A/N:
Sorry for my delays,
I know, I am not updating frequently,
I am doing multiple courses at the same time,
job crisis too, it is too much to handle all at once,
I will be writing and updating slowly
Chapter 25
Valerius visited Arthur Weasley in the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, carrying with him his mother's diary, which played a vital role in explaining the innocence of Sirius Black and the true identity of Scabbers, the rat Animagus of Peter Pettigrew.
Valerius: "Mr. Weasley, the facts are all here. Sirius Black is innocent, and Peter Pettigrew, not Sirius, betrayed the Potters. Pettigrew has been hiding as the Weasley family's pet rat, Scabbers."
Arthur, shocked and incredulous, could hardly believe the story but recognized the undeniable truth in Valerius's detailed explanation.
Arthur: "I never imagined... But if what you're saying is true, then we must act. Justice must be served. I'll do what's right."
Valerius: "Miss Amelia Bones will soon request a trial in Wizengamot. Please ensure that Pettigrew, the rat Animagus, is brought to the trial."
Arthur, though torn by the news, agreed: "I'll ensure he's brought to justice. The truth must prevail, please come with me."
They then left for Ottery St Catchpole and contacted Amelia Bones, the head of DMLE. In the presence of notable Aurors Rufus Scrimgeour, Alastor Moody, and Kingsley Shacklebolt, Scabbers was trapped and forced to revert to his human form.
Kingsley: "Peter Pettigrew alive? This means Mr. Black is innocent."
Peter, panicking, pleaded: "Please, release me! I'm sorry! Please!"
Rufus: "You'll find no mercy here. You will be pleased with Dementor's Kiss."
Peter was taken away and imprisoned. Arthur bowed and thanked Valerius, appreciating the young wizard's dedication to justice.
Amelia Bones: "A trial will be held tomorrow to free Sirius Black."
**Daily Prophet Headline:**
Sirius Black is innocent; Trials held tomorrow at Wizengamot. The notorious mass murderer has been hiding as a rat all along. The rat Animagus, known as Peter Pettigrew, was never dead.
Nimbus Brooming company plans to release the fastest broom in the world in two years.
Advertisement: Buy the latest Fax machine, freshly manufactured in Magical Germany, no need for an owl, you a transfer the letter in a second.
---
Cecilia felt immense joy at being part of this monumental change in the wizarding world. The reinstatement of the House of Black in power brought significant value, including voting rights in the Wizengamot. The House of Black, known for its pureblood heritage, had long held substantial wealth and influence.
The ranking of the wealthiest families alive was now:
Grindelwald: Their wealth increased significantly after inheriting the Flamel's fortune.
Black
Greengrass
Malfoy
Lestrange: Once they possessed wealth rivaling the Blacks, their wealth dwindled due to Bellatrix's support for Voldemort.
Potters
Nott
Ollivanders
Goyle
Scamander
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At Wizengamot, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. Fudge stepped forward to make a statement.
Fudge: "It is evident that Mr. Black is innocent. We have conducted the Veritaserum test on Peter Pettigrew. Therefore, Mr. Sirius Orion Black is cleared of all charges."
Cecilia approached Sirius: "Uncle, I am Cecilia, daughter of Regulus Arcturus Black."
Sirius, overwhelmed with emotion, embraced her. "Cecilia, you've grown so much. I can't believe this…"
Amelia Bones, standing nearby, nodded and added, "Mr. Black, you should know that it was Valerius who brought all the evidence to light. His dedication to justice is commendable."
Sirius looked at Valerius with immense gratitude. "Thank you, Valerius. I owe you more than I can express."
Valerius smiled warmly. "It was the right thing to do, Mr. Black."
Cecilia gently touched Sirius's arm. "Uncle, please come to Black Manor with me. Val, would you help me?"
Valerius nodded. "Of course, Ceci."
Cecilia blushed slightly as they left together, making their way to the Black Manor. Meanwhile, Mia discussed new orders and funding research organizations to further develop the magical world.
Upon arriving at Black Manor, Sirius looked around the house, once a symbol of power, now resembling an ordinary wizard's home. "This place… it's changed so much."
Valerius replied, "During the war, you lent Dumbledore a fortune for studying advanced magic, or so he said. It was never returned."
Valerius thought to himself, 'Soon, I must brainwash Sirius and make him take my side. Harry Potter will be a nice pawn to play against Dumbledore. Soon, I will reveal the secret between Dumbledore, Snape, and Peter. It will be a nice game.'
Cecilia, noticing his silence, said, "You know, Val, even though I am a Natural, I am unable to sense your thoughts."
Valerius responded, "Against a trained Occlumens, it is impossible for an untrained Natural to peek at their thoughts, Ceci."
Sirius, observing them, remarked, "Isa's son has grown well."
Valerius smiled gently and questioned, "Why didn't you come to Mom's funeral?"
Sirius was taken aback. "Isa died?"
Valerius nodded. "She was murdered in front of my eyes, along with my dad."
Sirius clenched his fist and hit the wall in frustration. "Why? I failed to protect both Lily and your mom, Isa. I told them as a brother I would defend them and protect them always."
Cecilia handed Sirius a cup of tea. "Uncle, please, try to relax. We're here for you."
Valerius added, "Mr. Black, you should concentrate on your recovery."
The three of them sipped their tea, enjoying some time together. After a moment, Valerius spoke again. "I have good news."
Sirius looked up, intrigued. "Good news?"
Valerius explained, "You were taken back into the family when they thought you were the notorious mass murderer."
Sirius's eyes widened in shock. "What does that mean?"
Valerius continued, "It means you can adopt Harry Potter as your godson, with Cecilia as the mistress of Black, without threatening her rights to produce the next heir of the Black family."
Sirius smiled for the first time in a long while. "A good idea indeed."
After talking for some time, Valerius excused himself. "I must leave now for Grindelwald Mansion. Take care, Ceci, Sirius."
Cecilia and Sirius watched him go, both feeling a sense of hope and anticipation for the future.
Sirius's thoughts were running like a hundred meters race,
"Who killed Isa? Why would someone target her? What was the motive? And why didn't Dumbledore ever mention it to the Order? What is he hiding? Could this be part of something bigger? I failed to protect her, just like I failed Lily and James. I need to uncover the truth. I owe Isa that much."