Harry Potter: Eclipse.-Chapter 81:

Eventually Harry's prediction came through when Sirius used a spell chain that included an icy floor jinx, resulting in Remus losing his balance and throwing off his defence.

Harry clapped when it was over and the two men looked over, surprised at their quiet audience.

"How long have you been there?" Remus asked, sounding slightly breathless.

"Since Sirius tried to curse your hair to grow ten feet," Harry replied, making Sirius laugh.

"It's a good distraction tactic when it hits," the animagus defended, still chuckling.

Harry nodded. "I don't doubt it," Harry agreed. It was a good tactic to use as in a real fight - people don't expect such diversity.

Sirius grinned and snapped his fingers to summon Kreacher. The elf appeared with a pop and glared before he saw Harry. "Little Master requires something?" he asked, ignoring the fact it was Sirius who summoned him. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

Sirius glared while Remus chuckled under his breath. Harry, however, smiled at the elf. "Could you please bring up a pitcher of lemonade and three glasses?" he asked.

"Yes, Little Master, Kreacher will be doing as Little Master asks," the elf said, disappearing with a quiet pop.

Sirius grumbled about demented elves, making Harry laugh. "It's not funny! I swear, if it wasn't for the fact that you so clearly like him, that elf would be gone," Sirius whined.

"Then it's a good thing he's my friend," Harry said, just as Kreacher popped back with their lemonade.

Hearing his Little Master defend him, Kreacher puffed up his chest with pride and poured the Little Master a glass, leaving the pitcher for the mutt and wolf to help themselves. The Little Master was such a good Master, just like Master Regulus had been, defending poo r Kreacher.

After they had drunk their lemonade, Sirius asked if Harry wanted to duel. Harry considered it, but he knew he would only get frustrated in the end having to restrict himself. He needed to find a cure for Tom, as then he would feel comfortable coming clean.

Declining, Harry said he was actually feeling quite tired. As it was nearing nine, he would instead head to bed after having a bath. 2nd August 1992

The next day, Harry and the two men floo'd into Diagon Alley at noon for their meeting with Dodge. Each wore outer cloaks with hoods pulled up to try and remain inconspicuous in the busy summer crowds.

Entering the bank, Harry walked ahead, leading the men to Ragnok's office. Harry greeted each goblin with a nod as he passed them. The meeting was being held in Gringotts to ensure privacy and to keep the goblins, especially Ragnok, up to date.

After knocking, Harry entered and saw that Dodge was already inside. Standing, the law wizard shook Harry's hand first as he was technically his boss even though Sirius held more political power. After their greetings were done, they all took a seat.

Ragnok looked over Harry and smiled. "It is good to see you, Harry," the goblin said.

"Likewise, my friend," Harry responded.

Ragnok turned to Sirius then. "You are looking better as well, Lord Black."

Sirius nodded. "Thank you, Chief Ragnok. My health has improved dramatically under the care of both the goblin healers and those at St. Mungo's." Dodge interrupted the good news, "That is good, Lord Black. Your strengthening health will reduce the opposition's case against you."

Sirius turned his head to better look at the lawyer. "I believe my medical records will show that, although I'm am yet at full strength, I have increased to a level which is acceptable."

"Good, good," the lawyer appraising Sirius with his eyes.

said,

"Have you any idea who Dumbledore has hired to go against you?" Harry asked. He didn't know any law wizards or witches, really.

Dodge smiled slightly ferally. "Oh, yes. Her name is Miranda Jenkins; I believe she is the niece of Elphias Doge. Young girl, she has some potential but she is too firmly in Dumbledore's pocket to truly reach it."

"She won't be a problem, then?" Remus asked. He had spent the last few days worrying, especially about his influence on the trial.

"No, not for me," Dodge assured.

"Good," Harry said. He remembered Doge from his last life and how fiercely he had defended Dumbledore after he died. It didn't surprise him that he followed the old man now.

"Now Harry, as for you, I've been in contact with Madam Bones. She's allowed me to see the evidence of your abuse and let me tell you: this case, as far as I can see, should be a clear win. Your medical reports, as well as the correspondence from your family, shows their treatment and dismissal of you."

Harry nodded. "Any other issues we should be aware of?"

"Well, Dumbledore has been seen stirring amongst some of the Light families, making his presence known. But, honestly? With the evidence I doubt any will go against you."

"How he thinks he can win this, I will never know," Sirius grumbled. "He's too assured of his own power. He has fooled this world for decades and amassed a following. He will not realise the masses have turned against him until it's too late - if we're lucky," Harry said.

Dodge nodded. "He doesn't seem to realise some of who he was trying to convince were already against him."

"Hopefully his inability to see the truth and his arrogance will hold out," Harry said.

"Another issue that Dumbledore has brought up is creature laws. There has been a bill proposed to strip known Dark magical creatures of their rights to dwell with wizards, including family. Although it does not have Dumbledore's name on it, it screams of his influence. It was proposed by Dolores Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, who has been seen in his company a fair bit more than usual recently," Dodge said, eyes briefly going to Remus, who had stiffened.

Harry growled and forced his occlumency shields to hold back his magic. Thinking of the pink toad made him remember the pain she had caused him and the other students at Hogwarts. Not only did she use Dark artefacts to torture and maim them, she had tried to Crucio him! He had forgotten about her, but he vowed not to do so again—he would get his revenge. Her persecution of creatures and muggleborns had been ruthless and vindictive; she truly was a dreadful woman. "The bill won't pass," Harry said with conviction. Even if he had to manipulate the Wizengamot himself, he wouldn't let it pass.

"You think he's trying to undermine my claim as Remus lives with us and was granted temporary custody?" Sirius asked, his voice tight with anger.

"That you be my guess," Dodge said. "It shouldn't cause too much trouble as, like you said, Mr. Lupin has already been granted temporary custody and it is you who is going for full. Seeing how well you function as a family unit will also help as it shows Harry is settled and happy."

"He's a fool to go after Remus," Harry spat out. "He's alienating an entire race and for what? To try and control me? He's doing us a favour, really."

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