Saturday, June 22nd, 1994
Thud. Harry winced as Hermione set her bottle of butterbeer on the table with just a little too much force than normal. He had noticed that her mood wasn't exactly the best since they had left the Ministry. But he hadn't dared to say anything. He had been on the wrong end of her moods in the many years he had known her. However Tonks, Sirius and Remus were now showing obvious signs that they had now realized she was having a bad mood so he thought he'd better speak up.
They were currently sitting in a private room at the Leaky Cauldron as they waited for Rita Skeeter to arrive. Tom had delivered two cases of butterbeer – as well as some harder drinks for Sirius and Remus, the former demanding he needed one (or a few) much to the latter's chagrin. Tonks had just toasted Sirius and Hermione had set her bottle down with a bit of force.
"Hermione?" Harry asked, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine!" Hermione said, a little too quickly.
"Exactly how many times have you lectured me when I said 'I'm fine' over the years?" Harry asked.
Hermione scowled. Then she sighed. "Alright. I might be a little angry. That total b... witch, Dolores Umbridge, could have screwed everything up for Sirius today!"
"Oh, is that what the issue is?" Harry asked, grinning. "And did you just nearly swear? Sweet, kind Hermione Granger almost swore?"
"I'm serious, Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, then pointed at Sirius, "Shut up, Sirius, I'm talking."
Sirius pouted and took a chug of his firewhiskey. Tonks and Remus snickered.
"That woman – if you can call her that," Hermione said, "was doing everything she could do to make Sirius seem guilty even though the evidence was piling up that he was innocent."
"Did you expect anything better from her?" Harry asked.
"Well, no," Hermione admitted.
"Hermione, would it make you feel better," Sirius said, "if I told you that I was never bothered once by Umbridge today? After her accusation that I was guilty across the board simply because I am an unregistered Animagus, I was ninety-five percent sure I would walk out of there a free man. All she did was change a few minds, and not the way she wanted. The complete opposite! She gathered me more 'innocent' votes. I'm thankful! I'd still like the tear the toad limb from limb, but I'd thank her first."
"You might just get your chance, Sirius," Harry said.
Remus paused in taking a sip of his drink and set it down. Then he glanced at Harry, then Hermione and back again.
"She's on your list of assassinations," he said.
"Indeed," Harry said.
"She's not a Death Eater, though," Tonks said.
"Tonks is right," Remus said, "There has been no proof that she is a Death Eater. She's just a Ministry toad who has angered a lot of people including yours truly. Her view on werewolves, Goblins, and anything else subhuman is inhumane. And she considers Muggles and Muggleborn on that list."
"She's a vile, disgusting, evil... thing!" Hermione growled.
"True," Sirius said, "But the world isn't split between good people and Death Eaters. I'm going to assume you encountered her in your future."
"More than we would have liked," Harry said. "I will save you the horror stories for now. Just know she did enough to be added to the list."
"No complaints from me, kid," Sirius said, "One less monster in the world. How about Miss Skeeter. Is she on the list?"
"Nah," Harry said, "She is an annoying little bug. But she is also useful. We can use her. Oh, we can allow her to write her articles full of gossip and slander, just nothing on us or our allies, families and friends. We get her to write about our enemies. Anyone who comes up as an annoyance, we find out some juicy details and give them to her."
"And she might find even more juice," Hermione said, "Remember all the details she wrote up on Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore will be one of the targets, naturally," Harry said, "What do you bet Dumbledore's pardon of amnesty isn't public information?"
"Harry, the Minister won't like it when that information gets out," Hermione said.
"I'm sure the Minister is used to Rita Skeeter's articles," Remus said. "Cornelius would just believe Rita is fishing and rumor-mongering."
"A lot of focus is going to be on Dumbledore because of today," Harry said, "First there was the fact that he knew about the Godfather Ritual, and was Witness to my parents' Will. The public and media will wonder just how much he knew. Then there is the fact that he is responsible for Hagrid taking me away from you the night my parents died, Sirius."
Sirius nodded. "If we give Rita those two pieces of information, she'll believe it is a good start to an investigation and work from there. Perfect."
"What do we do to make sure she keeps her promises to not write anything about us?" Remus asked.
"The Junior Marauder here uncovered Rita Skeeter's biggest secret, Moony," Sirius said.
"Hermione uncovered it first last time," Harry said.
"Rita Skeeter is a beetle Animagus – unregistered," Hermione said, "She uses it to fly into unwelcome places and conversations unseen."
Remus raised an eyebrow. "I always wondered how she did it. I'd say she's been an Animagus for at least longer than a year unregistered. That is prison time. Yeah, we have her."
"On top of that, House Potter owns forty percent of the Daily Prophet and its sister subscriptions," Harry said, "I'm technically one of Rita's bosses."
"I knew Charlus had put in a lot of investments to businesses," Remus said, "I had no idea they were still around."
"And flourishing," Harry said, "Gained a lot of money over the years. But that isn't important. What is important is Rita Skeeter won't mess with me if she wants to keep her reputation."
"Cheers to that!" Sirius said.
He gulped down the last half of his bottle of firewhiskey in one go. Remus frowned.
"I think that is enough for now, Sirius," Remus said.
Before Sirius could retort, there was a knock on the door, and it opened. Tom poked his head in.
"Daily Prophet journalist Rita Skeeter is out here," he said, "She says you're expecting her, Lord Potter."
"I am, indeed," Harry said, "She can come in."
"Alright," Tom said, "Your meals will be ready shortly."
"Thank you, Tom," Harry said.
Tom backed away from the door and Rita Skeeter walked in. She immediately scowled.
"I didn't expect there to be a party," she said, "I was expecting to talk to Lord Potter and Lord Black."
"Our guests are here as witnesses, Miss Skeeter," Harry said, "Let me introduce you to family friend and former Professor, Remus Lupin, Dora Tonks, my bodyguard, and my girlfriend, Hermione Granger."
Rita looked curious. "Girlfriend? Do you know about Harry's betrothal contracts or did he keep them from you? If you know, then why are you -?"
"I do believe that is enough interrogation of my girlfriend, Miss Skeeter," Harry interrupted. "We are not here to discuss my personal life."
"I was expecting to get some details about you, Lord Potter," Rita Skeeter said.
"What you'll get is far better," Harry said. "I have several enemies, Miss Skeeter. Many of whom would be wonderful targets for your slanderous quill to ooze information over. I guarantee I have some pretty big names. You'll also get your freedom and keep your reputation intact. In turn, you will leave me, my friends, family and allies alone. Aside from the promised interview Sirius has offered, of course."
Rita's lips pursed as she stared at him. "Fine. Shall we begin? I have a press conference to attend in about an hour with the Minister. Do not make me late or deal is off."
"Then we shall begin," Harry said, "Take a seat."
Rita crossed the room and sat at the very end of the table away from the group.
"First things first," Harry said, "You will use a normal quill or Dicta Quill or both. No Quick-Quotes Quill. They can tend to be very faulty, adding or changing words they hear."
A sour expression crossed Rita's face, so Harry continued.
"Second, just so we're all on the same page," he said, "I think you should know exactly what you have to lose if you cross any of us or our allies, family and friends. You're a beetle Animagus. No, I will not tell you how I know. I know you are unregistered. Care to tell us exactly how long you have been an unregistered Animagus?"
Rita said nothing. She just continued to rummage through her bag, obviously looking for the proper quills.
"Since you are frightened of the news getting out," Harry said, "I'm going to say at least a year, though my Galleons are on the fact that it is much longer. That is prison time."
"Something you may or may not know about me, Harry," Sirius said, "I was an Auror for a short time before my incarceration. If I remember, anything past six months failing to register, and you get a month in prison for every month past six that you've been an Animagus. Has that changed, cousin?"
"Nope," Tonks said.
"Even if you were an unregistered for less than six months," Harry said, "You'd have to pay a heavy fine. Might seem like something you can live with. News flash for you, Miss Skeeter. The Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter owns forty percent of the Daily Prophet and its sister subscriptions."
Rita looked up for the first time since Harry started discussing her criminal history. She looked genuinely shocked, and a bit scared.
Harry smiled widely. "So... technically... you're speaking to someone who is up there on the same level as your employer. I don't like to throw my titles around, but I am the Boy-Who-Lived, Miss Skeeter. If I were to put word out there of your criminal wrongdoings, you would be finished in the world of journalism, your reputation utterly destroyed."
"You've made your point, Lord Potter," Rita said, "Let's move on to the part that is good for me. If I am satisfied I promise to be a good little girl."
"Every so often," Harry said, "I will write you a letter about someone who I want you to write about. I will give you enough to work with. You can investigate further if you wish. Add that on top of everything else you have to work with – that doesn't involve me or anyone else I am happily associated with – and I think you'll have enough to work with. If – and only if – I get permission from my Betrothed and their families, will I allow you to announce our Betrothals, and it will be your exclusive story as will be everything else I give you."
Rita actually had the decency to look impressed. "I suppose I can work with that. Aside from Lord Black's interview, do you have my first target?"
"Yes," Harry said, "I have chosen someone who you could write a series on – multiple articles just to tease your readers and keep them wanting more."
"I like where this is going," Rita said, "Who is it?"
"Albus Dumbledore," Harry said.
Rita grinned as if she had just tasted a delicious treat. "Lord Potter, I was under the impression you were the Headmaster's little savior. That you and Dumbledore got along famously."
"Recently I have discovered that is anything but true," Harry said.
"Do continue," Rita said.
"You were there at the trial," Harry said, "You heard that he was the official Witness of my parents' Final Will and Testament. The fact that Sirius is my Godfather and went through the Godfather Ritual is now known. The fact that Dumbledore knew this is known too and is free to be speculated on. Let me give you another piece of information from my parents' Will. I had several guardians listed in addition to Sirius, all of whom were citizens of British magical society. My Will explicitly stated that I was never supposed to live with my Muggle Aunt and Uncle. Never. Where did Rubeus Hagrid bring me on Albus Dumbledore's orders the night my parents died, after he refused to leave me with my godfather? My Aunt and Uncle's house, where I lived there until recently when I became Emancipated. He brought me there against my parents' wishes."
Rita was writing furiously, doing this by her own hand since she couldn't use a Quick-Quotes Quill.
"Rita?" Harry said, narrowing his eyes, "Rubeus Hagrid is my friend. Do not use this story to insult him, or anything else you may hear about him. Dumbledore only. I am giving you permission to say that I lived with my Muggle relatives against my parents' wishes. I could have been a citizen of wizarding society all these years, living with friends of my parents if I couldn't live with Sirius – if it wasn't for Dumbledore."
"Fine," Rita said, obviously crossing off something, "Nothing about Hagrid."
"Do you have enough to write an opening article about Dumbledore?" Harry asked.
"Perhaps," Rita said.
Hermione scoffed. "Don't try to get more out of Harry right now. We want to see results before we give you more. And we have plenty more. I assure you. We have enough information to last you until Christmas... at least."
"I can give her one other important piece of information, Hermione," Harry said, before turning back to Rita, "Are you aware that Minister Fudge has given Dumbledore a pardon of amnesty for a year?"
Rita looked up from her notes so fast, she must have cricked her neck. "Is this true?"
"Very," Harry said, "Do you know what event is going to be at Hogwarts starting late October?"
"I've heard several rumors," Rita said.
"She doesn't know what it is," Remus said.
Rita scowled. Harry grinned.
"We'll keep it to ourselves for now," he said, "Just know it is something that Fudge believes is so important he wants nothing to happen to Dumbledore in the criminal sense until this event is over next June."
Rita smiled. "Interesting. Very interesting. Fine. You've given me much to work with. But I better get more before your next birthday, kid. I have enough stories to write – none concerning anyone you would be affiliated with in your dizziest daydreams – until then."
"You'll get it," Harry said. "If you're a good little girl, your birthday present for me will be announcing my betrothals to Great Britain. Seems like something you would do."
Rita smiled, then turned to Sirius. "Lord Black, I assume I can ask you some questions."
"I reserve the right to not answer anything I deem off-topic," Sirius said.
"Very well," Rita said. "For starters: What are your opinions on the trial today? The behavior of your Interrogators, the questions, your opinion on how they treated your godson and his... friend. I believe you know where I am going with this."
"It was a fair and speedy trial," Sirius said, "I was in the courtroom for far less time than I thought I'd be. I thought they would drag it out, but they did not. The Interrogators listened to everything I said, and aside from one particular Interrogator – Madam Umbridge, so there is no confusion – the questions were fair and nothing unorthodox. My godson and his friend did very well, and earned the same great respect they dished out. I couldn't be more proud of them."
Harry and Hermione smiled and Sirius returned it.
"Do you have any opinions on, or messages for, those who voted you guilty?" Rita asked.
"I knew coming into the trial there was not going to be a unanimous decision," Sirius said, "Politics reach far and wide in the Wizengamot – it doesn't remain in Wizengamot sessions. Some people couldn't keep their personal feelings to themselves, and they tried to punish me for it. Thank goodness the Wizengamot is filled with good people to counter the bad."
For the next few minutes, more questions followed. There were some regarding Sirius' testimony in which Rita asked to clear up a few things. Rita wanted to know about Sirius' life in Azkaban. Then she wanted to know what Sirius would do as a free man.
"I am going to attempt to return to the Auror Department," Sirius said, "But first I need to get better. I am not one-hundred percent."
"I have one last question and this is just slightly off-topic," Rita said. "Madam Amelia Bones was quite impressive today representing you. She shocked everyone when she volunteered herself. The fact that the two of you were Betrothed before you went to Azkaban is no secret, Lord Black. Can we expect the two of you to fulfill the Contract now that you are a free man."
Sirius narrowed his eyes as he looked at Rita. Harry thought he would raise his voice at her, but he inhaled and exhaled then cleared his throat.
"I do not know what the future holds, Miss Skeeter," Sirius said, "It is possible. Unless she has canceled the contract because she feels my incarceration breached it, then I suppose there is a chance. I do not know."
Rita raised an eyebrow. "From the way the two of you embraced, I'd say there is more than a chance."
Sirius cleared his throat. "That is the end of our conversation. Don't you have a press conference to attend in about half-an-hour?"
"You are correct," Rita said, as she started packing, "Lord Black, Lord Potter, this has been an eventful and informative meeting. I look forward to future correspondence."
"One last thing, Rita," Harry said. "If I get a whiff that you used any pseudonyms in any media outlet, in an attempt to breach our agreement, our deal is over and I will give up the information I have on you to the authorities. Miss Tonks here is an Auror Cadet, and it appears my godfather may be back in the Auror Department before the end of the year. They would know what to do with the information if I give the say-so. For now, they are agreeing to keep it quiet."
"No need to threaten me, Lord Potter," Rita said, "I am smart enough to know I have a lot to gain from partnership with you. I said it earlier... I'll be a good little girl. Besides, do I look like someone who would use pseudonyms?"
"I don't know," Hermione said, "What kind of last name is Skeeter? It sounds so bug-like."
Rita harrumphed. "Keep a leash on this one, Lord Potter. Good day."
"Hold up, Miss Skeeter," Remus said, "You need to sign your name."
"On what?!" Rita asked.
"I have written a contract for you to sign that assures you will not breach the agreement you made with Lord Potter," Remus said.
Harry grinned. That was not part of his plans, but it was something he should have thought of.
Rita harrumphed again, took the paper and signed her name. She shrieked lightly when her arm began to sparkle.
"Ruddy official contracts," Rita growled, then proceeded to leave the room.
"Ooh, I'll show her a leash!" Hermione growled. "How about a belt?! Smack her upside the head!"
Sirius laughed. "Every day you remind me more of Lily, Hermione."
"Sirius," Remus said, "You've been keeping a secret from me. How long have you been thinking about returning to the Aurors."
Sirius shrugged. "Just something I was thinking about. Ah, lunch!"
Tom had picked that moment to come into the room with trays of food floating behind him.
(Half-an-hour later)
Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was currently standing in front of a podium in the large waiting room outside the Minister and Ministerial Staff Offices. Several members of the media were sitting in chairs in front of him. Several cameras were standing around the room, pops and flashes going off at random times.
"Welcome representatives of the media," Cornelius began, "I will begin with a statement concerning Lord Sirius Black's trial then I will take questions. If you are interested in questioning Lord Black or Madam Amelia Bones, they will be holding their own combined press conference in roughly an hour outside her office in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. If we keep this press conference brief, I am sure you can get there in time."
There were a few chuckles. Cornelius smiled, then sobered up.
"Nearly thirteen years ago, there were several injustices done," Cornelius began his statement, "Tragedy and violence, and a madman ended the life of two outstanding citizens of our society, James and Lily Potter, and orphaned their son, Harry. By the time the sun rose on the first of November of nineteen-eighty-one, twelve Muggles were dead, killed by a wizard. It was believed that another wizard had been killed. The apparent culprit at the time had been apprehended. An apparent injustice was done when the accused, Sirius Orion Black, was sent to Azkaban Prison without a trial. I had no knowledge of this injustice. If I had... well, I was one of the little people back then. I had no say in what happened."
Cornelius smiled weakly, then frowned. "It is apparent that the true betrayer of James, Lily and Harry Potter escaped. For nearly twelve years, an innocent man was imprisoned while the real culprit, Peter Pettigrew was hiding out as a rat, his Animagus form, with an innocent family. That family was very lucky that Pettigrew never harmed them. Said family has had to endure recent hardships. I will be personally speaking to them soon enough, and giving my fullest of apologies that nothing was done sooner. At the moment they may not even know what was going on. I ask the media to allow myself and Ministry representatives to speak to the Weasley family before such news reaches the rest of the public, in order to give them a warning."
He let this soak in then continued. "As I was saying, for nearly twelve years, an innocent man, Sirius Black, was imprisoned in Azkaban before he broke out because he had a personal mission. He wanted to save his godson, Harry Potter. He was hunted by Dementors, Aurors, and Hit-Wizards, and might have been killed had fate not stepped in. Luckily fate intervened, information was brought forward and I was able to give Lord Black a trial. And as of today, Lord Black has been proclaimed innocent! Something that should have been done all those years ago. I will personally be looking into why there was no original trial which should have prevented an innocent man from spending so much time in Azkaban. Such information will be released in due time.
"That is my statement. I will now take questions."
"What is the current news about Peter Pettigrew?" a reporter asked, "Lord Potter claims Pettigrew was last seen over three weeks ago, escaping from Hogwarts."
"As far as we know," Cornelius said, "That is the most recent update. We don't know he was alive until today. I assure you, the Auror Department and Department of Magical Law Enforcement will begin a thorough investigation. There will be a manhunt for Pettigrew beginning in the coming days. Next question?"
"Who is to blame here, Minister?" another reporter asked. "Bagnold? Her administration? Bartemius Crouch? Albus Dumbledore? Who is to blame for Sirius Black failing to take part in a criminal trial after his arrest?"
"As I said in my statement," Cornelius said, "An investigation will begin into that. I cannot answer that until I have the correct information. We should not lay blame on anyone."
"Minister," Rita Skeeter said, "I believe all of us here know that Albus Dumbledore is to be blamed for at least some of his actions concerning the events. It is apparent that he knew Lord Black did not betray the Potters – given that he was the official Witness to their Final Will."
"That is true," Cornelius said, nervously; he wanted to avoid all questions about Dumbledore. He knew they were coming. "But -"
"We heard it straight from Sirius Black," Rita said, "Albus Dumbledore could be guilty of kidnapping, Minister. Rubeus Hagrid, I believe was mentioned as taking baby Harry Potter from his godfather, when it was Lord Black's right as godfather to raise the boy. Lord Black said Hagrid was doing it for Dumbledore."
Cornelius sighed. He did not know how to get around this. He knew that Dumbledore was obviously guilty of something. There was only one thing he could do.
"Albus Dumbledore has been given a Minister's pardon of amnesty at the present time," Cornelius said.
Several of the reporters gasped.
"What made you come to this decision, Minister?" Rita asked.
Cornelius cleared his throat. He needed a story, even if it was a lie, it had to be believable. "Albus Dumbledore is assisting me and my administration with a serious investigation at the moment. I am sure that everyone here can understand how a man of his magical stature and skill may be useful in such things. There are lines he may have to cross which means I had to give him access to those lines. Once the investigation is through, I will get to the bottom of the new revelations discovered. I cannot speak anymore about such things for the integrity of the investigation."
Cornelius mentally pat himself on the back for that tale. "Moving on with more questions?"
"Dolores Umbridge, your Undersecretary crossed a line today during the trial," a reporter said, "As Madam Bones said, Umbridge was 'treasure hunting for guilty votes' when Lord Black was clearly innocent. Can we expect any actions against her because of this?"
Cornelius sighed, knowing he would regret this. "Indeed. Madam Umbridge made bad decisions today. The issue will be dealt with."
There were a few more questions, but nothing as serious as what Cornelius had just dealt with. Still, he was sweating by the time he walked into his office, his secretary following behind him.
"Daisy, write a letter to Arthur Weasley to be sent out as soon as possible," he instructed his secretary, "Give him a statement regarding Pettigrew and the part his sons innocently played in the situation. Inform him that I wish to meet with him and his children at his soonest available moment. Daisy, have I invited anyone to the final match of the Quidditch World Cup yet as my guest?"
"You were making a list," Daisy said, "Lucius Malfoy and his family was on top of it."
"Arthur Weasley and his family are my guests," Cornelius said, "Great publicity. How many kids does he have?"
"Seven, I believe," Daisy said.
Cornelius whistled, "We might end up having to add a couple more rows to the Minister's box. Not important at the moment. Let's see..."
Cornelius glanced at the small portrait on the wall behind his desk. "Is my schedule clear, Daisy?"
"Let's see," Daisy said, "Clear until this evening, Minister. You have a few open hours."
"Abernathy, is the Muggle Prime Minister in his office today?" Cornelius asked.
"Yes, he is, Cornelius," the man in the portrait said.
"Please inform him I will be meeting with him in half an hour," Cornelius said.
The man in the portrait nodded and vanished.
"Daisy, is Dolores available?" Cornelius asked.
"She is in her office," Daisy said.
"Get her in here," Cornelius said.
"Yes, Minister," Daisy said, and left the office.
Cornelius sighed, rubbed his eyes and walked over to his desk and sat down. Dolores Umbridge walked in at that moment, and closed the door behind her.
"What can I do for you, Cornelius?" she asked in her sickly-sweet voice.
"It isn't what you can do, Dolores," Cornelius said, "It is what you've already done. You embarrassed me in front of everyone at Black's trial today."
"I do not understand," Umbridge said, "You asked me to do my best to convince the Wizengamot to vote Black guilty. You wanted him to be found guilty, because any other decision would backfire in your face."
"And it has backfired!" Fudge said, "I had to admit to the public that Dumbledore is under an amnesty pardon. I am going to have to work overtime to save face for the Triwizard Tournament. It must stay in Great Britain! It must!"
"Well, I apologize," Umbridge said, "But I did my best."
"Your best?" Cornelius asked, "You made it obvious! I told you not to cross Amelia Bones."
"I did not know she was going to be Black's representative!" Umbridge said.
"Dolores, that does not matter," Cornelius said, "You made a spectacle of yourself. The media was hounding me about you today. You risked this very administration. You risked my chance at another term in this office, Dolores."
"You're not going to sack me?" Umbridge asked.
Fudge sighed. "No. But I am going to suspend you for one month. I'll dock half your pay."
"Minister!" Umbridge gasped.
"It could be worse, Dolores!" Fudge growled. "One month. If the focus on you has quieted down by then, I will revoke your suspension. I am sorry, Dolores. It has to be done."
Umbridge spluttered and looked as if she was about to cry.
"Please leave," Fudge said, "I have to prepare for a meeting with the Muggle Prime Minister. The Muggles need to know Sirius Black is innocent, and there is a different dangerous fugitive. Hopefully we can get a good image of Pettigrew from Lord Potter's memory."
Umbridge harrumphed and walked out of the office.
"Cornelius?" Abernathy asked, "The Muggle Prime Minister will see you in thirty minutes."
"Thank you, Abernathy," Cornelius said.
Cornelius groaned as he relaxed in his chair. Damnable Black! Why couldn't he have stayed in Azkaban. The man had only caused all kinds of problems for him. It would take a miracle to keep the Triwizard Tournament in Great Britain.
If that didn't happen... well, he could kiss his position, administration and plush office goodbye!
(Half-an-hour later)
Sirius Black knocked on Amelia Bones' office door and was greeted by a beautiful young blonde woman who appeared to be around Dora's age.
"Well, hello there," Sirius said, "And who are you?"
"Please let Sirius in, Samantha," Amelia said, "Then leave us be. But be sure to inform us when the media come for the press conference."
"Yes, ma'am," Samantha said.
Samantha smiled at Sirius then walked out of the room. Sirius closed the door, grinned, and turned to Amelia. She was sitting at her desk in a comfortable looking leather chair.
"You didn't want to introduce me?" Sirius asked.
"She knows exactly who you are," Amelia said, "Come sit down."
"I don't know who she is, though," Sirius said, as he walked over to the chair and sat down.
"She is Samantha Fudge, my secretary," Amelia said.
"Fudge?" Sirius asked.
"The Minister's niece," Amelia said, "I know... she's far different than the Minister. It was a surprise. She's been my secretary for two years now, started just out of Hogwarts. Cornelius suggested her. She was in Dora Tonks' year at Hogwarts."
"Younger than I thought," Sirius said.
Amelia raised an eyebrow.
"I know that look," Sirius said, "You don't need to be jealous."
"Jealous?" Amelia echoed, "More like afraid for my secretary."
"So we're going to avoid the obvious hippogriff in the room," Sirius said, grinning.
"This is not the time or place to discuss the topic you're alluding to," Amelia said.
"Amelia, if you destroyed the contract because I breached it," Sirius said, "Just tell me. I'm dying here."
"I did not destroy it, Sirius," Amelia said. "It is in my safe at home."
"Good place to hide it from your boyfriends," Sirius said.
"There were no boyfriends," Amelia said.
"Girlfriends?" Sirius asked, raising his eyebrows and grinning.
Amelia glared at Sirius. "No comment. Sirius, I've been raising my niece, and I've been all but married to my work. I've been too busy for any more of a personal life."
"I hope you simply weren't waiting for me," Sirius said; he frowned when she didn't answer, "Oh, Amy..."
"So what if I was?" Amelia asked, "Sirius, we were planning our wedding. Yes, we wanted to wait until after the war..."
"So I am to blame?" Sirius asked. "Is that what you're saying."
"I did not say that," Amelia said, narrowing her eyes, "And I will never say that. Was it honestly terrible of me to hope that you would be released from prison? That someone would finally find something that proved you were innocent like I knew you were, but couldn't obtain the information until recently?"
"No... it wasn't terrible of you," Sirius said.
"I am sad to say I gave up after a couple years," Amelia said, "I focused on my niece and on my work. I tried to forget you, and for that, I am truly sorry. When you last saw me, we were planning our wedding. Now... aside from a few memories and dreams, I forget what it was like to be your girlfriend and then fiancee. Your Betrothed."
"Well then, it is obvious," Sirius said, "Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner in the near future? We can start over and eventually we can bring up the Betrothal Contract again."
Amelia smiled as her eyes misted over. "I'd love that. We'll probably be seeing a lot of each other anyway. Our –ah – hmm... I'd say wards, but Harry is Emancipated. Hmm... well, anyway, Susan and Harry are betrothed."
"Harry told me," Sirius said, nodding, "I was shocked when I heard Susan was one of them. Kind of a strange coincidence."
"Nah, it is exactly what James wanted, I'm sure," Amelia said, "Of course he had made the contract before Edgar was killed, but... once he knew I was Susan's guardian... well... he knew you and I were to be married. Across generations, Sirius Black and James Potter would be as close as the brothers they always claimed they were once Harry and Susan married."
Sirius grinned as his eyes misted over. "Never thought of it that way. Three girls. Harry is marrying three girls. How did Lily ever agree to that?"
"She loved Charlus, Sirius," Amelia said, "He was a second father to her, just like he was to you. When Charlus died, she cried as much as she did when her own father died. She would have done anything to help his Alliance, even combining his House through her son and three others in the Alliance."
Sirius nodded. "Charlus was one of a kind."
"Yeah," Amelia said, "Alright, Sirius, we need to get down to business. As you know, you are officially a free man. The Ministry has cleared you of all charges, including the unregistered Animagus charge, due to the years you spent in prison. But you need to register, Sirius."
"Well, now that my secret will be out in the public by tomorrow," Sirius said, "There is no reason not to register. Thank you for keeping it a secret all these years."
"I did promise," Amelia said, smiling. "Unfortunately, there will be no monetary gain for the years you spent in Azkaban. That law was abolished a long time ago."
Sirius snorted. "I have enough money anyway."
"As I am sure you know," Amelia said, "Your mother died whilst you were in prison."
"Apologies if I don't break down," Sirius muttered.
Amelia smiled. "I wasn't expecting it. So you are now Lord Sirius Black, Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. The Summer Solstice has already recently passed. You will be able to bring the Black House back into the Wizengamot during the Winter Solstice Session if you wish. You will have to go to Gringotts to take control of your Signet Ring and Vaults. They kept your personal Vault as it was the last time you were there."
"Thank Merlin the Goblins don't care for human drama," Sirius said, with a relieved sigh.
"As you know," Amelia said, "Harry Potter recently became Emancipated. So he technically does not need a guardian. He does need a Mentor for the Muggle world, basically a Guardian since he'll still be a minor to them."
"He's hinted that that will be me," Sirius said, nodding.
"Alright," Amelia said. "Last but not least..."
Amelia reached into a desk drawer and pulled out a thin box. She passed it to him and he opened it up. He smiled when he found it was his old wand.
"Thought it had been destroyed," Sirius said.
"Bartemius Crouch wanted to snap it, but I saved it," Amelia said.
"Thanks," Sirius said.
"Any questions?" Amelia asked.
"What would it take for me to return to Auror duty?" Sirius asked.
Amelia raised her eyebrows and smiled. "A Ministry-supported Healer must pass you as healthy for two months in a row, then you can take a short training exam – written, verbal and physical, just to make sure you remember everything. If you pass everything, you're reinstated."
"Alright," Sirius said.
"You would be welcomed back with open arms," Amelia said.
"As long as those arms are yours," Sirius said, grinning.
"I already said yes to a date, Sirius," Amelia said, "Don't push it."
"Still the same beautiful, feisty woman I fell in love with," Sirius said.
"Still the same dog that nearly knocked me over on the beach in La Rochelle," Amelia said.
Sirius laughed out loud. He had nearly forgot about that. The thought made him frown soon after.
"Damned Dementors," Sirius said, "Took a lot from me. A lot about you."
"We can make new memories, Sirius," Amelia said, smiling.
Sirius nodded. "I'd like that."
A knock on the door interrupted the moment. The door opened.
"The media is here for the press conference," Samantha said.
"Ready, Sirius?" Amelia asked.
"With you, Amy," Sirius said, "I'm ready for anything."