Saturday, June 22nd, 1994
Harry Potter grinned as Sirius transformed into the great black dog, Padfoot. Several people in the room, including Umbridge, all shrieked at various volumes. Harry rolled his eyes. Obviously they were superstitious of the Grim. Padfoot barked happily and Dumbledore slammed his gavel.
"Silence in the Court!" Dumbledore said, "Black, I believe the Wizengamot can clearly see your talent. Please return to your human form."
Sirius did as was requested and sat back down in his chair.
"Mr. Black," Umbridge said, "I have a question for you?"
"Yes, Madam," Sirius said.
"You admit you are guilty of being an unregistered Animagus," Umbridge said, a large smile playing at her lips, "How are we supposed to believe you at all that you are not guilty of any of the other crimes you're accused of?"
Harry narrowed his eyes at Umbridge. He knew exactly what the evil bitch was trying to do. She was trying to win over members of the Wizengamot – she wanted to rake in the guilty votes. However, it was obvious her plans would crumble from the start. Several members of the Wizengamot were glaring at her. Harry looked toward Sirius and Madam Bones for their reactions. Sirius looked amused, and Amelia was smiling.
"Madam Umbridge," Amelia said, "I am sure everyone in this courtroom remembers Chief Warlock Dumbledore proclaiming that Sirius was not guilty of one crime already. And Sirius and myself are currently in the middle of proving how he is innocent of the other charges. Chief Warlock Dumbledore, Minister Fudge, I must object to Madam Umbridge's line of questioning. In my honest and educated opinion, she is simply treasure hunting for guilty votes from members of the Wizengamot."
Umbridge scowled loudly. "Ridiculous. I have never in my life -"
"Sit down, Dolores!" Fudge ordered; Umbridge pursed her lips and shrank back into her chair. "I happen to agree, Madam Bones. I hereby revoke Madam Umbridge's role of Interrogator for the remainder of the trial. I will take over the role."
"Scribe, please take note of this change," Dumbledore said.
Harry looked around the courtroom and could tell there was more than a few people, including those in the Wizengamot, pleased with this move.
"Let us continue," Dumbledore continued, "Mr. Black, you have given us evidence that you are indeed an Animagus, which does help give evidence to the fact that Peter Pettigrew may have been an Animagus, a rat. But past evidence still continues to support the fact that Peter Pettigrew is dead. I would say he was 'dead and buried' but there was no body found to bury. Merely a finger. Rufus Scrimgeour asked it best a few minutes ago. Do you have any other evidence besides the picture of a rat that could prove Peter Pettigrew is alive and well?"
"Quite a bit, thank you," Sirius said, "The most reliable is the proof which one can see. The two Witnesses for the Defense can give you that type of proof. But first, I will tell you another story. It starts and ends with a young man's mistake. The night of James and Lily's death, I went to their house. As someone who knew the Secret, but was not the Keeper – therefore could not tell anyone the Secret if they were not a part of it - I could visit their safe-house from time to time, and send post to their residence.
"Earlier that evening I went to visit Peter Pettigrew at his flat. But he was not home. I was very worried. I wondered if he went to visit James and Lily, so I went straight there on my motorcycle. What I saw tore a hole in my heart that has not healed. A large hole was in the roof of the house, right over Harry's nursery. Smoke was billowing from the hole as well as various windows. The door was wide open. Before I could go inside, Rubeus Hagrid stepped out the door, holding a little bundle in his arms. The little bundle was my godson, Harry.
"Hagrid told me not to go inside the house. Said it was an awful, terrible sight. Said James and Lily were dead. I told Hagrid to give me Harry. If James and Lily were dead, then it was my responsibility as Godfather to raise Harry. But Hagrid said no."
Sirius paused and turned his head toward one particular person in the Wizengamot seats. It was easy to see he was looking at Albus Dumbledore. Harry looked at Dumbledore who was staring back at Sirius through his glasses.
"Hagrid said Albus Dumbledore had given him orders," Sirius continued. "He was to take Harry away, to Dumbledore. I told Hagrid again, it was my duty to raise Harry as Godfather. Hagrid refused again, said I had to take it up with Dumbledore. I promised I would do just that. I lent Hagrid my motorcycle, and before I knew it, Hagrid and Harry were gone. There was my first mistake. Letting Harry go. It left me alone.
"Alone in my head, alone to my thoughts. Alone to walk into the house and find the bodies of two of the greatest people I will ever know. That, too, was a mistake, to look upon them. It filled me with rage and guilt. Guilt that I had not accepted the role of Secret Keeper. Guilt that I hadn't gotten there sooner. Guilt that I didn't realize Peter Pettigrew was the rat he had always been. Rage filled me. I left and Apparated straight back to Pettigrew's flat. I yelled and roared for Pettigrew to show his traitorous face. Then I see him coming up the road.
"Another mistake was the fact that I had caused a scene. Muggles were starting to gather, but I only had eyes for Pettigrew. I was seeing red. I yelled at Pettigrew and whipped out my wand. Pettigrew yelled at me 'How could you, Sirius? James and Lily! You killed them!' I knew that moment that Pettigrew had a part to play in their deaths. James and Lily had just died. Nobody had time to tell Pettigrew they were dead. He must have been there with – with You-Know-Who.
"My next mistake was that I did not go into the confrontation with a clear head. If I did, I might have prevented what happened next. Pettigrew took out his wand, and next thing I knew, the street exploded and there were dead Muggles and crying and screaming. I was blown back due to the explosion, and landed pretty hard. But I was able to see Pettigrew. He was alive. The rat had killed Muggles, but had survived the explosion. And then, to my shock, he points his wand at his hand, and lobs off one of his fingers. Then, as I had witnessed it several times before, his body contorted and he shrunk and transformed into his rat Animagus. Last thing I saw of the rat until years later was him running into the sewer through the destroyed street.
"When the Aurors found me, I was experiencing all kinds of emotions. I am told I was laughing. Maybe I was. Laughing at the incredulity that Peter Pettigrew had outsmarted me at last."
Sirius went silent. Beside Harry, Hermione had misty eyes. There were a few people clearing their throats, as if they were attempting to stow their emotions.
"That is quite the story, Sirius," Dumbledore said.
"It is true," Sirius said, "Every word. I may not have murdered Pettigrew, but I wanted to. I may not have murdered those Muggles, but I wasn't able to save them either. For nearly twelve years, I lived with the guilt in Azkaban. Dementors wouldn't take it away. Nor would they take away the rage I felt for Pettigrew. So when Minister Fudge gave me that newspaper, and I saw the rat standing on the boy's shoulder, I saw red. I was coherent enough to read the article and I discovered that the boy, that Pettigrew was playing pet to, was roommates with my godson, Harry, at Hogwarts. The dirty rat was at Hogwarts."
"Aurors reported hearing you saying 'He's at Hogwarts', in the days before your escape," Rufus Scrimgeour said. "We thought you were speaking about Lord Potter."
"I was speaking of Pettigrew," Sirius said, "Pettigrew was at Hogwarts, in the vicinity of my godson. I knew it wasn't long before Pettigrew would try to do what his Master could not. He would try to kill my godson. I knew I had to get to him. So I escaped Azkaban. After nearly twelve years, even my Animagus form was skinny and small. As the dog, I easily escaped through the bars, escaped Azkaban and swam to shore. Took me months to get to Hogwarts. Once I was at Hogwarts, I tried several attempts at getting into the castle to find the rat. It wasn't until earlier this month, the sixth of June that I was finally able to get to him."
Sirius turned to Harry and Hermione.
"My two Witnesses experienced that event just as I did," Sirius said, "I think I'll let them tell you about it. My voice becomes weak if I talk for too long in a short amount of time."
Harry and Hermione both nodded, silently saying they would tell the story.
"Very well," Fudge said, "Lord Potter, will you please describe the events that happened on June sixth of this year."
"Yes, Minister," Harry said, "Hermione can assist me at parts. The entire story we are about to give can be confirmed through my memories in a Pensieve."
"Very well," Fudge repeated; he flourished his wand and a Patronus appeared – though Harry could not identify the animal – and scurried out of the room. "I have just summoned a professional Legilimens who will be impartial to today's trial. They should arrive by the time the Witness testimonies are finished. Please begin, Lord Potter."
So Harry began to tell the story of that fated evening to the best of his memory. Hopefully retelling the story would bring it to the front of his mind. After all, to him and Hermione, they had experienced nearly four years of new memories, instead of only a couple of weeks. He started with the visit to Hagrid's, with Ron and Hermione, to comfort Hagrid about Buckbeak the Hippogriff. He continued with the rat's appearance, before back-tracking and explaining that it had recently run away from Ron.
Cornelius Fudge appeared quite surprised to hear that Harry, Hermione and Ron had been in the area at the same time that he, Dumbledore and MacNair had been there, but he did not say anything. Dumbledore seemed to already know that the students had been there because he didn't show much of a reaction.
Next, Harry talked about how the rat – whom he and Hermione had referred to as Scabbers during the story – was trying to do its best to get away from Ron. Then Harry spoke of seeing the large black dog. Sirius visibly winced when Harry spoke of the dog grabbing Ron and dragging him away.
On and on, Harry and Hermione continued with the tale, and there were no verbal interruptions. There were some expressions of surprise, disbelief, fright, anger, or amusement, coming from the Wizengamot, but they allowed the Witnesses to continue.
Harry and Hermione each described thoroughly the first time they had seen Pettigrew, when he transformed from the rat. Then it was time in their story for the werewolf part. Harry looked over his shoulder and found Remus who nodded his permission to tell that part of the tale.
So Harry continued on, describing Remus' transformation, Sirius' attempt to fight off the werewolf, in order to save the children, then Harry chasing after Sirius to the edge of the lake.
"... and next thing I knew, I woke up in the Hospital Wing."
"I think that is a fine place to end your story, Lord Potter, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said.
Harry did his best not to roll his eyes. Obviously Dumbledore didn't want the Wizengamot, Minister of Magic, and a room full of people, including media, to know about the time-turner story.
"Do any of the Interrogators have any questions?" Dumbledore asked.
"Lord Potter, Miss Granger," Scrimgeour said, "How do you know that the person you saw transform from a rat was actually Peter Pettigrew?"
"He answered to his name," Harry said, "and to his nickname, Wormtail. He knew who Sirius and Remus were, and they knew who he was. The general conversation made me believe that this truly was Peter Pettigrew."
Harry hesitated. He needed to give more proof. He had another tool of proof, but to give the knowledge away the was using such a tool was risky. He decided it was necessary. For Sirius.
"Also," he continued, "my father, Sirius, Remus and Pettigrew had an invention they made at Hogwarts, known as the Marauder's Map. As an heirloom, it wound up in my possession. I don't have it on me, but I could submit a memory of myself using the map. The map shows you the name and position of every single person at Hogwarts at the present time, and it never lies. I saw Peter Pettigrew on the map after Ron lost Scabbers."
"Can you confirm that this... map exists and that it does what Lord Potter says it does, Mr. Black?" Scrimgeour asked.
"Every word he said is the truth," Sirius said.
"Lord Potter," Scrimgeour said, "How long have you had this map?"
"Only this year, sir," Harry said. "Since around December, I'd say."
"And you never saw Pettigrew's name before?" Scrimgeour asked, "Perhaps near Ronald Weasley?"
"By a strange coincidence, I don't think I've ever once had to search for Ron on the map," Harry said, "We were almost always together, as best friends. Nor did I ever look at my own dormitory. I suppose I might have found Pettigrew's name if I had. Scabbers was almost always there while at Hogwarts."
"I have no more questions," Scrimgeour said.
"Minister, any questions for the Witnesses?" Dumbledore asked.
"The professional Legilimens should be able to confirm their statements," Fudge said; there was a light rapping on the main door of the room as soon as he said this, "and I believe that is them now!"
Fudge pointed his wand at the door and it opened. Harry looked over his shoulder and saw the familiar figure of Kingsley Shacklebolt walk into the room.
"Auror Shacklebolt," Fudge said, "Please will you step forward?"
Kingsley walked up the aisle and stood at attention near Sirius and Amelia.
"The Defense's witnesses," Fudge said, "have requested using their own memories as evidence. I want you to perform the procedure. You are also skilled at Legilimency, are you not?"
"I am, Minister," Kingsley said.
"I ask you to perform a scan on the Witnesses," Fudge said, "to confirm that the copies of their memories are real and not fabricated. But they have requested you take a Vow to promise that you will only scan the required memory."
"I can agree to that," Kingsley said.
"Raise your wand," Fudge said; Kingsley did so. "Kingsley Shacklebolt. Do you vow to scan only for confirmation of the requested memory from Harry James Potter and Hermione Jean Granger, and nothing else in their minds or memories?"
"I do, Minister," Kingsley said, clearly.
"So mote it be," Fudge said, "You may proceed."
Kingsley turned and walked over to Harry and Hermione. He spoke to Harry first. "Please focus on the memory in question. Do not fear. This is a painless procedure."
Harry focused on the memory and nodded that he was ready. Kingsley performed the necessary actions and placed the silver strand of memory in a vial.
"Focus on my eyes," Kingsley said.
Harry did as was requested. After thirty seconds, Kingsley moved to Hermione and went through the same process with her. He turned to the Wizengamot.
"I can confirm that the memories submitted for evidence are one-hundred percent real," Kingsley said.
"Scribe take note of the events with the impartial Legilimens," Dumbledore said.
"Auror Shacklebolt," Fudge said, "Could you perform a scan on Mr. Black and discover whether or not his statements today have been the truth? It would save us a lot of trouble."
Kingsley nodded and walked over to Sirius. After a minute's procedure of the Legilimency scan, Kingsley turned to the Wizengamot once again.
"I can confirm," Kingsley said, "that the entirety of the defendant's statements made in the courtroom today are one-hundred percent honest."
"Scribe, take note of Auror Shacklebolt's statement," Dumbledore said.
"Thank you," Fudge said, "Submit the evidence then you may leave, Auror Shacklebolt."
Kingsley did as was requested then proceeded to leave the courtroom. Fudge and Dumbledore spoke silently to each other. Dumbledore nodded and turned to Sirius.
"I believe we can wrap this up," Dumbledore said, "There will be a ten minute recess while the Wizengamot decides their vote. Wizengamot, Minister Fudge has declared a Silent Vote. Therefore, in front of you, there is a strip of parchment. Write down 'Innocent' or 'Guilty' and tap your wand on it, so that it may be tallied up. Ten minute recess."
Dumbledore smacked his gavel.
"I can't believe it!" Hermione exclaimed in a low voice, "Sirius wasn't allowed a final statement?"
"Maybe that's a good thing?" Harry asked. "The Legilimency scan seemed pretty concrete."
"I agree with you, Harry," Tonks said, "Hermione, a final statement didn't matter. A good percentage of the people in those chairs already decided their vote by the time the two of you were finished with your stories. The rest... they had their votes decided the moment they entered the courtroom, long before they heard anything from Sirius, Amelia, or the two of you."
"That is illegal!" Hermione growled.
"That is pureblood politics for you," Tonks said. "You know there are likely free Death Eaters in those seats. They know Sirius is innocent. But in the Great War, Sirius fought against them and their families. They just want vengeance. The rest... well, it is hard to say how they'll vote. Even the Dark Alliance members who aren't Death Eaters. The Ancient and Most Noble House of Black was a predominantly Dark family until Great Aunt Walburga died. There are likely old allies of the Blacks in those seats, people who are looking to get on Sirius' good side. It is all politics. But don't count that as a bad thing. I have a good feeling about this."
She smiled in reassurance, but Harry didn't match it. He hoped she was right. He looked at Sirius, and found that his godfather was relaxing in his chair. He didn't seem nervous at all.
The minutes passed. Harry studied several of the faces in the Wizengamot. Several of these people must have never heard of the Muggle card game "poker" because their poker face was horrible. Umbridge's decision was obvious; dimwits like Crabbe and Goyle could predict how she would vote. But in addition to those who would obviously vote guilty, there were some expressions who seemed as if they would vote the complete opposite.
Now that Harry got a good look at the Wizengamot, he realized they were not sitting in random spots. He could clearly see that the three alliances: Light, Neutral, and Dark, were sectioned off into three sections. He observed the Light section. Aside from his own House, and the Bones – since Amelia had removed herself from the Wizengamot for today's trial – he was sure every a member of every major House in the Great Alliance were sitting in those seats. Augusta Longbottom was someone he recognized, of course, but she was the only one he knew. He recalled the names of those represented: Abbot, Boot, MacMillan, Greengrass. Greengrass was Neutral, Harry recalled. Harry searched amongst the Neutrals. Was Daphne's father in one of those seats?
He was fairly sure he knew how the Great Alliance would vote today. They would not want to anger the grandson of their Alliance's founder – especially since it was likely he might bring two Houses – Potter and Peverell – back into their Alliance, strengthening it again. Also, if the House of Black was added through Sirius, that would strengthen it even more. An ironic smile crossed his lips. He might loathe pureblood politics, but at least there was some good out of it.
Harry was starting to realize what Tonks had been trying to say. A good percentage of the people in those seats didn't care whether Sirius was innocent or guilty. Light, Neutral, Dark, they each had their own personal agenda. People were selfish. That was one of the laws of nature. Right up there with the idea that "to err is human." Sirius was clearly innocent. Everyone could see that unless their brain was the size of a toad. But there would be a number of guilty votes amongst the innocent. Harry knew this. It just all came down to the higher number.
Finally, after what seemed an eternity, ten minutes passed and the last vote was submitted. The tension in the room was palpable. As soon as Dumbledore smacked the gavel, the room – which had been full of the buzzing which had been common since before the trial had even begun – hushed almost immediately. Beside Harry, Hermione was clutching his hand, tightly. Sirius was staring forward, showing no visible signs that he was nervous. Amelia was looking at Sirius and the Wizengamot at random intervals.
"Recess is over," Dumbledore said, "Has every member of the Wizengamot submitted their vote?"
"They have, Chief Warlock Dumbledore," a witch sitting next to the Court Scribe said, "And the votes have been tallied."
"May I have the decision, please?" Dumbledore asked.
The witch walked over to Dumbledore and handed him a piece of parchment. Dumbledore studied the parchment for a moment, his expression so unreadable that Harry couldn't figure out the result, or what Dumbledore's reaction to it was.
"In the case of Sirius Orion Black," Dumbledore said, clearly, "By a vote of twenty-six over fifteen. The defendant... has been cleared of all charges."
"YES!" Sirius' voice raised above the rest of the room.
He jumped from his seat and gathered a rather surprised – and emotional – Amelia in a hug. Meanwhile, Hermione had leaped on Harry and hugged him, happily weeping softly. Tonks wrapped her arms around both of them in a hug. More than a few around the public seats were clapping enthusiastically. The media were already asking questions. Cameras were popping as they took several pictures, and, unfortunately, Harry had a feeling there would be pictures of him, Hermione and Tonks hugging.
"Court is adjourned," Fudge said, loudly, attempting to be louder than the crowd, "Media, please hold your questions until later. A scheduled question-and-answer period will be available. Sirius Black, may I have your attention?"
The room quieted as Sirius turned to Fudge.
"Yes, Minister?" Sirius asked.
"On behalf of the British Ministry of Magic," Fudge said, "and myself, I'd like to apologize to you. it seems a grave wrong had been committed against you all these years. Congratulations, Lord Black, you are free to leave of your own accord."
"Thank you, Minister," Sirius said.
The fact that he didn't verbally accept Fudge's apology was heard loudly around the room. Fudge was obviously doing his best not to show any negative reactions. Obviously the man had been trying to lead some kind of agenda here that might lengthen his stay in office.
Sirius turned in Harry's direction, and Harry grinned and walked over to him then hugged him.
"Were you nervous, kid?" Sirius asked.
"A bit," Harry said, honestly.
Sirius barked a laugh. "Come on, kid. Let's get out of here before the vultures start to hover. I don't have to meet with them for a few hours."
"There may be a couple I want you to meet sooner rather than later," Harry said, in a low voice, "And you won't like one of them, but it is all part of my plan. I'll explain it later."
"Alright," Sirius said.
"Lord Potter," Amelia Bones said.
Harry turned to Amelia and smiled. "Madam Bones."
"Wonderful job today, to you and Miss Granger," Amelia said, as Hermione and Tonks approached.
"You too, ma'am," Harry said.
"Cadet Tonks," Amelia said, "How goes the bodyguard detail?"
"Entertaining, to say the least," Tonks said.
"Excellent," Amelia said, "Sirius, I'm sure you want to celebrate with family and friends. Come see me later this afternoon and we can work out some final details. I can also give you your wand back then."
"I look forward to it," Sirius said, "Come on, kids. Let's get out of here. Moony is probably waiting for us outside."
"We have a couple people to meet to discuss future business with," Harry said, "I'm sure they're waiting as well."
"Luna said she would meet us with her father out in the hall, Harry," Hermione said.
"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting," Sirius said.
Harry, Hermione, Tonks and Sirius headed out into the corridor outside the courtroom amidst the voices of congratulations. They soon found Remus waiting with Ted and Andromeda Tonks.
"I'm a free man, Moony!" Sirius exclaimed, with a laugh, as he bear-hugged his taller friend.
"I had no doubts, my friend," Remus said, the emotion obvious in his voice.
Sirius released his friend and turned to Andromeda.
"Andie," Sirius said, "You've gotten more beautiful over the years."
"Oh, Sirius, you old dog," Andromeda said, with a sniffle, as she engulfed him in a hug, "It is so good to see you. Thank goodness that the good people of the Wizengamot won over the nasty ones today. It doesn't always happen, but it does when it counts."
"I hear that," Sirius said; he backed away and turned to Ted, shaking his head, "Ted, been looking after my favorite cousin for me?"
"I never take my eyes off her if I can help it," Ted said, "I see you've reunited with our Nymphadora."
"Don't call me that, Daddy!" Tonks said.
Sirius laughed. "Aside from height, she hasn't changed at all."
Tonks harrumphed. "Mum, Daddy, I would like to introduce you to two friends of mine: Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."
"Harry Potter," Andromeda said, "Of course I recognized you as soon as I saw you. I asked my Ted if I was dreaming, thought I was looking at James again. But those eyes... dear, sweet Lily's. It is lovely to see you again, after all these years. Knew you when you were a baby. Proud of you, your parents were."
"It is nice to meet you, ma'am, sir," Harry said. "Your daughter is an excellent bodyguard and better friend."
"Oh, aren't you a charmer!" Andromeda said, smiling.
"That's my godson for you!" Sirius said, grinning.
After promises that Sirius would get together with Andromeda and Ted for dinner one night, he, Harry, Hermione, Tonks and Remus made their way down the corridor where Luna and Xenophilius Lovegood were talking to a man they seemed familiar with. Harry recognized the man as someone he had seen sitting amongst the Wizengamot.
"Harry, Hermione!" Luna said.
"Hello, again, Luna," Harry said.
"Daddy," Luna said, "This is Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."
"Ah, a pleasure," Xenophilius said, offering a hand, which Harry shook, "I was looking forward to meeting you. Do you know who our friend is here? He was wishing to meet with you as well."
"I'm sorry, sir," Harry said, apologizing to both Xenophilius and the gentleman, "I don't believe we have ever met."
"This is Castor Greengrass, Harry," Sirius said, "One of the members of the Great Alliance."
"Daphne's father," Harry realized, then offered his hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you, sir."
"The pleasure is mine, Lord Potter," Castor said, "Xenophilius just informed me that my daughter and Luna, here, have something in common."
Harry smiled. Over Luna's shoulder he saw Rita Skeeter hovering some feet away down the hall. He knew it was time to set the trap.
"Ah, yes," Harry said, "The Betrothal Contracts."
Harry glanced at Rita and saw her look in his direction with raised eyebrows and a smile.
"Well, this is an opportunity," Harry said, "Two birds with one stone. I was planning on arranging a meeting with Mr. Lovegood to discuss the contract. I'm willing to arrange a date and time to meet with you and your family as well. At the moment, I am staying at my – ah – girlfriend's house. Until next Saturday when I hope to return to Potter Manor."
"I see," Castor said, minor surprise lightening his face at the mention of Harry's girlfriend, "Well, I'm afraid that starting next Saturday, my family and I will be out of the country on holiday. But we're available for dinner any time between now and then, including weeknights."
"If I can send a letter to you this evening," Harry said, "I'm sure by then I could come up with a possible day. I understand you want an adult present on both sides of the conversation, and now that Sirius is free, he would be perfect as the representative of my side."
He glanced at Sirius, who smiled.
"My first official role as Godfather!" Sirius said, "I look forward to it!"
"Excellent," Castor said, "I will keep an eye on the sky. A pleasure to meet you."
"You as well," Harry said, shaking his hand again.
"I must be off," Castor said, "I'll let you tend to business with my friend, Xeno, here."
Castor smiled, bowed his head lightly and walked away.
"Wonderful chap, he is," Xenophilius commented. "Lord Potter, I suppose we, too, should agree on a date and time."
"According to Luna, sir," Hermione said, "You wished to meet my parents?"
Xenophilius smiled at Hermione. "Miss Granger, was it? Yes, I would very much like to meet your parents."
"If you're available for dinner tomorrow evening," Hermione said, "And Harry and Sirius is agreeable, I think I could convince my parents to join us."
"I am quite open to that," Xenophilius said, "We can have dinner at my house, unless that is a problem?"
"Do you still live at the Rookery?" Sirius asked.
"Home sweet home!" Xenophilius said, grinning.
"Not a problem then," Sirius said, "I am sure I could convince Hermione's dear parents that I could bring them via Apparation. It will be difficult, since I haven't met them. But I think I could do it."
"Excellent," Xenophilius said.
"I'll send Luna a letter tonight with confirmation," Harry said.
"I look forward to our meeting, Lord Potter," Xenophilius said, "I might even be able to whip out my Solicitor's Pensieve and show you a memory of the original Betrothal agreement with your parents."
"I... would look forward to that, sir," Harry said, smiling; he glanced at Rita, if he was going to set his trap, he needed to finish this conversation, "I have just seen someone I recognized. I'll see you soon, sir, Luna."
Xenophilius bowed his head lightly. Harry smiled at Luna, then turned and walked in Rita's direction.
"Miss Skeeter of the Daily Prophet?" Harry asked, "Is that you, ma'am?"
Rita's eyes widened, and her lips turned into a wide grin.
"Lord Potter, it is a delight to finally meet you!" Rita said, "I am indeed Rita Skeeter!"
"I noticed you were eavesdropping in my conversation with Mr. Lovegood and Lord Greengrass," Harry said, "I'm sure you are looking forward to writing all about my Betrothals, correct?"
"Perhaps, Lord Potter, perhaps," Rita said, "It would be quite the juicy story. My readers would love to know about it."
"I'm not exactly sure my Betrothed or their families wish for that information to get out so soon without their knowledge," Harry said, "I wonder if I could get you to wait on that for a while?"
"I don't know, Lord Potter," Rita said, "I don't see how that would help me."
"Well, I'm sure you have a far better article to write," Harry said, "About my godfather, Sirius. Yes, he is an innocent man, but that is not what you like to write about. You like to write about people's bad issues. Sirius admitted guilt to being an unregistered Animagus. I'm sure that is a big issue with you, isn't it? The crime of being an unregistered Animagus."
Rita's eyes widened for a moment before they narrowed. Harry smiled.
"I see we are on the same page, Miss Skeeter," he said. "Half-an-hour, Leaky Cauldron. Ask the barman, Tom, for Harry Potter. We can have a private conversation about the future of any articles you write concerning me and my own."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea!" Sirius said, from behind Harry. "And as extra incentive to show up, Miss Skeeter, I will give you my first one-on-one interview."
Rita harrumphed. "You have a deal, Lord Potter, Lord Black. Half an hour."
"Keep your Quick-Quotes Quill to yourself until then, if you will," Harry said, "It really does bug me."
Rita frowned, turned and walked away. Sirius laughed out loud.
"James would be so proud of you at this moment, kid!" Sirius said, "You are a Marauder!"
Harry smiled and shrugged. Hermione walked over to him with a wide grin. She hugged him and pecked him on the lips.
"That was absolutely brilliant, Harry!" Hermione said.
"Thank you, love," Harry said, "We should get going. We need to plan exactly what we're going to do with Rita."
"You mean you don't have a plan?" Sirius asked.
"I'm making things up as they go along," Harry said.
Sirius barked out a loud laugh. "Definite Marauder!"