Harry Potter and the Second Chance - Chapter 71 - A Walk in the Ministry

Harry slipped his hand into his robe, fingers closing tightly around the familiar wood of his wand. His pulse quickened, and a deep-seated hatred stirred within him, as his eyes locked onto the short, toad-like woman standing beside Amelia Bones. Dolores Umbridge.

He fought against the impulse to draw his wand, his grip tightening involuntarily. Every instinct screamed at him to be on guard, to prepare for a confrontation, but before he could make up his mind on whether he wanted to do anything, a firm yet gentle hand landed on his shoulder.

Harry spun around instantly, heart racing, only to find himself staring into the sharp, knowing eyes of Albus Dumbledore, which flashed down to where his hand was clenched around his wand, then back up to meet his gaze. The old wizard’s expression was calm, if a little sad, his silver beard barely shifting as he raised a single eyebrow in silent question.

Realizing there wasn’t really anything he could do at the moment without making things more difficult for himself and Sirius, Harry forced himself to take several deep breaths. Slowly, he relaxed his grip on his wand, willing his body to ease out of its tense stance. It wouldn’t do to draw attention to himself now—not when so much was at stake.

He turned his focus back to the front of the elevator and the conversation between Amelia Bones and Umbridge.

“Ah, and what exactly are you up to today, Amelia?” Umbridge asked, her tone light but curious. Her beady eyes flicked between Amelia and the rest of the Aurors in the elevator.

Amelia, composed as ever, gestured towards Sirius, who stood beside them under the disguise of Polyjuice Potion. Without even a hesitation she replyied. “We are transporting a person of interest related to an old case,” she stated crisply, her voice cool and authoritative, nodding toward Sirius.

Umbridge’s nose wrinkled slightly as she looked back at him, her lips pressing together in distaste. The transformation had left Sirius looking sickly and rough around the edges, and his dull, watery eyes only added to the effect. Whatever opinion she had of the man's appearance, she clearly didn’t care enough to question it.

Instead, she let out a shrill, simpering laugh. “It’s quite a large escort for just a single person of interest. Isn’t it?” She lingered for a moment, but when Amelia didn’t elaborate, Umbridge seemed to lose interest. Her eyes flickered briefly over the small group. But then, to Harry’s relief, she didn’t press further. Instead, she turned her attention to Dumbledore.

She gave him a polite nod, but her expression changed the moment her gaze fell upon Harry. Her wide, bulging eyes lit up with recognition, and her lips curled into a saccharine smile.

“Why, if it isn’t—”

Before she could finish, the elevator chimed, and the doors slid open with a soft metallic hiss. The sudden noise startled her, causing her to spin around abruptly.

Amelia, seizing the opportunity, took a step forward. “Are you getting off here as well, Madam Umbridge?” she asked smoothly.

Umbridge hesitated for only a moment before giving a quick glance back at Harry. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity—perhaps even suspicion—but then she looked back at Amelia and nodded. “Yes, indeed I am.”

She stepped out of the elevator first, leading the way. The rest of them followed, carefully keeping Sirius towards the back of their group.

Just as Harry thought they were in the clear, Umbridge slowed her steps and turned, clearly intent on addressing him. But before she could get a single word out, a voice called her name from further down the hallway.

“Undersecretary Umbridge!”

She blinked, her beady eyes darting toward the source of the call. Recognizing the person as someone of importance, she let out a small, high-pitched giggle and quickly hurried off toward them as fast as her stubbly legs could carry her.

As soon as she disappeared, Harry let out a deep breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

"That was … uncomfortable," Sirius muttered under his breath, keeping his voice low.

"Agreed," Harry replied. His fingers twitched, still feeling the imprint of his wand against his palm.

“That was close,” Tonks murmured, her usually cheerful voice tight with tension. “I don’t like that woman. Despite her ‘charm’, she’s … well I don’t like her.”

Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled with quiet amusement. “Indeed, but for now, it seems we have avoided any unnecessary complications.” He glanced at Amelia. “Shall we proceed?”

Amelia gave a curt nod, and the group pressed forward, navigating the corridors of the Ministry with practiced efficiency.

The plan was simple—at least on paper. Get Sirius to a secure location within the Ministry where he could be discreetly processed before Amelia could officially declare his exoneration.

But nothing was ever simple where the Ministry was concerned.

As they made their way down the dimly lit corridors, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting, Harry couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling creeping up his spine. Something felt … off.

He wasn’t alone in his unease. Kingsley, walking slightly ahead, kept a careful hand near his wand. Tonks, usually more relaxed, was scanning their surroundings with sharp eyes. Even Dumbledore’s expression had shifted—he appeared as if he was as calm as ever, but Harry could tell he was more alert now.

It wasn’t until they rounded a corner that his feelings were confirmed.

A group of Aurors stood at the far end of the corridor, talking amongst themselves. At first glance, it seemed normal, but Harry noticed Amelia’s subtle shift in posture.

This wasn’t expected.

Having already made it around the corner there was no alternative and so their group continued forward.

As they drew closer, one of the Aurors—a tall man with sharp features and a neatly trimmed beard—stepped forward.

“Madam Bones,” he greeted, his tone pleasant but firm. “A moment?”

Amelia didn’t hesitate. “Is there a problem, Travers?”

Travers glanced at their group, his eyes lingering on Sirius. His brow furrowed slightly. “We received an internal memo regarding a high-priority security issue. I was under the impression that all prisoner transports had to go through the Department of Magical Law Enforcement directly.”

Amelia’s expression remained unreadable. “This is not a prisoner transport, just a person of interest,” she said evenly. “There is no need for your concern, I have full authority over this.”

Travers hesitated, clearly uncertain, but before he could respond, Dumbledore took a step forward.

“I trust there are no issues, Auror Travers?” Dumbledore asked, his voice carrying its usual calm authority.

Travers stiffened. “No, Headmaster, of course not. I was merely—”

“Good,” Amelia interrupted smoothly. “Because I do not have time to entertain unnecessary delays.”

For a long moment, Travers looked like he wanted to argue, but in the end, he gave a stiff nod and stepped aside.

“Very well, Madam Bones.” His tone was clipped, but he didn’t press further.

The group moved forward again, but Harry could feel the tension in the air thickening. He caught a glance between Kingsley and Tonks—both of them were clearly still uneasy.

After the turned around the next corner, Amelia led them into a private chamber deeper within the Ministry, she then closed the door behind them and cast several protective charms in quick succession.

“I’m not entirely sure what that was,” she said, turning to Sirius. “There aren’t usually any Auror’s just patrolling this floor. It might have been nothing but …” She trailed off, shaking her head as she looked towards Sirius. “Once the formal process begins, it will be harder for anyone to interfere. But until then, you are vulnerable.”

Sirius, still in his Polyjuiced disguise, smirked, although even Harry could tell it was a little forced. “What’s life without a little risk? I can’t imagine this will be easier if I try to come back another day.”

Dumbledore smiled faintly. “Indeed. Let us proceed.”

Amelia Bones starred at him for a couple seconds before nodding. She led them purposefully from the room, passing a handful of Ministry employees without so much as a glance, before stopping beside an alcove just outside a courtroom Harry recognized all too well. It was the same chamber where, in his original timeline, he had been forced to defend himself against the Ministry’s accusations of underage magic. The memory sent a shiver down his spine, but he quickly shook it off.

She turned to the Aurors flanking their group. “Stay here with … ‘our suspect’,” she instructed, her tone leaving no room for argument. “This is as good a position as any. Make sure he stays out of sight as much as possible and that nothing happens. I need to head inside.”

The Aurors all nodded sharply as they took their positions. Meanwhile, Amelia turned on her heel and strode into the courtroom without hesitation.

Dumbledore, who took a step into the alcove to stand beside Harry, Hermione, and Sirius, gave them a small reassuring smile. “I must also take my seat,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “But rest assured, I will make certain that your case is heard at the appropriate time.” He looked at Harry and Hermione in particular. “Stay here, and Madam Bones will fetch you when it is time.”

Harry nodded, watching as the Headmaster walked into the courtroom with his usual unhurried grace. Over the next few minutes, from their vantage point they watched as members of the Wizengamot arrived in small clusters, all dressed in plum-colored robes. Some entered deep in conversation, while others seemed more focused, their faces solemn as they disappeared into the chamber.

Finally, the heavy doors swung shut.

Kingsley, who had remained closest to them, crossed his arms and leaned against the stone wall. “That’s it. The session has started,” he muttered. “Now, all we can do is wait.”

Sirius sighed before sitting down beside Harry on one of the benches in the alcove. After a beat of silence, he turned his head and smirked. “You alright there, Harry?”

Harry chuckled softly. “Me? Of course,” he said. “But how about you? I can’t imagine how stressful this is.”

Sirius huffed a small laugh. “Oh, you know, I’m doing alright—though every time someone looked at me, I half-expect them to recognize me and call out my name. That would have certainly made that walk a lot more fun, wouldn’t it have?”

Harry grinned. “For what it’s worth, you certainly don’t look like yourself. So I guess, so far, we’re good.”

Sirius smiled at that, but after the moment passed, they both fell into silence, realizing there wasn’t much else to say. The only thing left was to wait.

The quietness stretched between them, and Harry started to feel the stress building. However, it looked like he had been doing a bad job trying to hide it as Hermione, who had remained standing near the door, stepped towards him. Without a word, she sat down beside Harry, close enough that their shoulders brushed.

He glanced at her, but before he could say anything, she reached for his hand and gently laced her fingers through his.

Harry blinked in surprise and when he looked at her, he saw the concern in her eyes.

“It’s going to be alright,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry exhaled slowly, allowing himself to relax slightly under her touch. He squeezed her hand, taking comfort in her presence. “I hope so,” he admitted. “But this is the Ministry. They didn’t exactly give him a trial in the first place and then they didn’t believe us last year. You know how they are.”

Hermione nodded. “I do. But you’re not alone in this, Harry. I care for you and will make sure you are ok.” Her fingers tightened slightly around his. “And so does ...”

Harry raised an eyebrow at her trailing off.

Hermione’s expression shifted ever so slightly, as if she had said something she hadn’t meant to. “I—I just mean that there are those that care about you, that’s all.” She quickly looked away, clearing her throat. “Anyway, the trial should start soon. We just have to be patient. Professor Dumbledore and Madam Bones are on Sirius’ side and that has to seriously count for something.”

Harry looked at her for several seconds, seeing right through her attempt to change the subject. But rather than pressing the issue, he decided to let it go for now. Now wasn’t the time but he would have to ask Hermione about that later.

For now, he focused on the warmth of her hand in his and the steady reassurance in her gaze.

“Thanks, Hermione,” he said softly.

She smiled, squeezing his hand once more before finally letting go.

Minutes stretched on, dragging endlessly as the three of them sat there, occasionally exchanging glances but otherwise lost in their own thoughts. Hermione sat stiffly, her hands clasped tightly together in her lap, while Sirius tapped his fingers idly on the bench.

Eventually, Harry’s growing nerves forced his mind back to one crucial detail—how much time had passed? His eyes flickered to Sirius, who, at that exact moment, shifted uncomfortably and stole a glance at the doors of the courtroom.

He must be thinking the same thing.

Harry’s stomach twisted. If the Polyjuice Potion wore off before they were called in … well, things could go south very quickly.

Sirius noticed Harry looking at him and shrugged. “Things might be about to get very interesting,” he muttered under his breath.

Just as he said that, the heavy doors to the courtroom swung open, and Amelia Bones stepped out. Her face was unreadable, but her voice was clear as she said, “It’s time.”

Harry’s stomach churned with nerves, but he kept his expression steady. This was it. Everything they had done, all the planning and secrecy, had been leading up to this moment.

Harry, Hermione, and Sirius stood as one. Kingsley and Dawlish gave them a brief nod before stepping aside.

Taking a steadying breath, Harry followed as Amelia led Sirius through the open doors.

As they entered, the previous case was wrapping up. Harry barely paid attention as the presiding officials concluded their discussions, and a handful of witches and wizards stood and started heading towards a side door. However his focus was on the figure at the head of the chamber—Cornelius Fudge.

The Minister for Magic stood and cleared his throat. “I want to thank everyone for coming today and I believe that that concludes today’s session—”

Before he could finish dismissing the assembly, Dumbledore stood.

“As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot,” Dumbledore’s voice rang out through the chamber, “there is one more case I wish to bring before this body, as is my right.”

A murmur spread through the audience, stopping those who had started to leave, as all eyes turned to him. Harry could hear whispers rippling across the chamber as curiosity piqued among the members of the Wizengamot.

Fudge hesitated, glancing at his advisors, including Umbridge who was staring at them suspiciously, before raising a hand for silence. “Very well, Dumbledore,” he said, his voice carefully neutral. “I must admit, I’m interested in what you have to say—especially as it appears to involve young Harry Potter.”

Knowing that all eyes were now on him, Harry forced himself to act natural. He met Fudge’s gaze, smiled, and gave the members of the Wizengamot a polite wave. The whispering instantly doubled, excitement threading through the crowd.

Sirius chuckled under his breath. “Good show, Harry,” he murmured.

Harry tried to hide his smirk with his hand and didn’t reply. He had learned over the years that public perception mattered, and if playing the charming Boy Who Lived helped them win support, then he would play the role.

Dumbledore looked down and signaled the Aurors. They nodded and guided Sirius to the center of the room, leading him toward the chair that was there. They didn’t lock the restraints, instead taking a defensive position around him. A fact that Harry saw caused several members of the Wizengamot to raise their eyebrows.

As this was happening, Dumbledore descended from his position and joined them on the courtroom floor. He stopped in front of Sirius and turned to the assembled Wizengamot.

“This matter of business,” he began, his voice calm but commanding, “is an attempt to correct a miscarriage of justice that has endured for over a decade.”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.

Dumbledore let the statement settle, his piercing blue eyes sweeping across the chamber, making brief but deliberate eye contact with each member. The effect was immediate—everyone sat straighter, eyes locked onto him. He had their full attention.

He finally turned back to Sirius, stepping towards him.

“This miscarriage of justice,” he continued, “resulted in an innocent man being sentenced to Azkaban for crimes he did not commit.”

For a moment, the courtroom was utterly silent.

Then the murmuring exploded into frenzied whispers.

Harry saw Fudge stiffen in his seat, comprehension dawning across his face. His lips pressed into a thin line, and he leaned toward Umbridge, whispering something into her ear. Umbridge’s beady eyes narrowed as she absorbed the information, her expression unreadable.

Just as Fudge opened his mouth to object, the entire courtroom fell silent.

Harry watched, his breath catching in his throat, as every person in the chamber stared at the man in the chair.

Sirius was changing.

It was almost as if it had been timed perfectly—the Polyjuice Potion reached the end of its duration at that exact moment. His features blurred, shifting and reforming as his true face was revealed.

Gone was the boil covered wizard.

In his place sat Sirius Black.

The reaction was immediate.

Gasps of shock filled the chamber. Chairs scraped against the stone floor as members of the Wizengamot jumped to their feet. Voices overlapped in a chaotic symphony of disbelief, anger, and confusion.

Sirius, ever the dramatist, looked up at the assembled witches and wizards and gave them a small wave.

Chaos erupted.

Kind Regards,

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Story Note 1 – Oh no! Another dramatic cliffhanger-ish ending to the chapter. Hope you enjoyed this chapter as the next one will be a doozy! Decided to leave the complete trial along with some of the immediate aftermath which results in a bigger one which should offset this one. But how is this going to end? Freedom for Sirius is obviously the easy guess … or are the dementors/Aurors going to get summoned immediately?

Thanks to those of you out to those of you who enjoy my stories, I promise to keep updating the stories as long as you enjoy them, and a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to leave feedback or reach out to me directly.

Disclaimer – It has come to my attention recently that I unfortunately do not own Harry Potter. Who knew.