"Why?" Alan looked at Bagnold in confusion. In his eyes, this was ironclad evidence. Sirius being unable to state the Potter family's address not only meant that he was not the Secret-Keeper himself, but also proved that the true Secret-Keeper, Peter, was still alive.
"While I am willing to believe in Sirius's innocence, it won't be easy to convince others with this. In the eyes of other wizards who know the Potter family's address, if the Secret-Keeper hasn't died, it is normal for the secret not to have automatically transferred to those who merely knew it."
"Simply using the fact that Sirius cannot state the address as evidence can easily be seen by others as Black intentionally concealing it, trying to deceive everyone," Bagnold explained simply to the two.
"I am willing to undergo a memory examination. They won't be able to find that address in my mind. You know the Fidelius Charm can do that," Sirius said urgently to Bagnold. He only wanted to rush out for revenge now.
"This can indeed serve as corroborating evidence." Bagnold nodded, then turned to look at Alan. "I need to discuss this with Dumbledore and Amelia first. I think they will be willing to believe Sirius. As for how to convince the Wizengamot, that will require careful consideration."
Alan heard Bagnold emphasize the words 'careful consideration' and vaguely realized something. All of this, perhaps, in addition to insufficient evidence, involved other obstacles.
"What? So you mean I still have to stay in here? But the culprit who killed James and Lily is still out there! How can you expect me to feel at ease?" Sirius gnashed his teeth and spoke hatefully, his eyes wide as he stared at Bagnold. "How about this: you let me out first, and after I catch that damned Peter, you can lock me back in prison? I'm not afraid of staying in Azkaban; I just can't accept this!"
"What do you think this place is? Somewhere you can come and go as you please?" Bagnold glared at Black in annoyance.
Alan spoke up for Bagnold. "That's right. If we just let you out, you'll only turn from a prisoner into a wanted man. In that case, how would you have a chance to catch Peter? Besides, so many years have passed; are you sure you can find him the moment you get out? Avenging Lily and James is not just your responsibility; it's our shared responsibility."
"Then what do you say I should do?" Sirius paced anxiously back and forth in the cell, shouting with a face full of frustration.
"You endure here for a while, recuperate, and regain your strength." Alan turned to look at Bagnold. "Can you take care of Sirius a bit in the prison? He has suffered a lot in here, especially from those Dementors."
"That's not a problem. I'll arrange for them to move the Dementors away from this area, and I'll also instruct the house-elves stationed here to improve the food," Bagnold responded with a nod.
Alan nodded at her words, then looked at Sirius solemnly. "Minister Bagnold and I will find a way to clear your name. What you need to do now is be patient and wait for us. During this time, you absolutely must not do anything foolish. If you attempt to escape, whether you fail or succeed, it will become an excuse for others to attack you. At that point, regardless of your innocence, you will become a wanted man by the Ministry, and you will never have the opportunity to personally get your revenge!"
Alan had gone to such great lengths; it would be a pity if Sirius became a fugitive because of this. He knew the man's temper was stubborn; he was prone to being either completely withdrawn or acting like a mad dog. He estimated that this was also related to Azkaban; in such a depressing place, it was understandable to become a bit neurotic.
After hearing Alan's persuasion, Sirius was extremely conflicted. He had originally been disheartened, but learning that Peter Pettigrew was still alive filled his mind with infinite anger and regret. However, as he gradually calmed down, he knew Alan was correct. Black himself didn't know where Peter was. If he just ran out and couldn't get revenge, he would only let that scoundrel off the hook.
He looked solemnly at Alan. This young man was the person he trusted most, alongside the Potters. "Alright, I agree to your arrangement, but you have to get me out of this hellhole as soon as possible! I wish I could appear next to Peter right now and bite him to death!"
Alan nodded. "You need to be patient, and you need to trust me. I will contact you through the Ministry. No matter what, I will find a way to clear your name."
With that, Alan began to move items out of his spatial ring, giving Sirius various long-lasting foods and daily necessities. Fortunately, he had plenty on hand; the supplies taken from his home's basement filled a large warehouse. He was now sending as much as he could to Sirius.
Finally, Minister Bagnold had to call a halt. If Alan were allowed to send everything in, this wouldn't be a prison; it would be a hotel. Afterward, Alan and Bagnold talked with Sirius again, carefully reviewing the details of that night, and then the two left Azkaban, returning to the Ministry of Magic.
Upon arriving, Alan finally had time to discuss the matter of clearing Black's name with the Minister. "Will solving Sirius's problem be very troublesome? Where exactly will the resistance come from?"
"The implications here are much more complex than you imagine," Bagnold said, shaking her head helplessly. "I told you before that when Sirius was arrested, the Ministry used extensive propaganda to stabilize confidence. Now, almost everyone believes he is the culprit. And Peter Pettigrew was previously awarded the Order of Merlin. Think about it: if you were a Wizengamot member and now faced with two key past judgments being overturned, this would practically mean slapping yourself in the face. Would you be willing?"
"Even with the evidence, they won't change their stance?" Alan frowned. He knew that whenever politics were involved, right and wrong were no longer the whole picture.
"It will have some effect, but there will definitely be people who find various excuses to try to prevent Sirius's release. After all, this involves prestige and would bring unnecessary turmoil to magical society," Bagnold replied, her brow furrowed as well.
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