Chapter Text
Chapter 1: All Because Her Husband Is A Dick.
Cissy ended up working it out that Draco could stay with us the first two weeks of summer break. He was “staying with Blaise in Italy,” as far as Lucy was aware. We wrote to Blaise, just to cover our tracks and actually ended up with him staying over at Lyra’s for a couple days. Lyra’s maze is both interesting and concerning with how many dangerous plants she cultivates. Thankfully, she and Remus showed us through some of the safer routes for when we just wanted to go for a walk.
Harry had completely moved out of Spinner’s End and into the Estate so he was really happy to see us visiting. Said it wasn’t so much of a shock getting adjusted with all of us there. Even if he and Draco bickered over everything including the color blue. I swear, it’s like they enjoy their mindless, petty arguments and want to get as much practice in for the coming school year. Boys…boys are dumb.
Sirius went back to Azkaban, as per Cissy’s plan, although he whined the entire time. Buckbeak, now Witherwings, flew back to Hagrid as if he were a new member to the flock…pride? Whatever you call a group of Hippogriffs.
In the meantime, Sev had us all back practicing Occlumency together. Harry is going to continue working on it with Lyra after we head back home.
After Cissy came back to pick up Draco, she had a heated discussion with all the other adults while we were at Grimmauld Place. Us kids were able to pick up on a few words, but for the most part we couldn’t really hear anything. It sounded as if Lucy locked down the Manor so Cissy was stuck there until it was time to get Draco. Likely that meant Draco was going to be stuck there until whenever Lucy decided he was done being a twat.
In any case, we’re all about to sit down for supper and Theo is eyeing my diary like he’s going to hide it again. So I’ll sign off here and tuck this somewhere safe…maybe I can ask Estella to hold onto it for me until I want to write again. Actually, that’s a perfect idea!
In the deepest part of the Ministry, down one of the longest halls, held within the largest room, the full authority of the Wizengamot began to assemble. Rows upon rows of men of all ages were shuffling through the tight seats ahead of Narcissa Malfoy. Some confused, others annoyed, many more just curious. Cornelius Fudge stood out among those dressed in dark drab tones with his lime green bowler hat atop his thinning, white hair. The wrinkles around his eyes deepened as he laughed, jowls shaking in time with his shoulders.
Just as the Wizengamot seats began to fill, so did the opposite side of the courtroom. Only instead of deciding the fate of Sirius Black, they would simply be there to witness the chaos and carnage that would be the trial.
Using one of the obscure side doors, Lucius made his entrance with his hair tied back with a black ribbon and walking stick clicking against the tiles, Draco following not far behind with a lazy swagger. Narcissa returned the small smile Draco sent her way, not missing that Lucius only held up his chin in the form of a greeting. Not that she truly minded. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her own chin and ran her hands down the front of her suit.
The royal blue material fit snugly around her form, the pencil skirt stopping short of her knees. The coat she decided on flared slightly at her hips, and fastened easily at the smallest point of her waist with a silver button housing a large black sapphire. The fit of the coat, and the lace topped blouse underneath, created a moderate v-neck, allowing her to show off her femininity without losing the ability to be taken seriously. To top off the ensemble Lyra had gifted her stunning, three-inch stiletto heels in a matching royal blue. The bottoms were painted a brilliant black that matched the black metallic snakes coiled around the heel. The head of each snake rested on the back of the shoe, as if they were keeping a sentinel watch behind her.
Lyra had made the comment when gifting the shoes that confidence was key, and there was no better way to have confidence then to add three inches to your height while making your arse look fabulous. After laughing, Narcissa couldn’t help but agree.
Leaning forward, she gathered up her files and rapped them on the table to make sure they were all straight and in proper order. Lest she looked unprepared when the Minister or someone on the Wizengamot decided to bombard her with questions. When the doors of the court room opened again, she looked up and released a sigh of relief. She knew Severus was going to be there, but it was something completely different to see him walk in. Especially when he locked eyes with her before giving her a small smile and a quick wink as he guided Maddie to her seat.
Per usual he was in his all black attire, though he was sporting a coat rather than a cloak. His hair was freshly trimmed and just brushing his shoulders while shiny silver buttons pulled together the look. Before sitting, she watched him unbutton his coat, the silver signet ring on his left pinky catching the light perfectly to show off the subtle onyx gem. Despite him not participating in the Wizengamot under the Prince seat, he still wore the emblem to show he had the power so many wanted to take from him.
Narcissa thought Maddie looked darling in her black velvet pinafore. The sheer white blouse underneath, along with the girl’s porcelain skin and twin braids, had her looking almost like a doll. It seemed Aurora had helped her affix the Prince roses to her lapels, flanking the simple black cravat. Her eyes seemed to soak up everything possible in the courtroom, curious and calculating as she absorbed all she could.
Maddie was in awe. She had never been inside a space so large that felt so small at the same time. After giving Narcissa a supportive smile, she moved her gaze to the stadium-like seating that surrounded her on all sides. It didn’t take long to spot Draco and Lucius across the hall from her. She raised her hand slightly but Draco gave her a barely there shake of the head to tell her not to bring attention to herself. Theo was seated not far from him which gave her mixed feelings. Especially when she noticed Neville a few seats away with an older man that looked to be on his deathbed.
“Sev?” Maddie leaned toward him, moving one of the braided pigtails behind her shoulder. “Do you know everyone here?”
“Most by name or reputation alone. There are a few I know personally.” He gestured for her to take her seat, then sat behind her. “The older man next to Lucius is Algie Longbottom, your classmate’s great-uncle. He is likely preparing Neville to take over his seat due to his age and declining health.”
“Is that why Draco had to sit with Luc—Lucius?”
“Lucius is making a statement.” Severus looked over at the two blondes, a tick starting in his jaw. “Since Theodore is now head of the Nott family, it is a way to show…solidarity and familiarity between the families. Then there’s—” Severus stopped mid-sentence as Lyra walked into the room with Harry.
They were both dressed smartly. Lyra wore an all black pants-suit, wand holster and all, underneath the deep purple DMLE uniform cloak. Harry was dressed in a black three piece suit, however a calf-length peacoat took the place of a standard jacket. Crimson peaked out from the underlining of the coat that coupled with his tie perfectly. Instead of taking Harry with her to sit with the audience, she gently pushed him to sit on the Wizengamot side of the hall before taking her own seat next to Severus. Maddie watched as Harry shuffled up the steps awkwardly to the row where Draco and Theo were seated. He looked back to Lyra and waited for her to nod before he started before taking his designated seat in front of several men in black robes leaving one seat empty between him and Theo.
Maddie stifled a laugh when Harry tried to lean over and talk to Theo, which resulted in Theo glaring and making a point to turn away. Lucius could be seen leaning in to talk to Draco, who actually appeared to be listening and taking in everything.
“Hiya, Harry.” Neville tapped him on the shoulder and smiled sheepishly as he startled slightly. “Sorry.”
“Hey, Neville.” He turned around and smiled, “Have you been to many of these?”
“No, it’s my first time too. This is my Uncle Algie.” He gestured to the graying man behind him.
The man smiled at Harry, revealing a set of perfect teeth that could only be fake while the lines among his face deepened. With eyes that were almost closed, the man leaned forward to shake hands in greeting. “Hullo, lad. ‘Tis a pleasure to finally meet Fleamont’s grandson. Seems he passed on that dreadfully wild hair to you as well. Not a fan of his concoction, eh?” He teased, sending Harry a wink.
“His con—oh.” Harry chuckled nervously, running his hands through his wild mane. “Yeah, I had a friend that used it a bit too much for a while and it kind of turned me away from it.” He gave a cheeky smile.
Neville chuckled, knowing exactly who Harry referred, but stayed silent otherwise as his great-uncle laughed. “Don’t you worry, Jimmy-boy was the same. Your da’ was too busy flying that broom of his to bother with it either. And, from what Neville tells me, you’re just as keen about Quidditch. Seeker instead of Chaser, though?”
“Yessir, Professor McGonagall was insistent.” Harry smiled at the memory. “I thought for sure she was going to have me expelled for flying without Madam Hooch there.”
“Minerva would jump at any chance to better her team. She’s got as keen an eye for Quidditch as she does for Transfiguration.” The older man got a far off look in his eyes. “You shoulda seen her on the Pitch. I’m certain she could fly anything vaguely broom shaped with her skill.”
On the other side of Theo, Lucius scoffed. Algie Longbottom, it seemed, was not only in his twilight years with his fading health, but his hearing was failing as well. The old man’s voice practically carried all the way across the room and down to where the accused would be questioned.
“Ridiculous. How the…mighty have fallen.” Lucius breathed, casting a scathing side-long glance toward the three.
There was a sound of agreement behind and to Draco’s right as Rabastan Lestrange took his seat. “At least the old man is passing on his…wisdom to someone else . You both go to school with the boy, yes?” Hooded eyes drifted down to Draco, then over to Theo who had stiffened and refused to so much as look in Harry’s direction. “Is the younger Longbottom of any use, or can we expect more ineptitude?”
“Draco?” Lucius drawled.
Draco lifted his chin, mask fully in place, not missing that Harry and Neville both heard the question. “The only thing it seems Longbottom is good at is finding his toad while twiddling in the greenhouses. At least he can keep the plants alive.” Draco gave a cold smirk at Lucius’ smug smile as he turned to talk to Lestrange.
Exchanging a look with Neville, Harry rolled his eyes while Theo released a sigh. As people continued to shuffle into the courtroom, the volume of talking increased. The two eldest Weasley children arrived with Arthur surprising many, though they were more than happy to explain why. It seemed that Bill was getting ready to take over the Weasley’s seat from Arthur while Charlie was representing his mother’s side, the Prewetts’.
“Charlie, oh!” Harry’s eyes went wide as he got Neville’s attention, “You’re the one with the dragons!”
“That’s me.” Charlie grinned, leaning over Bill to shake hands with Harry. “Norberta is doing excellent with the colony. I’m writing back and forth with Hagrid constantly.”
“Norberta? It was a girl dragon?”
Neville looked between Harry and Charlie, clearly not following the conversation. He coughed once and raised his brows in question when Harry turned.
“Oh! Ron, Hermione, and I helped Hagrid take care of a dragon hatchling.” Harry turned and grinned sheepishly.
“You’ve seen a real live dragon?” Neville asked Harry.
“Yeah, Hagrid had a Norwegian Ridgeback in first year. That’s why we went up to the Astronomy Tower. Charlie’s buddies helped smuggle her out of the castle.” Harry answered as Bill shoved a laughing Charlie away.
“You three really do just get into all the stuff, don’t you?” Algie laughed.
“It sorta just finds us.” Harry sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose under his glasses. “I really do try to avoid it as best I can.”
There was a scoff next to Harry but when he turned Theo was in conversation with Draco while Lucius spoke to Rabastan Lestrange. Frowning, Harry continued to look for the source of the low laugh, but could not for the life of him figure out where it was coming from. When a majority of the seats within the large room were occupied, the far doors opened and two guards dressed in full DMLE uniform entered; their wands in one hand and the end of chains in another.
True to his word, Sirius looked the part of an Azkaban prisoner. Every pigment of health collected while staying at Grimmauld Place had disappeared from the man’s now pallid skin. Any light that had burned within him had faded down to the smallest glimmer of hope within the darkened gray eyes. His hair was filthy and matted. Dirt was caked under his nails and small cuts dusted his cheeks. The tattered striped prisoner attire hung off his thinning frame making him look far smaller than he was.
The guard pushed him past Narcissa, mumbling something under his breath before looking her over. Sirius, having not missed the eye movement, accidentally elbowed the man while turning to sit in the chair next to his cousin. The small smirk adorning his face left just as quickly when chains appeared to wrap around his wrists and ankles, replacing the ones taken off by the guards. A grunt left Sirius when a thick leather belt wrapped around his waist and tightened quickly. Seeing Narcissa’s glare reassured him the frustration over the excessive use of restraints was not unwarranted.
A scoff from behind Sirius caused him to spin as much as his chains would allow to gift him the sight of a predatory snarl on Lyra’s maroon lips. He wanted so badly to smile at her. To let her know he’d be fine and Narcissa would get them out of this mess. Wanted to hold her, touch her, taste her. Not able to handle the ache he had to kiss her, he shifted his attention to Severus and fought the urge to laugh.
Sporting his traditional air of annoyance, Severus pinched the bridge of his nose while Lyra responded to something Maddie said. In an effort to avoid saying something that could potentially agree with Lyra, Severus had looked down and adjusted the sleeves of his black shirt before beginning to fiddle with his sapphire cufflinks. Clearing his throat, Severus rested his hands in his lap and looked ahead of him. The most uncomfortable Sirius could ever remember seeing in the stoic man. Next to Sirius, Narcissa was fiddling with papers on the table in front of her while he had begun to make the chains around him rattle like windchimes in a hurricane.
The last time Severus had witnessed Narcissa nervous enough to flutter pages had been just before their N.E.W.T.s. His lip gave a miniscule twitch as he remembered the night before their Potions exam and exactly how they had distracted each other that night.
“Why are there so many empty seats?” Maddie asked after it seemed everyone who would be sitting among the Wizengamot had arrived.
Lyra leaned forward and gestured with dagger-like sapphire painted nails to each section as she explained. “Those on the farthest side are for witnesses, usually Muggles under charms to make sure they don’t remember much. The opposite side of the horseshoe is where guards and wizarding witnesses will sit. Those two seats,” She took time to point out the empty chairs toward the front and on opposite sides of the Wizengamot, “are reserved for the Peverell and Gaunt houses. Out of respect for lost histories and family tomes, they are still considered viable lines.”
Maddie tilted her head as she listened, nodding along that she understood. “Okay, but what about those thr-four?” She stumbled over herself, having to remember that very few people could actually see Regulus sitting between Theo and Harry.
“Behind the Gaunt seat is for the Lupin line.” Lyra muttered. “Remus…doesn’t feel comfortable representing it. The seat under Harry is Albus Dumbledore’s and it appears he’s fashionably late—per usual. Next to Harry,” Lyra winked, “is the Black family seat where Sirius would normally sit.”
“The remaining seat is for the Prince line.” Severus added, twisting his signet ring on his left pinky finger. “If I so desired, I could sit. However, I have no interest in politics beyond—politics are frustrating at the best.”
“I don’t like them either.” Maddie said, scrunching up her nose as she took in the menagerie of older wizards talking amongst themselves as if nothing else around them were important enough to lower their voice. Most of the group around Harry seemed to be either gossiping or griping, it was hard to tell outside of the fact they all seemed to be enjoying how their time was spent.
There were a total of four witches sitting amongst the black clad wizards with mostly gray hair. Maddie was about to ask more when the far door opened again, causing the whole room to grow quiet. Dumbledore, wearing bright blue and gold embroidered robes, entered and made his way to the middle podium to sit next to the only other person wearing as much color. A woman wearing an obnoxiously bright pink suit under an opened black cloak. An equally bright pink bow in her hair, clearly fighting for the center of attention Dumbledore would be demanding. At least all Fudge had on was the lime green bowler hat, his robes remained a muted gray.
As if expecting a question from Maddie, Severus dropped a hand on her shoulder and sent her a look that said all would be explained in time. She huffed, but didn’t voice her question while leaning with crossed arms as the trial began.
Dumbledore hit something against the desk, sending an echoing crack throughout the room. Every noise within dimmed or diminished as almost a hundred pairs of eyes turned to the smug looking headmaster.
“Why is—”
“He is the Chief Warlock.” Lyra answered as soft as a breath while Severus let out a tired sigh, “He’s equivalent to a Muggle Judge.”
Maddie made the shape of an O without making a sound as she turned to continue watching Dumbledore read out the reason for them all being here.
“— of time served, we will reevaluate the case and make an informed decision about the future of one Sirius Orion Black.”
Severus heard Lyra make a soft sound, something between a scoff and a snort. Her expression was neutral but her eyes spoke volumes to her irritation that there wasn’t a trial in the first place. The expression was similar to the one Narcissa wore as she waited for her moment to speak.
“Mrs. Malfoy,” Dumbledore called attention to the woman, “Please, begin.”
“Breathe, Severus.” Lyra whispered into his ear.
Whether because she had seen or heard Severus’ jaw clench or simply because she knew the irritation he was feeling at the tone Dumbledore was using, it was impossible to say, but he appreciated the reminder regardless. He nodded slightly in reply, but didn’t say anything as he watched Narcissa stand with a practiced smile.
“Thank you, Chief Warlock Dumbledore. As stated, we are here to review the case of one Sirius Orion Black. However, review isn’t really the correct word, is it?” She paused, looking toward the Wizengamot. Severus spared a moment of watching Narcissa to take in the expressions of the Wizengamot members. Apathy, curiosity, and disdain were mixed across the majority.
“Thirteen years ago we were just coming out of a war. Overcoming the upheaval our world was placed in due to T—You-Know-Who. We were on high alert and willing to do whatever it took in order to make sure we and our children were safe.”
Severus followed Narcissa’s line of sight to Draco and knew how much strength it took for her not to turn her eyes upon any of the other children she cared for. There were several nods of agreement to her statement with others muttering to their neighbors. He looked to Lyra who had her eyes locked onto Harry as he sat within the Potter’s seat taking up as little space as possible.
“He’s so much like Lily, it’s not even funny.” Lyra muttered.
“She gained a lot of confidence, he will too.” Severus responded as Narcissa continued her opening statement.
“He even studies like she did, Severus. James never really studied a day in his life if he could help it.”
“I’m aware. It was rather frustrating.”
Lyra seemed like she wanted to say more, but bit her cheek instead. Her eyes had turned glassy as she recalled fond memories of their lost friends. A moment later she cleared her throat softly and shifted to continue listening as Narcissa wrapped up her statement and opened the floor for the Wizengamot to begin their line of questioning.
There were a few murmurs among them until Amelia Bones stood up with a curious smile. “Mr. Black, I would like to address the timeline of events with you. Starting with your claim of not being the Potter family’s Secret Keeper. Can you walk me through that time please?” Her voice was gentle, taking on an apologetic tone toward the end as she cast a worried glance toward Harry.
“Right.” Sirius cleared his throat, trying to rid it of the raspy quality it had taken from several weeks of disuse. “James had just told me I was Harry’s Godfather and asked how I felt about being their Secret Keeper as well. I’d have been the obvious choice, the first Voldem—” There was a rush of murmurs as he said the name, resulting in an aggravated sigh leaving his lips. “You-Know-Who’s followers would look for to interrogate. I would have happily given my life to keep them safe, still would to keep Harry safe.” He looked longingly at the boy with a soft smile. Harry had sat up straighter in his seat to listen attentively. “They eventually decided who would be the better choice and I had my suspicions who it might be. So when I heard of—heard…” He swallowed harshly and took a steadying breath.
Severus caught Lyra clenching her jaw and leaning forward as if she wanted to reach out to Sirius. They all knew this was going to be brought up again, would be repeatedly brought up during the trial, but it still didn’t make the ordeal any easier. Sirius continued with a reassuring nod from Narcissa.
“As soon as I got word the cottage had been attacked, I flew there immediately. I learned Harry had lived and was being taken somewhere…reportedly safe.”
“Do you know who was the Secret Keeper then?” Apollo Warrington asked, not unkindly.
“No. I was given the location written on a piece of parchment. They didn’t tell me who it was and I didn’t ask. It seemed safer that way.” There were several nods of understanding among the Wizengamot, while others still seemed skeptical. “After making sure Harry was safe, I went to Peter. He was the only other person I thought they might ask.”
“Why would you think it might be him?” Malcolm McGonagall asked, his expression very similar to the one his younger sister Minerva wore everyday while teaching Transfiguration.
“He was the fourth member of…” He paused and closed his eyes, “He was one of our best friends. Always with us. If the Secret Keeper wasn’t me and wasn’t Remus, it had to be him. So I thought.”
“It wasn’t Peter Pettigrew, then.” Barty Crouch Sr. said, as more of a statement than a question. He peered down at Sirius shrewdly. “What happened then, when you found Pettigrew?”
“I tried to talk to him. What else—” He stopped his sarcastic remark at Narcissa’s look and took a breath. “I wanted to ask what he knew. But he didn’t know much either, other than he was promised they would be safe. That James, Lily, and Harry would be safe.”
“And what happened after you met up with Mr. Pettigrew?” Xenophilius Lovegood asked in the same distant voice as his daughter. “What caused the explosion?”
“We were just splitting off when Carlisle Greengrass arrived. He thought Peter was on his side. So when he attacked me, and Peter didn’t, well you can imagine his surprise.” Sirius couldn’t fight the smirk from taking over. “He was so aggravated as we fought him that the idiot lost control of his magic. Whatever he tried to cast backfired and destroyed the entire street, including himself. I’d managed to cast a shielding charm but lost sight of Peter in the debris. After the dust settled I couldn’t help but start laughing. That’s when the other Aurors arrived.”
Alastor Moody asked the next questions. He didn’t bother to hide the paranoid interest in his voice as he leveled Sirius with a calculating look. Even his false eye was trained solely on him. “If Greengrass was there, why wasn’t there a body? And what was so funny that you were laughing hysterically in the middle of a demolished street littered with Muggle bodies?”
“Did the Aurors ever wonder what that layer of grime everywhere was?” Sirius’ laugh came out clipped as he bit his tongue. He leaned forward as far as his restraints would let him, gray eyes sweeping through every adult member of the Wizengamot, seeming to skip over the children present. “I said he destroyed himself along with the street. The bloody tosser was vaporized across every available surface but still failed to harm me at all.”
“You said he thought Peter was on his side?” Arthur’s oldest son, Bill, asked to cut through the grim scene.
“He congratulated Peter on luring me out of hiding. Said it was time to kill the rest of those that opposed their Dark Lord.” Sirius rolled his eyes, relaying the last words in a mocking tone. “He had no idea that unassuming Peter Pettigrew was a spy among the Death Eaters. It shocked me the first time I had seen the witty and sarcastic Peter I’d known for years pretend to be meek and subservient at the drop of a hat.”
The woman in bright pink cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention. “If Mr. Pettigrew had been there,” she paused and gave a small smile, “then why was his body not found among the deceased Muggles?”
Narcissa stood gracefully, a pleasant smile of her own on display. “If you would please refresh your knowledge of the findings by reading the paper in front of you, Madam Undersecretary Umbridge,” She paused, folding her hands together and letting them rest in front of her as Umbridge flipped through the papers to read.
“I swear to Merlin, that woman makes me question my will to live on a daily basis.” Lyra’s barely hidden scowl did nothing to hide the utter disdain in her voice for Umbridge.
“She makes me want to murder people.” Severus muttered out of the corner of his mouth.
Lyra looked at him sideways, a smirk replacing her scowl. She almost responded with something sarcastic but Narcissa began to speak again.
“You’ll see the Aurors found Mr. Pettigrew’s little finger that held his signet ring among the carnage.” Narcissa moved to pull out an image from the file on the desk, “You should also have this image, that will provide further proof of that.”
“Yes, I can see the image well, thank you.” Umbridge lifted her nose and closed the file, “What is your point?”
Lyra sucked in a breath in an attempt not to laugh out loud, Severus had to kick her foot to get the woman to fully reign herself in. Maddie looked between the two in confusion, before shaking her head and returning her focus back on the faces in the Wizengamot.
“I will get there,” Narcissa placed the photo back down as she looked across the faces of the Wizengamot. “You were a Slytherin during your tenure at Hogwarts, yes?” She asked Umbridge. When the woman nodded, Narcissa continued. “Then you, and many others, would know that self preservation is a strong attribute within the Slytherin house. Now, before you jump to the fact that Mr. Pettigrew was in fact a Gryffindor, the ability to know when it is best to protect yourself is easily learned. Especially if one tends to surround themselves with people that think the same.”
“Again, Mrs. Malfoy, what is your point?” Umbridge asked.
Maddie turned around slowly to face Lyra and Severus. “It’s like listening to glass scratching a chalkboard.”
Severus put a finger to his lips after fighting a smile. There was a laugh that had been attempted to be covered by a cough from next to Maddie, causing her to peer over her shoulder while still turned toward Severus. The gray hair atop the head of the man that had coughed was still trying to curl, a slight hue of brown at the ends. A goofy smile that belonged to a much younger man softened the few deep set wrinkles that surrounded his eyes and lips. The collar of his greenish gray pea coat was turned up while the faded yellow and black knitted scarf hung loosely around his neck. When he noticed Maddie looking at him, his bright hazel eyes met hers and sent a wink before moving his attention back to Narcissa in the middle of the room.
Severus looked to Lyra who was still trying to hold back her laughter and knocked his knee against hers in an attempt to get her to stop. Lyra jolted with another wave of laughter as he shook his head.
“If you’d let me continue, I would have already gotten there.” There were a few mumbles and chuckles to this, but Narcissa continued without seeming to notice, “Peter Pettigrew developed, very quickly, the attribute of self preservation. Something that kicked in when he was discovered speaking to Mr. Severus Snape. When he was discovered, Mr. Pettigrew made the claim he was a spy for…You-Know-Who. Leading us to the point of him being discovered on the Muggle street with my client. When Mr. Greengrass confronted them, and continued to cast an uncontrolled spell, Mr. Pettigrew saw the danger and transformed into his Animagus form in order to get to safety, resulting in—”
“Excuse me. Are you saying that Pettigrew was an unregistered Animagus?” Corban Yaxley cut Narcissa off with amused disbelief coloring his tone.
“Clearly you didn’t read the file either, Corban.” Bathilda Bagshot’s annoyed voice rang out, “He registered in 1980 when he finally succeeded in turning into one. The paperwork is there for you to see for yourself.” She held up the file for Yaxley to see behind her without her having to turn around.
As other members of the Wizengamot began to mutter around the older woman, Severus’ attention was brought to Draco. Lucius was busy talking to Lestrange, so Draco had grabbed the folder and was flipping through the pages. When he found the one they were referring to, the boy picked it up and squinted his eyes. After looking around quickly, he held the paper out a bit further before pouting and putting the paper down. Severus shook his head as Draco moved forward in his chair and began to read over Dumbledore’s shoulder since he had spread all of the papers out on the desk.
“Did—didn’t he just get glasses last week?” Lyra leaned over to whisper to Severus, mirth sparkling in her eyes.
“Yes. It seems he has difficulty reading something if it’s not further than arms length away, yet refuses to use the glasses.”
“Mmm, reminds me of someone.”
“I’ll make it where you have to wear glasses if you don’t shut your mouth.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Lyra!” He whisper yelled, sending her a glare.
Lyra bit her lip to fight the smile and turned to face away from him. Maddie sighed and shook her head, even as the older man next to her chuckled softly.
There was a loud crack throughout the room as Dumbledore hit the knocker against his desk again. “I will have silence!” His voice came out clear as if he had yelled it, yet it was obvious he’d actually said it barely above a whisper. The room quieted and Narcissa smiled.
“Thank you, Chief Warlock Dumbledore.” Severus could see a slight tick in her jaw as she smiled before turning to look toward the doors on the far side of the room. “Can we please bring in my first witness?”
There was a shuffle as one of the guards got up and began heading toward the door but before the man could open it, Harry raised his hand with red tinting his cheeks.
“Exc—” he coughed, “Excuse me, C– Mrs. Mmmmalfoy? I have a question.”
Lyra held her breath as Severus clenched his jaw as the man next to Maddie turned to look at him. “Looks like he needs more time around Slytherins.” He smirked, pushing something leafy green back into the pocket of his peacoat.
“We’re working on it.” Maddie muttered, making Lyra snort.
With a chuckle, Narcissa looked to Harry. “Yes, Mr. Potter.”
“You mentioned that Pettigrew transformed into his Animagus form.” Harry shifted as all eyes were drawn to him. “Were you saying that he made it to safety, but only lost a finger?” He looked up from the paper, pretending he took a moment to double check, to find Narcissa smiling at him.
“Exactly, Mr. Potter.”
“If he was able to get to safety, then where has he been this whole time?” Malcolm McGonagall asked from two rows in front of Arthur and Bill Weasley.
“Yes.” Lestrange leaned forward, a malicious look in his eye that made Severus tense. “Please, explain why Pettigrew decided to randomly come back to life after being gone for so long.”
Rather than answer, Narcissa looked toward the guards once again. “If you would be so kind as to follow through with bringing in my first witness.” Her voice was coated in honey, although Severus could easily hear the annoyance laying underneath. He turned to find Lucius shifting in his seat, but he remained silent.
The door opened to reveal a sickly looking Peter Pettigrew being helped into the room by another guard. His skin had taken on a pale, blotchy pallor and his already wispy hair hung lifelessly at his shoulders. Severus could make out the barely there tremors as Peter shuffled to the witness seat. The bald spots the man had sported when he first transformed in the Shrieking Shack were still in the process of growing in. Just like Sirius, Peter’s clothes were hanging off of his frame as if meant for someone three times his size.
Peter allowed the Auror to help him into the seat in front of Dumbledore and took his time getting comfortable enough to focus on Narcissa. He raised a trembling hand as he greeted her with a hesitant smile before looking behind him to Dumbledore. Instead of a warm smile from a long lost friend, Peter received a calculated look of mistrust making him give a genuine shiver before turning back around.
“Mr. Pettigrew,” Narcissa walked up to him and patted his hand. “How are you feeling today?”
“I’m afraid the heat is making it a little harder today than yesterday.” He smiled gingerly. “Much better than last year, however.”
“Yes, I can imagine. The heat can get to the best of us. Speaking of last year, however, can you be so kind as to tell us where you were up until last year?”
“In America. Mrs. Black was kind enough to introduce me to a colleague of hers who specializes in delayed and chronic sepsis.” He stuttered over the words from what seemed like lack of energy, but they were clear enough.
“I think he should get an Order of Merlin for this.” Lyra breathed, making Severus kick her foot again.
“Mr. Pettigrew,” Apollo Warrington called for his attention, leaning forward slightly so Peter could see him, “When you say Mrs. Black, to whom are you referring?”
Peter blinked a few times to take in the man’s face before turning to Narcissa who nodded. “Aur—Aurora Black. I went to her as soon as I could.”
“Aurora Black?” Apollo asked again, “I’m not familiar with that name.” He turned behind him to look at Arthur who shrugged.
Harry looked from Apollo to Arthur before looking around until he met Severus’ eyes as if asking for guidance on if he should say anything. Hoping that was the question on Harry’s mind, Severus shook his head no slowly.
“She used to go by Burke.” Peter offered softly, his eyes sweeping over to Herbert Burke. The man was wearing a look of stark confusion and mild outrage at the news.
“Aurora Burke…” Horace Slughorn spoke for the first time. There was a slight chuckle as he looked with a sad sort of fondness at the seemingly empty Black family seat. “So Regulus did end up marrying her. I did like those two together. Brilliant girl, that one was.” He nodded toward Burke, completely missing the anger building on the man’s face, or simply not caring.
Narcissa took the small pause in discussion to pull the attention back to her, “Why did you want to go to Mrs. Black?”
“The two of us had started to get to know each other because of Reg.” Peter turned around to look at the empty seat between Theo and Harry. “Reg had a knack for healing and Rory already had a reputation for remarkable potions. I knew that she’d be able to help. She ended up referring me to a specialist in America. I went there within days of going to her initially and stayed over there until recently.”
“Is it safe to say Mr. Pettigrew, that during your tenure in America, you lost track of events in the United Kingdom?”
“I lost track of a lot of things…” Peter rubbed at his face with a sigh. “My illness, you see, it affects the brain and can cause confusion.”
“If you’re confused all the time, then what makes this a viable witness?” Edward Avery yelled out.
“I believe you misheard Mr. Pettigrew.” Narcissa smiled and looked to Dumbledore. “You’ll note that he said it can cause confusion. Not that he was or has been confused. If you’ll look within the files, you’ll see a full bill of health which allowed him the freedom to come home.”
“That’s right.” Peter spoke up, “It wasn’t until I got back that I saw the paper about Sirius being on the run after breaking out of Azkaban. I hadn’t even known he was in Azkaban. I thought he had been taking care of Harry this whole time.”
The trial continued on in a similar manner, with Narcissa leading the Wizengamot through her carefully constructed maze of questioning. By bringing in Peter, it already cleared one count of murder they had against Sirius. Thus, according to Narcissa when she was explaining her plan, making them question if he was truly responsible for the Muggle deaths. After Peter had been dismissed, he was helped to sit next to Lyra rather than the designated witness area due to his illness. As he began to settle, an American healer named Emily Erikson that was close with Aurora arrived and escorted to the witness stand. She specialized in potions to help ongoing infections and was considered an expert in her field.
Weeks before the trial, Aurora flew her in to evaluate Peter. It turns out that he actually did have several deficiencies due to poor diet and living conditions for the last several years. Thus, making it where she didn’t have to lie about having to help treat him. Especially with the increased stress causing him rapid weight loss. Because the groundwork of how long and where she had treated him had already been laid out, the Wizengamot didn’t even bother confirming the time frame.
Once Emily had been dismissed, Narcissa walked back to the table and shifted some of the papers to get to her next point. She needed them to begin to question where Sirius had been the entirety of last year, but before she could begin to direct them there one of the older men cleared his throat. Severus saw her shoulders stiffen as she looked up to find Alvis Rowle looking down at her through his thick glasses.
“All of this…” he waved his arms around aimlessly, almost hitting both Ludwig Bulstrode and Johannes Rosier in the face. “It’s a well developed narrative. But the question many of us have, I’m sure, is why you?”
There were several murmurs of agreement at his words, but Narcissa paid none of them attention as she locked eyes with the old fool. “I beg your pardon?”
Severus noticed Lucius scoff, making Draco furrow his brows, while Rowle continued to question the authority Narcissa had in playing solicitor. Severus sucked in a quick breath when the man called her a trophy wife and suggested that she should stay there.
“Just because she is an attractive woman and was married off to a wealthy man doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have a cause of her own.” Amelia Bones stood up to direct her anger at Rowle.
“Cute. Women sticking together.” Lestrange snarked, making Lucius smirk.
“No, no, no.” Slughorn shook his head, making his jowls jiggle. “She was well on her way to her Masters acceptance while still in school.”
“Hobbies of bored housewives shouldn’t mire the laws and functions of the Ministry.” Octavius Flint sneered while many others nodded.
“Why are they even bothering to bring this up?” Maddie whispered angrily, turning around toward Lyra and Severus once again. She didn’t bother to hide the scowl on her face.
“They are attempting to undermine her credibility.” Lyra leaned forward to better speak with her. “Most housewives do not find alternate careers, let alone do more than run the home.”
“Why is that her fault then?” Maddie scrunched her nose, her eyes darting toward Lucius in the stands. “All because her husband is a dick.”
“Madeline.”
She huffed and folded her arms across her chest as Severus quietly chastised her crass choice of words.
“She’s not wrong.” The older man next to her grinned and sent her another wink.
Maddie rolled in her lips to keep her grin at bay even as Severus still pierced her with a sharp glare. “Do not encourage her, Mr. Scamander, please.”
The man shrugged with a grin before turning forward again, gesturing to the younger man next to him that everything was fine. Maddie registered the name and peaked over at Mr. Scamander excitedly, although she did mind herself and did not pester the man. Severus could see from her expression, however, that she could be expected to ask plenty of questions once the trial was over. He sighed and pointedly ignored the amused grin on Lyra’s face.
“While it is fascinating to hear all of your opinions on my career choice,” Narcissa spoke up strongly over their arguing, “I’d appreciate it if we got back to the matter at hand. If that is agreeable to you, Chief Warlock Dumbledore.” She narrowed her eyes at the man. When he nodded, the slight twinkle in his eye catching in the low light of the courtroom, Narcissa smiled as only a feline predator could. “This trial is not about how or when I studied and passed the required exams to be able to represent Mr. Black. Rather, it is about proving his irrefutable innocence and erroneous incarceration.”
“If he was so innocent, why did he break out and go on the run for most of last year?” Flint asked.
“Did he?” Narcissa asked, leaning back with her hands resting on either side of her gripping the table.
“Were you in America with Pettigrew?” Barty Crouch stood up, anger coloring his face. “Of course he did! Broke out of Azkaban. Broke into Hogwarts. Searching for Mr. Potter!” He turned to point at Harry. “Albus himself admitted that a portrait was slashed and the Gryffindor common room was broken into on multiple occasions.”
“Yet, we still cannot confirm that it was the work of Mr. Black. I remember there were many students in my time at Hogwarts that not only tried to get into Gryffindor, but the other common rooms as well. Some with success, many without it. Who is to say that it wasn’t some other student trying to force their way in?”
“Because Sirius Black broke out of Azkaban!” The man pointed angrily at Sirius who had remained silent since Peter had walked into the room.
“Again,” Narcissa smiled, “Did he?” She pushed away from the table and moved to stand between Sirius and Dumbledore. “Mr. Black, can you tell me what happened on the 27th of July last year?”
Sirius looked around briefly before blinking at Narcissa, “I haven’t been able to keep track of dates. Everything kind of blurs together after being there for so long.”
“Of course. That is understandable. How about, around the time of Summer last year. Is that easier for you to pinpoint without access to a calendar?”
“Summers are usually a little warmer at night. But the last time I didn’t shake at night was right before I was moved.”
“What do you mean moved?”
Sirius furrowed his brows and looked to the section of guards in front of him, “I wasn’t told much. It had been weeks, maybe months, since I had actually spoken to anyone other than the house-elf that popped in to give us food. So when one of the guards came to my cell making jokes about my family, I can’t promise I was nice in return. I believe it was that night that one of them came and told me I needed to move cells. He slammed chains like these around my wrists and ankles. It was a smaller cell, which was a feat, and was completely isolated from any other prisoners."
“So, you were rude to the guard and he made you move into isolation?”
“Yes.”
“Did you physically assault him or anyone else?”
Sirius barked a cold laugh, “I could barely stand, the thought of physically attacking anyone seems like a joke.”
“What happened when he moved you to a different cell?”
“Nothing. I continued to go through the motions of living just like in the other cell. Tried to look out of the small window to the sea. Drew things into the dirt on the ground. Tried to capture and eat whatever I could between the sporadic meals. I didn’t see anyone for a long time.”
“And what happened when you did see someone again?”
“It was a new guard. One I hadn’t seen before. He asked me why I was in that particular cell. I didn’t have an answer beyond the other guards thought I was a dick. He did whatever he needed to do to confirm something and then brought me back to my regular cell.”
“Do you know how much time had passed?”
“No.”
“Did you know that you were considered an escaped prisoner and that the entirety of England was looking for you? Both wizarding and Muggle worlds alike?”
“Not a clue.”
“A well rehearsed story.” Flint yelled.
Umbridge cleared her throat again, “It is rather convenient. Perhaps we should question the guards.” She turned to look at Crouch. “You have a copy of the guard schedules, do you not? Because I do not see one within the folder provided to us.”
“Of course I do!” The man’s thick mustache seemed to tremble in his frustration.
While everyone was focused on Crouch searching for the schedule, Severus watched as Narcissa relaxed into the silence that followed. She exuded a practiced grace and charisma, one she didn’t have to hide or tone down behind Lucius’ ego for once. He hadn’t seen her in her element since Hogwarts. Even in the scant few situations where she could flex such allure, it was only a miniscule amount that could be hidden behind a delicate hand or turned head.
If Severus had his way, Narcissa could be like this every second of every day. She wouldn’t have to play the poised trophy wife of a pompous buffoon who barely tolerated her presence. Although, Severus wouldn’t put her on a pedestal either. Not that Narcissa would let him. They would be on equal footing, standing side by side, together.
If only Lucius wasn’t in the way.
A soft cough caught his attention. Lyra had a brow raised as she peered over at him, a knowing smile playing on her lips, she tapped a claw-like nail against her cheek. He must have let his mask slip if she was motioning for him to watch himself. He rolled his neck and resettled in his chair, focus returning once again to Crouch.
“Ah, here.” Crouch stood up, “Geoffrey Martins was the guard on duty the day Black was reported missing.”
Dumbledore nodded and held out a hand, “Please, come forward.” He demanded of the older man sitting within the seats in front of him. “Is it accurate that you were the one to report Sirius Black missing last July?”
“Yes sir. I do a walk through at the beginning and end of every shift. I don’t talk to ‘em if I don’t have to. But I lay eyes on ‘em. That was the first time Black hadn’t been there.”
“Were you made aware of his move to a different cell?”
“Nah.” He shook his head, shifting his weight from one foot to another. “Connor Glass was who I relieved. He didn’t say a word about it. But he fought with the prisoners all the time. So, I’m not surprised.”
“Is Glass here?”
“Nah sir, he died about two months back. Was a bit hefty. Healers said it was his heart that quit on him.” The man shook his head. “Surprised it took that long to take him, honestly. Man had so many things against him. Feel bad for his wife.”
“Yes, yes. Very sad.” Dumbledore flipped over a paper, making Draco scrunch his face behind him. “What did you do when you found Black missing?”
As the man answered, Severus couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched Theo elbow Draco and say something to him. The two bickered silently before Draco rolled his eyes and pulled out a pair of silver framed glasses and put them on.
“I told him they looked nice.” Maddie muttered and shook her head. “Not sure why he has a problem with wearing them.”
“Likely believes they make him look…” Severus took in a deep breath while trying to come up with the right word.
“Like a dork?” Lyra provided with a grin before leaning forward to stage-whisper to Maddie. “Jokes on him. Glasses are attractive to the smart girls.”
Maddie snorted a laugh, bringing up a hand to hide her smile much like she’d seen Narcissa do many times.
“I’m glad I chose this seat.” Scamander said to no one in particular, “It’s like a two for one show.”
“Uncle, please.” The younger man on his other side pleaded, making Scamander and Lyra laugh while the trial continued.