Chapter One – Grandmother Figg

Dumbledore arrived just after breakfast the next morning.  Arabella called everyone into the sitting room and began passing out sheets of parchment.  “These are copies of the questions that will be posed to you in court.  Take a moment to read each of them carefully.”  After a few moments, Dumbledore spoke.  “I think it is clear that some of these questions are best answered simply, “yes” or “no”, but there are a few that lend themselves to a slightly longer narration.  The trouble is that once you have been given veritaserum, you may find it hard to make this distinction.”  Dumbledore looked meaningfully over his half-moon spectacles at them.  “And so, today, we are going to practice until you feel competent to answer all these questions truthfully, but in such a way that best serves Sirius’s case.”  

Arabella began to move among them with small vials.  Dumbledore continued, “I think the best way for us to proceed is for me to work with each of you one at a time.  Please keep in mind that the effects of the veritaserum may linger after your question and answer session with me, so I must ask you to be respectful of each other’s privacy and not cause anyone to reveal something they intended to keep to themselves.”  Ron, Harry, and Hermione exchanged looks, then nodded.  “Let us begin, then.  Remus, perhaps you would like to go first?”  “Certainly,” he replied mildly.

Sirius, Arabella, Harry, Ron and Hermione rose to leave.  “Don’t stray too far,” said Dumbledore, I’ll need each of you shortly.”  In the entrance hall, Arabella pointed to a small stack of letters.  “He’s brought your Hogwarts letters” she said, retrieving them from the hall table and passing them out.  Harry smiled at the familiar emerald green writing.  As usual, their letters informed them that term would begin on September 1^st, and that the Hogwarts Express would depart platform 9 ¾ at precisely 11:00 a.m.   A second sheet included lists of books and supplies needed for fifth year students.  

Ron wrinkled his nose at the list.  Just now, they all seemed so far removed from school that it was difficult to think about going back to potions with Snape, or having to tolerate Malfoy’s endless taunts about his family. 

“Arabella?” Hermione asked, “What time will be leaving for London tomorrow and how did you plan on our traveling?”  Understanding what might be behind the question, Arabella said, “I thought if we left early enough, you might be able to get all your Hogwarts things tomorrow in Diagon Alley, and” she added as an afterthought, “take care of any other shopping needs…” Hermione smiled.  Arabella always understood her.  She suspected that Hermione would want the chance to get Harry a birthday gift and Arabella intended to make sure she had the opportunity.

“I just thought,” said Ron looking at Harry and Hermione, “you could apparate there, couldn’t you?”  Arabella interposed.  “Certainly, Ron, they can if they would like, but I thought perhaps Harry might like to travel with you by floo powder.  Hermione, Remus, Dumbledore and I can follow by apparition.  How does that sound?’  There were “fine’s” and nods of agreement all the way around.  “Hermione, you should plan on meeting with Rita Skeeter tomorrow as well, that way she will have enough information to release the first of her series of articles either the day of, or the day after the trial.  Remember, we want her to have the scoop…” Arabella said meaningfully.  “Right then, perhaps I should send her a note now.” said Hermione, and then turning to Harry asked, “May I use Hedwig?”  “Naturally, I’ll go get her.” smiled Harry, walking purposefully in the direction of his room.

“Ron,” said Sirius, a bit louder than he intended making, Ron start slightly, “would you care to take a turn or two through the obstacle course while Hermione writes her note and we wait on Dumbledore?”  “Yeah,” Ron breathed.  He couldn’t imagine a more perfect morning – flying through an unbelievable obstacle course on Harry’s Firebolt with Sirius Black.  It was as though all his dreams were coming true. 

Hermione seated herself at Arabella’s elegant writing desk in the small downstairs library.  She dashed off her note to Rita Skeeter, and then carefully folded the thick creamy parchment.  Harry returned with Hedwig perched gracefully on his outstretched arm.  Hedwig remained perfectly still while Hermione tied the note to one of her legs, being careful of her razor sharp talons.  A thought suddenly struck Hermione.  “That’s it!” she said to Harry, “I know what you can call me.”  “Call you?  What do you mean?” he asked, puzzled.  “When I am an animagus, I want a nickname like “Padfoot” or “Prongs”  “Oh,” said Harry, “I see what you mean.  Well then, out with it…”   She didn’t speak, but her voice whispered in his head, “Talons”.  “Perfect,” he exclaimed, “but what about me?”  She laughed “I’ve had your name picked out for some time – ‘Firebird’ it can’t be anything else.”  “I love it,” he said and reached for one of her hands.  “I love you, too, by the way.”  

Hedwig swooped away with a soft rush of wings.  They watched her through the open front door until she was lost from view among the trees in the park.  Harry draped an arm around Hermione’s shoulder.   Then, taking himself by surprise, he said, “When the trial is over, go with me to Godric’s Hollow.  I want to see it – I need to see it, but I don’t think I can bear to without you.  Will you….?”  “Of course I will.  You needn’t have asked”, she answered and raising her head to his, kissed him softly on the cheek.

The morning passed quickly away.  Each “witness” was questioned in turn and some (Ron) found it harder than others to keep from babbling endlessly when given veritaserum.  Eventually, Dumbledore satisfied himself that everyone would be fine on the stand.  After lunch, Dumbledore turned his attention to gathering significant memories for the collective pensieve. 

This process was emotional and draining, but necessary if Sirius was to be set free.  Some of the more compelling memories included the sight of Scabbers transforming into Wormtail, and Peter Pettigrew’s tearful confession to his relationship with Voldemort.  Harry had expected Dumbledore to collect a few of his own memories of the night Wormtail and Voldemort had killed Cedric Diggory, but Fudge had already warned Dumbledore not to introduce evidence of Voldemort’s rebirth in wizard court, so that critical piece of evidence would not be seen. “At least not yet, anyway” thought Harry to himself.  “Even if Fudge doesn’t want to see it, Rita Skeeter might.”  It was something to keep in mind for the months to come. 

The next morning found everyone assembled in the sitting room around the fireplace.  Arabella wore smart traveling robes and carried a small overnight bag.  Harry, Ron and Hermione had changed into their Hogwarts robes, which felt strangely foreign at Paravel.  Remus was kitted out in new robes of dark grey. Their simple cut made him look years younger and yet somehow scholarly.  It suited him nicely.  Dumbledore carried no overnight bag, but had donned more formal robes for the meeting he expected to have with Fudge later that day. 

Sirius came to see them off.  He hardly knew what to say and kept running his hands distractedly through his hair.  He shook Dumbledore’s hand.  Remus squeezed his shoulder encouragingly.  “I’ll send word to you as soon as we know something,” said Arabella.  Turning to Harry and Hermione, he drew them into a great hug.  “Thank you, thank you all” he said looking down at them, and then to Ron. 

Tom, the innkeeper, greeted them warmly and showed them to their rooms.  Hedwig was waiting for Harry with a reply from Rita Skeeter for Hermione.  She tore it open eagerly, then looked dismayed.  “What is it?”  Harry asked.  “She wants to meet me in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton this afternoon.  I didn’t expect we’d meet in Muggle London…I thought it would be somewhere in Diagon Alley.” said Hermione, distractedly.  “Maybe she thought the two of you together in Diagon Alley would attract too much attention” Harry shrugged, unable to fathom the mind of what he considered a tabloid reporter.  Then laughing he said, “Maybe she just wants to meet you in a place where you can’t use your wand!”  Hermione punched him hard in the shoulder.

Ten minutes later found them back in the bar of the Leaky Cauldron.  Dumbledore and Remus departed for the Ministry of Magic, while Harry, Hermione, Ron and Arabella ventured out into Diagon Alley.  Arabella suggested that Harry, Hermione and Ron get their school supplies, while she did some personal shopping.  Nodding in unison, they agreed to meet her outside Florean Fortesques’ Ice Cream parlor at 12:00 noon.

The approaching trial made it impossible for them to be totally carefree, but they laughed and joked as they made the familiar rounds – Gringotts for money, Flourish and Blotts for books, Madam Malkins for new school robes, and the Magical Menagerie for owl and cat treats.  “What next?” asked Hermione around mid-morning. Ron grinned and confessed that Fred and George had given him money for new dress robes.  He asked Hermione to help him pick them out.  Harry screwed up his face.  “No thanks.  I think I’ll take a stroll through Quality Quidditch Supplies.  See you at Florean Fortesques’ at noon.”  He kissed Hermione quickly “good-bye” and disappeared into the crowded street.

Hermione and Ron returned to Madam Malkin’s and selected plain robes of deep blue that contrasted nicely with Ron’s hair.  He was delighted to finally have clothing in any other color than maroon.  Hermione looked at her watch.  “Ron, tomorrow’s Harry’s birthday and I have something special for him.  I’ve already ordered it - I just need to pick it up.  It won’t take me a moment.  Were you planning to get him something as well?”  “Oh!” Ron said, slapping his forehead with his hand, “I’d forgotten, thanks!”  He knitted his eyebrows, and then said, “I saw the perfect thing in Flourish and Blotts.  I’ll just nip back and get it.”  “Perfect” she replied.  “I’ll see you at Florean Fortesques in fifteen minutes or so.”           

Hermione headed down Diagon Alley, past Eyelops Owlery and Ollivanders, until she had nearly reached Knockturn Alley.  Tucked in a shadowy corner was Baubles and Bangles – the wizarding store for watches and jewelry.  Hermione ducked inside.  At a gleaming glass counter she picked up her order.  It was a watch, but not just any watch.  It had five hands.  Two were for telling time, but the other three had names written on them – Ron, Hermione, and Sirius.  Just like the large grandfather clock at the Weasley’s, destinations were written around the face.  Places like “Quidditch”, “In Class”, “In the Library”, “Travelling” “Jail” “In Mortal Peril” and “Home” were etched in tiny letters around the dial.  Gently she turned it over.  On its silver back were engraved two interlocking initials “H. H.” and the date.  She was pleased.  He would love it.  Putting it carefully back into its box, she paid the shopkeeper and stepped out into the sunshine, imagining Harry’s reaction when he opened it.

Harry had finished his browsing and strolled along to Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor.  He was the first to arrive.  Florean greeted him warmly and insisted on giving him a free sundae while he waited for his friends.  Arabella appeared a short while later with heaps of mysterious parcels.  She was just asking about Ron and Hermione, when Ron appeared as if on cue.  “Where’s Hermione? Harry asked.  “She had something she needed to pick up.  I’m sure she’ll be along in a moment or two.” Ron said, evasively.  The minutes ticked by and no Hermione.  Arabella was growing concerned.

Hermione fought and struggled, trying to see her attackers under their dark hoods.   The hideous witches and wizards of Knockturn Alley, looked on, but did nothing to intervene as the hooded figures drug her into a dark side street, shoving her roughly against the wall and pinning her hands behind her back.   A smaller slighter figure stepped from their midst and drew back his hood.  Hermione’s eyes narrowed with hatred.

It was Draco Malfoy.  “So, thought you’d set precious Potter’s godfather free again, did you?” he said, nastily.  The hand was removed from her mouth.  She spit in his face.  He raised a hand to strike her, but restrained himself.  He had a point to make. “That’s right,” he went on coldly, “I know about your little plan.  Fudge told father all about it.  But how convincing will it be without the star witness – the very architect of the plan?  No, he said softly, you’re going to be unavoidably detained, Miss Mudblood.” He laughed evilly.  “This is payback time for you and Potter.” he hissed, taking a new tack. “I saw him kiss you in the street just now.  So, he finally does have a little girlfriend.  I wonder how he’ll feel about his girlfriend once she’s been soiled in Knockturn Alley…” He forced his lips savagely against hers.  She thrashed her head from side to side.  Suddenly he let out a howl of pain.  She had bitten him.  Blood dribbled down his chin.  He lunged at her, his eyes glinting with anger and contempt.

“Did she say where she was going?” asked Harry, who was getting edgy.  Before Ron could answer, the ring on Harry’s finger suddenly flashed to life and emitted a piercing hum.  “Hermione!” Harry shouted, and vanished instantly.

BANG! Suddenly there was the sound of a wand blasts all around her.  Hermione saw jets of red and gold light shoot and ricochet in the narrow street.  Then she saw him.  Harry was standing a few feet behind Malfoy with his wand drawn and his eyes blazing.

The sight of Malfoy lunging at Hermione had unleashed fury in Harry that he had never known before.  There was a roaring in his ears.  His vision swam slightly.  In a flash, his wand was out.  He roared “Stupefy”, and Malfoy dropped to the ground as if he had been hit by a lead weight.  The figures on either side of Malfoy crumpled as well.  Those left standing fled in terror.  The aura of power surrounding Harry was palpable and they wanted no part of it.

Hermione ran into Harry’s arms.  “Did he hurt you? Are you all right?” Harry asked her frantically.  Seedy figures had begun to gather at the end of the street.  Sobbing now, despite her earlier bravery, Hermione said, “Get me out of here, Harry.  We’ve got to get out of here, now!” Simultaneously, the ring and amulet began to glow.  Harry focused hard of Florean Fortesque’s and gathering her into his arms, he said “Appareo”.   They vanished, only to reappear a split second later in the sunshine of Diagon Alley. 

Hermione was dirty and disheveled; her robes were torn there were a few small scratch marks on her face.  Arabella cried out and ran to Hermione.  Harry set her carefully on one of the ice cream parlor’s benches.  He drew from among his robes a clean handkerchief and gently wiped her tear-stained face. 

“What happened! Ron exploded.  “Hermione, are you okay?!”  Hermione looked up at Ron and Arabella.   “I’m alright, now” she said.  Ron noticed that although her voice was nearly steady, she kept a tight hold on Harry robes.  In broken phrases, she told them what had happened and what Malfoy had said about keeping her from Sirius’s trial.  “Then he said,”  Hermione stopped, suddenly not able to look at Harry, “that he knew I was your girlfriend and that he wondered how you would feel about having your girlfriend….soiled in Knockturn Alley by him.”  Ron exclaimed in fury, but Harry pulled her close.  His eyes suddenly stinging with tears at the fear and violation she must have felt.  “But Harry,” she went on quickly, “you stunned him before he had the chance to make good on his threat.  Except for a few scratches and bruises, I’m fine, really I’m fine - just a little shaken up.” 

“Harry,” said Arabella, “did you actually see him attack her?”  Harry nodded silently.  “And you stunned him?  He nodded again.  Ron interrupted fiercely, “Maybe now, Malfoy with think twice before attacking a sorceress.”  Arabella held up a finger warningly.  She was not anxious for the truth about Hermione and Harry’s powers to be widely known.  Ron understood instantly, and changed the subject, “How did you know how to find her, Harry?”  “The Cadeau Du Mer.” He said simply.  “When one of us is in trouble, the Cadeau Du Mer will alert the other one.”  “Is that why your ring went crazy just before you apparated?” Ron asked.   “Yes,” Harry nodded.  “It took me straight to her, thank God.”  

Arabella interrupted.  “This is no place to talk.” She eyed the crowed streets warily.  Let’s go back to our rooms.”  As they rose to leave, a rat scuttled among some nearby garbage cans.  It appeared to be a common garden rat and would have been indistinguishable from the average rodent except for the fact that one toe was missing off of a front paw.

Distraught over her the attack on her granddaughter, Arabella whisked them hurriedly back to the Leaky Cauldron.  She took Hermione straight to her own room where she helped her clean up her scratches and in a private interview, satisfied herself that Malfoy had indeed only been able to threaten Hermione before Harry arrived. 

Hermione came downstairs for lunch to find Arabella in the midst of telling Dumbledore and Remus the whole sorry tale.  Remus was visibly angry, but Dumbledore simply shook his head sadly.  “Hermione,” Dumbledore began, calling her by her first name for the first time, “you have had a shocking and dreadful experience.  If you feel that you can no longer put yourself at risk and would like to go back to Paravel right now, you may.”  She was stunned.  In a voice she was barely able to control she said, “With respect, sir, No!  I will not let Malfoy have the satisfaction of knowing that his plan succeeded, that he kept me from giving my testimony”, she added in a somewhat more normal voice, “ and from meeting with Rita Skeeter.”  Dumbledore smiled at her.  “You are remarkably brave – young woman.”  He had been about to say, “girl”, but looking at her determined face, he realized just how much more mature she had become in a very short time.

Arabella interrupted, “You are not seriously thinking of keeping your appointment with Rita Skeeter?”  “Certainly, I am.” Hermione sounded firm.  “Her stories in the Daily Prophet and Witch Weekly will put invaluable pressure on the ministry to not only clear Sirius, but help him assume his rightful place in the wizarding world as well.”  Harry knew from the stubborn set of Hermione’s chin that there was no talking her out of it.  At last Arabella conceded.  “You may go if you wish, but if you go, you must have protection.”  She eyed Ron, Harry and Remus who instantly agreed to serve as body guards. 

Arabella conjured attire appropriate for the sort of Muggles who might be found in the lobby of the Ritz Carleton and they set off.  Remus led the way across the threshold of the Leaky Cauldron into Muggle London.   They reached their destination easily on foot, and entered the building separately.  Remus, Harry, and Ron positioned themselves discreetly around the lobby and watched as Hermione entered through the gleaming revolving doors.

Hermione spotted Rita easily.  She was wearing what barely passed for a Muggle suit in an unpleasant shade of green.  Hermione walked directly to her and extended a hand.  Rita took it, reluctantly and gave it a limp shake.  Over the next hour, Hermione recounted the actual facts of Sirius’s past life – about his relationship to the Potters and to Harry, how he and Peter Pettigrew had switched places as the Potter’s Secret Keeper, and how Peter Pettigrew was an unregistered animagus.  (Hermione was careful to omit that fact that Sirius was one as well.) She went on to describe how Pettigrew had faked his own death and pinned it on Sirius. 

“This is quite unbelievable – and quite sensational” Rita said, when Hermione had finished.  “Can you verify all these facts?” She asked, shrewdly.   “Be in the wizarding court of appeals in the morning, and they will all be verified for you.  You will be the first reporter to print the truth about Black.” Hermione said coolly.  That seemed to be the end of the interview.  Rita left hastily, promising to be in court in the morning.  By nightfall, the reason for her haste was apparent.  Not waiting to check the facts, she had managed to get a story in the evening edition of the Daily Prophet.  Hermione was thrilled with the headline “Sirius Black, Not Guilty? by special correspondent, Rita Skeeter.”     

For the rest of the afternoon and through the night, Harry never left Hermione’s side.  He had taken the attack on her personally, just as Malfoy had intended it. 

Dumbledore sent everyone to bed early which was fine with Hermione.  She was too anxious about the next day’s proceedings to make small talk.  She made her way up to her room, thinking about everything that had happened that day, and what would happen tomorrow.   But at that moment, all she wanted was to sleep, peacefully entwined in Harry’s arms.  She shut the door behind her and dressed for bed.  Hermione was just turning from her mirror when she heard a small “popping” noise behind her.  She smiled, already knowing by the glow of her amulet who it was.    Without a word, she ran into his arms.    

The courtroom at the Ministry was crowded and noisy.  Rita Skeeter’s article had set off a firestorm of controversy, just as Hermione intended.  All around the group from Paravel were fascinated on lookers with wild theories about Black’s guilt or innocence.  Hermione was relieved when bailiffs escorted them to the judges’ chambers, away from the curious throng.   Ron, Remus, Harry and Hermione were all given careful instructions from the panel of appeals judges as to what would be expected of them in court.  Eventually, they were separated and putting into individual holding rooms.  One by one, they were given veritaserum and led into the courtroom.  Ministry wizards questioned them at length under Dumbledore’s watchful eye.  Sometimes Dumbledore would not permit them to answer a question, and occasionally he asked a follow-up question to add clarity, but for the most part, he remained silent.

Among those who attended this history-making appeal were Lucius and Draco Malfoy.  They scoffed openly at Ron and Hermione’s testimony, but were silenced by the compelling images from the pensieve.  At length, the three member panel of judges recessed to consider the evidence placed before them.  Harry, Hermione, Ron, Remus, Dumbledore, and Arabella were re-united in make-shift board room while they awaited the verdict.   Dumbledore congratulated them for the manner in which they had conducted themselves while under such close scrutiny.  “No matter what verdict the judges return, you should all be proud of yourselves and your effort.”  Arabella asked him if he had any sense of what the outcome might be, but he was noncommittal.  He had seen Lucious Malfoy in the crowd and guessed at the political machinations that might now be taking place in the judges’ chambers. 

Just when Hermione thought she might crack under the strain of not knowing, they were summoned back into the courtroom.  This time they were allowed to sit together.  Harry squeezed Hermione’s hand tightly under her robes.  The eldest judge, who was apparently senior, spoke for all of them and read from a prepared statement: “In the matter of the Ministry of Magic versus Sirius Black, who was charged for the murder of Peter Pettigrew and placed without trial in Azkaban Prison, we find, that in light of new evidence presented here today, the previous lower court ruling and sentencing must be overturned.”    The courtroom erupted.  Harry, Ron  and Hermione leapt to their feet cheering and stomping.  The elder judge banged his gavel irritably.  “The court would like it made perfectly clear, that from this moment forward, Sirius Black is no longer to be considered a criminal by any wizarding jurisdiction and will not be returned to Azkaban Prison.  Further, in light of the fact that Mr. Black was sentenced without trial and falsely imprisoned, the court orders the Ministry of Magic to pay compensatory damages of….” The magistrate’s last words were drowned out in the din that followed.  Reporters and photographers pressed in on them from all sides trying to get their reaction and take their photograph.  Hermione waved them all away saying she would speak only with Rita Skeeter.

Harry wanted to leave for Paravel immediately to share the good news with Sirius, but Arabella reminded him that he and Hermione would have to take their apparition tests before leaving.  Fortunately, the tests were practical ones, and therefore over in minutes.  In less than an hour, Harry and Hermione had both been given certificates indicating that they were licensed to apparate at will.  By now, Harry was nearly wild with excitement and anticipation.  Ministry cars took them back to the Leaky Cauldron where they hastily gathered there things.  Arabella used floo powder to get Ron and all their purchases back to Paravel.  Once Ron was safely away, Remus, Dumbledore, Arabella, Harry, and Hermione apparated together back to Paravel.

They found Sirius pacing the terrace tensely and raced toward him.  “You’re free!  You’re free!  Harry shouted.   Sirius jerked his head up to see four blurs rushing at him.  Ron, Harry, Remus, and Hermione buried him in an avalanche of hugs.  He had just managed to extricate himself, when Dumbledore reached them, smiling.  “You are indeed a free man, Sirius.  Here is a copy of the court’s ruling to prove it.”  Dumbledore held out a role of legal-sized parchment for all to see.  With a half bow, he presented to Sirius, who took it in shaking hands and then sank to his knees, overwhelmed.

He buried his face in his hands.  For over a decade, he had been held in Azkaban, for nearly fifteen years, he had lived with the label “murderer”, but now it was all over.  He looked up at the loving faces that surrounded him.  His eyes fell on Hermione.  Taking her hands in his, he said, “Last year you and Harry saved my life. Today you have given me the freedom to live it.  I can never repay you,” his voice became hoarse, “but I pledge to you my loyalty and unending gratitude for the rest of my life.”  He kissed her hand.  Silent tears streamed down her cheeks.  She was overwhelmed and embarrassed.  Sirius turned to Harry.  “I owe the same to you, Harry.  If you hadn’t stopped me killing Pettigrew that night, none of this would be possible.  And if you hadn’t held off the dementors, my life wouldn’t have been worth saving.”  “Thank Remus, not me,” Harry said earnestly. “He taught me to do it.”  Sirius now turned his attention to Dumbledore, Arabella, and Remus.  His voice was now croaky.  “Thank you for believing in me when no one else did.”  They hugged and shook hands, as appropriate.

“And now,” said Arabella “its time we got this celebration underway.”  As a group, they turned and went back to the house, but Hermione and Harry hung back.  When the two of them were quite alone, Harry took both his hands in hers and stood facing her.  There were simply no words to describe how he felt.  Hermione had masterminded a scheme that had given him back his godfather.  Now he would never have to go back to the Dursley’s.  He could remain in the wizarding world forever, the godson of a free man.  It was perhaps, the happiest moment of his life.  He threw back his head and laughed with joy.  He swept her into his arms and spun her in dizzying circles, finally pausing to kiss her.  Hermione stood on tip-toe and whispered into his ear. “Happy Birthday, Harry”.