"This night we light candles for those precious ones lost." Albus Dumbledore softly called out to the nearby staff and student body. Normally there would have been a ceremony in the Great Hall but considering how many had died it just did not seem fitting. Instead they lit candles outside, each student carrying one as they gazed into the night sky.
"Each was a friend, a brother or sister, a son or daughter, a future parent… each was taken before their own time. Let us not forget them, but instead carry them with us for all our remaining days. Let their lives inspire us more than their deaths ever shall and let us all become greater for knowing them."
All bowed their heads in silent mourning, and thus none saw the smile on a certain blonde Ravenclaw's face.
...
"Sirius Orion Black." Lucius Malfoy intoned with a calm and steady voice as he walked towards the man. "As representative of the Wizengamot, and the government of Magical England as a whole, I would like to extend our most sincere and deepest apologies for the travesty you have had to endure for the last twelve years. Although it means little now I assure you that all prisoners are currently having their cases reviewed to avoid such an appalling fate as you have had to suffer through. We have made a deposit into your accounts, but as we all know time is worth far more than gold. I can only give you my solemn word that this shall never happen again."
It was missed by none that Minster Fudge was not present at the ceremony, citing personal reasons for being at his ancestral home instead.
"Thank you, Lord Malfoy." Harry had informed him that he was to act civil during any public meetings with the man, despite any history they might have had. The teen had plans for the blonde and doing anything to disrupt them would cause problems that the former convict did not want. "I appreciate your sincerity and humility in this matter. I can see why my godson has spoken so very strongly in your support."
The Slytherin's mouth twitched ever so slightly, a sign of annoyance. Both men, being of Pureblood origins, knew that in such a meeting there was always a secret competition, who could act the most humble, and thus garner a favor from the other.
Thus far Sirius was winning… and they both knew it.
"Yes, and I would be remiss if I did not thank you and he once more. I do so hope that you will accept the invitation to the ball I am throwing in your honor this summer."
"Only if you will agree that all fund raising will go towards your election. I have the utmost confidence in you spending it well."
Back and forth they went for over ten minutes, negotiating in a way that even had those of the 'minor' Pureblood lines confused. Finally, they settled for what appeared to be a truce, and ended with a slight handshake and simultaneous bows to each other.
...
"Looks as though Malfoy has a definitive lead." Remus noted as he glanced over the newspaper that had just been delivered. Currently he was sitting in a small apartment in Hogsmeade, with Sirius and Harry, while enjoying a dinner just delivered by the boy's House-elf.
"I still don't know about this pup, I mean Malfoy was about as slimy as they came. You sure that you want to trust him?"
"It isn't about trust Padfoot, the fact of the matter is the man has his uses and his son even more so. Technically I could have made you or Remus Minster, but neither of you wanted the position."
Sirius grinned at the thought, "Minister Padfoot… you know it does have a certain ring to it…"
"Oh please, like you would ever be caught sitting behind a desk doing paperwork…"
The Black Lord scrunched his face, "Fair point Moony… so what now pup? I mean… assuming Malfoy agrees to be your little errand boy you pretty much control the Ministry."
A sigh escaped the raven-haired boy's lips, "I know… I was thinking it would take me at least until I graduated to do that, I am starting to run out of things to occupy myself with…"
Both men stared for a moment, before bursting into laughter, "Only you pup would be upset at being too successful."
"Well think about it from my point of view. If you achieve all of your plans by the time you are fourteen what do you do afterwards?"
"Shag every girl willing and build myself a harem… preferably of Veela." Sirius replied without hesitation or a single sliver of humor in his voice.
"Of course you would Padfoot…" The Were muttered in annoyance. "But he does have a… slight point Harry, maybe you should just enjoy the rest of the year. Take a break and just relax a bit."
.....
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