If you want to read ahead by 10 chapters from her you can visit my Patre-on.
{P} {A} {T} {R} {E} {O} {N}
https://patreon.com/Annu_Fanfic
-----------
"Good. Tea?" Amelia poured him a cup, placed sandwiches on a plate and handed the lot over to him with a flick of her wand.
He tucked into the simple fare eating quickly and efficiently as though used to rushing. She knew he had been deprived of food in the past; locked up and barely fed. She handed him another plate of sandwiches as she asked him to describe what happened in his own words.
His testimony married with the others but it was the most painful to hear; the personal aspect was too sharp to ignore – Pettigrew had betrayed Harry's parents and caused their deaths, Black was Harry's godfather. The horror of the Dementor attack had Amelia shivering and she was sympathetic when he expressed dismay and frustration at the Minister's initial decision not to believe him…
He looked over at her finally, his green eyes bright with curiosity again. "Can I ask why the Minister changed his mind?"
"He discovered that your godfather never had a trial." Amelia answered honestly. "It has shaken the Minister's conviction that Black is guilty and hence his request I investigate." She handed Harry a slice of cake much to Alastor's badly hidden amusement.
Harry swallowed some cake and waved a hand at her. "What about Snape's testimony?"
"From what we've heard there'd be no point asking him anything." Alastor interjected. "He only saw you three kids, Lupin and Black together, and was knocked out before anything of note took place."
"And the Headmaster?" Harry asked. "He talked to Sirius too, I think."
"But alone." Alastor commented. "No verifying witnesses except for Black himself unlike the four of you."
"So will Sirius be cleared?" His young face was so hopeful that Amelia felt regret at giving him the official answer.
"I can't say, Harry, until I've finished and submitted my findings to the Minister." Amelia said apologetically.
"Don't forget though that you're not to discuss this interview with your Headmaster or with your friends." Alastor said. "Or Black."
Harry nodded quickly, streaks of red across his cheeks giving away he probably was in contact with his godfather. Amelia knew she should probably ask for the correspondence but couldn't bring herself to deprive the child of anything positive in his life.
"Well, if Amelia's done," Alastor shot her a look and she gave a nod, stopping the quill, "how about I tell you a couple of stories about your Dad?"
Harry's demeanour brightened. Amelia watched as Alastor weaved a grand tale about James Potter's first training session and it was clear that Harry was starved for information about his parents and heritage. What was Albus Dumbledore thinking?
Three stories later and Amelia brought a reluctant halt to the afternoon.
Alastor paused on their way out and dug into the pocket of his trench-coat. He motioned for Harry to give his arm and placed a wand holster on it. He pushed Harry's wand into place. "Practice releasing it from the holster." He said roughly. "And remember to always wear your wand. You can hide it beneath your shirts now."
Harry grinned at him. "Thank you."
"Remember…" Alastor wagged a finger at him.
"Constant vigilance!" Harry replied back promptly with a cheeky grin.
Amelia rolled her eyes because Alastor had jumped on the opportunity to indoctrinate another person into his paranoia. "It's been good to meet you, Harry." She shook his hand as they said goodbye and left the house. Amelia couldn't help feeling wretched that she was leaving Harry Potter somewhere she was certain was completely unsuitable.
She and Alastor exchanged another look; they had a lot to talk about but none of it was appropriate for discussion on a public street. They walked down the road towards an alley where they could apparate without being seen.
A grey-haired woman hovered at the corner of Privet Drive and Wisteria Walk. She broke into a trot upon seeing them and Amelia noticed she was followed by a cat – no a kneazle. Amelia frowned at the tartan carpet slippers that the woman wore.
"Alastor Moody!" The woman called out in greeting. "Albus said you might be stopping by today."
And suddenly Amelia was very grateful Alastor had taken the time to provide them with a cover story. Obviously the woman was Dumbledore's spy in the neighbourhood.
"Arabella Figg." Alastor said politely. "It's been a while." He didn't introduce Amelia and she kept quiet.
"You don't really think Black's still a threat, do you, Alastor?" Figg asked hurriedly. "Albus said his sources place Black abroad."
"As do mine." Alastor answered. "But you know what I always say…"
"Constant vigilance." Figg said obediently. "Do you want to use my floo?"
"A private place to apparate would be appreciated, Arabella." Alastor said, glancing at Amelia.
They all walked briskly to Figg's house. It smelled of kneazles and boiled vegetables. Amelia found her nose wrinkling but otherwise hid her reaction. As soon as the door was closed, Alastor started with the questions.
"I take it you've been watching over Potter a while?" Alastor asked.
"Since December 'eighty-one." Figg replied. "Albus asked me to keep watch and report anything suspicious – wizards in the area, that kind of thing, give him any updates on Harry that I could gather. It was the least I could do for Albus after, well, you remember."
-----------
If you want to read ahead by 10 chapters from her you can visit my Patre-on.
{P} {A} {T} {R} {E} {O}
https://patreon.com/Annu_Fanfic