Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to JK Rowling. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 21: Innocence
Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew are examples of how bullies might enjoy their time temporarily, but in the end, they all face their own punishments.
James Potter died protecting his wife and son. While he is remembered as a hero, his own son was later bullied by his cousin.
Remus Lupin lived in solitude, without a job, and was shunned by society. Sirius Black spent twelve years imprisoned, facing Dementors every day.
Peter Pettigrew was forced to live as a rat for twelve years and was eventually killed by Voldemort's magic.
This "F4" or "Flower 4," known as the Marauders, were very popular during their era. They called their pranks harmless, but those on the receiving end saw them as bullies.
Even in the modern world, some K-pop trainees who bullied others during their school years eventually face punishment, shunned by netizens. They may enjoy fame for a moment, but when their scandals are exposed, their light is overshadowed by darkness.
For Sirius Black, the man who escaped from prison, his greatest wish was to leave his family home and taste freedom again. While constantly worrying about his godson, Harry Potter, but his meeting with Amelia Bones a few days ago opened the possibility of finally receiving justice.
Suddenly, a light flew in—it was a stag Patronus.
"James..." murmured Sirius Black.
Then, Harry Potter's voice came from the Patronus, urging Sirius to meet him.
"Sirius, it's me, Harry Potter. Madam Amelia wants to meet you. She might be able to help get justice for you. This is a secret, don't tell anyone about it. Please come to my house, she'll be there too."
Hearing this, Sirius felt a surge of happiness. He wanted to reply but remembered he didn't have a wand.
"Kreacher!" he shouted.
"Did you hear anything?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, I heard that bastard master wants to meet filthy wizards," Kreacher muttered with a grievance.
"Shut up, Kreacher," Sirius said, while the elf was forced to remain silent due to family magic. "I forbid you from telling anyone that I'm leaving to meet someone. Don't leave this house until I return, and if any other Order members come, just tell them I went out, but don't say where I've gone."
"Yes, Master bastard," Kreacher replied, disgruntled.
Back to Potter....
"Do you think he received the message?" asked Harry.
"Definitely," replied Dudley.
"Yeah, if your Patronus reached him, then the message was successful," confirmed Amelia.
"I'm glad," Harry smiled. "Do you think he'll reply?"
"Nope," said Dudley with a grin.
"Why?" asked Harry, confused.
"Harry, just yesterday you showed us your own memory," Dudley explained. "Sirius doesn't have his wand. It was confiscated by the Aurors."
Hearing this, not only did Harry frown, but even Amelia Bones showed a puzzled expression.
"Madam Bones," said Dudley.
"Yes, Mr. Dursley?" Amelia replied, snapping out of her stupor.
"Have you tried casting Priori Incantatem on Sirius Black's wand?" asked Dudley.
Like a sleepy person suddenly being given a pillow, Amelia smiled upon hearing this.
"Thank you, Mr. Dursley," said Amelia.
Dudley wanted to comment further but restrained himself. His job was simply to remind Amelia about Sirius Black and help get justice for him.
Privet Drive 4 At Night...
The Dursley house was usually quite boring, but after Amelia and Susan moved in, everything changed.
With the help of a house-elf, Dudley managed to expand the rooms using rune expansion magic. It was similar to what Arthur Weasley did to his flying car—now a broken car.
The car malfunctioned back in Year 2 when Ron and Harry decided to get to Hogwarts using it.
Vernon and Petunia, who used to hate magic, had now started to embrace magical appliances or Muggle appliances enhanced with magic, and they were loving it. Dudley even shared the story of Nicolas Flamel, the man who could turn something into real gold.
Upon hearing this, Vernon saw potential in investing in magic. Petunia, who had always secretly wished to be a witch, listened with a touch of jealousy.
Luckily, Mipsy, the house-elf, overheard Petunia's wishes. Afraid of the elf being mistreated, Dudley had taught his mother about house-elves' weakness—they can't handle compliments. If someone compliments them, they'll be over the moon, and their loyalty will increase.
"Ding dong!" The doorbell rang.
"I think that's Sirius," said Dudley.
Harry's eyes lit up upon hearing his godfather was coming. And sure enough, when they opened the door, they saw the big black dog.
"Come in, Sirius," invited Dudley, and after Sirius entered the house, he tightly closed the door.
"Muffliato," Dudley cast the spell.
"Mr. Dursley, even though this is a magical household, you are still underage and cannot use magic," Amelia glared at Dudley sternly.
"I'm sorry, Madam Amelia," Dudley apologized, realizing that she, being a Hufflepuff, was fair but firm. He could perform magic behind her back when she wasn't around, but it wasn't wise to test her limits right in front of her. "The spell I used blocks sound. I don't want Dumbledore's vigilante group spying on us."
Hearing this, Amelia accepted his apology.
"Okay, but there won't be a next time," Amelia warned.
Sirius, who had just entered in his animagus form, transformed back into his human form.
"Amelia, thank you for inviting me," said Sirius Black. "I'm willing to take the vow we discussed if it will prove my innocence."
"Don't worry, Mr. Black. I've completed my investigation, and we discovered that you never received a trial. We also found your wand, and the last spell you cast was not Bombarda, so your testimony stands. I called you here to discuss something important it is your upcoming trial," said Amelia.
"Will he really get a trial, Madam Bones?" asked Harry excitedly. He had longed for his godfather to be formally cleared of all charges.
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