A New Future for Sirius

For the first time in twelve years, Sirius Black was a free man.

It was an odd feeling—one he was still trying to process as he sat in Ravenclaw Manor, a glass of firewhisky in hand.

The trial had been swift after Peter Pettigrew's exposure and execution. The Daily Prophet's headlines screamed the news across the wizarding world:

"SIRIUS BLACK INNOCENT! MINISTRY FAILS TO CATCH TRUE CULPRIT FOR 12 YEARS!"

Ezekiel leaned back in his chair across from Sirius, his icy blue eyes sharp with thought.

"How does it feel?" Ezekiel asked, his tone casual.

Sirius let out a bark of laughter. "To be honest? Bloody surreal." He smirked. "But damn, does it feel good to finally drink something that isn't Azkaban's sewage water."

Ezekiel smirked slightly but remained focused.

"Now that you're free, what's next?" he asked.

Sirius hummed. "I was thinking of taking Harry and disappearing to some tropical island."

Ezekiel snorted. "As amusing as that sounds, it wouldn't be a smart move. You still have unfinished business here—starting with reclaiming the Black family name."

Sirius' smirk faltered slightly, his gray eyes darkening.

"The Black family is nothing but a mess of pureblood elitists and maniacs," he muttered.

"Exactly why you need to fix it," Ezekiel countered. "You're the heir. The lord, technically. If you don't take control, someone else will."

Sirius sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Merlin, I never wanted to deal with politics. That was always something my mother obsessed over."

Ezekiel smirked. "You can leave it to me, then. I have enough influence as Lord Ravenclaw to shift things in your favor."

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "You really are a little schemer, aren't you?"

"I prefer the term strategist."

---

The Hogwarts Great Hall was buzzing with energy. The moment Harry stepped inside, all eyes turned to him.

The truth about Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew had spread like wildfire. The Slytherins looked particularly disgruntled, while the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws were murmuring excitedly.

"Harry!"

Hermione and Ron rushed toward him, their expressions worried yet excited.

"Did you hear? Sirius is officially free!" Hermione whispered.

Harry grinned. "Yeah, I know. I talked to him this morning."

Ron whistled. "Blimey… can't believe it. I thought he was a murderer just a week ago."

Hermione elbowed him. "Honestly, Ronald!"

Before they could continue, Professor Dumbledore stepped forward. His twinkling blue eyes scanned the Great Hall before resting on Harry.

"Harry, may I have a word in my office?"

Harry nodded hesitantly.

Minutes later, he found himself sitting across from Dumbledore in the Headmaster's office, Fawkes humming softly in the background.

"I understand that Sirius Black has offered to take custody of you," Dumbledore began.

Harry's heart pounded.

"I… yes," he admitted. "He's my godfather. It's what my parents wanted."

Dumbledore nodded slowly, though his expression was unreadable.

"And yet, there are things to consider. Sirius is still… adjusting. The Ministry may be watching him closely. It might be safer for you to remain with your relatives for now."

Harry's stomach twisted in frustration.

"Safer?!" he snapped. "You mean safer for the Ministry, not for me! I've spent years with the Dursleys, and they treat me like garbage!"

Dumbledore's eyes darkened slightly, but he remained calm.

Before he could speak, however, a new voice interrupted.

"Harry isn't going back to the Dursleys."

Both of them turned to see Ezekiel Cassian Malverne standing in the doorway, his expression sharp and unwavering.

Dumbledore sighed. "Lord Ravenclaw, I assume you have something to add?"

Ezekiel stepped forward, his posture commanding.

"Harry is under Sirius Black's legal guardianship now," Ezekiel stated coolly. "As Lord Ravenclaw, I will personally ensure that the Ministry recognizes his rights. There is no need for him to return to a home where he is mistreated."

Dumbledore's fingers intertwined. "And if I say that Harry's safety is my priority?"

"Then I'll say that protecting him isn't the same as controlling his life," Ezekiel countered.

Harry's eyes widened in admiration.

Dumbledore studied him for a long moment before finally sighing.

"Very well. But know this, Harry—choosing Sirius means stepping into a world of danger far greater than you've known."

Harry nodded without hesitation. "I'm ready."

Dumbledore smiled faintly. "Then I hope you are prepared for what's to come."

---

That night, Harry packed his things.

When the Hogwarts Express arrived for the Christmas holidays, he didn't head toward the Dursleys. Instead, he stepped onto the platform, where Sirius and Ezekiel waited for him.

Sirius grinned, ruffling Harry's hair. "Ready, kiddo?"

Harry grinned. "More than ever."

As they left Platform 9¾, Ezekiel smirked slightly.

"Welcome to the real wizarding world, Harry."

Little did they know, danger was brewing on the horizon.

---