Close Or Far From The Law

Chapter 16 : 15. Christmas, Christmas

Sirius Black in the hands of justice!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Sirius Black would have surrendered to the Aurors under the leadership of his lawyer, Master Richard Graves, the same one who takes care of the affairs of our Savior, Harry Potter. The former escapee allegedly gave himself up at around ten o'clock in the evening on the night of December 21, accompanied by the lawyer who ensured his proper incarceration this time. Mr. Graves' serious expression prompts one to ask billions of questions. What could Sirius Black have told him? Does Mr. Potter already know about all this? These are the first ones that should burn everyone's lips!

The headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore was reportedly seen in the Department of Magical Justice but the humble reporter that I am cannot tell you if he was able to see Sirius Black. Why would he even go see him? This is also a question to which I would be very happy to have the answer.

We have no news yet from Harry Potter on his side, no idea of what this young man may think of the arrest of his godfather, potentially innocent but whom everyone has believed guilty for years! We even believed that he would want to kill our Savior and that may well be the case, who knows? In any case, it is impossible for me to interview him at the moment but I hope to soon be able to offer you his voice in our Gazette.

All I can finally say is that the Ministry is in turmoil and that despite Christmas approaching, everyone is focused much more on this dark affair than on buying gifts. A good thing that justice wants to shed light and it would be a great gift for Mr. Potter to know the whole truth!

Your reporter,

Rita Skeeter

Excellent, Black had acted exactly as Voldemort had planned. Yes, planned, not ordered. No matter what Imperium he had cast upon the man, he had been very careful with his directives to keep Sirius Black as much as he was. A balancing act that Voldemort did not play so often but which he had appreciated for once. Especially since it kept Dumbledore busy and left him more free rein, especially in terms of how he managed his dear little lion. Celebrating the solstice with the teenager had been something truly magical. Painful too. He couldn't forget that it was thanks to Harry that he had regained much of his sanity and had a body again. And this joy that he had offered to the Goddess remained bittersweet. Coming back to 'life' at the hands of a person he had tried so hard to kill was still quite ironic.

Voldemort folded up his newspaper and glanced at the time. His Death Eaters would soon arrive for a small informal meeting. As long as they were the most loyal and zealous, Voldemort accepted a few small deviations. A few. Lucius had tasted his Crucio since his return, if only because he had dared to trash his diary as if it were nothing. How could a piece of his soul have been nothing?! Abraxas must have turned in his grave seeing this sight. Voldemort left the breakfast table. Around him, Riddle Manor had a heavy and unpleasant atmosphere. This place must not have heard much real laughter during his father's and grandparents' lifetime, and its magic eventually manifested the intrinsic unhappiness the walls had held back. Because over time, old homes ended up having a soul... Especially if they were lucky enough to be touched by a little power. He stood in front of a window and looked out over the village of Little Hangleton.

Voldemort could have lived there, grown up there. Due to his family fortune, he would undoubtedly have believed himself to be king of his lands. He was aware of his arrogance and had learned from his strengths and weaknesses. However, that wasn't what caught his attention. He felt an aura against his protective barriers, an aura that was passing without harm and it almost made him cringe. Was his magic playing tricks on him? No. She didn't like that anyone could hurt him, she had always defended him before he even understood what was happening. She had always done her best and she had kept this reflex of being ready for any incident.