In which Albus and Cornelius both have a Bad Day
The Hogwarts Headmaster's office was lit with soft morning light as Albus Dumbledore settled himself behind his desk with a cup of lemon tea. With Fawks quietly chirping and several of his instruments whirling and emitting muted noises in the background, it was the perfect morning for Albus to tackle some of the dreary paperwork that went along with his role as Chief Warlock. Cornelius had started stirring up trouble in the days since Tom's return. As a result, the pile of parchment dealing with the Wizangamot had gotten slightly out of control on Albus' desk corner. Albus deliberately ignored it in the days since term ended while he was busy getting the Order of the Phoenix back up and running, ensuring Grimmauld Place was safely hidden under the Fidelius and confirming that Harry was tucked away with his relatives in Little Whinging under the watchful eye of various members of the Order.
Seeing as the pile of parchment had finally tipped over from "will probably cause a headache" in size all the way to "will positively cause shooting pains for at least three days," he figured it was time to finally work his way through it and set aside any other duties for the time being.
Several hours passed in this way, with Albus carefully reviewing the various reports and upcoming legislation. After refreshing his tea from his elf Mickey (Albus had a fondness for a certain entrepreneurial American wizard who entertained the muggles with cartoons and those enchanting amusement parks), he finally worked his way through the parchments until he was almost to the bottom of the stack. The notices left to review had come through the owl post in the days immediately following the end of the last school term.
Humming to himself absent-mindedly and wondering if it was too late to request lemon cakes served with lunch today, Albus broke the seal on the next scroll and peered through his glasses at the text.
July 6th, 1995
To all Wizangamot Members,
Let this memo serve as notice that a previously unclaimed Lordship has been claimed. This claim was registered at the Ministry Wizangamot Clerk Office on July 5th, 1995, at approximately twenty-eight minutes past the fourteenth hour of the day, and was approved as suitable by Magic and Law. The new Lord and his Heir are free to take their position on the Wizangamot at the next session, where they will be required to state their party alignment.
The Lordship that has been claimed is as follows:
Lord Black, of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black.
Most sincerely,
Robert Stebbins
Wizangamot Clerk
Albus stared at the notice, very confused by its message. The Black Lordship has been claimed? Who else would have had a legitimate claim to it other than dear Sirius?
I supposed Andromeda or Nymphadora could have claimed it, although I would have thought Nymphadora would have sought my guidance first. Young Draco couldn't have done it. Not at his age. Was there some unknown relation hidden away?
That must be it, Albus reassured himself. Some distant branch of the Black family had come out of the woodwork to scoop up the Lordship and accompanying properties and vaults. Likely in an attempt to throw their weight behind Tom's maneuverings. The Black family becoming active again, even as diminished as they were following Tom's last war, would still represent a significant political force. The House had too many galleons, too many Wizangamot votes, and too few Light wizards than was good for them.
Hmm, this will take some pondering. Albus stood from his desk and thought he'd take a walk by the lake while thinking of ways in which he could work around a revitalized House of Black.
Extending an arm to his loyal friend, Albus requested, "Come Fawks, let us admire the lovely grounds of Hogwarts before lunch." His phoenix companion settled on his shoulder, weight barely more than a feather, as Albus started down the spiral staircase to make his way outside.
*
The Ministry atrium was a refreshingly cool temperature compared to the blazing heat outside. Still, it buzzed like a beehive with the various Ministry workers, flying memos, and fireplaces frequently lighting up with green flames as people returned from their mid-day lunch breaks. Nathaniel Berks observed the goings-on around him, patiently waiting for his companion to meet him by the fountain at the center of the atrium. Although his expression didn't show it, Nathaniel had a deep sense of glee at what was about to occur.
A diminutive man, Nathaniel didn't appear to be threatening or particularly interesting. His face was clean-shaven and handsome, but really only because he lacked any stand-out features that would make him un-handsome. His nondescript brown hair was cut in a rather boring style and was beginning to grey at the temples. Nathaniel wore robes that were undeniably of good quality but not flashy. The only real thing of note was his eyes, which were an ice blue color, keenly watching everything around him. Most passing him didn't seem to notice Nathaniel standing there; only a few gave him a second glance. These few giving him long looks were those who had stood opposite a courtroom from Nathaniel and now wondered what was putting that particular gleam in his eyes.
"Nathaniel?" His musings interrupted, Nathaniel turned and met the curious gaze of Lucius Malfoy. "I must admit your letter was quite vague. Of course, I'm happy to assist you with your request, but I wondered if perhaps you might provide more details?"
Nathaniel was grateful for his well-honed placid expression as it didn't change at all upon seeing the Malfoy lord. Of course, you're curious, you bloody terrorist wanker. No doubt you want to report back to your Lord.
"I'm terribly sorry, Lucius, it falls under client confidentiality, I'm afraid. I'm confident this will make the papers eventually, so you'll certainly hear about it sooner or later. I do appreciate you being willing to help me meet with these individuals, I'm sure I would have been waiting weeks otherwise for an appointment."
"Of course, of course. You know I'm always happy to help an old school friend. If you follow me, we can head to our first appointment."
"Help an old school friend," my arse. You're planning on calling in this favor later, Lucy. Bet that won't still be the case once you hear what this is about.
As the two men moved towards the lifts, chatting meaningless small-talk, Nathaniel turned his mind to his agenda for the day. His first appointment wasn't likely to provide much entertainment, as Amelia Bones wasn't one to fly off the handle. Still, if it all went well, it could mean an earlier end to his client's forced seclusion. Lucius was still prattling on about his son's latest Quidditch achievement, so Nathaniel took a moment to mentally review his talking points for his meeting with Madame Bones.
Before long, they had arrived at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement offices, and Lucius guided him towards Madame Bones' door. "Well, I suppose I shall leave you here then. Just send a patronus when you're all finished, and I'll come back to bring you up to the Minister's office then."
"Of course, I appreciate it, Lucius. Thank you." Bollocks, you'll be standing outside the door all but pressing your ear to the crack, won't you?
Nathaniel gave a quick rap on the door and opened it after hearing a stern "Enter" from within.
"Madame Bones, it's wonderful to see you again. I appreciate you being willing to meet on such short notice."
Standing behind her desk and reaching across to extend a firm handshake to Nathaniel, she replied, "It's no problem at all, Mr. Berk. When Lord Malfoy expressed the urgency, I was quite happy to meet." Despite her words, her lips pressed tightly together, and there was a tightness in the corner of her eyes. Nathaniel thought Madame Bones hadn't appreciated Lucius Malfoy interrupting her schedule this week. No matter.
"I assume you're here on legal matters, Mr. Berk?" Madame Bones continued.
"Yes, I've recently taken on a client that is facing some legal troubles."
"Well, what can the Department of Magical Law Enforcement do to help?"
This was the moment Nathaniel had spent most of the last week preparing for. After several back and forth letters with his client, he had set aside all other cases, shifting some to other solicitors in the firm and distributing tasks amongst the junior staff to free up his time. It was a near miracle that he had pulled this off in such a short time, but he knew from the first letter this would be a landmark case. If he won this (which he was confident he would), the case would be discussed for centuries. He let his perfect mask drop just a bit, as his smile turned fierce.
"I'm afraid the problem is with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. My client is suing the department for a great many things. The most grievous include violation of Habeus Corpus, torture, harassment, and defamation."
There was a moment of shocked silence in the office, while Nathaniel let Madame Bones absorb what he just shared.
"Mr. Berks, that is quite the accusation to make. Who is your client, and what are the circumstances in which they would make these claims?" Madame Bones had quickly schooled her expression and body language and was now eyeing Nathaniel with a cool gaze.
"My client, Madame Bones, is Sirius Black, who has recently taken on the Lordship of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black." Madame Bones' eyes widened, and it looked as if she would interrupt, but Nathaniel continued, "When Lord Black was taken into custody following the apparent death of Peter Pettigrew, he was not provided a trial or any access to legal representation. Lord Black was immediately sent to Azkaban, where he was held without conviction or seemingly any investigation into whether or not he committed the crimes he was accused of. Lord Black, a man who had not been found guilty of any crime, then spent twelve years in deplorable conditions. Over a decade with little access to food or shelter and continuously subjected to the torturous attentions of Dementors."
"When Lord Black finally found the strength to escape his captivity, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement then continued to besmirch his name in the papers, calling him a murderer, a Death Eater, and a criminal. In the two years since his escape, Lord Black has been hunted by Aurors and forced to live in wretched conditions on the run, despite no formal charges ever having been laid against him."
"In short, Madame Bones, Sirius Black is an innocent man until your department can prove otherwise. His treatment for the last fourteen years has been cruel and unjust. And now, Lord Black is seeking reparations and justice for the crimes that have been committed against him by the very institutions and people who swear to uphold the law."
Nathaniel settled back, his hands folded in his lap, and watched as Madame Bones again had to get over the shock of his statements rapidly. He was quite content to watch the minute facial expressions tick over her face and thought he even managed to spot the beginnings of an eye tick.
"Mr. Berks, are you meaning to tell me that you have been in contact with Sirius Black, and he is trying to assert his innocence?"
"Only through letters, of course, Madame Bones. Our firm and my family specifically have long been on retainer by the Black Family. After claiming his Lordship, Lord Black reached out and explained his situation to me. As for claiming his innocence, my client does, in fact, proclaim that he did not betray Lily and James Potter, did not kill Peter Pettigrew and those muggles and was not and never will be a Death Eater or a sympathizer of You-Know-Who. I have several pensive memories I can share with you to support these statements. They include the establishment of the Fidelius Charm, the night of the Potter's deaths, the night Sirius Black confronted Peter Pettigrew, and the night just over a year ago at Hogwarts where Sirius Black and others encountered Peter Pettigrew, who is still alive and well. However, my client's innocence in these matters is not what is in question here. Regardless of what crimes he may or may not have committed, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement did not follow the proper procedure. You never charged my client with anything. Meaning a still-innocent young man had his life ruined by the Ministry."
"Mr. Berks, you understand what you're saying sounds...ludicrous? Everyone knows Sirius Black was a Death Eater, and he was responsible for the death of the Potters."
It seemed like Madame Bones was genuinely shocked by Nathaniel's news; she wouldn't usually make a statement like that. Still, it gave Nathaniel quite the opening.
Raising one eyebrow and staring down his nose at her, Nathaniel responded, "I didn't realize the Department of Magical Law Enforcement operated under the say-so of 'everyone' Madame Bones. But if the Ministry and your department are giving such credence to hearsay and rumors, then I worry how many other innocent individuals have been locked up just because "everyone believes" them to be guilty, rather than because of things like evidence and facts."
Without waiting for Madame Bones to respond, Nathaniel stood from his chair, "I'll be filing the paperwork this afternoon, but I wanted to give you forewarning as a courtesy. Do let me know if you'd like to review those pensieve memories. They're quite illuminating. I'll see myself out as I have an additional meeting with the Minister today. Thank you for your time."
Nathaniel moved to the door at an unhurried pace, a shocked silence in his wake. Now on to break the news to Minister Fudge and parry with Lucius along the way, as he undoubtedly was listening in and will try to fish out more details.
*
Cornelius looked up at the sharp rap on his door, setting aside the latest edition of The Daily Prophet. His latest PR campaign against Dumbledore's nonsense was starting off successful. Still, one must always keep an eye on the media when it's being reported by sharks such as Rita Skeeter and co. It didn't matter how much you bribed them; they would always be willing to take on a more scandalous story (or more extensive vault) that came along.
Cornelius tapped the small golden logo of the Ministry on his desk to signify his secretary he was available to accept his next appointment and settled back in his chair. The oak door opened to Lucius Malfoy, who had a wide-eyed look on his face. That was surprising. Cornelius had been close with Lucius for several years now, often turning to the man for advice and political insight, and he was usually quite skilled at keeping a neutral expression. When Cornelius had received the request from Lucius to meet with an "old school friend" solicitor, the Malfoy Lord hadn't provided many details on what Mr. Berks had to say. Still, based on Lucius' expression, Cornelius now wondered if the reason for the request had also surprised his colleague.
Moving his focus from Lucius over to Mr. Berks, Cornelius tried to do some rapid assessments of the other man. Although a younger solicitor - only nearing forty years of age when some in his profession had been practicing law for decades longer than he was alive - Berks had slowly but surely been developing a name for himself. A methodical man, Berks reminded Cornelius of some large predator, slowly stalking its prey until the last moment when suddenly - lights out for some poor antelope. Cornelius had assumed that Berks had come to the inevitable realization that his talents were best suited for the Ministry and had called up an old acquaintance from his school days to make an introduction to the Minister. As the two men settled in the comfortable chairs across from him, Cornelius wondered if perhaps he had assumed wrong. Lucius still looked discomforted, but Berks looked calm and collected.
"Minister Fudge, thank you for agreeing to me with me. I know you're a busy man, and I appreciate you fitting me into your very busy schedule." Berks opened with.
"Of course, of course. Always happy to do a favor for a friend of Lucius." Cornelius' surprise grew as Lucius seemed to slightly wince at this, rather than the preen he had expected.
"Well, in deference to your many responsibilities Minister, I'll just cut right to the chase. You're being served, Minister Fudge. For defamation of my client, Sirius Black."
There was a ringing silence in the office before Cornelius let out an incredulous huff of laughter. "Sirius Black? Sirius Black is suing me? He's a mass murderer! How are you even in contact with him?" Cornelius continued, the volume of his voice increasing at the same rate as his anger. "I ought to have the Aurors drag you in for questioning; you've been in contact with an escaped convict!"
I'm afraid that's just the thing Minister. Sirius Black was never formally charged or convicted for his supposed crimes. Meaning you and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement have treated a citizen, a member of a Noble family no less, deplorably." Despite Cornelius' rising anger, Berks remained cool as a cucumber as he glanced down at some notes he had resting on his lap. "After all, Minister, wasn't it you who stated on August 23rd, 1993, that 'Sirius Black is a madman, and any witch or wizard who encounters him should defend themselves until that murderer is put down as he deserves' or on October 31st, 1993, 'Sirius Black is the worst sort of monster, and I pray to Mother Magic herself he is found before he kills any other distinguished members of our community.' I'm afraid I have many more examples of your defamation of my client's character. To go through all of them would mean being here all day. And regarding meeting with Aurors about my client's location, while you can certainly send them to speak with me, you'll find that those details are protected under client confidentiality."
"This is preposterous," Cornelius interjected, "Black killed thirteen muggles. He's responsible for the deaths of the Potters and Peter Pettigrew."
"But he's never been convicted, Minister. My client is still an innocent man. For you to speak of him as if he is already a convicted murderer means you have been making defamatory statements for years. And Lord Black has finally come to demand justice."
Cornelius felt all the breath leave his body as he nearly slumped over, "Lord...Lord Black? Sirius Black has claimed the Lordship? How is this possible?" All of the smug happiness Cornelius had felt before Berks entered his office had fled as if it never existed. A madman as the head of an Noble and Ancient House? The same madman having the audacity to sue the Minister of Magic? It's like the world had turned upside down.
Giving himself only a moment or two to be thrown off, Cornelius quickly shook himself. He wasn't about to let this lunatic completely derail his composure.
"Well, Mr. Berks, I think you'll find that this endeavor won't be going the way you think it will. I can only assume you hope to make a name for yourself with the notoriety of this case, but I can assure you, that you and your 'client' will be most displeased with the results." Cornelius said with a sniff.
It didn't quite have the results Cornelius wanted, as Berks just looked slightly amused as he replied, "Well, we'll have to take our chances then. Thank you again for your time. I'll see myself out."
With that, the solicitor stood and exited the room, closing the door firmly behind him. Cornelius immediately swung his gaze to Lucius and narrowed his eyes, "And what do you have to say for yourself, Lucius? You couldn't have given me some warning about this?"
The other man immediately started with reassurances he had no idea what Berks had wanted the meeting for, but Cornelius tuned him out within the first few platitudes. He refused to let himself think of it while Berks was still in the room, but now he turned his mind to the story Harry Potter and his friends had told him a few years ago, proclaiming Sirius Black innocent. At the time, he had brushed them off. Even now, he was sure they were lies.
The boy showed his colors in the end; he always was a liar, first about Sirius Black and then about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I was right to disregard him before.
Even as he reassured himself that both Harry Potter and now this upstart lawyer were incorrect, a tiny sliver of doubt whispered in his head, What if they were right about Black? And if they're right about Black...could Potter be right about other things?