A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 31

"One last question: Have you ever supported Lord Voldemort?"

Several wizards flinched at the name.

"No."

"I see. Unspeakable Bode, please administer the antidote while the Wizengamot confers."

Sirius slumped in the chair as soon as the effects wore off. He had stated the truth; there was no way they'd find him guilty, right?

He could have almost cried in relief when Madam Bones stepped back up and announced, "Mr. Black, you are hereby found not guilty. You will be given two million Galleons to compensate for your time in Azkaban, and any medical treatment required will be paid for in full by the Ministry. This session is now closed."

The Wizengamot began to disperse, murmuring among themselves.

None of them were more shocked than Sirius, who stood up from the chair and slowly made his way over to Remus. They faced each other in silence for a few seconds before Sirius flung himself at Remus. "I'm free," he rasped, tears soaking Remus' robes.

"You're free," Remus echoed, holding him tightly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Madam Bones coming their way.

"Mr. Black," she began, "I would advise you to go to Gringotts. I can have an Auror go with you, as no one will know of your innocence until the papers come in."

"That's fine." Sirius looked at Remus. "I'll see you later," he said, slightly uncertain.

"I'll be fine." Remus gave him a quick kiss, knowing what Sirius was implying, before leaving. Once out of the Ministry, he Apparated outside of Hogwarts.

Remus walked through the corridor, mind still reeling. Sirius was free, he was finally free. His mate would not suffer any longer in that horrid place. He couldn't wait to tell Harry.

"I take it it went well?" Severus' voice made Remus look up. He had just passed Severus' office.

"Yes. Sirius is free." He didn't think he'd get tired of saying that anytime soon. "Now we just need to get Harry away from his relatives," Remus added.

"Why do I have a feeling that won't be as simple?"

"Because it probably won't be," Remus replied. "But for now, I'm just glad we accomplished something."

Severus nodded in agreement. "Have you told Harry yet?"

"No, I just got back. I was just on my way."

"No need," Harry said from directly behind him. "I'm right here."

Remus nearly jumped out of his skin. "Merlin, you startled me." He turned around but didn't see anyone.

"I'm not Merlin, but I can see where the confusion would be. Shall we?"

Now that he was aware of his presence, Remus heard his footsteps as he walked by, heading for Severus' office.

Remus raised an eyebrow at Severus, whose lip twitched slightly in amusement, then followed him.

Harry cast the wards around the office and removed his cloak. "How did it go?" he asked. He nodded his thanks as Severus handed him a cup of tea.

"It went well, all things considering. Madam Bones was overseeing the trial. She's very fair."

"Is she related to Susan Bones?" Harry said curiously.

"She's her aunt," Severus said.

Harry hummed in acknowledgement. "So where's Sirius now?"

"Last I saw him, he was being escorted to Gringotts. And given that he's been in Azkaban for twelve years," Remus said, his tone slightly bitter at this, "he will most likely be seeing a mind healer for the next month or so."