Kapitel 71: Black Hearing
--- A Few Days Later. September 22nd, 1988 ---
The Wizengamot chamber burned cold. Harry sat straight-backed in the visitor's gallery, watching members file into their seats. Chrysa pressed against his leg, warm in the cold air. The normal chatter was quiet, replaced by a tense feeling that made his skin tingle.
"Watch carefully," Arcturus Black said quietly from beside him. "See how they group together? Those five near Crouch - all got better jobs when he was Head of Law Enforcement." The old wizard's voice showed years of political know-how. "The ones talking quietly behind them joined International Cooperation when he was in charge."
Harry nodded, watching Mr. Crouch. The man sat stiffly with his supporters, his fingers tapping nervously on the wooden rail. Though his face looked strict, it was clear from his body language that he was worried but trying to hide it.
The room went quiet as Peter Pettigrew was brought in. Harry's chest felt tight as he watched Pettigrew shuffle between two guards, with steel handcuffs tight on his wrists. Harry remembered Pettigrew's confession - his shaky voice telling how he had betrayed Harry's parents, James and Lily...
A wave of heat spread through Harry's body. People sitting nearby moved uneasily, pulling at their collars. Chrysa bumped her head against his knee, and Harry made himself breathe slowly. Damn puberty - he'd never struggled with random bursts of heat before this started. The temperature slowly went back to normal.
"Stay calm," Arcturus whispered. "They're watching to see how you'll react. Don't give them what they want."
Dumbledore's voice rang through the room. "This meeting of the Wizengamot will now begin." He looked down at Pettigrew from the Chief Warlock's seat. "We're here to look at evidence about Peter Pettigrew's actions during the war, and then review Sirius Black's case."
Amelia Bones stood up, fixing her monocle. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement offers as supporting evidence the testimony given under Veritaserum on September seventeenth, witnessed by myself, and Aurors Robards, Moody, and Dawlish."
She waved her wand at a large stone basin in the center of the room. Harry frowned, not sure what she was planning to do.
"The Ministry's Projection Pensieve," Arcturus whispered. "Only three exist in the world. Cost more galleons than most families make in ten generations." He smiled at Harry's interest. "The Department of Mysteries created them for exactly these occasions. Watch - the memory will rise up for everyone to see."
Silver mist drifted up from the basin and spread across the floor. Above it, an image took shape. Harry watched as an interrogation room appeared, its walls nothing but bare stone. At a plain wooden table sat Pettigrew, his eyes glazed over from the truth serum. Nearby stood Moody, whose scarred face barely contained his rage.
"State your full name," Moody growled in the memory.
"Peter Patrick Pettigrew." The words came out flat and emotionless.
"Were you the Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter?"
"Yes." Pettigrew's vacant eyes stared ahead. "Sirius convinced them to switch. He thought no one would suspect me."
Harry released his tight grip on the wooden railing, leaving behind deep marks in the surface.
"See how Crouch keeps glancing at certain members?" Arcturus spoke softly. "He's making sure they remember what to say when the time comes. Politics is all about the moment you choose to strike."
The memory continued playing. Harry watched Pettigrew describe how he'd met Voldemort in secret, how he'd passed information for months before that final betrayal.
"And how did you escape after killing those Muggles?" Moody's voice cut through the projection.
"I transformed into a rat." Pettigrew's glazed eyes blinked slowly. "We all learned to become Animagi at school. James was a stag, Sirius a dog, and I-"
The silver mist swirled as several Wizengamot members burst into loud whispers. Harry glanced at Arcturus, who had gone very still.
"Unregistered Animagi," A witch near Crouch stood up. "Multiple counts of breaking the law, and one of them spent seven years in Azkaban without us knowing about this ability?"
"Quiet." Dumbledore's voice carried across the chamber. The whispers died down, but Harry saw Crouch smirk slightly.
The memory continued. "I cut off my finger, transformed, and ran into the sewers. I knew they would find it and think Black had killed me too."
"And you spent seven years hiding as a pet rat?" Moody asked.
"With the Weasley family." Pettigrew's empty expression didn't change. "I needed to keep track of any news about the Dark Lord's return."
The mist faded. Amelia Bones stepped forward again. "The Department moves to charge Peter Pettigrew with multiple counts of murder, conspiracy, and-"
"A moment." Crouch rose from his seat. "Before we continue, shouldn't we address this news about unregistered Animagi? If Sirius Black possessed this ability while in Azkaban..."
"The memory isn't finished," Amelia Bones interrupted. She waved her wand at the Projection Pensieve again. The silver mist swirled up once more, reforming into the interrogation room.
"Where is You-Know-Who's wand?" Moody asked in the memory.
Pettigrew squirmed in his chair. "I took it that night. Hid it in an old yew tree outside Muggle London."
The projection showed Moody leaving the room. A new scene formed - Aurors surrounding a twisted yew tree. One of them cast detection spells, revealing a hidden compartment. Inside lay a long, pale wand.
Gasps echoed through the chamber. Harry heard someone mutter "Merlin's beard" from somewhere behind him. Even Crouch looked taken aback, the smirk vanishing from his face.
"Ollivander has confirmed this is indeed You-Know-Who's wand," Bones spoke into the shocked silence. "Through Prior Incantato, we've verified the last spells cast were the two killing curses used at Godric's Hollow."
Whispers filled the chamber. Several members openly stared at Harry. In the back row, a witch pressed her hand against her chest in disbelief. An elderly wizard kept muttering "no doubt now" under his breath, the words becoming a quiet chant.
"In light of this undeniable evidence, the Department moves to sentence Peter Pettigrew-" Bones started.
"Before we proceed," Crouch stood up again, "the matter of unregistered Animagi cannot be ignored. If Sirius Black possessed such abilities while in Azkaban, the security implications-"
"The Veritaserum testimony is supporting evidence only," Bones cut in. "Unless you have proof beyond Pettigrew's word?"
"The word of a confessed Death Eater under truth serum seems significant." A younger wizard from International Cooperation spoke up. "Combined with Black's escape-"
"Sirius Black hasn't escaped," Bones snapped. "He's currently in Ministry holding, awaiting this review."
"But he could have," another of Crouch's supporters added. "Seven years with an unregistered Animagus ability. The risk to public safety-"
"The prosecution of Peter Pettigrew takes precedence," Dumbledore's calm voice settled over the chamber. "We will address other matters during Mr. Black's review."
Harry heard Arcturus cough into his shaking hands. "Notice how they're building their argument? They'll use this to justify the original imprisonment. 'Dangerous times require decisive action' - that's always been Crouch's excuse."
The Wizengamot voted quickly on Pettigrew's fate. Life in Azkaban, maximum security, with additional consideration for the Animagus transformation. Harry watched the rat-faced man being led away, remembering how he'd lived for years as Percy's pet while Sirius rotted in prison.
"Why are they making such a big deal about the Animagus thing?" Harry asked Arcturus quietly. "Surely being a Death Eater is worse?"
"Justification." Arcturus leaned closer. "Crouch needs to justify sending Sirius to Azkaban without a trial. If he can paint Sirius as dangerous enough..." The old wizard's hands trembled slightly as he gripped his cane. "Look at how they're positioning themselves."
Harry glanced around the chamber. Crouch's supporters had spread out, each speaking to different groups during the brief recess. He could faintly hear whispers about 'unregistered abilities' and 'security risks' grew louder.
"But that's ridiculous," Harry muttered. "They're ignoring everything else because of one broken law?"
"Welcome to the Wizengamot." Arcturus smiled without humor. "Where the truth matters less than how you present it. Watch Crouch - see how he keeps his face neutral? He's letting his allies do the work while appearing above it all."
The chamber doors opened. Two Aurors led in Sirius Black. Harry sat up straighter, seeing his godfather for the first time. The man looked thin, with dark circles under his eyes, but he walked with his head held high.
"Seven years," Arcturus whispered. "Seven years in Azkaban, and he still carries himself like a Black."
Sirius Black stopped in the center of the chamber, pure hatred burning in his eyes as he stared at Pettigrew. The guards kept both men separated, but Harry could feel the rage radiating from his godfather. Pettigrew shrank back, trying to sink deeper into his chair.
Sirius lifted his head to search through the crowd. A silly grin lit up his face when he spotted Harry, making him look years younger. But as his eyes moved to Arcturus, the smile vanished.
"He doesn't look happy to see you," Harry said quietly.
"No." Arcturus let out a heavy breath. "My daughter-in-law Walburga... she burned Sirius off the family tapestry when he ran away from home. She always had a temper." He shook his head. "I should have stepped in then, but family politics... I restored him as heir last week, but some wounds take time to heal."
"Why did he run away?"
"Walburga believed in blood purity above all else. Sirius didn't." Arcturus spoke softly, watching his grandson sit down. "She tried forcing him to accept those views, but Sirius has always been stubborn. Like your grandmother Dorea - they both fought for what they believed in."
Harry frowned. "But you didn't help him?"
"I was Lord Black. Getting involved meant taking sides between my daughter-in-law and grandson." Arcturus's voice grew heavy with regret. "I told myself it was better to stay neutral, let them work it out. By the time I realized how bad things had become, Sirius was already living with your father's family."
Down in the chamber, Sirius kept sneaking glances at Harry between glares at Pettigrew. The hatred in his eyes whenever he looked at the rat made Harry's skin prickle with heat again.
Harry studied his godfather's face. Despite seven years in Azkaban, Sirius seemed... aware. Alert. The dark circles under his eyes and gaunt cheeks showed his imprisonment, but his mind appeared sharp.
"How is he so..." Harry struggled to find the right words. "I mean, the Dementors should have..."
"Driven him mad?" Arcturus leaned back, frowning. "I've been wondering the same thing. Most prisoners lose their minds within one year. Seven years..." He shook his head. "Maybe knowing he was innocent helped? The Dementors feed on happy memories, but the knowledge of innocence isn't exactly happy."
"Could that really protect someone's mind?"
"I doubt it." Arcturus watched Sirius carefully. "But I can't think of another explanation. Unless..." He tapped his cane against the floor. "The Blacks have always been stubborn. Maybe he just refused to break."
Harry remembered what the Dementor felt like – the cold that went beyond skin and bone, the flashback of his mother being murdered... Even a few minutes had not been pleasant. "Seven years of that..."
"And yet he sits there, glaring at Pettigrew like he just walked into Azkaban a couple of months ago." Arcturus sounded puzzled. "I've seen criminals come out utterly crazy after a five-year stint. Strong men reduced to empty shells after two. Sirius seems traumatized, but not anywhere near what would be expected..."
Down in the chamber, Amelia Bones stepped forward to begin questioning. Harry narrowed his eyes, not wanting to miss a single word.
"State your name for the record," Bones spoke clearly.
"Sirius Orion Black." His voice came out rough from disuse, but steady.
"Were you the Secret Keeper for James and Lily Potter?"
"No." Sirius clenched his fists. "I convinced them to switch to Peter. I thought I was being clever." He shot another venomous glare at Pettigrew. "I was wrong."
"Mr. Black," one of Crouch's supporters stood up. "Regarding the allegation that you're an unregistered Animagus-"
"Allegation from a confessed murderer," Sirius cut in. "I've spent seven years in Azkaban because people believed Pettigrew's lies. Now you want to trust him?"
"The Veritaserum-" the wizard started.
"Can be fooled," Bones interrupted. "We have no evidence beyond Mr. Pettigrew's word."
Harry glanced at Arcturus. "They're really pushing this Animagus thing."
"Of course," Arcturus said softly. "A broken law gives them an excuse for the imprisonment. They'll say 'We didn't know he was innocent of murder, but he broke other laws.' That's how politicians defend themselves."
Seven years of prison had filled Sirius with anger, but he stayed focused as he answered each question. Despite the rage in his eyes, he kept steady and on point.
"He's handling this well," Harry muttered.
Arcturus frowned. "Too well. The Wizengamot members are whispering - they can't believe someone could stay this rational after seven years with Dementors."
"Multiple witnesses reported you shouting 'I killed them' after Pettigrew's escape," a witch from Crouch's group spoke up. "How do you explain that?"
Sirius's shoulders tensed. "I as good as killed them." His voice cracked with raw emotion. "I convinced James and Lily to make Peter Secret Keeper. My brilliant plan got them murdered." He turned to glare at Pettigrew again. "I hunted him down to kill him, yes. But that rat faked his death and framed me."
"So you admit to attempted murder?" The witch pressed.
"I admit to hunting down the traitor who got my best friends killed!" Sirius slammed his hand against the chair's arm. Several Wizengamot members flinched. "Seven years! Seven years I've spent reliving that night while that coward lived as a pet rat!"
"Mr. Black," Bones cut in sharply. "Please control yourself."
"They're using his anger." Arcturus whispered to Harry. "Making him look unstable, dangerous..."
Harry gripped the railing. "But he has every right to be angry!"
"The Wizengamot doesn't care about right." Arcturus shook his head. "They care about looking proper. Controlled. Sirius showing any emotion works against him."
Down in the chamber, Sirius took several deep breaths. The rage still burned in his eyes, but he forced his voice to stay level. "I apologize for my outburst."
"The evidence clearly shows Peter Pettigrew's guilt," Bones spoke firmly. "Combined with the recovered wand and multiple witness testimonies, the Department moves to clear Sirius Black of all charges related to the deaths of James and Lily Potter, as well as the murder of Peter Pettigrew and twelve Muggles."
Crouch stood up. "While the Department's position is noted, we must address the matter of compensation and rehabilitation. Seven years in Azkaban will have left..." He paused deliberately. "Psychological impacts."
"They're going to try restricting him," Arcturus muttered. "Watch."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, noting how Sirius's jaw clenched at Crouch's words.
"They'll free him, but with conditions. Regular check-ups, monitoring..." Arcturus gripped his cane tighter. "They need to show they're being 'responsible' about releasing someone from Azkaban."
A younger wizard near Crouch raised his hand. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement should establish a supervision schedule. Monthly evaluations to ensure Mr. Black's... stable reintegration into society."
"I don't need a babysitter." Sirius's anger flashed across his face before he could hide it.
"Mr. Black," Bones spoke quickly. "The Department will arrange reasonable support services-"
"Support services?" Sirius laughed, but the sound held no joy. "Seven years with Dementors, and now you want to help?"
"The Ministry recognizes mistakes were made," Crouch spoke smoothly. "We aim to ensure proper procedures moving forward."
"They're offering him a gilded cage," Arcturus whispered to Harry. "Freedom with strings attached."
Harry frowned. "Can they do that?"
"They can try." Arcturus smiled slightly. "But watch Madam Bones. She hasn't played all her cards yet."
As if on cue, Amelia Bones cleared her throat. "The Department moves to discuss compensation. Seven years of wrongful imprisonment demands substantial restitution."
The chamber erupted in whispers. Crouch's supporters exchanged worried glances.
"Compensation?" A wizard from International Cooperation stood up. "Given the circumstances of wartime emergency powers-"
"Emergency powers do not override basic rights," Bones cut in. "No trial. No evidence beyond circumstantial. The Ministry must acknowledge these failures."
Harry noticed how Crouch shifted in his seat. "They look worried about money?"
"Not just money." Arcturus leaned closer. "Accepting they owe compensation means accepting they were wrong. Really wrong. And some careers won't survive that admission."
People argued throughout the chamber. In one corner, Crouch's supporters whispered to each other with worry. Minister Bagnold spoke quietly to an elderly witch, who kept shaking her head no.
"The Department proposes full compensation," Bones continued, "including restitution for emotional damages, and-"
"Madam Bones," Crouch interrupted. "While the Ministry acknowledges certain... oversights during wartime operations, we must consider the broader implications. Setting such precedents could lead to numerous claims from other cases-"
"Other cases?" Bones's voice grew sharp. "Are you suggesting there are more innocent people in Azkaban, Mr. Crouch?"
The chamber went dead silent. Harry could hear his own heartbeat. Even Sirius stopped glaring at Pettigrew to stare at Crouch.
"I merely suggest," Crouch spoke carefully, "that we should handle this specific case without creating broader policy changes."
"The Ministry will compensate Sirius Black," Minister Bagnold spoke for the first time. "The exact amount to be determined by an independent committee." She looked around the chamber. "Does anyone object?"
No one moved. Even Crouch's supporters stayed quiet.
"Then let us vote on the full measure." Dumbledore raised his gavel. "The immediate release of Sirius Black, cleared of all charges related to the Potter murders, with compensation to be determined. Those in favor?"
A wave of hands shot up across the chamber. Harry did a quick count - well over three-quarters of the members supported Black's release.
"Those opposed?"
At first, a few hands rose stubbornly - mostly Crouch's closest supporters. But seeing they were vastly outnumbered, several quickly dropped their objections. In moments, barely any hands remained raised.
"Motion carries." Dumbledore struck his gavel. "Sirius Black, you are hereby cleared of all charges. The Ministry will contact you regarding compensation arrangements."
The restraints around Sirius's wrists vanished. He stood up slowly, as if not quite believing he was free. His eyes found Harry again, and this time the smile stayed on his face despite Arcturus sitting nearby.
Members of the Wizengamot began filing out of the chamber. Some shot curious glances at Harry, others whispered among themselves. Crouch walked stiffly toward the exit, surrounded by supporters who looked like they had swallowed something sour.
"Mr. Potter?"
Harry turned to find Augusta Longbottom standing beside him. He recognized her from photographs in the Daily Prophet - she served on the Hogwarts Board of Governors. Her face seemed stern, but her eyes...
"I wondered if..." She paused, straightening her vulture-topped hat. "The healers at St. Mungo's mentioned you sometimes visit. My son Frank and his wife Alice..." Her voice wavered slightly.
Harry remembered the stories. Frank and Alice Longbottom - tortured into insanity by Death Eaters right after Voldemort's defeat. From what he had heard, Alice was even friends with his mother...
"I know I should go through the official channels," Augusta continued. "But perhaps..."
"I'll come see them," Harry said quietly. "Next time I'm at St. Mungo's."
Augusta's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Thank you." She glanced toward the chamber floor where Sirius stood talking to Amelia Bones. "Your godfather seems... remarkably whole, considering. Maybe..." She didn't finish the sentence, but hope flickered in her eyes.
After she left, Harry looked back at Sirius. His godfather had finished with Madam Bones and now stared up at the visitor's gallery with an uncertain expression.
He paused slightly when his eyes began to darken.
A new offer had come.
[Human Bomb – Jujutsu Kaisen] – Costs 200CP, 250CP available to spend.
You can make any part of your body explode, the size of the explosion depending on how much cursed energy you put into it. This can be anywhere from a relatively small grenade right up to the power of a decently powerful missile strike. There's no need for the body part to be attached to you either, so it's frequently used by ripping out an eye or tooth, throwing at the opponent, then detonating it when they get near. This technique doesn't come with any way to regenerate anything used for it though, so try not to use anything you can't replace.
Harry considered the offer carefully. Making parts of his body explode using 'cursed energy' sounded powerful, but... He glanced down at his hands. The cost seemed high, and losing body parts didn't appeal to him. Even if he could heal whatever injuries he had with divine energy. Besides, he already had plenty of ways to fight if needed.
He shook his head slightly, declining the offer. The moment passed, and he refocused on the chamber just in time to see Sirius walking toward the visitor's gallery stairs. Beside him, Arcturus went very still, his knuckles white around the handle of his cane.
"Should I..." Harry started to ask, but Arcturus shook his head.
"Let him come to us." The old wizard kept his voice steady though his shoulders were tight. "He needs to feel this is his choice."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein