Thursday, June 20th, 1994
The morning after his visit to Sirius and Remus, Harry Potter woke up feeling like a brand new man. Perhaps it was the fact that he no longer had a piece of Voldemort's soul latched onto him. Perhaps it was because he had just spent a few hours the day before with his godfather, Sirius, whom, was alive and well, if not one-hundred percent healthy. Perhaps it was because a huge weight had been lifted off his chest; Sirius, Remus and Tonks now knew his and Hermione's secret that they were time-travelers – and they believed them! Or perhaps it was a combination of all three. Whatever it was, Harry felt refreshed. He was ready to get up and go about his day beginning with his recent routine of a morning jog to start the day.
He was preparing to do that very thing, when he heard a peck on the bedroom window. A delivery owl for the Daily Prophet was sitting there. Harry walked over to the window, and opened it. The owl flew in, dropped the newspaper on his bed, and flew out. Because he had a paid-for subscription, the owl didn't need any further payment. Harry was intent on ignoring the newspaper for now until he returned from his morning jog, however a familiar face on the front page of the folded newspaper caught his eye and he picked it up, curiosity taking over.
His eyes widened as he looked at the front page. Molly Weasley was seen depicted in a black-and-white photo, looking very distraught with her hands bound in chains. The article's header, below the picture, in large bold letters read: HOUSE WEASLEY MATRIARCH CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED LINE THEFT. Harry's eyes traveled below the title as he began to read the article.
Molly Weasley 'nee Prewett, was arrested on Wednesday
afternoon after officials discovered she was brewing Amortentia,
also known as Love Potion. Amortentia is a Class C Illegal
Substance and is worth a heavy fine if one is found to be brewing
the Potion for personal use. But Molly Weasley is facing much
more serious charges than a simple fine.
Molly, Matriarch of the Weasley House, wife of Arthur Weasley,
of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department, and mother of seven,
was also charged with intent to use the Potion for heinous means. The
Department of Magical Law Enforcement refused to comment on whom
the targeted victims were, which leads this reporter to believe said victim
or victims are underage children or teenagers. Molly Weasley is also
charged with multiple counts of attempted Line Theft, which leads this
reporter to believe the targets are a part of important Houses in wizarding
society. Who the victims were is anybody's guess.
Weasley is to be brought forward this afternoon in front of the courts,
and could face time in Azkaban Prison.
This reporter promises to keep an eye on this story, and will bring updates
in the near future!
"Harry?" Hermione's voice called, just as Harry finished the article, "It is almost time to join Tonks on our morning jog. Have you forgotten?"
"Look at this," Harry said, as he handed the newspaper over to his girlfriend.
Harry watched Hermione's reaction as she looked at the article and began to read it. Shock marred her expression, followed by anger as well as a hint of sadness.
"Well," Hermione said, as she tossed the newspaper on the bed, "It doesn't take a genius like me to figure out who the 'victims' are mentioned there."
"Us," Harry said.
"Yes, but I have a feeling it isn't just us," Hermione said. "The article mentions multiple attempts at Line Theft. I'm guessing Madam Bones had something to do with the arrest. She knows you are Betrothed to three girls, one of which is her niece. Susan, Daphne, and Luna are members of Houses, as are you. That is four counts of Line Theft, because the likely outcome in the future is that all four of those Houses will result in children from you – your own House, and those of your Betrothed."
Harry's cheeks burned at the mention of children, but he knew Hermione had a good point.
"So it was likely Madam Bones who made the arrest," Harry said. "I wonder how she found out Molly was brewing Amortentia."
Hermione adopted a thoughtful look, biting her lip. "Molly Weasley is likely allied with Dumbledore, right?"
"I would say that is very likely," Harry said.
"So," Hermione said, "Dumbledore might have recruited Molly to brew Amortentia for him. Normally he could have used Snape for that kind of thing. But Snape was arrested. I am sure Madam Bones interrogated Snape and received several answers about Dumbledore. She does seem well intent on arresting Dumbledore."
"But Dumbledore is pardoned by Fudge," Harry said.
"It is an amnesty pardon," Hermione said, "A one-year limit. One year for Madam Bones to bring up charges so she can arrest him. So she starts looking at his allies. Snape first. Snape might have told her that Dumbledore might use Molly as his go-to Potions Mistress now."
"Which would lead Madam Bones to question Molly," Harry said. "So Madam Bones goes to visit the Burrow... and... catches Molly in the act of brewing Amortentia?"
Hermione laughed mirthlessly. "That would have to be some pretty bad luck for Molly Weasley. Brewing it at the same time that Madam Bones visits. But... yes, I'd say it was likely."
"Do you believe Molly could face time in Azkaban," Harry asked.
Hermione sighed and nodded. "As much as I am glad she was caught, it is her own fault. You see, brewing Amortentia in private without intent on using it would have only resulted in a heavy fine. But because of the additional charges, she will face time in Azkaban. At least a year, maybe five, and maybe more than that."
"Even though I know now she and Ron have had a history of manipulating me," Harry said, "I do feel bad. She was like a second mother. She was one of the first people to ever give me a Christmas present, for no other reason than being kind."
"I know," Hermione said, "At least we don't have to worry about Love Potions anymore. Come on. It is time for our morning jog."
Harry nodded. Casting one last glance at Molly's distraught face, he followed Hermione out of the bedroom.
As Harry and Hermione were preparing for their morning jog in Crawley, England, many miles away in Scotland at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his desk in his office. He had just finished reading the article about Molly Weasley's arrest.
He smacked the newspaper down on his desk, and rummaged through the rest of his morning mail, looking for a particular piece. But his search was to no avail. There was no letter from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, nor the Wizengamot. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Albus Dumbledore would sometimes lead criminal trials for the Wizengamot. He would be leading Sirius Black's trial on Saturday, in which Sirius would face the entire Wizengamot.
But it appeared that he was not requested to take part in Molly Weasley's trial, which meant she would be facing the minimal amount of Wizengamot members. Usually this meant the Lower Circle of the Wizengamot, those who took part in minor criminal trials. Albus sighed disdainfully for Molly Weasley's fate. She would surely face time in Azkaban. One year was possible – five years was more than likely.
Albus then growled in anger. Reading the article in the newspaper was the first time he heard about Molly Weasley's arrest. Nobody had cared to tell him about it beforehand. Though, he had to admit, there were very few who may have informed him. Molly was the only Weasley he was in contact without outside of Hogwarts matters. Arthur Weasley might have considered telling him, but Albus knew Arthur had other matters to contend with. Albus had contacts in the Ministry, but nobody high up enough who would have contacted him soon after Molly's arrest for him to do anything about it in time. Several of the portraits of Headmasters and Headmistresses in his office had copies all around Great Britain, and even in other areas of the world. But that network couldn't be everywhere at once.
There was nothing Albus could do. Molly would have to suffer, even though she had been brewing Amortentia under his orders. He didn't expect her to get caught so soon, not before she could deliver results! He knew that damnable Amelia Bones had something to do with it! Obviously Severus Snape had informed her that Molly was Albus' go-to Potions Mistress if Severus was unavailable. It was obvious to Albus: Amelia Bones couldn't arrest Albus, so she was going after his allies. It was a smart plan, Albus had to give her that. Albus would have to be more careful in his dealings over the next year. Avoiding Amelia was only one important step.
Of course that wouldn't be very easy. Amelia would be up front and center in Sirius Black's trial on Saturday. Avoiding her would be impossible. Also there was nothing he could do about Sirius Black's fate at the trial, not if he didn't want to have any more suspicion headed his way. He would just have to let things play out. There would be a few road-blocks, but he always knew it would never be a smooth road on his path to the Greater Good.
But he would get there in the end. He was sure of that.
Saturday, June 22nd, 1994
Amelia Bones sighed as she finished reading a memo from St. Mungo's. It concerned Ronald Weasley The note was written by a friend of hers, a Healer at the hospital who had been responsible for looking after Ron. She had confided in the Healer that anything they find be given directly to her. She was relieved that she had been smart enough to do so. Because the results of Ron's visit was something expected and unexpected at the same time.
Ron was completely healed of the hex and broken leg, but that was only the bottom of the beanpole. Ron Weasley had also been flushed of several concoctions in his system. These concoctions included Loyalty and Honor Potions keyed to Albus Dumbledore. Upon reading this, Amelia once thanked her ingenuity to have her friend responsible for Ron at the hospital. Anyone else would have taken this information to someone else, and Fudge would have gotten wind of it. He would not like seeing Albus Dumbledore's name connected to this criminal behavior. Other potions in Ron's system affected Ron's attitude, including one that made him act unnaturally jealous toward specified targets – Harry Potter and Hermione Granger was the easiest guess. The Healer reported no signs of a recent Imperius Curse applied to Ron, but admitted that the process of flushing the concoctions out Ron's system could have interfered with that.
Ronald was to be released later that afternoon. Amelia wrote both a reply to the Healer, and a letter to Arthur Weasley informing them that she wanted to speak to Ron at the hospital before his release. Due to the fact that her morning would be busy, she didn't know when she would be able to meet with Ron, but hoped she would be available that afternoon.
Questioning Ron would be tricky, Amelia knew. Ron Weasley was underage, and he wasn't under arrest for anything yet. So interrogations at the DMLE Headquarters was improper. Veritaserum would not be allowed in this case. It was only usually allowed in rare cases when it came to legal procedures, such as criminal trials and only if the Minister of Magic or the Wizengamot allowed it. Suffice it to say, it wouldn't be allowed to interrogate Ron. Due to the fact that Ron was underage, an Honor Vow would be useless. Young children and teens were not mature enough to be explicitly honest enough to pass an Honor Vow. One could accidentally lie, and their magic would be wiped from their bodies. The Ministry of Magic didn't allow Honor Vows on underage wizards and witches for that reason alone.
Amelia knew she would likely not be arresting Ron Weasley for anything. She didn't have any concrete evidence. Expulsion from Hogwarts was possible, though Albus Dumbledore, as Headmaster, made that decision, and if Amelia was right, Albus wouldn't expel Ron. Amelia was only interrogating Ron for one reason: information on Albus Dumbledore. She wanted to know if Ron had done anything for Albus Dumbledore. Given that Ron had been friends with Harry and Hermione, it would likely be connected to them. Amelia was sure she would find answers she wanted. The Honor and Loyalty Potions found in Ron's system keyed to Albus Dumbledore was evidence already.
Thinking about Ron Weasley led Amelia to think about his mother, Molly. Molly's trial had taken place on Thursday. Of her family, only her husband had been present at the trial. Molly had been sentenced to five years in Azkaban. She would be placed in the minimum security facility, Level A. Dementors were rarely stationed there so she would be less affected by them than the criminals with far worse crimes were. Amelia hoped Molly's sentence would be lessened after Albus' arrest. But for now, Molly was a resident at Azkaban Prison.
Amelia tapped the finished letters to the Healer and Arthur Weasley, and they turned into paper airplanes and flew out of her office, in the direction of her department's Owlery. As the two letters left, a new memo entered her office and she grabbed it as it hovered over her desk. She began to read it:
Madam Bones,
Do you know what time is it? It is nearly eight-o-clock in the morning. Nearly three hours until Sirius Black's trial. Black has not been seen at the Ministry at all! I gave him an offer, via the Daily Prophet, to turn himself in voluntarily for his own safety and assurance that he would be at the trial!
If he does not show up at the trial, I will send Dementors, Aurors and Hit-Wizards out again to track him down and kill him on sight. Because not showing up is a sign that he is guilty of the crimes he is imprisoned with!
You promised me he would show up. He had better be there, or it will be on your head!
I will see you at the trial,
Cornelius Fudge
British Minister of Magic
Amelia rolled her eyes as she binned the letter. Fudge truly believed that Sirius would turn himself in early. He simply didn't understand Sirius, nor did he understand the positive side of Sirius not turning himself in early. Temporary freedom, and the hope of being declared innocent, was good for Sirius. It would help him heal enough for him to be presentable at his trial. Even one day in Ministry custody would surely remind him of his time in Azkaban, which might hinder everything he had been working toward in order to heal.
"Samantha!" Amelia called out to her secretary.
Samantha stepped into the office a moment later.
"Yes, Madam?" she asked.
"I need you to personally go to Rufus Scrimgeour's office and give him this message," Amelia said, as she wrote a note down on a memo, "Sirius Black is not– I repeat – not to be apprehended on sight by Aurors when he arrives in the Ministry Atrium. If Black arrives, an Auror should only make sure that he is headed for the Courtroom for his trial, then allow him to go under his own power. If Black wants to be escorted by the Auror, that is his choice. If Rufus has any issues with this, he can come to me with it post haste. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Madam," Samantha said.
Amelia handed the letter to Samantha then motioned for her to leave. A thought crossed Amelia's mind and she started penning another letter, this time to Nymphadora Tonks regarding Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, two witnesses for Sirius' defense at the trial. She finished the letter, then sent it off toward the Owlery.
Amelia then picked up a specific crème-colored folder. relaxed in her chair, and held it tight to her chest. The folder in question was Sirius' ticket to freedom. She wouldn't part with it even in death. Today, she would assure that Sirius Black would be a free man.
Then perhaps, in the near future, she could work toward having the life with him she had dreamed for since her teenage years.
Sometime later at the Granger residence in Crawley, Harry Potter was dressing himself. On Friday, Harry, Hermione and Tonks had visited Diagon Alley again where Harry and Hermione each purchased new formal robes for Sirius' trial. They wanted to look proper and formal robes were the best idea. After their shopping trip, they also visited Sirius and Remus again for a short while.
As Harry tied his trainers, he nearly jumped out of them when his Potter House Ring began to sparkle on his finger. Then the left side of his formal robes glittered lightly as a badge of some sort appeared. He walked over to a mirror situated on the wall near the closet and looked at the badge in the reflection closer. He recognized the same insignia from the Potter Signet ring. Below the badge on a black strip of leather, there was also a golden star. He wasn't sure what referred to. As he studied the badge, he heard a loud surprised squeaking sound coming from Hermione in her room. He hurried out of his bedroom.
"Hermione?" he asked, "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine!" Hermione's muffled voice said.
"Are you proper?" Harry asked, "Can I come in?"
Hermione opened the door and Harry smiled at her appearance. She looked beautiful in her feminine style of formal robes.
"I heard a loud noise," Harry said.
"That was me," Hermione said, "I was surprised. Well... look!"
She pointed to the breast-pocket on her robes right over her heart. Harry could see the same badge she was wearing. The only difference was the red star situated below her badge.
"Oh, you have one too!" Hermione said; then gasped, "I should have realized! Harry, it is your House crest!"
"Yeah, I kind of realized that myself, thanks," Harry said. "Why do you have one?"
"I am a Vassal of House Potter, Harry, remember?" Hermione said, "I think that is what this red star means, it represents the level of membership. The Gold star on yours likely refers to you being the Head."
"The badge appeared right after my ring lit up," Harry said, pointing to his Signet ring.
"The Signet Ring is half-sentient, isn't it?" Hermione asked, then clarified. "It is like it thinks for itself at times?"
"Well, if Remus is right, then it can speak to my properties," Harry said. "And apparently it can speak to me, through a voice in my head. So... I suppose so."
"So perhaps it knows that you are going to be present at an important wizarding function," Hermione said, "Your House should be represented."
"I suppose so," Harry said, again. "Was there anything about it in that book about Houses, Lords and Ladies?"
"Well, I don't know," Hermione said, "I haven't finished it yet." She blushed when Harry raised an eyebrow. "I just haven't had time! I've been preoccupied with other things!"
"I forgive you," Harry said, laughing lightly, "Are you finished yet?"
Hermione shook her head. "Have to put on some finishing touches. Give me ten minutes."
"I'll be downstairs with Tonks," Harry said.
Hermione nodded and retreated back into her room. Harry returned to his room, pocketed his wand and made his way downstairs. Tonks was in the Granger's sitting room, relaxing on the sofa and reading through a letter. She smiled when she saw him.
"Wotcher, Harry," she said, "Where's your better half?"
"Needs another ten minutes to finish up," Harry said, "What's that?"
"Letter from Madam Bones," Tonks said, "I'm to be your official escort at the Ministry today. I'll be responsible for getting you to the courtroom and showing you where you'll be sitting as official Witnesses for the Defense. I'm also responsible making sure that the vultures in the media won't hover. Speaking of vultures, I distinctly remember a discussion involving you, me and your girls regarding the entrapment of Rita Skeeter."
Harry blushed at the mention of 'his girls'. "I almost forgot about that. Yeah, we'll have to think of something."
"About what?" Hermione said, as she entered the room.
"That wasn't ten minutes," Harry said, grinning. "Rita Skeeter. She'll likely be at the trial."
"Right," Hermione said, "We were going to entrap her. Hmm... well, Harry, we're meeting with Luna and her father to discuss a time and date for the Betrothal meeting. If we time it right, the discussion could happen around the vicinity of Rita Skeeter. Your Betrothals aren't public news yet. Rita will want to latch onto it. Likely, she'll want your statement about it."
"I see where you're going with this," Tonks said, "Harry, you could promise her a sit-down meeting. And during the meeting, you snap the trap."
"I like it," Harry said. "What time is it?"
"Nearly nine-o-clock," Tonks said, "Trial's at eleven. Don't have to be at the Ministry for at least an hour. Unless your parents have different plans, Hermione, we could go for breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, my treat."
"Good idea," Hermione said. "We could see Sirius before the trial. Unless he's already left for the Ministry."
"Knowing my cousin?" Tonks said, "He'll like to make a fashionably late entrance."
Hermione laughed. After making sure it was okay with Hermione's parents, Harry, Hermione and Tonks left the house via Side-Along Apparation.
A little after ten-o-clock, after an excellent breakfast at the Leaky Cauldron, the trio arrived at the Ministry through the Floo Network. They made their way over to the Welcome desk.
"Reason for being here today?" the welcome-wizard, Eric, said, when they arrived.
"I'm Auror-in-Training Nymphadora Tonks," Tonks said, accompanying these two to Sirius Black's trial. They're key defense witnesses."
"Wand-check please," Eric said.
The welcome wizard ran the wands through the usual process, then handed them back to their owners.
"Wands pass," Eric said, "Trial is in Courtroom Ten on the tenth floor. Not accessible through the lifts, but you can get there from level nine."
"That's what the Ministry wants us to believe, isn't it?" Tonks asked; she then removed a piece of paper from the pocket of her robes and gave it to Eric, "I have written permission from Madam Amelia Bones to use the private lifts."
Eric took the letter and looked it over, then he nodded and pointed to a door behind him.
"Go through that door and follow the hallway to its end," Eric said, "Don't let everyone know about it. It is usually for VIPs."
"We'll keep it mum," Tonks said, "Thanks. Follow me, kids."
Tonks led Harry and Hermione toward the lone door nearby and through the doorway. This led into a nondescript, and fairly boring, hallway."
"I've never read anything about VIP lifts," Hermione said, "Though it seems obvious now. Can you see the Minister of Magic using the public lifts?"
"Nope," Harry said, laughing at the thought, "How did you know about it, Tonks?"
"Alastor Moody, my mentor at the Corps for a year before he retired, told me about it," Tonks said. "We always took the public lifts, and one day I told him I was sick of them already. He says 'well, that gives you a reason to climb the ranks. High-ranking Ministry workers get to use private VIP lifts.' Moody used them all the time, but because he was my mentor, and I was with him when we visited the Ministry together, he always used the public lifts. Ah, here we are!"
Soon, they were in one of the private lifts as it made its way to the tenth floor, usually inaccessible by lift.
"I've been in Courtroom Ten before," Harry said, "During fifth year last timeline. Fudge was on the offensive attacking me and Dumbledore, trying to discredit us because he didn't believe Voldemort was back. So he turned my Misuse of Magic Hearing into a full-blown circus in front of the entire Wizengamot."
"The Courtrooms on this level are only for big criminal trials," Tonks said, "Not surprising Sirius will be in front of the entire Wizengamot. This will be a tough one, kids, I'm not going to lie to you. There will be several wizards and witches in those seats from Dark Alliances. People who would like to see Sirius Black back in Azkaban."
"So expect a close vote either way, in other words," Hermione said.
"Very likely," Tonks said, with a frown. "Just means the two of you have to be convincing with your testimonies. Don't hesitate. You believe in your testimonies, show it. And be respectful too, remember that. You're about to face snooty purebloods, but use formal titles, ma'am, sir, the works, just so they have no reason to doubt you. There will be some who look down on you, Hermione, because you're a Muggleborn. Don't let them get to you."
"I won't," Hermione said, resolutely.
"Level Ten," a cool voice said overhead, "Ministry Holding Cells and Courtrooms."
The lift's doors opened and Tonks lead the pair out and down another hallway. Harry soon realized they were coming from the opposite direction he had come with Mr. Weasley in the previous timeline. As they neared their destination, they found a large crowd nearby, some of whom were obvious reporters.
"Get back, get back!" a Ministry wizard standing at the door to the courtroom ,said, "Courtroom isn't open to the public and media until half-past. Get in a queue and wait patiently! Wizengamot officials and other court-appropriate individuals only!"
"I'm escorting two Witnesses for the defense," Tonks said as she, Harry and Hermione neared the Ministry wizard.
Tonks handed the wizard a piece of parchment. He looked it over and nodded briefly.
"You're allowed to go in," he said. "Sit in the designated area."
"Right-o," Tonks said, "Come on, kids."
The Ministry wizard allowed them through and they headed inside the Courtroom. The first thing Harry noticed was that they were the only ones in the room. Last time when Harry was in this room, there were a few elevated stadium-like seats for the public. Those were still there, but there were also several additional chairs for the public. Tonks led them over to the front row of chairs, which looked a bit more comfortable than those behind them.
"This is where you will be sitting," Tonks said, as Harry and Hermione sat down next to each other, "As your bodyguard, I'll sit just behind you, as instructed by Amelia Bones. Don't want anyone bothering you."
"Thanks," Harry said; he looked at Hermione, "You alright?"
"Shouldn't I be the one to ask you that question?" Hermione said, smiling, "It is your godfather's fate on the line. I'm fine by the way."
"I'm alright," Harry said, "Nothing's going to get me down. None of this happened last time because forces working against us and Sirius prevented it. If, when, Sirius becomes a free man, that means we're already partially victorious in changing the future for the better. A free Sirius means so much good will happen."
"Yeah," Hermione said.
She smiled and took his hand in her own and squeezed it. He squeezed back fondly and they waited, their thoughts on Sirius.
At twenty-minutes to eleven-o-clock, Sirius Black stepped out of the Floo and into the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic. He looked around at the large tunnel-like room and found it looked as he remembered it many years ago. That was a very boring feeling. He could remember the last time he was here. Aurors were bringing him through the Atrium, magic-resistant cuffs binding his wrists. It had been just hours after James and Lily's deaths, and Pettigrew's escape. Sirius grimaced as the memory washed through him.
"Sirius?" Remus' voice called breaking through Sirius' reverie, "You all right?"
Sirius shook himself out of his memories, and he found Remus. He was waiting nearby, alongside a tall dark-skinned man. As Sirius neared them, he recognized the other man.
"Kingsley Shacklebolt?" he asked, "Is that you? You're taller than I remember. I mean, you were always a tall bloke, taller than me, which was discouraging since I was a year ahead of you at Hogwarts. But you're even taller!"
Kingsley laughed. "It is nice to see you have some of your humor back, Sirius."
"You're an Auror, huh?" Sirius asked, recognizing the garb, "Are you here to escort me to the courtroom."
"I'm here to confirm that is your destination," Kingsley said.
"It is," Sirius said, with a nod.
"Then I am to allow you to travel there on your own," Kingsley said, "And accompany you only if you wish."
"I'm sure Remus would make sure I'm getting where I am going," Sirius said, "But I could always use a man of your stature to keep the vultures away. You're welcome to join us."
"I accept the invitation," Kingsley said, "Good choice. With an accompanied Auror, you can bypass security, and we can take our own lift."
"Sounds wonderful," Sirius said, "Lead the way."
Sirius walked with Remus as they followed Kingsley across the Atrium. Thanks to the tall Auror's stature and movement parting the crowd, like the biblical Moses parting the sea, they were able to easily make their way toward the lifts. However, there were a few people staring at Sirius. His appearance was different than his latest pictures in the media, but he sure a few of them recognized him.
"I'm starting to appreciate Kingsley as escort," Sirius muttered, "I would get hounded by this crowd. Perhaps even killed before I got to the courtroom."
"Sirius," Remus reprimanded with a sigh.
"Oh, it isn't a possibility?" Sirius asked.
Remus merely grimaced. Soon enough, Kingsley led them into an empty lift, using his Auror status to warn people away. It didn't matter much. It didn't seem that anyone wanted to get in close proximity with an apparent criminal.
The lift began its way downward toward its destination. Once again memories were sweeping through his head. He recalled standing in one of these lifts, surrounded by three Aurors, including Alastor Moody. They would be leading him to the Ministry Holding Cells. He had been under the impression that he was there to wait for his impending trial. The trial never came. After five hours in the cell, Sirius was handed a glass, believing he was about to get a drink of refreshing water. The glass was a Portkey, sending him to Azkaban. He would not leave the prison for nearly twelve years.
"Sirius?" Remus asked, "You alright?"
"Ye-yeah," Sirius said.
Remus glanced down and Sirius followed his gaze. He realized he was holding his hands in front of him, in the same manner he had done last time, as if his wrists were bound. He jumped and parted his hands.
"Yeah," Sirius repeated, "I'm okay."
Remus raised an eyebrow. Sirius inhaled and exhaled and turned away from his friend. He looked at the mirror-like golden walls of the lift, and could see his reflection. His health had improved much since he started living with Remus. Good food, warm baths, long periods of dreamless sleep, and hours in his Animagus form had helped. He knew his health would improve greatly in the future until he looked normal again.
If he became a free man today.
He refused to think what would happen otherwise.
Sirius cleared his throat. "I'm okay."
He hoped that was true.