Phoenix Ascending: Rising from the Ashes

Chapter 6: Echoes of the Past

They all took the vow without hesitation, and Ragnarok acted as the officiator. "Now, what I am going to say is a matter of utmost delicacy and should not reach Dumbledore's ears under any circumstance. Mione, please help me with this." They all nodded, listening with rapt attention. "Before I turned eleven, life was just... tough. Growing up with the Dursleys' was like living in a perpetual storm of disdain and mistreatment. They never really wanted me there and treated me like a house elf, only ten times worse. I was stuck sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs, doing all sorts of chores and labour work they wouldn't dream of making Dudley do. They'd lock me up for the smallest things, just waiting for me to mess up so they could beat me up and starve me."

"I soon found myself at Hogwarts, a place of wonder and mystery. There, I forged friendships with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who became my partners in navigating the magical world. The thrill of Quidditch, the challenges of classes, and the warmth of true friendship filled my days but, the danger lurked around every corner, and the rivalry between me and Draco made it no easier. Near-death experiences became routine, from facing the wrath of Voldemort in the first year, encounters with Basilisks in the second year and Dementors in the third year while rescuing Sirius on a Hippogriff. Forced participation in the Triwizard Tournament's treacherous tasks in the fourth year and the battle at the Department of Mysteries in the fifth year. Witnessing Sirius's death and facing the embodiment of evil in Lord Voldemort left scars that time couldn't erase.

Dumbledore could have prevented much of this suffering and added a bitter layer to my journey. The emotional rollercoaster of hope, loss, and sacrifice defined my years at Hogwarts, leaving me forever changed. Dumbledore was dead by the end of our sixth year. We spent the majority of our seventh year hunting for Horcruxes all over Britain without a clue. I died duelling Voldemort, and Mione died duelling Bellatrix in the Battle of Hogwarts. It was only Lady Death's blessing that we travelled back in time with our memories intact to right all the wrongs. She was the one who told us about Dumbledore's ploy and Weasely's involvement. I somehow suspected Dumbledore, but Wesaely's betrayal was a sudden blow to me. Lady Death bestowed upon us this opportunity, to lead the wizarding world to a new era without forgetting our customs and traditions." Everyone was hanging onto each word. For a 12-year-old, he sure knew how to stir the crowd.

When he finished and glanced at the room, he observed that every person present in the room was staring at him wide-eyed. He commented, "Do I have horns on my head?" This seemed to break them from their stupor. "What is your plan? Other than the obvious things you stated.", asked Lady Bones, all Business-like. "Yes, Hades, we will do whatever you ask of us, and if you need any help, you just have to say.", supplied his siblings. "I seriously don't want to die this time around.", deadpanned Sirius. This seemed to break the tension in the room, and everyone laughed at the pun.

"Jokes apart, guys, I really don't want to die. I will help you in every way possible.", he continued. "Aunt Amy, can you arrange for a trial for Padfoot? The sooner he is proven innocent, the better.", inquired Hadrian.

"Don't worry, Hades. I have the perfect solution for this. All we have to do is to arrange a panel of 3 judges, one from each faction and a prosecutor. I can be the prosecutor and conduct this trial. It is well within my rights as the Head of DMLE. Lord Malfoy can step forward as one judge, representing the dark faction. Lady Longbottom, would you please represent the light faction. And Lady Ross, if you could represent the grey faction." They agreed as the trial was conducted. Sirius was proven innocent and officially granted his freedom.

At this, King Ragnarok stepped forward, "I would like to take this opportunity and request Lord Black and Lord Lupin to claim their Lordship rings.", motioning a goblin to present the rings. He offered them their rings and instructed them to put the Lord's rings on the middle finger of their right hand. Sirius went first.