Interrogations
“Now, Heir Lupin-Black. Do you consent to the use of veritaserum for the duration of the questioning?” Amelia asked.
“Of course,” Sirius Grinned when he saw fudge tense slightly. Didn’t expect that now did he.
“Thank you. Auror Shucklebolt please administer the potion. Three drops directly on the tongue” getting out her quick notes quill and note pad, she waited for the potion to take effect. Seeing Sirius’ eyes become cloudy and his body relaxing, Amelia then placed a recording stone on the table and activated it.
“Let it be known, today the 3rd of June 1996, escaped prisoner 309, better known as Sirius Orion Lupin-Black, has been administered Veritaserum for questioning over the events of the 31st of October 1981 and the days preceding. Questioning will be done by the head of the DMLE, Amelia Susan Bones. Witnesses to the questioning are Auror Kingsley Owen Shucklebolt, Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy and minister for magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge.
What is your full name and age.” Amelia asked.
“Sirius Orion Lupin-Black. 38.” Sirius said robotically.
“Are you now or have you ever been a Death eater?”
“No”
“Were you the secret keeper for Lily and James potter?” Amelia looked towards James and shook her head. He was about to interrupt but she needed to clear this up so she could show the council in just over an hour.
“No, there was no secret keeper. There is no lily potter”
“Can you tell us, how there is no Lily Potter?”
“James was and still is Married to my brother, Regulus. Lily is married to Severus Snape-prince.”
Fudge was growing paler and paler. he didn’t like this. This was not good.
“Do you know the reason behind her being there on the night in question?”
“No”
“Alright, can you tell us about the night of the 31st of October 1981”
“James and I had organised for Hades to spend the night with Remus and myself. It was meant to be so James could get a break. But he didn’t reply to any messages we sent. By 8pm Remus and I were worried, James always replied. So, I went to Godric’s hollow. When I arrived, I found the house torn apart, James was at the bottom of the stairs. I believed he was dead. I then heard Hades crying in his room, so I left James and went to him. I found what I thought was the body of Lily Snape-Prince, dead on the floor in front of Hades Crib. I had to step over her body to get to him. When I had gotten him outside, Hagrid was there. He told me that the headmaster would take Hades somewhere safe. I tried to argue with him, telling him I was his godfather, and he was safe with me. But he only insisted that he take him. I tried apparateing away with Hades, with every intention of contacting the DMLE. But I couldn’t, I had this urge to go after Peter Pettigrew. So, I gave Hades to Hagrid and told him to take my bike.” Was the robotic reply
Amelia already was feeling weary over this. Why would Dumbledore send Hagrid?
“Can you tell me what happened when you confronted Peter Pettigrew”
“I tracked Peter for 2 days. When I finally tracked him down, we were in the middle of a muggle street. Peter started yelling about how I Betrayed lily and James to Voldemort. I’m unsure of what happened next, but there was an explosion, So I ducked. When I looked up, he was cutting his finger off, he waved then transformed into his Animagus form and escaped a drain”
“Pettigrew was an Animagus? What form did he take?” that was definitely new information.
“Yes, His form is a rat”
Sirius’ eyes started to clear. Amelia gave Kingsley a nod and he administered the antidote.
“Thank you, Sirius. That’s the end of the questioning.” Amelia placed her Quill and notepad back into the bag. She hadn’t stopped the recording. She saw Orion smirk at her, he knew what she was doing.
“This is preposterous. James and lily are dead” Fudge exclaimed. This wasn’t going to look good for him. He needed to find a way to turn it around, so it didn’t reflect on him.
“Is it minister? How so? Because I’m looking at James Potter in the flesh or are you suggesting that he is a mirage?” Amelia smirked at the man.
“Are you also suggesting that my son lied under the veritaserum your ministry provided?” Orion said as calmly as he could. His hand placed on Sirius’ Shoulder in support.
“Of course not” Fudge exclaimed, loudly.
“I Believe you and Crouch sr were the arresting Aurors were you not? If you were, my wife would be most displeased at being lied to. I believe you said and I quote ‘Mr. Black was found guilty in a Private trial in front of the full Wizengamot’. But I don’t recall being called for such trial, So, Minister, would you like to explain why my cousin in law was never given a trial, and the fact you LIED to my wife and I?” Lucius said. His silky voice like venom as he stared at the minister.
“I…I…” Fudge couldn’t defend himself. He was trapped and he knew it.
“Really Fudge, I spoke to you not 10 minutes ago, are you honestly trying to say I’m dead?” James asked the idiot minister. “Would you like my test results proving I am who I say I am? Or shall I take this to the council?”
“Results can be tampered with” Fudge knew it was a weak argument.
“So now it’s the goblins of Gringotts who are incompetent, is that what your saying?” Amelia asked. Oh he was squirming now.
“No…no that’s not what I said.” Fudge stammered.
“No but that is what you were implying is it not?”
Fudge gaped at the group. Not replying
“Madam Bones? Your Verdict?” Kingsley said with a smirk.
“Cleared of all charges. I will be holding an emergency meeting in…” she stopped to cast a quick Tempus charm “40 minutes. Corvinus, Orion I want you both there. Minister, we should continue our talk don’t you think? On Behalf of the ministry of magic, we apologise to you Heir Lupin-Black. You will be receiving some paperwork from the legal department in the next few days. Lord Malfoy will you joing us?”
“Of course, Madam Bones, I will be delighted. Congratulations Sirius it really has taken too long to come to this conclusion. Would you like to tell Cissa yourself?”
“We can tell her at home tonight, Dinner is at 7pm” Orion said, still grasping Sirius’ shoulder.
Sirius sat shocked. He was free. He was actually free.
“How hard was that minister? To ask a few questions to get the right answers. Does this mean you have also lied to me about me seeing my son’s?” Corvinus stood tall and looked down on the minister. “Were my sons even questioned correctly? What about Miss Black? Or Young Crouch?”
“I would also like to see my husband and brother-in-law, arrange it.” Fabian was not playing games with this idiot.
“Your husband?” Fudge started shrinking into his seat even further. How was Fabian Prewett alive to.
“I am talking about Rodolphus. And as I said, you will arrange for us to visit both of them” Fabians eyes flashed in pure anger.
“They don’t deserve visitors, especially after what they did” fudge looked around trying to find a sympathetic face, he was met with only loathing.
“And what exactly did they do minister?” Regulus stood up and brushed away invisible lint from his shirt.
“They Tortured Frank and Alice Longbottom” Fudge tried to sound strong, he failed.
“Now tell me minister, why would Rabastan torture his own husband and GODMOTHER to his child?” Regulus glared as the man went white.
“wh…what?”
“Oh yes, you see a lot has happened today. Not only do I find out that my memories had been altered, but I also rediscovered my sons in law, as well as my sons being potentially innocent. But again, I ask, were my sons questioned correctly?” Corvinus needed the answer.
Fudge just remained quiet.
“Chief Ragnar, I need you to summon Dowager Longbottom now. I can’t wait for the meeting tomorrow, I want this seen to immediately” Corvinus demanded. Ragnar gave him a nod then ordered it done. Griphook took off running “Amelia I’m sorry but you will need to push the meeting back. I will not go one more day without my sons case being heard. Nor Bellatrix’s.”
“It will be arranged Lord Lestrange” Oh yes, she was going to enjoy the dress down about to happen. As she was about to deactivate the recording stone, when she caught Regulus’ eye. He gave the tiniest shake of his head, so she removed her hand. Seems Fudges interrogation was still proceeding.
Regulus looked over to his son. He had read the results and he was beyond furious, he lent down and quietly asked if he could use them against the man. Hades hesitated for only a moment then gave him a nod. Giving hades a squeeze on his arm, he turned to the minister
“Minister? Did you know my son was sent to live with muggles? Muggles that aren’t even related mind you.” Regulus ask as calmly as he could.
“It was for his own safety, his magical guardian decided it was best.” Fudge was certain he couldn’t get in trouble over this. He had nothing to do with the boy. Although now he would need to reconsider his current plans. If what he had heard was true, he didn’t just have the house of black backing him but Lestrange, Potter and possibly Prewett.
“And just who is his magical guardian?” Regulus already knew he wasn’t going to like what he was told.
“Albus Dumbledore. He told us after Black was in Azkaban that he had the boy” Fudge watched as every single face burned with Fury.
Regulus was seething. “And you didn’t think to oh I don’t know, check for wills?”
“Albus said he read them, and everything was explained”
“Well if that was the case, he LIED” He couldn’t stop himself. “DID YOU EVEN CHECK ON MY SON AFTER THAT? OR DID YOU THROW HIM AWAY LIKE LAST NIGHTS LEFTOVERS? ALBUS BLOODY DUMBLEDORE HAS NEVER AND WILL NEVER BE MY SONS GUARDIAN”
James knew the explosion was coming, Reggie had been to calm. Now though, hell was really about to be unleashed.
“No, Albus told…” fudge started.
“Are you deaf as well as stupid? Did you ask to see the wills? Did you ask to see my son to oh I don’t know, CHECK HIM FOR INJURIES. Did you in all fourteen years actually check in on my son, which is MANDATORY for all muggle raised, as you well know. I do not believe that law was removed. My son has been abused physically and mentally for the last fourteen years all under YOUR care. Are you not the minister? Are you not responsible for the entirety of wizarding Britain? I wonder just how many others you have failed.”
“Now see here I was assured by Dumbledore that the boy was fine. He was raised in a loving home with his family. Dumbledore said…”
“ARE YOU NOT LISTENING YOU BLUNDERING IDIOT?” James had, had enough. “DUMBLEDORE HAS NO AUTHORITY, NONE, ZIP, NADDA, OVER OUR SON. AND LOVING FAMILY? YOUR JOKING, RIGHT? THEY ARE NOT RELATED TO HIM”
“The fact you’re arguing with his own PARENTS about the guardian and placement of THEIR child, is beyond me. How is it you were elected minister? Because I certainly wouldn’t have voted for you.” Orion added. “Now I would start preparing your lawyers fudge, yourself and by extension the ministry, will find lawsuits on your desk come Monday morning”
“Well minister, I advise you keep your mouth closed, I believe we will be hearing from Dowager Longbottom very soon, I can’t imagine what she will have to say in the matter. I do hope your comfortable, it seems your presence will be required for this meeting” Lucius smirked at the clearly uncomfortable man. He looked over to Amelia, who was smiling very smugly. He took note of her hand slipping into the bag at her side. So she hadn’t shut off the stone, good.
In all, it took 15 minutes for the Dowager to arrive with her grandson in tow.
“Harry? What’s going on? Why do you look so different?” Neville was nervous. He recognised Lord Lestrange.
“I’ll explain everything later Nev, but you need to hear what Lord Lestrange has to say first” Hades said quietly.
“Why have I been summoned? What ever it is you want to say Lestrange, like I have said over and over, I do not want to hear it” Augusta was not a forgiving woman. As far as she’s concerned his son’s deserved to be kissed.
“Dowager Longbottom, I was the one to summon you. The meeting was brought forward due to new information being learned” Orion stepped forward and watched as the formidable women’s stance changed.
“Orion? But… how?” taking in the room she saw more faces, faces she believed dead. “Jamie? … What’s going on?”
“Hello Augusta, I know. It’s been a long time. But we will explain it all later I promise. This is important, please. Please listen to what Lord Lestrange has to say.” She was the only person allowed to call him Jamie. He had grown up with Frank, so he had been around her all his life… apart from the last Fourteen years.
“Jamie, do you know what his son’s did?” She couldn’t believe the boy she watched grow, was asking her this.
“I know that they were accused of Augusta, barely even questioned. Please just listen” James walked over to intimidating woman. “This is going to be horrible, but I swear on my magic, that everything you hear, see or read is the truth. So mote it be” he held her hand and looked her straight in the eye as the oath swept over them.
Augusta just gave him a stern look as he kissed her cheek. “You’re going to explain everything to me young man is that clear?”
“Crystal, aunty” she gave James a small shove. She had missed the little brat.
“Well say what you need to say so we can leave.” Wanting to get this over with quickly, she sat in the seat Auror Shucklebolt offered her and waved her hand for them to start.
“Would you like verbal confirmation, or would you prefer to read it?” Corvinus was freaking out internally. Externally he was clammy and shaky.
Augusta Raised her brow at the nervous wizard. “What am I reading?”
“Identity tests, and if Hades permits. The first page of his inheritance test.” Orion said calmly, turning to Hades. His grandson sat a little straighter and gave a swift nod. This was going to be either calm and collected, or… an absolute shit show. It very well could be both.
“Well then stop waiting for the grass to grow, hand them over” she was starting to lose all her patience.
5 minutes after receiving the results, Augusta stood and marched up to the chief.
“I need myself and grandson to have these tests administered immediately if you will. The cost can be taken from my personal vault”
“I have the materials here waiting” even the goblins didn’t mess around with the woman. She would make a formidable goblin.
“Gran? What’s going on?” came the shy voice of her grandson.
“Neville, I need you to do this. I have to confirm what I read is true, then I will explain” she received a nod and watched as Ragnar explained what to do. She herself had done one many years ago due to her betrothal contract to Francis, Neville’s grandfather.
As they waited Hades and Neville quietly conversed with Regulus and Remus. Augusta would have been chewing her nails if it wasn’t so unlady like. She was extremely nervous. If the tests confirmed what the others said, her’s and her grandson’s life was going to change completely.
“Dowager Longbottom? The results are ready” Ragnar told her, instantly the room went quiet. She noticed the minister had sunk even further into his chair, almost completely to the floor.
“Thank you, may we read these privately?”
“Of course, follow me” Ragnar led them to the office in the back of the room.
For 10 minutes they waited. Hades becoming more and more nervous as the time ticked by, Regulus calmly rubbing his arm.
When they re-entered the room, red eyed and white faced, the air around them froze. Walking towards the group Augusta stood taller.
“Lord Lestrange, I offer my sincerest apologies for my behaviour these last Fourteen years. I know you suffered, as I did. I can only hope we can put this behind us. I will offer whatever help I can provide.”
“No apologies are needed, as you said, we both suffered. Heir Longbottom, I am so sorry you had to find out this way.” Corvinus inwardly sighed in relief. Now for the hardest part.
“Dowager Longbottom you can’t honestly believe this can you?” Fudge tried. But when the lady in question turned to him, he let out a very high-pitched squeak.
“What is it your saying Fudge? That my own Blood has lied? Or my grandsons?” she asked, the others taking a step back due to the ice in her voice.
“Of course not, but results can be tampered with”
“Again, with this? Did we not clear this up before? I would watch what you say in front of the goblins, minister. I’ve heard they have closed accounts for a lot less then insults.” Lucius was starting to tire of the man.
“So, you have had this argument already today Fudge, My my, are we not using our ears today dear?” Augusta knew she was being sarcastic. But she had no respect for this man.
Fudge turned a very unflattering shade of purple but held his tongue. He knew he couldn’t fight this. There was just too much evidence. He quietly cured Bagnold for leaving this mess to him to deal with.
“Is this the reason for the emergency meeting being held Madam Bones?” Augusta turned to the woman.
“Actually no, that meeting was called to present Sirius’ questioning. He has been cleared of all charges.” Amelia smiled at the woman. “But now, this will also be presented to the council”
“Good, it’s about time he was freed. Neville, you may join me if you wish. I do not want you to be alone right now.” Augusta was a hard woman, she knew that, but he was her grandson and he had suffered just as much, if not more.
“Dowager Longbottom? If my Gramps will allow it, Neville can stay with me while you’re at the ministry.” Hades looked over to the man in question and smiled.
“If that is alright with you” he added
Augusta thought for a moment. It would be good for him to be with Harr… Hades. They were good friends and Neville spoke very highly of the young man. “If your grandfather isn’t opposed, I believe that will be fine”
“It’s perfectly fine, I insist in fact. He will be safe I assure you, only those I allow can enter. He, Hades and James will need Someone to floo with them, that’s all.” Orion reassured her. “If you would like, you can join us for dinner tonight as well”
“We will join you. I believe much needs to be discussed”
The air thawed around them, as everyone took a relieved breath.
“Gran? What did the test mean by compromised?” Neville asked.
“That there’s hope, young man. Have they had someone skilled in Legilimency assess them?” Orion said. He had a feeling they hadn’t.
“No, the healers were convinced it was damage from excess use of the cruciatus curse. Do you believe it could help?” Augusta would try anything if it meant getting back her son and Alice.
“We have hope that it will. Severus Snape-Prince is extremely talented in Legilimency, we are hoping he will be agreeable in the matter.” Corvinus was convinced the man would but if he wasn’t. “If he isn’t, I will personally pay for the best to be brought in.”
“Thank you, now can we remove the blocks on my memories? Neville just has a glamour, thankfully.” She asked the healer.
“We can remove the glamour now Dowager Longbottom and restore your memories.” Flora was going to sleep well tonight.
“Thank you, you may start with Neville, then you, young man will accompany the others back to Lord Blacks home.” Augusta said firmly.
“Yes Gran”
“Follow me youngling” Flora said quietly. She watched as Hades gave the boy a quick hug and whispered something in his ear.
They watched as Flora preformed the same movements over Neville, that she had used on Hades. When her arm came slicing down, the glamour faded away. Neville slimed down slightly, he looked more muscular, his jawline sharpened, and cheekbones became higher, his lips slightly thinner. once plain brown hair deepened too almost black. His eyes, once a deep shade of brown, now were of the deepest blue and He had grown slightly going from 5’8 to 5’10.
Corvinus stood in awe. The twins while they had their fathers’ eyes, were almost a carbon copy of Fabian. But Neville seemed to inherit not only the deep blue eyes, but his son’s jawline and cheekbones. He looked to be so much like frank before, now though? Now, both parents shone through.
Hades smiled widely. Nev looked great. Not too much had changed so he was still Nev. “You look great, you still look like you just slight differences”
“Thanks, Har…Hades? That’s going to take getting used to” Neville sighed.
Hades just laughed at his friend. While the adults were talking Hades made his way over to Neville and pulled him to sit on the bed.
“You ok with all this? It’s a lot to take in, trust me I know” Hades wanted his friend to be comfortable with the information, but he knew it would take time for him.
“I think I’m in shock to be honest. I grew up believing my mum was my mum. Now though… I don’t know” Neville could feel the tears starting to fall. Being told one thing all your life then to be told it was a lie was very upsetting.
“I know how you feel, trust me on that” Hades lent over and hugged his still taller friend. “Of course, I’m still a short ass, Thanks Dursleys”
Regulus was watching his son and Neville and couldn’t help but smile. They looked so much like James and frank in that moment. Sitting close together, hands moving as they talked.
“They look like my frank and James, don’t they?” Augusta said from beside him.
“They really do” He smiled at the scene before him.
“We should head back home. let you all get to this meeting and what not. Healer Flora, may we take your charge home now?” Sirius asked. He was practically bouncing out of his skin. He was free.
“You may, but as I said. I want him in here to see me once a week until the start of school. Even then I would prefer him to come here during, but I will make do” Flora looked at Orion and held out a list. “These are the potions he will need. On the back are the details of the mind healers I thought would work best, including one of our own”
“Why do I need a mind healer? I’m fine!” Hades stated.
“Cub, you won’t be the only one. I’m going to be seeing one, now that I’m free. After everything that’s happened to us, it will be a good thing. I promise” Sirius said, making his way over to his nephew and gave him a hug.
Hades grumbled under his breath but returned the hug none the less.
“Thank you. And thank you for everything you have done for us all these last few days. please, I know that in the Black Vaults, we have a plethora of Goblin made objects, they are yours again” Orion Bowed, left hand over his heart, right hand swept to the side palm up.
Ragnar gapped. No wizard has ever willingly returned what was rightfully theirs. “On behalf of the goblin nation, I thank you Lord Black. May your coffers never empty and your gold be pure.” Bowing in return.
“And may your battles be bloody, and your blade never dull. I look forward to working with you again in the future Chief Ragnar.” Giving the chief the respect, he deserved.
“Oh I do as well, lord Black. My sire will be very interested in this matter.” He grinned. Oh yes, His sire will be very pleased.
“Your Sire?” Hades was curious.
“Oh, yes. He is after all, The king.” Ragnar chuckled at the look of shook passing everyone’s face. Until Hades started laughing. That confused him.
“Oh merlin… the minister didn’t just insult any Goblin, he insulted the prince. Even I know that can lead to a death sentence” he shouldn’t be laughing but watching Fudges already pale face drain even further was hilarious.
Ragnar kept up his very toothy grin as he looked over the idiot wizard. “Indeed, it can, luckily I’m in a good mood today. Now if you will all excuse me, enjoy your day” he turned on his heel and left before anyone could say anything.
“He has the right idea. Let’s go” Remus had been quiet. He wanted to get back to Grimmauld. He knew they were safe, but he needed to see them. The others agreed and they said their goodbyes. Orion obviously reluctant to do so.
Amelia was very happy with today’s events. One less hurdle to deal with, now she just needed to wait to hear back from the muggle Aurors over the Dursley situation.