Chapter 7

The grand chamber of the Wizengamot was filled with a sense of anticipation and tension as the trial of Sirius Black commenced. The seats were packed with members of the wizarding world, all eager to witness the proceedings. High-ranking officials, respected wizards and witches, and curious onlookers filled the room. At the center of it all, Sirius Black sat in a chair with chains that bound him, though his eyes were filled with a determined fire.

Amelia Bones, standing as the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, moved to address the assembly. "We are here today to reexamine the case of Sirius Black, who has been imprisoned for eight and a half years without a trial. New evidence has come to light that warrants this reconsideration."

There was a murmur among the crowd as Albus Dumbledore, sitting as the Chief Warlock, called the room to order. "We will hear the evidence and testimonies today. Let us begin."

Amelia presented the newly uncovered will of James and Lily Potter, emphasizing that their choice for Secret Keeper had been Peter Pettigrew, not Sirius Black. "This document, found in Gringotts, explicitly names Peter Pettigrew as the Secret Keeper. It also states that Harry Potter was never to be placed with the Dursleys, a directive that was ignored."

The murmurs grew louder as the significance of the will sank in. Members of the Wizengamot exchanged incredulous looks, realizing the implications.

Amelia continued, "Additionally, we have testimony from Remus Lupin, who was close to both Sirius Black and the Potters. While he was unaware of the Secret Keeper switch, he can attest to the trust and loyalty that existed among their group." Remus stepped forward, recounting the events leading up to the Potters' deaths, describing how the group's trust dynamics made the betrayal so shocking.

"Furthermore," Amelia added, her voice steady, "we have secured a list of trials from the past decade, and it has been confirmed that Sirius Black was never given a trial. This gross miscarriage of justice cannot be ignored."

Dumbledore, with a grave expression, turned to Sirius. "Mr. Black, you have the right to speak."

Sirius stood, his voice clear and strong.As the trial progressed, "I demand to be questioned under Veritaserum," he declared, his voice echoing through the chamber. The crowd murmured in surprise, and Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued.

Amelia Bones, standing at the forefront of the proceedings, nodded approvingly. "If the Wizengamot agrees, we can proceed with the Veritaserum questioning to ensure that all doubts are laid to rest."

After a brief consultation among the members, Dumbledore spoke, "The Wizengamot agrees to your request, Mr. Black. Auror Shacklebolt, please administer the Veritaserum."

Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped forward, holding a small vial of the truth serum. He approached Sirius, who extended his arm willingly. Kingsley administered three drops of the potion, and Sirius's eyes glazed over slightly as the serum took effect.

"Let's begin," Amelia said, stepping closer. "State your name."

"Sirius Orion Black," he replied in a monotone voice.

"Were you the Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter?" Amelia asked, her voice steady.

"No, I was not. The Secret Keeper was Peter Pettigrew," Sirius answered truthfully.

Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd, the implications of his statement sinking in.

"Did you betray James and Lily Potter to Voldemort?" Amelia continued.

"No. I would never betray them. Peter Pettigrew betrayed them," Sirius responded, his voice unwavering.

"Were you responsible for the deaths of the Muggles on the day Pettigrew disappeared?" Amelia asked, pressing forward.

"No, I did not kill them. Pettigrew faked his death and killed those Muggles," Sirius answered.

Dumbledore interjected, "Did you ever receive a trial for these accusations?"

"No. I was imprisoned without a trial," Sirius stated, the injustice of his words hanging heavily in the air.

The chamber fell into a stunned silence as the truth, verified under Veritaserum, cleared Sirius of all charges. The members of the Wizengamot exchanged looks of shock and realization.

Dumbledore, his expression grave yet hopeful, spoke again. "Given the irrefutable evidence and the testimony provided under Veritaserum, it is clear that Sirius Black has been wrongfully imprisoned. The Wizengamot will deliberate, but it is evident that justice must be served."

The deliberation was swift, and the decision unanimous. "Sirius Black," Dumbledore declared, "you are hereby cleared of all charges and exonerated. You are a free man."

The chains binding Sirius vanished, and a wave of relief and emotion washed over him. The chamber erupted in a mix of cheers and astonishment.

Amelia Bones stepped forward, her expression resolute. "While justice has been served for Sirius Black today, there is another matter that must be addressed. I intend to file a formal complaint against Albus Dumbledore for disregarding the explicit instructions of James and Lily Potter's will by placing Harry Potter with the Dursleys."

A hush fell over the chamber as her words sank in. Dumbledore's face remained calm, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of regret.

Sirius, now standing tall and free, raised his hand to second her motion. "As the Head of House Black, I fully support this complaint. Harry should never have been placed with those Muggles. Their treatment of him was nothing short of abusive. This negligence cannot go unchallenged."

The murmurs in the chamber grew louder, the members of the Wizengamot exchanging looks of concern and agreement. It was clear that the issue was not just a personal grievance but a matter of upholding the sanctity of wizarding law and the protection of children within their society.

Dumbledore stepped forward, his voice measured and calm. "I understand the concerns raised and accept the need for a thorough review of my actions. My intentions were always for Harry's protection, but I will cooperate fully with any investigation."

Amelia's gaze was steely. "Good. For now, we must ensure Harry is safe and his parents' wishes are honored."

The Chief Warlock nodded, and the motion was passed to investigate Dumbledore's actions. The trial concluded, and as the crowd began to disperse, Amelia and Sirius exchanged a look of determination. They knew their work was far from over, but they were united in their commitment to protect and support Harry.

As they left the chamber, Sirius felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to be the godfather Harry needed, and with Amelia's support, he was determined to make up for lost time and ensure Harry had the family and future he deserved.

—

As the trial concluded and the chamber began to empty, Sirius stepped out into the hallway, the weight of his freedom still sinking in. The air outside Azkaban was fresher than he remembered, and the emotions swirling within him were almost overwhelming. Amidst the crowd, he saw a familiar face making its way towards him.

"Moony!" Sirius called out, his voice choked with emotion.

Remus Lupin turned at the sound of the nickname, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Padfoot?" he whispered, taking hesitant steps forward before breaking into a run.

The two men embraced tightly, holding on as if afraid the other might disappear. It was a reunion filled with a decade's worth of unspoken words and shared grief.

"I can't believe it's really you," Remus said, pulling back to look at Sirius, his eyes shining with tears. "When I heard you were free, I thought I was dreaming."

"It's real, Moony. Thanks to Amelia and the truth finally coming out," Sirius replied, his voice thick with emotion. "I never betrayed James and Lily. I never betrayed you."

Remus nodded, his expression filled with relief and guilt. "I should have known, Sirius. I should have trusted you. But they told us you were the Secret Keeper."

"I understand, Remus. Peter fooled us all," Sirius said, his voice hardening at the mention of Pettigrew. "But now, we have a chance to set things right. For James, for Lily, and for Harry."

"Harry," Remus echoed softly, a tender smile spreading across his face. "He's grown up so much. Amelia has been looking after him, but he needs us, Sirius. He needs his family."

Sirius nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "We'll be there for him, Remus. We'll give him the family he deserves. And we'll make sure he knows the truth about his parents and their love for him."

As they stood together, the bond between them stronger than ever, Amelia approached, her expression one of relief and purpose. "It's good to see you two reunited," she said, a hint of a smile on her lips. "We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe we can make a real difference for Harry."

"Thank you, Amelia," Sirius said earnestly. "For everything."

"We're in this together," she replied. "Now, let's meet Harry and start building the future he deserves."

With a shared sense of purpose and unity, Sirius, Remus, and Amelia left the Ministry, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They were determined to protect Harry, honor James and Lily's legacy, and rebuild the family bonds that had been shattered by betrayal and loss.

—

As the trio left the Ministry of Magic, Amelia led Sirius and Remus to a waiting Ministry car. The journey was filled with a mixture of relief, anticipation, and quiet determination. Both men had endured years of hardship, and the road ahead promised new challenges. However, they were united by a common purpose: ensuring Harry's safety and happiness.

The car ride to Amelia's home was relatively quiet, punctuated by occasional small talk and the hum of the vehicle's engine. Amelia's home was a stately, welcoming place, exuding an air of warmth and stability. It was clear that this was a place of refuge and care—a stark contrast to the cold, harsh environment Sirius had just left behind.

As they approached the front door, Amelia turned to them. "Harry and Susan should be in the garden. He's been learning to fly a broomstick, and Susan's been helping him adjust to our world. Let's not overwhelm him with too much information at once."

Sirius and Remus nodded, appreciating her thoughtful approach. They stepped inside, and Amelia led them through the house, her footsteps purposeful yet gentle. The sounds of laughter and animated conversation drifted in from the garden, bringing a smile to their faces.

They emerged into the garden to find Harry and Susan engrossed in their flying lesson. Harry's face lit up with a mix of concentration and pure joy as he maneuvered the broomstick under Susan's careful guidance. It was a sight that warmed the hearts of both Sirius and Remus.

"Harry," Amelia called softly, her voice filled with affection.

Harry turned, his face breaking into a wide smile. "Amelia! We were just practicing some flying techniques."

As he landed gracefully, Susan beaming with pride, Amelia gestured towards Sirius and Remus. "Harry, there's someone here who wants to see you."

Harry's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the two men. He recognized Remus from the letter he had received, but Sirius was a stranger to him. Yet, something in Sirius's eyes felt deeply familiar.

"Harry, this is Remus Lupin," Amelia began, placing a gentle hand on Remus's shoulder. "And this," she said, her voice softening, "is your godfather, Sirius Black."

Harry's eyes widened further, a mix of surprise and curiosity etched on his young face. "My godfather?" he repeated, stepping closer.

Sirius nodded, emotion choking his voice. "Yes, Harry. I was your parents' best friend. I... I couldn't be there for you before, but I promise I'll make it right now."

Remus smiled warmly, stepping forward. "It's true, Harry. Sirius and I were both very close to your parents. We've missed you terribly and are so glad to finally be with you."

Harry took a moment to process everything, then, with a tentative smile, he moved closer to Sirius and Remus. "It's good to meet you," he said simply, his voice filled with a mix of emotions.

Sirius knelt down to Harry's level, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. "It's good to meet you too, Harry. And I promise, we'll always be here for you from now on."

Amelia watched the reunion with a soft smile, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. This was a new beginning for all of them—a chance to build a brighter, more hopeful future for Harry. With Remus and Sirius by their side, she knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

—

As they settled in the garden, Amelia brought out refreshments and encouraged everyone to make themselves comfortable. Sirius and Remus sat on either side of Harry, while Susan sat nearby, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and warmth.

Amelia cleared her throat, catching everyone's attention. "Harry, I've already told Sirius about your 'friend' Drakor. I think now would be a good time to fill in Remus and Susan as well."

Harry glanced at Amelia, then at Sirius, who nodded encouragingly. With a deep breath, he began to explain. "So, the night that Amelia and Moody found me, something really strange happened. I discovered I had this... well, a dragon living inside me. His name is Drakor."

Susan's eyes widened, and Remus leaned forward, listening intently.

"Drakor isn't like a normal dragon," Harry continued. "He's a symbiotic entity. That means he helps me, and I help him. He gives me strength, and I can do things that other wizards can't, like flying without a broomstick."

Susan gasped, her eyes even wider. "Flying without a broomstick? That's incredible, Harry!"

Remus nodded thoughtfully. "A symbiotic entity, you say? Fascinating. And you say he's been helpful?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, very. But there's also something else. When Drakor first bonded with me, we discovered there was another entity inside me, but it wasn't like Drakor. It was parasitic, and it was making me weaker."

Amelia looked surprised. "I didn't know about this, Harry. What happened to the parasitic entity?"

Harry hesitated for a moment before answering. "Drakor absorbed it. He took its energy and made it his own, which made me stronger and got rid of the weakness."

Amelia's eyes widened slightly, processing this new information. "That must have been a significant event. I'm glad Drakor was able to help you with that."

Sirius placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll get through this, Harry. Together. You're not alone in this."

Susan, who had been quietly absorbing everything, spoke up. "Well, whatever happens, you have us by your side, Harry. We'll face it together."

Remus smiled warmly. "You've been through so much already, Harry. But with friends and family like this, I have no doubt you'll overcome any challenge."

Harry felt a surge of gratitude and affection for the people around him. Despite the complexities of his situation, he knew he was surrounded by those who genuinely cared for him and would support him no matter what.

Harry grinned and added, "There's also something funny about Drakor. He loves chocolate. It's his favorite thing to eat. It's the only thing he needs to survive." Harry was careful not to mention the part about human brains in front of Susan.

Susan giggled. "A dragon that loves chocolate? That's adorable!"

Remus chuckled. "Well, at least he has good taste. Chocolate is one of life's pleasures."

Sirius grinned mischievously, a spark of his old self shining through. "You know, with the Black Family fortune, maybe I should start a candy business. We could call it 'Black's Best Chocolate' or something like that. We'd make a fortune, and Drakor would always have a steady supply."

Harry laughed, the idea of Sirius running a candy business bringing a lightness to the room. "That sounds amazing, Sirius. I bet it would be the best chocolate in the Wizarding World."

Amelia raised an eyebrow, amused by the suggestion. "Knowing your creative streak, Sirius, I'm sure it would be a success. And it would certainly be a unique venture for the House of Black."

Susan giggled. "I'd definitely be a customer. Imagine, the famous Sirius Black's chocolate! It would be a hit at Hogwarts."

Remus joined in the laughter. "It's good to see you thinking about the future, Sirius. And who knows, maybe it could be a way to bring some happiness and normalcy back into your life."

Sirius's grin widened. "Well, it's something to consider. And if it brings joy to people, especially Harry and his friends, then it might be worth pursuing."

Susan, who had been listening intently, suddenly piped up, her curiosity evident. "Harry, can I meet Drakor? You've mentioned him a few times, and I'm really curious to see him."

Harry glanced at Amelia, who gave a nod of encouragement. He turned back to Susan, a small smile on his face. "Alright, Susan. Drakor, would you mind introducing yourself?"

From within Harry's clothes emerged a gooey black mass, slowly taking the form of a dragon head that stuck out from Harry's shirt. Drakor's voice resonated in the room, deep and soothing. "Greetings, Susan. I am Drakor, a symbiotic being bonded with Harry. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Susan's eyes widened in amazement as she looked at Harry, or rather Drakor's presence within him. "Wow, this is incredible! I've read about magical bonds and entities, but I've never seen anything like this before."

Drakor chuckled softly. "Indeed, our bond is unique. I am here to protect and support Harry in any way I can. And I must say, he has already introduced me to one of life's greatest delights—chocolate."

Sirius laughed, shaking his head. "Drakor has quite the sweet tooth, it seems. Maybe starting a candy business isn't such a bad idea after all."

Remus nodded, smiling. "It sounds like you and Drakor make a great team, Harry."

Harry felt a surge of warmth from Drakor, a comforting presence that reassured him. "Thanks, everyone. Drakor and I are still figuring things out, but it's nice to have friends and family who understand and support us."

Amelia placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You are not alone anymore, Harry. We're all here for you, and together, we can face whatever comes our way."

Susan beamed, clearly excited to have met Drakor. "This is going to be an amazing adventure, Harry. With Drakor by your side and all of us supporting you, there's nothing we can't do."

Harry nodded, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination. For the first time, he truly believed that his future was bright and full of possibilities.

—

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the cluttered desk of Barnabus Cuffe, chief editor of the Daily Prophet. With a quill in hand and parchment spread out before him, he meticulously crafted his latest article, his brow furrowed in concentration.

As the ink dried on the page, Barnabus stepped back to admire his work. The headline read: "Wizengamot Session Shocks Wizarding World: Sirius Black Exonerated, Potter Guardianship Revelations Unveiled."

With a satisfied nod, Barnabus summoned a messenger owl to deliver the article to the presses. Moments later, the printing presses roared to life, churning out copies of the Daily Prophet bearing Barnabus's latest scoop.

In homes across the wizarding world, readers eagerly scanned the pages, their eyes drawn to Barnabus's article. His words painted a vivid picture of the dramatic events that had unfolded in the Wizengamot chambers the day before, capturing the attention of readers far and wide.

As the ink-stained pages of the Daily Prophet made their way into the hands of eager readers, Barnabus Cuffe's name became synonymous with breaking news and journalistic excellence, cementing his place as one of the wizarding world's most respected journalists.

—

The next day, as the sun rose over the Bones Family Estate, the household gathered for breakfast, eager to start the day. However, their plans were interrupted by the arrival of the Daily Prophet, bearing news of the previous day's Wizengamot session. 

Amelia Bones picked up the newspaper and scanned the headlines, her expression shifting from curiosity to concern as she read the article. Beside her, Sirius and Remus exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring her unease.

Wizengamot Session Shocks Wizarding World: Sirius Black Exonerated, Potter Guardianship Revelations Unveiled

By Barnabus Cuffe

In a stunning turn of events, yesterday's session of the Wizengamot sent shockwaves through the wizarding world, as Sirius Black, long believed to be a notorious criminal, was finally exonerated of all charges.

The proceedings began with the presentation of new evidence, meticulously gathered by members of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, which cast doubt on Black's alleged involvement in the events of October 31st, 1981. As the evidence was presented, it became increasingly clear that Black had been unjustly accused and imprisoned for crimes he did not commit.

In a historic moment, the Wizengamot unanimously voted to overturn Black's conviction, releasing him from Azkaban Prison after eight and a half years of wrongful imprisonment. The courtroom erupted in applause as Black was freed from his chains, his name finally cleared of the dark shadow that had haunted him for so long.

But the revelations did not end there. In a stunning twist, it was revealed that Albus Dumbledore, revered leader of the wizarding community, had knowingly placed Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, in the care of his neglectful relatives, the Dursleys.

The discovery sent shockwaves through the courtroom, as members of the Wizengamot grappled with the implications of Dumbledore's actions. Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, wasted no time in filing a formal complaint against Dumbledore for his gross negligence in carrying out the wishes of James and Lily Potter.

As the proceedings unfolded, it became clear that Dumbledore's actions had far-reaching consequences, not only for Harry Potter but for the entire wizarding world. Questions arose about Dumbledore's motives and the extent of his influence over the affairs of the magical community.

In the midst of the chaos, one thing remained certain: the truth had finally come to light, and justice had been served. As Sirius Black walked free from the halls of the Wizengamot, a new chapter began for him and for Harry Potter, the boy whose fate had been so callously manipulated.

The wizarding world awaits with bated breath to see what the future holds for Harry Potter and those who stand by his side, as the winds of change sweep through the hallowed halls of Hogwarts and beyond.

Amelia sighed, setting the newspaper aside. "Looks like we've made quite the impression," she remarked, her voice tinged with resignation.

Sirius nodded grimly. "It seems our troubles are far from over," he said, his gaze darkening.

Remus placed a comforting hand on Sirius's shoulder. "We'll face whatever comes our way together," he said firmly, his voice filled with determination.

And as they sat together, united in their resolve, Amelia, Sirius, and Remus knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would confront them as a family, bound by friendship, loyalty, and the shared determination to protect Harry and uphold justice.

---

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