To fool the judge, act charming, but to get through the whole trial, act bored. © David Mitchell
***I've been here before...
Or rather, Sirius had been here before. The walls of the courtroom, made of dark stone, were dimly lit by torches. To my right and left were rows of empty benches, but in front, where the benches stood on a raised platform, many human figures loomed darkly.
The chair in which I sat uncomfortably was turned to face these dark figures. There was not much light, but I recognised familiar faces among the spectators.
The Minister, his right-hand man, Umbridge, Amelia Bones, Marchbanks, Crouch, Longbottom... The rest were representatives of the "ancient and noble" families. Lupin... Even he was here, with his perpetually guilty expression. The hall was fuller than ever. Journalists, a couple of guests from France (thanks, Mede) and other familiar and unfamiliar wizards gathered in the spacious hall, filling it completely. Just for me. Flattering, very flattering.
"Silence!" Miss Bones, who had been appointed presiding judge in Dumbledore's place, tapped her gavel. The hall fell silent.
"The trial of Sirius Orion Black, accused of practising dark magic, murdering twelve Muggles, murder... ahem... attempted murder of Peter Pettigrew, escape from custody...
I listened to the list of his "crimes" half-heartedly and with some scepticism. Some of the charges were true, but others were completely far-fetched and didn't stand up to any scrutiny. For example, "pickpocketing at The Leaky Cauldron" and other episodes that cast doubt on the competence of those who carried them out.
It seems that since my escape, absolutely all offences have simply been pinned on a convenient scapegoat.
But, be that as it may, now I have to answer for everything. The most unpleasant thing about this is that I don't remember exactly what I did...
As all my "transgressions" were listed, a dull hum began to rise again in the hall. Not everyone present was a complete idiot. Some, for example, were already quietly laughing at particularly interesting moments.
"Silence in the courtroom!" Bones cleared her throat after a long list and tapped her gavel again. "Due to the exceptional circumstances and at the request of the defendant's lawyer, truth serum will be used during the interrogation. Dolish, please give the order...
A man in a scarlet robe with long hair gathered in a ponytail at the back of his head quickly left the courtroom, returning accompanied by the healer Saint Mungo.
"Four drops will suffice," said the presiding judge. A stout woman in a light-coloured robe nodded and, in full view of everyone, measured out the drops from a crystal vial and poured them into a bowl of water.
"Drink it all.
Well, here we go...
I drank all the liquid in one gulp.
It was as if a supernova had exploded in my head, clearing it of all thoughts. I think I have attained Zen.
"Are you Sirius Orion Black, born on the third of November, nineteen fifty-nine?
"Yes..." The words came out very easily, even too easily. I felt a strong urge to say something extra. I hope Geoffrey isn't asleep in there.
"How did you escape from Azkaban?!" — a shout suddenly rang out from the hall.
"I...
"Objection! That question was not on the approved list!" Thomas exclaimed indignantly, interrupting me. Thank goodness, I was about to talk about animagi. It wouldn't have been critical, but I'd had enough of accusations.
"Protest accepted. Mr Black, you may skip that question," Bones turned to the person who had shouted, "And that's your last remark, Mr Delaffier.
"Excusez-moi," one of the French reporters apologised.
"Now, tell the court what happened on the night of 1 November 1981, according to your version of events.
"That day, I was on night duty in Aurora... — I began my story with Sirius's memories of that ill-fated night from the very beginning.
I told how I found out what had happened, how I saw James's half-destroyed house and the Dark Lord's mark looming in the sky. How I stood over the bodies of my friends. How I handed Hagrid his crying godson and, consumed by a thirst for revenge, set off in pursuit of Tail. I told them about the explosion that took the lives of twelve people. About my subsequent imprisonment.
The hall listened, holding its breath. Despite the rumours, no one except the Dementors in Azkaban had yet heard the full story, told from the perspective of the prisoner in cell number thirteen.
When I finished, the courtroom erupted in angry shouts. The effect of my story, true from the first word to the last, was like a bomb going off. Members of the House of Lords argued among themselves. Journalists swarmed around a red-faced Fudge. Some people simply applauded quietly. I can't even say whether it was for me or for the whole circus that the courtroom had turned into. Amelia was unable to bring people to their senses with her now useless gavel for a long time. But after a while, the hearing continued.
"So you claim that Peter Pettigrew was the keeper of the Dumbledore secret?
"Yes.
"Who else knew about this?
"No one, we kept it a secret. I was too obvious a candidate, so I suggested we be cunning and make the most inconspicuous of us the keeper. That was a mistake.
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore is called to give evidence. Please.
"Thank you, Amelia," Dumbledore rose from his seat and walked to the podium, beginning his speech as he walked. The words, spoken in a well-modulated voice, seemed to echo off the walls and ceiling and sound even more confident.
"Unfortunately, we all make mistakes in our lives. To make a mistake and realise it is wisdom. To realise a mistake and not hide it is honesty. Five years ago, I made a mistake by trusting information that was convincing but not true. In protecting the home of my students, James and Lily, even I was misled about the keeper of the secret, as I testified in court five years ago. A court that convicted an innocent man...
"Here it comes!" I marvelled at the old spider's web of words. He couldn't have guessed our "secret" plan? I don't believe it. Especially since the Fidelius charmer can determine who the keeper is if he wants to, even though it's difficult...
"I'm sorry, my boy," Dumbledore's voice rang out, full of sadness after a short pause. He looked at me sadly over his half-moon glasses.
"Me too," I said, looking him firmly in the eyes. "Me too..."
After Dumbledore's speech, it was already clear who was winning the trial. But it was too early to relax.
"Peter Pettigrew is called to the stand to give evidence and will also be questioned under the truth serum," Amelia sent Williamson back for the healer.
Whispers rippled through the rows again as Longbottom was led into the courtroom by tall figures in dark cloaks.
He had even lost some weight in the company of the Dementors. However, it was good for him. Pettigrew was seated in a chair some distance away from me. He squeaked in fear when the shackles were snapped onto him.
How could this coward pretend to be our friend for so many years? Was Sirius really that blind before?
After a dose of truth serum, he fell into a strange trance, monotonously answering the chairman's questions. My former friend's words made me feel sick. If Sirius felt anger towards him, I felt nothing but contempt for the rat.
Finally, the exhausted Tail was led away. He confirmed everything I had said. However, some parts of his speech gave me pause... but not now. Right now, I had to focus on not saying anything I shouldn't.
"Kenton Brett is called to testify...
The interrogation lasted about two hours. About a dozen more people were heard by the prosecution. All about these absurd accusations. All I had to say to questions about theft, robbery, vandalism and so on was, "I didn't do it." The rest wasn't so easy, especially when questions about the circumstances of the escape and what happened afterwards came up.
But here I am grateful to Geoffrey. He was the one who agreed on the list of questions, cutting out those that could not be answered with vague phrases like "I was hiding" or "I was hiding in the house." My only task was to not let my loose tongue blurt out something that could be used against me. Thanks to my foresight, I simply did not remember much.
They even invited Ollivander, who checked my great-grandfather's wand for the use of unforgivable spells. But Priori Incantatem revealed only defensive and domestic spells that I used to keep my house in order.
"The hearing is adjourned," Miss Bones proclaimed, banging her gavel on the podium. "It is time for the verdict..."
***
"Not guilty!
The hall erupted in applause. Surprisingly, no one voted against. It was unanimous. Although... Things could have turned out differently, very differently.
Phew!" — I was released... only now, when the chains were off, did I notice that I had been tense as a stretched string. But now I felt an enormous sense of relief.
"Sirius! Siri..." Amidst the general commotion, I heard Lupin's voice.
Not now, my friend. The only things I wanted to see were a bottle of whisky, fresh air and a soft bed after the hard one in my cell. Although I had only spent a couple of hours there, and without the presence of Azkaban guards, it brought back some unpleasant memories. So I hurried along the path to freedom. But as soon as I left the courtroom accompanied by my lawyer, I was immediately surrounded by a crowd of journalists.
"Mr Black, how do you feel after so many years of unjust imprisonment?
"A few words for the prophet, Mr Black, do you intend to challenge the court's decision regarding...
"Mr Black...
"Mr...
"No comment at this time!" Jeffrey came to my rescue, clearing his throat with Sonorus. I was about to growl at them, hoping they would back off.
"Mr Black will answer all questions at an official press conference this evening.
"But...
"Let us ask one question!" — the annoying journalists followed us all the way to the staging area. Only after I was in Thomas's office could I relax, collapsing into a leather chair with relief.
"Lil, please bring some coffee," Jeffrey called to the girl who had appeared at the sound of the intercom.
"Right away!" She immediately disappeared, presumably to get the coffee.
"Everything went as planned," the lawyer said with a hint of satisfaction, sitting down in the chair opposite me. "Some points can be appealed, but..."
"There's little hope of a fair amount," I continued for him.
He shrugged. To be honest, I didn't expect any compensation at all, even this much. It's obvious that the ministry will fight for every sickle of compensation and cling tooth and nail to all of Rod's "appropriated" property. Getting it back would take more than a day, but I couldn't think of anyone better to do it than the old man sitting across from me.
"Here's your coffee," Lil smiled, handing me a large cup of hot drink.
Mmm, it smells good... Good coffee, but I wouldn't mind something stronger. Just to calm my nerves.
"I understand. In any case, you've done your job, and the rest of the money will be transferred to your account right away. The manager has been notified, and the money will arrive within an hour," I said, and Geoffrey smiled broadly. Of course, considering the amount in galleons.
"But I would like to discuss the terms of our future cooperation..."
"Of course, I took the liberty of preparing a standard contract," Thomas pulled another stack of papers from his folder and handed it to me. I inwardly shuddered. Now the haggling would begin. And who said goblins were greedy? The shark sitting across from me could give the whole ear-flap brigade a run for their money.
***
I took a sip from my glass and set it down next to the decanter. That was enough alcohol for today. I needed to think things through carefully.
The meeting with the journalists went smoothly. I had time to come up with answers to possible tricky questions and think through my behaviour. Now I had to play the role of the "forgiving Sirius." I didn't bash Dumbledore, although a few phrases were meant to show my bewilderment as to why his loyal comrade had not been given a proper trial. I didn't disparage the Ministry, expressing my gratitude for the "objective" review of the case by the new panel. I also subtly praised Crouch for his help in exposing Pettigrew.
The only thing I did as I intended was to publicly declare my intention to accept Rod Black's leadership, which, surprisingly, was met with applause. Now no one even remembered the mud that had been slung at my family and me in the press. To everyone, I was a wrongfully convicted hero, a loyal friend of the Potters. I'll have to thank Skeeter somehow for the great PR.
My last statement was to express concern for the fate of Harry, whom I hadn't seen in many years.
Harry... Now that the initial work had been done, the most important thing remained. I decided to take my godson to live with me and then sort out all the necessary paperwork. At that point, I had good reason to fear that the bearded man would do everything in his power to thwart me. Which, in fact, he had demonstrated at the Wizengamot meeting. No, enough was enough. It was time to get my godson out of that cesspool called the Dursleys' house. I was now legally clean, and I had a few ideas about how to pull it off without incriminating myself.
The only problem was how Harry himself would react to the proposal. I hoped it would be positive. My visit to Tisova Street was already planned, but an important figure in my future plans was a person who was rather unpleasant to me personally, but who I now needed. And I was on my way to meet him.
"What do you think, Kreacher, does it look good?
I twirled in front of the mirror, trying to assess my ridiculous outfit, which for some reason was steadfastly referred to as a ceremonial robe. I had paid a hefty sum in galleons for it, and Madam Malkin assured me that I looked very dignified in it... But all these dresses... I would still prefer a Muggle suit.
"Excellent, Lord Black! Lady Walburga would be proud of her grown son, and...
"Thank you, Kreacher, I knew I could rely on your opinion," I said, perhaps a little rudely interrupting the stream of epithets, but if I hadn't, it could have gone on for a very, very long time. The house-elf had missed company during the years spent alone with the portrait. I'll have to hire a few more servants. The house's power supply could handle the extra load now. So many things needed doing. As soon as you finish one thing, another pile immediately appears. I urgently need a couple of clones! Well, or some competent assistants. But where to find them, all on my own...
Anyway, I gathered myself, transgressed to a recently rented house in the suburbs of London, and from there activated the port key to Malfoy Manor.
The creator of this artefact had done a good job, so the journey was quite comfortable. In an instant, I was standing by a beautiful wrought-iron fence on a special platform near the estate.
Malfoy, like me, did not neglect security. The fireplace network was very easy to control. Even the most foolish wizard would not give potential enemies access to the estate, let alone Lucius.
There were also alarm spells in the same place, because immediately after my arrival, a small house elf in the Malfoy coat of arms appeared in front of me with a soft pop.
"Lord Black, your master awaits you," the elf said with a bow.
"Well, let's not keep him waiting... lead the way.
The elf opened the gate with a spell. The translucent mist of the protective spell hanging over the fence flickered and disappeared. By the way, I've recently noticed that even without artefact points, I'm starting to see manifestations of magic. What is this, a positive effect of my "fall," or is the magic of the Rod making itself known? I don't know. It seems I'll have to spend a very long time in the library. How nice that there is a place where you can find answers to almost everything. I am very grateful to my family for that. If only they had made some kind of catalogue, that would have been wonderful... But it'll do.
While I was lost in thought, following the elf, we had already reached the entrance.
I was greeted at the door.
Narcissa Black, now Malfoy, looked... perfect. Perfect posture, a slender figure in a light silver dress. Her platinum hair was beautifully styled and arranged. Her eyes were icy. I didn't remember her like that. The image of a smiling girl with a missing tooth, running away from the jets of water coming from Uncle Alfard's wand, kept coming back to me. But memory only remembers the good things, right?
Next to her stood Malfoy, holding an expensive black cane with a snake-shaped knob.
"Black," the blond boy smirked.
"Malfoy," I said, trying to keep my face expressionless. My lessons in occlumency were helping a lot. It seemed that Sirius's hatred had rubbed off on me to some extent.
"Lord Black," Narcissa curtsied gracefully, feigning a smile. I grimaced inwardly. Everything was as it should be according to etiquette. Walburga would have been pleased. Narcissa, of all people, had lived up to her old-fashioned upbringing one hundred percent.
"Lady Malfoy," I replied with a half-bow, kissing the air near her outstretched hand in a white glove.
I didn't expect her to throw her arms around me... But "Lord Black"? Seriously? We're family!All these thoughts raced through my head as I exchanged initial pleasantries with the Malfoys and entered the house. It was impressive, by the way, with its décor and grandeur. There were vases, paintings, decorations and traditional Slytherin colours everywhere. Black and green. It was like being back in the school dungeons...
"So," Malfoy began when we entered the living room and sat down at a large table. Narcissa had disappeared somewhere, leaving me alone with the snake. "What did you want to discuss, Lord Black?"
He deliberately emphasised my title with subtle, barely perceptible irony. Yes, I was wearing the ring. But formally, without a decision by the House of Lords, I was not officially the head of the family. Except that magic didn't give a damn about all those decisions. A mental command, and the ring once again sparkled with the family crest, fully confirming my rights and claims. This performance lasted a fraction of a second, but judging by the blond man's slightly dilated pupils, he caught it.
"I wanted to discuss this..." I crossed my fingers, "Are you aware of the conditions in which the hero of magical Britain lives?
The conversation was going to be a long one.
***
The entire story has already been written at:
patreon.com/posts/reborn-as-sirius-142654970