The Black Trial
"I had somebody watch you; I know you know her. Arabella Figg is a squib that was also part of the resistance group, the Order of the Phoenix, that I had founded to fight Voldemort. A squib is a person who can't use magic and is born to magical parents. The opposite of a Muggleborn, in fact. She had an eye on you, but besides that you were neglected and that your cousin sometimes beat you with his friends, she couldn't tell me anything more."
Harry listened as Dumbledore explained Arabella Figg's role in watching over him. Dumbledore revealed that she couldn't detect signs of physical abuse, and he justified his decision not to confront Petunia Dursley with the magical world constantly to preserve the blood wards' protection.
"Now that is not an issue anymore. The Dursleys will be put on trial. A member of the magical law enforcement patrol, Cannion Vasparion, has already got your things out of the house. There also were some things that had remained from your mother on the attic. You will get those things as soon as it is decided where you will be living."
Dumbledore continued, outlining the charges against the Dursleys for child abuse, embezzlement of funds, and suspected tax evasion. Harry nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
"I guess having strong magical healing was a slight disadvantage then. I know from Healer Ickings that my magic healed me from the injuries they gave me," Harry reflected. He described the injuries he endured and how his magic healed him overnight, leaving only scars.
Dumbledore acknowledged the complexity of the situation, recognizing that Harry's magic concealed signs that others might have noticed.
Harry shifted the conversation to his living arrangements, asking about his options. Dumbledore explained that the most probable option would be for a magical family to take him in as a foster child until he came of age or chose emancipation.
"In the magical world, there are no orphanages, so if you refuse to go to any magical family, you would be placed in one of the Muggle orphanages."
Harry contemplated his options and then inquired about old friends of his parents who might have had arrangements for his placement.
"They did make those arrangements. But sadly none could be used. Your primary guardian, in case your parents died, would have been your father's best friend and your godfather Sirius Black, but he is in prison. It was found out that he was the one who betrayed the hiding place of your parents to Voldemort, and after they had died, he was cornered by another friend of your parents, Peter Pettigrew."
"Sirius was the better and more powerful wizard, and he killed Peter along with thirteen muggles who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," Dumbledore explained, his tone reflecting sadness. "Only a finger could be found of Peter after that. We never thought Sirius would betray your father; they were as close as brothers. But it seems Sirius was only pretending and was actually a spy for Voldemort."
Harry, however, wasn't convinced. He questioned the certainty of Sirius's guilt, pointing out the inconsistency in the remains left after the supposed blasting curse. He also expressed skepticism about Sirius not noticing any strange behavior from his father and demanded to know what Sirius said during his trial and why he allegedly betrayed his parents.
"The evidence was clear, so he was sent to Azkaban immediately after he was arrested," Dumbledore replied.
Harry erupted in frustration, causing the doors of the wardrobe to rattle. "What kind of nonsense is that?" he thundered. "That's the most obvious cover-up story I've ever heard! Every subject of her majesty the Queen has a right to a fair trial under the law of the crown. I have found nothing that makes witches and wizards exempt from that right."
He continued his impassioned argument, citing the historical connection between the magical world and the Crown, emphasizing the breach of the treaty the British wizarding society signed with the Crown. "For Sirius Black not even to be given a trial is a clear violation of the agreement," Harry asserted.
Dumbledore, taken aback by Harry's vehemence, was truly shocked. Harry then pressed on, demanding to know how Dumbledore knew Sirius betrayed his parents. The air in the room crackled with tension as Harry sought the truth behind the seemingly unjust conviction of his father's once-close friend.
Dumbledore listened to Harry's pointed questions and observations, recognizing the skepticism in the young wizard's eyes. He sighed, acknowledging the validity of Harry's concerns.
"Your parents used a powerful enchantment known as the Fidelius Charm. It hides a secret within the soul of a person, the Secret Keeper," Dumbledore explained, sensing Harry's doubt. "Sirius Black was the Secret Keeper for your parents, but only a week after the charm was performed, Voldemort found them in Godric's Hollow."
Harry's skepticism was palpable. "I'll believe it when I get his statement. I've heard too many lies from adults in my life to just believe anything with so many holes in it."
He continued to dissect the situation, questioning the absence of witnesses during the charm's performance and expressing doubts about Pettigrew's fate. Harry delved into the intricacies of the investigation, drawing on his knowledge of mystery books, especially the teachings of Sherlock Holmes.
"In my opinion, having a man blasted up with one curse and only leaving a finger is impossible," Harry asserted. "I would have to test it with a dummy, but I'm pretty sure I'm right. So who says it wasn't different?"
Dumbledore looked at Harry, recognizing the keen analytical mind before him. "Harry, your questions are valid, and skepticism is a healthy trait. The pursuit of truth often requires us to question what we're told. As for Sirius, I understand your need for certainty. Perhaps it's time for you to seek the answers you seek directly."
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