Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K.R!
This story is a collaboration's work between Avoranger and Cal the Wandcrafter!
A/N:
Hello everyone!
We back for the new chapter! *ulululululu*
Happy New Year!
Hope this year will be better than the last year!
SO! This is the first post for this year!
Hope you like this chapter!
Enjoy! °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖°
...
.
Two days later, Madam Pomfrey finally released him from her care. He was grateful she had sedated him; without it, his mind would have kept him awake entirely, spiralling in thoughts. Daphne had been a constant presence during those two days, staying with him until Pomfrey sent him back to sleep. Today, however, was different. Daphne had come to take him out of the infirmary, and for the first time, he was leaving with her by his side.
"I don't know how much longer I could've lasted in there," Harry grumbled as they walked out. "Even McGonagall and Flitwick got released before me. Anything happened while I was stuck inside?"
Daphne shook her head. "Not much. A few strange glances here and there. I'm no mind reader, but there's definitely something going on. People seemed... off, especially in Slytherin. Even Draco was quieter than usual."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "That's not normal. Maybe they've finally started to realise their 'hero' isn't as spotless as they thought?"
Daphne nudged him playfully. "What, you think they're lining up to apologise? 'Oh, Potter, I'm so sorry for doubting you. I trust you now!'" She rolled her eyes. "After everything they've seen, maybe some of them have had a wake-up call. But I wouldn't hold my breath."
"One can hope," Harry replied with a shrug. "Either way, we've got more pressing problems to deal with than their change of heart."
"Two more problems, actually," Daphne said, her tone turning serious. "But can we focus on the big one first? You know, Voldemort?"
Harry thought about it for a moment. "Yeah, you're right. Voldemort comes first. But we should keep our eyes open for any signs about the other threat. We can't afford to be blindsided."
Daphne nodded. "Agreed. Let's deal with one battle at a time. But when I really think about it, we don't have much solid information on the group of Squibs. All we know is they're a faction of Squibs who feel bitter about being looked down on by the wizarding world, and they lost the only safe place they had when the Death Eaters destroyed it. It was probably in our seventh year when they stormed the castle and Hogsmeade. It makes sense to keep investigating. But still... is that enough to push them to such brutal measures? And why use bombs?"
"That's what we need to figure out," Harry replied. "We don't really know their endgame, only that they've taken a violent turn. As for why bombs? Well, guns aren't exactly easy to come by in Britain. Strict regulations make it tough to get your hands on one. Even if they managed it, smuggling would cost a fortune, and with the kind of jobs Squibs typically do, how would they afford it?"
"And bombs are easier to make?" Daphne asked, eyebrows raised.
"With the right knowledge, yeah. Some common ingredients can become explosives if combined properly. Ammonium nitrate fertiliser mixed diesel, a fuel with an oxidizer mixed with, well I probably don't need to say how flammable diesel is. They just so happen to use dragon dung, which is not a prohibited substance. Muggles can't get their hands on it, and who in the DMLE would suspect wizards of building a bomb, when they could just bombarda the side out of a building?"
Daphne grimaced at the memory. "So far, we haven't found anything suspicious besides how aggressive Wimbles has been towards us."
"Yeah, he's not the only Squib who's hostile, but he's definitely the most open about it. We need more intel. The others are hiding something, but they haven't been as direct as he is."
Daphne sighed. "Let's deal with it later. For now, let's get on with the meeting." They stopped in front of the Barnabas the Barmy painting.
"Is everyone inside?" Harry asked.
"Yes, just like you asked. They're all waiting, and Susan's got a letter from her aunt. Looks like she's got some news."
.
.
Several voices greeted him and Daphne as they entered the Room of Requirement. Relief washed over the group, their smiles wide and welcoming. One by one, they hugged Harry, with Astoria and Ron embracing him the tightest.
"Hey, everyone! I'm sorry for worrying you all. I just needed to rest, even though I'm perfectly fine. Madam Pomfrey's just being overprotective," he said with a grin, earning a playful elbow from Daphne.
"I'm just glad you're okay and back with us," Katie said, wiping away a few tears.
"I missed you guys, too," Harry said earnestly. "And I missed training with all of you."
Before the conversation could continue, Susan stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. "As happy as we all are to see you back, Daphne mentioned you called us here for something important. What's going on? Honestly, I'm still frustrated that I couldn't help more against Umbridge, especially after all the training we've been through."
The others nodded in agreement, sharing her frustration.
Harry sighed, his expression serious. "Susan, I didn't even know what Umbridge was planning. None of us did. We were blindsided. The news from the Ministry the night before was the only warning, and we still lost two people who were trying to help me."
"Aren't you glad they helped you? They let you get those kids out of there!" Tracey asked sharply, a flash of anger in her voice.
"Of course I am," Harry replied quickly. "But not at the cost of their lives. Daphne even got hurt... I couldn't protect—"
"Stop trying to be a hero!" Susan snapped, cutting him off. "We all want to help, but you can't save everyone! We're fifth-year students, Harry. We make mistakes. If you think becoming an Auror means you'll never make mistakes like this again, you're wrong. I've seen it firsthand with my aunt. You need to move on and get stronger, not drown in guilt."
Harry was left speechless by her words. She was right, and he knew it, though the guilt still gnawed at him. He knew it always would, from his past in the department. Every time someone would get hurt on a mission he led it would always rip into his soul. He felt Daphne's hand squeeze his, a silent show of support. After two days of reflection, both alone and in conversation with Daphne, he had promised himself he would move forward and make things right.
"Thanks, Susan," he said, giving her a grateful smile. "Daphne's been telling me the same thing. I'm trying not to blame myself, but it's hard. The fact that I wasn't strong enough hit me hard. But that's why I've called you all here. I've been thinking, and I want to share my plan for what we should do this summer. I know you all probably want a break, but I hope you'll consider taking some time to work on this."
"We're with you," Padma said firmly.
"Absolutely!" Astoria and Katie chimed in, their excitement clear.
Tracey simply nodded, her usual sign of agreement whenever Daphne was involved. Neville's expression mirrored Padma's, filled with resolve. Luna, as always, wore her dreamy smile, but Harry knew her determination matched everyone else's.
"I'm in!" Susan declared with a wide grin.
Ron crossed his arms and smirked. "Come on, Harry, you think I'd let you two train without me? I know you and Daphne have already got plans. And I'm sure Hermione will want in too—are you asking her to join?"
"Well, as long as she doesn't start acting like—"
"Of course Hermione's joining," Daphne interrupted, shooting Harry a pointed look. He grinned innocently in response.
"Hey, I was just kidding! Of course, I'll ask her. She's been training with Remus and Tonks. I bet she's made some solid progress. I'd love to spar with her."
"How lucky is that? Professor Lupin was the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher we've had!" Tracey grumbled. "Is that position really cursed, though? Every year, it's a new professor, and none of them last—"
"Stop!" Daphne cut in, rolling her eyes. "It's probably just a coincidence."
"Coincidence? Every year? That's a bit much, even for a terrible coincidence," Tracey muttered, causing the room to collectively cringe.
Harry leaned in and whispered to Daphne, "Should I tell them it's actually cursed?"
Before Daphne could answer, Katie piped up with a more pressing concern. "Harry, about training... you know I'm Muggle-born, right? How can I join in? Underage wizards aren't allowed to use magic outside school, and I can't exactly cast spells in front of my parents."
Harry gave her a quizzical look. "Weren't you of age two months ago?"
Katie's face went blank as she processed his words, then panic flashed across her features. "I completely forgot!" she exclaimed, cursing herself. "Holy crap, I'm of age! I can do magic outside the castle as long as it's not in front of Muggles."
Harry laughed. "Well then, feel free to drop by anytime!"
"Really?" Katie asked, her excitement palpable.
"Yeah! Everyone's welcome, as long as you don't complain about how tough the training's going to be. It'll be a lot harder than what we do here," Harry warned with a mischievous grin.
The group exchanged eager glances, ready for the challenge ahead.
.
.
As the school year carried on, the atmosphere at Hogwarts gradually returned to normal after Professor McGonagall was appointed interim headmistress, taking over from Dolores Umbridge. She would hold the position until the school board chose a permanent successor, a pointless but necessary formality to reinstate Dumbledore, only postponed by the fact the Ministry was currently in chaos over the recent revelations.
In the wake of the recent tragedy, every day seemed to revolve around preparation. No one was more committed to rigorous training than Harry. Daphne, ever perceptive, couldn't help but notice how intense he'd become, pouring every spare moment into practising spells and defensive manoeuvres. It concerned her deeply - Harry's growing obsession left her feeling uneasy, but between the relentless practices and the pressure of their looming threat of full scale war, she hadn't found the right moment to voice her concerns. The chaos of their daily lives left little room for personal conversations.
On the final day of the school year, the atmosphere was different. Instead of sitting beside Harry as she usually did, Daphne found herself at the Slytherin table, seated between Tracey and, unexpectedly, Pansy Parkinson. The Great Hall buzzed with excitement, but Pansy seemed unusually quiet, pushing food around her plate without much interest.
"Why aren't you sitting with Malfoy?" Daphne asked, casting a sidelong glance at Pansy, who barely looked up.
"I could ask you the same about Potter. I just don't feel like it," Pansy muttered with a shrug.
"Did something happen?" Tracey chimed in, her curiosity piqued.
Pansy hesitated, her eyes narrowing before she spoke again. "He's been acting strange lately… avoiding me, not saying much at all."
"That's odd," Tracey remarked. "Aren't you two dating? You'd think he'd confide in you if something was wrong."
"Tracey!" Daphne hissed, giving her friend a warning look.
But to her surprise, Pansy just laughed—a quiet, almost bitter sound. After glancing around to ensure no one was listening, she cast a Muffliato charm over the group. "The thing is… we've never actually been together."
"What? No way!" Tracey exclaimed. "But you're always hanging off him!"
Pansy winced at Tracey's bluntness. "I know, but it's all been for show. He didn't mind, and it kept people from bothering either of us. He doesn't want to date anyone because he's got his eyes set on—" She suddenly stopped and turned her gaze on Daphne.
"On who?" Daphne asked, frowning. "You realise I'm with Harry, right? If you're about to tell me Malfoy's interested in me, I—"
"Relax, not you. Your sister," Pansy interrupted, rolling her eyes.
Daphne groaned, rubbing her temples in frustration. "Great. I knew this day would come sooner or later. What exactly has he said about my sister?"
"He hasn't said much, but I've seen the way he looks at her. It's clear he's interested."
Daphne's eyes narrowed. "And you? No feelings for him at all?"
"Please," Pansy scoffed. "I've got a boyfriend—outside of Hogwarts, thank you very much. Maybe I had a small crush on Draco in the past, but it's long gone now."
"You have a boyfriend?" Tracey blinked in disbelief. "When did this happen? You're not secretly engaged, are you?"
Pansy shot her a playful stinging hex, making Tracey yelp. "Don't be ridiculous, Davis. We've known each other since we were kids. My grandfather used to bring me along on business trips, and I met him through one of his colleagues. Last summer, he started writing to me out of the blue. We reconnected, spent a few weeks together, and by the end of the summer, he asked me to be his girlfriend."
Tracey still looked stunned. "I can't believe you had a boyfriend before me! Do we even know who he is?"
Pansy nodded with a wide grin. "I've known him longer than I've known Draco. He's kind, smart, and not to mention, incredibly handsome." She had a dreamy expression on her face. "But no, you don't know him—he goes to Ilvermorny in America."
Daphne stayed quiet, listening to their exchange. The idea of Pansy having a boyfriend was news to her. In fact, last time she'd seen Pansy, she'd been utterly devastated over Draco dumping her. Could Harry and Daphne's trip back in time have shifted other small things in their world? Had this relationship always been there, or was it a ripple effect?
"Damn, you lucky bitch," Tracey said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I wonder what he thinks about the way you act at school."
Pansy smirked. "You mean my 'bad girl' persona?"
"More like a racist, spoiled supremacist," Daphne commented calmly, taking a sip of her coffee. Tracey burst out laughing.
Pansy rolled her eyes, sighing. "He knows, trust me. He's brought it up more than once, but I never really listened—at least not until last winter. I told him what I did to Bones, and he was... not impressed. His words reminded me of what you said after you slapped me, Daphne."
Daphne cringed at the memory. "Sorry, not sorry. You deserved it."
"Yeah, you were right," Pansy admitted, her voice softening. "That, plus what he said, really made me think."
"That explains why you haven't been as nasty to people this term," Tracey deduced.
Pansy nodded. "Yeah, that's part of it. Plus, with OWLs coming up, I want to get good marks."
"That's a positive change," Daphne said with a smile, which made Pansy blush. "You should think about apologising to the people you've hurt too."
Pansy winced. "Is sending a letter enough?"
"It's a good start," Daphne said, nudging her shoulder.
"Well, you can start by apologising to me," Tracey said seriously, though her deadpan expression quickly had them both chuckling.
"Oh, by the way," Daphne continued, turning back to Pansy. "You still haven't told me—when did Malfoy start noticing my sister?"
Pansy frowned, thinking back. "I don't remember exactly, but I noticed him looking at her more around Easter."
Daphne hummed in acknowledgment. She wasn't sure what to make of Draco's interest in Astoria. There were already too many problems on her plate to deal with. For now, she'd just watch from a distance, but if Draco planned to do more than pine after her sister — if he tried anything forceful — Daphne couldn't even imagine what she'd do to him.
"Speaking of sitting, you didn't sit with Potter today?" Pansy asked, changing the subject.
"Well, it is the last feast of the year," Daphne replied, "we're supposed to sit with our own houses, aren't we?"
"True, but... is everything okay between you two?"
Daphne raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"
"I don't know. I just feel like something's been off between you guys since... well, since the tragedy."
Daphne went quiet, considering Pansy's words. In truth, she had felt a shift too. Things had been tense between her and Harry lately, and though they hadn't spoken about it, the weight of everything they'd gone through hung over them. "We're fine," she said after a moment. "But yeah, things have been tense. It hasn't been easy, and Harry... he's been trying to play the hero again, taking everything on himself. He doesn't need to, though."
"Classic Gryffindor," Pansy said with a grin.
"Exactly."
"You should talk to him," Pansy advised. "Really talk to him. I get that you can't control him, but if you tell him how you're feeling and he still doesn't get it, then maybe he's not the one for you."
Daphne raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "Since when are you the expert on relationships?"
"Since I got myself a decent boyfriend, of course!" Pansy said smugly.
"I want a boyfriend too!" Tracey whined, making all three of them burst into laughter.
As Tracey and Pansy continued their conversation, Daphne found herself drifting into her own thoughts. Pansy's words lingered in her mind—she and Harry needed to talk, really talk. The way he was obsessively pushing himself was starting to wear him down, and it concerned her. While she understood his need to prepare, to become stronger, she could see how it was slowly consuming him. They both needed to face what was happening, and soon.
She glanced down at her half-eaten plate, her appetite gone. Why had they gone back in time? The mission was clear: prevent the chaos that would unfold. But beyond that, what was their true purpose? She was lost in thought when a sudden flutter of wings snapped her back to reality. An unfamiliar owl had landed in front of her, a letter tied neatly to its leg.
Daphne blinked in surprise, untying the letter and offering the bird a slice of bacon. It gave a soft hoot before taking off, leaving her with a growing sense of curiosity. She unfolded the letter and immediately recognized her father's neat handwriting.
Dear Daphne,
How are you, dear? I hope you're doing well.
Harry hasn't done anything reckless, has he?
I apologise for not contacting you sooner, but things at the Ministry have been rather hectic with the upcoming trials. But don't worry, we're handling everything splendidly
Please inform Harry that the trial of Sirius Black will be held in a week's time. It will take place three days after Fudge's trial. If he has any questions, he can ask me when you all arrive in London. I'll be the one picking up the three of you.
Your loving dad,
Cyrus
Daphne stared at the letter, her mind racing. 'The three of us?' What did her father mean by that? She glanced up from the parchment and immediately locked eyes with Harry, who was watching her curiously from across the Great Hall. His eyebrows lifted in silent question.
'Later', she mouthed, and Harry, though reluctant, gave a small nod in response. She offered him a reassuring smile, trying to keep her expression relaxed. Harry turned back to his friends, though she noticed him glancing her way more than once, clearly impatient to know what the letter contained.
Daphne smirked to herself. 'Typical Harry.'
—
Sirius had been in high spirits ever since Hermione had managed to capture the rat - it meant his chance at freedom was finally within reach. He couldn't stop thinking about the future, about being a free man, and finally being able to make up for all the lost time with Harry. Forget helping the Order, Harry was now his main focus, and the thought of no longer being a fugitive gave him hope. He owed it to James and Lily to be the godfather they had entrusted him to be, and he wasn't about to waste this second chance.
As Sirius bounded down the stairs, he could already smell the mouth-watering scent of Molly's dinner filling the air. He grinned, eager to join the others in the kitchen, his spirits lighter than they had been in years. Tonight, he felt like nothing could bring him down.
"Good evening, everyone!" Sirius greeted cheerfully as he entered the kitchen, sitting next to Remus. He heaped food onto his plate, oblivious to the sharp gaze that followed his every move.
"Finally decided to show up, Black?" Moody grumbled, his magical eye swivelling toward Sirius, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice.
Sirius grinned and took a large bite before responding. "Moody, with my nose, how could I resist the smell of Molly's cooking?"
"Bah! Just make sure you're not planning some childish prank while you're at it," Moody retorted, though the usual gruffness in his tone had softened, revealing he was only half-serious.
Sirius feigned hurt. "You wounded me! I'm a reformed man, a responsible teacher, and soon to be free! Right, Hermione?" He turned to Hermione, who was deep in thought, her mind likely still on her OWLs results.
Startled, Hermione blinked at him. "What?"
"I said I'm a great teacher, right?" Sirius repeated, pouting slightly.
"Uh—yes, of course! You're a fantastic teacher, Sirius! Remus and Tonks too!" Hermione added, shaking off her distraction and smiling earnestly.
"See?" Sirius smirked, looking triumphant.
Before Sirius could bask in his smugness any longer, a calm voice cut through the conversation. "I still think we should be cautious, Sirius."
Sirius froze and turned toward Dumbledore, who had been quietly observing the exchange. He hadn't even noticed the headmaster's presence. The old wizard's gaze was kind but unwavering, and Sirius suddenly felt the weight of his former headmaster's judgement.
"Albus! I didn't see you there!" Sirius tried to laugh it off, but Dumbledore wasn't swayed.
"I'm disappointed, Sirius. Why didn't you report it to me immediately when Peter was captured?" Dumbledore's voice was soft but firm, and his words were laced with reproach.
Sirius's smile faded, and he frowned. "I wasn't hiding him from you, Albus. It's just... you weren't around when it happened. What was I supposed to do?"
"You could have waited for a proper plan," Dumbledore replied gently, though his disapproval remained. "I understand your desire for freedom, but rushing to the DMLE with Peter was reckless. We need to consider the larger picture. Peter may know things about Voldemort's plans that could be vital to the Order."
Sirius slammed his hand on the table, the frustration that had been bubbling beneath the surface now erupting. "I'm not being reckless, Albus! This is about my freedom! About justice! Why do you oppose Amelia's plan to clear my name? Do you want me locked up here forever? What about Harry's happiness?"
Dumbledore remained calm, though there was a flicker of sadness in his eyes. "I want nothing more than to see you free, Sirius. And Harry's happiness is just as important to me. But we must think strategically. If Peter holds valuable information about Voldemort—"
"You've already got your spy!" Remus interrupted angrily. "Snape's been feeding you information for years, hasn't he? Why do you need Peter too?"
Sirius nodded, his voice rising in agreement. "Exactly! You trust that slimy git, don't you? Why can't you just let me be free, Albus? I've spent twelve years in Azkaban for something I didn't do! I've been hiding out like a criminal for two more! I just want to live my life, to be there for Harry like James and Lily wanted! I've lost enough time!"
Dumbledore looked at Sirius with a deep, sympathetic gaze but remained steadfast. "I understand your frustration, Sirius. And I do want you to be free. But we are at war. Peter's information could be crucial, and we can't afford to let this opportunity slip away."
Sirius clenched his fists, trying to rein in his anger. "I've done my time, Albus. I deserve to live without this burden hanging over my head. I owe it to Harry, to James, and Lily. I won't stay caged any longer." He released his grip on his fists, taking a deep breath in an attempt to centre himself. "Besides, Voldemort despises pettigrew. Why would he trust him with information he would not trust to Snape? And speaking of trust, how did that filthy rat find out our location in the first place? We are under a fidelius, there should be no way that he got in here, and I'll give you three guesses as to which hook nosed, greasy haired, dressed in black git was the one that leaked our location."
Remus stood firm, his voice unwavering. "I'm sorry, Albus, but this time, I'm on Sirius' side. Even if Severus was not the one that leaked our location, even if he somehow managed to sneak in on his own, there is still not enough reason not to free Sirius. Our location has somehow been compromised, it's not safe to stay here, therefore why do we need to know how he got in? If need be, Madame Bones can ask that question during his interrogation, but there is nothing to be gained from keeping pad foot enslaved in this God forsaken house!"
Dumbledore blinked, clearly taken aback by Remus's defiance. It wasn't often that Remus, the voice of reason, stood against him. His disappointment was palpable, but there was also a quiet recognition that he was facing something immovable.
"Please, think again about your decision," Dumbledore began, his tone still calm but laced with concern. "Don't let your desire for freedom cloud your judgement—"
Sirius cut him off sharply, his voice fierce. "I know I was reckless and selfish in my youth, Albus. Believe me, I've regretted it every single day. After I escaped Azkaban, I listened to you, followed your orders because I knew it was the right thing. But this time, I need to be selfish. For Harry. And for myself. I promise, you'll regret it if you don't let this happen." His eyes burned with a rare intensity, one that hadn't dimmed despite all the years of suffering. He was done playing the role of the obedient soldier. This was personal, and Dumbledore knew it.
"And don't even think about taking Peter away from us," Sirius added with a warning edge. "Amelia already knows everything. We have a plan, and we're not backing down." His stare was unrelenting, daring Dumbledore to challenge him.
Dumbledore sighed heavily, feeling the weight of the room shift against him. His two once-trusted students—Sirius and Remus—stood united against him, their determination as solid as ever. The older wizard hesitated, knowing that any further argument would only fracture their bond further.
"Very well," Dumbledore finally conceded, his voice soft but carrying the weight of his resignation. "If this is what you truly want, I can only hope your decision won't lead to regret."
Sirius's features softened slightly at the victory, though his resolve didn't falter. "Don't worry, Albus. We'll make sure the plan goes smoothly. And I'll finally be able to make things right for Harry."
.
.
The heated debate at Grimmauld Place had caused tension between Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore. The Order members were split between those who believed Peter Pettigrew should be interrogated by Dumbledore for information about Voldemort's plans, and those like Sirius and Remus who insisted Peter should face a proper trial, ensuring Sirius's name would finally be cleared. In the end, Sirius and Remus won out, and Peter was to be brought to the Ministry for trial.
It was a significant day—the same day Harry and the others would be returning from Hogwarts. Sirius was eager to reunite with his godson, but the secrecy surrounding Pettigrew's transfer meant he had to wait a little longer, but he consoled himself with the thought that they could still communicate using the enchanted mirrors - it was the first thing he had packed for the trip to see Madame Bones. Yet, as they waited for Tonks to arrive with the portkey, Sirius couldn't help but feel restless, and it was starting to get on everyone's nerves.
"Are you sure I can't come along?" Moody growled, his magical eye whizzing around the room as if it could spot the danger ahead. "I've been whipping up a good paralysis spell I'm itching to try."
Sirius shook his head with a grin. "I know you'd be a great backup, but Amelia made the decision. You're still an important asset, even in retirement, Alastor. But, hey, you can always take it up with her!"
"Wasn't going to cast it on death eaters, flea bag," Moody growled under his breath while Hermione, nearby, gave Sirius a hopeful look.
"You really won't let me come with you?" she asked, her tone tinged with disappointment.
Sirius laughed warmly. "Harry's coming back today, Hermione. Wouldn't you rather be here to welcome him?"
Before Hermione could respond, the door creaked open, and everyone turned toward the entrance.
"Unfortunately for you, Sirius," came Tonks's familiar voice. "Harry won't be coming here."
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Tonks! Took you long enough! What do you mean, Harry won't be coming here?"
Tonks stepped into the room, pulling a large ring from her bag, which was to serve as the portkey. "Harry will be staying with the Greengrasses until the trial. Cyrus himself is going to pick them up. Something about keeping up appearances in impartiality? Long story short, you are still assumed to be after Harry's head, and the safest thing for the outcome of the trial, and for Harry's safety, is to keep him away from number 12 until the trial is done."
Molly interjected, "But this house is safer than any! Harry should be with us!"
Hermione muttered under her breath, "Safe enough that Pettigrew managed to get in…"
Remus and Sirius chuckled at her comment, but Tonks waved it off. "It's been decided, Molly. Sorry, but Hermione is right, and we don't have any say in it anyways. Everyone ready? The portkey activates in a minute."
"We're ready!" Remus said for them, both eager and nervous as Peter Pettigrew, trapped in his cage, squirmed violently, but Remus kept a firm grip on the handle.
"See you all at the trial!" Sirius called out, his voice full of confidence. "After that, we're celebrating my freedom!"
.
.
Sirius, Remus, and Tonks landed abruptly in the front garden of Amelia Bones's secluded estate, the familiar disorienting pull of the portkey leaving them slightly unsteady on their feet. The cool morning air hit them, and they found themselves standing before a large, well-kept manor, far away from prying eyes. The sound of wards crackling subtly around them indicated just how secure the place was.
Sirius adjusted the collar of his jacket and let out a low whistle. "Nice place. Feels like Azkaban in terms of security though," he muttered, casting a wary glance at the invisible protective spells surrounding the property. "Security wards always make my spine crawl."
"Don't worry, mate," Tonks chuckled, brushing off a few leaves that clung to her hair. "You're not going to be locked up here. Well, unless Amelia says so." She winked as she led them toward the door.
Remus knocked gently on the heavy oak door, and almost immediately, it swung open to reveal Amelia Bones standing in the doorway, her sharp eyes softened slightly at the sight of them. "Welcome," she greeted with a slight nod. "You're all right on time. I trust the journey wasn't too much of a hassle?"
"Nothing we couldn't handle," Sirius replied with a grin, his usual bravado returning. "I've had worse landings."
Amelia raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by his charm. "I'm sure you have, Sirius Black," she said dryly, stepping aside to allow them in. "Come inside quickly. The wards are strong, but let's not tempt fate by lingering."
They stepped into the grand entrance hall, the cool stone walls lined with portraits of long-dead ancestors and magical artefacts, yet still managing to give off a homely vibe. The place had a distinctly old-world feel, but everything was impeccably clean and organised, as one would expect from a head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Peter, still trapped in his magically reinforced cage, was levitating behind them, his beady eyes darting around nervously as he squirmed in his confinement. Amelia cast a brief glance at the traitorous rat but didn't acknowledge him further.
"Your… guest will be taken to a secure room immediately," she said, motioning for Tonks. "I have a special cupboard for storing classified documents in the corner of the dining room. Ensure he's locked up with additional protections. He won't be escaping this time." Her voice was firm, with no room for doubt.
Tonk reached out and took Pettigrew's floating cage away without a word, and for the first time in a long while, Sirius felt a glimmer of hope as the rat disappeared from sight. Remus placed a calming hand on his friend's shoulder, sensing the storm of emotions brewing beneath Sirius's otherwise calm demeanour.
"Thank you, Amelia," Remus said softly. "For all you're doing."
Amelia met his gaze, her expression softening a fraction. "You're welcome, Remus. I know how much this means to you both. James and Lily were good friends, and I'm sorry this has happened to you two." She turned her attention back to the group as a whole. "Come, you must be tired. I'll have some tea waiting in the drawing room."
She led them through the house, past various rooms filled with shelves of books and magical instruments, and finally into a cosy sitting room. A roaring fire was already lit, casting a warm glow around the space. Comfortable armchairs were arranged around the hearth, and a tray with tea and biscuits had been set on a small table.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Amelia said as she took a seat across from them. "I know this situation is far from ideal, but for the next week, this will be your home. I've set up secure quarters for each of you."
Sirius flopped into one of the armchairs with a dramatic sigh, though his eyes glinted with humour. "A week in a place like this? Honestly, Amelia, this feels more like a vacation than a holding cell, I can practically feel the wards in my teeth, it's like a piece of popcorn stuck in there."
Tonks snorted as she poured herself some tea. "Just don't go wandering off. She might reconsider making it more of a prison stay for you."
Amelia smirked slightly at the exchange but quickly returned to business. "Well, first of all let's go over some business."
"What's the plan?" Sirius asked, grabbing a biscuit from the nearby table.
Amelia, sipping her tea, responded calmly. "Your trial is set for a week from now."
"What?!" Sirius nearly choked. "A whole week? I'm ready to be a free man now!"
Amelia chuckled. "I know, but the Ministry has something more urgent to handle first. Trust me, it'll benefit you if we take care of it before your trial."
Remus leaned forward, intrigued. "More urgent than clearing Sirius's name?"
"Cornelius Fudge is standing trial," Amelia explained, her expression hardening. "He's responsible for the catastrophe at Hogwarts, where two students died because of Dolores Umbridge, and the public is crying for a scapegoat. However, we can prove it is all tied to his orders."
Sirius's eyes widened. "Bloody hell! I knew there was a battle, but I didn't realise there were casualties. That woman deserved worse than death. Did Fudge really order their deaths?"
Amelia sighed solemnly. "Not directly, no. He ordered Umbridge to do whatever was necessary to silence Umbridge, but Harry seemed to think there was some sort of grudge against him that drove her crazy. Regardless, we have been investigating him for embezzlement, bribery, and various other corruptions of the office for the last few months, and this will only help our case, even if he is found not be involved with giving Umbridge orders to violate the rights of students, which I am more than confident we have the evidence to prove, it's still going to help the other charges against him. No one would dare clear him of signing off on the death of two innocent students and the mauling of several others, and then also find him not guilty on several charges of corruption as well - that would be career suicide for any politician. As much as I hate playing politics, getting my hands dirty is inevitable with this. Death was too easy for Umbridge, but Fudge will answer for what happened."
"You mentioned Fudge's trial being crucial before Sirius's. Is there something bigger at play here, Amelia?" Remus spoke inquisitively, but it was clear it was not meant as a question.
Amelia sighed and nodded. "You're sharp, Remus. Yes, there's more going on. Fudge's trial will reveal the full extent of his corruption and incompetence. By holding that trial first, it'll create public sympathy for Sirius. After all, he's a victim of Fudge's greed and mismanagement. On top of that, it will cause some of the more vocal supporters of Fudge to distance themselves, not wanting to get caught up in anything they may be involved with. Cyrus hopes this can be pushed into increased funding for the DMLE in preparation for the upcoming war. I hate politics, but even I have to admit the man has a good point. If we can tie all of Fudge's policies in with his criminal actions up in a nice pretty bow, it could be useful to help persuade the public and the wisengamont of just how bad the situation with Voldemort really is." She paused and took a sip of her tea while the other two followed in suit, before continuing. "It's also a starting point to introduce new legislation to limit the powers of government. The position of minister has way too much authority, and we need more checks and balances in place. I have no doubt in my mind that Fudge did not intend for Umbridge to slaughter students. He probably just wanted her to intimidate and abuse Potter and others that supported Dumbledore and his cause, and would then throw enough political weight around to cover up the entire thing. The only way you get that confidence is through a long career of crime and corruption, which should have never started in the first place."
As Amelia laid out the deeper implications, the room fell into a thoughtful silence. Sirius, for once, looked serious. "Fudge was always a coward, but I never thought it went this far. I never realised he was completely corrupt, I just thought he was a moron."
Amelia sighed. "The iceberg is just starting to crumble. By the time Sirius's trial comes, the public will know who the real villains are. I just hate that it had to result in all this for Fudge to get his day in court. As for Umbridge, well we can only hope there's a nice deep spot in hell for her."
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By the way, for whoever wants to read the next three chapters (newest is chapter 33), it's already on my Pat-reon. There's also exclusive one-shots in the same universe as 'The Time Bomb'. Eighth one-shots already released! The newest is 'I Can Ease your Pain'.
Warning! The new one-shot is 18+, so read it wisely!
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Besides the next few chapters of 'The Time Bomb' and the Special one shots, there's also a new WIP: "Twenty One". So far it has nine chapters!
Summary: If the contract remains unfulfilled, time will continue to loop endlessly, repeating the same events over and over until the obligation is finally met. Sure is a shame nobody included that in the fine print.
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