28

Chapter XXVIII: A Chance Reunion

(Sirius P.O.V)

It had felt like a lifetime ago since the last time that Sirius had stood in the courtroom of the Ministry. He had remembered coming here once as a child with his father Lord Orion Black, he was after all, in line to inherit the duties of the Ancient and Noble House of Black. The room had filled him with dread at what at one time he almost believed. His father had done well convincing him the Pure-Bloods were superior, and that those of less pure-blood weren't worthy to practice magic. God, what a fool he had been, even though he was young, no more than six at the time, he still felt a sickness in his stomach as he heard about his father's ideal world.

A shudder crept up his spine as he pondered what he could have become had he not met James, or Remus. The sickening thought of his two cousins Narcissa and Bellatrix flashed through his mind before the memory of his brother's face forced him out of his thoughts. His eyes scanned the room finding the place where his birth-father used to sit upon the council, and the seat where the man he considered his real father Fleamont Potter used to sit. He would have loved to continue down the warmer lane of memories, but he always stopped himself. Knowing how it ended, remembering the cottage in shambles, it simply hurt too much.

Thankfully, he had Harry by his side, he knew the boy looked up to him, but Harry's refusal to allow his past to control him had inspired a similar drive in Sirius, and he couldn't help but smile as he glanced at the way Harry stood somewhat protectively over the Blonde Greengrass Heiress. Not in a way that showed a lack of belief in her ability to protect herself, but in a way that showed that he had her back, the same way that James and Lily had looked during the first time the four of them including Remus had faced down the Dark Lord.

He then turned his focus to the crowd. There was so much scum in the stands, even with Lucius gone, Sirius' mind rang with memories of Dumbledore and the Order discussing who would support the Order, and who had pledged their monetary support behind the Dark Lord. However, of all the scum that irked him, the one that bothered him most was the pink-shrouded woman. What she had done to Remus had irritated him greatly, as the visions of what his friend's life may have been like without Sirius' financial support had made his stomach churn in anger.

Yet, there was some amusement to be had, the shocked face amongst the gathered members of the court was certainly photo-worthy, and their jaw-dropped expressions as Sirius marched up to Amelia Bones to collect his pardon formally had sparked within him a shimmer of glee. As Sirius once more turned to the crowds amongst the stands, only one face had given him comfort, the aging face of Augusta Longbottom. It was clear how outnumbered the light was in the grand-sphere, and even with Dumbledore as the Chief-Warlock, more needed to be done.

He had thought back to a conversation he had shared with Remus and Andromeda on Christmas Day. The subject as it had been for months now had been Harry's role in the Prophecy, and what could be done. So badly did Sirius long for the chance to take his Godson's place, Harry deserved a life free of torment and he wanted to be the one to send the Dark Lord to hell himself. But he couldn't be, he wasn't the chosen one and nothing could change that, but there were things that he could change, and Andromeda had brought it to his attention, after Remus had spoken sadly into his mug, "There's a war coming, it's almost certain, and in a way, it's worse than before because now we're all waiting in anticipation."

"He's not back yet Remus," Sirius had responded, "We still have time."

"To do what?" Andromeda had spoken, "I love Harry, I love him like he's my own son, but we all know the devastation that he caused, the magic he wielded. They say Dumbledore was the only man he ever feared, but seeing as Dumbledore never pursued him, it's fair to say the feeling is mutual. Harry, he's exceptionally talented, maybe even a prodigy in his battle tactics and combat magic, but The Dark Lord, he is something else entirely."

"The Prophecy," Sirius spoke slowly, "It spoke of a power that Voldemort knew not, we need to figure out what that is, if we can, perhaps all Harry needs to be capable of doing is surviving long enough to master whatever this 'power' may be. At least that much, I am certain he is capable of."

"And what about us?" Remus queried, "Are we supposed to simply sit there with folded hands as we pray for another miracle?"

"No," Sirius shook his head, "I won't stand idly by and wait for more people to sacrifice themselves in the hopes of delaying him. There must be something we can do to help level the field."

"There is," Andromeda spoke, "Though it will take time as it will require you being a free man, and worse, it will require you doing something you definitely will not like." Sirius turned to his cousin, gesturing for her to continue as she nodded, "During the last war, the Order of the Phoenix became one of if not the only force of resistance against the Death Eaters. This was due to the Death Eaters infiltrating and corrupting the ministry from the inside-out, right?"

Sirius and Remus both nodded with gritted teeth, remembering how difficult it was trying to be everywhere at once and fighting with their hands behind their back as they were outnumbered, and much less fortified than their enemy who had the corrupted Ministry behind them.

"So," Andromeda spoke, "I think that the best thing that you can do Sirius, is to take your father's seat on the Wizengamot."

"Andy, I-," Sirius started, "It should be you, I don't have the temperament or-,"

"You'll be fine Sirius," Andromeda spoke, "I'll help in any way I can, but you have to be on the seat, after all, whether you like it or not, you're Orion's son. Not to mention, you're an unmarried Pure-Blood male, which gives you much more respect in the masculine-centric court and more flexibility with forming 'relationships' with another powerful house."

"You're suggesting a political marriage?" Sirius said a bit shocked by his cousin's suggestion, "You of all people who-,"

"I know," Andromeda said tiredly, "It's hypocritical and wrong of me to suggest it, but when I married Ted, it was different, I wasn't part of- I wasn't fighting a war. We need the power in the Wizengamot to keep the Auror Department funded, and not restricted in any way when the war comes, and with you being the regent for House Potter until Harry reaches majority, and the head of House Black, adding one more ring would give you more power than any other house on the Wizengamot, especially with Augusta Longbottom and Madam Bones behind you."

"Sirius," Remus said, "I think that she's-"

"I know," Sirius spat through gritted teeth, "I know she's right, but I don't want this, I've never wanted power, I-"

"Sirius," Andromeda said, and Sirius felt his cousin took his hands in hers, "I know this isn't what you wanted, but you are a voice that people can rally behind. A Pure-Blooded wizard from an Ancient and Noble house standing against The Dark Lord with the Support of the Boy-Who-Lived will certainly help lift people's spirits if- when war begins." Sirius felt his whole body clench as he pondered Andromeda's words, before she had spoken once more with words that filled Sirius with new resolve, "That night, when James died, you swore to me that you'd never fail Harry again. Harry's going to need this, to fight a war we need soldiers, and you can be monumental in ensuring Harry has his army for when all hell breaks loose. "

Sirius released a deep sigh as his body stopped shaking before opening his eyes slowly and nodding, "Okay, I'll do it." There was a moment of silence as Sirius placed his hand to his face, roaming it upwards through his knotted hair, "God I hope there is at least one Pretty Bird on that Wizengamot, because if it's going to be a show marriage, I at least hope she'll be a looker."

"Dog," Andromeda said with a grin shaking her head slightly, "And just because it's a political marriage, doesn't mean it has to be loveless. Maybe you'll get lucky. I'm not demanding anything Sirius, it's just a suggestion."

"I know," Sirius said, "Thanks, Andy." She slowly nodded, and Sirius felt the memory start to fade out of his mind as he once again readjusted himself into the current climate of the courtroom, scanning the stands once more as he adjusted the buttons on his suit.

Sirius cleared his throat as he spoke, "Lords and Ladies of the court, I am thankful and humbled that you have seen reason, and the truth the way it was meant to be seen. The Potters as many may know, were close friends of mine, and the idea of being prosecuted for their murders was a wound that cut me deeply. It is thanks to you, that with time, those wounds can heal, as through your votes to convict the man truly responsible for the betrayal of the Potters, I am now a free man."

Many members of the court clapped politely as Sirius continued with a heavy heart, "For too long, my father's position on the Wizengamot has been occupied by the wrong heir. As current lord of House Black, I demand my seat among the Wizengamot and the removal of the Malfoy family as the Black family proxy. For clarity, once more, I Sirius Orion Black, claim my title formally as Head of House Black."

Instantly, Sirius felt the family ring of House Black materialize upon his left index finger, the weight feeling so unfamiliar to him as he never once imagined after his Hogwarts days that he'd be the one who wore it. Sirius turned to face the Minister who stood up in a mock showing of support as he spoke, "Thank You, Lord Black, I am certain that your family's return to the WizenGamot will be a most welcome addition."

"Thank you Minister," Sirius said with a nod, biting his tongue back from really telling the fat oaf what he thought about his miserable leadership, "But I am not done, as was proclaimed by my Godson before you all minutes ago, Harry James Potter, a minor of thirteen is under my care, and as such, I Sirius Orion Black, claim my title formally as Regent of House Potter until Harry James Potter comes of age, of course, if that's alright with you Harry?"

"Couldn't think of anyone better," Harry said with a chuckle as the Potter Family ring appeared on Sirius' other index finger with Harry's permission.

"Yuck it up Pup," Sirius said with a grin, "But as soon as you turn Seventeen I'm dropping both of these in your lap."

Sirius had to restrain himself from laughing as Harry went as pale as a ghost. The boy was fearless, but the thought of working inside the ministry instead of flying on a broom seemed to terrify him. The look of fear in Fudge's face was near comical as he saw that Sirius' power in the ministry not only had stripped his biggest supporter of his extra vote but now, it was Sirius who held a powerful two votes, and if all went well, he'd control a third through marriage, and a fourth through the alliance with the Longbottoms. However, the Minister held his face firm rising once more as he spoke, "It's an honor to have you rejoin the Wizengamot as Lord of House Black and Regent of House Potter. I will make sure to have all the information about your positions ready as promptly as possible."

"That would be very much appreciated," Sirius said hating every second he was forced to talk in such a formal tone, it had made it even worse that the comical looks of surprise on both Harry and Augusta's face had made it extremely difficult not to break from his Highborn Act.

"While this day has certainly been full of surprises," Amelia said rising from her chair, "I must now depart for the chamber, there is no reason for Pettigrew to remain on Death Row now that he has openly confessed his crimes. Those of the Wizengamot that wish to ratify the death certificate are granted permission to observe, as are those directly affected by the actions of Peter Pettigrew. Everyone else, is free to be dismissed, now who will be the legal witness of the execution?"

"I will," Augusta Longbottom said lifting her wand.

"Very well," Madam Bones said with a nod, "And the second?"

"I will," Said a woman that filled Sirius' heart with surprise. She had been sitting far in the back, unable due to her height to be viewed over the taller members of the Wizengamot, and though it had been years since Sirius had last seen her, her face was unmistakable. Her long braided silver-hair, and remarkably rare violet eyes made it clear to him that there was no confusion.

To his complete disbelief, all Sirius could mutter was, "Vance?"

(Sirius P.O.V)

The death chamber was cold, honestly, Sirius couldn't think of a more apt name for the place. It was empty and dark, a set of ruins on the chamber floor and around it, an auditorium. However, the eerie disposition was nothing compared to the horrors of the veil. The Archway of Death, The one-way door, the executioner's voyage, the veil had so many names between those that had seen its ability, but everyone knew, the veil was a nothing more than a door to death.

Sirius had never seen the veil in person before, and god willing, he prayed he never would have to see it again. He hadn't been sitting there for longer than ten minutes before the awful chamber was having an effect on his head, and worse yet, it seemed to be affecting Harry as well. "Sirius," Harry had begun nervously, "Do you hear… whispers?"

Sirius nodded, his eyes floating back the misty arch as the whispers of those lost to the first great war whispered inaudibly to him. The voices, they couldn't be discerned, understood, or recognized, but it was maddening all the same. Still, it wasn't something everyone could hear, something the Greengrass girl next to Harry quickly confirmed as she spoke, "Voices? What voices?"

"The voices of the veil," A woman's voice called from behind them, "Nobody is able to understand what they're saying, but for those who have witnessed death, the voices whisper, slowly driving the listeners mad. It was for that reason that the viewing chamber was built far from the executioner ruins, too many close calls of 'spectators' hearing something and wanting to jump through themselves. After all, the ministry didn't want too many people leaving the land of the living on their watch so they couldn't sit by doing nothing as they usually do."

"And speaking of the land of the living," The voice spoke gently, "It's good to see you again, Padfoot."

Sirius couldn't help but smirk as he saw the shocked expressions appear upon Harry's face at the woman's knowledge of his secret. However, Sirius just nodded slowly, his eyes still attached to the veil as he replied, "The same could be said for you, Vance."

"Sirius," Harry spoke with confusion, "Who's she?"

"Emmeline Vance," The silver-haired woman spoke politely as she reached for Harry's hand, "I was Sirius' partner during the times of the Order of the Phoenix."

"Sorry," Harry said still mopped with confusion, "I thought my Dad was Sirius' partner during the days of the Order."

"He was," Sirius said with a slight grin, "But then your mum got pregnant with you and things, well they got a bit complicated. Lily was out of the fight, Remus, Dumbledore, even McGonagall all took shifts guarding her while James and I went on assignments. But then, well, you know what was discovered and things changed. You're mum and dad went into hiding, Remus and the Rat were busy with their own assignments from Dumbledore, or so he thought, and so, Miss Vance here became my new partner."

"You make it sound like I was such an inconvenience Padfoot," Emmeline said with a slight smile, "You weren't exactly the easiest partner I ever had either, but when Fenwick passed, well we made do with what we had. We had a good run though."

"We had a short one," Sirius responded solemnly.

"Sirius," Emmeline said softly taking a seat beside him, "You can't tell me you still blame yourself for that. I got careless, it wasn't your fault."

"What happened?" Harry asked his confusion only seeming to grow.

"Bludgeoning hex got me good, right in the head," Vance said lifting her hair up high revealing a rather large scar near her hair-line covered by her silver locks, "Doctors thought I was dead, I probably would have been if Sirius hadn't gotten me to St. Mungos in time. It took a while for me to wake up, but," Vance said cheerfully, "Everything seems to be in working order so I suppose no harm no foul, though losing two years of my life wasn't great."

"Two years?" The Greengrass girl remarked in shock.

"Yeah," She said with a shrug, "Went to bed when there was war, woke up and found out that the war was over. I was pretty pissed though when I started reading about how many deaters avoided capture though."

"Deaders?" The Blonde asked.

"Short for Death Eaters," Vance responded simply before turning back towards Sirius, the feeling of a bucket of cold water washing over him filled his veins as he looked into her violet eyes, "It appears, however, that Sirius believes it to be his fault I was hurt though. Something that is most certainly not the case."

"Though," Vance continued in a melodic tone, "The idea that you had betrayed the Potters was a bitter pill to swallow. I didn't want to believe it, but with you going AWOL on us, I didn't really have any other choice. Do you know how much work you caused me with every reporter coming up to me asking me if I knew my ex-partner was working for the Dark Lord? Honestly, the least you could do is give me a proper explanation of what's been happening over the last decade and a half."

"That might take some time," Sirius said slowly, his normal charisma vanishing from his body. Sirius was a bit of a womanizer in his youth, he broke hearts, he played games, and he avoided commitment like the plague. But being forced to spend time with Vance on missions had made Sirius grow to care more for the witch personally, rather than just gaze in fascination with how large her bosom was. Outside of Andy who was family, and Lily who was essentially family, Vance was quite possibly the only other woman that Sirius had anything more than non-primal feelings for.

However, it was thanks to these feelings that her injury had hit him so hard. The night before the Potters had been attacked, Sirius had visited her at the hospital. He remembered it like it was yesterday, every detail was engraved into his mind like a stone. The heavy layers of bandages around her head, the methodical beeping of her heart-rate on the wizarding alert equipment, the smell of the chrysanthemums in his hand that he left on her bedside as she lay there unmoving. It was a pain that Sirius had hoped would never find him again, and yet it had in less than a day when James and Lily had died.

Sirius had needed to act fast, and in his efforts to protect Harry, he hadn't the time to see his old partner off. Though the New House of Black had helped Sirius through his grieving, his guilt was all-consuming and if it hadn't been for Harry, if he hadn't taken his responsibility to protect his godson so seriously, part of Sirius wondered if he'd still be here today, or would the pain have just gotten to great? Would he simply have given up? However, he couldn't continue down his lane of thoughts much longer as he felt a rib nudge his side slightly, "You looked too thoughtful," Vance said softly, "It isn't like you. I'm not saying you have to tell me everything that's happened these last thirteen years, but you could at least buy me a coffee and explain what you can."

"Alright fine," Sirius said with a small chuckle, "I forgot how pushy you can be."

Emmeline seemed about ready to respond. However, before she had the chance, the door to the death chamber was flung open, and Sirius watched in bittersweet sorrow the defeated body of the man that at one time had been a good friend, strolled in on a heavily restricted trolly. Sirius wasn't sure why it had hurt him so much to see Peter in such a state. He had betrayed James, was responsible for his best friend's death, but part of him, with the anger now subsided, couldn't help but remember the old days of three of them prowling around with Remus on their moonlit adventures.

Sirius watched as the man he had once considered his friend was dragged in front of the veil, his body trembling as the executioner plugged in a rubber covering into his ear in order not to be overwhelmed by the whispers of the dead. "Peter William Pettigrew," Bones called from high above the auditorium, "The ministry has found you guilty of your crimes, you have been sentenced to death, have you any last words, you may speak them now."

"Sirius!" Peter spoke as the gag was removed from his mouth, "Please, you must help me! Please!" The rat then turned to Harry, "Please! Your father, James, he wouldn't want this! He wouldn't want me to die like this! I was scared, Sirius! I've always been scared!"

Sirius bit his lip as he turned away from his fallen friend, his grey eyes locking with Harry's who seemed to be struggling equally with his decision. Vengeance, it had all seemed so simple, so definite, when he and Harry had planned on bringing the Death Eaters to justice it had sounded so easy. But hearing a man beg for his life, beg for mercy, Sirius had found it agonizing to listen to, and he couldn't help but feel sorry for his godson as he closed his eyes, not wanting to see such a pitiful sight.

"Face your death with some courage rat," The executioner said sourly as Peter was removed from the straps but remained in magic binding ropes. The rat had fallen to his knees begging once more for mercy, but before his final plea could even be ushered, a swift kick has sent Peter through the veil, and his body didn't return.

"A coward," Sirius had spoken, the thumping of his heart echoing in his ears, "Until his last breath."

(Harry P.O.V)

It was raining, normally Harry had always loved the rain, but he wasn't in a celebratory mood. He had caught the man that had betrayed his family, he should have been thrilled. His godfather was free, the rat was dead, and his parents at least partially had been avenged. And yet, despite all his accomplishments, he couldn't quite remove the look of terror that rested upon the rat's face from his mind.

Vengeance, for the last year, his heart had yearned for nothing more. To see the Malfoys, Notts, Averys, every single escape death eater brought to justice or killed by his hand was something he was sure was the correct path. All of them had been through so much pain, perhaps it had blinded them to the dangers it could cause. Sirius may have been free now, but Harry had no idea what happened next. He and Remus may have found the rat, but Remus had lost his job and was once again seen as a dangerous beast.

He had heard the expression that when one is out for revenge they should dig two holes, one for their enemy and one for themselves. He didn't exactly feel as awful as the saying would suggest, but he had hoped for something, some kind of sign from his parents to show him he was on the right path. But, as he sat beside the shore of the Great Lake, a flat stone in his hand, he felt more distant from them than ever before.

Avenging his parents was his goal, and when he had completed it, he was sure he'd feel better. He was certain it would bring upon him a level of closure taken from him, yet all he had seemed to find was doubt in his actions and a fear that his parents wouldn't have approved of his plan. Pettigrew was a coward, of that there was no question, but the way he begged for his life, claiming that his father wouldn't have wanted this, Harry wasn't sure if it was a desperate attempt for survival or the truth.

With great dexterity, Harry flicked the stone and watched it skip across the rippling surface of the lake. He turned to face the castle, he had returned with Daphne and while normally he relished every moment to be in her presence, right now he felt he really needed to be alone. He pulled out his wand, and with a flick of it and a muttered incantation, the Crow that had come to him once before with great difficulty now appeared with ease. "I heard all about that when I was talking to Tonks," A Familiar voice called out, "A very impressive display of magic for a boy your age, even for one as talented as you."

"Remus," Harry spoke sadly as he turned to the werewolf, "I'm sorry."

"About what?" Remus spoke seating beside Harry as he looked into the distance.

"You lost your job because I got careless," Harry said, "If we had planned-"

"You are less to blame than I am," Remus said with a soft smile, "I'm supposed to be the cautious one, and yet I foolishly lept into action without a thought. Lily must have been rolling in her grave at seeing me do something so reckless, normally that was left to your father and Sirius."

"My father," Harry said watching the crow dance among the raindrops, "His Patronus was a Stag, right?"

"And your mother's was a doe," Remus spoke in confirmation.

"And yet," Harry said watching his Patronus, "Mine is a bird." Harry felt Remus' eyes rest gently on his shoulder as he continued, "At the trial, Pettigrew begged for his life, he told me that my father wouldn't have allowed him to be sentenced to death, that he would have advocated for a different sort of retribution. I know he might have been lying trying to get me to do something to save his life, but what if he was right? What if I'm so different from my parents and they're so ashamed of me, so ashamed of my ambitions? What if that's why my Patronus isn't a Stag or a Doe like theirs?"

"You are different from your parents, Harry," Remus started and a chill ran through Harry's body, "You think about things more than your father did, you aren't as cautious as your mother used to be, and you most certainly don't share her gift for potions," The last statement did manage to make Harry crack a small smile before returning to a passive stare, "But that isn't a bad thing. Yes, Peter may have been right, perhaps James would have tried to find a different way of handling the situation, but that doesn't mean they are ashamed of you Harry. If there is one thing I know to be certain, it's that James and Lily, they loved you, they loved you more than anything in the world, and if there is a world after this, I guarantee you they love you just as much there."

"But Harry, as much as Sirius and I would love to have James back in our life, you aren't him," Harry looked down at his feet as Remus gently gripped his shoulder, "You're Harry Potter, and you are your own person, and quite frankly, Sirius and I, we couldn't have asked for a better godson and nephew. You have your issues of course, but we all do, and we will work through them all together like a family is supposed to, like we would have done if Lily and James were still with us."

Harry's eyes once more drifted to his Patronus and sighed but Remus pulled a familiar bar of chocolate from his pocket, breaking it in half and sharing it. "Your father, his Patronus wasn't the same as old man Fleamont's either. Your grandfather's at least according to James was a Hawk, it didn't mean that when James had shown his father his stag that he was any less his son, they were just different. James was free-spirited and proud, and Lily, her doe was because of her love for James. But you Harry, you're more like Sirius than James I'm afraid. Mischievous, flirty, clever, headstrong, a bit reckless, and incredibly smart when you put your mind to it, I dare say a crow is quite fitting for you."

"But," Remus said, "Just because you're not a carbon copy of your parents doesn't mean you don't share some traits with them. For example, Lily used to come here a skip rocks all the time when she was stressed out, pissed off about James, or just needed to contemplate life. It was actually here when she told me she had feelings for your dad and then threatened to bludger me with a stone if I told him before she was ready. What I'm trying to say in this roundabout way is that, yes, you may be different from your mom and dad in some ways, but no matter what happens, they will always be so proud that you are their son."

Harry sat there, biting into his chocolate bar as his uncle sat beside him, helping him combat his doubts. He sighed as he looked onto the horizon as he spoke, "So, what happens now?"

"I suppose," Remus said, "I'll be joining Sirius on a little homecoming tour of England until I find another place that is willing to hire me. In the meantime, Professor Dumbledore will be taking over my duties as DADA teacher until he can hire a replacement, who will most likely be fired by the end of next year as seems to be the case. As for you, I suppose for now you continue your lessons with Dumbledore, study hard, and pass the exams at the end of the year. After that, well, we'll see what plans we can arrange for the summer."

Harry turned to face his uncle who seemed to be forgetting the enormous responsibility laid at his feet by the ties of destiny, but Remus must have sensed his hesitation as he spoke, "Harry, I know you feel like you should be doing more, and when there is more to do, we'll handle it. But for now, it's important to live your life. You are the chosen one, of that there is no denying, but you're still a thirteen-year-old boy, and there a plenty of broom cupboard visits, pranks to be played, and friends to be made before conflict arises. I may not be around Hogwarts as often anymore, but I need you to promise me, at least for the time being, you'll enjoy yourself. Okay?"

Harry nodded as his Uncle offered him his hand, "Well, I'm almost packed up, it would be great if you could lend me a hand with the shrinking spells. Plus, it's getting cold out here, it would be rather unfortunate if you caught the flu." Harry simply smiled, and side by side, he walked with his Uncle back into the great Stone Castle. His parents may have had their way of dealing with the threat, but Harry's was different, and somehow he knew his parents would understand