The room was silent, then everything exploded - everyone was demanding questions. After a few minutes, Amelia called for silence.
"When you say Hagrid came, are you talking about Rubeus Hagrid, the groundskeeper at Hogwarts?" Amelia asked, for clarification.
"Yes," Sirius said.
"You say he told you to go after Peter?" she asked.
"Yes. I thought at the time, the plan sounded like a good idea," Sirius confirmed.
"You trusted him?" she asked.
"Yes. He worked with Dumbledore," Sirius said.
"I see. So, you never sent the spell which killed twelve muggles?" she clarified.
"No, I just sent spells at Peter. None of my spells went off course," Sirius said.
"What animagus form does Peter possess?"
"He's and unregistered brown rat," Sirius said.
"How do you know this?" Amelia questioned.
"James and I are also - were also - unregistered animagus. We became them in our 5th year at Hogwarts. I'm a big black dog and James was a stag," Sirius said.
"You are aware that being unregistered is illegal?" Amelia asked, bemused.
"Yes, but we planned on registering after the war," Sirius said.
"Very well, that is all I need. Bailiffs, please administer the antidote while I will confer with the members of the Wizengamot. After which your sentence will be given," she said.
Harry watched as the seats holding the voting members of the Wizengamot seemed to blur and he took Remus' hand in a show of support.
He also watched as Dumbledore stood and moved towards Sirius. Harry concentrated on the old man: he didn't trust him. Luckily Dodge was aware and he stood, blocking Dumbledore. Harry could just about make out his words.
"… away from my client, Chief Warlock."
After a few moments, the seats refocused and Amelia retook her chair. Harry sensed eyes on him and looked up. Lucius inclined his head towards Harry slightly before he refocused on Amelia. Harry was pleased and intrigued by the new dynamic in his relationship with the Malfoys.
"Mr. Black, we, the members of the Wizengamot, do hereby find you not guilty of all the charges laid against you. You will be immediately released from Azkaban prison and are also to be given two million galleons in compensation. Any medical treatment you also require will be covered by the ministry for the gross injustice you have faced. I know nothing can be done to recover the time you have lost, but the ministry will do its best to compensate you in any way we can," Madam Bones said. "There will also be a trial for Peter Pettigrew, who is now in ministry holding cells, which you are invited to attend to ensure that justice is done correctly this time."
Harry watched as Sirius sagged in relief. "Thank you," he whispered.
Harry and Remus shared a relieved look and stood when the court was adjourned. Instead of going back out the way they came though, they went down to where Sirius was standing with Dodge and Madam Bones. Dumbledore was also there, but he was off to the side, most likely trying to gain some composure.
"Mr. Black, might I introduce the young man who attained me for you and brought to light the injustice of your sentence," Mr. Dodge said, moving so that Sirius and Amelia would see him approach.
"Harry?" Sirius whispered, shocked at the boys appearance and his involvement.
Hearing Harry's name, Dumbledore turned sharply and Harry saw his face tighten and eyes grow hard. Dumbledore moved quickly, jumping in front of Harry with surprising amount of agility for a man of his advanced years.
"Harry, my dear boy, what are you doing here?" he asked, full of grandfatherly concern.
Harry narrowed his eyes and barely stopped them from rolling. "As Mr. Dodge said, I hired him for my godfather. I would not have missed the trial for anything."
"But my boy, what about your relatives? Surely they wouldn't have allowed you to come," Dumbledore said.
"I'm not staying with my relatives," Harry said.
"What?!" Dumbledore barely managed not to shout. "Harry, my boy, you must. I really do insist you return to them immediately."
"Why, headmaster?" Harry asked innocently.
"It is not safe. You need to go back to them for your own protection. I insist."
"I'm sorry headmaster, but I feel a lot safer now than I have ever before and, anyway, where I spend my summers or any holidays really doesn't have anything thing to do with you," Harry said.
"That is enough. Harry, you will come with me and I will return you to your aunt," Dumbledore said, taking a step towards Harry and making him step back.
At this point, Amelia, who had been watching, took a step forwards. "Albus, like Mr. Potter has said, where he lives during the summer is not your concern. If you fear for his welfare, then it is a ministry issue." She then turned to Harry and said, "Good morning, Mr. Potter. My name is Amelia Bones, I think my niece Susan has told you about me." She offered him her hand.
Harry smiled, taking her offered hand and kissing the air above it. "Good morning, Madam Bones. And, please, call me Harry or Harrison," he said.
....
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