Sirius Black was declared innocent in court. The Ministry of Magic showed remarkable discernment, the Wizengamot uncovered the miscarriage of justice, and the Auror Department stood firmly on the side of righteousness.
Thanks to perfect orchestration, no faction had to take the blame for this incident. The fault lay solely with one individual, whose mistake was seen as sympathetic. After all, he had spent twelve years locked away in Azkaban, which more than made up for his past transgressions.
This account was published the very next day in the Daily Prophet, headlining the front page, written by veteran journalist Rita Skeeter.
This woman, known for her fabrications, had already been released—though definitely not of her own accord, nor by the initiative of Regulus Black.
Like every wizard captured by Regulus Black, anyone trapped within the Bone Cage had only one way out: complete submission. From that point on, they had to pledge loyalty to the Black family, and to Regulus Black himself. There was no other path.
However, for this fickle woman, Regulus Black left behind even stricter conditions.
Once she had sworn allegiance to both the Black family and Regulus Black, the palace lantern-shaped Bone Cage transformed into a small pendant, which Rita Skeeter now wore on her body.
Inside that lantern pendant was sealed a Soul of Bone. If Rita Skeeter ever committed an act of betrayal, the Soul of Bone would pierce her heart—killing her instantly and without mercy.
When she reverted to her human form and realized her predicament, she knew she had no way of removing the pendant.
Even asking someone for help to remove it would be considered an act of betrayal.
Under such a mortal threat, she fully supported anything related to Regulus Black.
This was nothing like when she was caught and threatened by Hermione in the original series, where her illegal Animagus status was used against her—a temporary measure. All she needed to do then was register with the Ministry to turn from illegal to legal.
So, for someone like her, Regulus Black had no choice but to crush her completely. If he didn't hold her life in his hands, who knew when she might turn on him?
Still, considering her writing style, imposing too many restrictions would drastically change her tone. If she started excessively praising the Black family, people would grow suspicious, and his control over other wizards might be exposed.
Therefore, apart from Sirius Black's case, Regulus didn't impose many restrictions on her.
This seemed to disappoint her slightly, but she quickly lowered her head and obediently submitted.
Regulus Black had no interest in this old woman whatsoever.
It was only because her position still held value. Otherwise, she wouldn't even be worth controlling. Someone as annoying as her wouldn't have lasted until the end of the school year.
At long last, Sirius was free. As he walked out of the Ministry of Magic, Regulus Black stood beside him along with Harry Potter. A Daily Prophet photographer hurried over, capturing the moment in a burst of flashing lights.
"Kreacher!"
At Regulus Black's call, the aged house-elf appeared before him.
"Master Regulus, Kreacher is willing to do anything for you."
Kreacher bowed his head in salute, the result of Regulus Black's repeated training. Otherwise, Kreacher would still be throwing himself at his feet to kiss his shoes.
"Is everything ready at the old house?"
Even before coming to the Wizengamot, Regulus had informed Kreacher to tidy up Sirius's old room.
"Kreacher has completed Master Regulus's orders. However, this traitor is not welcome in the old Madam's eyes. He was driven out and is never to return to the Black family."
Kreacher began by answering normally, but then lowered his voice and offered another explanation.
It all stemmed from the relationship between Sirius and their mother. After Sirius betrayed the Black family's Dark wizard traditions, ran away from home, and opposed Voldemort, he was removed from the family tree. In her final years, their mother would constantly curse and blame Sirius.
Kreacher had heard this repeatedly and absorbed it. Whenever Sirius was mentioned, Kreacher could recite a long list of complaints, mimicking the old lady's tone—none of it good.
Sirius was prepared for this situation, but clearly had no patience for a house-elf.
"Kreacher! That was the opinion of the previous head of the family. I am the current head. You must obey my orders and align your thoughts with mine. As for the previous matriarch's views, forget them. You are not to remember them ever again."
Regulus placed a mental lock on Kreacher's thinking, ensuring that at the very least, Kreacher would no longer offend Sirius outwardly.
"Kreacher understands. Kreacher will obey Master Regulus. Kreacher will forget everything the previous mistress thought."
Most likely, Kreacher would keep thinking this way for a long time—until he genuinely forgot the old mistress's beliefs.
"Take Sirius back to the old house first. I'll come by later once I've finished the Hogwarts coursework."
Regulus Black gave a sweeping glance toward the three children behind him.
"You've all worked hard today. I didn't expect the trial to wrap up by noon, but that doesn't mean you can skip your afternoon classes."
With that, he ignored their dissatisfaction, led the three children through the Ministry's fireplace, and returned directly to the Headmaster's office.
"Dumbledore! Thank you for your support in handling this case."
As soon as he arrived, he saw the old bee and the old bat had gotten there ahead of him. Regulus Black immediately stepped forward to express his gratitude.
"Oh ho ho ho! Regulus, this is the first time you've called me by name."
Dumbledore had always wished people would use his name, but Regulus Black had consistently addressed him as "Headmaster."
"I used to call you 'Headmaster' out of respect. Today, calling you by name is a gesture of gratitude. In the future, I will continue to respectfully address you as 'Headmaster.'"
Regulus spoke frankly. As he turned around, he noticed the three children still hadn't left. His sharp glare cut straight toward them like knives.
"You still have class this afternoon. Get ready."
"This afternoon's third-year class has been changed to Potions. I hope you haven't forgotten what you've learned."
Snape delivered a ruthless follow-up. While Regulus had been speaking with the Headmaster, Snape had already contacted Professor McGonagall and arranged to take over the third-year afternoon slot for Potions. After all the lying they'd had to do today, he needed somewhere to vent.
A moment of silence for those poor children caught in the crossfire—this would likely be the last round of harsh instruction before the exams.
Harry and Ron left the Headmaster's office wailing. Hermione exchanged a few glances with Regulus Black before quietly taking her leave.
"First of all, congratulations. Sirius has finally cleared his name and regained his freedom. Now, I'd really like to know what you plan to do next."
Dumbledore looked at Regulus Black with a thoughtful expression. After all, Regulus had gone to great lengths—resorting to both threats and promises—to pressure everyone into participating in the trial.
Of course, the outcome had been ideal. Everyone walked away with something, or at least successfully shifted the blame. Only Sirius was left with the impression of being impulsive. But that was Sirius from twelve years ago. The man today was a model of unwavering loyalty to his friends. No one could match his endurance—twelve years in Azkaban were no easy feat.
"What I plan to do next? Are you worried I'll dig up the past?"
Regulus's question left Dumbledore looking helpless. After all, the Order of the Phoenix hadn't exactly spoken up for Sirius back then.
"Don't worry. I'm not here to settle old scores. From your perspective at the time, betrayal was common—even when there was no reason for it."
Regulus slowly walked toward the door, ready to leave.
"The Black family needs Sirius, so all I can say to the Order is: sorry."
Just before stepping out, Regulus turned back and said this to Dumbledore. Fighting the Order for someone was a first.
Dumbledore remained silent. Only after Regulus Black left the Headmaster's office did he pull out a box of candy and begin to eat slowly.
"Regulus, do you still put your family above all else?"
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