Chapter 48
Sirius took his seat in the Wizengamot, much to Dumbledore’s chagrin. Even better, James had never formally taken up his title, so he was left scrambling to file the correct paperwork in order to accept his Lordship and be able to join the Wizengamot and ‘babysit’ Sirius. The goblins, being Dark creatures, were more than happy to create new reams of paperwork and insist that things had been filled out incorrectly, making Potter complete it all over again and dragging the process out much longer than necessary.
This gave Sirius well over a month to work his charm and get as many people on his side as possible. He was careful to keep his mind sharp and attentive as he schmoozed and flirted and buttered people up. By the time James was allowed to set foot in the Chamber well over a month later, Sirius had more than a few friends.
The first session with James by his side, Sirius switched back to his confused, addled behaviour that he had been displaying constantly around James, but never before around the Wizengamot members. They eyed James suspiciously as he talked to Sirius like an errant child. When James ducked away after the session to speak to someone across the room, Sirius made a careful little show of shaking his head and blinking, looking around slightly confused.
‘Good afternoon, Lord Black.’ Lord Parkinson greeted politely, but Sirius could see his close attention.
‘Afternoon, Lord – er… my apologies.’ Sirius furrowed his brow. ‘Lord P-Parkinson. Apologies.’
The people nearby frowned – Sirius had an excellent memory for names. He always knew people’s spouses, children, grandchildren – even pets. For him to forget Lord Parkinson… a few suspicious glances at James made him hurry back over, trying to look casual.
‘Not causing trouble are you, Siri?’ James joked, but it fell flat.
‘No,’ said Sirius, brow furrowing. ‘Just can’t remember… something.’
More suspicious glances at that, but James threw out a winning smile. ‘That’s alright, mate – you’ve been a bit confused since Azkaban. Maybe we should head home and you can have a rest.’
‘I have a meeting scheduled with Lord Black this afternoon.’ interjected Lord Warrington.
Sirius turned an empty-eyed gaze on him. James tried not to scowl. He was pretty sure Warrington was Grey, not Dark – but it was only half a step better. Sirius shouldn’t be meeting with that lot.
‘Perhaps another day.’ James said shortly. ‘Come on, Siri, time for a rest.’
Sirius followed him, eyes still empty, out to the Floo. James dropped him off at Grimmauld, set him up with a cup of tea, and left again once Sirius had sat down to drink it.
Sirius waited a couple of minutes, before heading back to the Floo and returning to the Chambers. He hurried from the Floo to the Chambers, slightly out of breath when he arrived. His expression fell when he saw the mingling crowd.
‘Shit!’ he hissed to himself.
‘Everything alright, Lord Black?’ asked Lord Parkinson.
‘Apologies for the crude language, Lord Parkinson. I’m not sure what happened, but clearly I’ve missed the session.’ Sirius ran a frustrated hand over his brow, then gave Lord Parkinson a tight smile.
The nearby crowd was watching closely, not even bothering to be subtle anymore.
‘Lord Warrington!’ Sirius called suddenly. ‘Are you still available for our meeting this afternoon?’
Lord Warrington frowned slightly, then nodded. ‘I am.’
The two men departed a moment later, and the rumour mill kicked into overdrive.
Lucius leaned closer to his circle of conversation partners. ‘That was… strange.’ He said.
‘I’ve never seen Lord Black so… vague. So confused. Potter – pardon me, Lord Potter was practically dragging him around like a child.’ Lady Montague seemed quite disturbed.
‘Indeed – I have always been impressed at how sharp and coherent he has been, after his time in Azkaban. He never forgets names!’ Lord Blakely added.
‘Strange that he came back and thought he’d missed the session…’ Lucius said slowly, adding fuel to the fire.
‘Yes – most strange! And he immediately remembered names and appointments when he returned, despite having no apparent recollection earlier.’
‘You don’t think…’ Lord Dagworth trailed off. ‘No, that’s ridiculous.’
‘What is it?’ urged Lady Montague.
‘Well… I’ve never seen Lord Black in such a state, and yet when he returned… alone, he seemed… more like himself.’ Lord Dagworth had trailed off to barely above a whisper, not willing to cast such an accusation too loudly.
‘You think Potter did something to him?’ Lucius said, equally quiet.
The group cast nervous glances around.
‘It bears watching, is all I’ll say.’ Lord Dagworth said with finality.