Chapter 184 – Sirius Black
The elevator gates slammed shut, and it began to ascend with a slow, clanking rattle. An indifferent female voice echoed through the space, much like the one from the telephone booth.
"Seventh floor: Department of Magical Games and Sports, including the British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters, the Official Gobstones Club, and the Ludicrous Patents Office."
"Sixth floor: Department of Magical Transportation, including the Floo Network Authority, Broom Regulatory Control, Portkey Office, and Apparition Test Centre."
"Fifth floor: Department of International Magical Cooperation, including the International Magical Trading Standards Body, the International Magical Office of Law, and the British seat of the International Confederation of Wizards."
Phineas sighed. The voice droned on, and he glanced at the wizard beside him.
"We're not even stopping at these floors. Why keep announcing them?"
The wizard looked mildly embarrassed.
"Ah, well... This lift is reserved for distinguished guests, so…"
Phineas rolled his eyes. "So it's just to show off how grand the Ministry is, huh?"
The wizard chuckled softly. Harry, meanwhile, listened with interest. Much of what he heard—like Gobstones—was new and fascinating.
"Fourth floor: Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, including the Beast, Being, and Spirit Divisions, Goblin Liaison Office, and Pest Advisory Bureau."
"The Ministry has a Goblin Liaison Office now?" Phineas asked suddenly.
The wizard nodded. "It used to be the Goblin Monitoring, Management, and Crisis Response Department."
Phineas gave a small nod. That must have been a restructuring under Fudge. The Ministry's attitude toward goblins had certainly changed over the years.
"Third floor: Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, including the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, Obliviator Headquarters, and Muggle-Worthy Excuse Committee."
"Second floor: Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters, and Wizengamot Administration Services."
The elevator stopped.
"This is our stop, Master Black," the wizard said.
Phineas nodded and led Harry down a corridor lined with many doorways.
"Arthur's office is on this floor, isn't it?"
"Yes," the wizard replied. "Mr. Weasley's office is on the opposite side."
Phineas didn't respond. He wasn't quite sure what to say.
They turned a corner, passed a few heavy oak doors, and entered a large, messy open space partitioned into small cubicles. It was full of chatter and bustling energy.
Paper notes fluttered through the air, weaving in and out of compartments. A crooked sign marked the nearest cubicle: Auror Headquarters.
This was their destination.
Inside, Aurors bustled about, passing files and documents. The walls were plastered with everything from wanted posters to clipped newspaper articles, family photos, and even posters of celebrities and football players. It was chaotic and colorful.
"There you are, Roger," called a ponytailed wizard in deep purple robes.
Roger—Phineas now recognized as the Selwyn family wizard—nodded. "Here to escort Master Phineas Black. He's come to retrieve his brother."
The ponytailed wizard turned to a young witch with bright pink hair. "Tonks, bring in Sirius."
It was only then that Phineas realized who she was—his niece, the daughter of a cousin he had never met.
Tonks rose from her desk with visible reluctance and exited.
The ponytailed wizard turned back to Roger. "Are all the documents sorted?"
Roger handed him the paperwork. "All completed."
After a quick flip through, the man tossed the files onto his desk. "Fine. Once Sirius arrives, you can take him. Tonks can return after that."
A few minutes later, Tonks returned—with a man.
His filthy, matted hair hung past his elbows. His skin was pale and taut against his bones, like stretched parchment. Only the gleam in his deep-set eyes showed that he was still alive.
When the man spotted Phineas and Harry, he paused—then grinned, revealing yellowed teeth.
Phineas frowned. "You'd better stop smiling. You look like a corpse. Your mother would be thrilled."
It was Sirius Black—Phineas's elder brother, newly freed from eleven years in Azkaban.
Phineas offered his hand. "Phineas Black. You remember me, I assume."
Sirius nodded and dropped the grin. He looked at Harry, lips parting to speak—but Phineas cut him off.
"Save it. We'll talk later. The day's still long."
The three exited the Ministry, stepped onto the street, and were soon led by Puff to Grimmauld Place.
Sirius stared at the space before them, confused. He remembered his home stood there, but now, it was gone—or so it seemed.
Harry looked equally puzzled.
Without a word, Phineas handed them a slip of parchment.
Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place.
As they read it, the hidden house revealed itself.
Phineas led them inside. The house had changed—cleaner, brighter, more welcoming. Sirius looked around, clearly moved.
"That's a Red Bold Fidelius, isn't it?"
Phineas nodded. "Yes. I'm the Secret Keeper. It's a bit risky, but safe. Puff usually handles the traveling, so there's no trail."
Sirius nodded, then hesitated. "How have you been all these years?"
Phineas shrugged. "Same as ever. You were kicked out before I was born. Then Regulus vanished. Father died of illness. Mother lost her mind—died two years later. Since then, it's just been me. But I've managed."