impressed to hear you did this alone, but I understand why. You've always been alone before you had us, right?
You need to remember that we're here for you, Harry. Next time I expect to be told straight away!
So, how is Sirius? If he's innocent, I bet that he's grateful for having you!
Remember to keep writing! I want to hear from you!
And if you're free on the 30th, I would like for you to visit. It's my birthday and gran usually has the elves make a cake.
I'll ask the girls as well, so maybe you can warm them up if you write.
Neville
Harry replied to them all and asked Remus if they were free on the 30th so that he could go to Neville's. Getting an affirmative from the werewolf, Harry was happy to write back, saying he would go. He hadn't yet bought the boy a present and wanted to get him something nice to show his appreciation. He had been lucky so far in that he hadn't been found in the Leaky Cauldron, and he wanted it to remain this way as he didn't want to be surrounded by people looking to catch a glimpse of the famous Boy-Who-Lived.
As they still had a few hours before they had to go to the ministry to meet Madam Bones, Harry decided to look through his books. He had spent the last few days focusing on Sirius and now he wanted to spend a moment on Tom. He knew the easiest horcruxes to get would be the diadem and the locket. Hopefully the book as well if Lucius acts as he did last time; if not, it wouldn't be impossible to get the book - all Harry would have to do was get an invite to Malfoy manor. Although he needed the ring, as it was also a Hallow, Harry was wary of going after it; the protections surrounding it would take time and magical energy, which Harry knew he couldn't spare presently.
He had to collect the pieces of Tom's soul; even without knowing how, he would save Tom. Harry knew he couldn't let his soul fragments to remain out there unguarded.
Picking up a book, Harry got out a blank notepad and started the translation spell. The book was an old Russian book he had bought in Knockturn Alley a few days earlier and had looked promising. By doing the spell on a blank notepad, Harry could let the spell run even without him present and he would eventually have an English copy.
"What are you reading?" asked Remus, walking closer to the boy.
Harry looked up. "Just something in Russian - I'm translating it," Harry said, not wanting Remus to become too interested and, therefore, not being obviously vague.
Remus hummed. "Do you need any help?" he offered.
Harry smiled and replied, "I'm okay, thank you. I like to keep busy." He didn't want Remus to notice his use of magic and question it. He had only been using wandless magic sparingly since Remus and Sirius had been around him, unable to use his holly wand as it held the ministry trace. He didn't want to answer their questions.
"If you're sure," the wolf said, walking away and back over to whatever he had been doing before.
Eventually, it was time for Harry and Remus to go to the ministry. Dressing in smart clothing, they apparated in. Harry, stumbling slightly as side-along apparition was worse than normal apparition, grumbled as they left the apparition zone.
"Welcome to the ministry, you need to register your wands in order to obtain a visitor's pass," a young man said at the visitor's desk.
Harry pulled out his holly wand and held it out. The guard took it without looking and waited for the results.
"Thank you, Mr.—" the guard paused then and quickly turned to Harry, "—oh, Merlin, I'm so sorry! You're Harry Potter! Welcome to the ministry!"
Harry sighed and turned to Remus with an exasperated expression. "Thank you. Could I possibly have my wand back now and my pass?" he asked.
The guard seemed to startle and fumbled with passing Harry his wand. "If there's anything you need, anything at all—"
Harry sighed and cut him off, "I think I will be fine, thank you."
Remus huffed a slight chuckle at Harry's exasperation before he handed his wand over.
The guard blanched when he read Remus' results. "Erm, Mr. Lupin, you will need a special pass due to your status as a we-werewolf," he stuttered out the last word.
"I know," Remus said pleasantly, used to the fear and prejudice.
The guard watched him warily, as though he would suddenly turn and attack. He practically threw Remus his wand and pass.
Walking to the room towards the lift, Harry watched as the ministry workers eyed Remus warily as soon as they noted his pass. Entering the lift, a young woman even stepped out when she saw the silver pass.
Harry let out a low growl when he saw it happen and Remus stepped closer and rested a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay," he whispered into Harry's ear.
Harry turned towards him. "It's not, but one day - one day it will be," Harry whispered back.
Remus smiled at the boy's words. He didn't mind the treatment anymore, he had long since grown used to it.
Reaching the DMLE floor, they stepped out of the lift and approached the bustling centre. Seeing the words "BONES, AMELIA. HEAD AUROR." on the centermost door, the two approached the door and knocked.
The door opened quickly and Amelia ushered them in. Inside, there was another woman around the same age, an older man, and Dumbledore.
Harry sent Remus a look when he spotted the old coot and carefully blanked his face.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Lupin. Thank you for coming today, won't you please take a seat," Amelia said, smiling at Harry. "Now, we are here today as there have been allegations made about your home life, Harry."
Harry nodded, "Yes, I understand."
"With me are Joanne Mirwood, head of the Children's Protection Offices, and Westley Lane from the Muggles Relations Office, as well as Professor Albus Dumbledore, who you obviously know as your headmaster, but he is also your magical guardian."
Harry nodded to them. "Good afternoon, ma'am, sirs," he said, Remus doing the same.
Ms. Mirwood looked at Harry with a light smile. "Why don't you start, Harry? I think it's important if you tell us in your own words how your relatives treated you before we make any decisions."
Harry internally smirked but outwardly showed a child unsure; he fidgeted slightly in his seat and looked at Dumbledore with a wary look before turning to the rest of the adults. "If you think that's best," he eventually said, before shuffling once more. "My memory has always been good, I remember things from my life before I went to live with my aunt and uncle. I remember my mum singing and my dad's laugh..."
Joanne smiled. "Why don't you tell us your earliest memories with your aunt and uncle?" she asked.
"I remember being hungry and crying and I kept asking for my mum. I couldn't understand why she wasn't there; I was cold and scared and usually she would come and sing to me. I can remember that night, the flash of green, but at the time I didn't understand it. In the beginning, they would only tend to me when it became obvious that they had to. I wasn't ever cared for. However, one of my clearest memories was when I had turned three; my aunt had slapped me and told me: 'Your whore mother had gotten herself killed in a car crash with your drunk father'," Harry said, making Remus growl and the women gasp.
Dumbledore's eyes tightened and Harry saw him clench his fist.
Joanne recovered her composure. "Did you get hit often?" she asked.
Harry shrugged and looked down. "Whenever I did something bad - like magic or burning the breakfast or doing better than my cousin in school. Things like that," he mumbled.
Amelia looked livid and Remus was obviously struggling. Dumbledore though, he had stiffened and looked ready to jump across the room and strangle Harry. His blue eyes were piercing into him and Harry could feel the signs of legilimency, however, with his rings and his own occlumency, it wasn't working.
"You were punished for accidental magic growing up?" she asked, shocked. Magic in children was cherished and celebrated. Usually a child's first big accidental magic was cause for a celebration or party.
"Yes, they didn't like it when I did freakish things," Harry said, flinching slightly on purpose when he said the word freak.
"How did they punish you, other than hitting you?" she asked softly.
"I would be locked in my cupboard without food for a few days sometimes…," Harry said. At this point he had made sure to curl in on himself as he spoke.
"What cupboard, Harry?" the child officer asked.
"That's where I lived. The cupboard under the stairs," Harry said.
"I see," Joanne said, sharing concerned looks with the adults.
"Come now, Harry, I'm sure you're exaggerating," Dumbledore said jovially.
Harry flinched, making Remus and the other adults turn to the old man and glare.
"Harry, you mentioned burning the breakfast; are you telling me it was your job to cook?" Amelia asked, joining in the questioning as she had, in her opinion, cause for a criminal case.
"Yes. As soon as I was tall enough to reach the stove, my aunt had me cooking all the food," Harry said.
Amelia looked confused for a second before she realised what the child meant. "You mean to tell me she had you doing all of the cooking from a young age?"
"I was four when I started, it's how I got the burn on my arm. I wasn't good at seeing the pans as they were too high. After that, though, I got really good at judging how long things needed to be cooked for," Harry said, making sure to sound slightly proud of this achievement. Internally he was dancing with glee - the looks on the adults faces were priceless. They were all eating out of the palm of his hand and he had yet to lie. Only Dumbledore looked murderous, making the moment even sweeter for Harry.
"You were cooking unsupervised and using flames at the age of four," Amelia stated.
"Yes," Harry said.
"I see," she said, turning to share a look with Joanne.
They seemed to share an entire conversation in a look, making Harry assume that as they were both parents, or at least parental figures; it was a look of motherly concern.
Westley joined in then, "You mentioned a cupboard. Were you living there, as you claim, because there was no space room for you to have a bedroom?"
Dumbledore looked victorious for a moment as he thought he had an ally.
"No sir, there are four bedrooms. My aunt and uncle's room, Dudley's bedroom and his 2nd bedroom, and the spare one used by aunt Marge when she comes and visits," Harry said.
Westley looked shocked. "So there was adequate space for you to have a room to yourself?" he asked.
"I think so, sir," Harry mumbled.
Dumbledore had gone back to looking mutinous. "Come now, my boy, I'm sure your relatives did their best for you. They are your family, after all," he said. Harry could feel a slight compulsion pushing against him.
Amelia seemed to be pulled out of her shock at that and sent the Professor a dark look.
"It is my opinion, based on these accusations, that Harry's aunt and uncle are not fit to care for a magical child," Amelia said. "I'm sure you agree, Ms. Mirwood."
"I do," Joanne said.
"Come now, they are the boy's family and he is a child. Surely you know how a child can exaggerate," Dumbledore said, making Harry want to hex him as he was basically calling him a liar.
Amelia looked angry but turned to Harry. "Harry, do you have any proof of what you say? Any evidence at all?" she asked.
"Well, I saw a private healer, Jordan Theon, last summer, who recorded all of my injuries. He prescribed potions to combat my malnutrition and to help heal my bones as they had not been set correctly and were weak from breaks. He also gave me an ointment for my scars. Kosti-Recovery, Helga's Fortune, and Apollo's Tears," Harry said.
"Very good. We will ask for him to provide the note of his scans. Is there anybody else who you can think of who could provide evidence?"
"Well, Madam Pomfrey did a scan while I was at school, so she would probably help. And Professor Snape brewed my potions and ointment. My head of house, Professor Flitwick, also knows; over Christmas, he wrote to my family and became concerned as they wrote about how they didn't care what happened to me if I was sick," Harry said in an embarrassed voice.
"Three teachers at Hogwarts are aware of your home life?" Amelia said, sending Dumbledore a dark look.
The old man looked livid, probably with how the situation had played out. However, Harry honestly couldn't see how he thought this would go - maybe the legilimency was supposed to make him say his family was great?
"That's everybody, I think…," Harry mumbled.
"Come now, Harry. I really must insist you tell the truth; your family loves you. They were very worried when you didn't return to them from school," Dumbledore insisted.
Harry shrunk back. "I didn't want to go back. I wrote to them and they said they didn't care," Harry said.
"Do you have this letter?" Amelia butted in when she saw Dumbledore open his mouth.
Harry nodded and reached into his robe, pulling out the letter Vernon had written him back. Handing it over, Harry watched as Amelia read it.
"Thank you, Harry. Would it be okay if I kept this and made you a copy? This will be used as evidence," she explained.
"That's fine," Harry said.
Joanne spoke up then, "I do understand your fear of returning to your relatives, Harry, but it was very irresponsible of you. You should have gone to a friend's house. Being out there alone isn't an option for a child, especially for you, with your status," she explained.
"Precisely. He needs to return to his family," Dumbledore said, making the adults and Harry look at him incredulously.
"I didn't mean that, Harry," the woman said. "What I meant was that you cannot live alone and look after yourself. It has come to my attention that you are no longer alone as you have Mr. Lupin, but before then what were you planning on doing? You said to Madam Bones yesterday that you are staying at the Leaky Cauldron. That isn't the best place for a young boy to grow up."
Harry was happy this conversation was happening now that Sirius was free. "I'm sorry," he said, "but like you said, I'm not alone now. Remy and Siri are looking after me. And yesterday I went with Siri after he was freed to a healer's appointment and then the bank; he's having his house in London redecorated and cleaned for us already."
"Siri as in Sirius Black?" Amelia questioned. Seeing the looks on the faces of the two adults, she added, "He was found innocent of all crimes yesterday. Peter Pettigrew was the real murderer and was found alive last week - he had set Black up."
"He's my godfather. He said he would be filing for custody today to become my guardian in both the muggle and magical worlds," Harry said.
Dumbledore must have had enough at this point as he sat forward and frowned. "Now see here, I am your magical guardian," he said.
Amelia, looking exasperated, turned to Dumbledore. "Yes, you are, and do not think I will not be questioning you about your lack of involvement in Harry's life growing up. As his magical guardian, you had a duty of care - which you failed!" she said, shutting the man up.
Harry barely restrained himself from kissing the woman as she pointed out Dumbledore's failings. Maybe he could send an anonymous gift basket?
"I see. Well, in light of this, I will grant Mr. Lupin temporary guardianship," Ms. Mirwood said, pulling out some documents from Merlin knows where.
Remus looked startled. "But I'm a werewolf," he said quietly.
Amelia looked pained by Remus' quiet admission.
"I am aware," Joanne said. "However, it is clear you have provided care and support for Mr. Potter. Until a real custody trial can be held, I am entrusting Mr. Potter into your care."
Dumbledore stood at this point. "If the boy cannot return to his relatives, like is best, then surely you should give me custody as I am his magical guardian," he said, his voice tight.
"Mr. Dumbledore—"
"Professor Dumbledore," Dumbledore interrupted contemptuously.
"Professor Dumbledore," the head of the Child Protection Office started, refusing to be intimidated, "I believe that Harry would be better off staying with Mr. Lupin in his current place as he is clearly happy, well-loved, and looked after. Until the custody trial, which I will book for the 3rd of August, he shall remain in his care as disrupting him anymore would not be beneficial for Harry, who is the most important person in this situation."
Dumbledore straightened his back and looked down at the woman with thinly veiled contempt. "Very well," he said, before turning and walking out of the door.
Amelia looked annoyed, but turned to Harry. "I will consult the people you spoke of and have them provide evidence for your custody trial, but rest assured: you shall not have to return to your relatives if I have any say in the situation," she promised.
Mr. Lane stood then. "I haven't had much to say in this meeting, but it has been a pleasure to meet you, Harry," he said, offering his hand. Harry shook his hand and returned the sentiment.
Eventually, just the women and Remus remained.
"I shall send you a letter about the trial details, but if Mr. Black files for it today and, in light of the evidence, I do not see a reason why he should not gain full custody," Ms. Mirwood said. "And, can I just say, Harry, I am very sorry you had to grow up in such an awful environment. I can promise you this: the wizarding world never knew."
Harry smiled. "It's okay, I survived," Harry said.
"Yes, you did," Joanne said before leaving.
After she had gone, Harry turned to Amelia. "Thank you, Madam Bones," he said.
"Call me Amelia when we're alone, Harry," she said, sitting back with a sigh.
"Thank you, then, Amelia. Also, thank you for not charming Susie's letter."
Amelia laughed. "It's okay, but next time you may not be so lucky," she warned.
"I also want to thank you for looking out for me. Susan mentioned you started looking into my file at Christmas, that you wanted to help me," Harry said.
Amelia nodded tiredly. "I did and I do; I don't know what Dumbledore is up to. He has your file secured - but, no matter. I don't want you worrying about a thing; we'll get to the bottom of this," she promised.
"Thank you, and please mention to Susan how sorry I am for not telling her. I didn't want her or any of our friends to be worried about me being alone or about the trial," Harry said.
"Why did you choose to go alone, Harry? I know Susan has offered you a place in our home if you ever need it - and I don't doubt Hannah and Neville have as well," Amelia asked out of curiosity.
"Honestly?" Harry asked. "I didn't want to burden any of you or for you to feel sorry for me. I knew the trial would work, it had to. So, I knew I wouldn't be alone for long - well, I hoped I wouldn't be alone for long."
"I can see why you would think that, but Harry, you are only eleven. I know you are mature for your age, but it really isn't safe. Please promise me that you will never do something like this again," Amelia said, more as a concerned parental figure than an auror.
Harry nodded. "I promise," he said.
Remus interrupted then, "I'm sorry, but I think we should get going. We have a lot to do today."
"It's fine, I have mountains of paperwork," Amelia said, waving off his concern. "Remember Harry: write to Susan. If you don't, she'll be wearing holes in the carpet," she warned.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck and muttered about mother hens. "I will," he promised.
Returning to the Leaky Cauldron after their meeting, Harry wrote to his friends explaining what happened and what he hoped would happen next. He also wrote a more detailed version for Ragnok and Mr. Dodge, warning them about Dumbledore and making sure they were prepared. He wanted to go to Gringotts, but he feared he wouldn't have time or be able to slip away unnoticed. He also sent a note to Dodge, asking him to file Sirius' custody claim immediately. Sirius could sign it tomorrow, but Harry wanted it notarized, even if it wasn't completely above board.
Once Sirius returned, they had around an hour before Skeeter was due to arrive, so he and Harry picked up cloaks with hoods and disappeared into the summer crowds. That was the one thing he liked about the busy streets; with the amount of people around, it was easy to remain anonymous.
Taking the lead as he knew the dark alley better, Harry lead Sirius through the back streets to Morgause's Wands and More. When he opened the door, Harry felt a ward wash over him; and knew that if he meant ill will towards the owner, he would be in serious pain right now.
"This is the shop?" Sirius asked, looking around. It was nothing like Ollivanders; there were no wand boxes or supplies. Instead, the small shop was surprisingly light for the alley, and only had a desk and a few paintings of trees. A small bookcase sat to one side with an old sofa and coffee table.
"Yes," Harry said. He had never been inside, but he had heard about it during his trips to the alley. He had gotten good at going unseen and had heard many interesting things.
"Greetings, Lord Black, Heir Potter. What can I do for you today?" came the voice of an old woman.
Looking up, Harry saw her appear from the back room. She was ancient and probably only stood a few inches taller than Harry's own miniscule size.
"I need a new wand, mine was snapped when I went to Azkaban," Sirius said, looking at the woman.
"Very well, Lord Black. My name is Lorelei, please follow me into the back," she instructed.
Harry followed Sirius as he was interested in the process. He watched as the old woman flicked her wand and a box appeared and grew on a large table.
"Please reach out and feel each piece of wood with your magic. You will know when you feel the right one. If you cannot feel with your magic, then you will have to pick up each wood and see which reacts to you best," Lorelei instructed.
Sirius closed his eyes and centred himself. His magic was still weak, but it had stabilized and was getting stronger every hour. Harry, interested in the procedure, focused his magic on Sirius' and helped him to guide his, causing the man to open his eyes in shock as he felt Harry's strength.
Harry felt the moment Sirius' magic bonded with the wood and watched as Sirius approached and picked up a dark brown, almost black, branch.
"Ebony wood. An apt choice for you, Lord Black," Lorelei commented. Harry searched his memories and remembered what he had read about ebony wands. Ebony wands, Harry remembered, were best suited for those who favoured combative magic and transfiguration. Ebony wands are happiest in the hand of those with the courage to be themselves - wielders were frequently non-conformist individuals or comfortable with the status of an outsider.
Sirius smiled. "My first wand was oak."
The old woman nodded and took the piece of wood from Sirius, placing it on the side. She then waved her wand and the contents of the box changed, no longer wood, but an array of magical cores now sat inside. Some of which Harry knew were rare and hardly used.
"You will repeat the process to find your core. Sometimes, in rare cases, multiple cores are chosen," she said.
Sirius nodded his understanding and, once again, with Harry's help, directed his magic to the box. This time, when his magic reacted, Harry wasn't as shocked as he recognised the sensation. Sirius reached in and pulled out a jar of dark hair.
"Rougarou hair. Not often found in British wands as the beast is native to America," Lorelei said. Harry once again searched his memories and remembered the monster; it was native to the southern states like Louisiana. The dog monster has the head of a wolf and the body of a man. Although sentient, they were a reclusive and volatile race.
Sirius nodded. "How long until the wand is ready?" he asked.
"You can collect it tonight. Be back at seven," the old woman instructed.
"Thank you," Sirius said, pleased he would not be so helpless for long. He was capable of some basic wandless magic, but not much. Probably none in his current state.
Leaving the shop, the two quickly returned to the Leaky Cauldron. They had around 15 minutes before Rita was due to arrive and they had to freshen up.
Seeing the time, Harry had to convince Remus and Sirius to let him go downstairs alone.
"I promise I will be fine, I just want to talk to her alone first," Harry said.
"But Harry—" Remus said, wanting to point out, again, that he was acting as his guardian.
"—I will be fine; the pub is a public place. I will literally be five minutes," Harry interrupted.
"Let him go, Remy," Sirius said before he turned to Harry. "But you have three minutes."
Harry contained his eye roll - he hated looking like a preteen. "Fine," he said, rushing out of the door.
Harry only had to wait for a few seconds once he got downstairs. Rita appeared on the dot, her photographer Bozo trailing after her. Approaching the vibrantly dressed woman, Harry withheld his sneer.
"Ms. Skeeter," he said, offering his hand, which she took. Kissing the air above her's, Harry smiled. "It's a pleasure, ma'am. My name is Harry potter."
"My, Mr. Potter, what lovely manners," Skeeter purred, making Harry want to wipe his lips.
"Now, before we begin, I just have one thing to say to you," Harry said, leaning in close.
"Oh?" Skeeter said, her eyes wide as she thought of the gossip she would get, the prestige.
"It's a five year sentence to Azkaban for being an unregistered animagus, isn't it? Even for such a small, little bug," Harry whispered. Seeing her panic, he continued quickly, "Now, don't worry, nobody else knows. But it would be such a shame if my favourite reporter got caught. So, perhaps we should take our conversation upstairs. I do want you to be able to hear me properly; it would be a shame if I was misquoted."
Harry was proud of how quickly the woman understood his silent threat - he had feared she would miss it.
"I quite agree, Mr. Potter," she said, her voice losing its sickening purr and gaining an ounce of fear.
"None of that now, Rita, call me Harry. We are friends, after all," Harry said, leading the way for her upstairs.
Entering the room with Rita and Bozo, Harry saw that Remus and Sirius had laid out tea on the table and were sitting, obviously anxious.
"Take a seat, Rita, we will explain everything," Harry said.
Rita moved quickly, eyes widening when she saw Sirius Black. "Lord Black, it's an honour," she said, the purr returning but vanishing before she finished when Harry cleared his throat.
Sirius, noticing this, sent Harry an inquisitive glance but got a faux innocent look in return.
Joining them at the table, Harry sat with Remus and Sirius on either side, opposite Rita.
"Now, Rita, I'm sure you're aware that Sirius here has recently been found innocent of all of the terrible crimes he was accused?" Harry asked.
"Yes, such a shameful misjustice," Rita agreed.
"Well, what is less known is that he is also my godfather," Harry said. "In a few days, he will be going to trial to prove he is a fit guardian for me."
Rita's eyes lit up as she realised how important this information was. "And you would like for me to help his claim, Harry?" she asked.
"Very good, Rita," Harry said. "What is not known is that the muggles I grew up with were the worst sort. Physically and verbally abusive. They starved me and hated my magic. Sirius, however, is a perfect guardian; he cherishes me and in the short time I have known him, I feel like I have gained a real family. Remus is, as well. They are the best possible people to raise me, to help me recover from the muggles, and to become the wizard the world needs me to be," Harry said, looking Rita in the eye to get the message across.
Rita's eyes had grown huge. "I see, I think I know exactly how to help. Perhaps a picture of the two of you though, to help sell the article," she suggested, her eyes calculating.
Harry knew she wouldn't betray him; working with him, she not only got to keep her secret safe, but also she gained exclusive rights to stories about him - as long as she painted him in the light he wanted, of course.
After the pictures, Rita disappeared, promising Harry the article would be printed how he wanted. Harry had also told her that, if he liked what she did, she would always be the first person he contacted in the press - thus making sure she was firmly in his pocket.
"So, how did you do it?" Sirius asked when they were alone in Harry's room.
Harry turned innocent once again. "Whatever do you mean?" he asked.
"I know you said you had a contact - but that right there? That was almost scary. So, what do you have on her?" Sirius asked curiously. Although he said it was scary, he wasn't afraid of Harry; if anything, he was proud of the boy. Yes, the tactics where Slytherin, but he was proving he could survive, that he would survive.
"Did you know it's a five year prison sentence for not registering as an animagus after you finish school?" Harry asked, smirk widening as he saw Sirius make the connection.
"So, she's…?" he trailed off.
"Yes. People always did say they thought she bugged them to get her information," Harry said, hinting widely.
"Bugged?" Sirius asked.
Harry laughed. "It's a muggle thing," he explained. "But either way, she's an unregistered beetle animagus. I just pointed out the consequences if the wrong people found out and the benefits of our ongoing professional relationship."
Sirius was silent for a moment before he barked out a dog like laugh. Eventually, he calmed down. "You're scary sometimes, but I have never been so proud," he said, making Harry smile.
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