Chapter 3

The Ministry of Magic

Orion had to let out a sigh of relief when he stepped in the Ministry early the following morning. It had already been a long morning Apparating and Flooing to different destinations to make sure Black Manor couldn't be traced. The redundancy was one of the main reasons Orion didn't object to being confined to Black Manor for most of the summer. The few times he had been out had mostly been out of sense of duty. He did owe the Auror department even if it was mostly due to Sirius' actions. Those who believed in Sirius still had to answer to Rufus Scrimgeour.

It was all about politics, something that Orion really hated but it seemed to be the way of the wizarding world.

Entering the Auror Department, Orion tried to ignore the uncomfortable silence that suddenly fell. He cautiously glanced around and was partially relieved that the stares weren't directed his way although he should have expected this. His presence was nothing when compared to the-boy-who-lived coming out of hiding.

Sirius shook his head in exasperation, ushering Hayden and Rose to his office around the first corner with Orion following suit. Before entering, Orion caught sight of Evelyn and Kingsley already at their desks. He couldn't help feeling relieved with the discrete protection. They would be safe from prying eyes, at least for a little while.

"We have some time before your parents should arrive so try to relax," Sirius said as he sat down behind his desk. "I just have some paperwork to finish."

Just as Sirius was about to reach for a thick file, an owl swooped into the office and dropped a letter in front of Hayden before flying out again. No one moved as Hayden shakily picked up the letter. His face suddenly paled as he looked at the envelope. Sirius was immediately at his side, pulling the letter out of Hayden's hands and opening it. It only took a moment for Sirius to let out a curse and slam the letter on his desk.

"Kingsley! Evelyn!" Sirius barked out only to continue without waiting. "The hearing time and place has been changed. It's in five minutes in Courtroom 10. Kingsley, I need you to go to Hogwarts and warn Dumbledore. Evelyn, I need you to go and check if the Potters left for their meeting. I'll check Gringotts." His gaze landed on Orion. "Son, I need you to get Hayden and Rose there and stall. As an heir to a noble house, Hayden has the right to wait until the Lord of the house is present."

Orion's mind was already off and running. Something wasn't right here. This was a desperate move to sabotage Hayden's defense. "I need that book on Wizengamot laws and Hayden's incident report, Dad," he said quickly.

Sirius smirked knowingly at Orion and handed him a thick book from his overstuffed bookshelf followed by a file from his desk. "Good luck kids," he said then hurried out with Kingsley and Evelyn.

"Good luck?" Rose asked incredulously.

Orion quickly opened the book and started flipping through the pages. "We'll need it, Rose," he said distractedly. "What we're about to do is going to make some people very angry."

"W—what do you mean?" Hayden asked nervously.

Orion stopped and met Hayden's gaze. "Hayden, what's being done to you isn't proper procedure. Someone high up in the Ministry is doing everything in their power to make sure you fail. Courtroom 10 is normally only used for severe cases that require the full Wizengamot. This is not a simple case of underage magic anymore. This is a display of power and you're the sacrificial lamb."

Hayden's eyes widened in panic. "But I haven't done anything!" he protested.

"And I am going to make sure they know that," Orion said firmly and returned his attention to the book in his hands. It seemed to take forever until he found what he was looking for. "Got it!" he exclaimed, sliding the notice letter in to mark his page and grabbing Hayden's case file. "Let's go! Stay close to me."

Orion led the way out of the Auror Department and to the lifts, pushing the down button impatiently. The lift clattered into view and they hurried inside. Orion hit the number nine button and could only wait as the lift slowly rose. Was it going slower than normal? Was everything against them today?

"The Atrium." They were almost there.

"Department of Mysteries."

"Let's go," Orion said as the lift doors rattled open. They hurried up a corridor with no windows or doors except from a plain black set at the very end of the corridor. About halfway down the hall, Orion turned to the left to see an opening leading to a flight of steps.

Reaching the bottom of the steps, Orion spared a quick glance over his shoulder to make sure Hayden and Rose were okay before continuing on to another corridor that had rough stone walls and torches in brackets. The doors they passed were heavy wooden ones with iron bolts and keyholes. He didn't stop until he reached a grimy dark door with an immense iron lock. Letting out a relieved breath, Orion turned to Hayden and Rose who were both clutching their chests, out of breath.

"Now, as hard as it will be, you must be respectful and don't talk unless I say so," Orion insisted. "They are going to make you out to be a delinquent but we know the truth and we have the law on our side."

Hayden reached out and grasped Orion's arm. "I trust you," he said firmly.

Orion nodded and, with a deep breath, turned the heavy iron door handle and stepped inside the courtroom. Dark stone walls dimly lit by torches. Empty benches rose on both sides leading to the highest ones in front of them where many shadowy figures waited, talking in low voices.

A cold male voice rang across the courtroom. "You're late."

Orion let out a long breath, forcing any nervousness and fear away. He needed to be strong for Hayden. He couldn't let either of them down. "With all due respect, sir, the accused only received the notice minutes ago—"

"—that is not the fault of—"

"—but it is," Orion interrupted as he stepped forward opening his book. "According to law 325, Subsection 5, the accused must receive notification of a change in the hearing at least twelve hours prior to the changed time if that time is before the original hearing time."

Reaching the chair in the center of the room, Orion was able to make out several of the faces of the Wizengamot members, including the Minister and Madam Bones dressed in their plum colored robes with an elaborately worked silver 'W' on the left-hand side of the chest. His nervousness suddenly spiked. Susan was going to let him have it as soon as she found out about this.

Fudge's eyes shifted to a woman sitting in shadow to his right. "That book is out of date—"

"—it is the book that's in the Auror department," Orion countered. "However, even if we were to ignore this disregard of the accused's rights, the charges are also invalid. According to the report filed with the Auror department, the accused performed magic in the presence of one muggle, a Dudley Dursley, who is the cousin of the accused and therefore was already aware of the existence of our community. The only possible valid charge is underage magic which has never needed the full Wizengamot to waste their time on."

"Young Master Black has a point, Cornelius," Madam Bones said with a smug smile. "I believe I told you as much this morning."

Fudge looked like he was about to explode. "N—nevertheless, we are here so let's get on with it," he spluttered then looked down the row. "Are you ready?"

"Yes sir," said the eager voice of Percy Weasley.

"However, we are not," Orion said firmly. "The accused is the heir to the ancient and noble house of Potter. He is allowed to wait until the head of his house arrives, which I assure you will be soon."

"Once again, young Master Black is right, Cornelius," Madam Bones said. "Since this is my area, I strongly suggest we cancel this meeting before any more instances of injustice are brought to our attention. The accused will meet in my office once his parents arrive."

"I second the motion," a deep voice said from farther back.

"Motion is passed," Madam Bones said before Fudge could open his mouth. "Young Master Black, Mr. Potter, Miss Potter, you are all dismissed until Lord and Lady Potter arrive."

Orion let out a long sigh of relief before nodding his appreciation to Madam Bones and leading the way out of the courtroom. As soon as the door closed, Orion suddenly found himself pulled into a fierce group hug.

"That is a good sign," a quiet, pleasant voice said causing them to turn and see Professor Dumbledore staring at them with an amused expression. "I believe several parents will soon be waiting for us in the Atrium."

Professor Dumbledore motioned for Hayden and Rose to take the lead, falling into step aside Orion as they walked down the corridor to the staircase. Orion knew this was purposely done and couldn't help glancing at Professor Dumbledore expectantly. His long silver beard and hair gleamed in the torchlight making him appear to standout in the dark and dreary corridor.

"I am proud of you, my boy," Professor Dumbledore said quietly. "I doubt I could have done any better myself."

Orion shrugged his shoulders. "The law was on our side. I just wish I knew why they're attacking Hayden."

Professor Dumbledore raised his hand motioning Orion to stop. "I have a theory, Orion, nothing more," he said quietly. "However, I do hope that I am wrong."

Orion stared at Professor Dumbledore with a raised eyebrow. He, more than anyone, knew that Professor Dumbledore could make mistakes just like anyone else. It had taken time but Orion now knew why Professor Dumbledore tended to share theories with others. So many trusted anything Professor Dumbledore said that they would take a theory as fact…just like they had with the-boy-who-lived theory.

"It's not because of me, is it?" Orion asked nervously.

Professor Dumbledore rested a hand on Orion's shoulder. "On the contrary, I believe your support today was what prevented the mockery of a trial from continuing. The last thing the Wizengamot would want is to offend you or your father. They all realize if he leaves, his team will follow and we both know what that would do the Auror Department."

As much as Orion hated to admit it, Professor Dumbledore had a point. It was just irritating to find another instance that people cared more about politics than the law. This was supposed to be the leading force in the fight against Voldemort? Orion could understand why Professor Dumbledore felt the need to create a 'vigilante' group. It was clear that the Ministry was too corrupt to do anything.

They walked up the stairs in silence to find Hayden and Rose nervously waiting for them. "Is everything all right, Professor?" Rose asked quietly. "Is Orion in trouble?"

A pleasant smile appeared on Professor Dumbledore's face. "Of course not. I doubt anyone could find fault in Orion's actions today. However, it may be in our best interests to stay out of the spotlight for the rest of the summer." He ushered them down the hall towards the lift. "Now, I believe we really should find your parents before they begin to fear the worst."

Professor Dumbledore wasn't far off. The moment they stepped off the lift and into the Atrium, Hayden and Rose were pulled into a somewhat awkward group embrace by Mr. and Mrs. Potter. Orion took the opportunity to move to Sirius' side and was relieved that Sirius seemed to already know what Orion wanted by ushering him away.

After the chaos, the morning in the Auror Department was downright boring. Sirius buried himself with paperwork and Orion hid behind books in Sirius' office. As expected, it didn't take long for word to spread of how a fifteen-year-old was able to make a mockery of the Wizengamot. It didn't help that Sirius found the entire situation hilarious, claiming that it was about time that someone put Fudge in his place and that the person was practically untouchable made it even better.

Needless to say, Orion was greatly relieved to return to Black Manor only to find that the Potters beat him home. Thankfully, no one really said anything other than 'well done' and the Potters had vanished to somewhere in the East Wing, much to Orion's relief. There was going to be even more awkwardness now with the Potters and avoiding that elephant at all costs sounded like a great idea.

However, that was easier said than done. Over the next few days, it was obvious that Hayden and Rose were making more of an effort to be included in the research tasks and with them came the Weasleys. It also seemed that Mrs. Weasley made more of an effort to hide her disapproval, at least for now.

The focus changed completely when Cedric Diggory arrived early one morning, both hands full of sealed Hogwarts envelopes and one opened. Thankfully only a few were up or Orion would have feared for Cedric's safety. There were a few…mostly Hermione, who were getting a bit impatient with waiting.

"How are your parents, Cedric?" Remus asked as he poured himself a cup of tea. "We haven't seen them all summer."

Cedric winced slightly. "They've been a bit—overprotective since the Tournament," he admitted. "I think Dad blames himself. He knows I only entered because he wanted me to and with what could have happened…"

"I'll talk to him," Sirius said immediately. "We were lucky that Voldemort underestimated you two once. I doubt it will happen again."

"Great," Cedric said immediately then hesitated, "because I want to help." He reached into the opened envelope and pulled out a Head Boy badge.

Sirius stared at the badge for a moment before answering. "We appreciate it, Cedric, however we can't ask you—"

"You're not, I'm offering," Cedric insisted. "Look, it's because of Orion that I'm even alive. I know you weren't close with your brother, Sirius, but what would you do if your brother sent you away to face life threatening danger alone?"

"That wasn't exactly how it happened," Orion protested. "You knew how to Apparate and were the obvious choice to get help."

"That's not the point. I'm not going to let you go into this fight alone," Cedric said firmly. "Whatever you're doing to stop—him, I want to be a part of it."

Orion glanced nervously at Sirius and Remus who glanced at each other before focusing on Cedric. "Having someone help Orion inside Hogwarts would be helpful," Sirius said at last. "I can't officially make you a part of the team and it's probably best we don't."

"That's fine!" Cedric insisted. "Really!"

"I hope you realize what you're signing up for, Cedric," Remus said. "You won't be able to discuss this with your friends and you must accept there will be answers we can't give you."

"I understand," Cedric said quickly, a relieved smile forming on his face.

"Now with that out of the way," Sirius said picking up one of the letters and handing it over to Orion. "How about you take a peek? It seems heavier than last year."

Sirius was right. Opening the letter, Orion found that it contained three pieces of parchment: one with the usual reminder that term starts on the first of September, another telling him which books he would need for the coming year, and the third, wrapped around a scarlet and gold badge, informed him that he was Prefect. Orion could only stare at it. A year ago, he would have been thrilled to become a Prefect. Now, it just seemed so unimportant.

"That should make things easier," Remus offered. "No one will question if you're out after curfew if you need to be."

"We will still have to be cautious," Sirius said softly. "We can't afford to tip off Voldemort to what we're doing."

"We'll figure out a system," Remus assured. "However, Orion, you must understand we can't pull you out of school for every lead."

"I do understand," Orion said pocketing the badge. "Just don't hide anything from me. There have been enough secrets to last a lifetime."

The entire day was chaotic with excitement. Hermione also received a Prefect Badge and was immediately at Orion's side, talking so fast that Orion could only catch every fourth word. Neville, Hayden and Ron all had the same look on their face that said 'better you than me'. In the end, Orion retreated to his room with Neville for some peace and quiet. He could understand Hermione's excitement. This was what she had been working so hard for. He just didn't have the same priorities anymore.

Unfortunately, all of the adults agreed that it was too risky to take everyone to Diagon Alley so Remus, Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Potter went with all of the lists, not returning until dinner time with their arms full. Orion couldn't hold back the smile when he saw the extra books Remus had picked up for him. It would be difficult to continue his advanced studies this year but Orion knew he had to find the time. It was more important than ever that he tried to narrow the difference in magical knowledge between Voldemort and himself.

The entire Black Team was present for dinner which was held underneath a huge scarlet banner that read: CONGRATULATIONS ORION AND HERMIONE, NEW PREFECTS.

Hermione couldn't stop smiling while she sat with Ginny and Rose, reciting Prefect expectations from Hogwarts, a History. Orion had to hold back a wince. Hermione was going to be in for a shock when she found out that the expectations were significantly out of date.

"Orion, you do realize you have to say something to her," Remus said quietly. "She has the right to know she'll need to carry the majority of the responsibilities."

"I will," Orion murmured back. "Just give her tonight. I'll figure something out tomorrow."

"Just tell her the truth," Evelyn said gently. "You'll help when you can but you have responsibilities that may take you away from time to time—Order responsibilities that you're not allowed to talk about."

Orion nodded and glanced around the table. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves without a care to what was happening outside Black Manor. If only he could too.

"Well, I think a toast is in order," Uncle Frank said raising his goblet. "To Orion and Hermione, the new Gryffindor Prefects!"

Hermione beamed as everyone drank and then applauded. Orion suddenly found the table very interesting. A hand rested against the back of his neck and gently squeezed causing Orion to relax, slightly.

"Well, to each their own, I suppose," Dora said brightly as she sat down. Her long tomato red, waist-length hair made her look like Ginny's older sister or more distant relation to Mrs. Potter. "My Head of House said I lacked certain necessary qualities."

"Like what?" Rose asked curiously.

"Like the ability to behave myself," Dora said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

Everyone nearby laughed and suddenly, the focus on Orion was broken.

"What about you, Dad?" Rose asked eagerly.

James rolled his eyes. "I wasn't even a contender. I spent too much time in detention with Sirius. Remus was the lucky recipient."

"I think Dumbledore might have hoped I would be able to exercise some control over the two of them," Remus said with a shrug. "Needless to say I failed dismally. However, your mother couldn't control them either so everyone just figured it was a lost cause."

"Everyone realized it was a lost cause halfway through our first year," Mrs. Potter retorted. "Any attempt to control them just seemed to backfire. I believe the entire Hogwarts staff had a celebration when they graduated."

"Lily, I'm hurt!" James exclaimed. "I know for certain that Minnie misses the daily entertainment."

"Insanity is more like it," Sirius countered. "Face it James, we were out of control. All we did was intensify the Gryffindor-Slytherin tension."

"I have to agree," Remus added. "Spending a year on the other side, it was certainly an eye-opening experience. When you're a child, you don't realize how dangerous Hogwarts really is. There are hundreds of students walking around with deadly weapons in hand. Add in hormones and tempers…I'm surprised we made it out alive."

Orion just let the conversation wash over him. Even though the Marauders had been out of control, he would bet it would be nothing compared to the upcoming year. With the hunt on for Voldemort, everyone would question the loyalties of those related to the Death Eaters still at large. Professor Dumbledore would never turn them away unless he had no choice but the Ministry, on the other hand, wasn't so patient. They needed to prove to the public that they were beating Voldemort to prevent those who would join him out of self-preservation.

Like bringing a teenager in front of the full Wizengamot?

No, there was something else behind that—something personal. Someone in the Ministry had a vendetta against Hayden and they wanted the public to view him as they viewed him but what could Hayden have done to instill such hostility?

Orion shook the thought out of his head. Speculating wouldn't solve anything. He needed facts and evidence. Whomever went after Hayden had failed this time. If they were as determined as Orion feared they were, they would try again…and again. They would try until Hayden Potter's reputation was completely destroyed.

Until Hayden was destroyed.

Dread settled in the pit of Orion's stomach. At the end of the day, Orion realized it didn't matter what sort of relationship he wanted with Hayden. He just knew that he couldn't bring himself to think of life without him. There was a bond there. There had always been a bond. He just hadn't understood it at the time.

They could start as friends, for now. It may change, it may not. All he could do was focus on today.

The future would come soon enough.

A/N: It's been a while, hasn't it? I would like to say that there was a good reason it took so long to post but really, it was a case of writer's block. This chapter sat half written for almost two years. Every time I looked at it, the words just wouldn't come.

On a personal note, Thanks to all the condolences for Simba. He is still missed and will probably always will be. Kenobi didn't handle losing Simba well so in May of 2013, I got a new puppy who I named Pluto. Now that Pluto is fully grown, it's strange at times that I see so much of Simba in Pluto and I'm not alone. There is a picture of Pluto and Kenobi on my profile page.

Here's to hoping that the next chapter won't take as long to complete.