When I Think About the Moments (That I Never Got to Spend With You)

Sirius grinned down at the front page of The Daily Prophet. He had instructed Nathaniel to send along the case paperwork to Skeeter and a few other reporters always on the hunt for the latest salacious story, as a guarantee that word would get out even if Fudge tried to smother it.

Considering the news of the suit was front page and, yes, additional articles about Sirius all throughout, Sirius found, as he flipped through the rest of the newspaper, that his plan had worked. Everyone would know that Sirius Black was suing the DMLE for their treatment of him and the Minister personally for defamation. And, as he had hoped, there were no references to Harry or his supposed delusional state. The papers focused on Sirius and his lengthy background.

Chuckling over some of the more ridiculous suppositions the reporters were making, including his personal favorite - that this was all a farce to allow Sirius close to the Minister for an assassination attempt, Sirius folded up the paper to send on to Harry so he could read it. He couldn't wait to hear what his godson thought of Nathaniel's proposal to outright sue rather than just seek a trial to clear his name. It was risky, but it would be impossible for the Ministry to ignore this way. Sirius cradled his mug of tea and let himself imagine this ending the way he hoped. His name cleared, Harry coming to live with him, and a happy summer before Harry had to return to school. Sirius didn't let himself consider the chance they wouldn't achieve that, or even that the realities of Voldemort and the war would interfere with the idyllic summer he was already planning. Professional quidditch games, dueling competitions, trips to the seaside...nebulous ideas floated in Sirius' head as he considered everything he wanted to show and share with his godson. Sirius wanted to send Harry, a boy who had spent too long deprived of happy memories with family, back to Hogwarts with new experiences and fun stories he could share with his classmates when they all talked about their summers.

His optimistic musings were interrupted with a flash of light as a rolled parchment suddenly appeared on the table, along with a phoenix feather. Ahh, a message from Dumbledore. That didn't take long, he thought to himself. Part of Sirius was anxious to open Dumbledore's missive. He knew the Headmaster wouldn't be pleased with Sirius's actions. He would likely be furious, in fact. But mostly, Sirius couldn't find it in himself to care what the old man thought. He had spent too long relying on Dumbledore and assuming Albus would act in Sirus's and Harry's best interests. And both of them had suffered for it.

Maybe Sirius was making a mistake, which would end with him dead or back in Azkaban. But it was Sirius's mistake to make.

Reassuring himself that he was on the right path, Sirius reached forward and opened the rolled parchment.

Mandatory OotP meeting. Tonight, 6:00pm. All members are required to attend. - AD

Sirius didn't know why he signed these messages. It's not like anyone else communicated by bloody phoenix, he thought with an eye roll. Sirius was surprised at the brevity of the message. He thought for sure it would have contained paragraphs questioning Sirius's actions. But he supposed Albus would save it for tonight. A public dressing down, Sirius thought, as he glanced back over the message that noted every Order member was expected to attend.

Well, if I'm expecting company tonight, I might as well be prepared. Standing from the table, Sirius headed up the stairs to his room to get changed, stopping by Hades' perch along the way to send off the newspaper and a short note for Harry. Taking a quick shower, Sirius dressed in the best set of robes he had managed to scrounge from the closets of Grimmauld. He only had about eight and a half hours before the Order would start showing up, and perhaps it was insignificant, but he wanted to ensure he presented the image of a healthy, well-adjusted, and powerful Lord. He knew it wouldn't matter much, many in the Order had their opinion of him already and would view his recent actions as irresponsible or selfish, but if he looked the part, he thought it would help him act the part as well.

Casting a quick charm to dry his hair and then pulling it back into a low tail at the base of his neck, Sirius returned to his study and settled himself behind the desk to look over the latest message from Gringotts.

"Have your plans been fruitful, boy? You sent so many letters off to that solicitor the last few days but wouldn't share what your goals were." At the voice, Sirius glanced up at his father's portrait. Orion looked reluctantly intrigued, as if he desperately wanted to know what was going on but didn't want Sirius to know just how interested he was in his estranged son.

Sirius debated ignoring him and the other previous Black Lords who were eagerly listening, just as he had been since the day he first claimed the Lordship. Deciding against it, he replied, "In a way, but I have not yet fulfilled my ultimate goal. In an effort to clear my name, I am suing the DMLE and the current Minister of Magic. Relevant parties were notified yesterday, and the news broke to the public today."

There was a rustle around the room as the Lords shuffled in surprise, but Sirius retained eye contact with his father and so saw the small uptick of his lips in a slight smile. It had been decades since Sirius had sought his father's approval, but he still recognized the expression Orion would give him whenever Sirius had answered a question correctly or done anything particularly clever as a child.

Quickly looking away, Sirius distracted himself with the paperwork. There were a few new recommended investments from Ucklack he wanted to research before giving the go-ahead, and it was a pleasant way to spend the late morning. It also served as a distraction from the argument that was sure to happen at the Order meeting.

At three o'clock, he moved back downstairs to the kitchen and paused when he found Kreacher running a dingy cloth across the counter. In the days since Sirius had issued the overarching orders about Kreacher's behavior, the elf mainly had avoided Sirius. This was undoubtedly the first time Sirius had seen Kreacher performing even a perfunctory cleaning in the last week. Sirius let himself think back on the unpleasant memories from his childhood - Kreacher serving Sirius scalding hot tea while Regulus's cup was the perfect temperature, the sheets on Sirius's bed tucked and folded in such a way that he had to nearly unmake the bed every night just to fall asleep, or his clothes returning freshly laundered but mended and taken in so that they fit him uncomfortably. And so many other little petty ways that Kreacher had made his life unpleasant, always seeking to act upon Walburga's dislike of her eldest son.

Kreacher was a miserable sort, but after spending his entire life with Blacks like his mother, in this dungeon of a house, could Sirius really blame him for being a nasty little piece of shite?

Stepping forward into the room, Sirius offered cautiously, "Hello Kreacher. Thank you for cleaning the counter."

Bulging eyes swung around and stared at Sirius unhappily, "Master does not need to thank Kreacher for doing his duty. Master does not know the proper behavior for one with a position such as Lord Black."

Sirius diplomatically chose not to mention that Kreacher had not been doing his "duty" for years, considering the state of Grimmauld Place. "Being polite is a noble thing, Kreacher, regardless of the station of the individual the politeness is directed towards." It was a quote Sirius specifically remembered from one of the endless etiquette books he had read growing up. Some of which he had sent to Harry recently, although he would bet half his vaults, the books on decorum would be some of the last that Harry would crack open.

In response to Sirius's words, Kreacher gave a huff and returned to his cleaning, moving on to cleaning the table now that the counter was finished. Sirius would bet the other half of his vaults that Kreacher was actually just making it dirtier, considering the state of the rag he was using.

Deciding to give the elf a chance, Sirius said, "Kreacher. I'm having guests over this evening at six." Kreacher's eyes rose to look at Sirius again, and maybe he imagined it, but he thought perhaps there was a hint of interest in Kreacher's expression.

"Master is entertaining?"

"Yes, I'd like you to make some hors d'oeuvres and have drinks prepared—no need for a full meal, just some things for the group to snack on. I expect everything to be entirely edible, that it won't poison anyone or make anyone sick, and will be befitting of food served at a gathering hosted by Lord Black. Is that understood?"

"Yes, master. Kreacher will need to restock the pantry if he is to make food for the guests." Kreacher snapped his finger, and the dirty rag disappeared, along with most of the grime that had been left behind on the kitchen counter and appliances.

Ignoring for the moment that Kreacher had clearly been wasting time running the rag across the kitchen surfaces, he just calmly replied, "Of course. Take the coin you'd need for groceries from the main Black vault. Following tonight's gathering, you will continue to purchase standard groceries, with the money coming from the same vault."

With a pop, Kreacher disappeared. Sirius was pleased to see that Kreacher might turn things around and that the two of them could possibly improve their relationship, but he'd still be double-checking any food Kreacher attempted to serve him or his guests. He wouldn't put it past the little bugger to find a way around his orders and slip something in the food that would result in everyone spending the evening in the toilet.

A bit aimless now that he didn't have to try and make food for the Order himself, Sirius settled himself down at the table. It was still hours yet until the meeting started, but he had slowly become increasingly anxious over the course of the day. He knew he was doing the right thing. He knew it—both for himself and for Harry. It wasn't right that Harry had to be sent away with the muggles all summer, and it wasn't right that Sirius had to be locked up in this house for who knows how long. He was innocent of the crimes he was accused of, and even for the things he would feel guilty about until the day he died (suggesting Peter be the secret keeper, not staying with Harry on that awful night), he could make amends better by being free and making it up to Harry rather than being in Azkaban.

He knew he was doing the right thing, but he also knew Albus, and ergo the rest of the Order, would feel differently. He thought his most likely allies would be Remus, Molly, and possibly his young cousin Dora. But even they might disagree with his choices.

The hours ticked by as Sirius got lost in his thoughts, vaguely acknowledging Kreacher returning and beginning to work on the food. Before he realized it, Kreacher was placing platters of food on the table, interspersed with some pitchers of ice water and pumpkin juice. Glancing at the antique grandfather clock, he realized it was nearly 5:30. The Order would arrive soon.

When he had first entered the room, he had sat down at the head of the table, Dumbledore's usual seat in any meeting such as this, without thinking about it. He considered moving for an instant before reminding himself that this was his bloody house. Forcing himself to remain calm, he interlocked his fingers and rested his hands on the table. Depending on just how heavy-handed Albus got tonight, he might need to keep himself from reaching for his wand instinctively.

Sirius started slightly as he heard the fireplace along the wall burst into the Floo's distinctive green flames. He looked up to meet the unique caramel-colored eyes of his oldest living friend.

"Sirius… what have you gotten yourself into now?" Remus Lupin asked with a heavy sigh.

"I'm doing what I should have done ages ago Rem. I'm putting Harry first and doing whatever I must to keep him safe and happy."

"Really?" Remus seemed skeptical, "Because it seems like you're trying to pull one over on the Ministry, while also getting back at Albus for insisting you stay here at Grimmauld. How does you suing the Ministry and bringing everyone's attention back on you help Harry?"

Sirius had to remind himself to stay calm and logical in his response, but it wasn't easy. He had hoped Remus, of all people, would give him the benefit of the doubt before assuming he was the same attention-seeking, pranking idiot he was as a teen. "If I can clear my name, and have some degree of power in our society, then I can get guardianship of Harry. He can come and live with me."

Remus let out a huff, clearly frustrated. "You know that Harry has to stay with his family. Albus has already told us -"

Sirius couldn't hold his tongue at this and interrupted, "His family? You think those muggles are his family? Harry won't even tell me everything they've done to him over the years, but the little he has shared makes me want to weep. And makes me shocked as hell that Lily Potter hasn't returned from her grave to haunt us all. I know the signs of an abused child Remus. And those muggles are not his family. Family is more than just blood."

"I am Harry's family." Sirius continued, out of breath but unwilling to stop, "You are Harry's family. But where the hell have we been for the last decade and a half? I chose to run after Peter and got locked away because of it, and then couldn't even stand on my own two feet and demand justice in the years since I escaped. You've been doing fuck all, only paying attention to Harry while you taught him before disappearing from his life again."

Remus's eyes were large, and he looked taken aback at the vehemence which with Sirius spoke. He opened his mouth to respond, but Sirius wasn't done yet.

"I refuse, Remus. I refuse to continue letting Lily down, a woman who loved her son so much she was willing to carry him in the middle of a war and then stepped in front of him to take a killing curse. I won't continue to let James down, my brother. The man who took me in and gave me a home when I needed it. When those whose blood I shared didn't care for me as they should have, he did. I'll be damned if I won't do the same for his son now. And I will not...I will NOT continue letting Harry down." All the anger Sirius had initially felt fled from him, and now he was just tired and unhappy. Slumping over, his hands on the table supporting most of his body - and when had he stood up? - he continued in a quieter tone.

"He doesn't trust a single adult Remus, have you noticed? You can see it in his expression when he looks at anyone. He's always waiting for us to go back on our word or to fail him. Because that's all he's known. And he's so good, Rem; he's so brave and resilient, and more forgiving than he should be, and powerful as hell, but he doesn't even realize. He deserves more than what he's gotten in life. And I might fail, I know that. But I won't go on as I have been. I won't just, not even attempt to make things better for him."

Sirius sagged back in his seat, feeling like he had just sprinted the long path between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Out of the corner of his vision, he saw Remus pull out the chair to his left and sit down. They both sat silently for a moment, Remus contemplating everything Sirius had shouted at him and Sirius trying to catch his breath, before -.

"Alright." Remus's voice was quiet, and when Sirius turned to look at him, Sirius couldn't quite read his expression. It seemed there was a bit of guilt there and plenty of grief, but also determination. "Alright, you want to get Harry. I don't know what I can do to help in that regard, but I'll support you in your attempts. I'll back you when Dumbledore and the rest question you. I owe you that much, and I certainly owe Harry more."

A slight smile pulled up one side of Sirius's mouth, a faint call back to the mischievous grin he often sported in his Hogwarts days. "Yeah, but also, you agree that eventually, enough will be enough, and Lily will find some way to return from the dead to make us miserable if we don't do something about her son, right?"

Remus chuckled, "She'd probably manage to drag us down to hell before she let herself find peace again. And James would be cheering her on from the afterlife. He always was proudest when she'd get fed up and finally let go of her temper, the madman."

For a moment, the two sat lost in happy memories. This many years later, they were able to reflect on the happy times of their childhood and not be bowled over with grief every single time. It was nothing like those first few years after Lily and James died when just thinking about them felt like their heart was being squeezed painfully and like the ground had dropped out beneath their feet. There were still days it felt fresh. As if they had just lost their friends the day before. Those days, the grief was overwhelming, second only to the betrayal. Not just a sense of betrayal because of Peter's actions, but with life itself. It seemed so unfair to Sirius that two individuals so full of vibrancy and love, would be stolen from them so young. It was a cruel reality of life, the utmost injustice, that such good people would have such a short time on this earth. James and Lily should have had decades more to spend with them. Decades to love and raise their son, time to make their mark on the world.

Before the sorrow could swell and take over, Sirius forced himself to return to the conversation. He couldn't let himself get lost in memory today, not when he was sure to have similar arguments with the rest of the Order any minute now. Remus had come early, but the others would arrive soon.

"Thank you, Remus. It means a lot that you're with me on this." Sirius reached over and laid his hand over Remus's, squeezing tightly. "If you can stay after the meeting, I'll loop you in on our plan and the progress so far. You can even talk to Harry if you want."

Remus perked up and was about to question how that was possible when the Floo lit green again, and Bill Weasly stepped out neatly. Nodding at the two men seated, Bill quickly stepped aside as his parents filed out a few beats after him.

"Sirius, Remus, it's good to see you both." Arthur Weasly nodded politely at both of them before pulling out a chair about halfway down the table. "I see you got creative in the kitchen, Sirius? Or did you bring these Remus?" Arthur seemed as if he'd cheerfully ignore the hippogriff in the room, at least until the meeting truly got underway, and Sirius was happy to do the same. Molly, of course, settling herself gently in the chair next to her husband, was pressing her lips tightly together as if to restrain herself from bursting.

"Actually, Arthur, Kreacher made us these. I should probably do a quick test to ensure they're alright to eat. He's not particularly fond of me."

Waving his wand quickly over the platters on the table, casting a few general diagnostic spells as he went, Sirius was eventually satisfied that his house-elf wouldn't be murdering anyone tonight. At least not via the food. I wouldn't put it past him to go the old-fashioned strangulation route.

While he occupied himself with the snacks, Bill and Remus had started a conversation about the latest regulations the Wizangamot was attempting to pass, despite it veering into the Gringott's domain. The Goblin Nation was getting spun up, and if their statements to the press were to be believed, they would soon threaten another revolt if the Wixen didn't back off.

When he gave the all-clear, Bill and Remus both reached forward and snagged a few nibbles to graze on. Arthur looked as if he'd also get something to eat until Molly swung her glare away from Sirius and caught her husband in her sights. At this wordless communication, Arthur folded his hands in his lap and asked Bill a follow-up question instead. Sirius tried to contain his amusement, recognizing that now was really not the time.

The Floo lit up again, and as the clock ticked over to six o'clock on the dot, it remained alight as the rest of the Order arrived. Sirius noticed that many wouldn't meet his eyes. It was as if they thought the chastisement he was sure to receive soon was contagious, and they desperately wanted to avoid one for themselves.

Chatter picked up around the room, people clumping around the table and catching up on personal news since the last meeting a week ago. Sirius noticed Nymphadora, or Dora as he called her before Azkaban and before she started insisting on being called Tonks, entering the Floo and glancing around before taking the seat on his immediate left. She had blonde hair today, and her features seemed to be close to what he called of her childhood face, before she had really gotten the hang of her metamorphmagus abilities.

Leaning forward, Dora whispered, "Hey, cousin. I got the oddest notification from Gringotts last week. Apparently, I'm extremely rich now. You wouldn't have anything to do with that would you?"

Sirius laughed, grateful for his young cousin's teasing tone, a blatant attempt to relieve some of the tension that was gathering around Sirius. "Why yes, I suppose you could blame me for your sudden windfall. I thought it was time to rectify certain past mistakes the previous generations of the Black family made." Speaking a bit more earnestly, "I hope it's alright that I did this without speaking to your family. I know your mother didn't exactly leave on good terms, and I hope this didn't offend her."

"Not at all," Dora reassured him, "I don't think she has any intentions of using a single knut, but she's relieved I have something to fall back on. Junior Aurors don't exactly get paid much."

Sirius smiled ruefully; he remembered the shit salary he'd been paid when he first started as an Auror. "I hope you use it, not just when you need something to fall back on, but for whatever you like. You should have had access to it your entire life, as far as I'm concerned. Merlin knows I won't be able to spend every galleon in those vaults in my lifetime, even if I tried. Buy a house, go on a vacation - hell, quit work and live off, it for all I care."

"Thanks, Sirius. I knew you were my favorite cousin for a reason!"

Sirius was about to reply, pointing out that there wasn't exactly much competition for the title when a respectful hush spread around the room, and Sirius knew without looking that Dumbledore had arrived. Turning away from Dora, Sirius observed Dumbledore settling himself at the foot of the table. If he had an opinion of Sirius claiming his usual seat, it wasn't apparent in his expression. There was a few seconds of stillness as Dumbledore peered down the long table over the bridge of his glasses and met Sirius's eyes. Quickly recalling the other man was a legilimens, Sirius focused on Dumbledore's chin, avoiding eye contact.

After a pause, Dumbledore looked around at the rest of the table to greet everyone, "Good evening all. My deepest thanks for you clearing your busy schedules tonight. I don't want to keep you from your homes longer than necessary, so let's get started immediately. Kingsley, would you care to report on the Ministry?"

Sirius sat back, surprised. He thought for sure that he'd be questioned on his actions immediately. Dumbledore couldn't have missed the news. He knew the word had gone out to the entire Wizangamot that the Black Lordship had been claimed just a day after he completed the ritual - Sirius had been surprised Albus hadn't come calling then. Even if he had missed the notification, he couldn't possibly have overlooked the news in the Daily Prophet this morning. No one else had; it was evident in how they were all occasionally glancing over at him, some apprehensive and pitying, and others annoyed or scolding.

Sirius listened to first Kingsley and the other Aurors' reports on the Ministry, and then as Snivellus shared the information he had collected - nothing useful - on Deat Eater plans. A few others followed, each giving reports that didn't seem to contain many actual details on anything that could help them in the fight against Voldemort, who was apparently lying low for the time being. Dumbledore finally turned to Molly and Arthur and asked if they were prepared to move into Grimmauld Place with their children, and seemed content to listen as Molly rambled on about the week they spent packing and readying the burrow for their absence. Sirius was a bit incredulous...why was Albus waiting to talk to him about what Sirius had done?

My suing the Minister of Magic is much more important than Molly's cleaning schedule. My plans might actually bring about change. I could actually help the Order accomplish some of our goals. Why can't he...ah. I see now.

It struck Sirius quite suddenly what Albus's intentions were. By ignoring Sirius and making him wait to defend himself until everyone else had spoken, Albus was trying to impress upon Sirius just how little consideration Albus would give him. Albus was attempting to express, without words, that Sirius's chosen path was the wrong one, and that his attempts - and Sirius himself - were so minor and unimportant, that they ranked below even the most inconsequential Order news. It was a move Sirius remembered his mother using quite effectively in his childhood.

Sirius hadn't realized until this moment that a secret part of him was still hoping that Albus would approve of his plans. That the man he had chosen to follow all those years ago would endorse Sirius and support his attempts to clear his name - maybe even would speak out on Sirius's behalf. Sirius felt a small piece of him die; he thought regretfully that it was the last of his naivety, or perhaps his innocence. But either way, after tonight, he would no longer be seeking the approval of Albus Dumbledore.

Sirius heard as Molly finally finished. It sounded as if they intended to move the Weasleys in first thing tomorrow morning. Harry's friend Hermione would join them within the week. Sirius was glad he had finished setting up Aquarius House in the last few days. After so long being alone in his cell and then on the run, it would be an uncomfortable adjustment to constantly be around so many people if he didn't have somewhere private to retreat.

Finally, finally, Albus turned his gaze back to the far end of the table. Sirius straightened his shoulders, unconsciously adopting the posture his mother had near beaten into him, and readied himself.

"Sirius, my dear boy. I was surprised to see the news this morning. I can't help but feel it is a foolish pursuit, and you are risking your safety and that of the Order. Had you come to me first, we could have discussed this, and I could have provided you guidance." He paused here as if waiting for Sirius to jump in and begin making excuses, but when Sirius held his tongue, he continued, "I really must insist you call this off, my boy. Now is not the time for any harebrained schemes. I'd be happy to work with your lawyer to put an end to it all if you don't think you're up to the task."

At this, Sirius leaned forward and chose to respond, "Thank you for the advice Albus, but I will be continuing forward as planned. After much reflection and upon the counsel of my solicitor, I've come to realize this is the best chance I have at clearing my name. Once I've done so, I'll be able to take up my seat in the Wizengamot and accomplish certain goals I consider crucial."

Sirius noted that as he spoke, Albus lost his signature twinkle in his eyes. Still trying to avoid more than a glimpse of eye contact as much as possible, Sirius glanced around the room to see how the others were reacting. Remus had a stoic expression but had positioned himself, so he was turned slightly, with his back to Sirius, facing out into the rest of the room. Physically, it put him in Sirius's corner. On his other side, he saw Dora nodding along with his words. Surprisingly, down the table and seated right next to Dumbledore, Alastor Moody nodded sharply in agreement and was watching him approvingly.

"And what are these 'crucial goals' that you hope to achieve, Sirius? I thought we all had the similar goal of standing in the way of Voldemort. Have you chosen to disregard this goal in favor of more personal gains?"

It was as if now that Sirius had seen through Albus's initial attempts at manipulation, all the others were becoming clear. Sirius could see the heavy implications behind those questions. Even though they were said with a gentle tone, Albus was attempting to ostracize Sirius from the rest of the Order - make out like he was being selfish and disobedient.

"Of course not, Albus. I have and always will stand firm against Voldemort and his followers. But I believe I can help us achieve our goals better if I am free and not forced to remain in hiding."

Dumbledore shook his head gently, looking oh-so-disappointed in Sirius, "I disagree, Sirius. I think you will do irreparable harm to our plans. By bringing all this attention to yourself, you will inevitably be caught and likely killed or given the Dementor's Kiss. And then where would we be? The Order would no longer have a safe place to meet, we would sorely miss the influx of galleons you have been able to provide. We would likely all be under scrutiny if our connections to you were found out. And of course, dear Harry would be quite upset."

At this, Snape seemingly couldn't bear to remain silent any longer and interjected with a sneer, "I'm certain the boy would get over it quite quickly. It's not as if he's spent much time with Black, considering the years in Azkaban and then the years since he's spent on the run. Maybe Potter would even be better off without such a reckless influence. The boy certainly doesn't need any more motivation to cause trouble."

Underneath the table, Sirius's hands clenched into fists as he tried to control his anger.

Calm. Stay calm. It doesn't matter what they think, even if they only view my importance in relation to the safehouses I can provide and money I can siphon over. Harry is what is important.

When he thought he could speak without his voice trembling in outrage, he said, "Well, I disagree with both of you. And I will not change my course. If you find associating with me so disagreeable and dangerous, you are welcome to meet elsewhere. I'll take my safehouse and my galleons elsewhere."

"Come now, Sirius. There's no need to be petty. Let's discuss this rationally." Albus was once again peering over his glasses as if he was a kindly grandfather that one should always listen to because he had your best interests in mind.

Shrugging away the impulse and remembering his actual grandfather, who had been cruel and exacting in his expectations, Sirius forced his expression to be neutral and his voice firm. "Albus, I will not be changing my mind. I will be pursuing this attempt to clear my name. If it is successful, I will be rejoining society. You will not convince me otherwise."

Albus sat back in his chair, silently observing Sirius and those around him. The rest of the Order, whose attention had been bouncing back and forth like they were watching a Quadpot game, shuffled restlessly in their chairs, unsure what would come next.

Eventually, "Well, Sirius, I can see there's no changing your mind. I just hope that this does not come back to harm us in the end, as you will have no one but yourself to blame." After a slight pause, Dumbledore continued, "If, by some miracle, you are successful...I hope you do not intend to remove Harry from his relatives. I remember you were quite insistent on that at the last meeting, but I really must impress upon you the importance of Harry remaining with his family Sirius. It is not your place to interfere."

Once again, Sirius quickly glanced away to ensure Albus wouldn't read his intentions to do precisely as Albus warned against right out of his head.

Not his place to interfere? It was exactly Sirius's place to take custody of Harry. It wasn't Dumbledore's place to interfere the way he did 14 years ago and every day since he forced Harry to remain in Surrey.

Rather than arguing, Sirius just gave a short nod. He wouldn't convince Dumbledore to see his side of things, and better for him to appear as if he was going along with Dumbledore's wishes in this sense for the time being. By the time he finally got custody of Harry, he'd make sure they were both well away from Dumbledore's interference.

Sirius intently stared at the grain of the wooden table, moving his hand so he could run his nail along a prominent knot in the wood. Around him, Dumbledore was dismissing the group, and the others were saying their goodbyes. Remus remained seated next to him, quietly speaking with Emmeline Vance on his other side and wishing her well on some presentation she had at work in the coming days.

The room slowly emptied, and Sirius was surprised when he heard the thumping of Moody's leg pause next to him. Flicking his gaze up, he saw Moody had focused both eyes on his face. It was a rarity when his magical eye typically inspected everything and everyone nearby so rapidly that it never seemed to stop moving.

Rather than verbally questioning the attention, Sirius raised one eyebrow and remained quiet. After eyeing him for a moment longer, Moody finally said, "You've done good, boy. Albus will never agree, seeing as he didn't put his stamp of approval on your every move before you made it, but I can see the sense of your exoneration. A sensible Lord Black in the Wizengamot could do a lot of good."

Sirius was surprised. Truthfully, he thought Moody would side with Albus on all things. Moody must have been able to read this in his expression as he let out a harsh laugh and said, "I never follow someone blindly, Black. Glad you see you're finally doing the same. I assume you're aiming to get the Potter boy here eventually?" Sirius quickly regulated his expression, trying to keep Moody from reading the truth off his face, but it didn't seem to matter as he continued speaking as if he received a confirmation, "When you get him, you let me know. The boy could use some training up, and I hear he's got potential."

Without waiting for a response to his stunning offer, Moody thumped past Sirius and stepped into the Floo without pausing.

Sirius glanced around the room to see it was finally just Remus and him and the picked-over remains of the platters of food Kreacher had set out.

Looking back to Remus, Sirius felt the tension he had felt since first receiving Dumbledore's letter that morning finally dissolve. The confrontation had been both better and worse than he had imagined. Albus hadn't yelled or somehow forced Sirius to write to his solicitor and cancel everything. Sirius was free to continue as planned.

But Sirius had ended the conflict feeling...somehow both smaller and older at the same time. Albus had manipulated him into feeling unimportant and as if his struggle to free himself was trivial, and in doing so, had lost what little of Sirius's faith in the other man that had remained.

Oh well, he thought, no going back now.

He focused back on Remus and with a smile, offered, "Want to go talk to Harry? I sent him one of our old mirrors, so we'll get to see his face when we tell him the real Mad-Eye Moody wants to train him one-on-one."