Two days later.
"Really? Sirius… Really?" Narcissa said with a disgusted huff as she slapped a magazine against his chest, having entered his study full of irritation and something he couldn't quite identify.
"Hello to you too, Cissy." He said with annoyance, "What is this?"
"News coverage of the great Lord Black." She drawled, nose scrunching up in distaste.
Sirius raised a questioning eyebrow, he'd already seen the first article in the Prophet, it had been perfect. It encapsulated his good qualities - emphasizing his generosity, forgiveness and belief in the Ministry, while still taking the Minister to task.
He grabbed the magazine, peering at it, Ugh, Witch Weekly…
The headline screamed,
Sirius Black, sex god? The Merlin of the carnal arts?
"Well… All publicity is good publicity…?" He managed to get out, weakly. Merlin damn it, Violetta!
Narcissa put a hand to her forehead, eyes closed as she muttered expletives to herself. "Forget getting the Burke's onboard, their spare is arranged to marry Violetta Davies… Or was…"
Well…
Can't say I regret it.
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ
The same day as such an article was released into the world was probably not the best time to go to Hogwarts, but he had an open timeslot that morning until after lunch due to a canceled appointment with the Shafiqs. The polite thing to do would be to send an owl and schedule an appointment with the headmaster of course.
That's why Sirius simply apparated to Hogsmeade. Politeness was overrated. To his annoyance, he was now too well recognized - whether through the trial broadcast or articles - or witch weekly, ugh - so he failed completely at sneaking into Honeydukes. He'd been forced to leave, duck into an alley, and utilize the disillusionment charm to get into the back of Honeydukes and the secret tunnel that would lead him into Hogwarts.
If he had to deal with Dumbledore, he'd do it while keeping the man off balance with his sudden appearance. He was, after all, coming here for an entirely different reason than to talk to the old headmaster - so the confusion and spectacle of his sudden arrival during breakfast would certainly aid him in that. Hopefully the girl would be at breakfast, he doubted he'd be able to manage an excuse for why he'd need to visit the Slytherin dungeons.
He kept the disillusionment charm going as he entered into Hogwarts proper, walking down towards the Great Hall, looking around in nostalgia. Halfway there, he took a detour to hit Filch's office, securing the Marauders map quickly, depositing it in his pouch. Not something he'd have much of a use for, other than perhaps finding the Briarwood girl if she wasn't where she was supposed to be. But he was loath to leave a potential tool in the hands of anyone not his. It had been a collaboration between all the Marauders - so Sirius couldn't recreate it fully on his own - perhaps having the original would allow him to entreat the Unspeakables to make a similar map for him for the Ministry.
If he could trust they wouldn't make a damn copy for themselves or whoever else wanted one, of course.
Perhaps he'd need to hire Remus… If he could get over the wish to punch him really hard in the face first…
Thanks to his disillusionment, he was not caught by the paintings or any of the ghosts, leaving Dumbledore no warning of his arrival. Well, unless the old goat was paying particular attention to the wards - considering canon - Sirius doubted the man kept that close of a hold on them. In canon he hadn't even been aware whenever Sirius had broken in as a crazed escapee, so why would he know now?
He canceled the charm just as he walked up to the Great Hall, stepping through, fully resplendent in his full Lord Black regalia. "Now this brings back memories!" He called out loudly.
The low chatter that had been sounding across the hall stopped as students stared at the stranger who'd suddenly appeared amongst them. The head table had a mixture of reactions, Snape snarling in disgust, the minute widening of his eyes and whiteness of his face showed his absolute shock at the sudden appearance of Sirius. Most of the rest of the staff simply appeared confused, but dear old Minnie looked like she was having a heart attack, holding her chest and staring at him with a pale face and glistening eyes.
Dumbledore stood up from where he'd already been half rising out his throne like chair. "Sirius… What an unexpected surprise, but not, I think, an unwelcome one." His smile looked strained to Sirius's eyes however.
Sirius let his eyes sweep across the hall, pleased to find the Briarwood girl at the Slytherin table, a prefect as well, good for her. He started walking towards the head table, just coincidentally taking the way by the Slytherin table. He needed a distraction, his wand already in his hand hidden by his sleeve. Luckily he was very good at distractions, especially when he had someone so easily riled up to play with.
"Oh, I thought I'd visit my old stomping grounds." Sirius said loudly, plastering on an impressive sneer as he looked at the head table, "Imagine my surprise when I enter and immediately lose my appetite due to the amount of grease in Snivellus hair," Sirius continued mockingly, seeing the other man rising, enraged, Sirius fired the finishing touch, "Who did you get on your knees for to be allowed back here, Snape?"
The Gryffindor table erupted in laughter about the same time the Slytherin one erupted in protest - Snape firing off a spell in Sirius' direction immediately, shouting expletives. Dumbledore immediately shielded it, turning towards his potions professor in admonishment, as Sirius was right by the students - the headmaster could hardly let the head of Slytherin house risk the Slytherins to his spellfire. At the same time Minerva tried to settle the Gryffindors, no one noticed Sirius quietly cutting and summoning several strands of hair from the Briarwood girl, not even the girl herself, the students too busy watching the spectacle of Dumbledore vs Snape at the head table.
Sirius casually slipped his bounty into his pockets, wrapped in a handkerchief, turning innocent eyes on Dumbledore, his smirk ruining the look.
"Perhaps we should move this to my office, Lord Black." Dumbledore said reprovingly, as if stressing his title would make him behave more appropriately.
Sirius looked around, taking particular glee in the fact Snape had actually been disarmed by the headmaster. The man spluttering in rage, apparently reappearing in the man's life so soon after their Hogwarts years made the man even more unhinged then he'd be by canon times. "Yes, perhaps it's for the best, Albus." Sirius said easily, before giving Snape a small wave, "No hard feelings, friend, I was simply surprised to see you here,what with your… History…." He said with fake cheer.
And if his comments made the students look into Snape a bit more deeply and discovering his Death Eater past… Well…
Sirius wouldn't mind creating some difficulties for the man - not really due to their shared animosity, but for the simple reason of the extra headaches it would give Dumbledore who'd have to step up his defense of the man if enough students protested - or enough parents did.
Snape seemed more surprised at his more cheerful comments than anything said or done so far, glaring at him with a confused furrow in his brow. No doubt the man could pick out what he was doing, for all that he was a dumb bastard, he was indeed intelligent. Apparently Sirius showcasing some cunning was baffling the man, however.
"Minerva I trust you'll have the students in hand?" Dumbledore asked his deputy, not waiting for an answer before making his way towards the Great Hall doors, indicating for Sirius to follow. Funnily enough he still had Snape's wand. From the dark scowl on the potions professor's face, he definitely blamed Sirius for his lack of self control.
It was cute. How the petty man thought Sirius had any time or concern about their little rivalry anymore. Severus Snape was so far beneath his concern now, other than perhaps as a tool to inconvenience Dumbledore.
"Mister Black… It's good to see you." McGonagall called out, eyes soft, a departure from her usual stern features, before she returned to wrangling the students.
"Minnie." Sirius returned neutrally, while inside he felt a significant degree of anger, he knew that showcasing it was foolish. So neutrality it was, giving the appearance that he wasn't truly angry. Just disappointed.
Soon enough he was following Dumbledore down familiar paths. How often had he been taken to the Headmaster's office in his time at Hogwarts? More than any other student he'd bet. They walked in silence, Dumbledore appearing in a somber mood more suited for the privacy of his office - and Sirius not even wanting to have this conversation yet, so in no rush to start talking with the old traitor, for all that he needed to pretend he was at Hogwarts for this particular conversation only.
The silence persisted except for a quietly muttered password to enter the Headmaster's office when they arrived. Even as they settled themselves in the office - the Headmaster sinking into his chair looking every year of his age, the silence remained.
"Not going to say a word?" Sirius broke the silence finally, after several minutes of both men sitting in silence, being peered at curiously by the portraits of previous headmasters.
Dumbledore looked up and met Sirius' eyes, a tremulous smile on his face, "I am lost for words, for once, I must say." He admitted softly, "How does one apologize for such egregious mistakes that cost so much."
Sirius' face hardened, his lips in a thin grim line, "You don't." He said bluntly, "There is nothing you can say that will make up for suffering Azkaban…" One word from you would have been enough for a trial… He thought, with a spark of anger boiling inside him.
Dumbledore closed his eyes briefly, looking pained. "Indeed, as I thought." He sighed deeply, "My mistakes, as ever, end up with grave consequences for the innocent, I am happy to see you recovered, Sirius."
It annoyed Sirius that Dumbledore seemed truthfully happy for him, especially with the gall of the man to try the - great men make great mistakes spiel on him. "Are you? It seemed at my trial you were perfectly happy to allow Bagnold to put me back in Azkaban without a word in my defense…" He fired back coldly, eyes flashing with his building anger.
"As Chief Warlock I am limited in my duties, Sirius, as long as they weren't breaking any laws I could not intervene." Dumbledore said quietly, "They might have been skirting around the boundaries of the law, but as the Minister of Magic, Bagnold had the right to act as she did, and I could not stop her within the parameters of my position."
Sirius let out a short barking laugh, "Yes, the man running an illegal vigilante group couldn't possibly contemplate bending the rules a little." Sirius' lips curled into a snarl, as he leant forward in his chair, "Don't try to dissemble to me,Dumbledore! If it had been Remus, or James or even Snivellus, you would have gone to bat, rules and laws be damned!"
He wasn't blinded any longer, he could see now that him being a Black would forever make him the black sheep on the side of the light. Dumbledore had constantly stretched the law to protect his people, whether through his position as Chief Warlock or as Headmaster. So his excuse didn't pass muster. He saw now that protecting him during that whole debacle with Snape and Remus wasn't about him, not truly. It was protecting Remus and himself! Because if it got out that Albus Dumbledore had allowed a werewolf into Hogwarts and a student almost got bit…
Dumbledore straightened his back, some sternness making an appearance on his visage, "I do not discriminate between my students, Sirius. You are all deserving of the protection inherent in our laws."
Sirius snorted, a sardonic look on his face, "I didn't come here to cure you of your delusions, Albus…" Because the old man surely was going senile if he thought his actions in any way constituted equality, in law or otherwise.
Dumbledore sighed wearily, looking apologetic, "I'm sorry, my boy, I've fallen into bad habits, too used to having to defend my every action that I am doing it even now, when in your case, my actions are indefensible."
"I'm not here for pity, or apologies." Sirius said bitterly, managing with some difficulty, to quash most of his anger. It would not do to lose his cool any further in this situation.
"My apologies for distracting you from your purpose here, then. What can I do for you, Sirius?" Dumbledore asked, peering at him curiously through his half moon glasses.
Sirius took a moment to ensure he could remain calm, before he spoke, "I'm here for two reasons, Albus…" He said, taking a deep breath before continuing, "The corruption and failures of the Ministry has incentivized me to make an effort to fix it - I'll be running for Minister when Bagnold is done." Let him believe I'm waiting for her term to be done - instead of pushing her out the door.
Dumbledore seemed lost for words for a moment, honest surprise on his face. "An admirable reason to start a political career." He said politely, still seemingly reeling from the revelation.
"My intention is to close out the loopholes allowing for abuses of power so visible in my trial, and to protect the general public from Ministry overreach." Sirius stated carefully. "To build an environment where something like the Death Eaters can not happen again." There… That should be inoffensive enough for the old coot…
Dumbledore smiled warmly, eyes twinkling, "It sounds like you have the right idea, Sirius, certainly you'd be an improvement in the Ministry. Are you looking for my support?" He inquired curiously.
It was an unfortunate fact that Dumbledore's support in a campaign would be an incredible boon - almost in itself enough to get elected. The Wizengamot votes that followed him were worth even more than the slavishly devoted public. The public after all could be twisted by the media, the Wizengamot members would not as easily abandon him. If Sirius had to have this meeting, he might as well attempt to gain an advantage, as distasteful as dealing with Dumbledore was while he still had incredibly mixed feelings on the man.
"Your support would be helpful." Sirius admitted quietly, "If it is a means to apologize, I don't want it, *He warned, "Only if you truly believe I could do good should you support my nomination." There, that should lay it up perfectly for you…
Dumbledore smiled brightly, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out as his demeanor brightened, "Of course my boy, I wouldn't make such a decision based on feelings of guilt, you are a deserving candidate on your own."
Sirius doubted guilt played no role, it's why he'd use this occasion to push for support after all. While Dumbledore still felt off kilter from Sirius appearance and his own hand in his troubles. "So I can count on your support?" He asked.
Dumbledore nodded slowly, "I don't usually involve myself in the elections," He admitted, "Having one of our own in the Minister's seat would be invaluable in the future, however." He smiled genially, "I'll certainly offer my support on your new path, and I must say it's admirable how you're focusing on bettering our world after all you've been through."
It took quite the effort for Sirius to keep a straight face at that. One of ours… Like hell he was still in any way affiliated with the Order of the Phoenix or Dumbledore. But fine, let the old man believe that if it got him the position in the end. "I had a lot of time for introspection in Azkaban," Sirius said mildly, pushing further on the guilt aspect, "I realized that I needed to be more like James, willing to do more to help our world, take some responsibility."
Dumbledore looked emotional at that, eyes glistening slightly as he seemed to take every word Sirius said to heart. "James would be proud, Sirius." He said warmly.
"I hope so…" Sirius agreed somberly. Both men sat in silence for a minute, lost in memories. Sirius was just glad Dumbledore was buying what he was selling. Although he intended to create a better, more equal world for them all, he doubted James would approve of the methods he was willing to use. Then again, considering what Dumbledore would do to his son in canon… Perhaps James wouldn't be as disapproving as he thought. Speaking of…
"The second reason I'm here… Where is Harry?" Sirius asked, eyes intent on the old Headmaster. How are you going to play this, Albus?
Dumbledore froze, one hand half raised to stroke his beard, he regained his composure quickly, but that pause had been a clear sign of how unwelcome that question had been.
"He's safe, Sirius, have no worries about that… I'm not sure a road towards the minister's seat is suitable for young Harry to be involved in however…" Dumbledore said slowly, eyes cautious and wary. The earlier warmth quickly dissipated - leaving tension in the air.
"I am his godfather, Albus. James and Lily trusted me to look after him." Sirius said sharply.
Dumbledore stroked his beard slowly as he mulled that over, finally speaking, a note of censure in his voice, "You already reneged on that responsibility once, Sirius…"
Sirius clenched his fists, working hard to remain calm, Dumbledore did not just go there! He'd had no idea he'd end up in Azkaban! And Harry had been safe with Hagrid. Truthfully, yes, he now realized he made the wrong decision, the power of hindsight and memories of another world.. But for Dumbledore to dare use that against him to try and keep Harry for himself! No matter that he was still very ambivalent at the prospect of raising the kid. He couldn't do worse than the Dursley's.
"You have no legal avenue to stop me, I'm the kids godfather." Sirius stated coldly, staring down his old Headmaster, eyes flinty and hard.
Dumbledore sagged in his seat slightly, looking at him forlornly, "Would you truly fight me on this, Sirius, the boy is happy with his family, you'd only upset his routine, he's safe." Dumbledore stressed, "I can't support a candidate that would bring the boy-who-lived into the spotlight again, risking his life."
Oh you magnificent bastard! Sirius thought, pissed the bloody hell off, but impressed despite it all. Dumbledore had not only just tied his support for Sirius ambitions to leaving the boy-who-lived where he was, but also hinted at the risks to his life if he was thrust back into the spotlight. That said… He could use this…
Sirius pretended to hesitate, looking like he was mulling over things, "There would be increased risks to his life…" He agreed looking sour and upset at the notion.
Dumbledore immediately latched on, spotting a weakness, "It would be far safer for you to reconnect when he enters Hogwarts, he'd be safe with his family, happy, and you'd still be able to be his godfather." He smiled, eyes twinkling along merrily, "And it would allow you to skip the potty training and various other less pleasant aspects of raising a child." He pointed out, working hard to influence the Sirius he'd known, against the idea of raising the boy.
Sirius growled low in his throat, standing up abruptly and pacing in front of the Headmaster's desk, he turned his eyes onto the headmaster, "You guarantee his safety?" He asked, looking like he's being swayed.
Dumbledore looked deadly serious as he leaned forward, eyes firm, "I give you my word, my boy. Nothing will happen to the lad on my watch."
You're so full of shite! Sirius thought. But this had its own advantages. Once he was Minister he could just adopt the kid no matter what Dumbledore thought. And in the middle of campaigning was hardly the time to try and raise a kid. Perhaps a cold rationalization, but Sirius needed the Minister's post to start making a better world. Harry Potter remaining for another six months to a year with the Dursley's would not overly change much. And he could still use his position as godfather of the boy-who-lived - even if he wasn't in possession of Harry.
"If I lose the race for the Minister's post, I suppose I can revisit raising the kid." He mused out loud, knowing he just bought himself Dumbledore's eager participation in getting him elected.
"If that is what you think is best, my boy." Dumbledore said, eyes calculating. No doubt already drawing up contingency plans. Sirius knew that there was no way Dumbledore would allow Harry Potter to become a ward of the Black family without a fight. No doubt he was already planning for the scenario of Sirius winning the post, as well as if he lost.
Either way, Sirius had to be realistic, this was a fight he wouldn't win now. When he'd be Minister of magic he'd be able to force it through - but right now Dumbledore held the power. All the good press Sirius had right now could easily be twisted back to stories of mental illness from Azkaban and the like - If Dumbledore gave a push. He was still incredibly influential in the wizarding world.
Sirius sat back down, letting an explosive sigh out, "Alright, Albus, you win for now, I don't want to uproot the kid if he's happy where he is…''He said unhappily. "What are your thoughts on the race for Minister, have you heard about anyone preparing to run?"
Dumbledore happily switched the subject to the Ministry, Sirius listening intently as the old man shared information on his most likely competition.
Harry Potter would have to wait. Sirius felt bad about it, but it was worth it… If Sirius could build a world where the kid would never have to fight for his life - another possible year in less than ideal living conditions - would be a small price to pay.
Once he was Minister, and once he held the Daily Prophet in his hands… He'd do what he needed and Dumbledore could fuck right off.
He'd work with the man for now. Still, in his gut he could feel the embers burning, his anger at the man simmering.
There would be a reckoning one day.
A Black never forgot.
Never forgave.