Strange Potter

Peter ran scared. His master was gone. He had sold out his oldest friend and now didn't have the protection of his master.

The destroyed home was still burned into his mind. He felt so conflicted. His friends were dead and now their son was an orphan because of him. 

But he had to do it. The dark lord's wraith was terrifying. He swore loyalty to him and had to obey. Anything less was death if he was merciful.

His master's wand was secured in his pocket. He couldn't believe he was gone and was more afraid that he wasn't. He saw nobody in the house.

He had to disappear.

Fear of Sirius was the thing that pushed him forward. He knew the grim wouldn't rest until he was dead.

He turned the corner of the neighborhood he was running through and froze in his tracks.

Sirius Black was standing a few yards ahead of him. Pure rage in his eyes.

"Why Peter?" The angry man demanded.

"Sirius.. you don't understand." Peter slowly moved for his wand.

"I understand!! You betrayed our brother! You led him to them! How could you betray us?" Sirius shouted.

His voice rose to some of the residents. Seeing two men standing in the street.

Peter weighed his options. Sirius hadn't pulled his wand and was raving. He could use this.

"You don't know the dark lord's power. He would have killed me. I had no choice." Peter said with a shaky voice.

"You had a choice you rat!" Sirius pulled his wand.

Peter didn't get a chance to react as a stunner hit him from the side.

Moody canceled his notice-me-not-charm and limped to the fallen traitor.

"Gotcha you rat bastard." He snarled at the man. He looked at Black. "Sorry I doubted you, Black."

"He needs to die," Sirius said.

"Tha would be murder, Mr. Black," Strange said as he joined the two. "He needs to live to get the testimony out and your name cleared. Or do you want Harry to grow up without you?"

Sirius was fighting every demand in his body to kill Peter. The thought of Harry's face and a smile finally broke through and he put his wand away.

"Check his left forearm." Strange suggested.

Moody grabbed Peter's sleeve and revealed the dark mark on his skin.

'What's that?" Sirius asked.

"It's a tracking charm for Voldermort. He can use it to summon his minions as well." Strange informed. "This is also proof that he isn't dead." 

Strange already knew this because of the boy's scar but that piece of information needed to be revealed in a less open location.

"What do you mean?" Moody asked. "The Potter boy killed him tonight."

"Are you that foolish? To think a baby defeated a full-grown wizard is insulting and moronic." Strange shook his head at the lie that was spreading like an STD. 

"Well, what happened then?" Moody demanded. He was getting tired of being talked down to. 

"Lilly and James Potter defeated him. I went to the house before I followed the trail to Harry. Lilly was the one who invoked the magic to protect him. She's the one who deserves the credit." Strange argued.

Moody was listening yet he detected something in Peter's pocket with his eye.

"Here's the wand." Moody pulled it out of Peter's pocket.

"His wand?" Sirius asked.

"Matches the description," Moody answered.

"Bastard," Sirius growled and pulled his wand back out. "He was there he had to go in and get that! He went over there..." He pointed his wand at Peter.

Strange moved quickly and Sirius's wand landed in his hand. "Stop being an irrational hot head. He's in custody now and you cursing him WILL result in your arrest." He warned.

Sirius was fighting every fiber in him to kill Peter with his bare hands. He just kept thinking of Harry.

Moody noticed several of the neighbors looking at the three of them.

"Aurors and Obliterators will be here soon."

"Then I must take my leave," Strange said. "I trust you'll make sure justice is served?"

"The rats going to get what he deserves," Alistair promised.

"Wait where are you going?" Sirius asked.

"Something that concerns Harry. I promise to give you the full details once things are ready." Strange reassured. "Mister Moody. Would you be so kind to give this to your Minister?"

Strange handed him a coin. On it was the etch of the Eye of Agamotto.

Moody hesitated then took the coin.

"She'll understand its meaning." He looked back at Sirius. "I know how much you trust Dumbledore, but when the topic of Harry comes up. Don't mention I have him. Let Dumbledore believe he still is in control of the situation. Then you'll find out where is priorities are. See if he honors James and Lily's wishes or if he makes excuses."

Strange opened a portal and stepped through. 

"You'll be seeing me again shortly." 

The portal closed.

"That’s still bloody odd," Sirius spoke.

"Agreed Black." 

Suddenly the five Aurors and Obliviators arrived. Crouch at center front.

He raised his wand at Sirius the second he saw him.

"Black you're under arrest!" He yelled.

"Calm yourself, Crouch." Moody stepped between them. "Black innocent. He came to me and explained the situation. Pettigrew was the one who sold out the Potters."

"Move Alastor. What dark magic do you have on him, Black?" Crouch shouted at Sirius.

"Are you accusing me of being under his control? Say that again." Moody challenged.

Crouch and Moody stared at one another. Sure Crouch was Moody's boss but Moody was one of the most respected and feared Aurors for a reason.

"Explain. Dumbledore has confirmed that Black was the only one who could have betrayed the Potters to You-know-Who."

"Black was a diversion. Peter here was the real secret keeper. He confessed and I stunned him." He pulled out Voldermort's wand.

Several Aurors gasped at it. 

"Peter had this on his person." Moody handed the wand to Crouch. "I'll testify that Black is completely innocent in this."

Crouch was in a bind. Black was a Black therefore guilty but having Alastor Moody backing him was a powerful witness. No one would claim Alastor of aiding a dark wizard.

"I'll come willingly for any questions," Sirius spoke. "I'll give you the whole story. But you have to watch Peter closely. He's an animus. A brown rat."

"There's no registration of his form," Crouch argued. 

"It was hidden for the war. We thought it could be used as an advantage."

Crouch eyed Black and Moody then turned to the Aurors. "Secure Pettigrew and take him in for questioning. The rest gather testimonials from the residents then remove their memories." 

He looked back at Sirius and Moody. "You're both coming with me. I want the whole story."

Stephen returned to the sanctum with the papers he collected.

It wasn’t difficult to locate the Potters will. Dumbledore truly believe his castle was impenetrable. Leaving it to a witness wasn't unusual, especially one who was so trusted.

Their mistake. 

He had already read the contents. Sirius was the primary guardian followed by the Longbottoms. However, the Dursleys were not mentioned anywhere.

Leaving someone out of a will speaks volumes for their positions.

He prepared the document to be delivered to Sirius and the Minister then Wong came in.

"Is the room ready?" 

"It's prepared. The boys are ready. As ready as he can be." Wong signed.

"I take no joy in this either Wong, but it's the only way to save the boy." 

The ritual to remove the soul piece wasn’t pleasant. To a person it was torture. Usually, it was used to remove one infecting an individual by one of the anchors but had the same practice of removal. Unfortunately, they had to do it. It was the only way.

"I'll remove the boy's memories of the trauma when we're done. With his age, he'll only wake with a headache."

Wong nodded in agreement. 

Strange and Wong moved to the chamber. All the ruins were in place. Harry was laying in the center of a glowing circle.

Stephen took his place in front of Harry.

"Ready?" 

Wong pulled up his shield arms and singled to begin.

Strange started. His hands glowed as he made the spell. The circle Harry was laying on began to change from white to red.

The scar began to bleed and Harry started screaming.

Strange reached and pulled as the soul piece fought against him.

It was a struggle and Harry's screams filled the room. 

Luckily this leech wasn't a fully prepared piece and didn't have the needed elements to bind with Harry. It made its removal easier on the boy.

Stephen ignored the child's screams and with a final pull, the leech was ripped away.

Wong acted hitting the shrieking abomination with his spells. 

It exploded on impact. Bursting into six flames.

Stephen observed the marks. The brightest was Voldermorts most prominent piece. The other five showed how many he had created.

It was a start. Tracking them down was the trick. No spell could easily track them but he would be able to limit the scale on which they reside.

Harry sobbed and screams brought him back to the current situation.

With a wave, Harry fell back asleep and forgot the experience.

Stephen gently wiped the blood from the scar and picked the sleeping toddler up.

"Wong would you please take the boy to rest in a more comfortable place." 

Wong took Harry. "Five to hunt down? What monster does that to themselves five times?"

"I believe you just answered your question. But that's for a later date. Now I have to deal with the Ministry."

Minister Bagnold was finally breathing a sigh of relief. The dark lord that had been terrorizing her country had finally been defeated.

By a child no less. 

Crouch came busting threw the door interrupting her thoughts.

"Minister we have a situation. The case of Sirius Black isn't as clear as I hoped." Crouch said.

"What do you mean? Albus informed us he was the only one who could have told He Who Must Not Be Named the Potter location."

Alastor limped in. "Black didn't betray the Potters. It was Pettigrew. Black was a diversion."

"I'm not so sure," Crouch argued.

"Pull your head out of your backside. Peters in custody and Black willing came in."

"Remember who your boss is!" 

"Remember that I don't care." Alastor pushed forward. "Minister we need to discuss something." He eyed Crouch. "In private."

"I'm not going anywhere Alastor" Crouch argued.

"Fine." 

Moody pulled out the coin and laid it on the Ministers desk.

She picked it up and looked at Moody in shock.

"They're....involved?" 

"He is. Helped bring me to Peter and clear Black." Moody explained. "You know what this means right?"

"What is this?" Crouch demanded as he grabbed the coin. Then he realized the same thing. "It can't be.."

"It is," Moody said. "We need to get our house in order Minster."

"Yes..." she knew that she had to prepare to meet with the most powerful warlock on the planet. "What does he want?"

 "He didn't seem too happy with the way everyone's been handling this war."

"They've always left us alone. Why get involved when it's over?" Crouch spoke.

"I don't know. Got the feeling Dumbledore has something to do with this." Moody reasoned.

" Pettigrew  and Black are in custody?" She asked.

"Black's right outside. Got two Aurors watching him. Pettigrew is restrained in a holding cell." Crouch answered.

"We'll hold a trial for Pettigrew immediately. I'll call an emergency session. First, send Mr. Black in I want to hear this from him."

Sirius sat in one of the chairs outside the Minister's door. 

He was contemplating everything that had happened. Strange, Harry, Peter, everything that went wrong. 

He was trying not to blame himself but deep down he couldn't. 

If only I hadn't suggested the switch. They would still be alive. Merlin, I'm sorry Prongs. Lily. I failed you. But I won't fail Harry. 

Strange was a git but he was right. Harry was the most important thing to him. He had to protect him and raise him how his parents wanted.

Which brought Dumbledore to the forefront of his mind. 

Why would he drop Harry on a doorstep? Least of all the Dursleys? Sure he couldn't trust me but Alice and Frank were still hidden. They would have been the best place for Harry. What was he thinking?

The two Aurors watching him didn't bother him much. One was looking at him like he was going to stun him if he flinched. The other, a woman, was less on guard but looked like she could react fast if need be. 

Suddenly the door opened and Moody limped out.

"Black get in here." He turned to the Aurors. "Bones and Scrimgeour need you to go keep Pettigrew company with the others."

Sirius stood up and entered the room.

"Mr. Black have a seat." Bagnold instruction.

Just as Sirius sat down a glowing circle appeared on the desk and two pieces of paper were left.

Crouch was at the ready and Bagnold was startled. Moody and Sirius didn't flinch. The smaller of the pieces landed in front of Sirius.

Mr. Black thought this could be of some use. 

Strange.

P.S. Harry is well. He's sleeping.

"What is this Black," Crouch demanded.

Sirius looked at the other document.

"It's James and Lily's will by the looks of it." He explained.

"That was the Supreme." Moody chimed in. "He did the same at my house." 

Bagnold hesitantly read over the contents.

Well, this clears up any issue with Mr. Potter. But first I need your statement. After we will have an immediate trial for Mr. Pettigrew."

Sirius nodded and began his story.

Dumbledore sat in his office. Pondering the events that transpired.

Everything is set. Harry was safe and away from the dangers of our world. Now he'll grow up without the fame making his head inflated. The last thing the world needed was for their hero to be as arrogant as his father was.

Still, he may have a harsh life there but it's for the best. It's the safest place for him even if it is less than ideal.

He had plans in motion now. Tom may be gone for now but the boy's scar gave him the proof of the darkness he had divulged in.

He understood the prophecy now and what Harry had to do. 

And what destiny had laid on his shoulders. 

To guide a child to sacrifice the ultimate. 

He sighed at the thought. But as he suspected. Tom had dove into the darkest magic and would never be gone until it was undone.

Harry was one. The fact one was made from Lily's act of destroying Tom's body meant his soul was already in a fragile state. So he would have had to make more.

How many? He had no idea. Luckily he had time now. But it would have to wait. Tom left the world in a state of chaos and he needed to guide it back.

Suddenly his floo came to life. 

Albus rose from his seat and went to the fireplace.

"Albus." Bagnolds face appeared. "We require you for an emergency trial for Peter Pettigrew."

That surprised Dumbledore. 

What could young Peter have done?

"Millicent, whatever did Mr. Pettigrew do?"

"He was the one to betray the Potters to You Know Who."

"I'm afraid you are mistaken. Sirius Black was the secret keeper. Only he could have informed Voldemort." 

Bagnold shuddered at his name but pressed on.

"Black has informed me of the truth and Alastor testified on his behalf. He also captured Peter as he was confessing to the betrayal. We need you for some additional details that came to light."

Alastor? What did he have to do with this? Sirius is innocent? Why am I just now being informed?!

"If what your saying is true it is concerning. I'll come right threw. I need to hear all the details."

What has happened? Why didn't Alastor come to me with Sirius?

Sirius and Moody were moving to the courtroom. 

Many of the members weren't happy to have their day of celebration interrupted but Bagnold left no argument. Every member was to attend.

On the way, Sirius rounded the corner and saw him. 

Remus and Sirius locked eyes and neither knew what to say.

"I sent an owl to him. Told him everything." Moody spoke.

Sirius looked at his best mate. "Remus...I"

Remus didn't let him finish before he pulled him into a hug. Both men embraced as only brothers in war could.

"I should have never thought you would betray them." Remus pulled back and held on to Sirius's shoulders.

"It was my fault Moony. If I didn't suggest the switch.."

"Peter tricked us all. Even Albus. We knew there was a traitor, but no one suspected him."

Sirius felt more guilt there. Remus was considered to be the traitor thanks to his 'furry little problem'.

Another stupid mistake...

"Albus told me he has Harry somewhere safe. After this, I'm sure he'll take us to him." Remus promised.

"Right." Sirius was beginning to have more doubts about Dumbledore.

"Alright, let's move. They're not going to wait forever." Moody spoke. 

The chamber was full of very aggravated members. 

"Lord's and Ladies calm yourself." Chief Warlock spoke as he set off a cannon blast to quiet the room.

Albus was sitting in the spectator section. He observed the proceedings as usual. Taking in all the small details. He had no choice since Millicent was very quiet about the information. Something had spooked her.

He had yet to speak to Sirius. The young man may indeed be innocent but he needed to be properly guided if that was the case. He wasn't mature enough to raise a child. Let alone the boy destined to defeat the greatest dark lord in history. 

No Sirius must be made to see reason and not get involved in Harry's placement. I know the will state he is the primary but James and Lily never imagined what their sacrifice could create. No, for the boy's safety he must stay with his aunt no matter what dark years he may face.

He looked at the aging Chief Warlock and sighed.

His time is growing short. Hopefully, he retires after this dark matter is resolved. Of course, there are those already asking for me to step in after. The work of the Greater Good is never done.

"Lord's and Ladies we have been called for an emergency meeting to hold the trial of the betrayer of the Potters."

"If that's true why is he sitting in the gallery?! I demand that man be in shackles!" One of the members pointed to Sirius.

"Mr. Black has provided evidence he was not the secrets keeper and did not turn the Potters over to You-Know-Who. Mr. Alastor Moody would you please step up?" Bagnold asked.

"Yeah.. yeah. Black came to me. Told me how he wasn't the traitor. Told me it was Peter Pettigrew. We went after him. We were able to cut him off and he confessed how he didn't have a choice and said the Dark Lord would kill him." Moody told. "I hid under dissolution and stunned the rat when he went for his wand."

"You just went with him? Very unusual for your usual paranoia." One of the members pointed out.

"Of course, I made sure. Questioned him under Veritaserum." Moody glared at the man.

"He could have taken an antidote." Another shouted.

"I know how to tell if someone takes the antidote then takes the serum. A skilled eye can see the signs. Is anyone here going to doubt my eye?" Moody challenged.

Crouch decided to step in. 

"The testimony from the muggle witnesses confirms the same as Alastor's. Pettigrew shouted how he betrayed the Potters." Crouch reluctantly spoke.

"Mr. Black. Your testimony?" Chief Warlock asked.

"It's no surprise everyone thinks me guilty. That was the idea. I would be the diversion while Peter was hidden. If I was caught they would get nothing." Sirius gave a weak chuckle. "A final prank on the dark bastard. I never would have made the switch if I knew."

"Sirius, why did you not disclose this to me?" Albus interrupted. He hated not knowing something or someone withholding information from him. 

"We thought it was a safe bet. Peter would be safe and I would lead the Eaters away. We thought the less who knew the better." 

"Mr. Black to be clear. You had no knowledge of Pettigrew's allegiance to the dark lord?"

"No. If I did I would have gutted the rat myself."

The gallery looked on Sirius. Some still sneering others with a complicated look.

"Thank you Mr. Black please take your seat. Now bring out the accused."

Peter was brought out completely restrained. Ropes that shrink if he did and grew tightly if he started to transform.

"Mr. Pettigrew has been restrained in this way because during questioning it was discovered he is an illegal animus. A brown rat." Bagnold informed. "Mr. Black confessed to being one as well. However, we will hold off on that topic until this matter is resolved."

"Peter Pettigrew you stand here accused of aiding and abetting the murder of James and Lily Potter. How do you plead?" Chief Warlock asked.

"I had no choice! He would have killed me!" Peter sobbed.

"You had a choice, you bastard! James and Lily would have died for you." Sirius shot up.

"Mister Black! Control yourself or you will be removed from this room." Chief Warlock warned.

Sirius sat down angrily. Remus put his hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him.

"As we have heard from his own words. Peter Pettigrew is responsible for the death of the Potters by delivering the dark lord to their very doorstep. We will now vote for sentencing." Bagnold spoke.

"All if favor of life in Azkaban?" Chief Warlock asked.

Every wand lit up. Even the darker factions voted to convict.

"Peter Pettigrew you have been sentenced to life in Azkaban. May God have mercy on your soul." 

Peter sobbed the whole time as the Aurors carried him out.

"Mr. Black as you confessed to being an unregistered animus. The sentence is usually a year in Azkaban but I understand you and the Minster have reached an agreement?" 

"Yes. In light of the circumstances. The Ministry will void the prison time for a hefty fine and immediate registration." Bagnold offered.

"Mr. Black do you agree to those terms?"

"I do," Sirius spoke.

"Then the matter is settled. Please see to the registration office before leaving today."

"There is one more matter," Sirius interjected. "The custody of my godson Harry Potter. James and Lily left his care to me and I intend to fulfill their wishes."

Dumbledore knew this was coming but hoped he could speak to Sirius in private. To strain how important it was for Harry to remain with his relatives. And away from the wizarding world.

"Sirius I believe it's best to discuss this in a less open setting," Dumbledore said.

"There's nothing to talk about Albus. I want my godson." Sirius looked at him.

"Sirius we should speak in private. You have my assurance that Harry is safe and cared for." 

"Good, then it should be easy for you to get him and bring him to me."

Sirius could see Dumbledore was stalling. That and the fact he had no one watching Harry or he would already know that Harry wasn't where he left him or Dumbledore did know and was lying to his face.

Both thoughts made him angry.

"Albus I have seen the will. As Minister, I grant full custody of Mr.Potter to Sirius Black. Please inform him where his godson is." 

Dumbledore looked at her in disappointment. Why would you do that? I need both of you to understand that I know best. Where did you acquire the will? There are too many things happening at once.

"Well, Albus?" Sirius asked.

The rest of the gallery was watching very closely. 

"I'm afraid I can not my boy. Harry's safety is paramount and you need to trust my judgment on this. He is in the safest place and must remain there." 

"Albus you will tell Mr. Black where his godson is or I'll have no choice but to have you arrested for kidnapping," Bagnold stated.

Dumbledore had yet to diverge the location of the child to anyone, even her.

Several members of the were stunned at the implication.

Before Dumbledore could reply a bright orange glowing circle appeared blinding the assembly. Then a lone figure emerged and stepped out into the courtroom.

"My apologies. Am I interrupting something?" Stephen smirked at the look on everyone's faces.