Chapter 65

While Harry looked very excited on the prospect of exonerating his godfather and staying with him for the summer, Dumbledore, on the other hand, not so much. In fact, I am sure if he wasn't a master occlumans himself, he would have looked like he sucked on particularly sour lemon dorp of his. As is, all I can see are some minor tells here and there, even that due to my enhanced senses.

But still, he didn't admit defeat and tried one more time, " While I believe that Mr. Black has already suffered much and no doubt deserves to be exonerated and live as a free man, I can't help but think it's not the right time for that."

As he was saying that, I can't help but notice that Harry's magic was starting to flare and no doubt Dumbledore noticed it too, but still he continued, "Minister Fudge has become very paranoid these days and I am afraid of what he might do. He has been pushing all the blame on Mr. Black like the death eater attack during the quidditch world cup and other death eater activities. Clearing Sirius Black's name will weaken his position and political power, not to mention public outcry since Mr. Black is a purebred wizard of a prominent family. I think it will be in everyone's best interest if we let postpone this matter till we are done dealing with Voldemort. It will be for the best if concentrate on the war, which is no doubt coming."

As he finished saying that, Harry, whose magic was flaring, went out of control one more time. Seriously the kid needs to learn to control his magic better. I mean sure he is very emotional right now but still, control is very necessary for a wizard to become powerful, like yours truly. Anyway once again stuff gets broken, a few knickknacks of Dumbledores that remained intact, broke now. Again, I didn't miss out on the fun either and threw out some discreet wandless spells here and there to destroy some of his valuable objects. Oh, that book looks good, a very rare tome on Alchemy if I am not mistaken, from recently departed Flamel's collection no doubt. Since Harry is still throwing temper tantrum of his, I see no reason to take- I mean to save this rare piece of magic tome from destruction. One discreet wandless conjuration and a switching charm later, the book was safe from harm and more importantly, in my expended pouch. I set the fake on fire to be sure and no one knew my good deed of preserving a priceless piece of magical knowledge. A necessary action for the greater good.

I would pay good amount of galleons to see Dumbledore's face when he is cleaning his office after this "discussion" is done. Anyway, Harry gathers himself and says with gritted teeth, "No. This isn't fair, Sirius has already suffered enough. He deserves to have his name cleared and live his life, not in hiding like a criminal."

As fun it is to see Dumbledore flailing around to keep Harry under control, I am done with it for now. If I try any more, it will look like I am trying too hard to get Harry under my thumb. Besides, it's not like I am desperate for Harry to be on my side. Unlike Dumbledore who's overly complicated plan depends on willingly sacrificing himself to defeat Voldemort, I don't really care about Harry for my plans. Sure him having a good impression of me after his popularity rises when he defeats Voldemort would be good, but nothing I can't live without. I already have future Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones on my side along with Aurors with my recent efforts. It's already enough for me to be the next Light lord and I can always pull publicity stunts to bolster my image. Above all else, I don't really care about Sirius Black one way or another.

Even though I think this my face remains stoic as always and I say, "I think we should table this conversation till I talk to Madam Bones. Though the headmaster raises some valid concerns, no doubt Madam Bones will have greater insights into the situation as head of DMLE. We will know the extent of the fallout from the Minister as well as other lords and public for clearing Mr. Black's name after I talk to her, and we can then plan accordingly."

Both Dumbledore and Harry looked discontent, for different reasons no doubt but accepted my reasoning. Though McGonagall seemed more accepting of my reasoning, seems like my attempts are paying suitable dividends. As for Sirius Black, I will have to carefully consider my options and see if it will be more profitable to have Black remain a criminal or not. I will just nudge Amelia in the right direction accordingly.