Though The Heavens May Fall (part five)
Title: Though the Heavens May Fall (part five)
Rating: PG
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Genre: AU
Description: Ministry Obliviators were supposed to wipe the memories of all the witnesses to Sirius Black’s ‘murder’ of Peter Pettigrew, but Remus discovers that they weren’t as thorough as they claimed. Someone remembers what really happened that day: but will anyone be willing to listen?
Author’s notes: Many thanks to sheafrotherdon for the fantastic beta job. Thanks also to hey_britney and aillil. Any mistakes are mine.
The courtroom was packed: the dark, imposing room filled with the entire Wizengamot council, resplendent in their plum robes, and hundreds of spectators. Remus scanned the rows of benches until he found Judith, sitting anxiously near the front of the public gallery. She smiled slightly as he went and sat beside her.
‘Hi,’ he said. ‘Dumbledore get you sorted all right?’
Judith nodded. ‘Yes, he brought us in and showed me and Cassie where to go. He’s with her now. There was this woman-witch, I suppose-who wanted to see Cassie first. She seemed nice enough, but…’ Judith glanced around the room, bewildered. ‘This is all a bit much to take in.’
Remus watched her sympathetically as her eyes flitted nervously around the flaming wall torches, high stone walls and array of witches and wizards in what must look to her to be some sort of bizarre fancy dress. ‘I can only imagine how strange it must seem,’ he said.
Judith let out a small, ironic laugh. ‘I suppose I’m going to have to get used to strange things, aren’t I?’
‘Well, yes,’ Remus admitted. ‘But most of them won’t be as intimidating as this. How is Cassie?’
‘Oh, she seems fine,’ said Judith. ‘Taking it all in her stride. It’s me who’s a nervous wreck. But Cassie…she’s a determined little girl that one. She wants to do it.’
‘It’s a brave thing that she’s doing,’ said Remus. ‘I can’t tell you how much it means to me. You must be very proud of her.’
‘Yes,’ said Judith, the anxiety lifting from her face for a moment. ‘Yes, I really am.’
Remus smiled and went back to scanning the courtroom. Millicent Bagnold, the Minister for Magic, sat in the centre of the front row of members of the Wizengamot Council. Despite being close to retirement, Bagnold was an imposing figure: tall and broad shouldered with strong, high cheekbones and piercing dark eyes. Her silver hair was wound tightly into a bun, and she stared down her long nose at a sheet of parchment, frowning slightly. Barty Crouch was on her left, talking animatedly and gesticulating wildly at the parchment, but Bagnold waved him away with a dismissive gesture. Remus felt a flicker of satisfaction as he realised that Crouch’s influence had obviously been diminished following his son’s arrest. He wasn’t particularly proud of his schadenfreude, but felt on this occasion that it was justified.
Bagnold looked up and banged a gavel on her desk. A hushed silence fell over the courtroom as two hundred witches and wizards turned in rapt attention. ‘Members of the Wizengamot, ladies and gentleman, I call this court to order.’ Bagnold’s words rang out clear and confident, though she didn’t raise her voice. Remus got the impression that she was used to people paying attention when she spoke. ‘We are here to try Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black for some of the most serious offences ever brought before this court: specifically, membership in the illegal organisation known as the Death Eaters; conspiracy to murder James and Lily Potter, and the murder of twelve Muggles. Black is additionally charged with the attempted murder of Peter Pettigrew, and Pettigrew with attempting to pervert the course of justice.’
‘Our first witness is a young Muggle-born witch. Before the witness gives evidence, may I remind members of the court that she is but a child, furthermore that she became aware of our world only yesterday. I would hope, therefore, that members of this council will refrain from questioning her in a manner more befitting a suspected Death Eater.’ Bagnold looked pointedly at Crouch, who did a poor job of hiding his scowl, but restrained himself from speaking. ‘Very well,’ she continued, ‘bring in the witness.’
The doors swung upon and Cassie entered the room, flanked on one side by Dumbledore and on the other by Amelia Bones. Cassie seemed, to Remus’ eyes, more small and vulnerable than he’d ever seen her, walking through the imposing courtroom, outfitted in her neatly-pressed tartan skirt, hand-knitted jumper, and shiny patent black shoes. Her eyes were wide as galleons as she looked around, awe-struck at the imposing scene and the hundreds of eyes trained upon her. Judith smiled encouragingly and gave Cassie a slight wave, but the girl didn’t appear to see her. Remus felt a twinge of guilt for subjecting a child to this ordeal. It was only the memory of Sirius, half-broken by Azkaban already, that kept him from wanting to call out to make the court let her go.
Bagnold smiled down at Cassie encouragingly as she took a seat between Dumbledore and Bones-Remus was relieved to note that ordinary chairs had been placed before the bench. ‘Please tell us your name and address, child.’
‘Cassie Smith, 26b Leytonstone Road South, Peckham,’ said Cassie clearly, her voice only wavering slightly as she spoke.
‘Now, Miss Smith, I understand you wish to tell us about some things you saw outside your home on the morning of the first of November this year?’
‘Yes, miss,’ nodded Cassie. She recounted the story she had told Remus, her voice becoming increasingly confident as she spoke. Once or twice murmurs of shock or dissent erupted around the court, only to be silenced by a stern look from Bagnold. Remus felt profoundly grateful that she, not Crouch, was conducting the trial personally, as much for Cassie’s sake as for Sirius.’
‘Are you certain of this?’ asked Bagnold once Cassie had finished speaking.
‘Yes, miss,’ said Cassie, chin tilted up defiantly. ‘I’m certain.’
‘Minister, if I might be permitted to speak,’ interrupted Crouch in his familiar, oily tone.
‘I daresay I shall have some difficulty preventing it,’ commented Bagnold dryly. ‘Very well, Crouch, what is your point?’
‘Just to say, are we really to take this child at her word?’ said Crouch. ‘She is merely a girl, and the court has been offered no proof of her magical abilities. In addition, her evidence is in direct contradiction of the statements we took from a number of witnesses at the scene.’
Cassie jumped to her feet and glared at Crouch. ‘I’m telling the truth!’ she shouted. ‘I was there, I saw what happened, and you didn’t!’
Dumbledore stood and coughed politely, placing a hand gently on Cassie’s shoulder to quiet her. ‘Minister, perhaps I may be of assistance in this matter?’ he said, pausing until Bagnold nodded. ‘I have conferred with my deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall. She tells me that young Cassie can be found on her list of prospective students, and will be receiving her Hogwarts letter on her eleventh birthday.” He smiled at Cassie. “Which is next June if my memory serves me correctly.’
‘I’ve examined the child myself,’ threw in Madam Bones. ‘She is indeed in possession of some rudimentary magical powers. I am also confident that her memory has not been tampered with,’ she finished with a significant glance at Crouch.
‘But the other witnesses!’ blustered Crouch.
‘Did not see what caused the explosion,’ said Bones calmly. ‘I have been through the statements thoroughly, and none of the other witnesses had such a clear view of Pettigrew as Miss Smith. I would also add that Black’s wand has been examined, and the last spell cast with it was Lumos, which confirms the girl’s story about him shining a light down a drain.’
‘He could still have done it,’ insisted Crouch tetchily.
‘Is that so?’ asked Bagnold, turning to him and arching an eyebrow. ‘I must confess I was unaware that any Muggle deaths have been caused by Lumos. Perhaps you could enlighten me, Mr Crouch?’
Remus couldn’t help but smile to himself as Crouch sputtered, but didn’t argue. On the floor of the court, Cassie was starting to fidget uncomfortably.
‘Please, miss,’ said Cassie, raising her hand tentatively. ‘May I be excused?’
‘Of course you may, dear,’ said Bagnold, smiling indulgently. ‘The court thanks you for your assistance.’
As Dumbledore and Madam Bones escorted Cassie back out of the courtroom, Judith stood to follow, but turned back to Remus before she left. ‘Good luck,’ she whispered. ‘I hope it works out all right for you, and your friend.’
‘Thank you,’ said Remus. ‘And pass on my thanks to Cassie as well. She was brilliant.’
Judith smiled. ‘Yes, she was, wasn’t she?’ she said, slightly awed.
‘Would it be all right if I came to see Cassie after the trial?’ asked Remus tentatively. ‘I’d like to thank her myself.’
‘Of course,’ Judith answered warmly. ‘I’m sure Cassie would like that too. Though I must warn you that you’ll face another hundred and one questions about broomsticks and flying cats.’
‘It would be my pleasure to answer every one,’ Remus told her, feeling genuine affection for the strange, bold little girl and her mother.
The rest of the morning was taken up with technicalities. Remus sat in anxious silence as statements were read and evidence examined from both the scene of the explosion and Godric’s Hollow. Dumbledore, Moody and Bones all gave evidence themselves, as did Arthur Weasley and the two Aurors who’d seen Peter transform in Moody’s office. Remus wondered if it didn’t make him rather a coward that he was grateful that he was not called to give evidence himself. He suspected that Moody and Dumbledore were deliberately keeping him out of the proceedings as much as possible, whether to protect his own feelings or deflect accusations that he was unfairly biased in Sirius’ favour, Remus wasn’t sure. As he sat and watched the trial progress, his throat felt so tight he didn’t think he could have spoken if he had been asked.
When the court adjourned for lunch, Remus joined Dumbledore and Moody in the Auror’s office, anxious to hear their impression of how the trial was going. He felt sure that all the evidence so far was in Sirius’ favour, and grateful that Millicent Bagnold appeared committed to conducting the trial fairly, but less confident than he had the previous night. His skin prickled with the same nervous anxiety he felt before his annual interviews with the Werewolf Registry-acutely aware than his future hung on the whims of the Ministry, that he was powerless in the face of a capricious bureaucracy. Peter and Sirius still had to give evidence, and Remus was frightened that Sirius wouldn’t be able to tell his story clearly, too overcome with grief and weakened by prolonged exposure to the Dementors.
Remus listened carefully as Moody and Dumbledore discussed the morning’s hearing, and the likelihood of Sirius being cleared. His heart sank as Moody reeled off a list of Wizengamot members he felt sure would return a guilty verdict, regardless of the evidence.
‘’Course, some of them’ll just look at the name and that’s enough to make up their minds,’ sneered Moody. ‘Brother was a Death Eater, cousin’s a Death Eater, parents were Death Eater sympathisers. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, or so they say.’
‘Sirius hated his family,’ said Remus bitterly. ‘I don’t suppose any of them even care that he ran away from home to get away from all that rubbish.’
‘Alas, that seems unlikely,’ said Dumbledore quietly. ‘To believe otherwise would be to suppose that prejudice can be overcome with simple logic.’
Remus scowled to himself, remembering the last time Sirius had seen his mother-on Platform 9¾, at the start of their sixth year. Mrs Potter had fussed excessively over Sirius, pausing only to glance in disgust at the elder Blacks, while James kept up a constant stream of random babbling in a bid to distract Sirius’ attention from his mother. Sirius had remained stone-faced and impassive throughout, refusing to cast so much as a glance towards his family, but Remus could barely keep his eyes off them: he’d never felt absolute hatred for anyone before.
Dumbledore shook Remus out of his reverie by passing over a plate of curling cheese sandwiches from the Ministry canteen. Remus took one purely for the sake of manners, but struggled to eat it; the food clung to the roof of his mouth and stuck in his throat. After forcing down three mouthfuls, he was grateful when Moody announced it was time to get back to Courtroom Ten, though his stomach felt like lead as he walked downstairs.
The court was packed as before, but the atmosphere was much changed. The air was thick with tension and the frantic twittering of the audience had been replaced with anxious whispering. The members of the Wizengamot council filed into place in silence, and it took only a cough from Millicent Bagnold to call the court to order. As they took their seats, Remus noted with grim satisfaction that Crouch was now sitting in the back row. Judging by the sulky expression he wore, Remus guessed that Bagnold had relegated him to a less prominent position for his outbursts that morning.
Remus sat and waited in increasing terror as Bagnold went through the preliminaries, clenching and unclenching his fists and forcing himself to breathe. He tried not to look at the pair of stark metal chairs in the centre of the courtroom, chains hanging ominously from their arms, but felt unable to resist the sinister temptation to keep looking, feeding his own dread.
Bagnold’s voice rang out sharply across the court. ‘Bring in the accused,’ she said loudly.
The heavy wooden doors of the courtroom swung open once more and an icy chill crept through the room. Remus couldn’t help but shiver, with fear as much as cold.
People in the rows closest to the front recoiled as the four Dementors swept in, bringing Peter and Sirius with them. Remus felt a small amount of relief to see Sirius walk in without help -Peter was dragged across the room, knees bent as he muttered a stream of feeble protestations. The Dementors threw Peter and Sirius to the chairs, the chains instantly springing to life and binding them in place. Remus winced as he saw the chains wrapped around Sirius’ arms, holding him down as if he were some common criminal.
The Dementors glided back out of the room without a sound, but Remus could still feel their graveyard chill in his bones. He could barely stand to look at Sirius, who was struggling to sit upright and not cower in his seat like Peter. Always so proud, he reflected, remembering that Sirius never did lose the haughty bearing born of centuries of pure-blood privilege.
Bagnold addressed Sirius first. ‘Sirius Black, you have heard the charges against you. How do you plead?’
‘Not guilty,’ said Sirius. His voice was croaky, but he looked Bagnold in the eye as he spoke. Remus almost smiled in relief and affection, gently chastising himself for doubting that Sirius would be able to testify.
‘On all charges?’ queried Bagnold.
‘On all charges,’ confirmed Sirius, still looking straight up at her.
‘I see,’ said Bagnold. ‘Do you have anything to say in your own defence?’
Sirius took a shaky breath before he started to speak. Remus listened, transfixed, as he explained that he’d advised Lily and James to use Peter as their Secret Keeper, certain that the bluff would fool Voldemort. Sirius’ voice wavered when he told how he’d panicked when Peter had disappeared at Halloween, finally breaking into muffled sobs as he recounted the moment he’d found Lily and James’ bodies in the rubble of their home. It was agonizing for Remus to listen to Sirius - unable to offer help or comfort, or to give him some sign of support; unable to do anything but simply will Sirius to hear his litany of silent encouragement. You can do it, Padfoot, it’s not your fault.
‘Could you tell the court what happened after you left Godric’s Hollow that evening?’ asked Bagnold briskly.
‘I went looking for him,’ snarled Sirius, looking at Peter with venom. ‘I realised what he must have done, and I wanted him to pay for it.’
‘Mr Black, you have pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempting to murder Mr Pettigrew,’ said Bagnold sternly. ‘Do you admit, now, that you did try to kill him?’
‘I never got the chance,’ muttered Sirius darkly. ‘When I found Peter he shouted that I’d betrayed Lily and James, then blew up half the street before disappearing into the sewer.’ Sirius turned to Peter, straining against his bonds to lean towards him. ‘I wish I had killed you,’ he told Peter angrily. ‘How dare you run off like the vermin you are? How dare you live when you sent Lily and James to their deaths?’
Peter whimpered and recoiled in his seat, looking terrified as Sirius glowered at him with loathing.
‘Mr Black, kindly remember where you are,’ instructed Bagnold. ‘It is for this court to decide the fate of the accused, not you.’
Remus bit his lip anxiously, inwardly praying that Sirius would control his temper. If Sirius defied the court or continued to threaten Peter, Remus felt sure it would damage his defence. To his intense relief, Sirius didn’t respond, though he continued to stare at Peter with unbridled hatred, his mouth contorted in a very canine snarl.
‘I will take your silence as acquiescence,’ said Bagnold. ‘So I turn to you, Mr Pettigrew. How do you plead to the charges put before this court.’
‘N-not guilty,’ stammered Peter. ‘I didn’t do anything! It was him, he tried to kill me!’ With a tilt of his head, Peter indicated Sirius, who was almost growling in anger at him. Remus flinched at the expression of furious hatred on Sirius’ face, terrified he might do or say something to harm his case.
‘Were you the Secret Keeper for the Potters?’ asked Bagnold.
‘No!’ squeaked Peter. ‘No, it wasn’t me, it was him!’
‘Don’t lie!’ roared Sirius, incandescent with rage.
‘Mr Black, I will not remind you again!’ exclaimed Bagnold. ‘This is a court of law, not the back room of the Hog’s Head, and I will thank you to hold your tongue.’
Sirius shrank back slightly in his seat and didn’t answer, but he continued to watch Peter’s squirming with an expression of deep loathing.
‘Mr Pettigrew, this court has heard evidence that the last spell performed with Lily Potter’s wand was the Fidelius Charm, naming you as the Potters’ Secret Keeper,’ said Bagnold. ‘If you were not, as you say, the Secret Keeper, how might you account for this?’
‘I…I don’t know,’ said Peter, sounding slightly hysterical. ‘It must be…some sort of Dark Magic. He’s trying to frame me!’
Remus flinched as Sirius leant towards Peter again, face livid as he opened his mouth to speak, but, clearly exerting great force of will, he didn’t shout at Peter. ‘And how might I have done that, Peter?’ he sneered. ‘It seems you’re the real expert on Dark Magic now.’
‘It’s a fair question,’ frowned Bagnold. ‘Madam Bones, you conducted the inquiry when then Charm was revealed. Do you have any reason to believe the wand had been tampered with?’
‘None whatsoever, Minister,’ said Bones, who had taken Crouch’s place beside her. ‘The wand has been thoroughly inspected by members of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement, who found no trace of any Dark Magic. I would also remind the court that the Fidelius Charm is notoriously difficult to cast and would be extremely hard to reproduce. Professor Dumbledore has also confirmed that the voice heard coming from the wand was indeed Lily Potter’s.’
‘That seems settled, then,’ said Bagnold. ‘There is no doubt about the veracity of the evidence from the wand. I will ask you again, Mr Pettigrew, were you the Secret Keeper for the Potters?’
‘I-I didn’t mean to…I never wanted to do it.’ Peter’s voice was shrill; he appeared to be becoming hysterical. Remus felt a tight knot of anger and disgust as his old friend wriggled and sobbed before the court, pathetically searching for an excuse for his treachery.
‘You didn’t mean to reveal the Potters’ location to Voldemort?’ asked Bagnold shrewdly.
‘No, no, of course not,’ sobbed Peter. ‘He would have killed me.’
‘You should have died,’ hissed Sirius venomously. Peter recoiled still further, whimpering.
Bagnold seemed willing to let this outburst pass, for she continued to question Peter. ‘But you did do it?’ she said curtly. ‘You did send Voldemort after the Potters?’
Peter didn’t answer: just sobbed wretchedly, trying to turn his face away. It made Remus feel sick just to look at him. How had the slightly dim-witted, but apparently devoted friend he had known at school become this snivelling excuse for a Death Eater? Peter had killed Lily and James as surely as if he’d cast the Curse himself and for a time-Remus shifted in his seat, restless beneath a wave of self-recrimination-convinced Remus to doubt everything he knew about Sirius Black. Hatred consumed him-Remus felt the heat of it in his face, and for a second he could have killed Peter himself.
‘I see you have no answer,’ commented Bagnold coldly. ‘Very well, perhaps you can tell the court why you faked your own death?’
‘I-I was frightened,’ gulped Peter. ‘I knew-I knew Sirius would come after me again. He tried to kill me!’
Bagnold didn’t bat an eyelid. ‘Mr Black has been Ministry custody since the morning of the first of November,’ she said. ‘I therefore find it difficult to understand why you believed he might “come after you” as you so eloquently put it. Why did you not approach the Ministry of your own volition?’
Again, Peter failed to answer, muttering and twisting in his seat.
‘Do you have anything to add in your defence?’ asked Bagnold.
‘It wasn’t me,’ whined Peter.
Bagnold snorted, and drew herself up. ‘Members of the council,’ she said, looking around at the Wizengamot members. ‘I believe the case against Pettigrew is overwhelming. All those in favour of convicting him on all charges, please raise your hands.’
Remus’ heart was pounding as he waited for the council’s answer. Slowly, but surely, the unsmiling rows of plum-robed officials raised their hands, until each and every one of them pronounced their silent, unanimous verdict. Guilty. Remus didn’t know whether to shout with joy at the victory, or weep for the loss of the friend he once knew.
Peter was sobbing and wailing louder than ever, struggling against the chains that held him still. Beside him, Sirius sat unmoving and impassive, his face a picture of cold rage and revulsion.
‘Peter Pettigrew, you have been convicted of the most serious charges to come before this court,’ said Bagnold gravely. ‘You are hereby sentenced to life in Azkaban. Take him away.’
Peter’s screams pierced the court as a Junior Clerk opened to court door to let the Dementors back in. As their presence chilled him, and he watched the Dementors carry Peter away, Remus could feel no compassion for him-not when he saw the pain and fear on Sirius’ face when the Dementors drew near.
Once Peter’s screams had faded, the court fell completely silent. Bagnold turned her attention back to Sirius. ‘Mr Black, it is your contention that you are innocent of all the charges against you, and that though you confess a desire to kill Pettigrew for his offences, you made no attempt on his life?
‘Yes,’ said Sirius clearly.
‘Despite your extraordinary outbursts in this court, I am inclined to believe you,’ said Bagnold. ‘However, this must be put to the council. Those in favour of convicting Black?’
A number of the council raised their hands. Remus’ eyes flitted back and forth over the rows of Wizengamot members, desperately trying to count how many of them held their hands up. The mixture of fear, hope and excitement terrified him. He could scarcely bear to look, he could scarcely think…
‘And those against,’ said Bagnold evenly. Remus had to force himself to look as the voting continued. One after the other, hands went up, including Bagnold’s own. Remus couldn’t count them, hardly believed what his eyes were telling him, but there were more, he hoped fervently, there had to be more.
‘The verdict is clear,’ announced Bagnold. ‘Mr Black, you are acquitted of all charges.’ Sirius sat in stunned silence as the chains unravelled from his arms and clanked noisily to the ground. ‘You are free to go,’ Bagnold continued. ‘Court dismissed.’
The entire room erupted in a frenzy of excited babbling the moment Bagnold stood to leave. Remus’ legs felt weak beneath him as he fought his way through the crowd to get to Sirius, mercilessly elbowing aside the chattering witches and wizards who stood in his way. When he finally reached the centre of the courtroom, Sirius was still sitting on the chained chair, looking tired and bewildered.
‘Moony?’ he said quietly, struggling to his feet. Remus reached out and embraced him, holding Sirius so tightly he was almost crushing him. Drained of the energy his hatred of Peter had given him during the trial, Sirius hung limply in his arms as Remus fought back tears of joy and relief.
‘You did it, Pads,’ he said, almost laughing as he drew back and held Sirius’ face in his hands. ‘You’re free.’ Sirius managed a shaky smile as the knowledge sank in, and it was all Remus could do not to kiss him there and then, not caring about scandalising the throng of onlookers.
He pulled Sirius back towards him, thrilled when Sirius returned the hug, holding onto Remus’ waist, head buried in his neck as he whispered, ‘take me home, Moony.’
‘C’mon then,’ said Remus, grinning as he pulled Sirius towards the door of the court, still holding on for dear life and promising himself he would never, ever let him go again.
Jostled by the crowd, they made there way out of the courtroom. Remus felt unable stop himself from turning and smiling at Sirius every other second, so dizzy with elation he felt it was hardly real. Moody and Dumbledore greeted them just outside the courtroom, beckoning them back into the side room where Remus had talked to Sirius before the trial. Sirius baulked at going back in.
‘It’s all right,’ Remus assured him. ‘No more Dementors.’
‘No more?’ Sirius gulped.
‘Never,’ Remus promised him, smiling. ‘They won’t hurt you again.’
Sirius smiled weakly with relief, and allowed himself to slip through the door. Moody slapped him and Remus on the back, shaking their hands and offering hearty congratulations that Remus didn’t really hear, while Dumbledore simply smiled.
‘Thank you, thank you both so much,’ gushed Remus, unable to contain or eloquently express his gratitude and happiness. ‘I can’t…I can hardly believe it.’ He turned and looked back at Sirius again, reminding himself that Sirius was really there. He was free.
‘Yes…thank you,’ said Sirius, sounding choked. ‘I don’t know…’
‘Ach, save the speeches for later,’ said Moody cheerfully. ‘You’ll be wanting your wand back, I suppose?’ he added, pulling it out of his robes and handing it to Sirius, who accepted it with a shaking hand.
‘Cheers,’ he muttered, grinning nervously. Sirius fell silent for a moment, staring at the wand in his hand before looking up at Dumbledore. ‘Professor-Harry, how is he?’ he asked.
Dumbledore smiled. ‘Harry is safe and well, have no fear.’ Sirius opened his mouth to speak again, but Dumbledore raised his hand to stop him. ‘All in good time, Sirius,’ he said gently. ‘We can discuss Harry later. In the meantime, I suggest you go home and rest. You’ve quite an ordeal to recover from.’
‘Aye, and you’re likely to face another one on the way out,’ said Moody grimly. ‘I saw that reporter from the Prophet loitering in the corridor.’
‘Perhaps it would be best to avoid the public exits,’ said Dumbledore wryly as he withdrew a sheaf of parchment from his robes. ‘One does so hate to interfere with Miss Skeeter’s creative endeavours with any more troublesome facts than are absolutely necessary.’ He tapped the parchment with his wand and muttered, ‘Portus.’ The parchment glowed blue and trembled in his hand momentarily, before turning back to its usual form. Dumbledore turned to Sirius, holding out the rolled-up parchment. ‘I’m not convinced you are ready to Apparate,’ he said kindly. ‘This portkey will take you home.’
‘Thank you,’ said Sirius. He glanced over at Remus, almost shyly. Remus nodded and reached out to clasp Sirius’ hand in his own, threading their fingers together. Despite the dirty-grey skin and scabbed knuckles, Sirius’ touch was warm and familiar as he squeezed Remus’ hand. Then, with one movement, they reached out and grasped the portkey. Remus’ stomach jolted as the magic pulled them out of the room, and carried them back home. Together.
THE END
A/N - Feedback wins on appeal.
Rating: PG
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Genre: AU
Description: Ministry Obliviators were supposed to wipe the memories of all the witnesses to Sirius Black’s ‘murder’ of Peter Pettigrew, but Remus discovers that they weren’t as thorough as they claimed. Someone remembers what really happened that day: but will anyone be willing to listen?
Author’s notes: Many thanks to sheafrotherdon for the fantastic beta job. Thanks also to hey_britney and aillil. Any mistakes are mine.
The courtroom was packed: the dark, imposing room filled with the entire Wizengamot council, resplendent in their plum robes, and hundreds of spectators. Remus scanned the rows of benches until he found Judith, sitting anxiously near the front of the public gallery. She smiled slightly as he went and sat beside her.
‘Hi,’ he said. ‘Dumbledore get you sorted all right?’
Judith nodded. ‘Yes, he brought us in and showed me and Cassie where to go. He’s with her now. There was this woman-witch, I suppose-who wanted to see Cassie first. She seemed nice enough, but…’ Judith glanced around the room, bewildered. ‘This is all a bit much to take in.’
Remus watched her sympathetically as her eyes flitted nervously around the flaming wall torches, high stone walls and array of witches and wizards in what must look to her to be some sort of bizarre fancy dress. ‘I can only imagine how strange it must seem,’ he said.
Judith let out a small, ironic laugh. ‘I suppose I’m going to have to get used to strange things, aren’t I?’
‘Well, yes,’ Remus admitted. ‘But most of them won’t be as intimidating as this. How is Cassie?’
‘Oh, she seems fine,’ said Judith. ‘Taking it all in her stride. It’s me who’s a nervous wreck. But Cassie…she’s a determined little girl that one. She wants to do it.’
‘It’s a brave thing that she’s doing,’ said Remus. ‘I can’t tell you how much it means to me. You must be very proud of her.’
‘Yes,’ said Judith, the anxiety lifting from her face for a moment. ‘Yes, I really am.’
Remus smiled and went back to scanning the courtroom. Millicent Bagnold, the Minister for Magic, sat in the centre of the front row of members of the Wizengamot Council. Despite being close to retirement, Bagnold was an imposing figure: tall and broad shouldered with strong, high cheekbones and piercing dark eyes. Her silver hair was wound tightly into a bun, and she stared down her long nose at a sheet of parchment, frowning slightly. Barty Crouch was on her left, talking animatedly and gesticulating wildly at the parchment, but Bagnold waved him away with a dismissive gesture. Remus felt a flicker of satisfaction as he realised that Crouch’s influence had obviously been diminished following his son’s arrest. He wasn’t particularly proud of his schadenfreude, but felt on this occasion that it was justified.
Bagnold looked up and banged a gavel on her desk. A hushed silence fell over the courtroom as two hundred witches and wizards turned in rapt attention. ‘Members of the Wizengamot, ladies and gentleman, I call this court to order.’ Bagnold’s words rang out clear and confident, though she didn’t raise her voice. Remus got the impression that she was used to people paying attention when she spoke. ‘We are here to try Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black for some of the most serious offences ever brought before this court: specifically, membership in the illegal organisation known as the Death Eaters; conspiracy to murder James and Lily Potter, and the murder of twelve Muggles. Black is additionally charged with the attempted murder of Peter Pettigrew, and Pettigrew with attempting to pervert the course of justice.’
‘Our first witness is a young Muggle-born witch. Before the witness gives evidence, may I remind members of the court that she is but a child, furthermore that she became aware of our world only yesterday. I would hope, therefore, that members of this council will refrain from questioning her in a manner more befitting a suspected Death Eater.’ Bagnold looked pointedly at Crouch, who did a poor job of hiding his scowl, but restrained himself from speaking. ‘Very well,’ she continued, ‘bring in the witness.’
The doors swung upon and Cassie entered the room, flanked on one side by Dumbledore and on the other by Amelia Bones. Cassie seemed, to Remus’ eyes, more small and vulnerable than he’d ever seen her, walking through the imposing courtroom, outfitted in her neatly-pressed tartan skirt, hand-knitted jumper, and shiny patent black shoes. Her eyes were wide as galleons as she looked around, awe-struck at the imposing scene and the hundreds of eyes trained upon her. Judith smiled encouragingly and gave Cassie a slight wave, but the girl didn’t appear to see her. Remus felt a twinge of guilt for subjecting a child to this ordeal. It was only the memory of Sirius, half-broken by Azkaban already, that kept him from wanting to call out to make the court let her go.
Bagnold smiled down at Cassie encouragingly as she took a seat between Dumbledore and Bones-Remus was relieved to note that ordinary chairs had been placed before the bench. ‘Please tell us your name and address, child.’
‘Cassie Smith, 26b Leytonstone Road South, Peckham,’ said Cassie clearly, her voice only wavering slightly as she spoke.
‘Now, Miss Smith, I understand you wish to tell us about some things you saw outside your home on the morning of the first of November this year?’
‘Yes, miss,’ nodded Cassie. She recounted the story she had told Remus, her voice becoming increasingly confident as she spoke. Once or twice murmurs of shock or dissent erupted around the court, only to be silenced by a stern look from Bagnold. Remus felt profoundly grateful that she, not Crouch, was conducting the trial personally, as much for Cassie’s sake as for Sirius.’
‘Are you certain of this?’ asked Bagnold once Cassie had finished speaking.
‘Yes, miss,’ said Cassie, chin tilted up defiantly. ‘I’m certain.’
‘Minister, if I might be permitted to speak,’ interrupted Crouch in his familiar, oily tone.
‘I daresay I shall have some difficulty preventing it,’ commented Bagnold dryly. ‘Very well, Crouch, what is your point?’
‘Just to say, are we really to take this child at her word?’ said Crouch. ‘She is merely a girl, and the court has been offered no proof of her magical abilities. In addition, her evidence is in direct contradiction of the statements we took from a number of witnesses at the scene.’
Cassie jumped to her feet and glared at Crouch. ‘I’m telling the truth!’ she shouted. ‘I was there, I saw what happened, and you didn’t!’
Dumbledore stood and coughed politely, placing a hand gently on Cassie’s shoulder to quiet her. ‘Minister, perhaps I may be of assistance in this matter?’ he said, pausing until Bagnold nodded. ‘I have conferred with my deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall. She tells me that young Cassie can be found on her list of prospective students, and will be receiving her Hogwarts letter on her eleventh birthday.” He smiled at Cassie. “Which is next June if my memory serves me correctly.’
‘I’ve examined the child myself,’ threw in Madam Bones. ‘She is indeed in possession of some rudimentary magical powers. I am also confident that her memory has not been tampered with,’ she finished with a significant glance at Crouch.
‘But the other witnesses!’ blustered Crouch.
‘Did not see what caused the explosion,’ said Bones calmly. ‘I have been through the statements thoroughly, and none of the other witnesses had such a clear view of Pettigrew as Miss Smith. I would also add that Black’s wand has been examined, and the last spell cast with it was Lumos, which confirms the girl’s story about him shining a light down a drain.’
‘He could still have done it,’ insisted Crouch tetchily.
‘Is that so?’ asked Bagnold, turning to him and arching an eyebrow. ‘I must confess I was unaware that any Muggle deaths have been caused by Lumos. Perhaps you could enlighten me, Mr Crouch?’
Remus couldn’t help but smile to himself as Crouch sputtered, but didn’t argue. On the floor of the court, Cassie was starting to fidget uncomfortably.
‘Please, miss,’ said Cassie, raising her hand tentatively. ‘May I be excused?’
‘Of course you may, dear,’ said Bagnold, smiling indulgently. ‘The court thanks you for your assistance.’
As Dumbledore and Madam Bones escorted Cassie back out of the courtroom, Judith stood to follow, but turned back to Remus before she left. ‘Good luck,’ she whispered. ‘I hope it works out all right for you, and your friend.’
‘Thank you,’ said Remus. ‘And pass on my thanks to Cassie as well. She was brilliant.’
Judith smiled. ‘Yes, she was, wasn’t she?’ she said, slightly awed.
‘Would it be all right if I came to see Cassie after the trial?’ asked Remus tentatively. ‘I’d like to thank her myself.’
‘Of course,’ Judith answered warmly. ‘I’m sure Cassie would like that too. Though I must warn you that you’ll face another hundred and one questions about broomsticks and flying cats.’
‘It would be my pleasure to answer every one,’ Remus told her, feeling genuine affection for the strange, bold little girl and her mother.
The rest of the morning was taken up with technicalities. Remus sat in anxious silence as statements were read and evidence examined from both the scene of the explosion and Godric’s Hollow. Dumbledore, Moody and Bones all gave evidence themselves, as did Arthur Weasley and the two Aurors who’d seen Peter transform in Moody’s office. Remus wondered if it didn’t make him rather a coward that he was grateful that he was not called to give evidence himself. He suspected that Moody and Dumbledore were deliberately keeping him out of the proceedings as much as possible, whether to protect his own feelings or deflect accusations that he was unfairly biased in Sirius’ favour, Remus wasn’t sure. As he sat and watched the trial progress, his throat felt so tight he didn’t think he could have spoken if he had been asked.
When the court adjourned for lunch, Remus joined Dumbledore and Moody in the Auror’s office, anxious to hear their impression of how the trial was going. He felt sure that all the evidence so far was in Sirius’ favour, and grateful that Millicent Bagnold appeared committed to conducting the trial fairly, but less confident than he had the previous night. His skin prickled with the same nervous anxiety he felt before his annual interviews with the Werewolf Registry-acutely aware than his future hung on the whims of the Ministry, that he was powerless in the face of a capricious bureaucracy. Peter and Sirius still had to give evidence, and Remus was frightened that Sirius wouldn’t be able to tell his story clearly, too overcome with grief and weakened by prolonged exposure to the Dementors.
Remus listened carefully as Moody and Dumbledore discussed the morning’s hearing, and the likelihood of Sirius being cleared. His heart sank as Moody reeled off a list of Wizengamot members he felt sure would return a guilty verdict, regardless of the evidence.
‘’Course, some of them’ll just look at the name and that’s enough to make up their minds,’ sneered Moody. ‘Brother was a Death Eater, cousin’s a Death Eater, parents were Death Eater sympathisers. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, or so they say.’
‘Sirius hated his family,’ said Remus bitterly. ‘I don’t suppose any of them even care that he ran away from home to get away from all that rubbish.’
‘Alas, that seems unlikely,’ said Dumbledore quietly. ‘To believe otherwise would be to suppose that prejudice can be overcome with simple logic.’
Remus scowled to himself, remembering the last time Sirius had seen his mother-on Platform 9¾, at the start of their sixth year. Mrs Potter had fussed excessively over Sirius, pausing only to glance in disgust at the elder Blacks, while James kept up a constant stream of random babbling in a bid to distract Sirius’ attention from his mother. Sirius had remained stone-faced and impassive throughout, refusing to cast so much as a glance towards his family, but Remus could barely keep his eyes off them: he’d never felt absolute hatred for anyone before.
Dumbledore shook Remus out of his reverie by passing over a plate of curling cheese sandwiches from the Ministry canteen. Remus took one purely for the sake of manners, but struggled to eat it; the food clung to the roof of his mouth and stuck in his throat. After forcing down three mouthfuls, he was grateful when Moody announced it was time to get back to Courtroom Ten, though his stomach felt like lead as he walked downstairs.
The court was packed as before, but the atmosphere was much changed. The air was thick with tension and the frantic twittering of the audience had been replaced with anxious whispering. The members of the Wizengamot council filed into place in silence, and it took only a cough from Millicent Bagnold to call the court to order. As they took their seats, Remus noted with grim satisfaction that Crouch was now sitting in the back row. Judging by the sulky expression he wore, Remus guessed that Bagnold had relegated him to a less prominent position for his outbursts that morning.
Remus sat and waited in increasing terror as Bagnold went through the preliminaries, clenching and unclenching his fists and forcing himself to breathe. He tried not to look at the pair of stark metal chairs in the centre of the courtroom, chains hanging ominously from their arms, but felt unable to resist the sinister temptation to keep looking, feeding his own dread.
Bagnold’s voice rang out sharply across the court. ‘Bring in the accused,’ she said loudly.
The heavy wooden doors of the courtroom swung open once more and an icy chill crept through the room. Remus couldn’t help but shiver, with fear as much as cold.
People in the rows closest to the front recoiled as the four Dementors swept in, bringing Peter and Sirius with them. Remus felt a small amount of relief to see Sirius walk in without help -Peter was dragged across the room, knees bent as he muttered a stream of feeble protestations. The Dementors threw Peter and Sirius to the chairs, the chains instantly springing to life and binding them in place. Remus winced as he saw the chains wrapped around Sirius’ arms, holding him down as if he were some common criminal.
The Dementors glided back out of the room without a sound, but Remus could still feel their graveyard chill in his bones. He could barely stand to look at Sirius, who was struggling to sit upright and not cower in his seat like Peter. Always so proud, he reflected, remembering that Sirius never did lose the haughty bearing born of centuries of pure-blood privilege.
Bagnold addressed Sirius first. ‘Sirius Black, you have heard the charges against you. How do you plead?’
‘Not guilty,’ said Sirius. His voice was croaky, but he looked Bagnold in the eye as he spoke. Remus almost smiled in relief and affection, gently chastising himself for doubting that Sirius would be able to testify.
‘On all charges?’ queried Bagnold.
‘On all charges,’ confirmed Sirius, still looking straight up at her.
‘I see,’ said Bagnold. ‘Do you have anything to say in your own defence?’
Sirius took a shaky breath before he started to speak. Remus listened, transfixed, as he explained that he’d advised Lily and James to use Peter as their Secret Keeper, certain that the bluff would fool Voldemort. Sirius’ voice wavered when he told how he’d panicked when Peter had disappeared at Halloween, finally breaking into muffled sobs as he recounted the moment he’d found Lily and James’ bodies in the rubble of their home. It was agonizing for Remus to listen to Sirius - unable to offer help or comfort, or to give him some sign of support; unable to do anything but simply will Sirius to hear his litany of silent encouragement. You can do it, Padfoot, it’s not your fault.
‘Could you tell the court what happened after you left Godric’s Hollow that evening?’ asked Bagnold briskly.
‘I went looking for him,’ snarled Sirius, looking at Peter with venom. ‘I realised what he must have done, and I wanted him to pay for it.’
‘Mr Black, you have pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempting to murder Mr Pettigrew,’ said Bagnold sternly. ‘Do you admit, now, that you did try to kill him?’
‘I never got the chance,’ muttered Sirius darkly. ‘When I found Peter he shouted that I’d betrayed Lily and James, then blew up half the street before disappearing into the sewer.’ Sirius turned to Peter, straining against his bonds to lean towards him. ‘I wish I had killed you,’ he told Peter angrily. ‘How dare you run off like the vermin you are? How dare you live when you sent Lily and James to their deaths?’
Peter whimpered and recoiled in his seat, looking terrified as Sirius glowered at him with loathing.
‘Mr Black, kindly remember where you are,’ instructed Bagnold. ‘It is for this court to decide the fate of the accused, not you.’
Remus bit his lip anxiously, inwardly praying that Sirius would control his temper. If Sirius defied the court or continued to threaten Peter, Remus felt sure it would damage his defence. To his intense relief, Sirius didn’t respond, though he continued to stare at Peter with unbridled hatred, his mouth contorted in a very canine snarl.
‘I will take your silence as acquiescence,’ said Bagnold. ‘So I turn to you, Mr Pettigrew. How do you plead to the charges put before this court.’
‘N-not guilty,’ stammered Peter. ‘I didn’t do anything! It was him, he tried to kill me!’ With a tilt of his head, Peter indicated Sirius, who was almost growling in anger at him. Remus flinched at the expression of furious hatred on Sirius’ face, terrified he might do or say something to harm his case.
‘Were you the Secret Keeper for the Potters?’ asked Bagnold.
‘No!’ squeaked Peter. ‘No, it wasn’t me, it was him!’
‘Don’t lie!’ roared Sirius, incandescent with rage.
‘Mr Black, I will not remind you again!’ exclaimed Bagnold. ‘This is a court of law, not the back room of the Hog’s Head, and I will thank you to hold your tongue.’
Sirius shrank back slightly in his seat and didn’t answer, but he continued to watch Peter’s squirming with an expression of deep loathing.
‘Mr Pettigrew, this court has heard evidence that the last spell performed with Lily Potter’s wand was the Fidelius Charm, naming you as the Potters’ Secret Keeper,’ said Bagnold. ‘If you were not, as you say, the Secret Keeper, how might you account for this?’
‘I…I don’t know,’ said Peter, sounding slightly hysterical. ‘It must be…some sort of Dark Magic. He’s trying to frame me!’
Remus flinched as Sirius leant towards Peter again, face livid as he opened his mouth to speak, but, clearly exerting great force of will, he didn’t shout at Peter. ‘And how might I have done that, Peter?’ he sneered. ‘It seems you’re the real expert on Dark Magic now.’
‘It’s a fair question,’ frowned Bagnold. ‘Madam Bones, you conducted the inquiry when then Charm was revealed. Do you have any reason to believe the wand had been tampered with?’
‘None whatsoever, Minister,’ said Bones, who had taken Crouch’s place beside her. ‘The wand has been thoroughly inspected by members of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement, who found no trace of any Dark Magic. I would also remind the court that the Fidelius Charm is notoriously difficult to cast and would be extremely hard to reproduce. Professor Dumbledore has also confirmed that the voice heard coming from the wand was indeed Lily Potter’s.’
‘That seems settled, then,’ said Bagnold. ‘There is no doubt about the veracity of the evidence from the wand. I will ask you again, Mr Pettigrew, were you the Secret Keeper for the Potters?’
‘I-I didn’t mean to…I never wanted to do it.’ Peter’s voice was shrill; he appeared to be becoming hysterical. Remus felt a tight knot of anger and disgust as his old friend wriggled and sobbed before the court, pathetically searching for an excuse for his treachery.
‘You didn’t mean to reveal the Potters’ location to Voldemort?’ asked Bagnold shrewdly.
‘No, no, of course not,’ sobbed Peter. ‘He would have killed me.’
‘You should have died,’ hissed Sirius venomously. Peter recoiled still further, whimpering.
Bagnold seemed willing to let this outburst pass, for she continued to question Peter. ‘But you did do it?’ she said curtly. ‘You did send Voldemort after the Potters?’
Peter didn’t answer: just sobbed wretchedly, trying to turn his face away. It made Remus feel sick just to look at him. How had the slightly dim-witted, but apparently devoted friend he had known at school become this snivelling excuse for a Death Eater? Peter had killed Lily and James as surely as if he’d cast the Curse himself and for a time-Remus shifted in his seat, restless beneath a wave of self-recrimination-convinced Remus to doubt everything he knew about Sirius Black. Hatred consumed him-Remus felt the heat of it in his face, and for a second he could have killed Peter himself.
‘I see you have no answer,’ commented Bagnold coldly. ‘Very well, perhaps you can tell the court why you faked your own death?’
‘I-I was frightened,’ gulped Peter. ‘I knew-I knew Sirius would come after me again. He tried to kill me!’
Bagnold didn’t bat an eyelid. ‘Mr Black has been Ministry custody since the morning of the first of November,’ she said. ‘I therefore find it difficult to understand why you believed he might “come after you” as you so eloquently put it. Why did you not approach the Ministry of your own volition?’
Again, Peter failed to answer, muttering and twisting in his seat.
‘Do you have anything to add in your defence?’ asked Bagnold.
‘It wasn’t me,’ whined Peter.
Bagnold snorted, and drew herself up. ‘Members of the council,’ she said, looking around at the Wizengamot members. ‘I believe the case against Pettigrew is overwhelming. All those in favour of convicting him on all charges, please raise your hands.’
Remus’ heart was pounding as he waited for the council’s answer. Slowly, but surely, the unsmiling rows of plum-robed officials raised their hands, until each and every one of them pronounced their silent, unanimous verdict. Guilty. Remus didn’t know whether to shout with joy at the victory, or weep for the loss of the friend he once knew.
Peter was sobbing and wailing louder than ever, struggling against the chains that held him still. Beside him, Sirius sat unmoving and impassive, his face a picture of cold rage and revulsion.
‘Peter Pettigrew, you have been convicted of the most serious charges to come before this court,’ said Bagnold gravely. ‘You are hereby sentenced to life in Azkaban. Take him away.’
Peter’s screams pierced the court as a Junior Clerk opened to court door to let the Dementors back in. As their presence chilled him, and he watched the Dementors carry Peter away, Remus could feel no compassion for him-not when he saw the pain and fear on Sirius’ face when the Dementors drew near.
Once Peter’s screams had faded, the court fell completely silent. Bagnold turned her attention back to Sirius. ‘Mr Black, it is your contention that you are innocent of all the charges against you, and that though you confess a desire to kill Pettigrew for his offences, you made no attempt on his life?
‘Yes,’ said Sirius clearly.
‘Despite your extraordinary outbursts in this court, I am inclined to believe you,’ said Bagnold. ‘However, this must be put to the council. Those in favour of convicting Black?’
A number of the council raised their hands. Remus’ eyes flitted back and forth over the rows of Wizengamot members, desperately trying to count how many of them held their hands up. The mixture of fear, hope and excitement terrified him. He could scarcely bear to look, he could scarcely think…
‘And those against,’ said Bagnold evenly. Remus had to force himself to look as the voting continued. One after the other, hands went up, including Bagnold’s own. Remus couldn’t count them, hardly believed what his eyes were telling him, but there were more, he hoped fervently, there had to be more.
‘The verdict is clear,’ announced Bagnold. ‘Mr Black, you are acquitted of all charges.’ Sirius sat in stunned silence as the chains unravelled from his arms and clanked noisily to the ground. ‘You are free to go,’ Bagnold continued. ‘Court dismissed.’
The entire room erupted in a frenzy of excited babbling the moment Bagnold stood to leave. Remus’ legs felt weak beneath him as he fought his way through the crowd to get to Sirius, mercilessly elbowing aside the chattering witches and wizards who stood in his way. When he finally reached the centre of the courtroom, Sirius was still sitting on the chained chair, looking tired and bewildered.
‘Moony?’ he said quietly, struggling to his feet. Remus reached out and embraced him, holding Sirius so tightly he was almost crushing him. Drained of the energy his hatred of Peter had given him during the trial, Sirius hung limply in his arms as Remus fought back tears of joy and relief.
‘You did it, Pads,’ he said, almost laughing as he drew back and held Sirius’ face in his hands. ‘You’re free.’ Sirius managed a shaky smile as the knowledge sank in, and it was all Remus could do not to kiss him there and then, not caring about scandalising the throng of onlookers.
He pulled Sirius back towards him, thrilled when Sirius returned the hug, holding onto Remus’ waist, head buried in his neck as he whispered, ‘take me home, Moony.’
‘C’mon then,’ said Remus, grinning as he pulled Sirius towards the door of the court, still holding on for dear life and promising himself he would never, ever let him go again.
Jostled by the crowd, they made there way out of the courtroom. Remus felt unable stop himself from turning and smiling at Sirius every other second, so dizzy with elation he felt it was hardly real. Moody and Dumbledore greeted them just outside the courtroom, beckoning them back into the side room where Remus had talked to Sirius before the trial. Sirius baulked at going back in.
‘It’s all right,’ Remus assured him. ‘No more Dementors.’
‘No more?’ Sirius gulped.
‘Never,’ Remus promised him, smiling. ‘They won’t hurt you again.’
Sirius smiled weakly with relief, and allowed himself to slip through the door. Moody slapped him and Remus on the back, shaking their hands and offering hearty congratulations that Remus didn’t really hear, while Dumbledore simply smiled.
‘Thank you, thank you both so much,’ gushed Remus, unable to contain or eloquently express his gratitude and happiness. ‘I can’t…I can hardly believe it.’ He turned and looked back at Sirius again, reminding himself that Sirius was really there. He was free.
‘Yes…thank you,’ said Sirius, sounding choked. ‘I don’t know…’
‘Ach, save the speeches for later,’ said Moody cheerfully. ‘You’ll be wanting your wand back, I suppose?’ he added, pulling it out of his robes and handing it to Sirius, who accepted it with a shaking hand.
‘Cheers,’ he muttered, grinning nervously. Sirius fell silent for a moment, staring at the wand in his hand before looking up at Dumbledore. ‘Professor-Harry, how is he?’ he asked.
Dumbledore smiled. ‘Harry is safe and well, have no fear.’ Sirius opened his mouth to speak again, but Dumbledore raised his hand to stop him. ‘All in good time, Sirius,’ he said gently. ‘We can discuss Harry later. In the meantime, I suggest you go home and rest. You’ve quite an ordeal to recover from.’
‘Aye, and you’re likely to face another one on the way out,’ said Moody grimly. ‘I saw that reporter from the Prophet loitering in the corridor.’
‘Perhaps it would be best to avoid the public exits,’ said Dumbledore wryly as he withdrew a sheaf of parchment from his robes. ‘One does so hate to interfere with Miss Skeeter’s creative endeavours with any more troublesome facts than are absolutely necessary.’ He tapped the parchment with his wand and muttered, ‘Portus.’ The parchment glowed blue and trembled in his hand momentarily, before turning back to its usual form. Dumbledore turned to Sirius, holding out the rolled-up parchment. ‘I’m not convinced you are ready to Apparate,’ he said kindly. ‘This portkey will take you home.’
‘Thank you,’ said Sirius. He glanced over at Remus, almost shyly. Remus nodded and reached out to clasp Sirius’ hand in his own, threading their fingers together. Despite the dirty-grey skin and scabbed knuckles, Sirius’ touch was warm and familiar as he squeezed Remus’ hand. Then, with one movement, they reached out and grasped the portkey. Remus’ stomach jolted as the magic pulled them out of the room, and carried them back home. Together.
THE END
A/N - Feedback wins on appeal.