Harry Potter and the Founders' Vault
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Note: Well, last chapter ended the book plot, so you know that means the final chapters to finish the Founders' Vault part of the plot… welcome to the Trial of Sirius Black… and I apologize in advance for those who aren't keen on the whole courtroom type plot, but this will be heavily trial-centric and kind of not very Potter but it needed to be done. But you get a bonus in that everyone's most hated Potter character makes another appearance. Hehe.
The Trial of Sirius Black
Tim Evans sat down on the couch in the early morning.
"How did it go?" Cassidy asked; Boyd was sound asleep in his room but the two had been up all night since the news had gotten to them Sirius had arrived in America.
"The government has agreed to hear Sirius's asylum claim," Tim explained. The first big hurdle was getting the asylum claim heard; Tim had an argument and documents ready to submit in case it came to this. "But Britain is sending someone to argue their side. They will be arriving tomorrow so the asylum hearing is tomorrow to respect the British government. I thought I would have more time to prepare."
"Well, you have the will and Sirius willing to testify under truth potion. What else do you need?" Cassidy asked.
"Simply Harper, Harry, Remus, and Severus Snape," Tim said. "Hermione and Ron would be good too but considering they are minors and British citizens it would be harder and more time consuming to get."
"Why them?" Cassidy asked.
"Eye witnesses," Tim said. "They saw the proof that Sirius was innocent first hand. Their testimony would go a long way but Harry and Harper don't get back until the end of the week."
"Tim are you a wizard or not? We have magic and they are our kids. Go to Hogwarts now and get them," Cassidy pointed out and Tim paused. Just going and taking them out of school didn't occur to him but the two had done their exams. The final week at Hogwarts was just mostly teachers giving summer assignments and getting their final grades. There was no reason Tim couldn't get them early. "Oh, grab Remus and Severus Snape while you're at it."
"I'll be back this afternoon with them," Tim said, giving his wife a kiss.
"Oh, what about the Hippogriffs?" Cassidy asked before Tim ran out.
"Newt pulled some strings with friends he has in the government. They are being transferred to your reserve. They'll be there soon," Tim said as he ran out.
"Better tell Barnaby to set up for them," Cassidy said to herself.
-Harry Potter-
At Hogwarts, Harper, Harry, Hermione, and Neville sat down at the Gryffindor table near Ron.
"For you," Hermione said to Ron, handing over a piece of dark cloak.
"Thanks," Ron said seeming unsure; he had been released from the hospital wing not too long ago.
"It's a Dementor's cloak," Hermione said, and Ron quickly grabbed it putting it into his bag, a smile on his face.
"And here," Harper said taking a feather out of her bag. "From Helia." Ron went to take the phoenix feather, but Harper pulled it back. "She has never given a feather before and if you blow this up she will know and might never give one again. So, be careful."
"Understood," Ron said as Harper handed over the feather. "Harper, I've got a question for you," Harper gave a nod, Ron seeming to steel himself as he asked: "Do you… like me?" Harper noticed eyes going to her at this, even people not in their group. "Just… it sometimes seems like you just find me useful but shake me off when you don't need me."
"Ron, you were an absolute jerk to me in our first year and for a while in our second year," Harper pointed out, and Ron made a face, but he knew it was true. "That takes time to heal from, but yes, I do like you now. You are starting to redeem yourself." Ron gave a small smile at that. "But take it from a Slytherin. Don't underestimate being useful." She gave a wink at this.
"Thanks," Ron said giving a smile as Cedric came up to the table and kissed Harper on the cheek.
"We're allowed to Hogsmeade today. Want to go with me?" Cedric asked.
"Of course," Harper said going to kiss Cedric but was stopped by someone clearing their throat. Harper and Harry hadn't noticed the newcomer and were shocked to see their father standing behind them.
"Dad," Harper and Harry said together and Cedric moved away.
"Sir, I'm…" Cedric started.
"I know," Tim started. "You're lucky every adult I have sent to check you out says that you're a fine boy," Cedric didn't seem sure how to respond to that. "Harry, Harper, go pack your trunks. I'm bringing you home early. I've already informed the headmaster."
"Um… why?" Harry asked.
"Family emergency involving your godfather, Harry," Tim said, which got Harper and Harry up. Hermione and Neville turned as well. "Now go get your stuff and the animals. Fast. Remus is joining us as well as Severus Snape – I don't think they want to be kept waiting."
"On it," Harry and Harper said, jumping up from the table and running from the Great Hall.
"Care to join us for something to eat while you wait, Mr. Evans?" Hermione said.
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Tim," Tim said, and Hermione blushed, having forgotten that as Tim sat down and took some food. Cedric decided to back away, not wanting to be left with his girlfriend's father. "I can see why Harry and Harper like this castle. There's something about it…" Tim looked around, unsure but this castle did feel like home.
Meanwhile, Harper stopped Harry before he went up the grand staircase.
"Take this," Harper said, sneaking her dagger with its holster into Harry's hand. It would be better for it to be in Harry's trunk as they were going through customs than on her leg after all. Harry gave a nod and the two separated to go to their own dorms.
-Harry Potter-
The next day, Harper and Harry were in the courtroom. Both were dressed up – which had been difficult as they had both grown, they had worn their nicer clothes and neither fit them that well. Without time to go shopping for new clothes they had used charms to make them bigger, but it was obvious the clothes didn't fit exactly right. Remus Lupin and Severus Snape were sitting next to them. Both in dress robes which looked out of place in America, but worked.
Sirius Black was sitting up front with Tim and one of Tim's partners, Dean Spellmen, who had agreed to second chair the case. Tim had brought Sirius one of his suits which fit decently, and Sirius had been able to wash up since his arrival in America. The years in Azkaban still showed, but he looked better than when they had last seen him.
They had to stand for the judge, Judge Smith, when he entered.
"Where is the representative from Britain?" Judge Smith asked a guard.
"Hasn't arrived," the guard said.
"Were they informed of where and when this hearing would take place?" The judge asked.
"A government representative was to meet them at the boarder to bring them here personally, but there seems to be some holdup," the guard said.
"Your honor, while it's respectful to have the British representative here we don't actually need him or her," Tim pointed out "I would request we continue without delay."
"Very well we can…" but before the Judge finished, the door opened, and a woman Harry recognized from Buckbeak trial came in: stout, with an affinity to pink, it seemed, and a bow in her hair that looked like a fly she was going to catch. The sight of her made Harry want to vomit. "I assume you the British representative?" The Judge asked the woman.
"Madam Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic," Dolores Umbridge said, her voice high and grating.
"Well, Madam Umbridge, you're late. We were about to start without you," Judge Smith said.
"Your boarder patrol stopped me and didn't allow me to bring the Dementor with me," Umbridge said.
"You brought a Dementor to America and intended to bring it into this court room?!" Judge Smith said, Harry wasn't sure if the Judge was shocked, confused, angry or even impressed.
"Well how else am I supposed to bring this criminal back with me?" Umbridge said politely, seeming to be moving towards Sirius as if she was going to take him. Harry was pleased when a guard got between them.
"Madam Umbridge, since you don't seem to understand what this is, we are not handing Mr. Sirius Black to you at this moment. He is in the custody of America and has asked for Asylum – a claim to which we are hearing. You are here to debate the British side of the matter and convince me to extradite him back to Britain – not take him back yourself," Judge Smith explained. "Now, if you take your place…" with this, the guard showed Umbridge where to sit and Harry had to smirk at the look of annoyance on her face.
"Your honor," Tim said, standing up. "Before we go further, I would request Sirius Black be referred to by his proper title, which would be Lord Sirius Black, not Mr. Sirius Black."
"Noted," Judge Smith said. "Now Mr. Timothy Evans, why shouldn't I extradite Lord Black back to his own country? We do have an extradition deal with the British government."
"If you would look at the copy of the deal, you would notice that there is a clause that the British government has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt on the guilt of the person they wish to have extradited," Tim explained, and the Judge looked at the papers and found the right wording. "I intend to prove not only is there doubt, but Sirius Black is actually innocent of both charges he is accused of."
"Impossible!" Dolores Umbridge spat at this. "There is no doubt he is guilty."
"Big words considering the British government never even gave him a trial," Tim pointed out.
"Excuse me?" Judge Smith said, looking up and Tim took out some papers and gave them over to the guard, who brought them to the Judge.
"Proof that Lord Black was illegally sent to Azkaban prison without a trial and the British government has refused all attempts to give him one," Tim said.
"There is no need," Dolores pointed out. "He is a servant of You-Know-Who."
"I'll be the judge of that," Judge Smith said. "I assumed you have more than a lack of a trial, Mr. Evans?"
"I do. As for the first charge, which is assisting in the murder of James and Lily Potter and attempted murder of Harry Potter by revealing the secret of where they were, I have the Wills of the late James and Lily Potter here," Tim said. "Provided by Gringotts bank."
"The goblins of Gringotts have no rights and their records are not valid. The official Ministry copy was sealed and destroyed," Umbridge said, seeming to be ready for this.
"That would be true in Britain, but here Goblins have the same rights as wizards and witches," Tim said.
"Let me see the Will," Judge Smith said, and the guard brought the will to him.
"As you can see, James and Lily clearly state that Peter Pettigrew was their Secret Keeper, not Sirius Black. Meaning Lord Black could not have told the secret that got them killed," Tim said.
"Peter Pettigrew is one of the persons Lord Black is accused of killing in the second charge," Judge Smith continued. "Do not tell me you are arguing the murder was justified?"
"Not at all, your honor," Tim said. "In fact, I will be arguing Peter Pettigrew is in fact alive and is the one who killed those 12 muggles."
"Nonsense…" Umbridge mumbled.
"Silence – you will get your turn," Judge Smith said.
"I have four witnesses who are willing to testify that they saw Pettigrew recently," Tim said. "Plus, Lord Black is willing to testify under Veritaserum."
"Well, before any witnesses are called, Madam Umbridge what do you have to say?" Judge Smith said.
"That this is utter nonsense and Sirius Black should be given to me to be brought back to England to be given the Dementor's Kiss. The punishment he deserves," Umbridge said.
"You seem not to understand how this works," Judge Smith said. "Call your first witness, Mr. Evans."
"Thank you. Harper Evans," Tim said. "To be honest with the court, this is my daughter so to avoid any conflict of interest, my partner Dean Spellmen has agreed to question her," with that, he gave Dean a nod as he got up.
Harper took to the Witness Stand and swore to tell the truth before sitting down.
"Just to inform everyone we have the truth meter in effect," Judge Smith said, pointing to a device next to the witness stand that was, right now, green. "It is very reliable in detecting false statement. Should Ms. Evans lie, the color will turn red."
"Very well, Ms. Evans, can you tell us who Scabbers is?" Dean asked Harper.
"Scabbers was, what we thought was the pet rat of our friend Ron Weasley," Harper said.
"What point does this make?" Umbridge asked loudly.
"You will start any objections with the word 'objection'," Judge Smith interrupted Umbridge. "Mr. Spellmen, this line of questioning has a point?"
"Yes, your honor," Dean said.
"Then you may continue – but make it fast," Judge Smith said.
"You said you thought he was a pet rat," Dean said to Harper. "Can you explain that?"
"During the year we discovered he was, in fact, not a rat but an Animagus – a wizard by the name of Peter Pettigrew," Harper said, explaining how she found it out and how they knew it was Pettigrew; trying to get him but him faking his death and then seeing him that Sunday after exams.
"Thank you," Dean said backing off after Harper explained. "Your witness. In case you don't realize, it means you can ask questions now," Dean apologized for the comment when Judge Smith told him off for it but backed away.
Umbridge came over at that.
"Evans. Where were you when Sirius Black broke out of Hogwarts?" Umbridge asked.
"The Hospital Wing," Harper said, and turned to look at the device but it stayed green – it seemed even though she had been at two places at once, the Hospital Wing still clarified as a true statement.
"And you didn't free both Sirius and the hippogriff you had been trying to save?" Umbridge said.
"Objection," Tim called out. "Relevance, your honor. This meeting is to decide if there is reasonable doubt on the charges of assisting in the Potter murder and the murder of Peter Pettigrew and the 12 muggles. How he escaped from Hogwarts does not matter. Furthermore, Madam Umbridge is trying to get Harper to admit to a crime which is a violation of her 5th amendment rights."
"What does the 5th amendment matter?" Umbridge said.
"The 5th amendment is the law of the land and one of our most important," Judge Smith said. "The objection is sustained. You may not ask about how Lord Black escaped."
"You never saw this rat become Pettigrew," Umbridge said.
"No," Harper said.
"So, you never saw Pettigrew," Umbridge continued.
"No," Harper said, and the light went red. Harper took a breath in – she had seen Pettigrew, but when she was time traveling, something she could not admit to. "I wasn't in the Shrieking Shack. I wasn't there when Pettigrew was revealed," it was all about wording as the light turned green again, but Harper knew Umbridge, and the others had seen the turn.
"The light seems to think you saw him," Umbridge pointed out.
"I was not in the Shrieking Shack," Harper said again.
"But did you see Peter Pettigrew, yes or no?" Umbridge said.
"Objection, your honor, asked and answered," Tim said. "If it pleases the court, the defense will concede this witness did not see Peter Pettigrew."
"Then why did this thing turn red?" Umbridge asked.
"Simple; the question and answer was too broad. Umbridge asked if Harper had seen Peter Pettigrew and she said no but she has in fact seen pictures of Peter Pettigrew. Meaning she has seen him in a way. There is a reason why these lights are only here to give pause for consideration," Tim said.
"I will sustain the objection and assume Ms. Evans did not just lie on the Stand unless I get further evidence she has," Judge Smith said. "Do you have any other questions for this witness?"
"No," Umbridge said, frowning, but moved back and Harper was allowed to step down.
Harry was next to be called up and Dean continued the questioning, since Harry was Tim's adopted son. Harry went into detail on what happened in the Shrieking Shack and how they forced Scabbers back into Pettigrew. He then explained how he got away, ending with the Dementors by the lake.
Umbridge then came up and tried the same thing, asking about how Sirius escaped but the Judge told her she couldn't.
"Potter. Did Sirius Black use the confundus charm you?" Umbridge asked.
"No. How do you know, anyway?" Harry asked. Despite hating the woman on instinct, he was curious how the memory charm used to change memories could be detected.
"There is a simple charm one can use to reverse any damage done by the charm, depending on the severity…" as she spoke, Umbridge moved her hand to her wand.
"Stop!" The Judge called, causing Umbridge to pause. "No spells, charms or curses are to be held in this courtroom during a trial." To that, Umbridge scowled, and Harry took a breath.
"Very well," Umbridge stated. "If we cannot use magic to find out if you had your memory altered, Mr. Potter…"
"Multiple people saw the same thing," Harry spoke up. "If he had, he couldn't do it to all of us at the same time – especially in the condition he was in, with a wand not his own." It seemed Umbridge couldn't argue with that one, turning back to where she'd been positioned before.
Remus Lupin was next, and Umbridge tried to object to him because he was a werewolf – something Harry somehow knew she'd try to do.
"Madam Umbridge, I thought we explained with the Goblins, but magical creatures have rights here," Judge Smith reminded Umbridge, who muttered something that sounded like 'filthy creatures' and 'backward society' under her breath. "Is there anything you'd like to add, Ms. Umbridge?" The Judge mused now.
"In fact, yes there is," Umbridge smiled at this. "The night we were talking about was a full moon and the man did not take his potion. We cannot trust his words."
"Then Mr. Lupin can testify on anything that happened before he transformed," Judge Smith said.
Tim was now asking the question and had Remus Lupin explain about the Marauder's Map; Remus having even brought it along and activated it to show the judge, explaining how both Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew had shown up on the map over the year but not long enough to find them. Dolores Umbridge refused to question him though, on moral grounds and something to do with not wanting to get close to him. Harry rolled his eyes at this.
Severus Snape was next, and his testimony was mostly a rehash of Harry and Remus's evidence. Harry was surprised he'd even come but had wondered if Professor Dumbledore had been a big factor in convincing him.
"You seem like a good and honest man," Umbridge said, smiling a smile that didn't go beyond her teeth. "When you saw a known criminal, why did you not take him in or call the Dementors?"
"I was going to, but Mr. Potter invoked a life debt I owed his father that passed to him upon his father's death," Severus Snape said. "I had to listen to Sirius Black's evidence."
"So, is your testimony here just repaying a life debt?" Umbridge asked.
"The life debt was to not turn in Sirius Black and help bring the real traitor to justice," Severus Snape said. "When Peter Pettigrew escaped us, even with my life debt, and I helped flee away from the Dementors – that was when the life debt was repaid. I am here just to offer testimony to what I have witnessed." Umbridge gave a nod and moved off.
After Severus Snape, it was Sirius Black turn under truth potion.
"Just to be clear," Judge Smith said. "Since truth potion takes away the free will not to speak when a question is asked, it's our law when a defendant's choices to use it the only person who can ask questions is me the judge. Everyone else must remain silent." Judge Smith's eyes were on Umbridge.
The guard gave Sirius the potion which he willingly drank; to make sure it was working, Judge Smith asked him to reveal an embarrassing secret and Sirius talked about when a girl he had a dated on completely broke his heart, but he convinced everyone he had broken up with her. Judge Smith then asked him to go over who the Secret Keeper of the Potters were, and what happened the night they were killed.
"Why, when you were arrested, did you say it was your fault?" Judge Smith asked.
"Because I convinced them to make Peter their Secret Keeper instead of me. If I had been their Secret Keeper, I would have died to save them and they would still be alive," Sirius Black said.
"Your confrontation with Pettigrew, did you murder him?" Judge Smtih asked.
"No, I didn't. Not for lack of trying. I wanted to kill him for what he had done but he outwitted me. Called out I betrayed the Potters, cut off his own finger, and blew up the street escaping in his rat form. I was taken and thrown into Azkaban not knowing where I could find him, but the fact I was innocent. It kept me sane since it wasn't actually a happy thought. Not something a Dementor could feed on. When I saw Pettigrew photo in the Dailey Prophet, I knew him. I had to get him before he hurt my godson," Sirius explained.
"And you can confirm you saw Pettigrew again that night in the Shrieking Shack?" The Judge asked.
"I did," Sirius nodded.
"Thank you, Lord Black. Guards, give him the antidote," Judge Smith said, and a guard came up to give Sirius Black the potion to counteract the effects of the Veritiserum, and Sirius went back to his seat. "Madam Umbridge, I think I know the answer to this, but I need to ask. Does the British government have any proof of Lord Black's guilt or is your entire argument just 'give him to us because he is our citizen'?"
"We do not need proof! He was convicted of his crimes. We ask you give him back to us to face justice," Umbridge stated. "…for the friendship between our governments."
"Then if the defense has nothing more to show, I will consider both arguments and make my decision this afternoon," Judge Smith said.
"We rest, your honor," Tim said, and Judge Smith dismissed them.
-Harry Potter-
Tim, Harry, Harper, Sirius, and Remus were eating lunch in a room in the court room. Sirius almost looked like his dog form as he practically threw the burger down his throat. Severus had already made to leave to go back to Hogwarts.
"We have a good shot here. Judge Smith is fair and the British government didn't make much of an argument," Tim was saying.
"They chose a horrible representative in that Umbridge bi–"
"Bit rich to say that," Harper interrupted Harry in that sentence, pushing him lightly at her brother's almost-swear; Tim giving the boy a look.
"Harry, Harper, I should tell you two I am not returning as defense teacher next year," Remus said quickly, deciding to move the conversation on, and noticed the disappointed look. "My… condition came out in the UK and no parent will want a werewolf teaching their children – Tim and Cassidy, the exception. Well, maybe Hermione's parents and Neville's grandmother now they know better…"
"Don't forget the Weasleys," Harry pointed out.
"True. From what I know of them, Molly is a little… backwards, but Arthur is unconventional so they would understand," Remus mused. "Anyway, when we have the verdict, I will be returning to Hogwarts to pack up."
"That sucks. Defense was finally good," Harry said, but he understood why Remus was resigning. After that, the small group talked for a while longer before a guard came over to tell them the Judge was back and ready to rule.
Returning to the courtroom, the judge only appeared when everyone else was gathered.
"Well, everyone. Madam Umbridge, Mr.'s Evans and Spellman, Lord Black… I have been looking over our laws and British laws. The Muggle governments of our two countries are close friends and while the magical counterparts have had their differences, we are friendly. It would be a mistake to ruin that," Judge Smith said, and Harry could see the smirk on Umbridge face.
"However, the British government cannot give one piece of evidence to the guilt of Sirius Black," the Judge continued, "and our treaty does say they have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Sending him back, it's clear he would receive a Dementor's kiss – a fate worse than death – so I am approving his asylum claim. And to make this clear, my ruling is viable for both the magical and Muggle world. So long as Sirius Black is on American soil, he is a free man."
With that, Harry and Harper celebrated; Tim patting Sirius's back who seemed in shock as Remus hugged his best friend.
"Enjoy your victory… for now," Delores Umbridge called, glaring at them all as she walked out.
"Well… she's pleasant," Harper said sarcastically.
"Ah, at least we don't have to deal with her normally," Harry said shrugging it off. "Can you imagine if we had to have her as a teacher or something?"
"If she taught us, I'd leave Hogwarts – forget what else is keeping us there," Harper agreed. The pair laughing at this, while the judge himself now gave Sirius a small handshake before leaving the room.
Sirius Black was a free man.
Post-chapter Note: There you go. Sirius has become free and we've had some more Delores Umbridge. We do have one more chapter to come, which you guys wont have to wait so long for. Consider it a… Christmas present, so to speak. Hehe.
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