"Attending this trial, which I mainly did to give my cousin Andromeda the emotional support she needed, helped me to come to several conclusions to questions I asked myself for some time. I found answers that many won't like; especially not what little is left of the House of Black after most of it died off and they disowned those that didn't follow their insane beliefs."
To the reporters, this was gold. A direct attack on the House of Black from its disowned son!
"I called their beliefs insane. Growing up in the House of Black, they tried to hammer their beliefs into me, often with violence, but I learned better. Well, they took it much further than most, but the root problem is the same."
He knew he had their full attention now; they all listened attentively.
"You may call me jaded, but it more is a great disillusionment I have with the magical world of Britain. Our society is infected with great intolerance, bigotry and those who cling to their outdated beliefs with violence. Especially those with money and power are in that camp. Why do you think this war even happened?"
There were some gasps. They had not expected Sirius to attack those in power so blatantly.
"This war has cost me many friends, the Potters being its final victims. All their deaths have finally brought me to one conclusion: I no longer want to be part of this world."
There were even more gasps now, except from Andromeda, who had been told in advance what this was about and that Sirius was seeking the big stage for this announcement. It was intended as a massive slap into the faces of all these arrogant pure-bloods.
"Yes, you have heard right. I am going to leave the Ministry and once I've done so, I hopefully never have to set one foot into the magical world again. Doing stuff by mail will be the extent of my interaction with it. Otherwise, I fully plan to find myself a nice place in a non-magical neighborhood and have a nice job, with no one knowing who I used to be."
"Mr. Black, does that mean you are planning to live like a Muggle?" the witch with the green quill asked. She appeared to be especially nosy.
"Well, I do plan to use my magic as little as possible. After all, they are doing really well without it. Now, thanks for hearing me out. Have a nice day."
That said, Sirius ignored all other questions and together with Andromeda entered a Floo that transported them directly to Andromeda's house.
She hugged Sirius as soon as they were out of the fireplace. "Oh, you... Only you would declare that in front of the gathered press! That's exactly like you!"
Just when she let go, her husband Ted and their 8-year old daughter Nymphadora finally reminded them that they were not exactly alone. Indeed, the little girl was actually giggling at this display of affection, her hair cycling through colors. Nymphadora being a Metamorphmagus had been reason enough for Walburga to send the girl a Howler, declaring her an abomination. It had taken all of Andromeda's strength to stop Ted from getting back at the woman for scaring his daughter like that.
"You got all huggy..." the girl continued to giggle.
Ted knew to overlook his daughter's antics and addressed Sirius directly. "Well, looks like you made your point, considering what my wife just said. Does that mean you'll be gone for a long time?"
"Yes, at least several years. I'm under no illusion that it will be forever. Sooner or later something will happen that forces me to make a return," Sirius said, having accept that reality. He then saw that Nymphadora looked disappointed and her hair had returned to its natural brown. "Hey, why the long face?"
"You won't be there when I finally go to Hogwarts," the girl said, only now realizing what Sirius' absence would mean. "I don't even know how long you... eeek!"
Sirius had suddenly scooped her up and hugged her. "No, don't think so negative. I will return, this is what you should think of. Just promise me, should I not back by then, then take Hogwarts by storm! After all, Nymphadora never gives up!"
Nymphadora blushed a little, and her hair turned red as well. "Oh, my name is stupid. I got so teased for it just the other day."
After all their seriousness of the day, this finally was an outlet and he laughed. Nymphadora started to dislike her name, despite Andromeda insisting that it was a great name. He could already see her going by her last name in some years. Sure, it was sad he would miss some of her years growing up, but that was a price he'd had to swallow in order to help Harry.
...shortly later, the Evans house...
Getting off his motorcycle, Sirius was still glad to be out of these damn robes. He still couldn't believe how uncomfortable he had been in them today. It showed how much he had already moved away from the wizard norm. Though, truth to be told, he saw these things starting to fall out of favor with the younger crowd as well. Perhaps times were truly changing and he just hadn't noticed yet.
Man, that would surely horrify my dear mother, he though sarcastically.
Well, with some luck he never would have to wear them again, even if he returned to the magical world someday.
Noticing the disapproving looks the neighbors were giving him, he sighed in annoyance. It had been fun the first time, but by now it's annoying. Guess I have to start dressing less like a stereotypical biker.
Using the doorbell, he was seconds later greeted by Veronica, who let him in.
"Paddy, Paddy!"
Sirius quickly scooped up the toddler who was running to him as fast as his small legs could. Harry looked very happy to see him. "Well, look who we have here! Seems you just waited for me?"