Harry Potter's sister ~~~ Fanfiction

Innocent or guilty? part 91

Harry couldn't believe he doubted Black's guilt. But the evidence spoke for itself and Luna, someone with an unmatched understanding of logic, agreed that Black's case was in doubt. Unfortunately this epiphany came to Harry at a real inconvenient time. The Monday morning Prophet delivered Lupin's prediction only a day late. The Dementors now had permission to consume Sirius Black's soul at their discretion.

The Ministry and Harry did not see eye to eye before Black escaped and the public incident in Diagon Alley with Fudge before the school year started had only made things worse. Madam Bones might listen to him, but Harry sincerely doubted he had enough to get her interested, most of the teachers and Dumbledore knew Black personally and would doubtfully accept Harry's theories. As far as most adults were concerned, Black was unquestionably guilty and the Wizarding World was not interested in putting people on trial. Which left only one group Harry and Luna could confide in.

It was a very tense meeting to say the least. Harry actually had to put Hermione under a Silencing Charm. When he took it off she was angry but focused all her energy trying to dissuade Harry.

"Harry he killed thirteen people, including a close friend of your Dad's, not to mention he betrayed your family, Emma's Family." She said incredulously. "You think he's innocent, and the teachers are all wrong."

"Hermione, you should not take everything you hear for granted." Said Luna. "You yourself are not afraid to criticize Professor Trelawney's claims."

"That's different." Said Hermione. "Black belongs in prison, he murdered Harry's parents he's guil… guil…" she trailed off. "Innocent until proven guilty." She recited the old saying that roots trace back to the Ancient Civilizations of old. At least in the Muggle World.

Emma looked at Harry carefully. "You don't think he's innocent do you Harry?" she asked.

"I'm mostly sure he is guilty." Said Harry. "Even if there are doubts, people saw him kill all those people and Dumbledore himself cast the Fidelius Charm. But I can't figure out why? Yes he's from a family that supported Voldemort, but he was disowned by that family. Then as Luna pointed out, we were under Fidelius Charm since before you were even conceived. Why did Black wait that long, especially as according to Lupin he was betraying allies left, right and centre in the year before Mum and Dad were killed."

"So what are we going to do and will it involve a great big fight with some dark creature? Because if it does, count me in." said Demelza.

Everyone looked at her as if she was nuts.

"Hey, it would be nice to have something distracting and you have to admit the stuff we did last year was so cool." Said Demelza.

Harry and Emma locked eyes, they both knew that Demelza was looking for a distraction from her family troubles.

"I meant what I said a few months ago. I am not going to go looking for Black." Said Harry. "However, I think I will keep an eye out for him. He's tried to get into Gryffindor Tower twice now and he may try again. I'm going to set up more monitoring spells all over the castle, including at all the secret passages."

"But won't they just get set off if Lupin or Snape pass through?" said Emma.

"No, I've worked out a new modification. Hair."

"Hair?" said Ron incredulously.

"Yeah." Said Harry. "Black is completely coated in facial hair. So Long as neither Lupin nor Snape grow facial fair longer than say 2cm, they should be fine. I'll also keep an eye out on the Marauder's Map. If I see Black again, I'll approach him stealthily and capture him. Then I want answers."