In the boy's eyes Dumbledore saw absolute certainty. He wouldn't let this rest. He thought he would be capable to involve the Prime Minister if necessary. He seemed to know an awful lot about muggle law and the ways it reflected in the wizarding world. It was remarkable considering that he had only found out about magic two days prior. How fast could he read and comprehend information if he was that far already?
"I'll see what I can do. At least I'll go to Azkaban and hear Sirius out." He promised.
"That's a start. Don't make any mistake. Things in my life have been so messed up that I won't hesitate to see my interests properly represented. I'm used to decide on my own. I'll accept advice; it would be foolish not to use experience of those older than me, but I've learned to only truly trust myself. I don't believe that authority figures are always right. They didn't help me when I needed them after all; I take everything I learn with a grain of salt until I can ascertain new information. It served me well. The only thing I'll accept is a fair trial for Sirius Black to hear with my own ears that he did or didn't do it. I know there are methods to be certain somebody lies or not. Like magical oaths. I know there are more, but I didn't get through the whole book on politics yet. I concentrated on education, culture and history. If I don't see the trial taking place within three months, a letter with the information I will find out until then will go to the office of the Prime Minister." Harry said.
"Do you really think you can force the Ministry of Magic to do anything?" Dumbledore asked sceptically.
"I indeed do. Did you forget that I'm the most famous wizard alive? I read the books on the war against Voldemort and I read also about the duel you had with Grindelwald in 1945. People fell over themselves to do your bidding, Professor Dumbledore. Those that defeat Dark Lords are favourites of the masses. If I told the public about my doubts and that I only want that our Ministry, the place where justice should be served, gives my godfather a fair trial, and that they didn't do their duty, with a little mention that it could have been them that could have been sent to Azkaban without a trial, don't you think people would riot?" Harry asked with a calculating look.
"You would really go that far, Harry?" Dumbledore asked shocked, not liking at all how calculating this eleven year old boy was and how far he was willing to go to reach his goals.
"I indeed would. I'm a firm believer in upholding the law for everybody. And every politician fears how he looks in the eyes of the public. Massive negative press leads to loss of political clout. The only thing they will have to do is giving Sirius, and while we are at it, everybody who perhaps also didn't get a trial after the war, said trial. Nothing more. It shouldn't even be an issue at all." Harry said. "Well, as that is settled, I think you wanted to tell me more about other people that couldn't take me in. I don't think if Sirius was meant to be Secret Keeper, in case he was and this wasn't all a huge deception, they would have relied on one person." Harry changed the topic easily.
Dumbledore was taken aback by the thought it could have been a deception. The marauders would have been capable of thinking something up to throw Voldemort off.
"Yes, well there was one other very good friend of your father, Remus Lupin, but because of a certain condition he has, he hasn't been allowed to take care of you. Then there were Alice and Frank Longbottom, good friends of your parents, who have a son your age too. Sadly they were attacked by Death Eaters shortly after the defeat of Voldemort and, well, they were tortured to insanity. They are staying here at St. Mungo's in the long-term spelldamage ward, unable to even recognize Neville when he visits them." Dumbledore told Harry.
"That's horrible. What happened to Neville?" Harry asked honestly shocked.
"His grandmother raised him. But with all the people that your parents trusted not being available to take care of you, well you see the problems." Dumbledore said.
"What kind of condition prevents Remus Lupin from taking care of me?" Harry asked.
"He was bitten by a werewolf when he was a child. Therefore the Ministry classifies him as a dark creature. He is a very nice man and was a loyal friend to your parents, but with him transforming once a month into a beast, nobody would have allowed for you to grow up with him." Dumbledore said.
"Hm, I don't see the problem if that is only an issue for one day a month. I mean, he is human twenty seven days of twenty eight each month. Only the full moon transforms him and I don't think my dad would have been his friend if he was dangerous to others during that time. I would rather think there were precautions taken. Otherwise the muggles would have found out already about the magical world. People turning into werewolves are only part of horror stories." Harry pondered.
"I'm very happy you can see the difference. Most witches and wizards can't and only see the beast." Dumbledore said smiling.
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