The Unfolding Fate of Sirius Black: A New World After His Innocence Is Proven

Introduction

Imagine a world where Peter Pettigrew never escaped the night he was revealed as an Animagus, and Sirius Black's name was cleared. How would this alter the landscape of the wizarding world? In this piece, we explore various outcomes and implications of such a scenario.

Public Perception and Trust

How public would the trial be, and how reputable would the Ministry of Magic prove to be? The Ministry, notorious for its slipshod work, had already let many Death Eaters off the hook post-war due to nepotism, plutocracy, and bribery. Would people truly believe Sirius was innocent? Even Molly Weasley might hold onto the illusion that Sirius was guilty until the very end.

Rehabilitation and Treatment

Sirius, who underwent 12 years of illegal government-sponsored torture, would require proper assistance and treatment. Would he receive compensation for his suffering? The psychological damage inflicted upon him would be immense, and his mind could still be traumatized. Sirius would need a clear mind to meet and understand Harry, who was nearly a decade younger at the time of the Potters' death.

Harry’s Guardian and Custody

Would Sirius, as now clear and rehabilitated, gain custody of Harry? He opened his house to the Order, even though it was a dump, and he allowed them to use it as a base of operations. Would a mentally balanced Sirius be able to reconnect with a now-grown Harry? The shared trauma, however, might make it difficult.

The Aftermath of Voldemort’s Fall

The death of Voldemort and the revelation of Peter Pettigrew’s faked death would have significant consequences. Sirius, now free from prison, would seek vengeance against Pettigrew. The Ministry of Magic would face new challenges in tracking down Pettigrew, an Animagus, who had managed to vastly blend into society due to his ability to transform into a rat.

Impact on the Triwizard Tournament

The Triwizard Tournament, orchestrated by Barty Crouch Jr with instructions from Voldemort, would be called into question. A clear-headed Sirius, raised in a harsh family like the Blacks, would not have allowed a minor like Harry to compete. He would have found a lawyer to defend Harry, asserting that he was too young to be a competitor.

Future of the Black Family

Sirius might have had access to the Black Family Library, which Voldemort coveted. This extensive resource could have offered numerous protective spells and safeguards that could have prevented further breaches to Grimmauld Place. Would Sirius have died under different circumstances, with Harry more in control of their relationship and communication?

Conclusion

The revelation that Sirius Black was innocent and Peter Pettigrew was behind the murder of the Potters would drastically reshape the wizarding world. It would bring justice and closure for Sirius, provide Harry with a clearer identity, and create new challenges for the Ministry. This scenario reimagines the post-Voldemort era with renewed hope and potential for redemption.