Chapter 1
Keeping his head down, Ron weaved through the crowded in the corridors of the Ministry. There were many witches and wizards around him, and the last thing he needed was to accidentally meet someone he knew. Especially father or Percy. It was quite difficult to get here unnoticed, and it would be very stupid to spoil everything at this stage.
He finally made it to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. There were practically no people in this corridor. And although he was tall enough to look like an adult from a distance, he could be noticed very quickly, so he had to think about how to find his way faster. The network of premises was indeed gigantic, and he had no idea where exactly the office of the head of the DMLE was located. He was sure only that her office was in the exact opposite direction from his father's. But this knowledge did not help much.
Why did he even think talking to Amelia Bones was a good idea?!
Ron had heard that the woman was fair and incorruptible... And that made her the person who could help them. But he also heard that Madam Bones was tough, strict and very demanding. From what he knew about the head of the DMLE, he could infer that she had never done favors for anyone. What made him think she would listen to him anyway?
Ron wiped his sweaty hands on his robes and looked around uncertainly. Now he had not the slightest doubt that this was an idiotic idea. The only thing that did not allow him to abandon his plan was Gryffindor courage. Or rather, his own ideas of Gryffindor courage, which he, as a true Gryffindor, must live up to. If not for himself, then at least for Harry. Ron clenched his hands into fists, trying to feel more determined. Harry never hesitated when he jumped into the basilisk's lair to save Ginny. Ron shouldn't be afraid either. Moreover, all he needs to do is talk to an old woman, and not fight a huge snake. Now the battle with the snake didn't seem so scary after all.
Ron adjusted his robes nervously, hoping he didn't look terrible. It was his best attire, but despite his efforts, he still felt it fell short of being presentable. Just like himself.
When he finally mustered the courage to begin his search for Amelia Bones, it seemed fate had a different plan. As he raised his head, he found himself locking eyes with the disgruntled woman. It almost felt as if she had found him first.
"What are you doing here, young man?" she asked, her voice sharp.
Ron stumbled backward, his words stumbling out incoherently.
"I... I'm sorry, Madam Bones. I didn't mean to... I mean, I was just... I was looking for you."
Madam Bones arched an eyebrow, her gaze piercing, studying him intently. She noticed the absence of any Ministry identification badge to explain the boy's presence.
"Looking for me?" she repeated, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity. She scrutinized him, searching for answers. "What business do you have here, Mr…"
"Mr. Weasley, Madam," he replied.
Recognition flickered in her eyes, and a faint smile curved her lips.
"Ah, yes. Weasley. And you're here to talk about Sirius Black, Mr. Weasley?"
Her voice sounded much warmer than before, but remained just as firm.
"How did you know?" he exclaimed in surprise, and then hesitantly added, "Madam."
"I think you'd be surprised how much I've heard from the Minister about... that story with Black."
"Oh," he muttered.
"Really. I am very sorry that you and your friends found yourselves in such a dangerous situation," she said sincerely. "I can assure you that the Ministry is doing everything in its power to capture the fugitive. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to spare at the moment. However, we can go to my office, and I'll have the secretary take you to the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office."
"Oh," Ron repeated, feeling a mix of disappointment and devastation. Was that to be the end of it? He hesitated for a moment before gathering his courage. "You won't even listen to me?"
Ron let out a disappointed breath. He couldn't believe that Bones was as much of an idiot as Fudge.
Amelia Bones found herself torn between conflicting thoughts. As the head of the DMLE, she felt inclined to dismiss Weasley's request. It was not her job and not her concern. If she allowed the boy to be right, she should have called Auror Shacklebolt, who handled the Black case. But since she didn't think he could be right, she should have talked to Arthur Weasley. Perhaps he should talk to his son and explain that dark wizards can be really persuasive. She frowned as she thought of how many talented young people had chosen the wrong side of the war just because of such corrupting influences. And because next to them there was no one who could say that it was wrong.
She couldn't help but think of her niece. Susan was also at Hogwarts and potentially in danger. If Black were to deceive Susan, Madam Bones would definitely want a responsible adult by her side.
Despite her professional responsibilities, her love for her family made her more willing to make changes to her work schedule. As well as the idea that next time the younger Weasley would seek help not from the Ministry, but from people like Black.
She did not believe that Weasley could change her own view of the case. But she wanted to believe that she could help. Amelia sighed. She made her final decision.
"Very well, Mr. Weasley. I will hear you out. Let's go to my office."