282Chapter 13: A choice and meeting Sirius
Later that day, after Quidditch practice, Harry went to Salazar's private quarters, where he spent nearly half an hour putting the finishing touches on the new portraits for his ancestors. Salazar had been right. The process was indeed very difficult and took weeks, but in the end, he managed to create three portraits for Salazar and Godric. Under the former's watchful eyes, he finished the enchantments.
Godric was beaming with a look that rivaled that of a child who had eaten too much candy. "Are they ready yet?" Harry chuckled at the man's antics while Salazar rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, they're ready. Now, time for the final part," Harry levitated the portrait containing the two off the wall and onto the sofa. "Since he obviously cannot hold his impatience, I'll let the man-child go first. Here goes nothing. . ." He took in a deep breath as Salazar chuckled at how he referred to Godric. "Translemoria anima, Godric Gryffindor. Translemoria anima. . ." Transfer and animation spell (transference, memory, soul). He pointed his wand at the portrait Godric was in, then at the ones beside him. He waved his wand in a fluid, intricate manner a few times as he continued his chant.
"There it's done," lowering his wand. "See if you can move to the other portraits." Godric did so with glee. The smile on his face grew bigger as he found he could move between each portrait with ease.
"I take it you're satisfied?" He smirked. The smile on his ancestor's face told him his answer. Then, turning his attention to Salazar, he repeated the same process with him and the other portraits. Harry explained that the portraits he created were exclusive to only them before requesting Kreacher, Dobby, and four other house elves to come, and they arrived with a silent pop. There, he told them the portraits of his ancestors had been created and that they move all but the one in quarters to the designated areas. Complying with what he said, they left save for Kreacher and Dobby, whom he requested to remain behind. "Has there been any luck in finding any house elves needing a new start?"
Dobby then replied. "Yes, Harry, sir. We has found six other house elves. Of course, three of them had to be freed from their masters for their cruel treatment of them."
"Good, please bring them in." Dobby nodded his head and told the elves they were allowed to come. Harry asked for their names and stories. After hearing them out, he gave them the choice to be bonded to him, citing they would be treated fairly, not be abused or tortured in any form or way, and the rules. Simultaneously, they all agreed, and he bonded them to the House of Black one by one. "All right, listen up. Kreacher is in charge; if there are any concerns or problems, bring them to him. You can live in either Black Manor or Grimmauld. The choice is yours."
"Thank you, Harry." They all chanted at once. Kreacher then told them to follow as he escorted them to #12 Grimmauld to give them a tour and would later take them to Black Manor. Dobby popped back to the kitchen with the other house elves, and Harry pointed his wand at the empty portrait, levitating it back onto the wall.
The wards of the Chamber alerted him that Filius was walking through the secret passage on the fifth floor. A moment later, the brick wall that connected to the stairs pulled apart, and his mentor walked in with a grin. "It is time to go, Harry."
"I know," he replied as the man approached him. Filius took an enchanted gold coin from his pocket and placed his hand on it.
"Headquarters," said Filius. Soon, the two were portkeyed out of Salazar's quarters and deposited in front of the gates of a large citadel in an undisclosed location in the Swiss Alps. Harry could literally feel the magic around the area. Several ancient wards and protective enchantments surrounded the place. Filius placed his hand on the gate, and it opened. "Come with me," he told Harry, who followed him.
"This is the headquarters of the Mage Order," Filius explained as they walked through the courtyard to the giant runic double doors. He pushed the correct runes and pressed his badge against the door to verify he was a member. The doors rumbled open, revealing a dark hallway with unlit torches hanging on the walls. They all lit up the moment the doors opened. Harry believed it was thanks to the compound's enchantments, which he thought were similar to the ones in the Chamber of Secrets.
Filius took him to the elevator and pressed a button for the sixth floor when they stepped inside. The elevator took the two of them up. Once they arrived at their floor, they exited the elevator and walked down a long, narrow hall. Harry and Filius stopped when they saw Anastasia standing in front of the grand mahogany doors.
"Welcome, Filius, Harry," she greeted them with a warm smile. "The other council members are present and awaiting you both." Harry took a deep breath and ensured his occlumency shields were in place as she opened one of the doors. Leading them inside, Harry walked behind them as they entered the circular room.
There were a total of seven people present. All of them were seated with their eyes on the two new guests—more specifically on Harry. Calmly, Harry and Filius stood in the center of the chamber facing the Head Mage, Noah Lawrence, as Anastasia took her seat that was in between Nathanial and the Head Unspeakable Saul Croaker. At first, he had a general knowledge about the man as he was listed as one of his potential guardians, but thanks to Filius, Nathanial, and Anastasia. He now knew more about the man and his reputation. Brushing that from his mind for the time, he bowed respectfully at Mr. Lawrence a fraction of a second after Filius did. The man nodded at them in return.
"Thank you for bringing him, Filius. You may take your seat," he indicated to the chair beside Saul. Filius glanced at his protege for half a second before going to his seat. Noah took a few minutes to look at the fourteen-year-old before bringing his fingers together and speaking. "It's good to see you again, Mr. Potter. You have been under our radar for quite some time now and have progressed rather nicely since the last time I saw you in the tournament."
"Thank you, sir," Harry replied, keeping his expression neutral and his voice respectful. He turned his head when he heard someone new speak.
"You resemble more of Charlus than of James," Saul commented. And I can see a little bit of Arcturus in you. How intriguing. . ." he said, deep in thought while assessing the boy. You have been through and experienced much in your life- more than anyone your age should have had to go through. Are you aware why you were summoned before us?"
"I have an idea of why, but there are a few questions I would like to ask at the end," Harry replied when the man raised an eyebrow. He returned his gaze to the Head Mage, who grunted in amusement.
"You are definitely a Black," Noah mused. This is by no means mandatory, nor will we force it on you, as the decision must be yours. You are here because we wish to recruit you to be a Mage. Already, you have trained under three of our own, have shown exceptional skills, and have great potential. We believe that you can become an extraordinary asset with the proper training and guidance."
"So what's the catch?" Harry narrowed his eyes.
"I beg your pardon?" Noah looked at me with surprise as everyone else, save for Filius, Nathanial, and Anastasia, had neutral expressions.
"You see, for too long, my life has been in the hands of others who have decided to play and move me as if I'm a chess piece. As I'm sure that Master Filius," gesturing to the man, "has already informed you, I enjoy my freedom and have no desire to be used as a tool or weapon. So my question is: What do you and the other council members hope to gain by having me as a member?"
"Aha, you are not only strong but sharp as well," chuckling a bit. "Well, played, and you are correct. Allow me to explain. The duty of a Mage is to ensure that the magical balance of our world is maintained, and as you have no doubt seen, there are people who wish to disrupt that balance by gaining control of those in the Wizarding world. People like Dumbledore, for instance. The man may appear as a wise, whimsical leader with the world's best interest at heart, but that is a mere facade. He is actually something worse. Much worse. Similar to you, he plays with the lives of others, using them to achieve his own goals, and once they are no longer of any use, he tosses them aside like a broken toy. Have you ever wondered why there are not as many students who attend Hogwarts each year? Why are there not as many witches and wizards in magical Britain and Ireland as there should be? Or why several of them are weak?"
"I have my suspicions and guess that is Dumbledore's handiwork," Harry replied. "I've looked through the information my grandfather and great uncle have collected about him and was surprised by what I have found."
"Really?" Noah looked intrigued, as that did sound like Arcturus and Charlus would do. He inclined his head for Harry to continue.
"From what I have been able to gather, Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald were more than friends at one point and made plans to mold the world in their image." He explained what he knew about how Grindelwald started the Great War and how Dumbledore indirectly helped him. Dumbledore willingly did nothing to oppose or stop him until the near end, when people were practically on their knees begging him to help. If Dumbledore had gotten involved a lot sooner, then many more witches and wizards would have survived.
Harry then went on to talk about Voldemort, aka Tom Riddle, and how Dumbledore kept close tabs on him while in and out of school, knowing his true nature. "Since the end of the incident with the Basilisk in my second, I have wondered why he has become so insistent on being involved in my life and having me under his thumb, and now I believe I know most of his reason. This has been nothing more than a long-term plan of his. He could not live with his failures, so he used me and everyone else to clean up his mess. The night Voldemort killed my parents and Hagrid brought me to him where my muggle aunt and uncle lived was part of his plan to get me under his control. I believe that Dumbledore wanted me so broken and desperate to escape my magic-hating relatives that when Hagrid came to get me, I would instantly jump at the opportunity to be around others like myself. It did not help that Hagrid, for all his good intentions, was, in fact, a man-child and a staunch Dumbledore loyalist. He believes the old man can do no wrong and is perfectly willing to do anything he says, no matter how strange. The day he introduced me to the magical world, he glorified Dumbledore as a person who could do no wrong and as the greatest wizard of all time during my first time at the Leaky Cauldron. And like a fool, I believed him."
He told everything he knew from the day Hagrid brought him to the train station, then disappeared without telling him how to get to the platform for the Hogwarts Express. There, he met Molly Weasley, who was with her children on her way to the platform, speaking rather loudly while wondering where the entrance to platform 9 3/4 was. "That was a setup. The woman knew where the entrance was, having been there multiple times before. She did not forget. She was waiting for me. Ron coming to my compartment under the pretense of everyone else being full was a lie. Throughout most of the train ride, he glorified Dumbledore and disparaged those in or would be sorted in Slytherin's house. Calling it a breeding ground for dark witches and wizards. . ." He talked about everything he had gone through at the castle during his first two years. "The challenges I faced were merely tests designed by Dumbledore."
"I can verify what he says as the absolute truth," Filius spoke up for the first time since sitting down. Nathanial and Saul agreed with him, adding their two knuts.
"This is more than we ever knew," Noah leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. There is also the issue of finding Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. . .so long as one of them is still alive, the murdering bastard will never truly be vanquished. For that and a handful of other reasons, we would like you to join us. As the Head of the Order, you have my promise that we will not use or manipulate you."
Harry stood in deep thought, weighing the pros and cons of accepting their proposal. Coming to a decision, he asked. "When do we start?"
Noah's face lit up with a small smile as he pulled out the contract and a black quill from the pocket of his robe. Wandlessly, he levitated the items to Harry, who, in turn, took his wand and conjured a table. Harry carefully read over the contract and closely examined the black quill. "Is there any reason why you want me to use a blood quill?" Blood quills are Class-B dark objects and are never to be used except for signing specific documents. The I.C.W. highly regulates the objects, and for good reasons, too. He recalled using the quill at Gringotts to sign some important documents. So much so that they are only used for signing certain documents and are heavily regulated by the ICW.
"It is only to finalize the agreement," Saul said, understanding the boy's skepticism. "Once you're done signing, we will treat you with the Essence of Murtlap," conjuring a large bowl and pulling out a jar full of blue potion.
Harry signed in the designated areas, acknowledging his agreement while ignoring the stinging in his right hand. When done, Mr. Croaker came over with the bowl and jar of potion, placing the blue potion in the bowl and having Harry place his hand in it. There was a small sting when the potion touched the wound on the back of his hand. However, he didn't complain as the marks instantly vanished after a minute.
Saul took Harry's contract and brought it to Noah, who confirmed that it had been signed. "Welcome to the Order, Mr. Potter. From this moment on, you are a Mage in training. Your training will, therefore, be under the supervision of Mages Filius, Nathanial, and Anastasia." He turned to his colleagues. "Please show Mr. Potter around."
"Before that happens, I wish to discuss something with you, him, and his teachers in private," Saul's voice cut across the chamber. Like the other council members, Filius looked at him with curiosity. Noah nodded his consent, and everyone left except those asked to remain.
"I know this is a lot to take in, but I have an additional proposal for you," Saul began. You made it clear that you thoroughly distrust and dislike Dumbledore and Voldemort, and it's clear to me that you have your own goals in life—something I perfectly agree with. Like you said, for the longest time, your life has been in the hands of others. Hence, I would like to offer you an apprenticeship for my Department."
"Apprenticeship? For an Unspeakable?" a baffled Harry asked. "I'm sorry to say, sir, but I am not much of a researcher, and I have no desire to be a Ministry man."
Saul only chuckled. "Is that what you think an Unspeakable is? Someone who is only a researcher and developer who answers to the Ministry?" Harry backtracked at the man's questions. Croaker continued, "while there is some truth about Unspeakables being researchers/developers, that is only what the public knows. There are two sides to being an Unspeakable. A researcher/developer or a Hit-wizard. The Department of Mysteries is really an independent organization that works with the DMLE and, by extension, the Ministry of Magic, but that is it. Hit-witches/wizards are what you might call a Black Ops unit. Our authority goes beyond that of the standard Aurors and DMLE personnel."
"So you want me to be a Hit-wizard. An intriguing proposition. However, there are a few things I wish to ask you," Harry said.
"Go ahead.
"Did you know anything about my parents, Will?" Filius, Anastasia, and Nathanial went stiff at his question. The former had a feeling that the subject might come up but did not expect Harry to be blunt.
"I knew they had a Will, yes. Though not its contents," Saul honestly admitted. "When Dumbledore had it sealed, I suspected something was up but did not have the clearance to unseal it. Much like you, I only recently learned about its contents regarding the list of potential guardians for you, that Peter Pettigrew was the one who betrayed your parents to Voldemort and not your godfather, Sirius Black. Had I known the contents beforehand, you would never have had to grow up in the muggle world, and Sirius would be a free man right now. For that and not being able to take custody of you, you have my sincerest apologies."
"What about Sirius? You and the rest of the Council members are now aware that he is innocent. Can you get him tried and exonerated of the crimes committed against him?"
"Unfortunately, that is a lot easier said than done." All the attention went back to Noah. "While the Order can petition for him to be given a trial, there are a few obstacles we will need to overcome."
"You mean Dumbledore, Malfoy and his lot, and Fudge, who ordered the Dementor's kiss on sight," Harry figured that is what he meant by obstacles. "Malfoy and Fudge would see to it that he never gets a trial, and even if Sirius is allowed such a thing, Dumbledore might pull a stunt. I bet right now that he's already sent word to his people to find him or dig up any leads."
"Indeed," said Nathanial. "If you want him to get a proper trial and be freed, then you will either need to capture Pettigrew or persuade Dumbledore and Fudge to give him a real trial without any interference."
"Both options are difficult but not impossible. I also need to find Sirius before Dumbledore does. There are a few things I want to discuss with my godfather. . ." he said thoughtfully. An idea then popped into his head.
"Oh, I know that look anywhere," Saul quipped. "That's the same look Dorea had whenever she had a clever idea. But there is something else you need to consider first," he said in a cautionary tone.
"Sirius' twelve years in Azkaban and his exposure to the negative effects of the Dementors have probably affected his mind, so there is a high chance he might become irrational and try something foolish. If you can locate and get him to me first, my mind healers can begin working on removing the effects caused by the Dementors."
"I have your word; you will help and guarantee Sirius' freedom?" Harry looked at him critically. It was a shrewd question.
"You have my word that I will do my best to help him," he said seriously, meeting the boy's gaze.
The two looked at each other for the longest time, which was only a couple of minutes. "Very well. We find Sirius and get him treated by the mind healers first, and then we talk about me being a Hit-wizard. Deal?"
"That is fine with me," Saul nodded his consent to the agreement. "I take it you have a way of finding him?"
"I have a few," Harry responded with a grin, "and this is probably my best option."
"I'll ask later," Filius squeaked. Nathanial and Anastasia escorted Harry out of the chamber and showed him around headquarters: the barracks, training rooms, library, cafeteria, meeting rooms, etc. This went on for over an hour, and Harry ran into some of his fellow trainees. From what he could tell, many of them were either fifteen or sixteen.
After the tour, Filius portkeyed himself and Harry back to Salazar's quarters at Hogwarts. Harry stated he would be eating in the kitchen tonight, but there was something he needed to do first. Filius gave him a nod before pulling the torch on the wall and walking up the stairs. When the stone wall closed behind him, Harry summoned Kreacher. "I have an important job for you, Kreacher, and it must be done with the utmost discretion."
Kreacher could tell by the way Harry was talking that the task was indeed very important. "What can Kreacher do for young Harry?"
"I want you to assemble a team of house elves to find and bring my godfather, Sirius, here. Have him in magical suppression cuffs and make sure no one sees you. Can you do that?"
". . . Kreacher can," the elf said after a minute, clearly not happy with the request. Kreacher and the others will discreetly bring bad master Sirius into the chamber."
"Thank you, Kreacher," Harry smiled, knowing about Kreacher's obvious dislike of Sirius. From what Andromeda told him, Sirius and Kreacher had a mutual dislike for one another when Sirius lived at Grimmauld with his parents and younger brother Regulus. He wasn't blind to know that Sirius was not free of fault for Kreacher's dislike of him as he hardly ever treated him with any respect or gave him any acknowledgment. He would need to have a talk with them both. "Please inform me the second you bring him here. You're aware of what his animagus form is, correct?"
"I am." Kreacher then popped away to return to #12 Grimmauld.
Harry said bye to his ancestors before leaving for the kitchen to have dinner.
(00)
It had been a few weeks since Harry had met with the Mage council, and he agreed to join their Order as a new trainee. Since then, Filius, Nathanial, and Anastasia have stepped up Harry's training regimen. They would meet in the Chamber of Secrets four times a week, and his lessons under each of them would vary. By far, Nathanial was still his hardest instructor, with his training sessions being quite strenuous, to say the least. Harry would be left exhausted at the end of each session, and his body would feel like it was made of jelly. Yet, despite the fatigue, he could see that he was becoming smarter and stronger with each session. In addition to his regular training, Anastasia began working with him on becoming an animagus.
When it came to his classes, Harry quickly established himself as the best in his year, much to the annoyance of his former friends. Hermione because she was being outperformed not only by Daphne Greengrass of Slytherin but also by Harry, as he was getting his spell right before her, and his marks were better than hers. Adding to that, she noticed that all his spells were being done nonverbally and that she had fallen to third place. Something that had aggravated her to no end. In Ron's case, it was because Harry was no longer associating with him; all the money he had in his vault had been taken, and Harry had threatened that if he screwed with him again, then the consequences would be dire. Moreover, he started hanging out with people in Slytherin.
At the end of their morning classes, the students gathered in the Great Hall for lunch, with Harry sitting at the Ravenclaw table with Luna and his friends. Tracey drew Harry's attention as he drank some of his pumpkin juice. "Don't look now, but the know-it-all is sending you death glares."
Clicking his tongue, he rolled his eyes. "No real surprise there. The girl is probably mad that she is no longer a top kitten," he said, glancing over his shoulder to see Hermione quickly turn away, refusing to meet his gaze. "Anyway, she's insignificant and of no importance to me."
Harry turned his attention back to his plate and then at an unfamiliar owl that came flying in carrying a large package. The owl landed in front of him and extended one of its legs out so he could remove the attached letter. Untying the letter, he pulled out two owl treats and gave the owl some water before sending it off. Harry blinked in surprise when he read who the letter was from; sensing that there was nothing harmful or dangerous, he opened the envelope, pulled out the letter, and read it:
Dear Monsieur Potter,
I know you were probably not expecting a letter from me. But I wanted to apologize for the way I acted toward you both during the tournament and when you came to my hospital room and for severely injuring you with my fire. I think about it all the time. Looking back on it, I realized that I was being arrogant and conceited toward you. Something my Maman had warned me about several times in the past and gave me an earful when I got home. I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and acted like a spoiled, overprivileged child. Because of that, I lost control of myself and seriously injured you. For that, I apologize and promise it will not happen again.
I have spoken to Amélie. She told me that you deeply regretted what happened during the latter stage of our duel, that you hold no resentment towards me, that you do not judge or vilify me for my heritage as a Veela, and how relieved you were to hear that I have suffered no permanent injuries from your last attack. The feeling is mutual, as I am glad you have suffered no permanent or any long-lasting effects caused by my fire save for a scar and are now aware of the dangers of provoking a Veela. Initially, a part of me thought you would have reacted badly after the incident and would have either sought retribution or despised me for being a Quarter-Veela like so many others would have. I am happy to say I thought wrong. But know this: you better be prepared for the next time we duel. Because there will be a different outcome.
Anyway, I hope this peace offering is acceptable. I had to ask Amélie for some help in what you were interested in since I did not know. Have a good year at Hogwarts.
Regards,
Fleur Isabelle Delacour of the Ancient and Noble House of Delacour
Harry was both surprised and amused by Fleur's letter. He wasn't expecting anything from her, but from what he read in her letter, she sounded sincere in her apology. He found her competitiveness intriguing. Truthfully, he had thought about entering the International Dueling Tournament for the U-18 Division. Now, it seemed like she would be doing the same as him, which brought a small smile to his face. If she would be competing, then so would he. Her performance and level of skills and power had impressed him greatly, and if she was that powerful at only 15, he wondered how powerful she would be after another year of training.
Putting the letter down, he removed the box's wrapping paper and opened the lid to see a large ancient brown book inside. The title on it caught his attention. A Guide to Mastering Elemental Magic. This was a rare book; he couldn't believe she would send him something like this. Resolving himself, he made a mental note to write back and send her something as well. It was only fair. From what he remembered at the tournament, she seemed exceptionally adept at Charms. Amélie once mentioned that Fleur favored Charms and Enchanting over her other subjects and wished to pursue a career as an Enchantress. That then gave him an idea.
"Who are the book and letter from?" Blaise joked as he nudged his friend's arm.
Tracey soon joined in with a crooked smile that barely contained her amusement. "They're from that Veela Delacour, aren't they? The one you defeated and injured at the tournament."
Harry sighed a bit. "Her name is Fleur Delacour. . . She wanted to apologize for her actions, injuring me with her fire, and sent a peace offering," he explained. Grabbing the book and letter, he put them in his bag as Blaise gave him an impressed whistle.
"Damn, a gift from a Veela. You lucky bastard," clapping Harry on the back.
"It's not like that," said Harry.
The last few minutes of lunch were passed with the others—namely Blaise—making jokes about Harry and Fleur being together. This went on until they left for their remaining classes for the day.
During the last minute of Arithmancy, before the bell rang to release the students from class, a note appeared in Harry's pocket. Discreetly pulling it out, he quietly read the note:
We have him, and the others have been alerted.
The note then burst into flames. Mentally smiling, he told Blaise to tell the others that he had to handle some matters and would join them later in the library. Blaise nodded his head and left to catch up with Neville, Daphne, and Tracey. Meanwhile, Harry went in the opposite direction, though as he rounded a corner, he sensed that someone was following him.
There was no mistaking who this person was: Hermione. The girl may be smart, but she was not as subtle or discreet as she thought she was—easy to read. Predictable. She failed to apply the silencing charm to her feet and had not learned how to disguise her magic. Rounding another corner, he flicked his wand out from its holster and performed the disillusionment charm on himself and the silencing charm on his feet. Harry stood against the wall, watching Hermione appear from around the corner, looking agitated.
"Dang it. Where did he go?" Hermione asked in an annoyed voice. "He couldn't have just vanished into thin air like that."
She went down the deserted corridor to check the classrooms while Harry smirked at her annoyance and left in the opposite direction.
(00)
A disgruntled and chained-up Sirius looked like he had seen better days. He had spent twelve years as a high-security prisoner in Azkaban for a crime he didn't commit. How could anyone think he would ever betray the Potters to Voldemort, let alone join the Death Eaters? That night, he arrived at the cottage to check on them, and his heart immediately sank upon seeing that it had been destroyed. That was when his worst fears came to light as Peter had sold them out to Voldemort. Quickly running inside, he saw the dead body of his best friend/brother, in everything but blood, lying by the staircase. Overcome with anger, sadness, and grief, he went upstairs to see Lily was also dead, but Harry was alive, crying. Slowly, he walked over to the crib with barely any energy in his legs and picked up his crying godson, who had a lightning bolt scar on his forehead.
Tearfully holding his godson, he swore vengeance against Peter. Walking out of the destroyed cottage, he found Hagrid, who appeared and told him that Dumbledore sent him to collect Harry. So he may be set to Petunia. Sirius protested, citing that he was Harry's godfather and that with James and Lily gone, that made him his responsibility. He also said how neither James nor Lily wanted Harry to be with his muggle relatives as they hated magic and would treat him badly. But Hagrid told him that Albus had sent him to collect Harry. At the time, Sirius was so overcome with anger and grief that he reluctantly agreed, telling the half-giant to take his motorcycle and that he would return for Harry after capturing Peter for betraying James and Lily. After tracking Peter for days, he finally cornered him in a muggle area. The two quickly engaged in battle, and much to his surprise—like everyone believed Petter to be a weak wizard had started screaming about why he betrayed the Potters. He then hit him with a laughing jinx, cast the blasting curse to blow the gas pipe, cut off his finger, transformed into a rat, and escaped into the sewers. Then, adding insult to injury, the Aurors arrived to arrest him. It wasn't even 24 hours before Bagnold and Crouch sentenced him to life in Azkaban.
After twelve years of imprisonment surrounded by the Dementors, he was lucky to have retained his sanity; less he would gone insane like his bitch of a cousin, Bellatrix. That day, Fudge came by his prison cell. He asked for his newspaper where he saw Peter in his rat animagus form on top of Arthur and Molly's youngest son's shoulder. Fearing for his godson's life, he allowed himself to get thin enough before transforming into his animagus form as Padfoot and slipped through the bars of his cell. Miraculously, the Dementors did not recognize him. The damn creatures targeted humans, but not animagi's. From there, escaping the dreadful island was a relatively easier task. He made his way to Britain and had a few close calls. The night before, he found shelter in a cave and put up some protective wards so no one would find him. But eventually, he was captured, though not by the Aurors but by other individuals. That's how he ended up in a chamber full of snake statues and a dead basilisk a few feet away from him.
"I have to say, Black. Seeing you in chains like that is rather amusing." Sirius turned to the source of the voice to see a smirking Sever Snape looking down at him from his left side. He would have stood up, but the magical suppression cuffs kept him chained to the ground.
All he could do was narrow his eyes and stared daggers at his former school nemesis. "What are you doing here, Sniv—"
Severus cut him off with a stinging hex and a hard punch to the face, breaking his nose. "I suggest you think for once and mind your tongue, Black," he warned. "It will do you no good to rant off like a child, especially in your current situation."
"What am I doing here, Snape?" Sirius half growled. "Have you come to kill me or turn me over to the Ministry and have me kissed?"
Severus raised an eyebrow and clicked his tongue. "Tch. Believe me, while those ideas are intriguing, there are a few who have something else in mind. Come out."
Following his gaze, Sirius' eyes widened when the disillusionment charms melted off some people he had not seen in years. "Andi," he choked up a bit at seeing his favorite cousin.
"Hello, Sirius," she said with a warm smile. Standing beside her was obviously her daughter Nymphadora. The last time he saw her was when she and her friends were watching the girl run around the garden in only her underwear (making a nuisance of herself); he thought that last part. The other two people were Filius Flitwick, his old Charms Professor, and Saul Croaker, the Head of the Department of Mysteries. "We've been looking for you for a while, and there is someone else who has yet to arrive," Andromeda said.
"Who?" He questioned.
"That will be me." An unfamiliar voice caused him to turn around as much as he could.
He couldn't believe his eyes when he looked at the person. The unruly black hair and familiar green eyes were unmistakable. "Ha-Harry," he said in a barely audible voice. He had not seen his godson since that dreaded Halloween night twelve years ago. "I have not seen you since—"
"That night Voldemort killed my parents," Harry finished for him. "Before we continue, there are a few things I want to know. Andromeda hit him."
"Pleasure." Quicker than Sirius could inquire what he meant, Andromeda tagged him with a familiar spell from the Black family library. The spell she used was a dark and more powerful version of veritaserum. Anyone who tried to lie or refrain from telling the full truth would get a nasty surprise. "All right, let's get this done. What is your name, and when were you born?"
"Sirius Orion Black III. I was born on November 3, 1959."
"You are the son of Orion and Walburga Black and the older brother of Regulus Black?"
"Yes, I am." While he loathed his banshee bitch of a mother, although the same couldn't be said for his relationship with his father. Orion Black may have been distant with his sons, but he was much better than his wife. Regulus, however, loved his younger brother dearly. While he wasn't inherently evil, he was too eager to please their mother. The day he ran away from home to live with James and his family was one he would never forget. And has still regretted the choice.
"Were or have you ever supported Voldemort in any form or way?"
"No. I have never supported that dark wanker directly or indirectly. Also, I was never a Death Eater."
Andromeda curled her lips and motioned for Saul to continue. "Several people believed you were the secret keeper to the Potters and were the one who sold them out. Is that true?"
"No, I was not the secret keeper, and if I had been, I would have died before betraying my friends."
Saul narrowed his eyes. "If you weren't their secret keeper, then who was? Why were people led to believe you were their secret keeper?"
"Peter Pettigrew," he nearly growled. "I was believed to be the secret keeper because it would appear obvious given how close I was to them. We thought it would be best to use me as a decoy."
"We?" Severus inquired, stepping in. "Who else knew you were not the real secret keeper?"
"Myself, James, Lily, Peter, and Albus Dumbledore."
"There's a shock," said Harry, rolling his eyes with sarcasm dripping down his voice. "Who cast the Fidelius Charm around the cottage?"
"Albus Dumbledore." Harry's green eyes were set ablaze, and his magic started rolling off of him in waves when Sirius answered.
Dora placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a look that said keep it together. He took a breath and went on to ask. "That night he killed my parents; you gave me to Hagrid. Why?"
"I, honestly, do not know. I was both angry and sad that my best friends were dead, and I intended to care for you like they would have wanted. But when Hagrid showed up saying he was to take you to Lily's sister's family, on Dumbledore's orders, I protested as I was your godfather. That meant you were my responsibility. However, something compelled me to give you to Hagrid and go after Peter."
"How interesting. . ." Severus began in a silk voice as he took out his wand. He then cast an ancient diagnosis spell on Black and narrowed his eyes when he got the results. "It would seem that someone put a strong compulsion charm in the subconscious part of your mind. I'm willing to bet the money in my vault that it was Albus who put the charm on you. That is very interesting."
Severus turned to the others. "Even though the spell has been degraded to the point of nonexistence. . .there is a very faint trace of someone's magical signature on him. However, I estimate that it will vanish completely within the next few minutes or so."
"Damn it," Saul cursed. "Okay, I have one final question. Did you ever receive a trial?"
"No, I was thrown into a holding cell before Bagnold and Crouch had me sent to Azkaban."
"Are there any further questions?" Saul looked at the others, who all shook their heads. "All right," he nodded at both Andromeda and Severus. They removed the cuffs and applied the counterspell.
Severus sneered at Sirius, who was now standing up. "While I would like to hand you over to the Dementors. . .even you deserve better than that kind of fate." He pointed his wand at Sirius's neck when he stepped forward and was about to offer a heated retort. "Make no mistake, Black. There is only one reason you are still alive and one reason only," he hissed in a dark, cold voice.
"And what is that, Snape?" Meeting Severus's Black eyes with his grey ones.
"It is because the three of us were betrayed and used by the same person: Albus Dumbledore," said Harry. "Dumbledore used us. We were nothing more than chess pieces to him." He placed a hand on Severus's arm, beckoning him to lower his wand from Sirius's neck. "There will be time to explain more later once you've seen the mind healers and are relieved of any effects caused by the Dementors. But for right now, I need you to listen."
Sirius's grey eyes softened somewhat when he looked at Harry, though he wondered why he seemed friendly with Snape of all people. Did he not know that James and Snape hated each other while they were in school?
"I know what you are thinking, and yes, I know about what happened between you, my father, and Professor Snape here," Harry stated. "While it would be easiest to point fingers and label him the bad guy, you and father were not role models either. You see, I know how you and the other Marauders were bullies and enjoyed playing pranks on everyone. However, you four would often go too far, causing more trouble, pain, and damage than intended. I know what you and my father were like when you were in school. I also know what Snape was like when he was younger and that he was not a perfect person or entirely blameless. So do not try to play the victim or attempt to absolve yourself of any wrongdoings." Sirius felt like he had been both slapped and hit with a bludgeoning spell. The way Harry scolded and called him out on his bullshit was similar to how Lily and his great Aunt Dorea would he and James would get into trouble or do something stupid.
Harry then relaxed his voice. "Look, I know you two will never be friends after everything that went down in your school years. But that's in the past, and this is the present. You both are adults and need to act like it. You do not have to be friends, but you can be civil and neutral with one another." Looking at both of them, until his eyes settled on Sirius first. "Sirius, you were my father's best friend. The closest he had to as a brother and were close to my mum. You are my godfather, and while you may not be evil. You are a man-child who needs to grow up and see things are not as black and white as they appear to be. While I would like to have you involved in my life, I need you to be more responsible and cautious from now on. I lost you once before due to Dumbledore's machinations. Don't make me go through that again. My father admitted he was wrong and already made his peace with Severus. So why can't you?" Sirius looked thoroughly chastised and lowered his head to the ground in shame.
Harry then turned to Severus. "Similar to you, Severus, you may not be evil, but you have made mistakes in your life—mistakes that you regret. You were my mum's best friend for years, and I have begun to see you in a different light. Not just as a man who is cold, cynical, and sarcastic but as someone who has been through and lost a lot. Sirius is my godfather; I need him in my life like I need you. Can you at least try to be civil with or try not to kill him?"
Severus looked between Harry and Black, contemplating what the boy had said. It was true that he did not like Black, but having one less headache to deal with was better than them being at each other's throats. Flaring his nostrils, he returned his wand to its holster and looked once again at Black. "We have both made mistakes, have done things we regret, and have lost a lot. The people we cared about. But if we do not learn from them, we pay twice. I may not like you; however. . . I am willing to call a ceasefire and be neutral with you." He held out a hand.
Sirius sighed. "I must be crazy, but you are right. We have both lost a lot; whatever bitterness we have for each other has to be left in the past. Neutrality it is." Accepting Snape's offer at a ceasefire. The two shook hands before pulling away.
"So what happens now?" Sirius looked around at the others. I don't know if you realize this, but I am still wanted by the Ministry, and Fudge ordered a Dementor's Kiss on sight. So, getting a proper trial would be very unlikely."
Filius spoke up for the first time. "We're working on that. But for now, you will go with Saul to the Department of Mysteries, where you'll receive treatment from the mind healers."
Saul then added. "I promise you have nothing to worry about. No one in my department will say anything about you." Sirius nodded his head and placed a hand on the stone the man pulled out from his pocket. Andromeda did the same. Saul whispered the password, and the three were portkeyed away. Dora took her portkey out from her pocket and was also whisked away.
The portkeys they and Filius used a few weeks ago could only be created by Harry. This was a security precaution as he wanted to avoid anyone appearing in his ancestor's chamber. Like what Salazar explained, the wards were now firmly under his control, and he could use the chamber to bypass the castle's wards and leave without Dumbledore ever knowing. It had proven very beneficial as the last thing he wanted was for the old man to have access to this place, and he didn't want him to know where he was going outside of school. Having Dumbledore spy on him directly or indirectly through his people would not be good. Then, shifting his attention to the current situation.
Phase 1 was done. He got to his godfather before Dumbledore, his ilk, and the Ministry could and would now be receiving treatment. The next part of his plan was to get him a trial and exonerated. Fortunately, he had a plan and a backup plan. But that will have to wait until Sirius is fully healed from his time in Azkaban. To launch Phase 2, he would need to be patient and strike when the moment was just right.
"That part is taken care of now," Filius said softly. "Now you said you had something you wish to show us? A new spell, perhaps?"
"Indeed I do," Harry grinned as he had them wait outside while he went to retrieve the portrait Godric and Salazar were in. A moment later, he returned while levitating the picture frame and then using his other wand to conjure a chair. This new spell he'd been working on for the past few weeks was finally ready, and today was the day it would make its debut. By utilizing the destructive principles that were used to make Fiendfyre and Protego Diabolicia so powerful and destructive, along with the protective nature of the patronus charm, he finally found the perfect name and incantation for the spell. In parseltongue, the name would be called: Iraebris (The Wrath of Darkness). The incantation: Custobris Imfedetus (Dark Guardians, Attacks, Defends). This was bound to be quite the spectacle, leaving everyone present and those who would eventually see it at a loss for words.
"Everything is set. It's time for my new spell to make its debut," he said with a knowing grin.
Salazar smiled. "Then, by all means, my heir, go ahead and show us. Let us see this new spell of yours." He liked the look on the boy's face.
Harry motioned for Severus and Filius to stand behind him as he raised his wand. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he prepared to cast the spell. The spell he was about to cast required negative emotions, so remembering the anger and pain he had gone through at the hands of his relatives, the pain Voldemort and Dumbledore caused his family and forced him to endure. Dumbledore seals his parents' Will and sticks him with some abusive people, only to later use him as a weapon. That and the betrayal of Ron, Hermione, and Mrs. Weasley. They all used him to accomplish their own selfish goals. Never again would he be used by anyone.
Snapping his eyes open, Harry cast the spell. 'Custobris Imfedetus,' he said in parseltongue. A mixture of black and blue flames erupted from the tip of his wand. Harry fell to a knee, feeling incredibly drained from conjuring the dark flames, yet he was determined to see what form his creation would take. Stilling his resolve, he slowly stood up and focused his power and will on the flames. The black and bluish flames then took the form of a leviathan. The creature bared its fangs and released a mighty heart-stopping roar. Despite feeling tired, Harry couldn't help but smile, feeling proud about his creation. Those Dementors and his enemies would be in for a real surprise.
The leviathan turned to face his creator and the individuals behind him. As they looked at the great beast, all four were left without a word. Severus and Filius' hearts were beating rapidly. Almost like they were going to burst out from their chests. The two were really pale. After a moment, it judged the two carefully before turning its attention back to Harry after deciding they were not a threat to the boy. Nodding its head at Harry, who returned the gesture, the leviathan soon vanished. "I-In the. . .n-name of Merlin. I say my creation was a success," falling to his knees while trying to reclaim his breath.
Severus was completely taken aback by what he had just seen. Harry had created a spell like he had never seen before. What in the name of Merlin was that type of magic? Then, blinking his eyes, he returned to the here and now; removing a strengthening potion from his belt, he walked over and handed the vial over.
"Thanks," taking the vial of potion. Harry uncorked it and drank the thing before standing up. Filius then walked over to them.
"My word, Harry!" Filius exclaimed. Clearly, he was still in awe about the type of magic his apprentice performed moments ago. "What kind of spell was that?"
Harry laughed. "It's just something I have been working on for the past couple of weeks. The spell will undoubtedly become a great addition to my repertoire of spells. With this in my arsenal, the Dementors and my enemies will be in for quite a shock." He folded his arms and got to thinking, along with his Stigma Curse (Repoxiamus Fectium) and Mist-Debilitation Hex (Caligor Netatem). The two would fall under the categories of the Dark Arts as a Dark Curse and Dark Hex, and they would not be enough to cause anyone any permanent damage or kill them. However, the two would hurt like hell both on their own and used in tandem. The Blasting-Destruction Curse (Tenespirium) would fall into the Grey category. And the other two spells he created would become invaluable. "I combined the aspects that made Fiendfyre and Protego Diabolica so powerful and the protective nature of the Patronus charm." There was no need for him to tell them that he used parseltongue magic to help create the spell. If anyone wanted to deconstruct and study his spell, they would be unable to identify its origin and label it as family magic. That is how he designed the spell.
Salazar and Godric started clapping, the former being the loudest. He looked at his heir with great pride. "Well done, my heir. That's an impressive piece of magic you created."
"Do not forget that he is my heir as well," Godric proudly said. Harry lifted his hand, materializing the rings confirming his Lordship over their respective Houses. I'm glad to see you kept your promise and obtained the Gryffindor Lordship. What do you intend to do now?"
"To go meet my friends in the library and relax a little. I'll worry about focusing on being more consistent with the spell another day," Harry replied.
"Wise decision," Severus said in a cool voice. "I take it you are nearly done with all your homework assignments?"
"You'd be correct. There is only one assignment I have left to complete from yesterday and the assignments I got from today's classes."
Severus nodded his head. "I think it would be prudent to remind you that you have occlumency training with me tomorrow," the man commented. "While I do not doubt that your shields are formidable. . .it would be best to have them either near or at a master level. I trust I do not have to explain why."
Harry gave a curt nod in understanding. The Death Eaters who were sent to Azkaban were very skilled at using legilimency, with their leader Voldemort being a supreme legilimens himself and a master occlumens. They'd rip into the minds of others to gain information and would not be gentle or care about what happens to the person's psyche.
A/N: Harry has accepted the offer to become a Mage. This is something that he has chosen for himself. Sirius is now semi-back with his family and will receive medical treatment for his time in Azkaban and near the Dementors. While it is clear that Severus and Sirius still do not like each other, they agree to be neutral, which will be a lot better for both of them. This way, they will not be at each other's throats. I'm glad Harry called his godfather out on his bullshit for being immature and reckless and the need to make better choices in life. As promised, Harry now has a new spell. One that can help him battle both the Dementors and his enemies. His Iraebris.
Fleur has reached out with an apology and a peace offering, which Harry will undoubtedly enjoy and find beneficial. The idea of being able to face her again has intrigued him, as magic sharpens magic. The stronger she becomes, the more it will help him and vice versa.
Next Chapter: The next ritual and Dementors' attack