The visit of Amelia Bones and her Aurors had done an excellent thing for Harry. Before her visit, some students, mostly Slytherins, questioned Harry's innocence tenaciously. Of course, Hufflepuffs remained supportive because their Champion, Cedric Diggory, openly admitted Harry Potter was a victim, not a cheater. Among the Ravenclaws, some students wondered whether the Boy Who Lived could have possessed enough extraordinary power to fool the Goblet of Fire, which was known to be a powerful magical artifact. However, most students believed that the inspection by the DMLE supported Harry's claims, and after their impactful visit, the voices questioning him gradually lost their power to spread doubt.
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Meanwhile, Harry received the answers from Gringotts. The wizarding bank informed him of the name of the Potter family vault manager, Ironfist. So he sent an owl to request information about his family's assets, including the contract with solicitors.
The magical genealogy book was also delivered. With Neville's help, Harry learned about the Potter's family tree. The Potters traced their lineage back to Linfred of Stinchcombe in the 12th Century. He was known as the originator of many potions including Skele-Gro and Pepperup Potion, which deeply impressed Harry. He was also relieved to discover that he had been sorted into Gryffindor again, as many Potters had also been sorted into the same house. This book also mentioned how brilliant his father, James Potter, had been in Transfiguration, and his mother, Lily Potter, had excelled in Potions and Charms. The more Harry learned about his family, the happier he felt. He realised why Izzy brought the Bible with her family tree. Harry finally felt he belonged to his true family and the magical world.
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Malfoy tried to get under Harry's skin whenever he got a chance. Harry ignored the pale-blond boy's words. One day, both boys encountered each other on the way to Potions class. Malfoy sneered, as usual, and succeeded in getting Harry's response this time.
"Potter, what is your Mudblood cousin's bet? Lasting ten minutes into the first task is my bet."
Contrary to everyone's anticipation, the Gryffindor boy jeered at the Slytherin. "I bet my cousin will turn you into a white ferret as soon as you say 'shenanigans' to her."
Hermione stifled her laugh, while Malfoy's face turned red with rage. Near them, Ron, Dean, and Seamus busted out laughing. Goyle and Crabbe glared at the Gryffindors with menacing looks.
"How dare filthy Mudblood—" Malfoy tried to threaten, but, Harry quickly dealt another blow.
"My cousin taught me how to take a Wizard's Oath, which your criminal father could never dare to do, forever."
The face of Malfoy turned purple, like Uncle Vernon's, now. Both boys locked their eyes and shot hexes at each other at exactly the same time. The jet of light from both wands met in mid-air and bent— Harry's hit in the face of Goyle and Maloy's hit Hermione.
Ron shouted Hermione's name and rushed to check on her. Harry also turned to her and saw her front teeth rapidly enlarging.
At that time, Snape appeared and ended the chaos in the corridor. Malfoy told Snape about Potter's 'attack', but Harry argued fiercely.
"Malfoy insulted my cousin! My mum's niece! It's as good as insulting my Mum!"
For a split second, Snape looked at the green eyes of Harry with an unreadable expression. Then, he turned to Goyle and ordered him to go to the Hospital Wing. Ron claimed Hermione's injury, however, the Potions Master just scorned her enormous front teeth, which led to ear-deafening shouting from Harry and Ron. Snape couldn't hear what they said clearly, but he announced that Harry and Ron would have detention. Meanwhile, Hermione went to the Hospital Wing without Snape's permission.
Harry was too busy to think about his red-haired mate due to all his various tasks, like preparing for the first task, contacting the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and learning about Magical Britain and his family. However, he felt a pang of bitterness when he saw Ron join Dean and Seamus at their table.
But he couldn't dwell on it for long. Snape threatened him with an antidote to apply to himself later.
Before they started to make antidotes, Colin Creevey entered the classroom and informed Snape that Dumbledore wanted Harry to attend a wand-weighing ceremony. It was an irony that Harry escaped Snape's wrath thanks to the stupid tournament.
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Harry had no idea what wand-weighing was because it wasn't mentioned much in Izzy's books. However, his mood was significantly dampened when he met Rita Skeeter, a journalist, and was bombarded with interview requests. Nevertheless, when asked about becoming a champion, he stated that someone put his name in to get him killed, and the Ministry was investigating. After that, he steadfastly ignored Rita Skeeter's questions.
Moreover, Ollivander still gave Harry the creeps. While Ollivander checked his wand much longer than those of other Champions, Harry wondered what the phoenix tail feather— coming from the same bird which had been supplied to the killer of his parents—could mean for him, or Voldemort.
In the evening, Ron informed Harry of the arrival of a letter. It was from Sirius, and it said his godfather would meet him face-to-face to discuss the current situation. It gave Harry something bright to anticipate.
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A few days later, the Daily Prophet's front page carried Harry's big photos and an article accusing Dumbledore of incompetence for allowing Boy Who Lived to be forced into the Triwizard Tournament. Other champions' photos and interviews were pushed to the background. Harry vowed not to say anything to Rita Skeeter in the future. She even interviewed other students, like Colin Creevey, and wrote a novel rather than an article in which Harry was said to fall in love with Hermione.
The only good thing was that Skeeter didn't get information about Izzy. The thought of Izzy's article in the Daily Prophet sent chills down Harry's spine.
Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, along with Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students, criticised Rita Skeeter and the Daily Prophet, and some directed unfavorable glances at Harry. However, Hermione and Izzy comforted Harry earnestly, providing him with solace amid the turmoil.
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Before the first Hogsmeade visit, Susan Bones delivered a note from Madame Bones to Harry during Double Herbology class. The director of DMLE said she wanted to meet him privately at the Three Broomsticks on Hogsmeade Day. Harry asked Susan for the reason, but the Hufflepuff girl said her Auntie hadn't mentioned anything because it's the DMLE business.
They decided to meet first at the Three Broomsticks, and then Harry would go to the first floor to meet Madame Bones. Susan seemed touched that Harry insisted on buying her a Butterbeer, as promised.
That late afternoon, Harry told Hermione and Izzy about the meeting with Madame Bones. Both girls were astonished at the news and asked the reason. However, the raven-haired boy said he had no idea, except for his wild guesses. Izzy looked at her cousin purposefully, however, Harry tried to avoid her gaze. Hermione also noticed his friend's suspicious conduct but didn't mention anything.
After the first task training, Izzy left the classroom for supper. When Harry confirmed his cousin's departure, Hermione asked him to confess the reason for Madame Bones's request.
"Actually, I gave the DMLE the memory from the Shrieking Shack last year," Harry told the truth.
"You did what?" Hermione's eyes widened and she hissed at her reckless friend, "Harry, that was really dangerous! She might think you helped Sirius escape from Dementer's kiss!"
"I know it! But it was the only chance to inform Amelia Bones of Sirius's innocence. She's known as a fair person, unlike Minister Fudge. I believe she will doubt Pettigrew when she sees him living as a rat for 12 years. If she investigates Sirius directly, he might have a chance of clearing his name. Then, I will live with him and get his help to survive in the Triwizard Tournament." His voice trembled at the end.
Hermione couldn't scold the raven-haired boy with pink cheeks from anticipation. Instead, she sighed and asked, "So, do you think Madame Bones might want to talk about Sirius this Saturday?"
"Yes, I will give more memories if she wants. I think the transformation of Pettigrew into a rat will be helpful," Harry answered, nodding.
"Let's hope she'll believe in you and investigate Pettigrew instead of Sirius." The bush-haired girl sighed again.
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The first Hogsmeade Day arrived. At first, Harry wanted to guide Izzy and her friends around Hogsmeade. However, She declined his offer and told him she and her friends preferred roaming a village without a tour guide. So all he could do was to wish her luck.
Harry and Hermione went to the Three Broomsticks together and joined Susan and a few other Hufflepuff students at their table. Harry ordered three tankards of hot Butterbeers from Madam Rosemerta and carried them to the table for Hermione, Susan, and himself. Of course, he didn't miss the note on the plate, which read: 'A. M. Room 101.' When the raven-haired boy emptied his tankard, he looked around the pub. It was packed with students as usual. He decided to go upstairs and said goodbye to Hermione and Susan, who gave him a wink and a knowing smile. Harry pretended to go to the toilet but put his Invisibility Clock in the corner and made his way to the meeting spot.
When Harry opened the door of Room 101, Amelia Bones was sitting on the chair near the fireplace. She immediately stood up and saw the raven-haired boy taking off the Clock. And then, she cast a few spells (which he later learned were the locking charm and the anti-eavesdropping charm) as soon as he entered. Madame Bones moved to the table and gestured for him to sit.
"Thank you for coming to see me, Mr. Potter," the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement began, "First of all, I must ask you not to mention anything about today's meeting to anyone except for your close and reliable friends."
Harry was taken aback by the unexpected words. "Of course, I won't say anything about this meeting. I know it should be kept secret."
"Good, but I must tell you that your interview with Rita Skeeter has caused some problems for my department," Madame Bones said, her tone tinged with annoyance.
"Oh, I'm so sorry for the trouble my interview caused," the raven-haired boy said, his face redding with embarrassment.
"It's okay. It's not your fault," she replied, her expression softening. "It's Skeeter's fault."
Then, Amelia Bones got to the point. After returning from Dumbledore's office, Auror Shacklebot, the dark-skinned Auror who accompanied her, reviewed Harry's memories. The first memory, covering the events of the Hallowe'en night, from the Goblet of Fire's submitting Harry's name to the end of the meeting in the room near Great Hall, didn't help the investigation.
However, the second memory revealed something completely unexpected. Peter Pettigrew was transformed from a rat! Sirius Black explained to Harry Potter and his friends that he had switched the secret keeper for the Potters with Pettigrew, only to discover later that Pettigrew was a traitor. He had witnessed the deaths of James and Lily Potter. Black also explained that he had recognised the rat-formed Pettigrew in a Daily Prophet photograph and had broken out of Azkaban to protect Potter. Under pressure from Black and Lupin, Pettigrew eventually confessed to becoming Voldemort's spy and revealing the Potters' hiding place. The memory ended with Harry objecting to killing the real traitor, Pettigrew, and offering to send him to Azkaban instead.
Auror Shackeblot immediately reported the contents of the memory to his superior. After Madame Bones confirmed the details, she contacted the director of the Department of Mysteries and requested that the memory be examined for possible manipulation. Following a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the memory had not been tampered with. Meanwhile, Madame Bones affirmed that Harry Potter and his friends had, in fact, argued for Sirius Black's innocence when speaking with Minister Fudge.
Next, the director of the DLME began reviewing the documentation on Sirius Black's case. But, she discovered no records of a detailed investigation after his arrest and trial. She couldn't believe that Black had been left to rot in Azkaban without a trial! Madame Bones then conducted a full investigation of entire Ministry records of November 1981, starting from the day of Black's arrest. She finally found a memo from Bartemius Crouch, the former director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, which mentioned an order to imprison Black in Azkaban without trial because he had confessed to his crimes at the scene of the massacre, saying, "It's my fault." Madame Bones recalled how much Crouch had loathed Death Eaters, and how he had even sent his own son to Azkaban after a perfunctory trial. It might have been a plausible decision for Crouch to throw Sirius Black into Azkaban at that time. However, Madame Bones couldn't allow such an injustice. That's why she decided to meet Harry Potter. The current director of the DMLE wanted to make contact with Black for a proper investigation—one that should have been carried out 13 years ago.
Harry was overwhelmed by the idea that Amelia Bones was planning to investigate Sirius, rather than executing him.
"Do you believe Sirius is innocent?" the raven-haired boy couldn't help but ask.
"Not yet," Madame Bones answered sternly. "I still need to check what exactly happened on the street that led to the deaths of twelve Muggles."
Harry was stunned by her response. "Pettigrew blew up the street and cut off his own finger to fake his death and frame Sirius."
"It was not mentioned in your memory. I need to conduct a thorough investigation to reach a precise conclusion." Madame Bones's tone was firm.
Harry closed his mouth, looking displeased. Then, he tried to think positively—perhaps Madame Bones's fair investigation could clear Sirius's name. Before his mood could be improved, the director of the DMLE asked about his godfather.
"Mister Potter, do you know where Sirius Black is now? I should contact him immediately."
"No, Madame Bones," Harry replied. "But I can send an owl to Sirius. He wants to clear his name, and I'm sure he will gladly contact you,"
The DLME director's lips curled up slightly as she handed him a folded parchment. "Good, please send him this and tell him that I am waiting for his response."
"Yes, I'll do it as soon as I return to Hogwarts!" the boy replied with a smile.
She nodded and then updated Harry on the progress of the investigation into the Goblet of Fire. The DLME had found the trace of Confundus Charm, and had requested the Department of Mysteries to help identify the culprit, under the condition of secrecy. Harry smiled, pleased to learn that Moody's deduction had been correct, and thanked Amelia Bones for the update.
The meeting ended. Madame Bones ordered Harry to leave the room first and cast spells at the door again. After watching the boy disappear with his Invisibility Clock, she also placed a soundproofing charm on him for added security.
Harry carefully made his way downstairs and saw Izzy and her friends. Hermione and Susan already left. He also noticed Hagrid and Moody moving toward the door and stepped aside to avoid colliding with them.
When they got closer, Moody glanced toward the corner where Harry was standing and whispered something to Hagrid. A few seconds later, Harry was startled when Moody suddenly stopped and, in a whisper, complimented his Invisibility Clock. And then, Hagrid murmured that Harry should visit his cabin at midnight while wearing his Clock, pretending to nod at Moody. The raven-haired boy couldn't understand why Hagrid had suddenly asked him to visit at midnight. He decided to go to Honeydukes where he had planned to meet Hermione after meeting with Madame Bones.
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Harry and Hermione went to the Owlery when they returned to Hogwarts. The raven-haired boy wrote a short letter to his godfather.
Dear Sirius,
I just met Amelia Bones and got her memo for you. I can't write a long story here but please believe that she wants to investigate your case fairly. You must reply to her A.S.A.P.
—Harry
Harry folded his letter and put it and Madame Bones's memo in the envelope. He used a common barn owl for sending his letter. Hedwig glared at her boy with a dissatisfied hoot, but, she didn't deny his patting this time.
After leaving the Owlery, Hermione and Harry headed to the unused classroom on the first floor, which had become their unofficial base. It was empty when they entered. Izzy arrived about ten minutes later. Harry noticed that Izzy cast a locking charm and an anti-eavesdropping charm into the door, much like Madame Bones had done.
The Beauxbatons girl sat down in the chair and asked what Harry and Madame Bones discussed at the Three Broomsticks. This time, Harry didn't hold back and told his cousin and friend everything. Hermione's face lit up with good news; however, Izzy looked confused by the sudden mention of Sirius Black.
"Harry, I am glad the DMLE found the trace of the Confundus Charm and the other department is thoroughly investigating the Goblet of Fire now. But could you explain to me why you and Madame Bones talked about Sirius Black for so long?"
"Because Sirius Black is my godfather—my only family," Harry answered immediately.
"What?" Izzy stood up immediately and asked questions, "What happened last year? Why is he still a wanted man? Didn't the Ministry believe that you and Professor Lupin saw Peter Pettigrew?"
Harry and Hermione told Izzy everything that had happened the previous year. The red-blond girl's face was filled with astonishment and rage. She finally said, "I don't know what to say... It's the absurdest story I've ever heard..." And she sat down again.
Both Gryffindors nodded and released sighs. Izzy patted her cheeks lightly with both hands and then looked at the Hogwarts students sharply.
"So, what did you do after leaving the pub? Did you send Bones's memo to Sirius?" Izzy asked seriously.
"Yes, I sent an owl about 20 minutes ago. But after the meeting..."
Harry filled Hermione and Izzy in on what Moody and Hagrid had said at the Three Broomsticks. Both girls exchanged perplexed glances with the raven-haired boy. They discussed their assumptions for a while and came to a conclusion: it seems to be related to the first task.
Next, Hermione asked Harry's plan to meet Sirius after visiting Hagrid's cabin. Astonished, Izzy demanded a detailed explanation from her cousin. So Harry and Hermione told Izzy their plan to keep Gryffindor students out of the common room tonight, before 1 AM—the meeting time. The French girl pondered the two Gryffindors' plan and agreed that it seemed like a good idea. At that time, an idea popped into the raven-haired boy's head.
"Izzy, do you think an anti-eavesdropping charm might be useful in this case?" Harry asked.
Not only Izzy but also Hermione looked at Harry and started to think over the question. The bush-haired girl responded negatively. She said there was no door in the common room and it was too big. The red-blond girl also agreed with this and suggested that her cousin use a concealment charm which would make him undetectable to others.
"But if Harry put that charm on himself, how would Sirius be able to see Harry?" Hermione asked.
Izzy smiled triumphantly and said, "Of course, Sirius can see Harry. This charm doesn't apply to the person who knows where his or her target is."
Harry recalled the first time he had seen Leaky Cauldron. He could only see the magical pub after Hagrid had pointed it out to him. "OK, please teach me how to cast that charm," he said.
A boy and two girls left the classroom after hours of learning and practicing the concealment charm. They were exhausted and hungry, so they headed down to the Great Hall for supper.
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A/N: Thank you for reading another chapter. I tried to use the magic spells which were mentioned in the books, not fanfiction.