Saturday, June 22nd, 1994
At a quarter-to-eleven – fifteen minutes before the trial was to begin – Courtroom Ten was buzzing with conversation from several attendees. From his front row seat, Harry Potter looked around at the crowd to see if could see anyone he recognized. He soon came to one disheartening conclusion. Most of the people gathered today did not appear to be anyone Sirius Black might truly know or approve of, and in turn, Harry wasn't sure most of these people were interested in Sirius' fate whatever happened. They were just here for the spectacle, having heard about it in the Daily Prophet. Most were likely just gossip-mongers, looking for their next topic of discussion at future social gatherings.
Thanks to Tonks pointing them out, Harry did recognize at least two people who would support Sirius through it all: Ted and Andromeda Tonks. Andromeda was Sirius' cousin, his favorite. A slight shiver resonated around his body as he looked upon Andromeda. Aside from some distinctions, she still reminded him of her sister, Bellatrix Lestrange. Sadly, Ted and Andromeda were the only two Harry recognized as Sirius' supporters.
Across the room, seated in a group like vultures gathered in waiting for their next juicy meal, were the various media representatives. Harry immediately recognized the bottle-blonde haired Rita Skeeter. A Quick-Quotes Quill was hovering near her. As he glanced at her, she caught his eye and a large smile crossed her lips, and she gave a dainty little wave toward him. Harry rolled his eyes and looked away.
Still, more people were coming into the courtroom every minute or so. Two of those people, Harry recognized. One of his Betrothed, Luna Lovegood was skipping along with her father, Xenophilius. She was wearing a white, flowered dress that looked far different than anything anyone else was wearing. Apparently formal robes weren't in her favor. She caught his eye, waved energetically and whispered something to her father who bent low to listen. His eyes widened as he glanced at Harry and he nodded. Luna smiled then started skipping toward Harry and Hermione's direction.
"Good morning!" Luna said, cheerily.
"Good morning, Luna," Harry said, "Are you going to be sitting with your father, or would you like to sit with us? I'm sure Tonks would allow it."
Luna looked at Tonks, who smiled warmly and patted an empty seat.
"Thank you," Luna said, as she sat down with Tonks, "I think I'd like that. Daddy will likely be 'in the zone' as he likes to say, during the trial. He does his best writing during those times. So I would probably not get a word out of him."
"Probably not," Harry said, "I'm sorry I didn't reply to your letter, Luna. I should have but I have been quite busy. We loved your articles though. They were excellent."
"Definitely!" Hermione said.
"Thank you," Luna said, smiling. "We've been getting a lot of responses ever since those articles. Both supportive and not-so-much. Thankfully Daddy installed wards long ago that prevented dangerous mail such as hex-letters and Howlers."
"Oh dear," Hermione said, frowning, "I hope nothing too bad will come from the Tom Riddle article."
"Oh, Daddy is sure it won't come to that," Luna said, "He's used to drama due to the Quibbler."
"Yes, but your article has given clear concrete evidence that -" Hermione lowered her voice, "- Voldemort – is a half-blood. There are several purebloods out there who wouldn't like such a revelation."
Harry sighed. "I never wanted to bring you that kind of trouble, Luna."
Luna only smiled. "Thank you, but you don't need to worry. As chief-editor, Daddy would never have published the article if he wasn't ready for the response to it."
"Even though it was written by his daughter?" Hermione asked.
"Written by his employee," Luna corrected. "I may be his daughter, but the Quibbler is serious business. He understands that. If he published everything I ever wrote to put in the Quibbler – there would have been a story from me as a little tot about my success at potty training!"
Tonks snickered. Hermione's face was red from trying not to laugh. Harry was wondering if he should respond, when an event happened that deemed it unnecessary. A door on the right side of the room opened and several people started to enter the room. It didn't take Harry long to realize these were the many faces of the British Wizengamot. Harry recognized a few amongst the crowd.
There was Neville's grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, looking formidable as ever in her formal outfit that was thankfully vacant of a stuffed-vulture topped hat. Harry also recognized Florean Fortescue, who owned the ice-cream parlor, Mr. Flourish, of Flourish and Blott's, and Amos Diggory, Cedric's father. Harry was quite surprised when he spotted Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody limping toward a chair – he did not know the man was a part of the Wizengamot.
As more started to pour in and take their seats, soon Harry recognized others – some of whom he wasn't as thrilled to see. Bartemius Crouch, Senior, part of the group originally responsible for sending Sirius to Azkaban in the first place. Harry studied the man to see if he had any signs of the Imperius Curse yet, but the man looked professional and serious. Harry narrowed his eyes when he noticed the beach-blonde hair of Lucius Malfoy, walking along a row and carrying his serpent-headed cane. Harry wondered just how many Death Eaters were in the crowd, how many future targets of his assassination plans.
Hermione gasped beside him. "Harry, it's Umbridge!"
Harry immediately searched and sure enough found Dolores Umbridge near the doorway where the Wizengamot were emerging from. She was obviously waiting for someone, and it didn't take long for Harry to figure out who. Umbridge was looking toady as ever, her poisoned-honey smile twisting her lips. He knew he shouldn't be surprised that she was in attendance.
"We're going to have problems with her," Hermione whispered, "I just know it."
Harry merely nodded. The last of the Wizengamot walked into the room, and it was this last small group which Harry recognized every single member. There was Rufus Scrimgeour, current Head of the Auror Department, leading the pack. Madam Amelia Bones followed him, carrying a crème-colored folder close to her chest, protectively. Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge entered, and Umbridge immediately bustled over to him, as if he was a fly for her next toady meal. And finally – Harry wasn't at all surprised to see him – Albus Dumbledore.
As if he knew right where they were, Dumbledore's eyes had caught Harry and Hermione immediately. A grandfatherly smile crossed his lips – one Harry could see right through – and he proceeded to follow the Minister into the stands, where he sat front row and center.
"Dumbledore's leading the trial today," Hermione whispered. "I should have known. He's the Chief Warlock, after all."
"Yeah," Harry said, "Hey, what time is it?"
"Five minutes till," Tonks said.
"Where is Sirius?" Hermione asked, looking worried.
"Dunno," Harry said, "Maybe wants to get here at the last minute? Make an entrance?"
Harry then heard a noise behind him as the main doors of the courtroom opened. A loud buzzing was heard as if a dozen beehives full of bees had just been set in the room. Sirius stepped into the room and looked around until he caught sight of Harry. He winked, and Harry smiled. Behind Sirius, Remus stepped into the room, patted Sirius on the shoulder, said a few words, then headed for the chairs.
Up in the Wizengamot chairs, Cornelius Fudge stood up straight.
"Well, Black," Cornelius said, so he was heard around the room, "I was beginning to think you weren't going to show up. Thought I might have had to send the Dementors and our best Hit-Wizards and Aurors out to find you."
"As much as I would have appreciated that greeting party," Sirius said, "I decided it was in my best interest that I had better show up."
"Why isn't this man restrained?" Dolores Umbridge demanded, "He is a criminal! Aurors!"
"Madam Umbridge, I allowed Sirius – Mr. Black – to come here of his own doing," Amelia said. "And that is exactly what he did. But just to assure the safety of everyone. Mr. Black? Are you going to give us any reason to restrain you?"
"No, Madam Bones," Sirius said. "Though I would appreciate a chair, if you have one."
A very uncomfortable wooden chair appeared directly in the center of the floor between the rows of chairs, and the Wizengamot. Sirius smiled and walked down the aisle in between the chairs, as buzzing of chatter began once again. Several pops were heard as cameras went off, taking pictures of Sirius.
Sirius smiled at Harry as he passed near by, then he walked over to the chair and sat down.
"Silence in the Court!" Fudge said, as he returned to his chair. "Chief Warlock, the floor is yours. You may begin."
"Criminal Trial for the twenty-second of June in the year nineteen-ninety-four," Dumbledore began, "Sirius Orion Black versus Great Britain. Offenses include: breaking out of Azkaban prison and eluding capture, on top of existing charges already laid upon the criminal, Sirius Orion Black. What is your plea, Mr. Black?"
"Not guilty, on all accounts," Sirius said.
"Scribe, take note of the 'not guilty' plea," Dumbledore said, his eyes still on Sirius, "Do you have a solicitor?"
"Madam Amelia Susan Bones," Amelia said, as she stood up, "volunteers herself as Sirius Black's representative."
A loud buzzing was heard around the public, media and Wizengamot. Dumbledore had the decency to look surprised at Amelia's statement, though he also seemed rather perturbed at the idea.
"Madam Bones," Fudge said, "The Court was not made aware prior to this trial of your decision. But I don't see why it should not be allowed. You are aware you forfeit your vote?"
"I am aware," Amelia said.
"Very well," Fudge said, "Scribe, take into account of Madam Bones' decision, as well as the fact that I am putting my name in the voting ballot in her stead. Amelia, I must ask you to move to the floor near your client."
Amelia nodded and proceeded to make her way to the floor. She conjured a chair and desk near Sirius and placed the crème-colored folder on it.
"You may continue, Chief Warlock," Fudge said.
"Madam Amelia Bones has been named as Sirius Black's Solicitor," Dumbledore said. "Representatives for the Wizengamot – Interrogators: Chief Warlock, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Rufus Sebastian Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Department, Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister -"
As Dumbledore named the Court Scribe and various other members of the Wizengamot, Harry grimaced at the thought that Umbridge would be an Interrogator. He knew she would likely have something to say about his and Hermione's testimonies. Luckily, Madam Bones was on the side of the Defense, and she was a formidable woman.
"Does the Defense have any witnesses?" Dumbledore continued.
"We do, Chief Warlock," Amelia said, glancing at Harry and Hermione, "And I believe they are capable of introducing themselves."
Harry and Hermione immediately took this as instruction to stand.
"Lord Harry James Potter," Harry said, "Head of the Ancient and Most Noble Houses of Potter and Peverell."
More buzzing was heard, and Harry heard pops of camera flashes. He noted several curious glances, and a few glares from noted people in the Wizengamot, including Lucius Malfoy and Dolores Umbridge.
"Hermione Jean Granger," Hermione said, "Vassal of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter."
There were more buzzing and a definite noise of disbelief from Umbridge at this announcement.
"Scribe take note of the two witnesses and that they are underage," Dumbledore said.
"I see no reason why the fact that they are underage should be a factor in this, Chief Warlock," Amelia Bones said.
"Simply that, as you know, Madam Bones, they cannot be allowed to take an Honor Vow," Dumbledore said, "Honor Vows on minors have been outlawed, even in the courts of law, for over a century."
"If I may speak, Chief Warlock?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore peered at Harry through his glasses. "You may, Mist – excuse me, Lord Potter."
"I am willing to submit memories for a Pensieve," Harry said. "I know it is normally not allowed in the court of law, but I would also be willing to accept a Legilimency scan from an impartial Legilimens, as long as they Vow to search only that the memories I would wish to enter are not fabricated."
"I would be willing to do the same, Chief Warlock," Hermione said.
"It is your decision, Minister," Dumbledore said.
"If I find it necessary, I am willing to take such steps," Fudge said.
Harry and Hermione glanced at each other, each surprised that Fudge was willing to accept such a thing.
A mere wisp of a frown crossed Dumbledore's face. "The Witnesses may be seated."
Harry and Hermione took their seats.
"I request a five minute recess," Madam Bones said, "So that I may consult with my client and figure out where our defense will begin."
Dumbledore turned to Fudge, who nodded.
"Accepted," Dumbledore said, "Recess is granted for five minutes then we will move to the opening statement."
Amelia walked over to Sirius, who gave his roguish smile at the sight of her. Amelia nearly melted at the sight of it. At least Azkaban couldn't take that away.
"The years have been good on you, Amy," Sirius said, in a low voice only she could hear, "You look just as beautiful as the last day I laid eyes upon you."
"It is nice to see you too, Sirius," Amelia said, "Please don't make me regret doing any of this."
"I would not attempt to harm such a generous offer from a beautiful lady," Sirius said.
"Alright, Sirius," Amelia said, "Let's try to figure out how to start this off right. Why did you plea not-guilty to escaping from prison. There is incontrovertible evidence you did just that."
"Amelia, I am innocent of the crimes which put me there," Sirius said, "Which means I was simply a long-term resident, much longer than any Auror stationed there. If I wasn't a prisoner, then I did not break out as a prisoner."
"The Ministry of Magic sees differently at the moment," Amelia said, "But I can work with that. I think the best strategy is to bring up the crimes you are accused of first. I have incontrovertible evidence that you are innocent of the pre-existing conspiracy charge, which will force the Wizengamot to allow you to give your side of the story of what happened on Halloween and the early hours of the following morning in 1981. I have a feeling things will play out, and once the Wizengamot begins to question you, your witnesses will be able to help answer such questions."
"An excellent strategy," Sirius said, "I will play along. I am quite aware of the evidence you have. Evidence that should have been brought forward the night James and Lily died."
"I agree, and I promise to bring that up," Amelia said.
"I look forward to it," Sirius said.
"I believe we can cut this recess short," Amelia said, out loud as she backed away from Sirius.
Dumbledore smacked a gavel on the surface in front of him.
"Court returns to session," he said, "Does the defense have an opening statement?"
"We do, Chief Warlock," Amelia said. "To begin, we start at the beginning of this trial, when the charges were brought up against my client. Various charges were given – and I quote – 'on top of existing charges'. I believe it is the existing charges we should look upon first. One of the early charges my client was accused of was conspiracy to commit murder. In other words, Mr. Black was believed to have taken part in leading the individual – whom we will name 'You-Know-Who' from now on – to commit the murders of James and Lily Potter, as well as assaulting their son, Harry James Potter. I have incontrovertible evidence that makes it impossible for my client, Sirius Black, to have taken part in this initial charge."
A frown crossed Dumbledore's lips. Amelia caught the man glance at her, then over toward the area where Harry Potter was sitting. When he didn't speak up, Amelia continued.
"I believe I should bring the evidence forward now," she said, "as it serves as a transition point into Mr. Black's main point of defense."
Dumbledore remained silent. Fudge looked at him, then turned back to Amelia.
"I will allow it," Fudge said.
Amelia smiled and picked up the folder, then she opened it. She removed a piece of parchment and raised it so everyone could see.
"In my hand," she said, "I have a copy of the Final Will and Testament of James and Lily Potter -"
Gasps and buzzing were heard around the public, media and Wizengamot.
" – recently made public for Harry James Potter at Gringotts, London Branch," Amelia continued, "released into public by Keeper Ragnok the Sixth, guardian of the Vaults and accounts of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter."
Amelia swore she heard a small noise from Dolores Umbridge. She knew the woman hated Goblins.
"In the section labeled Guardians, as requested by James and Lily Potter," Amelia continued, "for their son, in the event that they were unavailable or deceased. It reads, and I quote 'Sirius Black – Godfather by right of 'The Godfather Ritual'. Family friend and ally.'"
More gasps and buzzing were heard around the room.
"I am sure most of you know what the term 'Godfather Ritual' means," Amelia said, "But I will clarify. A Godparent Ritual is made between parents and Godparent to ensure that the Godparent does not have any ill will toward the parents and child in question. If the Godparent desires any ill will, the ritual will demand satisfaction – their very life. Therefore, betrayal is impossible. Sirius Black would have been a corpse the moment he betrayed James and Lily Potter and/or their son, Harry."
"Hem-hem!" Dolores Umbridge piped up.
"The floor recognizes Dolores Jane Umbridge," Dumbledore said.
"Thank you, Chief Warlock Dumbledore," Umbridge said, in her poison-sweet voice, before turning to Amelia, "Madam Bones, I must question the proof of that paper in your hand. Never before today has there been any hints that the dearly-departed Potters ever made a Final Will and Testament. How do we know this isn't something the Goblins of Gringotts or... someone else... did not fabricate?"
"As I am sure you know," Amelia said, "All Final Will and Testaments require a human witness to the penning of the Will. The Witness just so happens to be in this room, and I believe you and most everyone in here can say they are a trustworthy voice."
"May I ask who that Witness was?" Umbridge asked.
"Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore," Amelia said.
Umbridge blinked once and turned to Dumbledore.
"I was indeed witness to the penning of the Will in question," Dumbledore said. "While I assume dear, sweet James and Lily updated their Will without my knowing, I do know that Sirius Black's name was on the Will from the beginning."
"Am I to understand," Amelia said, "That you were aware that my client took part in the Godfather Ritual, and did not bring it forward in the initial trial and sentencing?"
Amelia knew what she had just done. She had just placed Albus Dumbledore and Bartemius Crouch both in a trap. Both men looked quite uncomfortable.
"I am afraid there was no original trial, Madam Bones," Cornelius Fudge said, with a grave sigh, "My predecessor in office, Millicent Bagnold, did not think it prudent. I was not made aware of this event until recently."
Fudge winced as there were several gasps and murmurs. The main conversation was clear: a man was sent to Azkaban without a trial?
"As far as I am aware," Fudge said, "The decision to send Mr. Black to Azkaban was decided between Millicent Bagnold, Bartemius Crouch – the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the time - and Albus Dumbledore. Obviously it was a grave mistake, as a trial should have taken place. Rest assure that I will investigate this matter in due time. I believe we should move forward in this trial."
Amelia could read between the lines. Fudge knew that Dumbledore had deliberately kept information to himself that might have prevented Sirius from going to prison. But Fudge wanted to save face for the Triwizard Tournament. "Due time" for such evidence to be released to the public wouldn't come for at least a year.
"Mr. Black," Dumbledore said, "I believe it would be prudent for you to describe the events of the Godfather Ritual you took part of, if only to ease the minds of my fellow Wizengamot."
"Of course, Chief Warlock," Sirius said. "On the day Harry Potter was born, James asked me to be his son's godfather. I accepted with a warm heart and, admittedly, moist eyes. Three days later, Lily and baby Harry finally came home from St. Mungo's. There was a private celebration, a 'welcome home, Harry' if you will amongst friends and family. Afterward, James and Lily took me aside. We performed the Godfather Ritual with Harry. During the Ritual, I swore on my very life that I would never betray James, Lily and Harry Potter. It was easy to do, since I had already sworn such several years before, for James, and later for Lily when she became a part of the large, unofficial family. Madam Bones is correct to say that I would have been a rotting corpse had I betrayed James, Lily and Harry. Not because of the ritual, but because I would have harmed myself before ever thinking about doing the same to them."
"Very well," Dumbledore said, "Due to evidence provided, I believe the charge of conspiracy to commit murder can be dropped. There is knowledge that James and Lily Potter used a Secret Keeper to hide their safe house. It was believed that you were the Secret Keeper. Is this fact?"
"No, Chief Warlock, it is not," Sirius said, "I was, of course, James and Lily's first choice for Secret Keeper. But that made me the obvious choice. I knew that. The night they asked me to be their Secret Keeper, I came up with a solution instead. Peter Pettigrew should be their Secret Keeper. Nobody would suspect they would use him. They agreed, though I know the action was not an easy one."
"Are we to believe that Peter Pettigrew betrayed James and Lily Potter?" Dumbledore asked.
"Whether or not you believe it, it is fact," Sirius said, "It is true."
"So that is why you killed him," Rufus Scrimgeour said, "You believed you were seeking vengeance."
"I admit to pursuing him," Sirius said, "I admit that I wanted to kill Peter Pettigrew that evening. However, I could not."
"You could not?" Scrimgeour asked, "You're telling us that have you evidence that differs from several witnesses who swear they saw you murder Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles?"
"I did not murder Peter Pettigrew," Sirius said, "Peter Pettigrew is alive and well!"
There were gasps, murmurs and buzzing around the Courtroom. Dumbledore slammed his gavel.
"Silence in the Court!" Dumbledore bellowed.
It took ten seconds for silence to reign again. All eyes were on Sirius Black. Several members of the Wizengamot were glaring at Sirius.
"If I may," Umbridge said, "Correct me if I am wrong, but did I hear you correctly, Mr. Black, when you said Peter Pettigrew is alive and well? If that is true, then why has he never come forward? Why has nobody ever seen him? Why did he never relieve his mother, Patricia, of the burden and knowledge that she had to live to see her baby boy die, before her own untimely death? What proof, what evidence do you have of your statement?"
"To answer your first question," Sirius said, "Peter Pettigrew is a coward first, and a Death Eater second. He remained in hiding all these years because he didn't want anyone to find him. But I finally did. I finally found him. The first time I saw him, I was in Azkaban, a few days before I walked out."
"You say Pettigrew was in Azkaban?" Scrimgeour asked.
"Of course not," Sirius said, "I saw him in a picture in the Daily Prophet."
"Are we to believe Peter Pettigrew was in a picture in the Daily Prophet," Scrimgeour asked, "And only you recognized him? For starters, where did you even obtain a copy of the Daily Prophet?"
"From Minister Fudge," Sirius said.
All eyes were on Cornelius Fudge. He spluttered and cleared his throat.
"It is possible," he said.
"Alright," Scrimgeour said, "Answer the other questions, Mr. Black. How were you the only person to recognize Peter Pettigrew?"
"Not very many people would have recognized him for what he was," Sirius said, "You see, at the time, he was disguised in his Animagus form, as a rat. If I may remove it from my robes, I have the picture and article here in question."
"Madam Bones," Scrimgeour said, "If you will, train your wand on Mr. Black while he retrieves said evidence."
Amelia shrugged, brandished her wand and pointed it at Sirius. Sirius only smiled and retrieved a newspaper article. He lifted it in the air for everyone to see. Scrimgeour immediately summoned it with his wand and looked at it.
"I have in my hand what appears to be a Daily Prophet article," he said, "Announcing that the Weasley family won the monthly raffle and had taken holiday to Egypt. There is a picture of the entire family and... I do find a rat. Am I to understand this rat is actually Peter Pettigrew?"
"Indeed it is," Sirius said, "He disguised himself as a pet. At the time he was owned by one Ronald Weasley, who at the time was a friend of the two Witnesses for the Defense."
Rufus Scrimgeour looked at Harry and Hermione as did most everyone else.
"Mister – my apologies – Lord Potter?" Scrimgeour said, "Can you confirm Ron Weasley owns a rat?"
"He owned a rat, sir," Harry said, "It is no longer in his ownership. His brother, Percy, owned it before Ron did, and Percy gave it to him when he was given an owl for becoming Prefect. I believe the story was that when Percy was a small boy, he found a rat in the road near their family home, and the rat was sickly."
"Do you know when young Percy found the rat?" Scrimgeour asked.
"I believe Ron said it was the winter months of 1981," Harry said.
"Am I to believe the rat was in the Weasley's family for twelve years?" Scrimgeour asked, "Lord Potter, do you know how long rats, even magical rats, live for? If they're lucky they can live up to six years. I can understand why children are led to believe it is the same rat. The parents simply replaced it without their knowledge."
"Ah, but the rat in question had a distinct injury, sir," Hermione said, "It was missing a finger, or toe, on its paw. Do you really believe the Weasleys are cruel enough to cut off the toe of a rat to hide the fact that the child's pet died?"
Scrimgeour raised his eyebrows. "I suppose not."
"Ron's rat had the same injury for as many years," Hermione said.
Amelia smiled, impressed that Harry and Hermione were able to stand their ground, during the line of questions.
"The same rat living for twelve years with the family," she said, "The best explanation is that it was indeed an Animagus, living secretly as a pet rat for all this time. Unfortunate that Arthur and Molly Weasley never realized there was anything odd with the rat, including its lengthy life."
"Unfortunate, indeed," Umbridge said, "If it is true."
"Mr. Black," Scrimgeour said, "How did you know Peter Pettigrew is an Animagus?"
"Simple," Sirius said, "and I admit this with full knowledge that it was a crime. In my fifth year at Hogwarts, myself, James Potter and Peter Pettigrew all successfully became Animagi. Unfortunately we did not register. As I said, I know that is a crime. James was a stag, and I am a black dog, my appearance similar to that of the mythological creature known as the Grim. Peter Pettigrew is a common garden rat."
"Mr. Black," Scrimgeour said, "If you could, please transform into your Animagus form, just for proof for the Wizengamot to see."
Sirius turned to Amelia, obviously asking silently if she agreed with the request. She had a feeling where this was going, but she was ready for it. She nodded.
She watched as Sirius stood up and walked to the center of the floor. Then his body changed form and soon he was the large black dog. A few people in the crowd, obviously the superstitious ones, exclaimed in fright at the sight. Sirius was quite correct when he said his form looked similar to the Grim.
The sight of the large black dog brought Amelia down the metaphorical path known as memory road, back to the first time she had ever seen the dog...
(Flashback – Summer of 1978)
Nineteen year old Amelia Bones walked out of the summer home she and four of her best friends were currently staying at on holiday, and onto the beach. The holiday home was nestled on the beach, magical charms prevented erosion. It was the best beach-view home anywhere in the world.
Amelia traveled the beach in search of her boyfriend, Sirius Black.
"Sirius?" Amelia called out, "Where are you, you little rascal?!"
Suddenly she heard a loud barking sound as a large black dog started running at her.
"Oh, you are a handsome little devil, aren't you?" Amelia asked, "Who do you belong to?"
The dog attempted to jump on her and she backed away.
"Don't do that!" she reprimanded, "You're wet! And you smell like wet dog fur!"
Suddenly the dog started convulsing and Amelia was afraid it was having a seizure. Then all of a sudden there was no longer a dog. Instead it was a young man: her boyfriend, Sirius Black., currently dressed in swimming shorts and nothing else.
"Sirius!" Amelia exclaimed, shocked, "You – you – you're an Animagus?!"
"Yes, I am," Sirius said.
"How did I not know this?" Amelia asked, "When did you achieve this?"
"Ah, yeah, about that," Sirius said, rubbing his head and grinning, "I achieved it in fifth year."
Amelia gaped. "You kept it a secret all this time? How?"
"I would get in trouble otherwise," Sirius said.
"Trouble?" Amelia asked, then realized what he meant, "Sirius, you – you're... unregistered? Sirius, that's illegal! I told you I want to take an apprentice job at the DMLE. How am I not supposed to report this?"
"Because you love me more than a stupid career?" Sirius asked.
Amelia now knew how he had achieved his puppy-dog eyes expression.
"You... you... mutt!" Amelia growled. "You know me so well and... damn you. Don't make me regret this!"
"Never, Amy," Sirius said.
Amelia smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck then kissed him deeply. Then a thought crossed her mind, and she backed away before Sirius could continue the kiss.
"How many of you Marauders are Animagi?" Amelia asked. "You do everything together."
Sirius laughed, awkwardly. "Yeah... about that..."
(Flashback ends)
Amelia broke from her reverie just as Sirius returned to human form and took his seat.
"Mr. Black," Dolores 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?"