Framed

"I thought I'd find you here."

Harry released a small sigh and turned around to find Sirius leaning against the wall. The old dog smiled slightly before walking forward and looking over at a small group of kids that were playing in the park.

"I still remember the time when we used to be like that," Sirius began, and Harry looked at the kid who kicked the football around while a few chased after him.

"I wish I did too," he murmured, and Sirius' face softened. It hurt to see Harry like that. He remembered how he had felt back when he realized what Peter had done, and even though Harry hadn't been betrayed in the same manner, he knew how he felt and how much he was suffering.

Hermione and Ron had been his best friends, the first two he had ever had, and to lose them in such a manner was bound to be painful.

"I assume you know what happened in the basement?"

Sirius sighed.

"I happened to meet a little firecracker outside the door."

Harry chuckled ruefully.

"I don't have any issues with Ginny. She hasn't betrayed my trust. She's a little misguided, that's all."

Sirius chuckled.

"You should tell her that. Poor girl was devastated that you hated her too."

Harry nodded and turned around to look back at the children playing in the park.

"You've been up here all day?"

Harry shrugged, and Sirius sighed.

"Listen Harry. You don't need me to tell you this, but life isn't all sunshine and roses. You'll find prickling heat and sharp thorns at every step. All you can do is to keep yourself at bay and reach for what you want."

"Look at you," Harry chuckled, turning around to look at his godfather, "getting all philosophical on me this early in the day. What happened to the womanizing marauder? Didn't you have a date planned?"

"Well… my girl has still not replied with the final time yet," Sirius sighed, prompting a chuckle out of Harry, "however, fear not, it's not as if she's going to cancel."

"Aren't you a little too cocky right now?"

"C'mon my dear godson, I'm always cocky," Sirius grinned, "But let's talk about something for a change. What's up with your girl? Any progress yet?"

Without any effort on his part, a small smile curved up on his lips as Harry thought about Gabrielle. His last letter to her had been almost a week ago, and he had received a quick reply. Gabrielle had undergone her veela maturity and had taken no time in teasing him about it. Even though they had not defined what they were yet, the innuendos she kept dropping left no doubt in his mind that she felt the same way he did, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't look forward to seeing her next.

"Merlin you're smitten already," Sirius groaned, and Harry shoved him away.

"For the umpteenth time, she's not my girl."

"Yet," Sirius grinned, and Harry could only shake his head. The duo simply stood there in silence for a few moments, watching the kids play without a care in the world.

"Listen Harry," Harry sensed a change in his voice and turned around, giving his godfather his full attention. The old marauder was looking at him with a gentle smile.

"Life may have thorns, but it has beautiful roses too. You just need to take the step forward. You might have lost something very special today, but don't let that turn you into something worse. Instead, reach for what you want in your life and keep it. There won't always be second chances, and there's no use in staying mad over something lost."

With a final tap on his back, Sirius pushed off the wall and walked inside as Harry continued to watch the kids play in the park, uncaring of any turmoil that plagued the world beyond.

XXXXX

"Are you sure, Albus?"

Albus Dumbledore turned to look at Molly Weasley who was standing at the kitchen counter, and the remaining order members turned to look at her as well, before turning toward the ancient wizard sitting at the end of the table.

Sirius sat at the other end, his hands clasped as he rested his elbows on the table, looking over at the people assembled before fixing his gaze on the headmaster.

"I'm sure, Molly. As much as I'd like it to be false, I have to admit that Harry is at the forefront of this war. Voldemort wants to rule over Britain, or its ashes, he doesn't care. But above all else, his goal is to kill Harry. And if I'm being totally honest, I don't think there is anything else Harry wants to do either."

"So, we are to bend over at the whims of a teenager? Is that what you're saying Albus? To cater to what he wants?" Alastor Moody butted in, and Sirius turned to glare at him.

"No Alastor. We are not bending to the wishes of anyone," Dumbledore shook his head slightly, "I'm saying this because this is what I feel is right. Apart from a few of us, no one can claim to have fought on the frontlines, much less actually fight for their lives. Harry has lived that life for four years now, and all of us know it is only going to get worse. For us to win, we all need to be on the same page, and I truly feel Harry is ready," he finished, nodding at Sirius who slapped the table hard and stood up.

No one said anything as Sirius got up and walked over to the door. Yanking it open, he stepped aside.

A young man of eighteen with raven hair and glowing emerald eyes walked in with a purposeful stride, his face held high and his shoulders pulled back. He showed no hesitation and met the eyes of every single person assembled one by one until he walked over to the empty seat to the right of the headmaster and sat down.

A confident visage rested on a sturdy frame, evident by his broad shoulders and fitting robes which hinted at the bulk of muscles underneath. Harry Potter was a child no more, but a young man quickly approaching his prime.

A multitude of expressions crossed the faces all across the room, from open curiosity to respect, with a few looks of haughtiness and sneers mixed in. Harry paid them no mind and leaned back in his seat, sitting perfectly straight and looking at the headmaster.

An unspoken agreement passed between them before Dumbledore launched an aggressive mental probe, which ended as soon as it began when the old wizard rubbed his forehead slightly to stave off the headache that his failed Legilimency attempt had resulted in.

A couple of eyes widened around the table as they realized what had happened, and their eyes took on an appreciative gleam while others schooled their expressions. Moody gave a searching look to the boy before locking eyes with Tonks, who looked at him and nodded. He gave an approving nod before sitting down.

"Now, as decided, we have a new member in our ranks. Although this hasn't been done previously, circumstances demand that we take certain unorthodox steps. Therefore, I'd like you all to join me in officially welcoming Harry Potter into the Order of the Phoenix," Dumbledore proclaimed, before clapping politely.

People around the table joined in as Harry stood up and bowed slightly before sitting back down.

"Let's get this meeting underway then," Dumbledore began with a nod, but before anything could proceed further, the fireplace flared up and a short, bald wizard stumbled out.

"H-headmaster…" the wizard panted, and everyone abruptly stood up when he rushed over to Dumbledore and began speaking with him in hushed tones. Dumbledore patiently listened to whatever he had to say before a severe frown emerged on his face.

"Thank you, Mundungus. You may take your leave now," Dumbledore nodded at the man, who bowed before scampering away.

"What did he have to say?"

Dumbledore turned toward Tonks who had asked the question that was on everyone's minds before looking around.

"It seems we were right in bringing Harry over in advance. I'd asked Mundungus to keep watch around Privet Drive for any disturbances. A few hours ago, two dementors were spotted in Little Whinging and they kissed a boy before fleeing away."

Looks of shock were visible all around the room as Harry locked eyes with Sirius, who looked back with wide eyes.

"He took so much time to bring this news? What was he doing? Laying drunk in a ditch somewhere!?" Tonks exclaimed.

Before anyone could say anything, however, the radio flared into life on its own, taking everyone by surprise.

"This happens only when there is an emergency announcement," Sirius remarked, and everyone stood with bated breaths to listen to what the broadcast was.

An uncomfortable static sounded out before someone cleared one's throat.

"Witches and wizards of Magical Britain, it's with a very heavy heart that I am forced to address you today in such a manner."

"Ugh… that's Fudge," Tonks muttered.

"I am honestly lost for words, unable to believe that something like this has happened, but after the events that have unfolded in the recent past, I should have suspected something like this might occur."

"Get to the point already," someone muttered.

"There have been governments in the past who have hidden things from you, used the power they had for their own gains, as we saw with what happened to Sirius Black. However, I believe in transparency and accountability. In the spirit of open dialogue and fairness, I believe that you, the citizens of Wizarding Britain, have the right to know of every important event that unfolds in our society."

"That's rich," Harry chuckled, and a few laughs sounded out. However, a few people had deep frowns on their faces.

"That is why, it is with a very heavy heart that I have to announce that barely an hour ago, we received a report of the abnormal death of a muggle young man. This young man, who goes by the name Piers Polkiss, was found dead in a tunnel in a suburban part of Surrey known as Little Whinging."

Harry's eyes widened, and a few people turned to discreetly look at him before looking back at the radio.

"There were no wounds or any other proof of death on the body, and our investigators have confirmed that it was not a death by any muggle means, which means there was an involvement of magic. The only wizard of age living in the area is none other than Harry James Potter, who has been missing for some time now, and not even the ministry owls can track him down. Keeping the above facts in mind, the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, on behalf of the Ministry of Magic is hereby officially issuing a warrant bearing the name of one Harry James Potter on suspicion of the murder of an innocent muggle boy. Harry Potter is hereby commanded to present himself for a trial tomorrow morning at 10:30, failing which the ministry shall be forced to take severe step-"

The rest of the monologue was cut off as a vicious blasting curse blew the radio into pieces, and everyone turned around to see a furious Sirius Black glaring at the pile of rubble.

"What utter bullshit is this!?"

"Sirius, calm down," Dumbledore began, and Sirius turned around to glare at the old wizard.

"Don't tell me to calm down, Albus! Just don't. This has gone on long enough. It wasn't enough for them to drag his name through the mud, now they want to frame him for someone's murder! No. They have crossed a line now. I won't let it happen!"

"Neither would I, Sirius," Dumbledore held up his hands with a frown, "however, we can't lose our calm, not right now. Nothing will happen to Harry, I promise you," he said as he turned to look at Harry, who stood there, shock evident on his face. They all turned to look at him and saw that slowly, his shock gave way to anger as he gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes.

Sensing his anger, Dumbledore turned toward the assembled order members.

"Due to obvious reasons, let's adjourn this meeting to tomorrow evening at 7. Harry, Sirius, if you would join me in my office," Dumbledore said, and without a word, turned around to walk outside. Harry and Sirius exchanged a look before nodding at the Order members. McGonagall patted Harry on the back and Mrs Weasley hugged him tight before leaving him so he could follow his godfather.

The mood inside the room was sombre as the majority of Order members returned to their homes while a few stayed right where they were.

XXXXX

A quietly seething Harry Potter and a fuming Sirius Black walked up the gargoyle staircase to the headmaster's office. Only one thing was on their mind – Fudge had gone too far now.

Harry was alright with the ministry slandering his name. It would have only given his voice more credibility in the future, but it seemed as if they were not content with simply tarnishing his reputation. No, they were intent on removing him entirely from the board.

Although initially, he had thought that Voldemort had been the one to send those dementors, hoping to kill him when his wand failed him every time. But the more he thought about the ministry's actions and Fudge's pathetic speech, the surer he got that it was actually the ministry itself that was behind the whole debacle.

Sirius, although angry beyond measure, was more terrified. He had witnessed, firsthand, the horrors of Azkaban. He knew what it was like, and he could not let them send Harry to the dementors, or Merlin forbid, kill him.

Their gait didn't slow until they were right in front of the large double door of the office, and Harry promptly tapped the hardwood.

"Come in Harry, Sirius," the unmistakable voice of the headmaster sounded as the doors opened, and without any delay, the duo entered the room.

As they walked in and took the proffered seat, Harry noted with a grimace the greasy hair and the sunken face of Hogwarts' resident potions master lurking in the shadows. Sirius didn't show any restraint, openly glaring at Snape who returned it with equal vehemence.

"Now," Dumbledore started gravely, "it is imperative that we prove your innocence tomorrow, Harry. Although my word still holds a great deal of power, we have to assume the worst. But first of all, Severus, was Tom involved in the dementor attack?"

Snape ceased his glaring and drawled, "The Dark Lord, although very amused at the turn of events, has denied his involvement. He has yet to gain the loyalty of the Dementors, as I told you yesterday. However, during the meeting an hour ago, he explicitly told Lucius to ensure Potter wasn't killed, or given the kiss. The only inference that can be made here is that the Dark Lord wants to kill Potter himself."

Dumbledore nodded, and Snape sneered at a seething Sirius before standing aside.

"It is as I had suspected then," Harry began, and three pairs of eyes zeroed in on him. He continued, "Voldemort has too much pride to not face me head-on. He cannot afford to have me die by hands not his own. Which leaves the ministry as the only suspect here to do anything like that."

Dumbledore hummed and stroked his beard.

"As much as I see Cornelius in a negative light, I have a hard time believing that he can send the dementors after you. Although…" Dumbledore trailed off, frowning as he stroked his beard.

"Professor?"

Dumbledore looked over his eyeglasses at Harry who was sitting there with a frown.

"Ah yes. Although I doubt Cornelius would do something like this, there are those within his administration who might. And not everyone has the required authority to order a dementor attack on anyone."

"So, we can narrow the list of suspects down?" Sirius asked eagerly, a vengeful gleam in his eyes as he looked at Dumbledore. The headmaster frowned.

"We certainly can, yes. But we have some pressing matters to attend, namely how to clear your name," he intoned, looking intently at Harry.

Harry thought about how he could prove his innocence. Veritaserum and pensieve memories didn't count as acceptable evidence in the Wizengamot, and the only option they had was to make a rock-solid case for him. It was apparent that Fudge and the ministry, in general, wouldn't stop until they managed to get rid of him, and with the stakes already against him, he was starting in the red.

"We have to ensure our case is strong, Harry. Because we cannot trust Fudge and Lucius to not have skewed matters in their favor," Sirius remarked gravely.

"That's a given. However, who would my solicitor be?" Harry asked, looking at Dumbledore.

"I'm afraid I cannot be your solicitor, Harry. I've been barred from taking up any legal position by the Wizengamot. I can be present, but cannot partake in any operations."

Sirius frowned.

"Can't we just hire one? There are many who would give their left arm to be able to represent someone like Harry," Sirius chimed in.

Dumbledore sighed.

"Normally, you would be right, Sirius. But the core issue is if we hire someone, we would need to bring them into the order since they will be privy to confidential information."

"We could ask them to take an oath."

"No one shall take a binding oath if they don't want to join the Order, Sirius. Would you be willing to take one for someone you don't even know or care about, despite knowing the grave consequences of breaching one?"

Sirius frowned. He couldn't deny that.

"Then what? You want to send him in front of those vultures without a qualified attorney!?" Sirius stood up in anger, glaring at Dumbledore.

Harry frowned, before he bit his lip and steeled his resolve.

"Alright then. I'll do it. I'll fight the lawsuit myself."

They all looked at the young man in surprise, as Harry stared at Dumbledore with determination.

"W-what?" Sirius stammered with wide eyes.

"You heard me," Harry gazed at his godfather, "I'll fight it myself. I'm allowed to, right?"

"Normally, a counsel will be provided if you cannot bring in one of your own. However, there is a provision that allows the defendant to bypass an attorney and fight the case himself or herself, as the case may be," Dumbledore nodded.

"There you go, then."

"No. We can hire someone, Harry. Someone qualified. All we need to do is make them a member of the order, right? Easily done."

"It's okay, Sirius," Harry smiled, and Sirius turned to look at him agitatedly, "I don't want to put someone else on the spot just because they tried to help me. The narrower the focus of the ministry is, the better it will be. Let them come for me. I am not backing down."

Sirius looked on helplessly as Harry got up and pulled him into a firm hug, and with a resigned sigh, he wrapped his arms around him tightly. Meanwhile, Dumbledore looked on with a small smile as Snape sneered.

"I just don't want you to suffer in any manner," he whispered, and Harry tightened his hold on his godfather.

"And I appreciate you for it. A lot. But there are some battles I must fight on my own. This is just one of the many," Harry pulled back and looked at him with a small smile.

"Not come on, let us prepare for tomorrow. We have some rotten fudge to take care of," Harry grinned.

Sirius chuckled before his eyes fell on a sneering Snape who caught him looking and scoffed.

"Ignore him, it's not worth it," Harry whispered, giving a look to Snape who glared at him before nodding to the headmaster and walking off. The godfather-godson duo took their seats in front of the headmaster as the three wizards went to brainstorm for the upcoming hearing.

XXXXX

"What!? Harry's been framed of murder!?"

"Shh… keep your voice down, or you'll expose us!" Fred, or George, whoever it was, hissed and Hermione abruptly shut her mouth.

"What happened?" Ginny asked, agitated, as she looked at her brother.

"Well, we overheard mum and dad talking in the kitchen after everyone went back home. Someone sent Dementors in Little Whinging, and a boy got kissed-"

"-Now the ministry has issued a warrant against Harry, accusing him of murder. He has to attend the trial tomorrow morning. Obviously, everyone's pretty bummed up about it."

Their eyes widened and despite their differences, Ginny grabbed Hermione's hand and squeezed painfully.

"Wh-where's Harry now?"

"Dunno, wherever Dumbledore is, I guess-"

"-Have to prepare for that trial, right?"

"Why are you two acting so relaxed about this!?" Hermione exclaimed, and the twins turned around to look at her.

As one, they grinned.

"Why, Ms. Granger, haven't you seen how our boy wonder has changed? A proper snake in lion's clothing-"

"-Too right, brother o' mine, I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of his poisonous tongue," the twins visibly shuddered, and a shiver coursed through the trio as they remembered the dressing down Harry had given them a few hours prior.

"We're not afraid for him-"

"-not one bit. It's ol' Fudgie who's got to be afraid, I reckon," Fred grinned.

"Too true, Freddie. Harrykins will make a real fudge out of our Fudge," George laughed and slung his arm around his twin's neck as they walked off.

The trio looked at each other, and they could only hope that the twins were proven right. Harry might not be their friend anymore, but it did not mean they didn't care for him or want him to suffer.

XXXXX

A soft knock sounded out across the silent corridor as the person waited patiently for a response.

"Come in, my daughter,"

The door opened, and the man looked up as his eldest daughter entered the room and took her seat opposite him. A young woman of eighteen, she was a very attractive witch with her golden blonde locks which she kept tossed over her shoulder, a very pretty face with a dainty nose and full, pouty lips, and sapphire eyes that glittered whenever she stood in the light.

Cyrus was a proud man, and he had every ounce of pride in his two princesses. He looked at his eldest and with a small smile, slid an official ministry envelope across the table.

The girl looked up at her father for a moment before taking the envelope in her hands and pulling the piece of parchment out. Her eyes widened with every word she read until she was finished reading. Slowly, she put the parchment back inside the envelope and placed it back on the table before looking at her father.

"So, what are you going to do about it, father?"

Cyrus looked at her critically for a moment, studying her features but she gave nothing away.

"I'm going to do what my father should have done twenty years ago. I am going to take a stand," Cyrus proclaimed, and the young woman's eyes widened slightly as a small smile curved up on her beautiful visage.

"Do you really mean that, father?" She asked, her voice breaking slightly.

Cyrus looked at his daughter and nodded with a soft smile.

"It's the right thing to do."

The girl looked up as her father stood up and walked over to the portrait of his grandfather standing shoulder to shoulder with two other men, garbed in battle robes and their wands held up.

"It's time, my girl, for House Greengrass to stand together with House Potter and House Black once again."

Daphne Greengrass looked on with pride as her father finally decided to take the step her grandfather had refused to take in the previous war. There would be no more cowardice. No more neutrality. No more playing both sides.

Just like how her great-grandfather Albert had fought alongside Charlus Potter and Arcturus Black against the Dark Lord Grindelwald, House Greengrass shall stand alongside House Potter and House Black against another dark lord, for better or worse.

To be continued...

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There are also character artworks for the ladies if you're interested in seeing what they might look like.

I'll be back soon with the next update for this fic. Meanwhile, check out my other fics if you haven't yet. Cheers!