19 Freedom, and the future.

Chapter 19 –

The silence that followed after the declaration was deafening. Every person present in the courtroom watched with bated breath, and disbelief as the disheveled form of the dirty bald man, who everyone undoubtedly recognized to be Peter Pettigrew was brought in the courtroom.

Peter looked around the room, as he recognized many familiar faces, all of which were gazing at him in astonishment. He hoped that some of the people present, would come to his aide, but deep down, he knew, that he was done for. He had escaped justice long enough, and the truth was finally going to be out in the open for the world to see.

His internal wailings and fear were cut off by the sudden shout from the court dais "How is this possible? Peter Pettigrew should be dead!" He belatedly realized that the shout was from the minister of magic himself, who was looking a shade purple, with rage or dismay, he didn't know, neither did he care, as he refocused on the auror who was binding him, in the seat in the middle of the courtroom, letting him know, that his fate was finally sealed.

"We are coming to that, your honor. You see, on the 25th of December, during a Christmas dinner, hosted by the Weasley family, at their residence, one of their guests, a first-year, Nathan Frye, noticed the abnormally long lifespan of the Weasley family pet rat. Upon further inspection, by the people present, it was found that the rat was no mere rat at all, but was instead, an Animagus. That unregistered Animagus was Peter Pettigrew, who had been hiding in his animagus form, ever since the night the dark lord died. If his need for hiding away wasn't reason enough of his guilt, of committing the murder of 12 muggles that night, subsequently blaming Sirius Black, we have statements from the head of DMLE, Madame Amelia Bones, who had personally responded to the call for aide, at the dinner party. She had deemed the situation worthy of on-scene veritaeserum questioning, and Mr. Pettigrew has confessed to his guilt under the potion. Therefore, I plead that court today, that all charges levied on Sirius Orion Black be dismissed, and that Mr. Peter Pettigrew face at least life in Azkaban, if not the veil." He heard the lawyer, Ted Tonks make the impassioned plea.

He looked around the room, as the members of the court went through the documents that they had been given. He heard a long-suffering sigh of resignation from the court dais, as he looked at the Minister, who was looking right at him with barely hidden contempt.

The minister said with gritted teeth "Given the evidence presented today, there will be a vote of hands over the final judgment. Does anyone have any objections?"

When no objections were made, he continued "Those in favor of exonerating Sirius Orion Black, and convicting Peter Pettigrew to Life in Azkaban?!"

Almost all the hands in the courtroom went up. Peter could see that only very few people, were reluctant to vote.

"Well, that's a clear majority as any. Sirius Orion Black is hereby cleared off all his charges. Peter Pettigrew will face life in Azkaban. Take him away!" The minister banged his gavel, and quickly made his exit out of the courtroom.

Tears flowed from Peter's eyes as he finally looked at the face of his old friend, whom he had been avoiding to look at throughout the trial. He could see the disgust the man held for him, and the vicious smile that he wore on his face, as his verdict was announced. The only thing saving him from having to listen to his voice was the silencing charm that was still very much in place.

His final thought as he was dragged away by the dementors to Azkaban was that he had to find a way out and to his master. It was his only hope.

oOOOOOOOOOOOOOo

Nathan Frye was astonished that his efforts, and albeit accidental capture of Peter Pettigrew had been successful in the exoneration of Sirius Black. He was looking forward to meeting the man.

They were waiting in the main hall of the ministry, for Sirius to arrive, after he receives his wand, and other confiscated possessions from the Auror department. Beside him were Ted Tonks, and Albus Dumbledore.

"What are you thinking about Albus? Your eyes haven't stopped twinkling ever since the verdict was announced." Ted asked the old man.

The old mage glanced at Ted and smiled "Ah, I was merely thinking about poor Remus Lupin. He had been distraught ever since that night. I believe that Sirius' exoneration, would go a long way in starting the healing process for the man. That, and I believe that a lot of my past errors will only be mended from this point, should things go as I believe they would."

Ted glanced at the gate from which Sirius was bound to arrive any moment and said "Sirius Black would need a lot of mind healing, and help if he is to move on from what he has suffered. I intend to open my home for my brother in law, till he is done with his healing. I don't want him staying at the Black's old home. Grimmauld Place wouldn't do him any good. Plus, my wife, Andromeda intends to start over and wash her sins past."

"Yes, you're right of course. There is another matter, that I wanted to discuss with you Ted. You, and Sirius, that is. I believe that he will be most anxious to find out the whereabouts of someone he may yet care about, apart from Remus Lupin." Dumbledore said mysteriously.

"Who are you talking about Albus?" Ted asked.

The old professor glanced at Nathan and said "Let's table that discussion for after Sirius is well situated at your home. I believe that is him, that is being escorted out here with the auror guard." And he pointed towards the gallery from which the unkempt man was being guided.

Nathan could see the joyous expression on his face. He looked like a child being guided to his next playground, smiling and bouncing on his feet, as he skipped down the gallery.

"Well, this is it, Mr. Black. You're a free man." Kingsley Shacklebolt said as they reached the group that was waiting for the newly exonerated wizard.

"Yes, and I still can't believe it. Me, Sirius Black, a free man again. I was sure that it would be the gallows for me, when the aurors had arrived to escort me to the trial. How was this possible, Albus?" Sirius asked, and Kingsley rolled his eyes.

"That's the sixth time, you have asked the same question. Albus, you take it from here. I think he will need a good rest for things to calm down, and it all to sink in for him." Kingsley said, as he waved them goodbye.

"Well, Sirius. This is really happening, and believe it or not, it was all possible because of young Mr. Frye here. He caught Peter in his animagus form, when he attended the Christmas dinner, at the Weasley's this year. He was curious about the abnormally long life span of the family pet rat. That curiosity led to his capture, and now, here you are." Ted explained patting Nathan on the shoulder, who smiled at the man.

Sirius finally looked at Nathan, and kneeled down in front of him. He looked in his eyes and said "Thank You. You have freed me from a life of torment, and misery. Nathan? Was it? I cannot express how grateful I am, and if you ever need anything from me, all you need is to ask."

Nathan smiled hearing that. He had found his pureblood proprietor in the Wizarding World, all he needed was for him to get back in good health. "You're welcome, Mr. Black- "

"Sirius, please. Mr. Black was my father, and I am nothing like him"

"Sirius, then. And I merely stumbled upon a curious situation. Though I am happy, I was able to help."

Sirius nodded, smiling again and he got up and looked to Albus, and said "Albus, I am so happy to see you. Thank you, for making this possible."

The aged old professor waved his and said "I didn't do a lot. To be frank with you, I was shocked when the truth came out."

"As were we, Mr. Black." A silky voice cut in abruptly, and everyone turned to the face the person who had spoken. It was a tall man, with silver-blonde hair, who was walking with a cane in his right hand. He was being followed by two other men, on his either side. "It is a pleasure to see you, out of Azkaban, Sirius. My wife, Narcissa, would be ever so pleased, now that her cousin, is free again." He continued.

"Lucius, McNair, Nott," Sirius responded stiffly. "Can't say it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Now, now, Brother-in-law, none of that. We can leave the hostilities aside, we're here to celebrate your freedom after all." He said, smiling a small fake smile. He turned to look at Nathan and said "And I hear it's all thanks to this young man, here. Nathan Frye, right? I am sure the students at Slytherin house, will be happy to give you a more thorough, tour, of the castle. I am sure, a first-year, such as yourself will be delighted to find the more mysterious secrets of the magnificent castle."

"Ah, I think that won't be necessary. You see, dear Lucius, young Mr. Frye is quite the adventurer and prankster. If I recall correctly, he has been to a lot of the castle, and explored its mysteries by himself, and his friends. Not quite unlike a certain group of pranksters, that Sirius here, was a part of." Dumbledore interjected.

"A pity. I am sure, some of my friends' children will mourn the lost opportunity." Lucius Malfoy replied instantly. "Anyway, we were here to pass on our congratulations, Sirius. And please, do visit Malfoy Manor, if you have time. We may have to discuss a few things that pertain to your, family, for a lack of a better word. Good day, gentlemen." He finished and turned around and walked away.

"I hate that slime arsehole. I mean, did you listen to the superiority laced in his voice, and the condescension? Ugh, Let's get out of here, before more people show up to, 'congratulate me' like merlin forbid, the minister or someone else." Sirius said, as he exhaled and turned to look at the others.

"Yes, I believe that you're right. Ted, your home?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes, let's take the Floo. Nathan you're with me."

oOOOOOOOOOOOOo

From what Nathan could deduce, Dumbledore and Sirius had a long talk about the whereabouts of Harry Potter. Unfortunately, he wasn't privy to what had happened, but by his understanding, a new home was being bought near Number 5 Privet Drive, for a Mr. Black.

He mused he could try visiting Sirius there, if he intended to at least get to know Harry Potter.

After the trial, He and his mother were quick to leave via the floo, after congratulating Sirius on his freedom, and they made their way back to London, with Tonks' help.

After they arrived at their hotel, Nathan decided to quickly make his way back to the Abode, so that he could inspect the wards that the Goblins had installed, while they were away. He had paid them to cover everything on the hill, including the old witch's home that he had previously stumbled upon.

After returning to the Abode, he could see that his mum, was confused as to its location, and he realized that it had become unplottable, as per his preference. Only a magical being could glean a general idea of the Abode's location, that too only if they knew its general location on their own.

Though Nathan still intended to learn runes and warding himself, and eventually build upon these wards for the utmost safety, he was satisfied for now.

As soon as they were back home, Nathan counted the number of days till the next half of the term was to start. He counted around ten days before they had to return to London, so it was adequate time for him to write down the first volume of his book, plagiarized from his previous life, he started writing 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians', for his first book. He wasn't too guilty about copying someone else' work, because technically, the original author, Rick Riordan hadn't written it, yet in this world.

He had plans of writing Inheritance Cycle, as well as converting a few anime shows to novel format. That way, he could license the rights to the anime later, to a company that would net him money.

He was confident, he could write all 88,000 words of the first installment of 'Percy Jackson' before he had to return to Hogwarts in ten days, plus he could use magic to do the writing of the pen for him.

He decided that he would take help from his mum, to get the book published in the non-magical world, and Ted's help to the same in the magical world.

Eventually, after amassing a sizeable amount of wealth, he would invest a part of his money into safe bet companies, from his previous life, and a few companies that he knew existed in the Marvel Universe, like Stark Industries.

He was looking forward to finally make some real change, in the world.

********

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I hope you like this chapter.

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