Harry Potter and the Shadowed Light
Chapter 18
Previously
Sirius grumbled about demented elves, making Harry laugh. "It's not funny! I swear, if it wasn't for the fact that you so clearly like him, that elf would be gone," Sirius whined.
"Then it's a good thing he's my friend," Harry said, just as Kreacher popped back with their lemonade.
Hearing his Little Master defend him, Kreacher puffed up his chest with pride and poured the Little Master a glass, leaving the pitcher for the mutt and wolf to help themselves. The Little Master was such a good Master, just like Master Regulus had been, defending poor Kreacher.
After they had drunk their lemonade, Sirius asked if Harry wanted to duel. Harry considered it, but he knew he would only get frustrated in the end having to restrict himself. He needed to find a cure for Tom, as then he would feel comfortable coming clean.
Declining, Harry said he was actually feeling quite tired. As it was nearing nine, he would instead head to bed after having a bath.
2nd August 1992
The next day, Harry and the two men floo'd into Diagon Alley at noon for their meeting with Dodge. Each wore outer cloaks with hoods pulled up to try and remain inconspicuous in the busy summer crowds.
Entering the bank, Harry walked ahead, leading the men to Ragnok's office. Harry greeted each goblin with a nod as he passed them. The meeting was being held in Gringotts to ensure privacy and to keep the goblins, especially Ragnok, up to date.
After knocking, Harry entered and saw that Dodge was already inside. Standing, the law wizard shook Harry's hand first as he was technically his boss even though Sirius held more political power. After their greetings were done, they all took a seat.
Ragnok looked over Harry and smiled. "It is good to see you, Harry," the goblin said.
"Likewise, my friend," Harry responded.
Ragnok turned to Sirius then. "You are looking better as well, Lord Black."
Sirius nodded. "Thank you, Chief Ragnok. My health has improved dramatically under the care of both the goblin healers and those at St. Mungo's."
Dodge interrupted the good news, "That is good, Lord Black. Your strengthening health will reduce the opposition's case against you."
Sirius turned his head to better look at the lawyer. "I believe my medical records will show that, although I'm am yet at full strength, I have increased to a level which is acceptable."
"Good, good," the lawyer said, appraising Sirius with his eyes.
"Have you any idea who Dumbledore has hired to go against you?" Harry asked. He didn't know any law wizards or witches, really.
Dodge smiled slightly ferally. "Oh, yes. Her name is Miranda Jenkins; I believe she is the niece of Elphias Doge. Young girl, she has some potential but she is too firmly in Dumbledore's pocket to truly reach it."
"She won't be a problem, then?" Remus asked. He had spent the last few days worrying, especially about his influence on the trial.
"No, not for me," Dodge assured.
"Good," Harry said. He remembered Doge from his last life and how fiercely he had defended Dumbledore after he died. It didn't surprise him that he followed the old man now.
"Now Harry, as for you, I've been in contact with Madam Bones. She's allowed me to see the evidence of your abuse and let me tell you: this case, as far as I can see, should be a clear win. Your medical reports, as well as the correspondence from your family, shows their treatment and dismissal of you."
Harry nodded. "Any other issues we should be aware of?"
"Well, Dumbledore has been seen stirring amongst some of the Light families, making his presence known. But, honestly? With the evidence I doubt any will go against you."
"How he thinks he can win this, I will never know," Sirius grumbled.
"He's too assured of his own power. He has fooled this world for decades and amassed a following. He will not realise the masses have turned against him until it's too late - if we're lucky," Harry said.
Dodge nodded. "He doesn't seem to realise some of who he was trying to convince were already against him."
"Hopefully his inability to see the truth and his arrogance will hold out," Harry said.
"Another issue that Dumbledore has brought up is creature laws. There has been a bill proposed to strip known Dark magical creatures of their rights to dwell with wizards, including family. Although it does not have Dumbledore's name on it, it screams of his influence. It was proposed by Dolores Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, who has been seen in his company a fair bit more than usual recently," Dodge said, eyes briefly going to Remus, who had stiffened.
Harry growled and forced his occlumency shields to hold back his magic. Thinking of the pink toad made him remember the pain she had caused him and the other students at Hogwarts. Not only did she use Dark artefacts to torture and maim them, she had tried to Crucio him! He had forgotten about her, but he vowed not to do so again—he would get his revenge. Her persecution of creatures and muggleborns had been ruthless and vindictive; she truly was a dreadful woman.
"The bill won't pass," Harry said with conviction. Even if he had to manipulate the Wizengamot himself, he wouldn't let it pass.
"You think he's trying to undermine my claim as Remus lives with us and was granted temporary custody?" Sirius asked, his voice tight with anger.
"That you be my guess," Dodge said. "It shouldn't cause too much trouble as, like you said, Mr. Lupin has already been granted temporary custody and it is you who is going for full. Seeing how well you function as a family unit will also help as it shows Harry is settled and happy."
"He's a fool to go after Remus," Harry spat out. "He's alienating an entire race - and for what? To try and control me? He's doing us a favour, really."
Sirius looked at Harry in shock, trying to find his logic. "A favour?" he asked.
"He's showing the world that he doesn't care about creature rights; he's showing his hand. Before now he has always preached goodwill and fairness and, even if his name isn't on this bill, those who need to know will find out."
"So his attack is a good thing?" Sirius asked.
"Yes and no. No, as if it goes through it's bad in general, but I will do everything in my power to stop that from happening. Yes, as it shows the world Dumbledore isn't as great and Light as he claims," Harry said.
Remus, who hadn't relaxed since the mentioning of the bill, nodded his head stiffly. "I will leave if I have to," he said quietly.
Harry shook his head and Sirius moved to stand, however Remus stilled them by raising a hand. "I promised to always be there for you, Harry - and if that means I have to leave for a while so Sirius can gain custody, I will. But I will never truly abandon you. Yes, I may be gone from home, but I will still be around."
Harry sighed. "It won't come to that. The trial tomorrow will be fine."
"There is also a large chance you will be called on to testify, Harry," Dodge said.
"Me?" Harry asked. He thought you had to be informed before; hand-sign, papers, etc.
"Yes. I received word of it just before I arrived - I believe Dumbledore hopes that the pressure of a trial will make it easy to manipulate you."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Let him try. It could actually be a good thing; I can share my story in my own words."
After talking through the details once again, the three of them left the bank. Harry had been thinking of the newest proposed creature bill and felt his magic flare behind his occlumency shields. He couldn't let it pass. Slowly, an idea formed and he smirked darkly. Seeing the look on Harry's face, Sirius leaned down and whispered into his ear.
"If I have to help you bury a body, I want a few days notice," he said, joking but not.
Harry looked up and rolled his eyes. "Please, like I would need help with that," he said.
Sirius grinned. "Yes, but an alibi is something I could provide."
Remus, overhearing their conversation, snorted. They quickly reached the apparition point and Sirius, holding onto Harry, moved to apparate.
Returning home, Harry went straight upstairs and into the library, pulling out books on creature history, statistics, and old law books. After a few hours, Harry stood and stretched his back, hearing it pop in satisfaction. Pulling out a piece of parchment, Harry smirked as he wrote down all he had found out, before writing his letter.
Miss Skeeter,
I'm sure you've heard about the truly horrendous new creature bill proposed by Dolores Umbridge? It's an atrocity, really. Not only is she relentlessly persecuting the victims of an unfortunate curse, but also their families and loved ones. Her relentless bigotry truly disgusts me.
I'm sure you, like I, feel this awful act cannot go on and that the public needs to know how truly biased and restricting the laws against Dark creatures are. You will have noticed a few extra pieces of parchment in this letter. They are notes I have made, all true and referenced.
You will find that the number of Dark creature attacks on wizards and muggles has increased only after restrictions were put in place. Before, when Dark creatures had more rights—the rights they should have—there were less than ten attacks a year, usually performed by rogues and outliers.
Much like I, I'm sure you will want to share this amazing discovery with the public and make it known to everybody.
Your friend,
Harry Potter
Sending Hedwig off with the letter, Harry wandlessly cast a tempus charm and quickly headed downstairs.
"I thought I would have to call for you," Remus said. Harry had almost been later for dinner.
"I'm sorry, I was caught up writing a letter," Harry said, sitting down just as dinner appeared on the table. Kreacher had made chicken in a creamy sauce and boiled potatoes.
"To your friends?" Sirius asked.
"No, actually. I was writing to Miss Skeeter about the creature bill," Harry said nonchalantly.
Remus choked on his bite of food and coughed slightly. "You're going to involve the press?" he asked.
"Well, you see, I decided to do some research. Did you know that the number of creature restrictions put in place directly correlates to the rising number of creature attacks? Before the restrictions came about 200 years ago, the number of creature related attacks were under ten per year," Harry said, shocking the men.
"Wait, is this true?" Remus asked.
"Yes, I even referenced my findings. I thought Miss Skeeter would be interested in sharing them."
"Pup, you're a genius," Sirius said, staring at Harry with wide eyes.
Harry blushed. "Well no, I'm somewhat impressive and surprisingly good at research - but a genius? Nah."
Sirius laughed and Remus looked slightly choked up."You have no idea how much this could help," he said.
Harry reached over and placed his hand on the wolf's. "I do and that's why I did it."
Grimmauld Place, 3rd August 1992
The next day was the trial and Harry seriously considered hexing both Sirius and Remus; their nervousness and panic was annoying.
"What if something goes wrong?" Sirius said, pacing with his hands in his hair.
Harry sighed and gave up. Flicking his wrist so his wand was in hand, he sent a petrifying curse at Sirius.
"Now listen to me, the trial will be fine. Nothing will go wrong," Harry said. "Don't you agree, Remus?"
Remus, who was watching, inched slightly away when Harry turned his irritated gaze on him. "Yes," he said.
Flicking the countercurse at Sirius, Harry watched as the man became reanimated. "You know, petrifying curses are borderline Dark," the animagus said.
Harry shrugged. "I didn't want to knock you out, I wanted you aware," Harry said.
"And what's wrong with a normal Petrificus Totalus? You know, a simple freezing charm?" Sirius asked, shaking his arms a bit to get rid of the pins and needles the countercurse left behind.
Harry shrugged. "Would you believe I simply didn't think of it?"
"But you thought of a rare, borderline Dark curse instead?" Sirius asked.
"Yup," Harry said.
Sirius laughed. "Only you, pup," he said, fondly looking at Harry.
The ministry, 3rd August 1992
Eventually it was time to leave. Going via floo, Remus left first, quickly followed by Harry and Sirius. Entering the main atrium of the ministry, the two men lead Harry to the wand check-in. Going through the same procedure as last time, Harry and Remus were handed passes for visitors. Sirius, as a Lord, didn't need a pass as he was officially a member of the Wizengamot.
Going to the area where the courts were, Harry watched as Dodge skilfully weaved his way through the crowds to reach them.
"I've listened in on those around us and I can say we have 70% of the crowd already," he said in lieu of a greeting.
Looking around, Harry saw some familiar faces. Lucius was standing with a crowd of his more distinguished peers and seemed to be holding court. Catching his eye, Harry nodded his head in greeting.
"You're all prepared in case you're asked to give evidence?" Dodge asked.
"Yes," Harry confirmed. He was more than prepared - he was even looking forward to it.
"Right, good. Follow me, then, I will lead you into the private entrance. As it's you who is fighting for custody, you will be in the front box, not the main viewing area," Dodge explained, leading them to a well-hidden door.
Feeling eyes on him, Harry looked up as he was about to enter and caught Dumbledore's periwinkle blue eyes boring into him. He could feel the pressure of the old man's legilimency and knew the wizard was trying to plant something. Frustrated, Harry casually raised a hand to his head, making sure his Heir ring was on show.
He barely managed to contain his smirk when he saw Dumbledore's eyes flash with anger as he realised he wouldn't be able to plant suggestions that way.
Taking his seat behind Sirius, Harry looked around and saw the members of the Wizengamot had started to trail in. Lucius was sitting with men who Harry recognized as past Death Eaters and Dark sympathisers. As if sensing his gaze, Lucius looked up and caught Harry's eyes, emerald and silver clashing. The subtle nod the blond gave told Harry he had been successful in swaying their votes.
Harry also noted that, when Dumbledore took his seat, he too was in the front - however, he stood on the opposing side to Harry. The elderly man was glaring at Sirius and Remus with disgust, and Harry could practically feel the hatred pouring off him. His magic, which practically rolled off of him in angry waves, was screaming his bad mood. Feeling his magic, Harry barely withheld his snicker.
Eventually the room grew quiet as an elderly man Harry didn't know stood and took the seat of the overseer. He was around 70 looking, with a neatly trimmed beard and a face marred with laugh lines.
"I, Lord Marcus Trilby, do hereby call this session of the Wizengamot to order," he spoke, his voice easily above the residual noise.
Harry had never heard of the Lord, so he couldn't guess which side of the fence he sat on.
"Today's session has been called by Lord Sirius Black 3rd, on the issue of guardianship for Heir Harrison Potter-Black. Heir Potter-Black's current guardians have filed to retain their claims - therefore, a vote shall be called at the end to ascertain the outcome."
Again, the crowd who didn't know the reason behind the trial started to whisper, before Lord Trilby called them to order.
"Mr. Dodge, as you are representing Lord Black, why don't you give your opening statements," Trilby said.
Edgar stood, his robes flaring in a way that reminded Harry of Snape. "Ladies and gentlemen, today I come before you to ask you to see reason. My client, who is actually Heir Potter-Black, is a boy who desperately wants and deserves a family. He has withstood trials we could hardly begin to imagine and now asks for you to grant him his wish: to be returned to his rightful guardian, his blood adopted father, Lord Black."
Harry was impressed with Edgar's approach. He saw how a few, particularly the women, seemed to soften as he spoke. The mention of the blood adoption also stirred the purebloods as it was an old magic ritual - to ignore it would be to ignore all the bonds of family, something no pureblood did lightly.
"Thank you, Mr. Dodge, now for the opposition Chief Warlock I believe you have retired your chosen council and have decided to represent yourself and the boys Muggle family who didn't chose to come," Trilby said to Dumbledore. There was no scorn in his voice, but Harry got a feeling that this man was either not fond of Dumbledore or was firmly on Harry's side.
Dumbledore stood and walked slowly forward. "Yes, thank you, Marcus." Lord Trilby didn't react noticeably to the dismissal of his title, but Harry saw his eyes flash momentarily.
"Ladies and gentlemen. As you know, I have dedicated my life to helping our community and have spent countless years helping to mould the minds of our young - many of you yourselves are my former students. Therefore, I implore you to see reason: Harry is best left with his muggle family. They are, after all, his last true blood family."
Harry actually had to pinch himself to distract him from the urge to laugh aloud. The old man was a fool.
Trilby, however, nodded. "Very well. Mr. Dodge, if you would like to plead your case."
"To start, I would like it noted that, although Heir Potter may share blood with the muggles that raised him through his mother Lily Potter nee Evans, they are in no way, shape, or form his family. Those despicable human beings are the worst possible guardians for a child, magical or otherwise."
Dodge paused then to let his words sink in.
"I will ask now that the voting members of the Wizengamot to please consider the files provided. You will find Healers' reports and evidence of not only their gross negligence, but violent physical and verbal abuse."
Harry saw the files appear to the members and watched as their faces changed; even the Death Eater squad looked disgusted.
"As you can see, by the time Harry reached Diagon Alley at the age of eleven, he had suffered from 31 broken bones, none of which received proper medical treatment or care. His body had scaring all over, most heavily on his arms and back, the patterns corresponding with raising his arms in defence and being whipped with what appears to be a muggle belt. There was no sign of Heir Potter-Black having ever received medical treatment."
Dodge once again paused. During his speech, Sirius had stilled and lost all colour; Harry could see his magic was coiled and actually lashing out towards Dumbledore. Placing a calming hand on the animagus' knee, Harry tried to sooth him. It wouldn't do well for Sirius to attack the man now and appear to be an unsuitable, or rather unstable, guardian.
"Not only this, Heir Potter was severely malnourished and underweight. His health and growth were stunted by his poor conditions. These findings made by Healer Jordan Theon are also supported by Hogwarts' own matron Poppy Pomfrey, as well as Potions Master and Professor Severus Snape - both of whom helped Heir Potter-Black throughout his school year to recover from the damage caused by his relatives."
The final statement had Dumbledore stilling, his anger almost tangible.
"Therefore, I ask you this: Do you really think muggles who would do this to a child, a member of their own family, are really the best guardians for Heir Potter-Black?"
Dodge finished his segment and sat, giving Trilby a nod showing he was done for now.
Dumbledore practically flew from his seat and stalked to the centre of the room, barely managing to calm his voice as he spoke. "I will admit the medical records do look damaging, but who here hasn't experienced a little rough and tumble playing whilst growing up? To blame all of these injuries on Mr. Potter's relatives surely isn't fair, many boys will have a few scrapes from rough housing. I myself had a few growing up with my brother."
Harry actually let his incredulousness show. Rough housing? Rough and tumble? The coot was delusional.
"To take the boy from his only family would be a mistake. Harry needs to grow up in a place where he is treated normally, to grow up where he can hide away from his fame, to have a retreat."
Harry clenched his hands into fists before he realised his nails were starting to cut into his skin. How dare he? Dumbledore was staring intently at the crowd, looking both genial and humble, his periwinkle eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses. Harry saw as some of the crowd started to be swayed and he wondered just how many people Dumbledore had manipulated in his time. Remus and Sirius sure, but what about the rest…?
Seeing how some in the crowd looked like they agree with the old coot, Harry had to start going through all the exercises he'd read about to keep his magic locked and stop it from lashing out.
Dodge, however, didn't look ruffled at all and calmly passed Dumbledore as he re-took the floor.
"What Professor Dumbledore fails to see is that, family or not, the Dursleys are not only abusive but negligent and dismissive of Heir Potter-Black. They didn't and don't want to be his guardians in the first place and, according to them and in their own words, he was 'forced on them'."
A copy of the letter Flitwick received at Christmas appeared and Harry saw as the crowd read and, in some cases, re-read the note.
"You can clearly see that the Dursley family holds no concern or care for Heir Potter-Black," Dodge said once the majority of the crowd was finished.
"Growing up, Heir Potter-Black was subjected to physical, verbal, and mental abuse for things which, in a normal, happy, and healthy family, would have been celebrated. His accidental magic was met with physical violence and stretches of starvation. Something which we all hold sacred and celebrate resulted in him having broken bones."
Dodge waved his hand and Harry saw that his medical file was once again out, this time with Healers' notes attached, the notes holding their speculations on the age and cause of the injuries. There was also a note from Severus which Harry recognised, his elegant scrawl explaining how the Apollo's Tears ointment was obscure and only used for old wounds which were never given adequate medical attention.
Seeing this, Harry smirked internally but made sure to keep his outward appearance scared and reluctant. He wanted to appear like an unsure child. Having Severus in his corner would be a great aid as the man was both Dark and Light. Sure, his love for Harry's mother could be problematic with Tom, well, Voldemort killing her, but if Harry was willing to work through it, he was sure Severus could. His skills and power would be a great aid to the Dark.
"Even non-magical achievements were met with violence. Heir Potter-Black was told to hold himself back academically and was physically beaten whenever he achieved good results in his academics. He was forced to act as a mindless muggle as his so-called family didn't want him to out-perform their own son, who is the same age. Yes, these muggles also have a child; a child who, from investigation, is not only rude, abusive, and mentally uninspired, but who also took part in the violence against Heir Potter-Black."
The crowd looked shocked again and Harry internally applauded. He could see Dumbledore vibrating again, his face puckered like he ate a sour lemon as more and more evidence was shown.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg. How Heir Potter-Black survived and came out of that home as a well-mannered and magically gifted child is a miracle on the scale of Merlin. To force him back would not only be a shame, but a crime."
Dodge finished his speech by looking around the room, his blue-grey eyes boring into the crowd.
Dumbledore once again took the stage and Harry saw the maniacal gleam in his eyes. A feeling of dread entered his stomach but he refused to show it.
"I will admit that perhaps I was hasty in trying to reunite Harry with his family. I just find it so sad to separate them after eleven years of love. But clearly, Harry believes it for the best or else he wouldn't have produced such evidence."
The insinuation was clear, even a dead man would have heard it: Dumbledore was trying to convey that the evidence was fake. Silently growling, Harry had to place a hand on Sirius, who was straining to stand and launch himself at the brightly coloured manipulator. Sending his godfather a discreet look, Harry shook his head.
"However, if Harry isn't to be reunited with his family, then perhaps we should consider sending him to a family already known for their love and devotion to child rearing. As his magical guardian, I do feel that if Harry is not to return to the Dursleys, then he would be best off with a family I have known well for many years: the Weasleys."
The crowd was clearly split at this announcement; the Light families and those loyal to Dumbledore seemed happy with this while the Dark looked murderous. Harry noted that Lucius looked slightly green at the idea - hell, Harry himself was disturbed by it. If he was for some reason sent there, he knew he wouldn't be responsible for his actions. Eventual guilt aside, he would murder the traitorous redheads, he didn't care if he would suffer afterwards.
"Many of you know the family and I feel that if you will not consider sending Harry home to his true family, then the next best option would be to send him to them. I have spoken briefly with them and Mrs. Molly Weasley nee Prewett would be delighted to have Harry. I would have taken the boy in myself if I felt I would have adequate time for him, but with the combination of all my responsibilities I feel I must not. Truly, the next best option after his own family would be the Weasleys."
By the time he was done speaking, Harry considered letting Sirius loose just to see him beat the old man to death. His godfather, no, he was more his father now with the adoption bond, was shaking with rage. Harry couldn't believe the gall of the man.
"The fact that Harry has been placed with a recently released criminal and a werewolf, a Dark and dangerous creature, is shocking. Harry needs to be with a Light family, a family who shares his views and the views of his late parents. The Weasleys are the best form of this. I'm sure that together they would achieve and grow to love each other very much. After all, although not his true family, they would be great substitute."
Finishing on this, Harry saw how the crowd was reeling, stuck on the word werewolf. He hated the prejudice and the corruption of the ministry.
Dodge once again stood, this time sending Dumbledore a dark look that was hidden from the crowd.
"I do not understand why Professor Dumbledore is insisting on mentioning family so much. Perhaps he wishes to sway you to see the Dursleys as Heir Potter-Black's only blood? I do not know. However, as it is family he so clearly wants to speak about, let us speak about Heir Potter-Black's family. Many of you have probably read the papers this week, so it is no surprise to you to see Heir Potter-Black here today, escorted by his godfather Lord Sirius Black - a Lord, who might I remind you, was wrongly imprisoned and is innocent of the charges laid against him. However, I digress. It was not publicised that Lord Black is more than Heir Potter-Black's godfather: Lord Black magically and blood adopted Heir Potter-Black as a baby with the permission of both the late Lord and Lady Potter. Meaning that magically and biologically, Heir Potter-Black is Lord Black's son and heir."
Harry saw the second Dumbledore realised his bindings had been broken and watched in satisfaction as his magic flared with anger and indignation. His body seemed to clench and his eyes narrowed. The crowd, however, exploded; blood adoptions were not common as they were irreversible and fully binding. Therefore, they were considered almost sacred - some of the wizarding world respected them more as it resulted in the adoptee having inherited magic from multiple parents. In this case, Harry had both the Potter and Black family magic as well as his mother's muggleborn magic.
Harry had to close his eyes to hide his bliss as he heard their shouts.
"Why is there even a trial? The boy belongs with his father!"
"Preposterous! The boy is a Black as much as he is a Potter!"
"A blood adoption, why, I never knew!"
"Explains why the boy practically drips with power - a Potter and a Black!"
Eventually Lord Trilby regained order, having to bang his gavel a few times and use the sonorous spell.
"Continue Mr. Dodge, unless you're finished," Trilby said, once the room had quieted down.
Dodge nodded his head respectfully in thanks before he turned back to the crowd. "Clearly, many of you understand the implications of this. However, let me also add, that even without this bond, Lord Black would have been the best possible guardian. He and Heir Potter-Black share a relationship that is beautiful to watch - the love between them is pure. They are helping each other to heal and together they have regained the family they lost. In the short time I have had to observe them together, it is clear to me and anybody who watches that they are a great family unit.
"I know some will have their doubts about the stability of Lord Black after ten years of the dementors' effects, so please now read the provided document. As you can see, Lord Black has regained much of his previous magical ability and his mental health is nearly perfect, a feat many would not be able to claim after such a small amount of time. Yes, there is still room for improvement but I am confident, as are the four Healers who have been asked to provide evidence, that Lord Black is not only magically but mentally fit to be Heir Potter-Black's guardian."
Harry placed his hand in Sirius', then gave it a squeeze, hoping some of the less-than-convinced would notice this and would be swayed. He did also want to provide his support.
"And to address the issue brought up by Professor Dumbledore: Mr. Remus Lupin, who was a close friend of the late Lord and Lady Potter, does indeed suffer from the lycanthropy. However, this medical condition, or rather curse, does not in any way impede his ability to provide a support system to Heir Potter-Black. Mr. Lupin suffers for one night a month; he proposes very little harm to both Heir Potter-Black or Lord Black. Even with his condition, Mr. Lupin was granted temporary custody over Heir Potter-Black. Together, all three form a family and, though it may be slightly irregular, it is full of love and encouraging of Heir Potter-Black's development - magically, physically, and emotionally. He has been there for Heir Potter-Black ever since he found him again."
Harry was proud of how Dodge portrayed Remus and slipped his hand into the wolf's. He hated having to defend Remus against the stigma attached to being a werewolf. Dodge, however, wasn't done. Harry saw how he turned to Lord Trilby and inclined his head before he turned to face Dumbledore.
"I do, however, have an issue I would like brought forward. I ask you this, Albus Dumbledore: you question the ability of Lord Black and Mr. Lupin in raising Harry, in Lord Black's capability in being his guardian. Yet, where were you when he was being beaten? Where were you when he was being starved? When his very magic was the only thing keeping him alive? Where were you when he was growing up? You had a duty of care to Heir Potter-Black, a duty you have failed to meet as his magical guardian."
The silence that fell then was deafening. Harry could hear his very heart beating.
Dumbledore looked shocked, his mouth was actually gaping open slightly and his eyes had lost their sparkle. Realising that every eye was on him he seemed to puff up and slowly stood.
Dodge wasn't done, however. "Remember Professor, your words and testimony must be true or else Magic shall damn you where you stand."
With that final blow, Dodge sat and turned his attention to the old man now shaking in his rage.
"Never have I been so insulted," Dumbledore began, his voice sounding distraught and frail. If Harry didn't know how manipulative he was, he would have brought the act, mistaking the shakes for sadness instead of anger.
"I have dedicated my life to this world, our world. I have experienced and witnessed many great and many awful things. Yet, never have I had my honour held to such ransom. I am the boy's magical guardian, yes, but surely you didn't expect me to be there throughout his childhood? I have responsibilities to this world. I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. I don't have time to raise a child on a day to day basis, but I have always had the greater good in mind. Harry will become a fine Light wizard like his father. He will be a great man, exactly what the world needs."
Harry, hearing this phrase, barely contained his anger. He saw how Dumbledore's words caused a divide: the Neutral and Darker families picking up on the fact Dumbledore was admitting to not having Harry's interests in mind, whereas the Lighter families seemed to fall for the hidden truths.
"I have not failed in my guardianship, not yet. Therefore, I should remain the boy's guardian. I am entrusted with this world's children on a daily basis, so I ask: is there really anybody better for having such an important role?"
Dumbledore looked proud of himself by the time he was finished and Harry actually wanted to clap; even some of the Light families were looking less convinced.
Dodge kept his stoic mask, making Harry wonder if he was related to Snape. The law wizard stood and walked forward.
"There you have it," he said. "Professor Dumbledore has admitted it: he cares for the greater good, yes. But this is not about the greater good, this is about a young boy - Heir Potter-Black. A boy who has already given up so much. He deserves a chance to be with his family, to be happy, loved, and supported. He deserves a chance to be himself."
Dodge stopped then and looked at the audience before he motioned with his hand towards Harry, who was sitting with a hand on both Remus and Sirius.
"I understand some of your reservations, but I ask you this: look at them. You can see the love, the care, the support. Lord Black truly is the best option for Heir Potter-Black's guardian. Do you really think separating them now, after Heir Potter-Black is finally settled and happy, would be the best option for him?"
Dumbledore stood then and the attention once again fell to the Headmaster. The old man looked ancient, his anger cooling to disdain. He didn't step forward or speak, so Trilby called the attention back to himself.
"Both sides have given their evidence and suggestions and both have had a chance to defend their words. Given all we have heard, we the Wizengamot will vote," Trilby said.
Unlike with Sirius' trial, the result wasn't instantaneous. Although the voting members were blurred, Harry could see the figures of them moving, clearly impassioned by their own arguments.
After around 20 minutes, the spell disillusioning them faded and Trilby slowly retook his seat.
Once seated he spoke, using the sonorous charm so his voice filled the entire room, "We have between ourselves reexamined all of the evidence, we have read and reread the witness statements, and we have finally reached a verdict."
"Lord Black, you have been granted full custody, both muggle and magical, of your son and heir Harrison James Potter-Black. However, this does come with some conditions. For the next six months you will continue to seek the care of Healers to ensure you have fully recovered your health. You will also have two surprise visits from the Department of Children's Protection to ensure that Heir Potter-Black really does benefit from living with you."
Harry let out a breath he hadn't even realised he had been holding. The conditions were fair - the check-ups would be annoying, but he could live with them.
"Furthermore, Albus Dumbledore, there are many here today who wanted you stripped of your titles and charged for criminal child endangerment and neglect. However, you seem to have support still. Therefore, you shall not be charged but instead fined 10,000 galleons to be paid to Heir Potter-Black. This fine is to remind you that no matter what titles you hold, the charge of being a magical child's guardian is the greatest honour a person can have. It is an honour you have wasted and disgraced."
Harry barely held in his glee - this was getting better and better. Dumbledore looked so shocked Harry feared he was having a fit or a stroke; his face had gone slack and his eyes were dull.
Albus couldn't believe what he was hearing. How had it come to this? The brat was supposed to be malleable, to be a clone of his useless father, a perfect soldier for the Light, ready to do his bidding and die.
How had his carefully laid plans failed? Clearly some of his magical blocks had come unbound, but surely some still held? He didn't feel an overwhelming power from the child and he doubted he was skilled enough to mask his magic at the age of twelve.
How the trial had gone so wrong he would never know. And Sirius—how dare he be freed! Albus had worked so hard to ensure he was locked away. Getting him sent straight to Azkaban without a trial hadn't been easy and it had taken a lot of skill to hide the fact for a decade. How Harry had found out he didn't know and he wanted to. Being in the dark wasn't right - he needed answers! The boy was destroying years of work, turing his own people against him; even Severus, a man he had depended on hating Harry, was supporting the brat!
He would have to work harder next year to regain his influence on the boy. Perhaps he would benefit from having a younger female friend? Ronald had failed miserably but Ginevra, she had potential. Yes, she would be perfect….
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.
There might be a delay on the next update as I'm super busy this week, but it will come.
Hope you enjoy reading
~ Annie