Choke On Them Lemon Drops
October 30th, 1989
Dumbledore-
After a night of next to no sleep Albus only wanted to get today over with. The Wizengamot was set to convene at any moment now. For once he had nothing to say to anyone. Usually, he would make his rounds and converse with everyone. But today he'd gone straight to his seat and made no attempt to hide his antisocial behavior. Albus hadn't even eaten any of his favorite candies today. Just a square of dry toast as his stomach was roiling.
He couldn't help but wonder if today would be his last day. If today would be the day that Albus lost everything he'd worked for. Breathing deeply and sitting back in his chair he faced the front podium. Many of his fellow Wizengamot members had started filtering in. So far none had noticed him just yet. But that might be because the earliest arrivals were from the dark faction. Lucius Malfoy was smirking at him as if he already knew the outcome. Lords Flint and Nott came in next both of which barely spared him a glance. Once the room had filled up on all sides he settled in for a long meeting. Right when the doors were about to close for the sessions start. Lord McMillan came in with none other than Sirius Black. Fudge brought the room to order as everyone, but Mr. Black settled. Normally he would lead the session as Supreme Mugwamp. But since Albus was directly involved in today's session. It was left to Fudge as Minister followed by Madame Bones as the DMLE head. And if by some miracle or rather horror, should the first three be unavailable.
A leader would be chosen from the faction with the most active votes. Whoever represented said faction would then lead the body as a whole. The representative was usually the faction member with the most seats.
"Today we are bringing this session to a start, on October 30th,1989. Does anyone wish to claim their seats for this session?" Fudge asked.
Sirius stepped forward and stood by the claiming stone. The stone itself was thought to be enchanted by Merlin himself. The Ministry as a whole was built around said stone. The stone determined one's bloodline by examining their magic. And if legends were to be believed the stone also read one's soul. It had never failed to determine whether or not a claim was valid. If it accepted your claim the stone would glow blue. Then said person in question would be allowed to select where to sit. But if someone tried to claim a bloodline not of their own. Said person's hand stuck to the stone and glowed red. The person would then promptly be charged with attempted bloodline theft. The only exception was if a proxy was signed by the seat holder. In which case the stone ascertained the validity of the claim.
"Alright Mr. Black, go ahead with your claim." Fudge said.
Sirius placed his hand on the stone his heir ring shining his right hand.
"I, Sirius Orion Black III, hereby lay claim to the Black vote by proxy. Which has been given by the current Lord. So, mote it be." Sirius intoned.
The stone didn't hesitate its blue glow was strong.
"Welcome Mr. Black, take your seat as you see fit." Fudge said.
It was strange that Arcturus would give out a proxy like that. Let alone to the "black sheep" of the Blacks. If Arcturus had died the claim would be for a lordship. The Black family has held eight seats. And has been dark aligned since before the Ministry existed. So, seeing Sirius move towards the Neutral faction was a shock for everyone. He sat down right next to Lord McMillan, looking as if he hadn't done the most shocking thing ever. Did Arcturus actually approve of Sirius's choices? Surely not, the man he used to know was staunch and fierce in his beliefs. So much so that Arcturus was dubbed the "most stubborn rock" in history. The man was simply that bullheaded.
"Does anyone have any new business or news?" Fudge asked.
A standard question that pretty much no one answered to.
"Then we shall proceed with the inquiry of Albus Dumbledore and the Potters. Will Lord Dumbledore please take center stage." Fudge intoned.
Center stage was literally the very center of the room. The room was circular, and the chairs wrapped around the room's edges. While the Minister, DMLE head, and Supreme Mugwamp would stand to the front. Which was how the room was generally set up. It was somehow disarming being in the very center. All of their piercing gazes looking down at him.
"It has come to our attention that once again you are in the middle of a scandal. This time we are here to address insinuations of the Potter's being alive. And if so, were any laws broken in the process? What say you in your own defense Albus Dumbledore?" Fudge asked.
The portly man was looking at him with barely concealed glee. Fudge was a bottom feeder who only cared about money. Money and he was insanely paranoid that Albus would take his job. He had as many jobs as he had names. Albus didn't need the Ministers job too.
"It's....it's true they are still alive." Albus said, wincing at the sudden uproar.
Fudge banged the gavel many times before gaining control back. The air was thick with tension.
"Due tell us why in your infinite wisdom this questionable act was committed?" Madame Bones asked, sharply.
"Yes, I believe we would all like to know that." Lucius drawled.
"I at the time I believed it was best to hide them away. We became aware that there was a traitor hidden in our midst. I came up with another plan of action. One which I believed was the best course of action overall. I switched the secret keeper to Peter Pettigrew. Knowing that the man was a deatheater. My phoenix Fawkes can sense the foul dark magic embedded within the dark marks. It was a trap to catch a traitor and to stop a dark lord." Albus said, calmly.
He hoped they would simply take his word for it. Diving deeper in might not look good for him. It really was the best course of action at the time. This wasn't the first time Albus wondered if he'd done the right thing.
"Lord and Lady Potter simply allowed this to happen? They willingly put an infant in danger to lure in a dark lord?" Madame Bones asked, incredously.
He swallowed thickly. There was the rub they would crucify him for this. It was for the greater good, for all of Britain as a whole.
"Lord Potter was readily agreeable to my plans at the time. Though he was entirely skeptical of Peter being a traitor. None the less he refrained from telling his friends. Lady Potter was more hesitant, and they had quite the row over it. But ultimately, she trusted her husband's judgement. I assured her that no harm would befall her son." Albus said, carefully.
The thunderous expressions of some of the lords and ladies made him look at his feet. No matter what happened today it was going to be a loss. Just how much Albus would lose was the question.
"And just what kind of traps are we talking about?" Dowager Longbottom asked, sharply.
Her glare pierced him to the bones. If she wasn't angry about what happened to her son. Augusta was sure to be cross that Albus protected the Potter's. He'd offered no such protection to her family.
"We used a blood-based ritual to protect Harry. It protected the child as it should've at the time in question. I then believed that it was best to keep Harry away from his parents. It would've simply been too dangerous. Keeping all of them together was too much of a risk. An act that was further bolstered by the Longbottom attack. As the only other child of the prophecy to defeat Voldemort. So, I took the child to his maternal Aunt to live with her. The blood ritual also provided a set of blood wards for Harry's continued protection." Albus said.
"My how the mighty has fallen! Albus-too-many-names-Dumbledore uses blood magic. The same magic he vilified and helped make illegal. And he used it to fake the deaths of two of his followers. The irony isn't lost on everyone I hope." Lucius drawled, smirking down at him.
Albus grimaced and looked anywhere but at the people surrounding him. Damn that silver-tongued snake!
"That is entirely true. Blood magic is restricted to Gringotts's usage only. Something if I recall you were quite passionate about. But that isn't the interesting part is it Albus? Their bodies were examined by the Department of Mysteries. So, if those buried bodies aren't the real Potters, then who or what are they?" Madame Bones asked, angrily.
He didn't need to look to his right to see the members of the dark faction. They looked like Yule had come early and they'd gotten everything they'd asked lady magic for.
"That's a much harder explanation to hash out. Nobody died to create the bodies so really there isn't any violations." Albus tried, cautiously.
"What do you mean nobody died to create them? If you're referencing what I think you are than we clearly need to know." Lord Flint said, smirking.
Fuck. He could continue to lie to cover it all up further. But what was the point in the end? If he lied now and they called him on it. He would lose face even further or they would insist on Vertiserum questioning. Something that he couldn't risk as they could literally ask him anything.
"I used my knowledge of old magic, rituals, and alchemy to create a set of golems..." Albus was cut off.
The gasps of outrage and curse words filled the thick oppressive air.
"You used a form of outlawed dark magic that borderlines on Black magic. So that you can fake the deaths of two people. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but doesn't somebody have to die to create the golem you would need?" Lucius said, sharply.
"No, we used a modified version of Polyjuice that is capable of being used on magical creatures. It had to be a magical creature as they have their own form of wild magic. If someone ingests Polyjuice before dying, they permanently keep their new "face". A simple strong calming draught later. And you have two very confused and drugged humanoid golems." Albus answered.
He'd be lucky to avoid a jail cell at this point. Hopefully the Light faction would at least back him enough to save him. The Potters might get away scott free, but Albus had performed all of the magic. All of the magic for the Fidelus, all of the magic for the golems, and all of the blood magic for the wards. He'd spent years denouncing such magics as dark and evil. He'd made a hypocrite of himself in a desperate bid to save two people.
"Dare I ask what kind of creatures you sacrificed for your greater good?" Sirius asked, sneering.
"Centaurs...there is a herd of them near Hogwarts in the Forbidden Forest. Two of their elders were sickly and close to death anyway. I asked them merely for their reading of the stars. I wanted to know if what I was about to do would be worth it. They were the ones to offer up their fellow herd members. They told me that without this change the future would be very grim indeed. That my choosing to interfere with events would stop another war from breaking out. I did what I did to save not just the Potters but our people as well. Another war would devastate our society, and our already small population could be destroyed entirely. If nothing else, I hope that you all understand that I made the best choice I could for everyone. Though it sickened me to stoop to using such magic. I did so with the best of intentions." Albus said, with conviction.
His shoulders dropped as he looked anywhere but at Fudge and Bones before him. Given the emotionally charged room the silence was deafening.
"Be that as it may, I think everyone here wants to see proof that the Potters are still among the living." Madame Bones replied.
"Yes, they need to be here so we can determine if they too have committed any crimes." Fudge said.
"Even so how do we know Dumbledore didn't do anything to them? If this is all true, then they've been isolated with only Dumbledore knowing where they are. Who's to say that he didn't alter their minds? Or force them to do what he said? For all we know the Potters could be nothing more than his puppets." Lord Macmillan said.
(Turn them screws Caspian!)
"He has a point. If Dumbledore is willing to get off his high horse to create golems of all things. Who's to say that an Imperious curse isn't within his capabilities?" Lord Ogden said, sharply.
A murmur rose up through the room. Only the gavel banging seemed to quiet the room entirely. As Amelia's voice hadn't been able to quiet the room.
"Then we take it to a vote. Dumbledore must disclose their location to at least one member of this standing. And the Potters will be questioned with Vertiserum as well. So, all those opposed please light your wands now." Fudge said.
It wasn't much of a vote, however. As only three votes were cast in total.
"Now all of those to approve of this action?" Fudge asked, calmly.
The chamber was lit with wand light making his stomach sink. No...no he'd lost more support than he thought. It truly was too late to twist the situation to his needs.
"The motion carries. Dumbledore will disclose the location of the Potters. And he will allow access to the wards for their retrieval. Madame Bones will be the one to follow through. At this point of time Dumbledore is not to leave this room. Nobody is to talk to or question him about these events. The rest of you can have a small break before we reconvene." Fudge announced.
The room started to empty as the Lords and Ladies left the room. Some stayed behind and remained seated. He conjured a chair and practically fell into it. Even if he'd wanted to escape...to call Fawkes. It would be impossible...those damn anti-phoenix wards. As good of a duelist as he was, Albus couldn't fool himself. The Ministry was full with the Wizengamot convened. He'd never make it to an Apparition point let alone a Floo. At the very least he hoped to conceal the evidence of Horcruxes. Harry might be missing, but the other Horcruxes were still out there.
That meant that Voldemort and the second war was eminent. They would need him more than ever once Tom rose again. Even if he was imprisoned it wouldn't be for long. If his estimation was right. It would be maybe a year at most...before Voldemort manifests. Quirrell had just left for Albania a few days ago. Tom had been fond of Albania after his extensive travels. It was one of the few places that Albus could track Tom returning to often. Given the damage to the other man's soul. Albus calculated that he would pop up around Harry's first year. He'd planned the encounter out crossing every 'T" and dotting every "I". He only had to obtain the stone to lure the spirit in question. He'd intentionally told Quirrell about borrowing the stone. It was a calculated risk, as Albus only had his suspicions about Quirrell. The man didn't have a dark mark like Severus did.
Being the companion of one dark lord had made it easy to spot their followers. They exhibited some of the same psychological markers. And while some were mindful enough to hide their loyalties. Others were sycophants like Bellatrix, whose devotion was so absolute it was psychotic. He had known of course that Tom had allowed a few unmarked followers. Albus had no illusions that those people were expendable. Expendable and no doubt under surveillance to prevent traitorous acts of betrayal. But there was also the possibility that Quirrell was a wanna be deatheater. Desiring to be a part of the group but not quite making it before Tom's defeat. Either way they were followers not leaders. They would always look for someone to lead them.... someone to champion them.
Despite the danger a dark lord exudes, they never seemed to have trouble getting followers. A murmur arose as shocked cries came from the few who had stayed. Looking up his eyes met James's as he and his wife and daughter were ushered in. Madame Bones and an Auror he didn't know flanked them. They were corralled in close to Albus and given conjured chairs.
"Albus what's going on?" Lily asked, desperately.
"Mrs. Potter it would be wise to be silent until we're ready to question you." Amelia intoned.
Her voice was sharp and unforgiving.
"You dragged us from the safety of our hidden home. And we don't have the right to ask what's going on?!" Lily said, her voice cold and biting.
"It would be to your benefit to be quiet. At the moment I wouldn't trust you with a Flobberworm let alone a child." Amelia answered, equally cold.
The threat was implicit. Lily was smart enough to click her mouth shut. She flopped down into one of the chairs gracelessly. Bianca made a protesting whimper in her arms. James was unusually quiet though. Probably because unlike his wife he knew there might be repercussions. Wizengamot members started filtering back through the doors. Each sporting wide eyes, disbelief, or a rare smirk. But none of their reactions were like Sirius's. He and lord Macmillan entered the door.
Sirius started shaking, a myriad of emotions flickered through his eyes. Macmillan was saying something to Sirius. As the other man firmly kept hold of Sirius's wand arm. Anger...grief...? James of course had to look over at that exact moment.
"Padfoot?" James exclaimed, surprised.
"Don't ever call me that again." Sirius said, gritting his teeth.
"Siri, it isn't worth it. There will be time later." Lord Macmillan said, soothingly.
The change in Sirius's demeanor was almost instant. As the man clutched at Macmillan's hand, which was firmly wrapped around Sirius resting on his stomach. It was like Sirius had been deflated like a balloon. Albus knew that Macmillan had been Sirius's trial lawyer. But this display implied a more familiar relationship. James looked stunned at the reaction. If James found out what happened to Sirius...Albus knew there was a high chance, he would lose him. But it was inevitable now that the things had been revealed. Lord Macmillan managed to pull Sirius away the Potters.
Fudge and Madame Umbridge came in last eyeing James and Lily before taking their seats. Banging his gavel so the room would give him their full attention.
"We're back to order; Madame Bones please bring the potions forward that we need." Fudge intoned, tersely.
Amelia stepped down from her chair to meet an Auror halfway. Containment runes sprang to life around the four of them. Albus closed his eyes, praying that the Potter's weren't asked anything too invasive. Amelia approached James first, he gave her a resigned look. James made no protest though as the Vertiserum was administered.
"Madame Bones please proceed." Fudge said.
"What is your name?" Amelia asked, calmly.
"James Fleamont Potter." James said, his voice flat eyes glazed.
"What is your birthday?" Amelia asked.
"March 27th, 1960." James replied.
"The Vertiserum is working all prerequisite questions have been asked. Now for the real questions. Were you aware of Albus Dumbledore's plans the night the dark lord attacked?" Amelia asked.
"Yes."
Murmurs rose among them.
"And you were okay with leaving your son Harry James Potter in a dangerous situation?" Amelia ground out; her displeasure evident.
"Yes..."
"Please expound on that answer Mr. Potter." Amelia said.
"Yes, I was okay with it. Albus said that Harry would be unharmed. I trust him implicitly." James replied.
("Fucking idiot!"...."How could he be so stupid?"...."That poor child left purposely!") Were just a few of the comments that arose from the stands.
"When did Dumbledore tell you of this plan?" Amelia asked.
"A month before the attack." James replied.
"That's an awfully short amount of time to perform something like this. Did you participate in any of the rituals necessary for this plan?" Amelia asked.
"I didn't cast anything, but I did help with some of the research." James replied.
"So, then you were aware that you were helping to facilitate a crime?" Amelia asked, her eyes hard and unforgiving.
"I was aware of the illegal nature of our project. But was swayed into overlooking it." James said.
Swearing erupted from behind Albus, sounding suspiciously like Sirius.
"And how were you persuaded to overlook said crimes?" Amelia asked, sharply.
"Aside from using them to protect my family. Albus assured me that if any backlash occurred, he would protect us." James said.
Albus winced as shouts of outrage sounded around him. Dammit James you idiot!
"Has Dumbledore influenced you in anyway? Perhaps threatened you?" Amelia asked.
"No, you already checked me for that." James replied.
"Amelia, I believe we have enough for what we're investigating." Lord Brown said, unsurely.
"Bite your tongue, Andrew! That isn't your decision to make." Lord Ogden replied.
"He's quite right Lord Brown, as you don't have that authority." Fudge said, gruffly.
"It may not be Lord Brown's decision. But he has a point, we're only asking about the immediate crime in question. Amelia is headed into a direction that is leading away from our current directive." Lord Diggory said, pointedly.
"Enough! Unfortunately, they're right Amelia. If there are no more questions about the specific crime in question. We need to give him the antidote. We would be leading him to divulge sensitive information. As well as any other crimes and that's prohibited unless backed up by physical evidence." Fudge said.
Amelia administered the antidote and moved towards Lily. Lily glared back at her. James shook his head at his wife's attitude.
"Lils, please give me Bianca." James said, tiredly.
His voice was resigned as he too realized it was all over. Lily looked between Amelia and James before depositing their daughter in his arms. Amelia administered the Vertiserum and stepped back.
"What is your name?" Amelia asked.
"Lily Jane Potter." Lily replied.
"And when is your birthday?" Amelia asked.
"January 30th, 1960." Lily said.
"It's working properly. Were you aware of Dumbledore's plans for the night of the attack?" Amelia asked.
"Yes."
"Did you agree to participate in them and please do explain in greater detail." Amelia intoned.
"I was aware that there was a plan. But I didn't know the specifics until it was happening." Lily replied.
Murmurs started up again.
"You willing allowed your son Harry James Potter to be placed in danger for this plan?" Amelia asked, coldly.
"Not at first..."
"What do you mean Mrs. Potter and please do be specific." Amelia said.
"I didn't trust Dumbledore fully. But James was so sure that Dumbledore knew what was best. I trusted my husband....and he trusted Dumbledore when he said Harry would be okay." Lily replied.
"Did you in anyway contribute to any of the spellwork or research?" Amelia asked.
"No, James insisted that I didn't help. He said plausible deniability was best in the event that Dumbledore couldn't protect us. So that Harry would have at least one parent if it failed." Lily replied.
"Minister, I believe that is all unless you have anything to ask?" Amelia asked, icily.
"No, that will be all for now. We will have the Aurors take them to temporary holding while we decide the results." Fudge said.
Amelia gave Lily the antidote as Aurors approached them. Lily was angrily trying to shake off their hands. Albus stood allowing them to escort him to the trial cells. James following behind closely. The Aurors took Bianca and deposited her in Madame Bones's arms.
Harry pov
"Come on Loki it's part of the set Sirius gave me." Harry said, tiredly.
The niffler in question gave Harry a look that clearly questioned his intelligence. Earning a chuckle from Percival's translucent form.
"It may be a lost cause Harry. It's literally a goldball that flies...it's a niffler's dream toy." Percival said, amused.
"Can I at least have it back when we play Quidditch?" Harry asked.
He couldn't believe that he was negotiating with a niffler. Loki tilted his head before shaking it in an obvious 'no'. Percival laughed at Harry's misfortune again.
"I'm glad you find this so funny. But everyone knows you can't play Quidditch without a snitch!" Harry exclaimed.
"If nothing else the elves can charm it to fly low. To the ground and contain it to the house. It would be an excellent choice of distraction and exercise for him. Plus, you can order a new snitch without buying a whole set. The charms wear off eventually and you have to rebuy them anyway." Percival said, restraining another laugh.
Harry turned to find that Loki had gotten bored. He'd stuffed the snitch back into his pouch. Harry grimaced wondering how it felt to have the snitch's wings fluttering in there. Harry sighed and turned back to Percival.
"So, tell me again, what am I doing wrong?" Harry asked.
Harry had been going through some of the spells that Percival learned outside of Illvermorny. Most children who grew up magical had tutors in most of the basic classes. Tutoring that Harry hadn't had, since he'd been living with no-maj's. The British preferred to call them muggles. But Harry preferred the American no-maj. Muggles just sounded offensive and seemed distasteful. Anyway, Harry had been learning a weaker version of the knockback jynx. So far he hadn't managed anything...not even a tiny amount of movement.
"It's less of a swish and more of a sharp jab then an arc. Though it looks like a swishing movement it's not. Swishes can go on for a much longer incantation. But Arc's are short they have one shape then abruptly stop. The knockback jynx they teach you will be more powerful with less wand movement. These low level spells are designed to get the kids used to wand movement, incantation, and the regulation of magic flow. All things that are the basis for spellwork of any kind. Which is why the child's version is so labor intensive. A student, adult, or Auror would need less wand movements. Which is necessary for combative purposes. It's why you won't ever catch someone use older forms of magic. Some older spells required long chains of incantation. We usually use one or two words to cast. Imagine having to say a full sentence. They would also know by then to regulate how much magic they use in every spell. Your wand movement is a little off...but I also think that you aren't using enough magic. You may also be overthinking it. When I told you to take a break I meant take a break. Not argue with a Niffler." Percival chided.
Harry pouted. He knew that he should take it easy...he didn't know what half of this stuff meant anyway. While Percival was awesome in everyway possible. His knowledge was limited to what he'd learned sixty years ago. Magic like no-maj technology was always improving and becoming more complex with time. But damnit...how was he to help Percival if he had all this stuff to learn? Everyday that went by he felt guilty that Percival was still in there.
"Okay, maybe some time outside won't be too bad." Harry said, morosely.
Getting up he decided to go looking for Loki. Hedwig had left to hunt in the woods earlier that morning. It was suspiciously silent...which only happened when Loki was asleep or in the box. He heard Percival's box click shut behind him. Starting down the hall he listened for anything at all.
Where was that crazy niffler?
Sirius pov
Sirius wasn't happy but he wasn't sad either. It was a strange mixture of anger, betrayal, resentment, with a tiny pang of sadness. But that was exactly what he felt as he'd seen the Potters. And it wasn't even all for him. A majority of his current anger at them was for Harry. Harry had suffered just as much as he had. And it was all for some convoluted half baked plan??
What in the ever loving fuck?
They willingly let Harry get a killing curse tossed in his face! Harry used to have the lightening bolt scar to prove it. It was sheer madness and totally unnecessary. If they made two golems why not go a step further and make a third? Why subject a child to trauma and pain? Sirius might not be the most responsible person in the world. And yeah he'd done some stupid shit as a kid without thinking it through. But he wouldn't have let a kid experience something like that. It flew against all of his protective instinct. Harry should've been protected, he was the defenseless one. James and Lily were adults who could handle it. They made their choice to stay instead of run. It's not like the Potters didn't have houses out of country. And if they could only make two golems. It was their duty as parents to give one to their child.
Instead they made golems for themselves. Selfishly leaving their infant son vulnerable and likely to die. Merlin, what had happened to them? These looked and sounded like his ex-friends. But never had he thought that they would do something like this. Protective spells his ass...even those could fail. He wanted to be sick...They trusted that man so much that they overlooked how dangerous this was. It didn't help in the least that he too had been like them. Sirius had once thought that Dumbledore could do wrong...that he always knew what to do. But looking back now, Sirius was horrified by how much of a sheep he'd been. Blindly following after Dumbledore without question...without thought. He'd let someone else think for him. It was as horrifying as it was pathetic.
He gripped the arm he'd been holding. Caspian had been here the whole time grounding him. And making sure that Sirius didn't end up back in Azkaban. He'd even went with him to see Arcturus. It had been a stiff and awkward meeting but a necessary one. It had been a fortuitous trip, as a surprised Arcturus had inquired about his future. Sirius in no way wanted to be back under the family control. Which he made quite clear in his statement. Arcturus wasn't as offended as Sirius thought he would be. The man was genuinely surprised by his admission to wanting to learn politics.
It would never be his passion, in fact it was boring as hell. But it would give him the opportunity to weigh in on creature rights laws. He might be on the outs with Remus. But he still didn't like how those people were treated. It was disgusting what these people let pass as law for "non-humans". For fuck's sake a muggle had more rights than creatures did. They were intelligent beings. Some even had humanoid features. Even if they hadn't Sirius had always loved animals. So he would've been offended and outraged any which way it was phrased. One of the things he hated about the legal system here. Was that everyone had their own agenda...an agenda they would push regardless of how it affects citizens. They didn't care who they stepped on to get their way.
It made the Wizengamot ineffective and biased to the bones. He sincerely doubted their was a wholly impartial person here. Amelia and Caspian were probably came as close as possible. Still it was unsettling to see these people in charge of everything.
"Siri...Siri..." Caspian said.
Shaking his head he looked at the blonde man.
"We're about to take votes. You've been too quiet, fortunately the others haven't noticed." Caspian replied.
Sirius looked forward as the discussions died down around them. He and Caspian cast their votes respectively. Sirius ignored the lump in his throat and brick that settled in his stomach. Fudge had Amelia bring back Dumbledore and the Potters.
"We are reconvening this session. Will Albus Dumbledore rise for sentencing." Fudge said.
Dumbledore stood the ever present twinkle was gone from his blue eyes.
"As one of the leaders of this ruling body you have brought shame to our court. You broke the laws that you created and helped govern. You knew what you were doing was wrong and illegal. And you did it anyway no doubt hoping your fame and political standing would help you out. Not only that but you risked the life of a child. If that spellwork hadn't held Harry James Potter would have died that night. And while I suspect you had something to do with that young man's disappearance. I have no proof whatsoever. Either way you have abused the power granted to you. You are stripped of your rank as Supreme Mugwump as well as your spot as our ICW representative. You will be remanded into a minimum security prison for two years. And your relieved of your position as headmaster during your prison sentence. After which the board of governors will decide to take you back or not. You will also be surrendering the knowledge of those spells, rituals, and alchemy to the Unspeakables. Because if you don't you will be charged with faking deaths and the falsification of documents related to this case." Fudge said.
Dumbledore looked shocked yet resigned at the news as the man's shoulders dropped.
"Are their any final words before your processed?" Fudge asked, gleefully.
"I only did what I thought was best at the time. My thinking may have been greatly flawed. But I genuinely thought I was doing what was necessary to save them." Dumbledore replied, gravely.
Sirius sneered down at the man angrily. If that was Dumbledore's best, he'd hate to see what the worst was. What a big fucking joke. He only wished they could sentence him more. But Dumbledore still had some allies. He did take satisfaction in the fact that the man was stripped of all of his political titles. Whether or not the schoolboard took him back. The damage was done. And if any of those idiots on the board had brains they won't hire him again. Letting a man be in charge of school and protecting children is ludicrous. Especially, when said man approves of letting kids get killing curses to the face. Sirius wished that the man could've been charged more for his prison sentence. Dumbledore walked away with a fine for negligence and a slap on the wrist. Which wasn't real justice for Sirius's jail sentence.
"James Potter please rise for sentencing." Fudge said.
James rose looking like he would sick up.
"James Potter you were once an very capable Auror. So, you knew full well that what you did was wrong. While it isn't illegal in Britain to fake one's death. It is illegal when said fake death violates other laws in the process. You knowingly participated in illegal forms of magic. Which was corroborated by your wife's testimony. You will be remanded into a minimum security prison for two years. However we are willing to shave a year off if you surrender any and all research materials related to your case. You will also be temporarily relieved of custody of your daughter Bianca Rose. You can apply for custody after your sentence. You let your son Harry James be placed in a dangerous situation. If it was solely up to Madame Bones. You would never get custody back for either of your children. Now Mr. Potter are their any final words?" Fudge asked.
"Can I choose who gets custody of my daughter if my wife is unable?" James asked, hesitantly.
Lily made a protesting noise and was about to stand. The Auror next to her pushed her back down into her chair. It brought to Sirius's attention that her arms were empty. Someone must've taken Bianca away from her.
"We will take it into consideration." Fudge replied.
"Minerva McGonagall, Sirius Black, Marlene McKinnon, Severus Snape, and Frank & Alice Longbottom." James said, tiredly.
Murmurs rose up from the room as a whole. Had Dumbledore truly kept them in the dark that much? Marlene was dead as Sirius had come to learn. Snape was a deatheater so really that was moot point. Or it should've been but they let Lucius run around like he wasn't one. So, maybe Snape had a better shot after all. Knowing James the way he used to. Sirius knew for a fact that Snape was Lily's choice. Frank & Alice were in Saint Mungo's warming beds in the permanent spelldamage ward. Sirius had just recently gotten out of prison himself. And had no clue if he could raise a kid. A kid that would keep him shackled to the Potters. The most viable candidate was McGonagall. Though she might as well be impossible too. She would end up being headmistress. Having a child might be too much on top of everything else she did.
If Bianca ended up a ward of the Ministry she could be adopted by anyone. Even if it was only temporary anyone could get her. So long as they could prove that they could care for her. Several pureblood families were in dire need of new members. If the Potters weren't found to be competent after their sentences. As a Ministry ward they could give permission for a Ministry sanctioned blood-adoption. In which case they would lose their daughter entirely. Sure she would have Potter blood, but she wouldn't be capable of inheriting anything. With the blood-adoption house Potter would stripped of all rights to her. And if the family who takes Bianca are real assholes. They could deny any and all contact.
It would be a small tragedy all because Albus Bloody Dumbledore thought he knew best. And because that poor girl's parents forgot the most important thing. Or things as it were, one was protect your kids. And the second was to think for yourself. Because if you don't someone might do it for you. That can fuck up one's life drastically.
"We cannot use three of those suggestions. As one is dead and the other two are in the permanent spelldamage ward at Saint Mungos. The other three we will consider." Fudge said.
James and Lily both looked shocked at the announcement. They were no doubt wondering just who of the five other choices were gone. Sirius as the sixth was clearly alive. James was led out leaving Lily.
"Lily Potter please rise for sentencing." Fudge intoned.
"Lily Potter, it's fortunate for you that you had no information about the crimes or participated in them. As such we can't charge you like your husband. But we can charge you with child negligence. You allowed them to take your son Harry James for a truly reckless plan. A plan that almost resulted in the injury or death of a child. You will be in our minimum security prison for a year. You will have six months of probation where you won't be allowed within ten feet of a child. You will temporarily lose custody of Bianca Rose. If after your sentence and probation you want to get your child back. You will be assessed again for Bianca Rose. Until then we will consider the people your husband listed. As for Harry James, should he be found alive he will be in his godfather's care. You let one of the darkest wizards to grace our world shoot a killing curse at him. There is no way your son will be returned to you." Fudge said, imperiously.
"You can't do that he's my baby damnit! He belongs with us!" Lily shouted angrily.
She strained against the Auror that held her bound hands.
"Ahem, ahem. You girl don't have the right to question the Minister! He is a great..."
"Enough, Umbridge! He won't be returned to you. You're lucky to even have a chance to get one of them back! Get her out of here, we're done with her anyway." Madame Bones said, annoyed.
"I concur get her processed." Fudge said, tersely.
Amelia was right about that. They better count their lucky stars they were only going to minimum security. There was a parallel island 10 miles offshore of Azkaban. It was called Arkley's. And the difference was vast. The first difference was that the confiscated wands weren't snapped. The second was that anyone sent to Arkley's was still eligible to inherit house titles. If you go to Azkaban you get a snapped wand and can't inherit any lordships if you're legally convicted. If Arkley's was minimum security, Azkaban was maximum security. Both places were dripping with wards layered around their respective isle's. Arkley had real human guards and they were given more freedoms.
Azkaban's guards were almost entirely dementors. The only time a human guard was present was to feed the prisoners twice a day. And the human guards were all Aurors that resented being there to begin to. Arkley's hired anyone with at least a Newt in Defense. Their prisoners also got three full meals, an infirmary(Azkaban didn't have one), showers (more than once every week), decent clothes, and was far better kept. Azkaban was filthy on the best of days. And they had actual visitors, people didn't visit Azkaban unless they had to. So, Dumbledore and the Potters might as well be at a vacation resort compared to where Sirius was at.
Though Amelia and Caspian were on a two person crusade to change things. The other people discovered in Azkaban that had no trial. Had all been identified, some went back to their families. Three of them had no one left. As their families had died not knowing what happened to them. But it had exposed just how bad things were. Yeah the crimes of the people in Azkaban were severe. But that didn't mean they deserved to be treated as less than human. It was sad that what happened to him was the only reason they even bothered.
"This gathering of the Wizengamot has come to a close. We will reconvene on December 4th, unless emergencies or trials require full attendance. I need Augusta Longbottom and Sirius Black to come to my office. Madame Bones I need Carlisle McDuff and Minerva McGonagall brought to my office." Fudge said, dismissing everyone else.
Caspian stood abruptly. His expression was tense. Worry was concealed behind blue orbs.
"You can always take me with using the possible need for council." Caspian suggested.
He blinked standing and following Caspian. It was a quiet lift ride. Followed by an equally quiet walk to the Minister's office. A middle aged bald man with thinning brown hair and hazel eyes. Came trailing up behind them and joining them in entering the Ministers office. Augusta and Fudge came in not long after. After a few minutes of idol chit chat that Sirius zoned out of. The floo flared emitting ash and spitting out McGonagall followed by Amelia.
"Excellent, now that we are all here. I usually don't get involved with child welfare cases. But the child's parents are high profile and just went to prison. For the rest of you. This man is Carlisle McDuff who heads our child welfare department." Fudge said.
"Yes, I figured as much you never summon me for tea. We're at a point where we can't move forward. The parents have made a request for certain people to raise their daughter. And a few of those names aren't possible. The Longbottoms are confined to the permanent spell-damage ward. Which is why we have Dowager Longbottom here. Mrs. McGonagall was mentioned. Sirius Black as a candidate and current godfather to the child's brother. Marlene McKinnon is deceased. And Severus Snape is mentioned though we aren't contacting him. The man is a former deatheater that escaped prison on Albus Dumbledore's testimony. Even so everyone who has children in Hogwarts has experienced his reputation. So we are here to find out if any of you will take the Potter's daughter." Carlisle said.
The silence was thick in the room.
"I don't think I should. While I'm recovering from my stay at Azkaban. It hasn't even been a full month since my release. I shouldn't have a child with me full time. I think it would be detrimental to myself and the child." Sirius said, anxiously.
It was true he hadn't been out of Azkaban and the hospital not too long ago. He still had nightmares and random bouts of depression, anxiety, and anger. Sirius really shouldn't take care of a kid right now. At least not full time anyway. Harry being as independent as he was made it easier on Sirius. He was still trying to ease back into his life and freedom. Besides he was Harry's godfather first and foremost. Sirius wasn't going to fail Harry again. He had no relationship with Bianca. And he most certainly didn't want to be tied down to the Potters. Knowing that they had this all planned out had angered him. He would never hurt a child but Bianca shouldn't be anywhere near him. He would never be able to look at her without seeing her parents. Raising the child of the people who betrayed you is never a good idea.
"I already raise my grandson full time. But if no one else will foster her temporarily we'll take her in." Augusta replied.
"I now run a school...I...I wouldn't mind it. My husband and I were never able to have children. It would certainly be nice. The house-elves can help with her." McGonagall said.
"And your confident that the house-elves can care for her properly? Not all elves are experienced with child rearing." Carlisle asked.
"Yes, Dotty and Marcy were released from a large family. They came to Hogwarts looking for jobs, a lot of the freed elves do." McGonagall replied.
"Well, that settles that we will have a representative for Carlisle's department check in with you. Probably around the same time the schoolboard does their next visit." Fudge said.
"If that is all I would like to get back to my grandson." Augusta said.
A nod from Fudge had her leaving out the door. Sirius got up with Caspian not far behind.
"Wait Sirius can I speak with you when I'm done here?" McGonagall asked.
He nodded despite not wanting to. He just wanted to go to his hotel room and curl up as Padfoot. They shuffled out into the hallway silently.
"Do you really think that it would be detrimental to the child? Or is that coming from the self-deprecating part of yourself?" Caspian asked.
"No, it's the I really don't want another reason to be tied to the Potters. That little girl would just be another thing keeping me here. I feel like if I did take her then I would become attached. And inevitably sucked back into Dumbledore's influence. If only to protect her from their stupidity. And I won't do that to Harry, he's my one and only puppy. He shouldn't have to share me, with the sister he gave up when he renounced his family. This whole thing isn't fair to either child. But she is a living breathing reminder that they left me in jail. Her life is a result of them abandoning me and Harry. It's insulting that Potter even asked me to do it. It's insult to injury and I'm tired of being the one who always gets hurt." Sirius replied, tiredly.
"Well, you are the brightest star in Canis Major. We don't know how he would react to you showing up with a kid. He'd either be jealous or heartbroken. What are you going to tell him?" Caspian asked, curiously.
He sighed looking into those sharp fathomless blue eyes.
"He already knew they were alive with a kid. I think I would tell him the truth. He's young but I think he can handle it. I just found him again Caspian. I don't want to lose him because I lied to him in some daft scheme to protect him. And that's if he doesn't find out through the papers. We don't know where he lives. He's so intelligent and mature for his age. It would only set our relationship back if I treat him as a child. He went his whole life without me or his parents. He's had no one to rely on and has had to fend for himself. I can't fool myself Caspian. I know that Harry would keep on with his life without me. I don't want that at all, it's just I don't want to misstep. I feel like every step I take to get closer to Harry. That I'm balancing on thin ice. Hoping that I don't fall through a weak point and be frozen out. Taking her would feel like too much of a betrayal to him." Sirius said.
"I can't say I blame either of you for how you feel. If this doesn't break their undying faith in Dumbledore. I really don't know what will." Caspian replied.
"Is it crazy that I want to see them at least once?" Sirius said, huffing.
"No, you need closure for what happened. Whether or not you choose to stay friends with him is up to you. But sometimes we outgrow our friends. Do you remember Ceila Carroway and Marcus Doser? They were Hufflepuffs, I used to be in a study group with. Anyway they literally grew up from diapers on up. They were inseparable, where one was the other followed. They even told people they were like siblings separated at birth. Well, they had a falling out in our fifth year. They literally couldn't stand each other. If they even saw each other they would throw curses. Well, I saw Ceila the last week. We talked and I asked her if she ever made up with Marcus. She said that their fight really opened her eyes. She had matured in ways that Marcus hadn't. She said even if he apologized it wouldn't make a difference. They'd just grown apart and the fight was just the final straw. It wouldn't surprise me if you have out grown them Sirius. People are shaped by their lives and what they experience. It changes their feelings, thoughts, and beliefs." Caspian replied.
"Right you are Mr. Macmillan."
They turned to see McGonagall holding the Potter's daughter in her arms.
"Hey, what did you want to talk about?" Sirius asked, curiously.
"I wanted to know how you were doing? Albus never mentioned what happened to you after the trial." McGonagall said.
"Ah, better than I was for sure. I still haven't decided where to live yet. The nightmares are still there though not as bad recently. Oh, and I resisted the urge to drink to the bottom of a bottle. But much better." Sirius replied.
She looked at Sirius skeptically. Like she was weighing whether or not that statement was good or bad.
"Well, it is good to hear that you are getting back on your feet. You are of course welcome to come visit with me and see miss Bianca anytime." McGonagall said.
She smiled down at the child cradled in her arms.
"Well, I need to get supplies for her. I will keep praying to lady magic to find little Harry. You gentlemen have a good day." McGonagall said.
She cooed at Bianca as she walked away. Once she was out of sight he turned to Caspian.
"And I'll keep praying to lady magic that he's not found. They aren't using my puppy as a weapon for a stupid prophecy. Nope he's getting whatever he wants." Sirius muttered crossly.
"Are all Blacks this fanatically loyal?" Caspian asked, curiously.
"If you gain the loyalty of a Black. Nothing will hold you back. Speaking of my pup I think it would be an awesome idea to see him." Sirius said.
Caspian trailed after him. Once out of the Ministry and far enough away that a portkey wouldn't be detected. They were pulled away to Harry's entrance hall. Where they saw the Loki. And the he had a friend??
Another niffler was sitting on it's haunches. It had dark fur from it's tail to stomach, and then from stomach to the top of it's head it was pure white. It's eyes were a strange color. Or maybe it was a trick of light?
One moment it had black beady eyes and the next it was like molten silver. Said niffler was actually juggling four gold colored balls. Loki was watching like he was confused?? Or maybe hesitant to be near the other niffler.
"Loki..."
They looked up in time to see Harry freeze as his eyes fixated on the new niffler. Confusion warred with curiosity on his face.
The new niffler finished his performance. By catching three of the gold balls in his pouch and catching the fourth. He then held it out for Loki to take. Aww, they really were cute critters. He bent down to scoop up the half in half critter. He started scratching behind it's ears.
"When did you get another niffler Harry?" Sirius asked.
He didn't get a response. Sirius looked up to see Harry giving Sirius a horrified look. Caspian looked confused and even Loki had backed away.
"Harry are you alright? What's wrong?" Sirius asked, alarmed.
Harry pov
He shook his head clearing the shock he felt at seeing the scene before him. His godfather was holding Death....Death was posing as a niffler????
"Ah, yeah sorry I was thinking of all the stuff I still need to do. Loki met a friend in the forest, he comes and goes as he pleases." Harry said, trying not to grimace.
"Okay...does he have a name?" Sirius asked.
The man obviously knew something was wrong. That much was clear.
"Yeah...yup...a name...right it's Thanatos." Harry said, tensely.
He could've sworn Death was grinning...That is if nifflers had the correct facial muscles for it. But he's Death so it wouldn't surprise him. The deity could obviously change his form. He was startled to hear a barking laugh.
"Thanatos...fearsome niffler ruler of the underworld!" Sirius said, gasping for breath.
Even Caspian looked horribly amused.
"Why Thanatos? I get Loki's name all nifflers are mischievous." Caspian asked, curiously.
"I...figured I would continue the trend and keep naming them after deities. His fur actually inspired me along with my studies." Harry replied.
Not being able to look at Sirius holding Death so casually. He grabbed the niffler, holding it close. He then headed back to the room he'd been practicing in earlier. They followed him into the room. Harry took his seat in front of his book.
"So...how did your studies lead to that conclusion?" Caspian asked, curiously.
The man had Loki cradled in his arms. The niffler in question was looking at his reflection in the golden ball Death handed him.
"Well, I've been reading through the Peverell family grimoire. As well as various journals that once belonged to deceased family members. The family legend about Death is pretty important. It was fresh in my mind when this guy popped up. His unique fur color also made me think of Death. He's half light half dark. Death is ultimately grey in nature if you think about it. Death treats everyone equally. The deity doesn't care about age, gender, magical affinity, financial standing, race, etc. Death takes everyone and treats them all the same. Thanatos's fur is the perfect combination of white and black. So I would say the name is rather fitting if not a bit comical." Harry said, smiling.
That wasn't the true reason why. But it was a good enough excuse to fool the adults. There was no way he was going to name Death...Death. Let them think it was related to his learning. That and it was the only other name that popped into his head was Mortis. Which was still too close to the truth.
"That is so weird. So, what did you guys do today?" Harry asked.
He really hoped this change of subject stuck. He looked down at Death who seemed to have fallen asleep. His eyes were closed as he cuddled into Harry's chest. If he didn't know otherwise. He'd actually think he was holding a niffler. Plus, Harry doubted that Death actually had to sleep. Why was Death here? Why was he looking like a niffler?
"Uh, we just got back from the Wizengamot. Harry there's something you should know." Sirius said, hesitantly.
He waited as Sirius's face displayed a rapid change in emotions.
"You remember that article that Rita published? Well, they actually made Dumbledore admit what happened. I...I don't know how to tell him that." Sirius said, looking at Caspian.
"Harry, they made Dumbledore divulge their location. Aurors and Madame Bones brought James, Lily, and Bianca to the Wizengamot. We of course questioned them with Vertiserum. So that night was a plan concocted to trap or kill the dark lord. And you were the bait. Apparently the prophecy told before you were born was the catalyst. The Dark lord thought that you would grow to kill him. The Potter's with Dumbledore's help decided that golems were needed. Why they didn't just make three of them still bothers me. You should've never been in there. They made golems for themselves. The three of them were given prison sentences. Each of them only got 1-2 years if that. The sentence would be heavier normally. But it occurred during the war. There was a temporary lift on the ban for dark magic. Not that it matters since your emancipated as a lord. But they ruled that the Potters would not retain custody of you if you were found. They awarded that to Sirius, Bianca was placed with Minerva McGonagall the current headmistress at Hogwarts." Caspian said, his voice calm and gentle.
Not that it helped in the slightest. He squeezed Death closer into his chest. Used as bait....He knew they had abandoned him and faked their deaths. But to knowingly leave him there to get a killing curse to the face....So many emotions flew through him. Disbelief, anger, sadness, just to name a few. It only reinforced their abandonment...Now more than ever he realized he was glad they weren't his parents anymore. Who does that to a baby?
"Harry....Harry?"
Sirius was kneeling on the floor next to his chair. It was only then he realized his face was wet. Wet with useless tears that meant nothing...Nothing just like what his ex-parents seemed to feel for me. Sirius tried to hug him without crushing "Thanatos" between them.
"I'll be okay, I just need to go to my room for a few minutes." Harry said.
He wiped his face with his sleeve still clutching Death. He tried not to notice the worried eyes that followed him. Once in his room he dropped Death on his bed.
"What are you doing here and why are you a niffler?" Harry asked.
"I wanted to visit my favorite human. I figured why not find a way to interact with humans. Once people know who or what I am they're always so scared of me. That hug was what cuddling is right?" Death asked.
"Yeah that was a cuddle. I'm sorry it was just so bizarre to see you looking like that. I mean if you wanted to interact with people why not be a person?" Harry asked, curiously.
"I wanted to be cute...I left you some books. If I'm here posing as a cute cuddly critter nobody suspects anything. If I came as a person your godfather and Macmillan will ask questions. I know you probably won't understand everything. So I figure cute furry death magic encyclopedia of knowledge." Death replied.
That made a weird amount of sense.
"So I loved my name and your interesting take on my motives. You know most people think I'm scary and unfair for claiming their souls. While others simply call me dark because of my purpose. I could practically feel the change in thought from those two. So when are you telling them about Percival?" Death asked.
"Weren't you the one who said random people showing up would be suspicious?" Harry asked, looking at Death pointedly.
"Yes, but so far you are in limbo. They're going to find out one way or another. You might as well be soon. You can't keep them at an arm's length forever. Unless of course you want them out of your life. And Percival will remain in his box. At some point Harry you have to admit that you need help. If not from bargaining with me than with someone else." Death replied.
He sighed why was life this complicated?