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Courtroom Ten, Ministry of Magic.
He wished he could end the day at this point, and simply say - and thus the trial had ended and Sirius Black got a nice well deserved shower, with a hot meal, ( accompanied by a blonde curvy woman optional, but certainly a welcome and thoughtful bonus.) And no fucks were given and no one bothered him for the rest of the day.
But the day wasn't over yet… And things could never be that easy.
The climax of the trial had been immensely satisfying to Sirius. Especially as he had the front row seat to the very panicked Peter Pettigrew practically pissing himself, (Sirius was going to remember the abbreviation PPPPH for a while… Maybe have it embroidered on a pillow for the lavatory, even.) as the attention was briefly brought onto Peter himself, once everyone calmed down a smidge from finding out Sirius was completely innocent. ( Well… In the legal meaning of the word, perhaps.) The squirrely man's eyes almost bugged out of his head as the visitors gallery started chanting, "KISS, KISS, KISS!" Stomping their feet, the sound reverberating around the chamber. It was deafening and absolutely hurt Sirius's tired head, but oh was it ever satisfying!
Sirius gave out a barking laugh at that chorus, giving the rat a cheery little wave, drawing his attention to him. Peter was pleading with his eyes, his body still frozen in whatever spell Moody had caught him in - as well as completely chained down. Showing once and for all that the traitor really just was that mentally slow - begging Sirius for assistance? Really? He'd have had better luck asking Ol' Voldy himself for a hummer upon joining up, then getting anything from Sirius.
Sirius grinned darkly, drawing a thumb across his jugular, chuckling to himself as the rat's eyes started rolling around in his head - pure fear wafting of him. Sirius might not have received as many benefits in his transformation as Peter had - but he could still smell the stench of a coward just fine - not that he needed a better sense of smell to pick that up from the sniveling little Death Muncher. He was honestly glad that the Wizengamot was unlikely to sentence the little shite to a Dementor's kiss. Suffering in Azkaban would do so much better as proper revenge. Certainly better than the original's attempt to simply kill the man.
That would have been too easy. A too clean end for his absolute betrayal of James and Lily, and his betrayal of Sirius! Oh, and Harry too, he supposed. He had some mixed feelings there, but he'd have to step in, it was only right.
He might have objections to Azkaban's continued existence, partly through experience and partly through being a somewhat decent human who doesn't agree with endless torture, but while it was still there, it would make a nice new home for his old friend.
Yes… As long as the Dementors still existed. Sirius would make sure the rat had a nice stay with them. His hatred for the dark creatures' existence did not preclude him from making use of them - until he could find a way to rid the world of them.
And he would find a way.
He was pragmatic like that. Flexible. Not like these ridiculous light and dark side morons who only worked in absolutes. Who wouldn't step over the line to the other side to get what needed doing, done.
It would be foolish sentiment to not use what was there because you disliked it. Use it, find a way to get rid of it if you could, certainly. But to simply avoid it because it made you uncomfortable - that was the way of a coward.
And Sirius Black had never been a coward.
"C'mon laddie, your part in this is over, let's get you somewhere a bit quieter and have a dram, aye?" Moody said heavily, placing a strong calloused hand on Sirius's shoulder. "Before the vultures swoop down…" The senior Auror growled lowly, both eyes searching the chamber. Sirius followed his gaze to the press gallery, and then to the empty seat which had held his grandfather.
In fact there were several empty seats, those with the sense to realize nothing more would happen at this point, just pageantry. Perhaps it proved the insanity of the Ministry as a whole that only a few seats gaped empty. Those few with common sense or no stomach for pointless bullshit.
He cracked his neck, giving one last hard glare at the sniveling Pettigrew. "Fine, I doubt they'll give me the pleasure of seeing the sentencing of the traitor today anyway…" The Wizengamot did not deal well with change - or decide anything with speed, usually. Nor did anyone in the wizarding world, really. He doubted they'd suddenly opt for it now. He gave one last look at an ashen faced Bagnold trying to desperately babble her way through some sort of excuse with the people from the wireless. With the trial having being broadcast - they'd schedule Pettigrew for another day. No one wanted any more surprises.
No one knew how much Pettigrew knew. Shit, Sirius didn't know how much he knew, how long he'd been a spy... The Death Eaters - sorry, respected members of society, must be shitting themselves right about now. Wondering what could be teased out with some Veritaserum.
Merlin damn it all… Sirius would have to actually protect the shite, or he'd be found to have conveniently hung himself in his cell by morning.
Or conveniently managed to fire a disembowelment curse at himself without a wand…
How many times in his life had he seen it happen? The powerful silencing the only witness. Or indeed, the powerful were suddenly silenced by someone more dangerous, once they were finally caught… To keep the secrets of the rich and famous just that. Secret. He'd seen it in his old world over and over, the sudden suspicious suicide in detention by someone powerful and rich that had finally fallen afoul of the law. Usually fallen with the help of an Equalizer to ensure the evidence didn't just disappear.
And then just dead. No satisfaction nor names to be taken from the useless corpse.
Like anyone believed those instances to be suicide. But at that point the secrets got buried. The powerful and rich moved on to continue their habits. Sacrificing one of their own with no hesitation. It had been a frustrating dance they'd done too many times. The Equalizers seeing witnesses, or their targets - all fall to suicide. Before satisfaction could be brought for the sake of the victims.
Pettigrew had not earned such an easy out. He'd live a long life, paying for his crimes. Sirius would make sure of it.
He didn't know about heaven and hell. But he'd make sure Pettigrew found hell as long as he still drew breath. Not nice. Not by a long shot.
But nice was not a word used to describe him often anyway…
"Better be one hell of a dram, Moody…" He said bitterly, gaze moving along, pretending to not see the old friends and mentors that were staring at him forlornly - like they had suffered for this, like today's revelations hurt them, somehow. They'd made their choices… Abandoned him without compunction. He let himself be led by the shoulder by the experienced Auror. Out of the courtroom and the madness that had overtaken the usually solemn chamber. The shouting visitors gallery cut off at once as they exited into the hallway outside.
Blessed silence finally eased the thrumming in his head. The rage and hate, disgust and sorrow, all of it making a mess of his thoughts. He'd never had a day or an hour even yet, just to think. In peace. Arriving in Azkaban and then straight into that trial…
"Clear the way to Bones office, aye? Instead of standing around gaping like a pair of gormless twits!" Moody barked to the two rookie Aurors that he'd bullied himself past to enter the courtroom. "Anyone who tries to toss as much as a wave in Black's direction you stun first, ask questions a week from now- "Moody's grin pulled awfully on his scars as he stared the rookies down, "- When we can be arsed to let them out of lockup."
"Sir, we have orde-" One of them tried to protest, looking a bit green at the prospect of stunning Ministry employees. Or perhaps it was because they were staring at Moody's grotesque face. Sirius chuckled raspily as the second rookie did look about two seconds away from chucking up his lunch.
"Now yeh have better orders, aye?" Moody growled threateningly, fingers tightening on his wand. The other hand was still on Sirius' shoulder.
Sirius was uncomfortably aware of the fact that he did not have a wand, but everyone they'd meet on the way, would have. As he saw the two rookies wisely decide they were more scared of Moody then any possible employee they'd have to stun, both running off, wands aloft, he spoke up, "Any idea what was done with my wand? Was it snapped?" He asked, trying for casualness, but the tightness to his jaw wouldn't fool a veteran like Moody, especially now that he was cheating with that eye of his.
Sirius kind of wanted one of his own. Did one have to have an eye cursed out first? He wondered.
"Kept as evidence, no doubt." Moody grunted, magical eye on a swivel as he carefully led Sirius forward. Moody took one long distrustful look at the elevator, before tapping a bare stretch of wall next to it with his wand. A stairway shimmering into place. "Senior Ministry personnel use only, Black, so keep mum, aye?" He muttered, before not so gently shoving Sirius in, Moody himself backing in with his wand held aloft - as if expecting a rush of Death Eaters down the hallway.
Knowing Moody, he probably was in fact expecting something like that…
It amused Sirius, because Moody had just sent two wet behind the ears Aurors to clear the way of gawkers up the Ministry - and he was taking a secret way instead. Even old Moody had some pranking in his bones - or was it called hazing when you're a senior Auror?
"I'm great at keeping secrets…" Sirius muttered in response to Moody, squinting up the stairwell, dubiously, "Maybe not so great at stairs, right now." He admitted with a wince. Amusement fading. The reminder of his situation sinking in at the same time as bone deep weariness did.
Moody looked annoyed at that, grunting quietly, and something within Sirius snapped, "Not a lot of time for calinestethics in Azkaban," He spat out, feeling like his vision was darkening at the edges as he put a hand against the wall to help keep himself upright - it felt like everything was tilting, everything wavering for a moment. "The food was absolutely top class! Mind you, I didn't like their steaks much, you see, so I had to make do with the low calorie option." It was like a dam had released and he just couldn't stop, "The fact my extremities were turning blue did put a damper on my exercise routine, must have been something wrong with the room, it did provide first class view of the north sea - all the cold, death and darkness a bloke could desire!" It was hard to breathe, no matter how big of a breath he tried to take it felt like not enough, his chest felt impossibly tight.
Moody let it all wash over him, a grim look on his face. He patted Sirius awkwardly on the shoulder when he finished ranting. Sirius' chest rising and falling like he'd run a marathon. "Let it out, Black, the hate and spite and desire for revenge, take it all out on me, laddie. That kind of poison will ruin you faster than Azkaban now." The senior Auror looked surprisingly gentle, even with his terrible scars, as he gave Sirius a shake. "Don't let it ruin yeh, not now, lad. Not now that you've beaten that place." He spat on the ground, frowning, magical eye spinning looking absolutely sickening like that, "You're better than that, Black." He said solemnly. Fingers gripping his shoulder tightly for a moment.
Sirius leaned his head against the wall of the stairwell, catching his breath, "You're not the one that deserves to hear it." He muttered bitterly. There were so many that deserved his bile and hate right now - yet could he afford to dwell on it?
Moody looked like he disagreed, but to Sirius relief did not launch into an apology or argument over guilt. He simply stood there, magical eye searching through the Ministry - as he let Sirius catch his breath and his equilibrium again.
Sirius would have punched the old man if he'd dared to apologize. Like some soft words could erase being damned to a demon infested hell. No… Moody had listened to him. That had been an apology in itself - one Sirius could accept. Action - not platitudes.
And now… He listened to Moody. Took in his words. Really thought about them.
Sirius knew, from his old life, he knew. If he let his disgust and anger over past wrongdoings take over - he'd become something foul. Just like the people he stopped. The ones who let money and power convince them they could take anything - do anything, without consequence. Magic was influenced by the person wielding it. How easily he could fall into the trap of using his hatred, twisting himself without realizing. Until he was that which he hated.
He'd have to… Work on it. Not forget. Never that. But he could not lose himself to hatred. He needed to think clearly. Revenge… As satisfying as breaking Albus too many Merlin damn names Dumbledore's nose would be. That kind of revenge would be pointless.
Fleeting and useless. A child's satisfaction in immediate gratification.
It couldn't match the satisfaction of transforming the wizarding world - kicking and screaming if necessary. Doing a better job than the bastard's ever done - and then ripping him out of his comfortable life, where he has been ruling Hogwarts like his own petty fiefdom. Set the school to rights just like magical Britain - despite Dumbledore - not with him. And see the name Dumbledore exposed for the coward he was. Never willing to do what was needed - prioritizing keeping his own hands clean. Sacrificing those that trust him, but never taking the step himself.
Never sacrificing his own ideals for the sake of the thousands that he practically raised to depend on him!
Not until far into the future, when he'd be needed the most to stand strong, to protect everyone - and then, finally, when he was actually needed the most - then finally the coward escaped it all, sacrificing himself in the most inopportune moment while still managing to ensure his own hands did not bring about Voldemort's or Harry Potter's downfall. Keeping his conscience clean, his hands bloodless.
To Sirius they were already dripping with blood - the old man just didn't see it…
The deaths in the first war… Voldemort and Dumbledore shared blame, as did the Ministry. One for his actions, one for his inaction - the last for its pure uselessness. The second war… Dumbledore was to blame. He refused to reorganize the Ministry when he had the chance - to ensure the world was ready to crush another Death Eater revolt. They'd practically been begging him, or so the books had once said.
He refused to curtail the return of extremists' views at Hogwarts - he did not make any move at all to curtail it in fact. He refused to step in to protect his students. To prepare them. He refused to prepare for the war he knew was coming. And at its climax, left Britain to suffer death, torture and destruction, because he desired a shiny trinket. A chance to talk to a sister long dead - while he'd had no problem sacrificing entire families for the chance to use them - to stun a couple enemies - in a war he didn't have the stomach to fight.
Was there any wonder the Order had so many losses - so few survivors to fight again the second time around? That was on Dumbledore.
They'd been so young and stupid… Trusting in his reputation. When truly what was it? If you looked closely enough… He let millions die in world war two, while he sat at home waffling about dueling his boyfriend… He never changed. Others die so that he can smile from his throne and be benevolent. He could have dueled Grindelwald anytime. Ever since it all started. He could have simply challenged the dark lord. And he would have come.
He would have not refused Dumbledore. They could have kept it contained instead of all out war. But Dumbledore had waffled for years while Europe was on fire!
He waited and let others die until the number became so great - the pressure from society so great - that he finally, reluctantly acted.
And even then, the bastard didn't kill the dark lord.
What if Grindelwald had managed to escape? The disregard for the lives of his victims was staggering.
No… Dumbledore above all others. He was part of the problem more than anything. Full of wishful thinking and hopes - but no action.
Sirius, both of him, becoming more one, for every minute that passed by - were made for actions!
"You're right…. Hatred… I have better things to do. Just… Spell me up the stairs, Moody. You promised me some alcohol." Sirius broke the silence, greasy hair hanging down over his face, hiding his eyes. Burning with determination.
"Aye, lad, that I did…" Silently Sirius was spelled to float gently, the Auror stomping up the stairs - one hand pushing Sirius ahead of him. The clunking of the veteran's wooden leg reverberating across the tiny space.
Within minutes they were out in another hallway. Sirius recognized it as the DMLE, he could see the Auror bullpen in the distance down the hallway. You had to love magic - no way that tiny stairwell brought them this far up the Ministry otherwise, handy that. Moody didn't lead him towards the Aurors however, he took him down a side corridor passing by the Head Aurors office, until they finally reached the office of the head of the DMLE.
The gray and ultimately boring hallways of the Ministry, had always rubbed Sirius the wrong way. Would it kill them to add some color, paintings of something other than some old has-been wizard? A gumball machine would be nice too.
See, already out and about in the Ministry and he already came up with something that would make the Ministry some extra knuts!
A pretty little blonde witch was busy scribbling notes at the desk in front of the office space/waiting room. She raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow in their direction as they came to stand in front of her. Sirius idly noted the wireless in the waiting room, which explained the easier then expected reaction. He also by habit noticed and cataloged the woman's measurements - which were impressive. Part of him was horrified, but distantly amused - that such a thing was an automatic reaction upon seeing a pretty woman.
Sirius Black's reputation truly was earned. His reputation now. How in Merlin's name was there not any little Blacks running around?
He was glad for her placid reaction however. Studying her surreptitiously from beneath his long messy hair. He couldn't wait for the screams of terror when he'd run into the one bloke who hadn't heard about his release at some point when he went out in public. But it was nice to avoid it for now, his head hurt enough as it was.
Also a bad boy reputation always helped with the ladies…
Bloody hell, he wasn't even sure if that was a remnant of Sirius or himself - or both, thinking that. He'd need some time alone again to sort himself out. He thought sourly. The freedom from Azkaban apparently solidified this new confusing existence - with his magic free from its confinement.
"Can I help you, Auror Moody?" The secretary said coolly. Giving the senior Auror a smile absolutely drenched in fake politeness. There was definitely some tension there. And the woman must have been a Slytherin. No one pulled off fake smiles as good as that without being one.
Huh, nice. He didn't fly into a rage just thinking about Slytherin. Good to know.
Still… Best be careful if he ever ran into Snape. He just got out of Azkaban. He didn't need to find himself back in.
"Tell Bonesy to let me in, I know she'll have escaped that circus as soon as possible." Moody growled. "None of that she's not available nonsense," He said as the secretary opened her mouth to viciously deny entry, Moody tapped his still spinning magical eye, "I've seen her, lass."
With a disgusted huff, the pretty blonde witch pushed her chair back and stood up, giving Moody an absolutely scorching glare with deadly amber eyes, before her face softened and she inclined her head slightly in Sirius's direction. Within a moment she was inside the Directors office, a quick knock heralding her entry.
Sirius chuckled raspily, shaking his head,"Did you arrest her boyfriend or something, Moody?" That had been one impressive glare.
Moody scoffed, "All the womenfolk have been acting the same around here lately, "He tapped his eye yet again, "Someone started a rumor that this could see through anything - more specifically clothing, can't even look at a woman without getting the evil eye now, blast it!" He didn't seem overly bothered about it, the magical eye focused on the director's office for a moment.
"Can it? See through anything I mean?" Sirius asked, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. If it did… The magical world had horrible privacy laws. Big surprise there.
If it was anyone but Moody… The witches of Britain would have probably already taken care of it.
Moody just gave him a look, refusing to elaborate. Sirius amused himself by examining the small waiting area. Paying particular attention to the cute secretary's desk. A fun little idea rumbling around in his head.
Within another minute she returned, taking a position behind her desk, looking like she could smell something foul - as she addressed Moody, eyes hard. "The director will see you and your guest now, Auror Moody."
Sirius was honestly impressed. To say a title that respectfully and still somehow fill it with so much derision - took some serious skill in communication.
Wonder if Bones will hex me if I hire her away? He thought briefly. Dismissing it right after. It was probably the old dog in him, looking for a leg to hump.
"I thought she might, at that." Moody growled, sounding amused at her continued open dislike. He gave Sirius a nudge to the shoulder to move on along as he fingered his wand, still keeping an eye out.
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Sirius gave the cute secretary a charming smile as he passed the desk, somewhat ruined by the whole - no bath for two years' effects - "Blue was definitely the right choice today, sweetheart!" He gave her an exaggerated wink and thumbs up.
The secretary gasped, looking flushed and outraged, covering her bosom as she turned to glare at Moody, nostrils flaring. If she'd had her wand in hand the old Auror might have found himself hexed in the back at that moment.
"What the hell was that, Black?" Moody growled as he gave him a little push to move him towards the office quicker.
Really it was Moody's fault. He shouldn't have left him standing there for more than two minutes. What was he supposed to do? Just stand there and do nothing?
Sirius smirked mirthfully, "Just lending a helping hand," He said sweetly. Barking out a quick laugh at the Aurors unimpressed look. "Look, Moody, she had blue nail polish, her quill had blue highlights, she had a blue coloured coding system for her notes. I took a wild shot in the dark that the lady was wearing something blue for her undergarments today…"
Huh, maybe he was wrong on the whole Slytherin thing - Blue was very Ravenclaw. He wouldn't have pegged her for a raven though…
Moody shook his head, although Sirius could spot the twitch of the scarred man's lips. "That rumor will never die down now, Black." He pointed out with a grumpy huff.
"Was all of it blue though is the question?" Sirius asked innocently, a twinkle in his eyes. His smirk growing. It had been a long time since he'd last seen a pretty lady or had the chance to prank anyone. Apparently some things just were part of you, deep into the bones.
He should probably stop now.
"Ain't none of yer business, Black, you've caused enough trouble, in with yeh, maybe you'll be less of a hassle, drunk." Moody barked, opening the door to the directors office and manhandling him in, shutting it securely behind him.
"Alastor, you better not have come here to drink on duty…" Came the amused voice of Amelia Bones. Sitting behind a mahogany desk, absolutely covered in file folders with a few family photos interspersed amongst them. Sirius felt a twinge of unease. He knew from the books she'd lost practically everyone. And he'd probably end up making her life very difficult if he went ahead with all the ideas percolating in his head.
"Might have." Came Moody's calm reply as he stomped over to sit in one of the chairs in front of the desk. Baffling Sirius as he didn't even check the chair for traps. He must really trust Bones.
Sirius had brought the man a drink once and when he'd seen the old Auror four hours later - he'd been using a runic circle to test the now ice cold coffee.
Apparently every spell in existence showing it was just a coffee hadn't been enough…
Although Sirius and James had entered the Aurors with a certain reputation from Hogwarts. So maybe it was just him.
Sirius gave the director of the DMLE a once over, idly noting the guesstimated measurements, but more taking in the small amount of red still in her graying short cropped hair. The steely and determined eyes. The monocle she hardly needed at her age - but that he had a feeling came from the same place as Moody's eye had.
"Do I meet approval, Heir Black?" She said dryly. Tapping her wand at her desk, the files swiftly moving into several stacks, freeing up the surface. Another tap on the middle of the desk and a secret compartment slid away. A decanter of whiskey and a couple of glasses rising into the air.
Sirius smoothly sank down into the other available chair, smirking slightly, "I guess that depends on if that -" He pointed at her monocle, "Is being used to spy on me in the buff or not." He said gaily.
Moody, who was busy spelling the whiskey into three crystal glasses, almost dropped one, his normal eye turning Sirius way, looking supremely unimpressed.
Amelia Bones raised an eyebrow, giving Sirius a long once over, before sniffing and accepting her tumbler from Moody, "If I was, Heir Black, you'd have already clued in due to the severe disappointment that would have shown on my face." She told him, absolutely blank faced and dry.
Sirius barked out a laugh, leaning back in the chair, taking the glass shoved roughly into his hands by Moody, who glared him down, warningly. "Oh, we'll get along." He said with a sharp grin, "Call me Sirius."
Bones put aside her glass without taking a drink, interweaving her hands in front of her, "You may call me Director Bones, Sirius." She said matter of factly. Moody smirked at him as Sirius pouted in his chair.
Sirius took a slow sip of the whiskey to regain his manly pride. The smoky flavor brought back memories. He felt himself relax just a little in the chair, the pleasant association with alcohol doing more for him then the liquid itself.
Bones let him have his peace, keeping silent for several minutes as Sirius sipped slowly at his whiskey. Both her own and Moody's glasses remained untouched. Sirius would have worried - if it wasn't these two. If anything canon had on them spoke true, however little there was. Poisoning or dosing someone illegally, in a situation like this - was not in their playbook at all.
"So… Why am I here?" Sirius asked finally. Feeling the warmth of the whiskey spreading across his body. Knowing he'd absolutely pay for it later - but finding it worth it in the moment.
"Safety for one." Moody growled. "Reporters and others, would have accosted you lad. Ain't nowhere safer in the Ministry than Bonesy's office."
Sirius knew what he meant by others. Dumbledore and his people. Sirius was not ready to deal with that bundle of headaches. So he could appreciate that.
"I've told you to not call me that, Alastor." Bones said mildly, a threatening flash in her eyes as she slowly turned her head in the senior Aurors direction.
Moody simply scoffed, thumping his leg on the office floor. "Ain't going to change lassie, take it or leave it." He said gruffly.
Bones smiled, softly and without threat. "You're correct of course, Alastor." She said politely. "You are getting up there in age though, aren't you?" She snapped her fingers and a magenta folder flew away from a stack to land directly in front of her, opening up for her. She glanced at it for maybe a millisecond, before looking up at a wary Moody with a saccharine smile. "A stint teaching at the Academy will do you good, don't you agree?"
Sirius chuckled as Moody simply looked straight forward, unimpressed but unwilling to admit he'd walked straight into that one. Sirius saluted Bones with his whiskey glass, "Lovely, absolutely lovely, I'd fall in lust right now if I didn't have one leg already in the grave," He proclaimed grandly, before he tilted his head questiongly, "Now what other reasons did you have for collecting me?"
Bones frowned slightly, straightening her monocle, "For one, I owe you an apo-" She began. She froze in place looking very intense, her gaze directly on his when Sirius held up a hand to stop her - obviously not something she had done to her often. Sirius figured he'd best not tell her that such an intense look was insanely attractive - even for a slightly older witch. He could lose himself in her steely eyes, ahem, where was he?
Ah, yes… the shitshow of another apology from the wrong person. His mood plummeted.
"You weren't head of the department for that shite, Crouch was - and ultimately Bagnold was in charge of everything at the time." He said roughly, holding on to his almost empty whiskey glass tightly. "You were not the investigator nor interrogator, nor were you in charge of Azkaban." Sirius shook his head, a disgusted frown on his face at the greasy strings of hair that would fall down his face at the action, "You didn't know me. You do not get to apologize for the Ministry. You weren't involved nor responsible." The glass shook slightly, and he noticed almost detachedly - that his hands were actually shaking.
Bones exchanged a look with Moody, before seemingly accepting Sirius' position with a deep sigh. "If that is how you feel, I will respect that, I will however be conducting a review of all those contained within Azkaban, to ensure you are not the only case my predecessor fudged." She raised an eyebrow questioningly, "I figured you might like to know that, at least."
Sirius nodded sharply, not trusting his words, but accepting that Bones likely would do just that. A fair woman she had been called, at a time where the Ministry had been anything but.
It did give him some relief, that if anyone in there was innocent like him. They'd be discovered.
There was a knock on the door. Sirius immediately tensed up. Eyes taking in his surroundings, the sparsely decorated office. Not even a rug or a painting in place anywhere. He idly noted there were no faces shown in the large foe glass in the corner, nor were any of the sneakoscopes going into alarm mode. He reddened slightly as he noticed Bones studying him, waiting for him to reassure himself before she allowed anyone entry.
"Go on, better see who it is then." He said resignedly. Expecting Dumbledore or even Bagnold perhaps.
He kept an eye on the door as he noticed Moody casually face his wand in that direction, while looking like he was simply resting one arm over the other. Considering the man could see through the door - you'd think his paranoia would lessen a bit. Unless there truly was someone behind the door to be worried about…
"Enter." Bones barked out authoritatively. Sirius flinched at the noise, before he settled himself, chewing on his lip. He needed to get a hold of himself. This was just getting pathetic.
The pretty secretary from before poked her head in, "Madame Bones, Auror Turpin is here, with the item you requested."
"No need to send him in, I think." Bones mused out loud, looking so determinedly forward and away from him, that she might as well have stared at him pointedly. "Just grab it from him, and thank him for me, Sweetwater."
Her name is Sweetwater? Sirius mouthed, some amusement trickling over his unease. The aforementioned girl noticed, and sent him a small flushed glare, before she dipped out of the office. Returning a minute later. With his wand!
"I had it sent for, from the evidence storage vault. It was the first thing I did after leaving the courtroom." Bones said quietly, "I know now, an apology is not something I can give you. I figured however, that a man that has been without his wand for two years, would feel safer with it returned sooner rather than later…"
Sirius stared longingly at it, as the secretary approached him, a pitying look on her face, (way to make him feel manly, right there) as she held her palm out, his wand across it. Right there.10.5 inches, dogwood with a Peruvian Vipertooth's heartstring. The wand, a light brown color with a rounded black grip - runes visible - etched into the lower half of the wand, tapering off midway through.
He'd been told by Ollivander, that dogwood was a match for a mischievous wizard or witch, and that it had a playful and quirky nature. A wand for excitement and fun, but still capable of performing great feats under tremendous pressure. A fitting wand for him he had thought back then, and ever since. Would it be though? Still. With how he was now? Would it work?
"Take the wand, lad." Moody grumbled, earning himself a scathing look from the pretty Miss Sweetwater.
Sirius hesitantly reached out for it, almost jumping in fright as it seemed the wand almost bounced out of the woman's hands and into his. "Ooohhhh!" He grunted, feeling magic racing through his veins, the wand practically singing to him as it fired off several gushes of pure crystalline magic from the tip, each drawing out a low, oohhh - from him. Sirius jerked to and fro in his seat, mouth open in an almost euphoric state, from having his wand returned. From it accepting him as he was and reconnecting to his magic.
"Well… It works." Bones said wryly, the first hint of an honest smile on her face he'd seen so far. She seemed distinctly amused at his reaction.
"Sorry…" Sirius breathed out deeply, caressing his wand softly with his fingers. "When a bloke gets to handle his wand for the first time in years, in front of two pretty ladies to boot, there's bound to be fireworks." He waggled his eyebrows at the absolutely beet red Miss Sweetwater, who quickly retreated out of the office, the door slamming shut behind her.
"Please don't break my secretary, she's the first competent one I've had." Bones says, definitely showing some amusement. Is that perhaps even a twinkle in her eye?
Sirius still had it! Just a shave and a bath and he'd be right back to wooing the ladies!
"Should have figured you'd make it a spectacle, Black, can't do anything quietly." Moody growled, "That reaction is probably half way through the Ministry already." He complained half heartedly.
Sirius didn't give two damns. He had his wand back. And frankly. That had been a virile and impressive effort, he had nothing to be ashamed about!
"Elsa is trustworthy, Alastor. You'll leave her be, I don't need my secretary harassed because of your paranoia!" Bones said strictly, a sharp warning in her voice.
"Elsa Sweetwater. Ravenclaw? Or Slytherin?" Sirius asked idly. Still stroking his wand. Starting to slump a little in his chair. The safety net of having access to his magic again allowed him to finally let go of some of the tension that had held him up during the trial.
Bones frowned at him, "Don't get any ideas either, Sirius… Elsa is important to my work here, I need her." She finally picked up her tumbler of whiskey and took a sip, eying Sirius with a smug twist to her lips, "It will tickle her pink that you so completely misjudged her though, she's a Gryffindor. Actually only three years below you."
"Huh, I don't remember her…" Sirius said, eyes distant as he tried to pierce the fuzzy veil of the past. His memories were far from full. "Never would have guessed Gryffindor…"
There was silence for a few moments before Sirius got a grip on himself, eyes focused back on fhe head of the DMLE, "Before I manage to forget due to all the excitement today…What's the security going to be like for Pettigrew?"
Bones face immediately shuttered into stony and blank, "Despite what you have gone through," She began stiffly, "The procedures of high value prisoners within the DMLE is not shared lightly," Her monocle glinted menacingly as she narrowed her eyes at him, "Especially to the man who, for all that he's innocent of the crimes he was sent to Azkaban for, was attempting to murder said prisoner, at the time, a fact I have not forgotten."
Moody shook his head, glancing at Sirius briefly, before speaking up, "Cut him some slack, Bonesy. He isn't nosing about for amusement - he's just making sure the shite is getting his, aye?" He grimaced, "Lad was an Auror, one of us…"
Amelia Bones raised an unimpressed eyebrow, "That's Director Bones or boss, Alastor!" She said, with the resigned voice of someone that knew it was pointless, "And who he was, or is, has no matter to sensitive Ministry information, Alastor, and you know it!" she turned an appraising look towards Sirius, who had managed to keep his temper in check, only slightly mullishly glaring back at the director of the DMLE.
Likely due to the nice whiskey and the return of his wand putting him in a decently relaxed mood.
"Details about Peter Pettigrew will not be released to you. No matter how much I sympathize with your situation, I do not allow emotions to guide the execution of law in this country." Bones said forcefully, yet calmly.
Sirius calmed himself, taking a deep breath, before meeting Bones steady look with one of his own, "Fair enough, I can accept that." He admitted, as much as it burned to be talked to like that, he could see where she was coming from, he'd flown off the handle, attempted to murder Pettigrew instead of reporting it, hardly Auror behavior. "I didn't ask to find out any details anyway." He shrugged lightly, a sardonic grin on his face, "Or to get a five minutes alone in his cell kind of deal,"
"Like he'd last five minutes…" Moody muttered distastefully. Drawing another unimpressed look from Bones and a barking laugh from Sirius.
Sirius mockingly saluted the old Auror, "Right you are!" He sobered up immediately though and made eye contact with Bones, "I just want to ensure he actually survives to trial, no doubt a lot of people would prefer his mouth stays shut, permanently." He tried to impress his sincerity on her, he really did only want that.
Bones stared at him silently for a few moments. Then she leaned back slightly in her chair, relaxing just a smidge, "And you what? Did not think that I would realize this and take precautions?" She responded with a wry look, "Are you also going to have suggestions on how I am to get dressed in the morning? Or how to do my hair? I am perfectly capable of performing my job…" She finished with some acerbity.
Moody snorted at that, rolling his eyes, both of them - when Bones turned her eyes on him. Saving Sirius from having to come up with a witty retort to the head of the DMLE basically telling him to shut up and let her do her job.
Especially as he figured it would be politically unwise to tell her that, yes, he didn't trust her to do the job, or the people under her for that matter. And that he'd probably find a way to utilize his family money to ensure the bastard lives - because he couldn't trust.
Merlin did he ever have reasons not to trust.
"Ah, well, just double checking, you understand my interest in the matter." Sirius said with a practiced smile, "I'm sure you have it well in hand."
Bones softened slightly, "He will get the punishment he deserves." She promised.
Sirius twirled his wand childishly, his smile widening when Bones twitched and Moody had to practically grab his arm to prevent himself from jinxing him on reflex. Oh, he loved being a shit disturber.
"Since I am in such illustrious company! I have somewhat of a legal question." He said abruptly. Moody shook his head, muttering something too low to be heard, looking disgruntled still at the twirling wand.
"Is this a hypothetical scenario? Or are you confessing a crime to me?" Bones said dryly, a knowing glint in her eyes.
Of course Bones would have paid attention at the trial… He's honestly surprised she hadn't brought it up yet. Their meeting had been running for a while.
"Purely hypothetical." Sirius assured her grandly. "Like, say someone were to enter the DMLE and confess they achieved an Animagus transformation some time ago," Sirius winked exaggeratedly, drawing another mutter out of Moody, "But that poor bloke plum forgot there was a registry. What's the chap to do in such a situation?"
Bones leaned back in her chair, interlocking her fingers before her, studying Sirius intently, before she slowly spoke, "In such a… Hypothetical scenario… If this person is not - or have ever been, or will be due to the revelation - suspected or connected to a crime for the specific Animagus transformation he or she reveals…" Bones lapses into silence for a few moments, before continuing on. "Then there would be a substantial fine… For their forgetfulness, and they would then be registered, properly."
Sirius nodded along, rubbing his beard thoughtfully, "And if this revelation happened from someone else turning this poor chap in? Or perhaps happened to be force-fed some Veritaserum where they might say such a thing? The punishment?" He asked curiously.
Bones pursed her lips, "Azkaban." She stated succinctly. "Although someone that hypothetically has already unjustly served two years might get off on time served." She finished, looking expectantly at Sirius. An amused twist to her lips.
"Huh, wouldn't you know, that now that I mention all this, it just sort of popped into my head that I happen to be an Animagus. It's funny how these things work." Sirius said affably, grinning at the exasperated Moody and reluctantly amused looking Bones.
"What a coincidence." Bones said starchly, summoning a parchment her way, "For brevity I will assume, for now - that a search of cases over the last decade is not going to have your form all over it…" She looked at him sternly, monocle tight as she got that intense look again, "I assume you're willing to register and pay the fine? Assuming you achieved this around what - sixth year? Seventh year? It would be around 4500 gallons."
Sirius whistled, that was quite the sum if you weren't a Black. No wonder the likes of Rita Skeeter didn't just go and register to get away from blackmail threats from a school girl. Well that and the fact the people she'd performed hit pieces on would have ripped her apart if she gave them that much of an opportunity.
Their meeting was interrupted at that moment as a silvery swan entered the office, swimming almost predatorily through the air. Immediately succeeding in stiffening Sirius' spine. He knew that patronus.
"I know you have him, Bones! Produce my grandson or face the wrath of the Black family!" The swan thundered out in the voice of his grandfather, before fading away into wisps of ethereal smoke.
"Always so polite." Sirius muttered, grimacing at the idea of facing his so-called family. It was necessary of course. So chin up and all that. But they were all so bloody awful!
"Contrary to his beliefs, you don't actually have to listen to him, Sirius." Bones said, an annoyed frown pulling her lips down. The director of the DMLE facade back on her face, any amusement having faded with that patronus. "I do not answer to Arcturus Black." She bit out dangerously, a serious look in her eyes.
Sirius appreciated the sentiment, but if Fudge had been any proof. Her tough, go get em attitude - would fail at some point. The Ministry as it would be a decade from now, could hardly have existed if this Amelia Bones worked at it the entire time. So again… Appreciated. But not something he could trust. At some point she would falter. Become part of the machine. Fair and just of heart, perhaps, but bound by Ministry rules, which were slanted unfairly as a rule.
"No, best I face him now. I doubt my flat is still around. I can't have a much safer place to stay in for now then a Black property." Sirius said shortly, just wanting to get this all over with, tapping his wand against his knee, feeling the stress building again.
"Hardly safe." Moody grunted. Eye distant, his magical eye no doubt searching the Ministry for Arcturus Black this very moment.
Sirius smiled wanly, "I haven't been safe in a very long time, Moody."
"The DMLE is here if you need assistance, you were one of ours, and we failed to protect you. Contact me if you need anything." Bones ordered. And it was an order. She glared at him until he made a sloppy salute, "Good, you will return to finish this registration, although I will provisionally add you under the template - form under review. If you do not pay the fine and register your form in a week… I will have to arrest you." She said sternly, "Moody will take you to your grandfather, I will be in touch, we still have more to discuss." She finished dismissively, files already creeping back onto her desk, inching slowly forward - to all appearances on their own, the secret compartment for alcoholic drinks already closing. One file appeared to slap at it as it did.
Huh, Sirius hadn't even noticed her spell the glass away from him. Moody would be incensed with his lack of constant vigilance if he wasn't so busy searching through the Ministry.
"Found him." Moody said, standing up with obvious reluctance. "Come along then, Black."
I'm sure this will be fun… He thought sarcastically.
Family time always was so. Much. Fun.
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Luckily for Sirius legs, the trip they had to take did not lead them that far away. Taking them back almost to where they'd started - floating down the secret stairwell this time.
Passing by the courtrooms, Sirius realized where his grandfather had holed up. Every one of the ancient and noble houses on the Wizengamot had access to a resplendent office that belonged exclusively to their families. It was some of the most protected spaces in the Ministry, built practically before any of the rest of the building. No one could even pass the threshold without a direct blood relative of the Wizengamot seat holder leading them through it.
And more importantly, no one could cast magic within, except those of the family blood.
Within twenty minutes of leaving the DMLE, they had arrived - Sirius not moving that fast, partly due to tiredness, partly due to apprehension. Between Azkaban and the trial, he hadn't had much time to polish those few thoughts he'd had to himself over the last couple months. Plans on what to do when he got out. Several involved his family - and he was not in ideal condition to deal with them right now.
But as with everything else. What he wanted did not really matter. Only what he could do with the situation he was in. He steeled himself, gave a short nod of goodbye to Moody. And with a glance at the ostentatious family seal on the door - Toujours Pur - he did intend to be always pure. But not likely in the way his family meant it - he opened the door and entered - back straight, eyes hard. He might look like the average homeless person right now - but no one would doubt he could hold the demeanor of a Black.
"Grandfather." He said coldly, slowly walking forward to sink into the solitary chair in front of the massive desk - a family relic from before the Ministry existed. It appeared to be made of thousands of inky black branches interwoven together to make up the desk, the color so dark it resembled dried blood.
Family legend claimed it was crafted by the first Black - and that the branches had drank greedily of actual blood before twisting into shape as they were. But truly, as Sirius had found as a child - even they didn't have records far enough back to confirm or deny such things.
Although for a Black - it seemed plausible.
"Sirius." Arcturus Black said quietly, studying him. Sitting stiffly in the long backed throne like chair behind the desk. A gilded life size portrait of himself behind it on the wall. Waiting for him to die and awaken to give advice to the next Black Lord. Sirius had always found that so pretentious before he'd run away.
Now with other thoughts to add to his pool of memories, he could see the man despairing over where the family was going - and that he was trying to find a way to still lead them after death, influencing them through canvas. As a mere memory. Anything to keep the family intact.
Well… Almost everything… As Sirius and Andromeda had found out the hard way. Yet this was what he had counted on when he hatched his so far loose plan.
Arcturus Black desperately needed Sirius.
Whereas Sirius had other options. As distasteful it would be to use Dumbledore for assistance. If he had to. He would.
"You've really spruced up the place, I see." Sirius finally drawled sarcastically, having had a long day and not wanting to wait through pointless posturing and power moves. Of course the office in no way was spruced up. Except for the desk, chairs and painting. It was empty. The nemean lion rug, gone. The family banner of their old enemy - ironically the Whites. A family that the Black family had eradicated over a thousand years ago - gone. Even the wand of the first Black, that had been on a crystal pedestal so warded that even family members that weren't the Lord would die if they touched it - gone.
The old man had really been packing everything up it seemed. Just waiting to die in resignation and shame.
Good.
Arcturus Black took his time to answer. Just studying Sirius quietly. Stroking his beard, thoughtfully. Finally, when Sirius was seconds away from making a fart joke just because, he spoke, "I would not have imagined I would ever see you again. Free. Alive. Sane." He said slowly.
Sirius sneered, casually leaning one leg over his knee, "You saw me just fine at the trial, grandfather. "He mocked, "What was it? Ah, yes… Do what you wish with him!"
And really. Sane was debatable.
Arcturus pursed his lips, "A regrettable error." He admitted. Quirking an eyebrow incredulously when Sirius snorted, "Boy, for all intents and purposes you were guilty, and supporting you would just have continued this family's deterioration."
"Must have been some other cranky old man that kept shouting family first and family always at me," Sirius quipped sarcastically.
"You left the family!" Arcturus thundered suddenly, slapping the handrest of his throne harshly. His eyes irate and almost sparking with anger, *You abandoned the family - you do not get to sit in judgment now!"
Sirius simply laid his head back against the headrest of his chair, a darkly amused smile on his lips, studying his irate grandfather. "Left did I? You really don't have any idea what goes on in the family at all, do you?"
Arcturus scoffed, "You can hardly pretend now that you did not run away, boy. The disgrace we faced when society found out you were living with Fleamont Potter…" The Black Lord huffed angrily, shaking his head. "You have no idea how you damaged this family…"
Sirius actually threw his head back and laughed at that. The laughter echoed loudly in the almost empty office. "Damaged the family?" He managed to chuckle out, before settling himself, glaring coldly at his grandfather. "Who exactly led the family when Andromeda was kicked out? When Cissy got sold away to a Death Eater pretty boy? When Bella tainted the name worse than anyone has in the last two centuries? Who hitched their wagon to a half-blood born from a squib and a muggle? Destroying the family in a war that only succeeded at wiping out pureblood families? When perfect little Regulus did what was expected and joined up with the little murder club and ended up dead?"
For each successive point, Arcturus Black grew whiter in the face, eyes flashing with anger, but he didn't refute it. Any of it. Sirius smiled viciously, "Who led the family when my darling mother used the Cruciatus curse on me - forcing me to flee the family to save myself." He hissed out, watching in satisfaction as Arcturus eyes widened at that tidbit. The Black Lord actually stood up in a rage, the throne-like chair groaning in protest as it's pushed back over the stone floor.
"Walburga did WHAT!?" Arcturus roared, spittle flying as he stared Sirius down, looking for any lie.
Sirius just smirked coldly. Taking in the absolute defeat that sunk into his grandfather's face when the old man realized he spoke the truth. This was so extremely satisfying. Everything he'd always wanted to lay at the man's feet. His absolutely boneheaded decision to let everyone choose a side instead of simply ordering the family to stay out of it - or join the side not run by a megalomaniac.
Arcturus sunk back into his chair, holding a trembling hand to his face, "Don't mistake this as weakness, boy. I am enraged." The Black Lord pushed out through gritted teeth. "Walburga had no right!"
Sirius rolled his eyes, "Merlin forbid a Black was ever weak…" He raised an eyebrow sardonically, "Perhaps I should have just endured the Cruciatus, grandfather? End up like what dear Bella did to the Longbottoms?"
"No… As distasteful as it is, you did the right thing escaping that situation." Arcturus breathed out, looking pained to even be admitting that. "You could have sent me an owl," He finished sourly.
Sirius didn't even dignify that with a reply. Just staring at his grandfather.
Eventually Arcturus gave up on that avenue, muttering, "Merlin I need a drink," Rubbing his forehead tiredly," You've always been a headache, Sirius." He admitted, "But damn it all if you're not also the only one strong enough to carry the bloody name!" He groused, face turning dark and moody.
Sirius raised an eyebrow but didn't speak, he hadn't expected such an early declaration, his grandfather must truly be desperate. Speaking held no advantage yet. So he held his silence and waited. Lounging casually in his chair, the opposite of the dark and sour old man sitting across from him.
"Is it really true… He was born from a squib and a muggle?" Arcturus eventually asked. Looking sick and pale. "Did we really foul it up that badly?"
Sirius cocked his head, studying his grandfather for a moment. "It's true. He came from the Gaunts. Inbred as they were." He was beginning to tire considerably, but he was wary of how easily his grandfather was accepting things without much of an argument. He had yet to ask how Sirius knew.
"Circe's cunt!" Arcturus swore, drawing a chuckle out of Sirius, who remembered the many lessons from the Black Lord where he'd said a civilized man never swore - only apes lacked the civility and ability to craft suitable insults or words to denigrate someone - or express yourself properly, without being crude.
"We can discuss everything in more depth later, grandfather." Sirius said seriously, (Hah!) "For now, I need the protections of the family home. I need to recuperate." He allowed some of his exhaustion to the fore. His grandfather's face turned more solemn and understanding.
"Of course, Sirius. We can discuss the family and the particulars of where we go from here after you've recovered." He allowed, even managing a small welcoming smile. "I realize it is probably not worth much from me, and dreadfully late. But I was… Saddened, when I heard of your incarceration. I had still hoped for a reconciliation one day."
"Hold your Hippogriffs, I have demands." Sirius said tersely. Completely ignoring the sort of apology, he wasn't interested.
Arcturus sighed, but nodded his head in acceptance. "Understandable under the circumstances."
"One. My mother is not to come anywhere near me." Sirius said harshly, Arcturus nodding, a furious look flashing in his eyes that would no doubt mean nothing good for his dear old mum when the Black Lord returned. "Two. You will arrange for the best healers and potions money can buy - to get me on my feet again as soon as possible."
Arcturus looked offended at that, "Sirius these aren't even requests, those things will of course be done, for your safety and health, regardless if you had requested it or not. I am not beyond cruel."
Sirius shook his head slowly, eyes cold as a glacier. "Wait until my last request before you act so cavalier, grandfather."
Arcturus sighed, "Well then, Sirius. What is it?" He asked impatiently.
"I will not step foot in a black property for the rest of my life, unless I am its Lord." Sirius stated coldly. Drawing a sharp breath from his grandfather. "I will leave here right now and seek succor with Dumbledore if I have to…"
He met his grandfather's eyes, showing his burning determination and indomitable will. "The Black family can have me as its Lord."
"Or not at all."
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