Eventually, just the women and Remus remained.
"I shall send you a letter about the trial details, but if Mr. Black files for it today and, in light of the evidence, I do not see a reason why he should not gain full custody," Ms. Mirwood said. "And, can I just say, Harry, I am very sorry you had to grow up in such an awful environment. I can promise you this: the wizarding world never knew." Harry smiled. "It's okay, I survived," Harry said.
"Yes, you leaving.
did,"
Joanne
said
before
After she had gone, Harry turned to Amelia. "Thank you, Madam Bones," he said.
"Call me Amelia when we're alone, Harry," she said, sitting back with a sigh.
"Thank you, then, Amelia. Also, thank you for not charming Susie's letter."
Amelia laughed. "It's okay, but next time you may not be so lucky," she warned. "I also want to thank you for looking out for me. Susan mentioned you started looking into my file at Christmas, that you wanted to help me," Harry said.
Amelia nodded tiredly. "I did and I do; I don't know what Dumbledore is up to. He has your file secured - but, no matter. I don't want you worrying about a thing; we'll get to the bottom of this," she promised.
"Thank you, and please mention to Susan how sorry I am for not telling her. I didn't want her or any of our friends to be worried about me being alone or about the trial," Harry said.
"Why did you choose to go alone, Harry? I know Susan has offered you a place in our home if you ever need it - and I don't doubt Hannah and Neville have as well," Amelia asked out of curiosity.
"Honestly?" Harry asked. "I didn't want to burden any of you or for you to feel sorry for me. I knew the trial would work, it had to. So, I knew I wouldn't be alone for long - well, I hoped I wouldn't be alone for long."
"I can see why you would think that, but Harry, you are only eleven. I know you are mature for your age, but it really isn't safe. Please promise me that you will never do something like this again," Amelia said, more as a concerned parental figure than an auror.
Harry nodded. "I promise," he said. Remus interrupted then, "I'm sorry, but I think we should get going. We have a lot to do today."
"It's fine, I have mountains of paperwork," Amelia said, waving off his concern. "Remember Harry: write to Susan. If you don't, she'll be wearing holes in the carpet," she warned.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck and muttered about mother hens. "I will," he promised.
~
Returning to the Leaky Cauldron after their meeting, Harry wrote to his friends explaining what happened and what he hoped would happen next. He also wrote a more detailed version for Ragnok and Mr. Dodge, warning them about Dumbledore and making sure they were prepared. He wanted to go to Gringotts, but he feared he wouldn't have time or be able to slip away unnoticed. He also sent a note to Dodge, asking him to file Sirius' custody claim immediately. Sirius could sign it tomorrow, but Harry wanted it notarized, even if it wasn't completely above board.
Once Sirius returned, they had around an hour before Skeeter was due to arrive, so he and Harry picked up cloaks with hoods and disappeared into the summer crowds. That was the one thing he liked about the busy streets; with the amount of people around, it was easy to remain anonymous. Taking the lead as he knew the dark alley better, Harry lead Sirius through the back streets to Morgause's Wands and More. When he opened the door, Harry felt a ward wash over him; and knew that if he meant ill will towards the owner, he would be in serious pain right now.
"This is the shop?" Sirius asked, looking around. It was nothing like Ollivanders; there were no wand boxes or supplies. Instead, the small shop was surprisingly light for the alley, and only had a desk and a few paintings of trees. A small bookcase sat to one side with an old sofa and coffee table.
"Yes," Harry said. He had never been inside, but he had heard about it during his trips to the alley. He had gotten good at going unseen and had heard many interesting things.
"Greetings, Lord Black, Heir Potter. What can I do for you today?" came the voice of an old woman.
Looking up, Harry saw her appear from the back room. She was ancient and probably only stood a few inches taller than Harry's own miniscule size.
"I need a new wand, mine was snapped when I went to Azkaban," Sirius said, looking at the woman.
"Very well, Lord Black. My name is Lorelei, please follow me into the back," she instructed. Harry followed Sirius as he was interested in the process. He watched as the old woman flicked her wand and a box appeared and grew on a large table.
"Please reach out and feel each piece of wood with your magic. You will know when you feel the right one. If you cannot feel with your magic, then you will have to pick up each wood and see which reacts to you best," Lorelei instructed.
Sirius closed his eyes and centred himself. His magic was still weak, but it had stabilized and was getting stronger every hour. Harry, interested in the procedure, focused his magic on Sirius' and helped him to guide his, causing the man to open his eyes in shock as he felt Harry's strength. Harry felt the moment Sirius' magic bonded with the wood and watched as Sirius approached and picked up a dark brown, almost black, branch.
"Ebony wood. An apt choice for you, Lord Black," Lorelei commented. Harry searched his memories and remembered what he had read about ebony wands. Ebony wands, Harry remembered, were best suited for those who favoured combative magic and transfiguration. Ebony wands are happiest in the hand of those with the courage to be themselves wielders were frequently non-conformist individuals or comfortable with the status of an outsider.
Sirius smiled. "My first wand was oak." The old woman nodded and took the piece of wood from Sirius, placing it on the side. She then waved her wand and the contents of the box changed, no longer wood, but an array of magical cores now sat inside. Some of which Harry knew were rare and hardly used.
"You will repeat the process to find your core. Sometimes, in rare cases, multiple cores are chosen," she said.
Sirius nodded his understanding and, once again, with Harry's help, directed his magic to the box. This time, when his magic reacted, Harry wasn't as shocked as he recognised the sensation. Sirius reached in and pulled out a jar of dark hair. "Rougarou hair. Not often found in British wands as the beast is native to America," Lorelei said. Harry once again searched his memories and remembered the monster; it was native to the southern states like Louisiana. The dog monster has the head of a wolf and the body of a man. Although sentient, they were a reclusive and volatile race.
Sirius nodded. "How long until the wand is ready?" he asked.
"You can collect it tonight. Be back at seven," the old woman instructed.
"Thank you," Sirius said, pleased he would not be so helpless for long. He was capable of some basic wandless magic, but not much. Probably none in his current state.
Leaving the shop, the two quickly returned to the Leaky Cauldron. They had around 15 minutes before Rita was due to arrive and they had to freshen up.
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