I don't trust you one hundred percent… Not yet. He thought, having white lied a little. But he trusted him enough.
Remus looked down at his glass, his fingers tracing the rim. "I don't know, Sirius. It sounds like a lot of responsibility. And like I said, Harry - "
"I know," Sirius interrupted gently. "And I'm not asking you to abandon Harry. This is something we can build over time. You can be as involved as you want, as much as your time with Harry allows. But having your support, your guidance, would mean a lot. Not just to me, but to everyone this project could help."
The room fell silent again, the weight of Sirius's words hanging in the air. Remus's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The idea of a sanctuary, a safe haven for werewolves, was something he had never dared to dream of. It was almost too good to be true.
"Sirius," Remus began slowly, choosing his words with care, "I don't want to give you false hope. The prejudice, the fear - it runs so deep. I've seen it my whole life. Even with the best intentions, changing that won't happen overnight."
Sirius nodded, his expression serious. "I know. But we have to start somewhere. And I can't think of anyone better to help me start than you."
Remus took another sip of his firewhisky, the warmth of the liquid spreading through him, loosening the tight knot of anxiety in his chest. "Alright," he said finally, his voice steady. "I'll help. But my main focus will be Harry. I want to make sure he has the support and guidance he needs. If I can balance that with helping you, then I'll do what I can."
Sirius's face lit up with a smile, a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Remus. That's all I can ask. Together, we can make a real difference. For Harry, and for so many others."
He'd be using Harry's name like that often in the future. Just like he'd used the Lily Potter foundation, like he'd use Remus to gather the werewolves. It was all altruism…
But if he managed to fix things, make the world a better place, did it really matter if he was faking some of the emotions on the way?
The fire crackled and popped, filling the room with its warmth and light. The two old/new friends sat in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.
As the evening wore on, Sirius began to outline more of his plans, his vision for the werewolf sanctuaries becoming clearer with each word. "We'd need to start by identifying suitable locations," He said, his eyes bright with pleasure of a plan coming together. "Places that are remote enough to ensure safety during full moons, but also accessible enough to allow for trade and interaction with the broader magical community."
Remus nodded, his interest piqued despite himself. "And what about funding? Setting up something like this won't be cheap."
Sirius's smile widened. "That's where being Minister comes in handy. I plan to redirect some of the Ministry's budget towards this project. And we'll seek donations from private benefactors, businesses, and anyone who believes in what we're trying to do. I think there are enough people out there who want to see change, who would be willing to support something like this."
He knew he could get Albus onboard, as distasteful as it was to continue to lean on him. The man himself wasn't wealthy, but he had many friends who were. Flamel would be one…
Although that was likely wishful thinking.
"And the residents?" Remus asked. "How do you plan to recruit werewolves to live and work in these sanctuaries?"
"Word of mouth, at first," Sirius replied. "We'll reach out through the werewolf network through you, let people know there's a safe place for them. We'll offer security, decent pay, and most importantly, respect. Once we have a few success stories, I think more will come."
Once things got going, a sanctuary capable of producing magical reagents consistently would only be a boon to the magical community and his tax coffers.
It would pay back all the flack he'd face for the first few months of the program. He'd have to spin it differently to each group. A way to gather all the werewolves in one place for quick elimination in case of issues - would probably be how he'd have to lay it out to the dark faction.
Remus leaned back in his chair, contemplating the enormity of the task ahead. "It's ambitious, Sirius. But if anyone can pull it off, it's you."
Sirius chuckled, a hint of his old mischief returning. "I'll take that as a compliment. But it's going to take all of us, Remus. You, me, and everyone who believes in this cause."
They continued to talk long into the night, the fire burning low as they discussed the logistics, the challenges, and the potential rewards of the werewolf sanctuaries.
By the time they finally called it a night, the first light of dawn was creeping through the heavy drapes. Sirius felt a sense of satisfaction, a feeling that they were on the verge of something truly transformative.
The werewolf sanctuary would be his first step to showing everyone the world could be changed.
And his first proof of concept.
Showing that he could navigate the Wizengamot and the Ministry and get it passed.
Success bred more success.
And wizards and witches more than any breed of creature were drawn to people who succeeded at the impossible.
He would make it happen!
He only needed to win first…
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ
The ancient, ornate chamber of the Wizengamot was filled with an air of anticipation and tension as its members assembled for the pivotal vote. The walls, lined with dark, polished wood were specifically adorned with tapestries depicting significant moments in magical history for this occasion only, the room seemed to pulse with the energy of the countless debates and decisions made within these halls.
The election wasn't for another week. But here, today. Here was when the Minister was truly elected.
The popular vote was a formality, a show for the masses. Although it was unusual for the two to be completely separate, as there usually wasn't such a sharp divide between the two as there was this time.
Sirius stood at the edge of the chamber, his gaze sweeping over the gathered members. Each witch and wizard present was robed in deep purple, their silver insignias glinting in the torchlight. The room was arranged in a semi-circular fashion, with tiers of seats rising from the central floor, where the presiding officer stood ready to oversee the proceedings. This wasn't the main Wizengamot chambers, this was one specifically used for things like this.
Tiberius Ogden was the one who held the role to administer the vote today. It was ceremonial, so having one of Albus' allies as the master of ceremonies wouldn't give him any benefits. But he chose to see it as a good portent
Sirius's heart pounded with a mixture of anxiety and determination. The weight of the Black family legacy, the hopes of his supporters, and the ambitions he harbored for the future all pressed heavily upon him. This was the moment that would decide his fate, the culmination of months of intense campaigning, strategic maneuvering, and relentless effort.
If it all fell apart here, just at the cusp of things. He wasn't sure what he'd do. But it wouldn't be pretty.
He'd ingested his all into this, and he wasn't sure he had anything else to live for if he didn't succeed.
His family were… Not enough. He only felt anything at all for a few of them, even Remus was only now starting to become an actual friend. He didn't have enough connections to hold himself steady if this failed. His ambitions were everything.
The murmurs of conversation hushed as Ogden raised his wand hand, calling the assembly to order. His calm, authoritative presence filled the room, commanding respect from even the most rowdy of the Wizengamot members. "Today, we gather to cast our votes for the next Minister of Magic," He announced, his voice resonating with a measured gravity. "The candidates are Cornelius Fudge and Lord Sirius Black. May we conduct ourselves with the decorum and integrity befitting this esteemed body." He stated solemnly.
As Ogdens words echoed through the chamber, Sirius felt a surge of resolve. He had faced countless challenges to reach this point, and now he stood on the brink of achieving his goal. He took a deep breath, his eyes flickering to the rows of seated members, each one holding the power to sway the outcome.
He'd done almost everything he could. He had fought hard to overcome the general idiocy of purebloods, and he'd reached this goal without having to give away countless favors and bribes that would invalidate his entire tenure.
He just hoped it was enough in the end.
The voting process began, each member stepping forward to cast their vote in a magically sealed urn, sliding their wand inside, completely theatrical, it served no other purpose than to turn red for one candidate ( Fudge) or Blue for the other (Him), well that and confirming the caster is who they said they are. The atmosphere was charged with a palpable sense of suspense, every movement scrutinized, every expression analyzed. Sirius watched intently, his mind racing with thoughts of who might support him and who might not.
He cast his own vote quick enough, the magical world not having any issues with a candidate voting for themselves. One advantage he had over Fudge, as he held no vote.
As the urn began to glow with blue lights, Sirius's thoughts drifted to the alliances he had forged, the promises he had made, and the strategies he had employed. He couldn't help but worry about the undecided votes, the neutrals who had held their positions close to their chests, their intentions inscrutable. His gaze shifted to Isabella Zabini, seated among the neutrals, her expression enigmatic. She had the power to sway the vote, and her decision could make or break his chances.
He still didn't know what way she'd lean in the end. And it bothered him.
Minutes felt like hours as the voting continued, each member's step echoing in the silence. Sirius's mind raced with a mix of hope and dread. He thought of Narcissa's words, the arguments and discussions that had led to this point, and the pressure he had faced from his family. He couldn't afford to fail, not now, not after everything.
Finally, they came towards the end, everyone having kept close count, the Urn shining with the amount of blue and red lights it held. The chamber was silent, the tension almost unbearable. Sirius's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Tiberius Ogden carefully examine each vote, his expression unreadable.
He knew the count himself already. So did everyone else. They all stated at the urn, in consternation. All but one person.
Ogden's voice rang out, clear and steady, as he announced, "Sirius Black leads Cornelius Fudge by one vote, there is one votee still missing…"
A collective gasp rippled through the chamber. The result sent shockwaves through the assembled members as they all knew who was left, their whispers and murmurs growing louder. Sirius felt a cold knot of fear settle in his stomach. One vote in the lead in this case meant uncertainty, and uncertainty was dangerous.
Because the last vote… The last vote held more than one house. Had more than one vote. Whichever candidate received the vote… Would win.
Ogden raised his hand again, calling for silence. "There is one vote remaining," He announced, his gaze sweeping over the assembly. "Lady Zabini."
Sirius's eyes locked onto Isabella as she rose from her seat, her movements graceful and deliberate. She held the final vote, the power to decide the outcome, and the weight of that responsibility was evident in her demeanor. She moved to the center of the chamber, all eyes on her, and paused, her gaze meeting Sirius's.
At that moment, time seemed to stretch, the air heavy with anticipation. Sirius's heart pounded in his chest, his thoughts a whirlwind of hope and fear. Isabella held his fate in her hands, and he could only wait, his breath caught in his throat, for her decision.
He'd refused her advances, gone so far as to practically beg for her help, but refusing her only conditions.
Had it been enough? Did she want to punish him for his temerity to turn her down?
His life, his ambitions, the magical world's future. It all hung on this one moment.
On the choice of the Black Widow.
Isabella's lips curved into a coy smile, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. She held Sirius's gaze for a heartbeat longer, then turned to Ogden, her voice clear and unwavering as she put her wand in the urn. "I cast my vote for Sirius Black!"
A collective exhale swept through the chamber, the tension breaking like a wave. Sirius felt a rush of elation, his heart soaring with relief and triumph. He had done it.
He was the new Minister of Magic.
Dumbledore was the first to stand up and clap, breaking decorum, but no one seems willing to challenge it, the chambers erupting in applause as his allies went wild, and his enemies and detractors politely applauded, already no doubt sharpening their knives for a good fit for his back.
The look on Bagnold's face though, the sheer shock and fear, was enough to bring joy to his heart. Take that you absolutely twat!
The sound of applause reverberated off the walls. Sirius stood tall, his eyes shining with pride and determination. He had achieved his goal, and now, the real work would begin. The future of the magical world was in his hands, and he was ready to shape it, one step at a time.
His eyes met Isabella's.
The smug look on her told him enough, not that he didn't already know it.
You owe me.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ
Author's note:
So after like 100k he's finally Minister of Magic.
So now the real story can begin, working on reshaping the ministry and the magical world.
Yeah, yeah, I know, my pacing is too slow. It is the evil I can never seem to defeat.
Also get to finally see some of what Sirius would want to change or add to the Magical world, his ideas for werewolf sanctuary defeating the lycanthropy plague and the way people treat anyone infected.
A lot of things are going on in the background here, Sirius will definitely have an interesting time ahead of him.