Trial of Sirius Black
Harry and several members of his friend group were at the Ministry of Magic today. Because today was the day. The trial of Sirius Black. After Barty Jr. spilled the beans in front of hundreds of people, and the truths he told everyone, there was no way to cover it up, and some old cases had to be reopened. Or in Sirius’ case, whom didn’t get a trial, it was long overdue.
However, there were people whom would see Black back in Azkaban or dead. Most preferably the last one. And few people in the ministry could be trusted. But Amelia Bones could. So she and her most trusted Aurors have been holding him in a safe place where no one else had access to, where Sirius was nursed to health enough to stand trial. And thanks to a donation that Harry made from the profits of selling the basilisk corpse, they were able to get a new security detail. Someone just has to try something with this security. And if they tried something…it’d be in the open for the whole Wizengamot to see.
Harry sat nervously in his seat. Both Luna and Hermione, sitting at his side, put a hand on his own. “It’s going to be ok, we got a lot of people looking out for Sirius, we all have the evidence. It’ll be all right.”
“Yeah, they’re not going to condemn Stubby Boardman.” Luna added. It was a weird Luna-ish thing as she claims Sirius Black was really Stubby Boardman, the lead singer of an old wizarding band called the Hobgoblins. Harry wondered if she was being Luna or if she was yanking his chain. But at least it makes him laugh a bit every time she said it.
“With my luck, a lot still can go wrong.” Harry said. “It’s either incredibly good or incredibly bad, no in between.”
“Just have faith, Harry-chick. Sirius is part of our parliament, and we’ll tear apart anyone whom threatens the parliament.” Hedwig said.
“And we all have a few tricks up our sleeve in case anyone tries some funny business.” Maps assured them.
“I can get him out safely and unharmed in the worst case.” Cloak said. Gryffi just gave an assuring nod while she kept her finger blades out.
They realize they were given weird looks, due to the unusual nature of Harry’s new family. In short, they look either afraid or disgusted with Harry’s ‘halfbreed’ entourage. But they can go and bugger themselves for all they cared. It was not about them, it was about Sirius.
“This meeting of the Wizengamot has hereby been opened.” Albus Dumbledore said as he banged his gavel. “I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore act in my official capacity as the Chief Warlock. We are all here to have the overdue trial of Sirius Orion Black. Bring Mr. Black in!”
The doors opened and Sirius came in, accompanied by Madam Bones, and several of her Aurors. These included Shacklebolt and a young woman with pink hair that nearly tripped over herself as she came in. And several other Aurors. And a few individuals in colorful cloaks, probably a hired entourage of protectors. The chair in front of them, where the suspect is supposed to sit, was being double checked by spells, they took Sirius’ safety really…well, seriously.
Cornelius Fudge looked pale and like he was holding in diarrhea he was about to have. Dolores Umbridge looked like someone took a dump in the middle of the room. Most looked neutral, others fearful and others disdainful. The latter category were a few whom were ‘Imperiused’ during the last war. After the final check, Sirius sat down. He waved at Harry and his friends, and they happily waved back.
“Sirius Orion Black, you stand trial for the murder of Peter Pettigrew, a dozen Muggles, having aligned with a well known Terrorist and Dark Wizard He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. How do you pl-” Rufus Scrimgeour said, whom was acting as bailiff for the moment.
“Not guilty! Veritaserum, please!” Sirius said as he opened his mouth, stuck out his tongue and gave an exaggerated ‘Aaaaahh!’ like the doctor asked him to open his mouth for a checkup.
“Mr. Black, please take this serious!” Scrimgeour said.
“I’m always Sirius!” the Marauder said. This got a few chuckles. But Maps laughed the hardest. Of course, because she had Sirius’ brain.
“No, I don’t mean ‘Sirius’ like your name. I mean ‘serious’ like important.”
“Sirius Black is always important, my name has only been slapped on many newspapers in the past year or two.” More chuckles followed.
“Stop joking!”
“All right, just messing with you. I promise to be a serious Black.” Sirius noted.
“Are you saying you are going to be serious like ‘s-e-r-i-o-u-s or you are going to be yourself.”
“Yes.” More chuckles filled the room. “I mean it, I’m going to be seriously Sirius.”
“Serious?”
“That’s my name! What’s yours?”
“Stop that! Stop being Sirius Black, prankster and start being Sirius Black, convict whom realizes what is going on!”
“Pranking is serious business, I should know, I’m Sirius!”
“Sirius!”
“Yes, I’m entirely serious about that!”
“GAH!” Scrimgeour nearly lost his mind.
“Whose on second base?” Luna shouted. Everyone turned to her. “Oh, I thought we were watching a comedy routine, I just emulated one Harry and Hermione once told me about.”
“Just give him the damn Veritaserum so we can go on with our lives!” Scrimgeour said as he buried his face in his hands.
“Objection! Veritaserum is heavily regulated and only used in important cases.” Dolores Umbitch…er, Umbridge said.
“Yes, but a Pureblood has the right to not only refuse a Veritaserum, he can also outright demand it. And there would be nothing we can do to prevent it.” A man called Cyrus Greengrass said.
“Daphne, your dad’s all right.” Harry whispered to Daphne, whom also had joined them, mostly because her and Tracey’s dad were on the Wizengamot too.
“I know.” Daphne replied happily.
“Unfortunately it seems that the Department of Mysteries has failed to provide Veritaserum, so that won’t be an option.” Umbridge said with a smug grin.
“Luckily, I was able to procure Veritaserum of my own.” Amelia Bones said as she pulled out a vial of the clear, water-like potion. “I got it from St. Mungo’s and I have a magical verification by respected healers it is exactly what it is.”
Umbridge growled in annoyance that her transparent plan was easily blocked. But she wasn’t done. “Who says that Mr. Black doesn’t have an antidote in his body or that he doesn’t have Occlumency skill?”
“Mr. Black has been on the run for a long time and has spent years exposed to Dementors, so any Occlumency he still has is still wonky and unable to resist something as strong as a Veritaserum. Also, the medical staff of St. Mungos were able to verify there is no antidote to any truth serum in his body, and I once again have the parchment to verify.” Amelia Bones said.
“I mean to ask if this trial is necessary. He was seen standing over the corpses of the animals I mean, the muggles and Pettigrew. He is shown sneaking into Hogwarts and causing terror. I hardly think a case is necessary.” Lucius Malfoy said. He looked at Fudge with a look that said a lot.
“It is really necessary. We have learned that nothing is what it seems as of late!” Cyrus Greengrass said. “Like with Bartemius Crouch Jr. being alive while he was thought dead. During the first Wizarding war, you never could be sure whom to trust. Some were servants to a murderous monster…” he turned to Lucius Malfoy. “Some were taken over by the Imperius Curse, turned into a living puppets…and some were sent to jail without a trial. As a pureblood, especially from an Ancient house like Black, if they got sent to jail that easily without a trial, whom is said that other, possible innocent Purebloods couldn’t have the same happen? We owe it, whatever the outcome is, to our Ancient and Noble families, several whom we already lost nearly a decade ago, to save the ones left if there is a chance.”
“Whoa, he’s good. He is using the Pureblood importance against them.” Hermione said.
“That’s my dad.” Daphne said proudly.
“Veritaserum allowed and verified. Continue!”
“Administering Veritaserum, now!” Amelia Bones said as she let three drops of truth serum drop on Sirius tongue.
Soon a glaze appeared in Sirius’ eyes as it took effect. “What is your name?”
“Sirius Orion Black.”
“Try to tell the next answer wrong. What color is the sky?”
“Re-Blue!”
“Veritaserum works. Now, tell us anything, that may even be remotely relevant, about the night that you allegedly murdered Peter Pettigrew and the Muggles.”
Sirius then started to tell the tale. How he saw switched with Peter Pettigrew as the Secret Keeper, with everyone thinking it was Sirius, as a clever decoy strategy. However, Peter Pettigrew betrayed the Potters to Voldemort. Sirius collected Harry, but Hagrid took Harry on Dumbledore’s orders. Sirius had nothing left but his anger towards Pettigrew’s treason and tracked him down. How Peter blew up the street with the Muggles, cutting off his finger and turning into a rat to escape and leave a gobsmacked Sirius for the Aurors.
How he was thrown in Azkaban without a trial. How he used his Animagus form to stave off the worst effects of the Dementors. How one time he got the newspaper and saw the Weasleys going on a trip to Egypt…and Pettigrew in his rat form being at Hogwarts. How he had to go to Hogwarts to catch Peter Pettigrew.
How he finally got to Pettigrew and managed to expose him to Harry, Hermione and Ron. How they nearly got Pettigrew to the Dementors until Remus’ transformed into his werewolf form. Harry driving off the Dementors but Pettigrew escaped. How no one believed them. How he escaped and went on the run until his name could be cleared.
After that, the Veritaserum antidote was given to him. Sirius’ emotions were finally able to catch up to him and he looked a bit mournful and sorrowful. Amelia Bones sighed heavily. “I suggest we put it up to a vote.”
“All right. Those whom think Sirius Black is guilty, raise your wand!” A small group, most of them being from the Dark faction, raised their wand, among them Lucius and Umbridge. “Those whom think Sirius Black is not guilty, now raise your wand.” The majority of the Wizengamot raised their wands. Including Fudge, whom tried to save his own arse. “It is clear. Sirius Black is found not guilty. Since he was originally not convicted, his sentence is Azkaban is found invalid, and he will be compensated for the unrightful imprisonment.” Dumbledore said. His face was neutral but there was a joyful twinkle in his eye.
Harry and his friends clapping, several other families started to join in. Sirius’ brightened up and appeared younger in seconds as he stood up. “I want to thank the current administration for getting me cleared. Now I am a free man…I want to take up the title as the Lord of the Black House.”
“I thought your parents disowned you?” a Dark Wizard in the Wizengamot asked.
“They wanted to, but to be fair…the Black family curse is that we’re all pants at filing paperwork. They didn’t properly do it and so, I can claim Lordship.” Sirius said Lucius paled as he realized the implications. “The first thing I like to do as a lord of reinstating my cousin Andromeda Black into the family, and accepting her daughter Nymphadora Tonks…”
“DO NOT CALL ME NYMPHADORA!” the klutzy witch form earlier shouted.”
“…will be considered a daughter of the House Black as a result. I hereby disown my cousin Bellatrix Lestrange and dissolve her marriage to the Lestrange family due to belonging to a group of terrorists.” Sirius continued like nothing happened. “Next is the matter with the Malfoy family.”
“I was cleared of any charge, I was under the Imperius Curse.” Lucius said quickly.
“True, you were cleared by the Wizengamot, but not by me. In house matters, I can still decide the fate of you and my cousin Narcissa. You were free to choose Veritaserum during your trial, and you refused. It was your right but…due to my concerns for the House Black and all of its members’ safety I will ask you to take Veritaserum to truly claim you were not a willing Death Eater. If you don’t offer any proof, I will disband your marriage and Narcissa’s.” Sirius noted.
Lucius knew he couldn’t win. Sirius could rightfully demand him taking Veritaserum. And he knew he wouldn’t be able to fight it off. A smarter man would surrender right away, knowing they were surrounded by a lot of witnesses and law enforcement. However, this was Lucius Malfoy so it meant that he is not as smart as he thought he was, having money speak for his actions rather then braincells. So when he started to pull his wand from his cane…
The five colorfully robed wizards jumped into action. The red robed one fired a fiery spell that shot out and burn Lucius’ hand and reduced the wand he had on him to ash. The blue robed one created a burst of water which shot towards him, and washed and dragged him out of his seat. The pink robed one created a miniature tornado and made Lucius spin around until he was dizzy, also disarming him of his cane. The green robed one smacked the ground, creating vines from the floor which wrapped around him. Finally, the yellow one fired a burst of lightning which shocked Lucius, and knocked him out like a taser did for a non-magical person.
“Well, it seems I have to dissolve that marriage after all.” Sirius said matter-of-factly. “I will need to have talks with cousin Narcissa about further details. Anyhow, I have further requests to make. My friends Remus Lupin and my cousin Andromeda and her kin were forbidden to interact with my godson in any capacity aside professional and I want that revoked. Due to their association with me, these ridiculous limitations were set and now they’re no longer needed, I want the removed.”
“It will be done.” Dumbledore promised.
“While I have taken my Lordship, I am just as pants at politics as I am about paperwork. The Potter votes have been held by a longtime ally, the Longbottom house. Since Longbottoms are friends of the Potters, and the Potters are friends to me, I want to entrust my vote to Augusta Longbottom.” Sirius Black said.
“Thank you, Mr. Black. Like with the Potter votes, I promise to put the votes of House Black to good use.” Augusta said. It was bad because she was an old battleaxe and a beast on the political scene and almost as feared by the Dark as Dumbledore. The Black votes held lot of weight.
“Finally the most important thing, my godson. Since I was denied before, I wish to take custody of him, like it was supposed to be. Furthermore, I want to make the friends and allies whom have stood by him in his time of need, either wards of allies of the House Black.” Sirius said.
“What does he mean by that?” Bolt asked.
“It means he formally adopts us and that makes us Harry’s family legally.” Maps explained.
“You were already my chick in my heart, but it means that the human wizard laws have to recognize it.” Hedwig said, hugging her adopted son.
“Things are getting better…they keep getting better.” Harry said happily.
“Am I going to be affected too?” Hermione asked.
“As an ally of House Black, if Sirius means it in the way I think he means it, it means you are protected. Attacking you would be like attacking the Lord of house himself. So I think a few less Slytherins would dare to call you the M-word unless they want a blood feud.” Daphne explained.
“Huh…Bully!” Hermione stated.
“Even better now Lucius is formally arrested. Something tells me he is getting a trial soon. And if he spills the beans, several other prominent families whom bought their way out of prison last time may not be so lucky either.” Daphne said.
“Let’s think about that later, let’s go and meet with Sirius.” Harry said.
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“Sirius, I can’t believe they did it!” Harry ran towards his godfather, whom scooped him up in a hug. “You’re free.”
“No, I’m Sirius!” the old dog joked. “Ok, stopping that now before the joke gets old.”
“You’re old!” Harry snarked.
“Merlin, betrayed by my godson!” Sirius said with fake heartache. Both of them laughed. “I can’t believe after all this time. I thought I’d die a fugitive.”
“Not on our watch!” Harry said.
“Now, let me see these sisters and new mother whom have been taking care of you in my absence…” Sirius said as he eyed the rest of the family. “I want to take you charming ladies for taking care of Harry when I couldn’t. I mean it when I said you are part of House Black. You are all basically family.”
“In that case, can I get some missing allowance of these past year, pops?” Maps joked.
“Ah, good old Marauder’s Map…you have grown up in a pretty young lady. Also continue the spirit of the Marauders. Is this what they call fatherly pride?” Sirius wondered.
“You bought me for Harry so you basically gifted him a sister so would that make you my dad too?” Bolt wondered.
“You can call me whatever you want. Dad, Pops, Uncle Sirius. Just not Mr. Black, it makes me feel old.” Sirius said.
“You are old!” Maps joked.
“Damn, that’s where Harry learned it.” Sirius laughed. “Man I have a lot to catch up to…so many things to do.”
“Those will have to wait a bit, because more visitors follow.” Hermione pointed out as several people come.
Albus Dumbledore was one of them. “It’s great to see you a free man Sirius.” He signed. “I regretted not able to get you a trial back then, and even more that I didn’t question it and investigated it further. I was just as foolish as anyone else to believe the worst of you. Getting you free now was a bit late, but it’s the least I can do. If there is anything else you need, ask for it, nothing is too big. I have too much to make up.”
“It’s all right, Dumbles.” Sirius said. “In the end I have all I need right here!” Sirius put an arm around Harry.
“Hey, what about us?” a woman’s voice asked. A woman, joined by the klutzy auror from earlier as well as Remus Lupin.
“Andi, Nymmie, Moony!” Sirius said happily.
“Oh for crying out loud, just Tonks!” Nymphadora Tonks said as she tripped and fell on her face. She got herself up and brushed it off. “Nothing to worry, just tripped over an invisible turtle.”
“Oh Siri…we never believed but…they wouldn’t let us…” Andromeda said, the woman having tears in her eyes.
“Don’t worry, my favorite cousin. Everything’s all right. I’m free, you are a Black again and those Ministry idiots and Death Eaters can suck it!” Sirius said, hugging her. “Moony, you’ve looked better.”
“After quitting Hogwarts can’t get a job in the UK anymore. I have been taking jobs overseas.” Remus said. He then turned to Harry. “Hello again Harry, nice to speak to you again in person then through letter.”
“Good to see you too, Remus.” Harry said. “Is it ok if I call you Remus?”
“Remus is fine. After all I’m not your professor anymore.” Remus said. “I am nothing much at the moment.”
“We need to change that. You need a proper job. And I got one for you.” Sirius said.
“I don’t take charity.” Remus said.
“You are not getting charity, it is an actual job you get paid for. I already said I am pants at paperwork, and I need someone smart and bookish like you to help with that. I would pay if it was anyone else, but you are better and more well-trusted than anyone else I can hire. It’s a win-win.” Sirius said.
“But the law about werewolf employment…” Remus said.
“Has a loophole. You cannot be hired by recognized establishments, but the law forgot to overlook Werewolf getting jobs entering someone’s personal service. They thought no one wanted to hire Werewolves for those fields regardless. I did my homework, after all.”
“Well, if you go about it framing it like non-charity like that I’ll take it. But mostly because I want to be able to stay in the UK for longer periods of time without entering poverty.” Remus said.
“Welcome home, Papa Moon!” Maps said.
“Oh right…whoa, I read about you in Harry’s letter but can’t believe it. But…I’ve been without family and friends so long, and now I have my brother back and gained a daughter…It’s a lot.” Remus said.
“I have learned that we are all allowed to be happy even if other do all to try and take that away from us.” Harry said. “Uncle Remus.” He added. The lycanthrope felt a bit better form hearing it.
“Forgot to introduce myself. Wotcher, I’m Tonks. Forget ever hearing my first name, and don’t call me that. Just Tonks.” She said as she shook Harry’s hand. “Happy to finally meet you Harry. Since Sirius is your godpappy, you can call me your honorary cousin now.”
“Great, always nice to have more family.” Harry said.
“I believe that’s true. For a while it was just me, my husband and daughter. But now…well, you can call me Auntie Andromeda or Aunt Andi now. We really need to get to know each other. Once Ted is home from work, we can all invite you for a family dinner.” Andromeda said.
“That’d be nice…certainly because I’ve lived of wild plants and animals, garbage and all that stuff on the run. And the hospital food may have been a step above that but a nice homecooked meal would do some good.” Sirius said. He sighed. “Ok, now I think I have everything I need in life.”
“You sure, Siri?” Andromeda said as she raised an eyebrow and had a soft smile on her face.
“I think so. It’s not like I expect anyone else to appear.” Sirius said.
“Oh, I wouldn’t know about that.” Andromeda said.
“What are you talking about? I don’t think that…Oh, you mean…But she…no, she wouldn’t, she would have moved on?” Sirius asked.
“She never married Siri, she just focused on her career. But once I told her you were going to be declared innocent, she said she would get here as fast as possible. She is running a bit late though.”
“She really?” Sirius asked surprised. “But it’d be too good to be true.” Sirius said.
“What is she talking about?” Hermione asked.
“Sirius…did you have a girlfriend before all this happened? I thought you were a player.” Harry noted.
“Oh, I was in school, no doubt about it. But like James I was going to settle, but didn’t get the chance. That is if she still wants…” Sirius said.
“HOLY SHIT IS THAT GWENOG JONES?” someone in the atrium asked.
Gwenog Jones, the woman was absolute stunning and beautiful. She was a dark skinned woman with her hair tied in dreads behind her. She was tall, and athletic looking. Amazonian beauty. She had chocolate brown eyes and a beautiful smile. She walked towards them. She and Sirius looked at each other, and started to look emotional. “Hi, Siri…”
“Hi Gwenny.” Sirius replied back.
“Merlin’s balls, Sirius’ old girlfriend is Gwenog Jones, captain of the Holyhead Harpies?” Ron blurted out. If there was one thing he knew it was his Quidditch stars.
“Of course, you forgot the article the Quibbler wrote about her dating Stubby Boardman.” Luna asked.
“Er…I admit I may have used my likeness to Stubby Boardman to play a few pranks.” Sirius admitted. He turned back to Gwenog. “Gwenny…it has been so long. You are still as beautiful as ever, like you haven’t aged a day.”
“You aged a lot.” Gwenog replied with a smirk. “But it suits you. Gives you a different type of roughness and handsomeness.” She sighed. “I…I couldn’t believe it Siri. Everyone told me you…but you couldn’t but I…man, it’s messed up.”
“It’s ok, we’re ok, Gwenny. Though, things are different. I don’t know if we…” Sirius said.
“It has been a long time and a lot has happened and we can’t pick up where we left off. But we…can still try to start over perhaps?” Gwenog asked.
“I’d like that. Want to join the family dinner? I mean, it may be a lot but I never got to introduce you properly to my family and friends prior to…you know?” Sirius said.
“I’d like that. It seems you surround yourself with good people.” Gwenog Jones said.
“I may have the Gwenog Jones as an in-law someday? Ballin!” Tonks muttered under her breath.
“This is a front page worthy moment!” the obnoxious voice of Rita Skeeter sounded.
“Oh no…quick give Luna some money, sweets or trinkets, anything.” Harry warned. “Sell your rights for solo interviews to the Quibbler.”
“Really? But by that logic, shouldn’t she pay us?” Gwenog asked.
“True, but we rather would pay in the negative then that cow interviewing us and twisting our words.” Harry noted.
“Now, that is prank-worthy!” Sirius said happily. “I don’t have money on me though, should visit Gringotts.”
“I’ll pay for everyone.” Gwenog said as she handed a bag of galleons towards Luna. “My treat.”
“Too late, Skeeter!” Hermione shouted at the reporter.
“OH FOR F***’S SAKE!”