Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, and I do not own Harry Potter. I make no money from the writing of this fan fiction.

Chapter Eighteen

Black Moor, Home of Lord Arcturus Black III, 3 August, 1989, Late Evening

Arcturus set down the next to last report he'd been sent and rubbed his eyes. Reading through the numerous ways in which his young ward had been cheated, stolen from, or kept completely ignorant was making him angry. Picking up the last report from young Harry's solicitor, he took a deep cleansing breath before beginning to read.

"Jilly!" he called.

A moment later the House Elf popped into the room, eyes large.

"Master calls Jilly? How can Jilly serve?"

"I would like tea and a few light refreshments please. I have a lot of work to do this evening. I noticed young Mr. Potter didn't eat much at dinner; do any of the elves know what might be wrong?"

"Young Master Harry be having bad dreams, Master. He be dreaming about bad things. Jilly not be knowing what bad dreams be about, but young Master Harry be crying when bad dreams come."

"Is he still awake, Jilly?"

"No Master. Young Master Harry falls asleep already. Mipsy be watching over young Master Harry for Master."

"I want the elves to take care of young Mr. Potter the rest of the night. I will need to leave the estate briefly and am entrusting him to the care of the elves until I return. Absolutely no one is to disturb him until I return, am I clear? I am placing that young boy under the protection of the elves; don't disappoint me."

"Jilly understands, Master. Elveses not be letting anything bother or hurt Young Master Harry."

After the tea had been delivered, Arcturus sat for a few minutes contemplating what he needed to accomplish that evening. It had already been arranged with St Mungo's for a private Healer to care for Sirius while he recovered from his stay in Azkaban when, not if, he was found not guilty of the crimes he had been accused of and released, and he had already scheduled an appointment with Gringotts for the day after. Taking a sip of tea, he thought back over what had been done so far, when it occurred to him that the former guardians of young Harry might well be having their own day in court soon. It was likely, given the information he now had, that Albus Dumbledore would do his best to manipulate things so young Harry was returned to the Dursleys, whether or not it was best for the boy. Noticing the time, Arcturus walked to his Floo and left for his appointment.

Office of Amelia Bones, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Ministry of Magic

"I must say Lord Black, that it isn't often I have the Lord of an Ancient and Noble House request an appointment with me. What can I do for you this evening?" Amelia Bones said, leaning forward in her chair.

"Madam Bones, it occurs to me that given the information which came out in Peter Pettigrew's trial that Albus Dumbledore may be the subject of a new investigation for your office."

"I can neither confirm nor deny that such an investigation is being conducted Lord Black, you know that."

"From my observations of the man, Albus Dumbledore is quite good at covering his tracks, helping him to appear to be completely above board at all times. May I assume that the questioning of the man following the trial was unsuccessful?"

"It would be more accurate to describe it as an exercise in frustration. He was able to answer every question without actually saying anything of importance, or even actually answering the question as asked. Unfortunately due to his positions on the Wizengamot, on the ICW, and as Headmaster of Hogwarts, I had to release him as I had no proof. A good defense solicitor would claim that despite it being testimony given under Veritaserum, anything Peter Pettigrew said was hearsay, especially since his sentence has already been carried out."

"So what you need is hard evidence. Madam Bones, I assume you can keep certain sources confidential while conducting an investigation?"

"You assume correctly, Lord Black. Why do you ask?"

In answer, Arcturus silently laid copies of the reports he had been reading earlier on Amelia's desk. He watched as she opened each report and scanned the contents. After she had finished scanning the last report, Amelia looked up.

"How were you able to obtain this information, Lord Black? And have you been able to verify any of it?"

"Certain questions regarding my grandson Sirius caused me to look deeper, so I put a firm of solicitors on retainer. Those reports are the results of their investigations."

"I may need to speak with the actual investigators of the firm, Lord Black. May I have the firm name, please?"

"The name of the firm is Greengrass, Morton, and Stanton. Shall I inform Brian Greengrass you may be in touch?"

"That would be helpful, thank you."

"Then I bid you good evening, Madam Bones. As a courtesy, I would like a copy of any additional information you may find about Albus Dumbledore; public records, and such, you understand. It may be helpful when I bring a civil suit against the man myself."

"I might be able to share public information with the law firm, Lord Black, but not while the investigation is taking place. It may compromise the case, should there be one."

After standing, Arcturus gave a slight bow in farewell, and left the office, taking one of the Floos home. It had been a long day, and the next day promised to be even more stressful, so after looking in on young Harry, Arcturus went to bed.

4 August, 1989

Arcturus Black III, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, knew that today would be his grandson's trial. With the revelations of the trial of Peter Pettigrew, Sirius' innocence would seem to be a foregone conclusion; however Arcturus didn't intend to allow anyone the opportunity to later say his grandson should return to Azkaban due to either a technicality or other alleged offense, so the trial would happen. He was just about to put on his traveling cloak when the voice of young Harry stopped him.

"Lord Black, I don't want to bother you, but I don't feel well."

Turning toward the young boy, Arcturus studied his face. Slightly flushed, bright eyes, and if the redness of his nose was an indication, the boy had been sneezing as well.

"What can you tell me about how you feel, Mr. Potter?"

"I'm hot, my whole body feels achy, I keep sneezing, and my throat hurts."

"I would agree, you don't feel well. Please sit on the settee and I'll call Healer Greengrass to come look at you."

Walking to the Floo, Arcturus placed the call and soon Amy stepped through. Carrying her bag over to where Harry was sitting, she began examining him to find out what was wrong. Sitting back after she finished, she glanced over at Arcturus.

"It looks as though he just has a slight cold, Lord Black. A few doses of Vitamix potion and rest, and Harry will be well again. Cool water to drink for the fever would also help, as it isn't very high."

"I must go to the Wizengamot today, so I will ask the elves to care for him while I'm out."

"That should be fine, Lord Black. Harry, I want you to rest today and tomorrow. So once the elves put you to bed, stay there unless you need to visit the lavatory, alright? You'll get well faster if you do."

"Okay, Healer Greengrass. Thank you for coming to see me, I know you were probably busy," Harry said softly.

"Looking after little boys who don't feel well is part of my job, Harry; it isn't any trouble. Lord Black, he should have a dose of Vitamix potion every four hours, and if you have the time, I need to discuss something with you."

"Jilly!" Arcturus called.

A small pop and the house elf was in the room.

"Master calls Jilly?"

"Mr. Potter has a cold. Healer Greengrass wants him to have bed rest today and tomorrow and a dose of Vitamix potion every four hours. I have an appointment today, and need to speak to Healer Greengrass before leaving. Will you take care of young Mr. Potter, please?"

"Jilly will, Master! Please come with Jilly, Young Master Harry. Jilly makes sure yous gets well fast!"

After the elf had left with Harry, Arcturus looked at the Healer, eyebrow raised.

"I can spare you five minutes, Healer Greengrass. What do you need to discuss?"

In answer, Amy waved her wand, and a sheet of parchment flowed out of it. On the parchment were the results of her scan, as well as a diagram of a child. The diagram had several large spots on it, and Amy pointed to two in particular.

"This first area is located in Harry's scar. I don't know what it could be beyond being Dark magic. I also don't know how to remedy that particular problem, so recommend you ask for a consultation with a Healer at Gringotts. It isn't anything a Wizarding Healer is taught to deal with, so perhaps the Goblins can help with that. This second area is something I noticed the day we brought Harry to your home," she said, pointing to the center of the diagram, which expanded with a touch of her wand, "as you can see by the gold color, this is Harry's magical core. What is concerning me about this are these dark lines that run through his core. They should not be there, and suggests his magic was bound for some reason. I don't know who might have bound Harry's core or when, but with the injuries he received from his relatives, which these other spots on the diagram indicate, he's lucky to still be alive. His core might have burned itself out attempting to Heal his injuries while bound like this. I had noticed something was wrong with his magic that night, but was more focused on stabilizing him so he could be taken to the clinic for treatment. You already have my report from that night, as well as the report from the clinic."

"Would a Goblin Healer be able to tell who bound his core?" Arcturus asked.

"It's very possible they could, Lord Black. The sooner he's seen by one of their Healers, the better in my opinion."

"May I have copies of these results? I want to have a thorough picture of Mr. Potter, especially where his health is concerned."

Nodding, Amy Greengrass duplicated the parchment and handed it to Arcturus. Again picking up his cloak, he paused a moment.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Healer Greengrass. I need to go to the Wizengamot, and I'm sure you need to return to your own duties. I'll leave after you, as I need to lock my Floo."

"Of course, Lord Black. I was happy to help."

After watching Amy Greengrass spin away, Arcturus Flooed to the Ministry. He needed to be there before his grandson's trial began.

OOO

The Wizengamot chamber in the Ministry of Magic would look austere to a casual observer. Circular, with dark walls and lined with three tiers of chairs, it hadn't changed much since the Wizengamot had been founded. Certainly the prisoners brought to the chamber for trial found it intimidating. As Lord Arcturus Black moved his gaze around the chamber, he noted that Albus Dumbledore had yet to arrive. He caught the attention of Madam Amelia Bones and raised a single eyebrow while nodding toward the chair of the Chief Warlock, which was currently empty.

"Minister Bagnold, it seems that Chief Warlock Dumbledore is absent. May we have verification notice of this session was sent to all members?" Amelia Bones asked.

"Certainly. Scribe, please verify notification was sent to all members," the Minister of Magic stated.

"If it pleases the Wizengamot, notice of this session was indeed sent to all members as of half ten last evening. No notices were returned unopened."

"Then according to protocol, the Chief Warlock being absent, either a member must stand as Acting Chief Witch or Acting Chief Warlock, or the session may not be called and must be postponed until a later date. Are there any objections to postponement?"

Two wands lit, and the Minister looked between the two. Frowning slightly, the Minister looked at the first to light a wand.

"Madam Bones, what is your objection to postponement?"

"Minister Bagnold, this session was called to finally give someone who has been held in custody his day in court. The prisoner in custody has been in the custody of the guards and Dementors of Azkaban Prison since late nineteen eighty-one. He has yet to be tried for his alleged crimes. I feel that the delay in hearing this case has been long enough."

"And what is your objection to postponement Lord Black?"

"Minister, my objection is simple. The prisoner Madam Bones spoke of is my grandson and Heir. Since he has never been tried for a crime, there is no legal reason for him to be held in Azkaban. Let us hear the case and evidence to determine if he should return or be released."

"Very well, the session will proceed. Will anyone stand as Acting Chief Witch or Acting Chief Warlock?"

"I'll stand as Acting Chief Witch," the voice of Griselda Marchbanks was heard.

"Thank you, Lady Marchbanks. If you would take your place as Acting Chief Witch, we can proceed."

Griselda stood from her seat and walked to the chair of the Chief Witch, placed her wand in the holder and sat down.

"Seal the doors!"

As the chains and locks on the doors finished, securing the chamber, Griselda spoke again.

"This session of the Wizengamot is called to order. As this session has been requested by Madam Amelia Bones, for the record Madam Bones, why do you ask this session be called?"

"For the purpose of giving a person held in Azkaban Prison since late 1981 without trial his day in court."

"The name of the person who has been held thusly?" Griselda asked.

"The name of this person is Sirius Black."

"Very well Madam Bones, you may proceed. Bring the prisoner in," Griselda stated.

Nodding, Amelia touched the rune to bring in prisoners for trial. Slowly, Sirius Black began to rise into the cage. After he sat down in the chair, the chains activated holding him in place.

"Let the trial of Sirius Black now begin. Madam Bones, your opening statement."

"Thank you, Acting Chief Witch. Sirius Black, the accused, is being charged with Complicity in the betrayal and murders of James Charlus Potter and Lily Janet Potter nee Evans, the attempted murder of their son Harry James Potter, and being a follower of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He is also being charged with violation of the Statute of Secrecy, which violation resulted in the deaths of twelve Muggles."

"Does the defendant have counsel to represent him?" Griselda asked.

"Yes, Acting Chief Witch, he does," Brian Greengrass said, standing from his place at the defense table, "my name is Brian Greengrass, and I will be representing Mr. Black in these proceedings."

"And Mr. Black, how do you plead to the charges laid against you?"

"I'm not guilty, Acting Chief Witch, for all charges," Sirius answered, voice rough from disuse.

"Very well, Mr. Greengrass. Your opening statement, please."

"First, Acting Chief Witch, I would like to move one of the charges be dismissed. My client is the oath-bound Godfather of Harry James Potter, and therefore is incapable of trying to harm Harry James Potter. To break that oath and attempt to harm his godson would have resulted in not only the loss of his magic, but his death. As he is clearly still among the living, that charge is invalid and should be dismissed."

"Any objection to the charge regarding the attempted murder of Harry James Potter being dismissed, Madam Bones?" Griselda asked.

"As I was unaware of the defendant's status as oath bound Godfather before now, Prosecution withdraws the charge of Complicity in the attempted murder of Harry James Potter, Acting Chief Witch."

"Please continue with your opening statement Mr. Greengrass."

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Wizengamot, my client until this morning had no idea why he was being held in Azkaban Prison. He was not the Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter, so could not have betrayed them to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He did however know who the Secret Keeper was, and agreed to allowing others to believe he was the Secret Keeper to keep this individual safe. It is for that reason he went after Peter Pettigrew that Halloween night in 1981; knowing Mr. Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper let him know who would have betrayed the Potters in truth, so he was, in his capacity as an Auror, trying to apprehend Mr. Pettigrew. He was unsuccessful, and it was Mr. Pettigrew, not my client, who broke the Statute of Secrecy and performed magic in view of a street full of Muggles, which ultimately led to the deaths of those Muggles. When he was found later by Aurors, understandably hysterical from grief at losing his friends and shock from injuries, the Aurors didn't bother to question him, they just brought him to a Ministry holding cell. He was later transported to Azkaban Prison, still unaware of the reason why, because no one informed him. In the subsequent days, weeks, months, and ultimately years spent in Azkaban, he still was never informed of why he had been incarcerated, and never given a chance for a defense. I intend to prove that my client has done nothing wrong, and should be released as a free man, with all rights and responsibilities as a citizen of Wizarding Britain restored, and his name and record expunged of this incident forever. Thank you."

"Mr. Black, do you understand that as you are currently listed as a prisoner in Azkaban Prison, your right to refuse the use of Veritaserum is negated until the conclusion of your trial?" Griselda asked.

"I understand, Acting Chief Witch."

"Madam Bones, you may administer the Veritaserum and begin questioning once it has taken effect."

After the Veritaserum had been administered, Amelia watched as Sirius' eyes slowly took on the glassiness of someone under the influence of Veritaserum. After a moment, she began with the control questions.

"What is your full name?"

"Sirius Orion Black III."

"What House were you Sorted into at Hogwarts?"

"I was Sorted into Gryffindor. The first of my family to not be Sorted into Slytherin."

"Mr. Black, for years the Wizarding public has believed you to have been the reason You Know Who was able to find and then murder James and Lily Potter, leaving their son an orphan. Are you a follower of You Know Who, more commonly known as a Death Eater?"

"No, I would never have become a Death Eater. I am not one of his followers."

"You were seen by several people in the company of those who were later convicted as Death Eaters. If you are not in fact a Death Eater, why were you seen with those later convicted of that charge?"

"I was spending time with family members. Unfortunately, many of my family chose to follow You Know Who. I was required to be in their company due to family gatherings and various parties and events my parents held."

"Did you in fact betray James and Lily Potter?"

"To my everlasting regret, I did."

The Wizengamot, silent until that moment, began whispering among themselves. Sirius Black's solicitor claimed his client had done nothing wrong, yet he had just admitted betraying the Potters. Before the noise became too loud, Griselda Marchbanks rapped on her chair in an attempt to bring order to the chamber again.

"I will have order in this chamber!" Griselda exclaimed. Slowly the noise died down.

"Thank you, Acting Chief Witch. Mr. Black, please explain how you betrayed the Potters," Amelia continued in her questioning.

"I was the first Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter. Albus Dumbledore wanted James and Lily as well as Frank and Alice Longbottom to go under a Fidelius charm to hide. Possibly a week or so before Halloween in 1981, I suggested the Secret Keeper be changed because I was the obvious choice. I betrayed them by not remaining the Secret Keeper. I would have died before telling You Know Who the Secret of their location."

"Let's move on to when you went after Peter Pettigrew Mr. Black. You were there when the street exploded, killing twelve Muggles. Aurors found faint traces of magic in the area when they went to investigate. Peter Pettigrew was nowhere to be found. Did you use magic during that altercation, thus violating the Statute of Secrecy?"

"No. The last spell I cast with my wand had been a spell to try to heal the cut on my godson's forehead, since it was bleeding. To the best of my knowledge, my wand was never checked after Aurors confiscated it that night. If it had been, I don't think I would have been in Azkaban."

Brian Greengrass stood, and faced Griselda Marchbanks. So far Sirius was able to explain himself, but the wand evidence may be tricky. He had no idea if anyone had handled Sirius' wand while it had been held by the DMLE over the years.

"Acting Chief Witch, Madam Bones, I never received a report that my client's wand had ever been tested. I ask for that testing now, in front of this chamber," Brian stated, voice calm.

"That's a reasonable request Mr. Greengrass. Madam Bones, please test Mr. Black's wand for the last spell cast."

Nodding in agreement, Amelia walked over to the evidence table and picked up a wand box. Carrying it over to the Chief Witch, she displayed that the name on the box said 'Sirius Black, 11 ¾", Supple, Reed wood, Unicorn tail hair core'. She then carried the box over to Brian Greengrass and showed it to him.

"Mr. Greengrass, do you agree that the magical seal on this box is intact, and that the name and wand description is that of your client, Sirius Black III?"

"I'll agree that the magical seal appears unbroken, and that the label bears the name of my client as well as his wand description."

"This wand was confiscated from Mr. Black, the defendant, after the altercation with Peter Pettigrew. I will now open the box and test the wand for the last spell cast."

Amelia drew her wand and unsealed the box, removing the wand inside. After placing her own wand back in its holster, she raised the wand she had removed from the box and cast the spell to reveal the last charm or spell cast with a wand.

"Priori Incantatem!"

Slowly, a mist formed, then began to take shape. Brian looked at the symbol, and looked at Griselda Marchbanks.

"Acting Chief Witch, unless I am mistaken, that is the symbol for the episky spell, used to treat minor cuts and some broken bones, such as a nose."

"Madam Bones, the defense counsel is correct. Please move on, as it is apparent that no magical altercation took place on the night in question."

"Your pardon, Acting Chief Witch, but as Madam Bones was unable to produce evidence that the Statute of Secrecy was indeed violated by my client, I would ask that particular charge against my client be dismissed."

"Agreed. The charge of violating the Statute of Secrecy is dismissed."

"Acting Chief Witch, it is known there are ways to render Veritaserum ineffective; better than average occlumency shields are but one example," Amelia pointed out.

"Acting Chief Witch, I must object to Madam Bones' comment. My client has been in Azkaban Prison since November of 1981. If he at any time had occlumency barriers or shields, exposure to the Dementors of Azkaban would have eroded those shields to nothing. Madam Bones likely has no further evidence with which to convict my client, and is now attempting to invalidate his testimony under Veritaserum."

"Your objection is sustained, Mr. Greengrass. Madam Bones, do you have anything further to present for your case?"

Glaring briefly at Brian, Amelia Bones faced Griselda Marchbanks.

"Acting Chief Witch, I have nothing further. The Prosecution rests."

"Mr. Greengrass, you may present your case."

"Acting Chief Witch, Madam Bones brought up the question of my client being a follower of You Know Who. If it pleases this body, I would like the left arm of my client examined for the Dark Mark, which is used to identify Death Eaters, the known followers of You Know Who."

"I'll allow the examination," Griselda said, nodding to an Auror.

The Auror walked over to the prisoner cage and reached in to pull up the left sleeve of the loose shirt Sirius was wearing. Even those on the top tier of seating were able to see the skin on the arm was pale, with no Dark Mark. Turning to his client, Brian straightened slightly.

"Mr. Black, are you a Death Eater who was never Marked?"

"No."

"Are you now, or have you ever been, a supporter of You Know Who?"

"No, never."

"Did you assist the person known as You Know Who, to murder James and Lily Potter, or assist in the planning of that crime in any way?"

"No! James and Lily Potter were two of my best friends; I would have never helped anyone who wanted to hurt them, much less help someone who wanted to kill them."

Nodding slightly, Brian then turned to Griselda Marchbanks.

"Acting Chief Witch, the remaining charges against my client were Complicity in the betrayal and murders of James and Lily Potter, and being a follower of You Know Who. As there is no evidence to support either charge, I ask that both of the remaining charges against my client be dismissed, and that he be released from custody, his rights as a citizen of Wizarding Britain be restored, and that his record be expunged of the time in Azkaban where he spent so many years awaiting trial."

"If I may ask, where would your client live if I grant what you are asking?"

Arcturus lit his seal. Griselda noticed, and looked over.

"You have a question, Lord Black?"

"Not a question, Acting Chief Witch, but I may be able to answer your question. Should the remaining charges against Sirius Orion Black III be dismissed, and he is released, as his Head of House I would see to it he received a full medical exam and whatever treatment he needs after his exposure to Dementors first and foremost. As far as living arrangements, as it is evident someone wanted my grandson and Heir discredited and in a place where he could do nothing, I don't feel it is prudent to reveal where he will be living if released, beyond that it will be at a property owned by the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black."

"Are there any objections to the remaining charges being dismissed due to the Prosecution being unable to prove their case and lack of evidence?" Griselda asked, looking around the room. "The remaining charges against Sirius Orion Black III are hereby dismissed, all rights and responsibilities restored to him, and I order that his record be expunged, as it has not been proven that he has committed any crime. Aurors, please release the chains from Heir Black and hand him his wand. Merlin forbid the wand of someone against whom there is no evidence of wrongdoing be lost before it is back in his possession, so it will be returned to him here. Heir Black, you have this body's deepest apologies for what you have suffered. I release you into the care of your Head of House, and wish you good luck."

Amelia walked over to both of them as soon as the cage sank back into the floor, her expression apologetic.

"I hope you understand I had to at least make an effort to win the case Heir Black. I would recommend that you and your grandfather use an antechamber to leave the Wizengamot. Until the news of the charges being dismissed is known, I can't guarantee your safety should a member of the public see you."

"I had already planned for that Madam Bones, but thank you," Arcturus said, walking over to them. "Sirius, I'll engage a private Healer to take care of you. If I were to try to take you to St Mungo's it would turn into a circus."

"Thank you Grandfather. It's so good to know I don't have to go back to that cell."

As Amelia watched the three men leave the Wizengamot chamber through an antechamber door, she silently wished all three good luck for the future. They were going to need it, based on what she had been able to verify in the information she had.