29

The office was full of people. Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, his expression serene, and the tips of his long fingers together. Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, was rocking backward and forward on his toes beside the fire, apparently immensely pleased with the situation.

Next to him was Dolores Umbridge, looking extremely smug. She practically beamed as soon as the prefect walked in with Harry. However, a scowl marred her features when she realized they were accompanied by Flitwick.

Kingsley Shacklebolt and another Auror were positioned on either side of the door like guards. A scribe hovered excitedly beside the wall, a quill and a heavy scroll of parchment in his hands, apparently poised to take notes.

"We caught him just outside his apartment." The third Auror said.

"Such blatant lies!" Flitwick said. "I had just left that apartment. I was trying to get Mister Potter to be a dueling student of mine. I would enjoy teaching the next under-seventeen champion."

"Thank you, Filius." Dumbledore interrupted.

Well, Mister Potter, I expect you know why you are here?" Fudge asked

Harry had no idea: "No, I do not. Since the ICW ruled that all students that already had a NEWT did not have to take a class; I have had no interactions with your appointed inquisitor."

He turned towards Umbridge: "Also, I had a response from my solicitor who confirmed it with the ICW. You cannot hold a position at the school and the ministry at the same time. Ergo, she cannot disagree with the ministry policy that I was following. So next time you send an Auror to arrest me for nonsense, the ICW would have your guts for garters. I suggest, next time you want me, just ask me to show up. If I am not busy, I have no problems coming to meet with you."

"You are dangerous." Umbridge hissed: "I simply ensured the safety of the students by sending the Auror to take you into custody."

"Your frequent habit of overstepping boundaries and ignoring legalities are amusing, I wonder how the ICW will feel about it. They will hear of this!" He paused, "Now, I want you to explain to me why I am here!"

"I beg your pardon?" said Fudge.

"Explain why I am here, Fudge. Do I need to spell it out to you?" said Harry, firmly.

"You don't know why you are here?"

"No, I don't," said Harry.

Fudge looked incredulously from Harry to Professor Umbridge. "You have no idea," said Fudge in a voice positively sagging with sarcasm, "Why Professor Umbridge has brought you to this office? You are not aware that you have broken any school rules?"

"School rules?" said Harry. "No."

"Or Ministry decrees?" amended Fudge angrily.

"Not that I'm aware of," said Harry.

His lack of concern or knowledge was pissing off the man. Harry had to admit, it was amusing to watch Fudge's blood pressure rise.

"So, it would be news to you, is it," said Fudge, his voice now thick with anger, "that an illegal student organization has been discovered within this school?"

"Students doing something illegal. I'm shocked, shocked, to find that illegal activity is going on in here." Harry gasped in mocking shock: "Of course, I will report it immediately to you, should I find something suspicious."

"I think, Minister," said Umbridge silkily from beside him, "We might make better progress if I fetch our informant."

"Yes, yes, do," said Fudge, nodding, and he glanced maliciously at Dumbledore as Umbridge left the room. "There's nothing like a good witness, is there, Dumbledore?"

"Nothing at all, Cornelius," said Dumbledore gravely, inclining his head.

There was a wait of several minutes, in which nobody looked at each other, then Harry heard the door open behind him. Umbridge moved past him into the room, gripping the shoulder of Marietta Edgecombe, a sixth-year Ravenclaw, who was hiding her face in her hands.

"Don't be scared, dear, don't be frightened," said Professor Umbridge softly, patting her on the back, "it's quite alright, now. You will have a job in the ministry when you graduate, we promise you," she added.

"Yes, I do give you, my word," said Fudge heartily.

"Well, come on, now, dear, look up, don't be shy, let's hear what you've got to…" As Edgecombe raised her head, Fudge leaped backward in shock, falling on his arse. Edgecombe gave a wail and pulled the neck of her robes right up to her eyes, but not before the whole room had seen that her face was disfigured by a series of close-set purple pustules that had spread across her nose and cheeks to form the word "TRAITOR".

Harry chuckled. He had, of course, known that Mione had put a few spells on that list of members, but this one was quite funny. He wondered what more will happen to the bit.

"Never mind the spots now, dear," said Umbridge impatiently, "just take your robes away from your mouth and tell the Minister…"

But Edgecombe gave another muffled wail and shook her head frantically.

"Oh, very well, you silly girl, I'll tell him," snapped Umbridge. "Well, Minister, Miss Edgecombe here came to my office shortly after lunch today and told me she had something she wanted to tell me…"

"She said that if I proceeded to a room on the fourth floor, I would find something to my advantage. Since I was looking for them, I thought it must be an illegal student organization."

"When I asked Ms. Edgecombe for more information, she told me that Harry Potter will be teaching students, defense against the Dark Arts. Unfortunately, at that point, this hex happened. This led her to say no more."

Harry smirked. He knew the last was a lie.

Easily provable because Flitwick was at their apartment trying to get his girls and him into dueling practice.

"Well, now," said Fudge, fixing Edgecombe with what he imagined was a kind and fatherly look. "It is very brave of you, my dear, coming to tell Professor Umbridge, you did exactly the right thing. Now, will you tell me what happened at this meeting? What was its purpose? Who was there?"

But Marietta would not speak. She merely shook her head again, her eyes wide and fearful. "Haven't we got a counter curse for this?" Fudge asked Umbridge impatiently, gesturing at Marietta's face. "So, she can speak freely?"

"I have not yet managed to find one," Umbridge admitted grudgingly: "But it doesn't matter if she won't speak, I can take up the story from here."

Then she yanked the girl's robe away from her lower face. They were all shocked. The girl had a ring gag locked into her mouth.

After they got over the shock. Umbridge gave up on the girl. "Edgecombe, I will continue without you. Cornelius, you will remember, that I sent you a report back in October that several students had a meeting in the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade."

"And what is your evidence for that?" cut in Professor Dumbledore.

"I have testimony from an anonymous source, who happened to be in the bar at the time," said Umbridge smugly.

"Did this source say what they did so that they would not be prosecuted for an attempted rape, perchance?" Harry asked. Dolores just scowled.

"What an interesting insight into our justice system. Such Blatant corruption. Saying that a possible student study group is worse than rape. How many other rapes did our late head boy do that you pardoned so he would squeal for you?

Harry said smirking. "It is too bad we won't have his testimony in court. You could have asked him how many rapes our esteemed headmaster had covered up. Oh well, that is one slasher victim I will not mourn despite his usefulness."

"The purpose of this meeting between the students," continued Professor Umbridge, "was to persuade them to join an illegal society, whose aim was to learn spells and curses the Ministry has decided are inappropriate for school-age -students"

"Once again you show massive amounts of stupidity. If the student aimed to practice their owl or newt spells, they are approved by the education department." Harry snorted.

He felt the stares of every occupant in the room on him but remained calm as ever. Harry had a clear advantage in this.

"Oho!" said Fudge, bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet again. "Yes, do let's hear the latest cock-and-bull story designed to pull yourself out of trouble! Go on, then, Potter, was our source lying? Or was it your identical twin in the Hog's Head that day? Or is there the usual simple explanation involving a dead man coming back to life, and a couple of invisible dementors?"

Harry laughed. "First of all, Fudge, I would like to see this report. I know for a fact that I was not in the Hoghead during the Hogsmeade visit in October because the headmaster has banned me and my ladies from going to Hogsmeade permanently.

So, we enjoyed our private time in our apartment instead."

Albus reluctantly agreed with that.

"I doubt your source could have missed me with several lovely witches at my side." Harry continued. "Perhaps you do have this report. Just so we can clarify things."

Fudge was still ever so confident, "Dolores, where is that report? I am sure your source must have mentioned Potter's presence somewhere?"

Umbridge visibly frowned and Harry could not help but snort: "Uhm… Minister… well the report mentioned that the students that were present talked about Potter, but he did not identify him among them. However, I am sure…"

"How could you let this happen, Dolores?" Fudge hissed at her. His confidence was all but gone now.

Harry cleared his throat: "In addition, you missed something else, Umbridge, once again. You are wrong to suggest that such a group was, at that time, illegal. If you remember, the Ministry decree banning all student societies was not put into effect until two days after the Hogsmeade visit, so none of the students were breaking any rules in the Hog's Head as a group at all."

Fudge remained motionless, his mouth hanging open. Umbridge might be fuming, but she recovered first. "That's all very fine, Potter," she said, smiling sweetly. "But we are now nearly six months on from the introduction of the Educational Decree banning school groups not approved by me. If the first meeting was not illegal, all those that have happened since most certainly are."

"Do you have any evidence that these meetings continued?" Harry asked innocently.

"Evidence?" repeated Umbridge with that horrible wide toad like smile. "Have you not been listening, Potter? Why do you think Miss Edgecombe is here?"

"Oh, can she tell us about six months' worth of meetings?" Harry inquired. "I was under the impression that she was merely reporting a meeting tonight. And you have not stated why this involves me."

"Miss Edgecombe," said Umbridge at once, "tell us how long these meetings have been going on, dear. You can simply nod or shake your head, I'm sure that won't make the curses worse. Have they been happening regularly over the last six months?"

"Just nod or shake your head, dear," Umbridge said coaxingly to Edgecombe. "Come on, now, that won't activate the curse further…"

Then to Harry's amusement, the bint fainted. She had trouble breathing with that gag. Professor Umbridge seized Edgecombe, pulled her around to face her, and began shaking her very hard.

"I cannot allow you to manhandle my students, Dolores," said Dumbledore, and for the first time, he looked angry.

"You want to calm yourself, Madam Umbridge," said Shacklebolt in his deep, slow voice.

"You're right, Shacklebolt, we don't need this bint anymore tonight."

"Dolores," said Fudge, "the meeting tonight. The one we know happened. We will just use that since it was after that decree. Unless you have any objections, Mister Potter?"

"Absolutely none." Harry smiled back.

"Yes," said Umbridge, pulling herself together, "yes, Miss Edgecombe tipped me off and I proceeded at once to the fourth floor, accompanied by certain trustworthy students, to catch those in the meeting red-handed."

"It appears that they were forewarned of my arrival, however, because when we reached the fourth floor they were running in every direction. Potter managed to escape and somehow got back to his apartment."

"Idiot," Filius said. "I spent over an hour trying to get Mister Potter and his ladies to go to the dueling championship this summer. That was until you had your minions seize us when I left their apartment."

"Unfortunately. No one can bear witness to that. It does not matter, however. I have all their names here; I ran into the room for me to see if they had left anything behind" Umbridge continued as if nothing happened.

To Harry's amusement, she withdrew from her pocket the list of names and handed it to Fudge. "The moment I saw Potter's name on the list, I knew what we were dealing with," she said softly.

"Professor Flitwick; I am sure there is a charm that can tell the time and date a signature of a magical contract was signed. So, could you please cast it on the parchment to prove when all the names were signed?" Harry asked.

"Now, that won't be necessary!" Umbridge yelped: "We have all the evidence we need here!"

"You seem very concerned, Dolores. Have something to hide?" Harry asked.

"Just get this over with." Fudge stepped in and handed the paper over to Flitwick. The professor had an evil grin as he quickly pulled his wand to cast a few charms on the parchment.

"The names have all been signed with a regular quill on the day of the Hogsmeade visit that was mentioned earlier. They are connected by a magical contract which likely led to Ms. Edgecomb's being hexed." Flitwick said. "She will not like tonight. There are quite a few more effects that have yet to happen. We should send her to Poppy to mitigate the harm."

"See." Fudge sneered triumphantly.

"However, Mister Potter's name has only been added roughly half an hour ago. It is not part of the binding magical contract that connects the other names. His magical signature is missing. Interesting though. The magical signature of who created the curses was bleached out."

"So now we have a mystery. I was arguing with Professor Flitwick at the time I was supposed to have signed this. We will both make a magical oath on that if this proceeds. I am sure my solicitor can get even more galleons from the ministry that way." Harry said. "Or your boss can let me duel you. That would be so much easier and cheaper for the ministry."

"You better have a good explanation for this, Dolores." Fudge frowned. "The duel is granted. Before the first summer Wizengamot session."

"Since Potter is not one of the students involved, then who is?" Flitwick asked, hoping that none of his ravens were involved.

By now his eyes had finally found the name the group had given themselves.

"Merlin!" Fudge looked up at Dumbledore, who was still standing beside Edgecomb, his wand held loosely in his hand.

"See what they've named themselves?" said Fudge quietly. "Dumbledore's Army."

"Cornelius, I can assure you, that I have nothing to do with this." Dumbledore tried.

"You have been plotting against me!" Fudge yelled.

"I did no such thing," Dumbledore said again. "I have never accepted any offer to become a minister. I will not change now."

Fudge did not seem convinced. He looked to the Aurors, who had both pulled their wands by now. "Well, well, well. I came here tonight to arrest and expel Potter but instead, we will arrest you, Albus."

Harry laughed. "Feel free to take the tosser."

Dumbledore said amusingly: "Do not make this mistake, Cornelius. We have a common enemy."

"You will now be escorted back to the Ministry, where you will be formally charged and then sent to Azkaban to await trial!"

"You are making a grave mistake, Minister," said Dumbledore with determination, "Besides, don't you see we might have hit a little issue."

"Issue?" said Fudge, his voice still vibrating with joy. "I see no issue, Dumbledore!"

"Well," said Dumbledore apologetically, but his eyes hardened and Harry saw the tip of his long thin wand underneath his robes: "I'm afraid I do."

"Oh really?" Fudge asked.

"Well, I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore do swear of my life and my magic that I have no knowledge of this group nor helped them in any way.

Fudge stared at Dumbledore with a very silly expression on his face, as though he had just been stunned by a sudden blow and could not quite believe it had happened.

"Well then, punish the students, Dolores." Fudge said as he started to leave.

"Dolores, because you did not catch any other students but Harry, I refuse to allow you to punish any students over this." Albus ordered.

"While you are here ministry; I will remind you that I have not, will not, and legally cannot say that he-who-shall-not-be-named is back," Harry said as he left the room.

Before he left, he heard. "Dolores, leave that boy alone. As long as he keeps his mouth shut; leave him alone. In return, I will do what I can to save you in the duel."

{S}

"Are you sure about this, Daphne?" Susan asked for the third time.

"Yes, of course. Umbridge has sent a group of Aurors to arrest us before the trial. They are all dirty Aurors. I would bet more than a few have the dark mark. "Daphne said.

"Are you ready, Luna? Hermione?" Daphne asked.

"Yes." Hermione replied from where she was waiting.

"Yes, can I have pudding after I feed their bodies to the giant squid?" Luna responded.

"Luna!" The three girls growled together.

"Reducto!" All four said in unison as four red-robed wizards were walking up the stairs.

"Well, that was fun. Diminuendo, Diminuendo, Diminuendo, Diminuendo. There, take them to the squid." Daphne ordered. "And yes, you can have pudding for dessert."

"I am so glad you are our friend. Damn, Slytherins know how to set an ambush." Susan said.

"And get the information to set the ambush," Hermione added.

"We are the house of cunning, after all. It will be amusing to see the umbitch's face from the head table. She can't do or say anything." Daphne gloated. "Before you ask, yes, I have proof they were bent and were being paid to arrest us, take us out to the forest, and leave our bodies there, Susan. I will show you all but the source when we get back to the room."

{S}

"Do you have any other questions, Susan?" Daphne asked as Susan was reading through the files Daphne gave her.

"Just one, the Weasleys." Susan replied while looking at the Slytherin girl.

"Let us go through this backwards. Molly Weasley had a mastery in potions. Before her demise; someone was giving her a lot of money. She was using those galleons to buy expensive potion ingredients. Truth Serum, Lust, Loyalty, Hatred, Fertility, and Repulsion potions. Why would a house witch need to brew those potions, hmm?"

"Then there was her attempt to kill Harry after the chamber of secrets. The assault on Harry and attempt to kidnap him before that."

"Then we get to the first time Molly was seen by Harry. She was on the muggle side of the platform, asking for the platform number again from her daughter. Considering how many times she and her children had taken the express, before that moment. That was a clear violation of the statute of secrecy. Why? She should know better even."

"Then we get the last kicker. She signed a marriage contract for her daughter and Harry when they were still in nappies. That is just one Weasley. Even Mister Weasley is guilty. He voted for things that harmed Harry. "

"I know you want to follow the law; however, our enemies do not. To survive we must occasionally bend or break the law to survive. Cheer up though. All of us girls and Harry respect your opinion. We love having you for your sense of justice and desire to follow the laws. Whenever possible, we do follow your lead. It turns out that doing things legally is easier most of the time." Daphne finished, kissing the redhead passionately before taking the files back to her room.

{S}

Harry was happy now. In a month, he and his ladies would take their finals. They had already received their owls. Unsurprising, Hermione led with thirteen. He only scraped nine himself, the lowest of their group. Those did include the two from before.

All was not roses though. He was now married to all but Narcissa and Fleur. All of them were badgering him about a honeymoon but with things, it would be too dangerous until both Tom and Albus were dead.

The Umbitch was co-running the school with McGonagall. Albus used all his time to try to restore his reputation. This left Harry and his ladies unmolested. They did get harsh looks from the DA. But after the DA spent a week in detention with Dolores; all was forgiven when Harry said he would get even for the blood quills. Plus, with Hermione's help, they would pass their DA-DA owls.

{S}

"Mister Potter, Miss Greengrass, Miss Granger, Miss Bones. I was told to tell you; you are confined to your apartment from now through the rest of the week. You can ask a school elf to bring you food. "Flitwick said sadly.

"What about our owls, professor?" Hermione asked while handing Daphne a galleon.

"You will have to arrange them with the ministry during the summer, I am afraid." The short professor said with a smirk.

"Okay, professor," Hermione said with a laugh. Flitwick smiled back.

{N}

He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is BACK!

Yesterday a group of terrorists led by You-Know-Who was caught trying to break into the Hall of Prophecy in the old Department of Mysteries. The result was every prophecy globe in the facility was destroyed.

The death eaters and their master were stopped by a group of masked vigilantes. Later, Albus Dumbledore engaged with he-who-shall-not-be-named. They were caught fighting by the minister and top ministry officials coming to stop the break-in.

{S}

It was just past noon, two days before term ended. Harry was hoping everything would go as planned. Narcissa already got the trunks out of the castle. He was down to just his second blade and holly wand. Nothing on his person would raise eyebrows. His girls were all set. They were all waiting for the show. If it goes to plan, this should be amusing.

Harry had just finished his lunch when he saw three Aurors walk through the doors to The Great Hall. Everyone turned to see the Aurors as they went to the head table. The hall went silent.

"If you will excuse me a moment. Mister Dumbledore?" Amelia asked

"To what do we owe the pleasure, Director Bones?"

"I am sorry, we have to do this in such a public forum, Lord Potter," Amelia said.

"We are here to place you and Dolores Umbridge under arrest"

"Might I ask on what charges?" Albus asked.

"For Lord Potter, we have to arrest him on suspicion of conspiracy and murder," Amelia said evenly. "For Dolores Umbridge, using a restricted artifact on minors."

Harry got up from the table and head up to the Aurors.

"Lord Potter, I am sorry to say this. May I have your blade and wand?" Amelia said.

"Absolutely Ma'am," Harry replied handing over the items.

"Thank you, if you do not try anything, we will not treat you harshly. Your solicitor is already at the DMLE." Amelia said.

Harry was laughing, the umbitch had been stunned and was being levitated out of the hall. Other Aurors were joining them with evidence bags. Dumbledore's plan to keep him at the castle this summer was now destroyed.

{S}

"Why is Lord Potter not in chains? Why is my undersecretary here?" Fudge screamed.

"Albus Dumbledore provided evidence that requires an inquiry of Lord Potter in the slasher case. Both Lord Potter and Dumbledore provided evidence your undersecretary used blood quills on students. So, I will charge them, and I will place them in cells, however, I am not going to permit them to be questioned without a lawyer or other representation." Amelia said.

"May I ask why?" Fudge asked.

"Because whether the law recognizes Harry as an adult or not, I don't," She said "He is not yet sixteen and I am not going to let a child be questioned without legal representation in my DMLE. As for Umbridge, because of the optics, we have to make sure every quill mark is done by the book. After all; you wouldn't want it to get to the press that your undersecretary was above the law, would you?"

{S}

Amelia opened the door. "Your solicitor is here. Please remain seated until I close the door. I am sorry for the security measures but you are being investigated for murder."

"Mister Potter, Madam Bones, I am Gerald Shargel. I was assigned to you because my specialty is criminal defense." The wizard said as he walked in.

"Mister Shargel, please let the Aurors know when you are ready to leave. Make sure your client remains seated when you leave. Neither you nor Harry can leave without an escort also, if you try, you will be stopped" Amelia said.

"Is the room monitored?" Shargel asked.

"No, but it is dampened and there are wards. The standard protections for a cell."

Amelia said "Your conversations will be private, the DMLE won't hear anything you say"

"Thank you, Director," Shargel said with a smile. Amelia turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her. Once it had closed, Gerald looked back to Harry.

"First, are you being looked after? You aren't being mistreated, coerced, or forced to confess?" he asked while giving Harry a note.

"Not yet, so far I am fine. A bit horny though; I miss my girls." Harry said.

"That is good. I shall have you free shortly." Gerald said.

"Great, Fudge has been an asshole, but Amelia has not allowed him to put me in a holding cell at Azkaban."

"Asshole?" Gerald raised his eyebrows

"He wants me to drop what I have against Umbridge so then he said he would drop the murder charge against me. I doubt he would."

"So, back to the original question, other than the blatant corruption. Do you want to declare, you are innocent?" he asked.

"Within the bounds of what I am accused of, yes I feel I am innocent," Harry replied.

"Good" Gerald nodded, making a few notes on his pad "Next question, it would make it easier to form a defense if I know the absolute truth. What is the truth?"

"Very well," Harry said. "I do have a cursed blade that is similar to the one the slasher uses. Amelia has documentation of checking the magical signature of the blade. I do have the slasher blade. The blade is normally used by my consort Luna. I have only killed two people with it. The rest of the kills were Luna's. The blade I was taken in with is my second cursed blade. The one that Amelia checked. If you need to know, most of the slasher's kills were either order of the phoenix or death eaters. Even the children were part of either of those groups."

"The night Sirius died; I even did an oath that I was innocent of his death. His death is the only one I regret. But Dumbledore had gotten his hooks back into Sirius. I couldn't allow that to happen. I have to make sure that bastard cannot influence my life."

"Very well," he said "From what I understand, they say they have a witness. They also have a ward alert that you have a cursed blade. That is not illegal but they will try to make it out is."

"Lovely, I doubt there is a witness. Croaker gave me another set of memories. One where I never used nor had the slasher's blade. He did that when he gave me the second blade. It is triggered by a code word. So, would it be good for me to request veritaserum?" Harry asked.

"That is an interesting idea. I think that will work. I will also point out that you have made magical oaths. I hope we don't need to go down that road. I would have no real control over what questions that could be asked." Gerald said.

{S}

"Madam Bone," Gerald said as he walked back into The DMLE director's office "I have spoken to my client, and before I leave for the evening, I would like all the evidence against him."

"No," Fudge said.

"I am not talking to you, minister. I am talking to the director of the DMLE." Gerald said dismissively "Do you expect me to prepare a case to defend my clients if you refuse to show me the evidence against them?"

"Then have your client drop the charges against my undersecretary," Fudge said.

"I have these documents. Including my inquiry. I do not know who the supposed witness is. The official excuse to deny you the knowledge of the witness; they assume that if you know, you will use it to find the person who provided the testimony, hunt them down, and make them change their mind?" Amelia said with a sigh.

"Director, I am an officer of the court. Why would I do such bullshit? Since Harry is in your cell, he cannot do anything."

"Also, I am not asking for the name of the person who provided this evidence. I just want to see the memory that somehow provides enough evidence that has you charging my client when nothing he told me suggests he did anything wrong"

"I am afraid I cannot provide you with the evidence; Dumbledore has not provided it to me at this point. Fudge here also has seen the information." Amelia scowled. "I am sure, as an officer of the court, you would not abuse the information."

"I disagree with what director Bones says, I think that by providing you with information about the witness, something bad would happen. While I believe that you would not do anything; however, there are associates of yours that I cannot say the same of" Fudge said triumphantly.

{M}

Harry

Son, I am so sorry to have to send this. Croaker and you were correct.

Narcissa found a way around her oath to betray you. Scotland Yard got Interpol to put out a warrant for my yacht. Fortunately, I sold it. A small freighter will be the ship now. The first hold has been modified to be your living space. Plus, it contains enough food and water to last. It is highly warded.

That said, I am sorry for your pain. I knew you liked Cissa. I feel your team will never actually get to seven.

At least Susan has been studying to be a magical advanced paramedic. So, you will have healing. Take care, and I will see you next Yule.

Mom

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Daphne was happy. Once she learned Aelia had a second ship, a freighter that could give them a long voyage to France; she acted. The yacht bedroom was too small for four lovers. She had to get rid of her rival, after all. She knew that Cissa had gotten a cursed blade.

She found the MI-5 liaison in the DMLE in a bar drinking. With a quick drink and spell, the yacht would be investigated. Michelle would soon be alerted.

She put a small note, the investigation began with a tip. The tipster, Narcissa Malfoy.

{S}

Narcissa knocked on McGonagall's door. When the door opened, McGonagall gave her a look of surprise. "May I help you?"

"Yes, Deputy Headmistress," Narcissa said solemnly. She raised an eyebrow but stepped back to allow her to enter. "Please come in then." Narcissa walked in and sat on her couch for visitors. Taking her seat, McGonagall asked, "Now, what seems to be the problem?" Minerva said with a frown.

"Minerva," Cissa said, "As regent of house Black, I am requesting that a group of students of the house will leave Hogwarts; therefore, we need the forms for them to sign and the latest copy of their school records."

The professor blinked once in silence before she responded. "Who are the students?"

Narcissa just handed over the paperwork. "As you can see, other heads of house and regents want the same thing, and so do all of our charges."

"Some of these students cannot leave; they were not allowed to take their owls this year."

"If you look through all the paperwork I gave you, Mister Potter, Miss Greengrass, Miss Bones, Miss Lovegood, and Miss Granger have taken their owls. They all have over three owls and two newts at this point."

"How did they do this? Albus, Dolores, and I did not approve of those students taking their owls. They were confined to their apartment. Also; how did you get the owl results early?" Minerva demanded.

"Flitwick and I arranged for the tests to be given early. Amelia got the results to me today." Narcissa said with an evil smile.

Minerva sat there flabbergasted for a moment. "But this is outrageous. Potter has to attend this school. It is the safest place in England not to mention the best education."

"Really? We both know that isn't true. Ever since Lord Potter started at Hogwarts; he has had to deal with life-or-death problems. The troll that just happened to sneak its way into the castle. The next is a two-for; the DA-DA professor for Harry's first year was possessed by dark magic. Then you either let Albus or participated with the headmaster in using an artifact you held in the castle to lure in the Dark Lord here. What about the Basilisk his second year?"

"Or dementors and escape death eaters that he had to deal with in his third year. How was an underage student illegally put into a death match last year? Do you expect me to believe you never once suspected Alastor Moody of anything? After you heard he cast the imperious on students! Or worse, Albus, who was one of his closest friends, didn't realize the prat was a Death Eater in disguise. Shall we discuss the use of blood quills on students or the piss-poor DA-DA class this year?

"Those were atypical circumstances for the most part. Plus, we have to take the greater good into account, so Harry must stay." Minerva tried to argue, only to earn another laugh.

"The greater good; putting every student in this castle at risk multiple times and many killed; is worth any results? You say the greater good, but good to who? Not the students." Narcissa laughed.

Narcissa continued, "What a pathetic excuse. The 'greater good' is, however, Albus defines it, and you allow him to declare that anything opposing his view is 'evil'. That was why he asked Fudge to provide Dolores."

"Next is the blood quill used by Umbridge. Albus knew and I suspect you did also. Either when the wards alerted or when students complained. Oh, but I forgot, as long as the quills were only used on the first generation, half-blood, and Harry's group, it was okay."

"We did our best with the situation, we had to protect the purebloods after all." McGonagall countered.

"I'm sorry to disagree, Minerva, but your best is not good enough. Not when it comes to Lord Potter and his ladies."

They stared at each other for a bit. Minerva knew she couldn't deny the request. But how to get Albus to stop this?

"Very well, I shall have to get the headmaster's approval on this. He is currently in the ministry. We can continue this conversation in his office after he returns."

"Minerva," Narcissa said, "if the head of house or regent of someone like Draco Malfoy came to you and asked that their charge be withdrawn from school, would you have to go to the headmaster?"

Minerva sighed. "No, Regent Black, I wouldn't; but Mister Malfoy is dead but to the point, he was not a person of interest to the wizarding world. Also, he would have been a single student. These forms allow over forty students to leave at the same time. I can understand why you might not want to talk to the headmaster, but he is the headmaster of the school, and Harry and his wives; and, friends, leaving does directly affect the school."

"Perhaps we can get the forms and get them signed first? Narcissa said tersely.

McGonagall frowned but it was obvious she understood what was happening. She looked at Narcissa with a frown. "I almost hate to ask this, but if I do not?"

"I will be leaving here now. The students involved had already walked off the castle grounds thirty minutes before I came to talk with you. We'll simply use the school records we have from the end of the last term," Narcissa answered.

Minerva furrowed her brow slightly at Narcissa. "Very well," she finally said. "Wait here for a moment and I shall retrieve what you need."

"Please hurry, I need to get over to the ministry to see Lord Potter released. Then we are leaving this rock. Most of the students have already received approval to use international portkeys. That gave Minerva hope. She knew Fudge banned Harry from having one.

"Here are the forms you need to sign. Are you going to see him now?" McGonagall held out the paperwork. Narcissa nodded. "Shall we floo to the ministry?"

"Let's," Narcissa said.

{S}

"Hermione, there are problems," Narcissa said.

"What now?" Hermione growled.

"Several patients at Saint Mungo's have been killed," Narcissa said.

"How are we affected?"

"Broderick Bode, was a death eater, probably killed to make sure they do not know why Tom was at the ministry. The collateral was Frank and Alice Longbottom. The deaths were by devil's snare." Narcissa said.

"Well, that is interesting. It is also a way to make sure Harry does not have more public support." Hermione said thoughtfully. "What else went wrong?"

"The Aurors seized all the portkeys on me when I arrived here. They destroyed them after getting the landing location." Narcissa said. This caused Hermione to draw a wand and cast a patronus. She said to it, "Papa Foxtrot Uniform." The wolf scampered off.

"Cissa, hand the school documents to me. They may target you because of your age. Hermione demanded, though she was somewhat distracted.

Narcissa did as Hermione asked. She was concerned. She did not know who Hermione sent the wolf off to; nor what point foxtrot uniform meant. Maybe Hermione and Daphne had backup plans that they did not share?

{S}

Jerry paced back and forth in the visitor's room, then turned as the door opened and Amelia led Harry in.

"Good morning," He said "Did you sleep alright? Have they been treating you well?"

"I was treated okay. They even allowed me to have a shower and a nice robe for today." Harry said. "How about you? Are you all ready to get me off?"

"I am" Jerry nodded, then he looked past them to where Amelia was standing at the door "And I brought the portkeys that can break out of the Ministry wards, just in case the ruling goes against you."

Amelia smiled. "You know you just told The Director you have plans to escape?"

"Yes, but the reality, Lord Potter will not need them," Gerald said, waggling his eyebrows.

"Darn! I was looking for a great manhunt. I was even going to give you a thirty-second head start." Amelia snapped her fingers. She glanced out of the door "And while I would love to hear more of your cunning escape plan, I am afraid we have to cut this short. It's time to go. When you are done, I am sure you will not need to illegally escape."

{S}

"Is it usually this empty?" Hermione asked, her voice hushed. She noticed the visitor seats were empty.

"No" Narcissa admitted "Generally a trial such as this would be full. Harry would draw almost the entire magical community. This should be the trial of the century. Something is off."

"Which means that the trial is deliberately being held in closed session," Susan said. "Are they even allowed to do that?"

"But why…" Hermione queried.

"There's something about the evidence or something else that is part of it that they don't want people to see or pure corruption. The last part won't come to play. Harry won't agree with the deal that they let him go free so Dolores goes free." Mister Shargel said.

"They want either to railroad Harry or make a trade?" Susan asked and Jerry nodded.

"It could be worse than that. There is something about what we are about to face that would irritate the masses." Jerry said.

The ladies saw Amelia leading Harry in through another set of doors and up to sat behind the defense table. The group went up and sit down.

"Is that necessary?" Hermione asked pointing to all the Aurors at the doors.

"No, this was just to be an inquiry. They only need two Aurors for that. I think they will try to push this. To change the inquiry to an actual trial. The Wizengamot would not appreciate that. That way they wouldn't have to deal with the different rules of evidence or procedures. The bright side; if Dumbledore fails here; this will blow up in his face." Shargel continued; "Don't worry about it. I will win either way."

Dumbledore and Umbridge walked in and took their position behind the other table.

"Who is going to be the presiding witch?" Luna asked

"One of Marchbanks subordinates. Unless Dumbledore or Dolores irritated that witch. It would be worse for them if she presides." Said, Jerry.

"Since you are new to this Hermione, I will explain. The inquiry uses a jury system. A panel of seven members of The Wizengamot" Jerry said "They were picked at random, and Amelia, Dolores, Dumbledore, and I reviewed the list for potential bias either way. Marchbanks appears to be going out of her way to ensure this is fair. But with no press nor public here, it makes me wonder what the game is. I know Umbridge wants Harry to be sent through the veil; Dumbledore, on the other hand, wants him to have life in Azkaban."

"If the inquiry goes against Harry, there would be more investigation. Then he would be tried in front of the whole Wizengamot. In my opinion; that may be the biggest reason this is a closed court. They want this inquiry to decide so it does not go to the full vote. A vote that they could not ensure they would win."

"Just so you know, Dolores is blackmailing one of the jury. Dumbledore is owed favors by another. Not something that is known to the public. So, there will always be two votes against. It is too bad; I would like to claim jury tampering. I will not. Four of the jury are in Harry's favor."

Jerry said with a devilish smile.

"Good morning" Madam Marchbanks came into the chamber. "We are here today to inquire about the facts that The Ministry has brought against Harry James Potter in regard to the events of the deaths of Sirius Black and Ginevra Molly Weasley" She paused. "This initial inquiry will be used to determine whether there is enough evidence to support further inquiries and a trial or the discharge of charges. At this time; Mister Potter has not been convicted of any crime. I see Gerald Shargel is Mister Potter's solicitor. Mister Dumbledore and Miss Umbridge are also here. At the request of the prosecutor, no recorder."

"Before we start; there are certain facts I do need to stress. While Mister Potter may have been emancipated due to his forced participation in the Tri-wizard tournament, he will still be considered a child and he will be treated as such at least in terms of the law. Secondly, if he is remanded to custody, he will not be exposed to dementors. AM. I. CLEAR?"

"Yes, Madame Justice" Dumbledore nodded. Dolores just nodded.

"Dumbledore, would you like to proceed?"

"Yes, Madam Marchbanks."

"The first information is a ward report that shows that Mister Potter has a cursed blade. Harry, my boy, do you not have a cursed blade?" Dumbledore asked.

"Objection!" Shargel said.

"What is your objection, solicitor Shargel?" Marchbanks asked. She liked the lawyer; considering what Dumbledore and Umbridge accused the boy of doing.

"Relevance! While it is frowned upon, having a cursed blade is not illegal. More to the point, Mister Potter's blade has been checked for its signature several times by both the DMLE and DoM. Both have said it was not the same blade at the slasher." Shargel said. "You can even ask Amelia here; she has personally done one of the scans."

"And the question is badgering the witness. Harry's curse blade is the same one that was taken from him when he was processed by the DMLE. Dumbledore and Umbridge know that fact." Shargel continued. "That blade's magical signature not that of the slasher."

"I am not sure about your objection of relevance. I agree that it is badgering. Mister Dumbledore, do not address the inquiry subject less respectively than his surname. Since you know better, I will let Amelia provide answers; now." Marchbanks said.

"Both unspeakable Croaker and I have checked the curse signature of Mister Potter's blade. All of these examinations show that his blade is not the same as that of the slashers. Dumbledore and Umbridge have had copies of these reports for months." Amelia said.

"Thank you, Director Bones. Is there anything else the DMLE can say about this part of the inquiry?" Marchbanks asked.

"Yes, the night Sirius Black died, Mister Potter swore a wizard oath that he did not kill, the Black," Amelia said. "He could use magic after that and he did not die. We searched the residents. A blurred magical signature was found. The trace of magic proves someone apparated; just not who. The time of the apparition was just before the notification of the DMLE and after the time Mister Potter Flooed the Black. Harry could not have killed, Sirius Black."

"Thank you, Madam, Bones," Marchbanks said.

"Do you have any other evidence linking Mister Potter to the slasher, Mister Dumbledore?" Marchbanks asked.

"Yes, I have an audio recording of that night which will show…"

"Objection, illegal evidence," Jerry said with a slight frown.

"Illegal evidence?" Madam Marchbanks asked with a frown.

"While Mister Dumbledore did not let me know about any of the evidence for this inquiry; I think a recording of the Black residence could only be obtained through illegal methods of acquisition. I and Edwards Tonks have discussed legal issues at the residence."

"That is troubling. Do you have any other questions about this evidence?" Marchbanks responded, scowling at Dumbledore.

"As I said; I have discussed legal matters with the Black at that residence. The Black never said anything about recording what we said. This leads to; did the Black agree to have these recordings be made? Does Dumbledore have proof that these recordings were not tampered with? Could the wards or other dark objects in that house in any way; alter the recordings? Last, who placed the charms?" Shargel asked.

"Well, Albus?" Marchbanks asked making it clear she was not happy.

"I am willing to swear an oath that I have not tampered with the recordings; and no, the Black did not agree to them being in his house," Dumbledore said. It was obvious that he did not want to give details. He had to stop this line of inquiry.

"Who placed the charms?" Marchbanks asked.

Albus winced. "Mundungus Fletcher." Albus sighed.

"Mundungus Fletcher?" Marchbanks asked.

"That is the convicted felon Mundungus Fletcher; correct Mister Dumbledore? The petty thief and rapist?" Shargel asked already knowing the answers.

Dumbledore nodded. He looked upset about how the convict he had kept out of jail despite the guilt of the man might come up. Worse, his relationship with Fletcher might come out.

"The illegal charms placed by a known felon. Who is dead! This is a great piece of evidence, Mister Dumbledore." Jerry said already relaxing knowing he had won.

"Since Fletcher is dead, we cannot get a wizard oath that the charms nor the recordings were tampered with. Correct, Mister Dumbledore?" Jerry asked with a grin. Dumbledore remained silent.

"Did you order him to make these recordings? If so, why did he do so? Or did you steal these from him?" Shargel finished.

"I am not on trial here. I refuse to answer." Dumbledore said.

"With all those points, any recordings he made will not be allowed. Under our law; they cannot be used." Madam Marchbanks said to the frowning Albus.

"Griselda, please, these recordings…"

"Albus, you know better. That evidence cannot be used in any inquiry or trial. Now, your informality is not appropriate. I fine you one hundred galleons for it. I will increase it by ten times for each repetition. You had already been warned. I will not tolerate it."

"I will also do so if you do not show proper respect to Mister Shargel; and Mister Potter," Marchbanks said. "Do you have any other evidence on this point?"

"No," Albus said.

"Do you have any evidence to present, Madam Umbridge?" Marchbanks asks.

"Yes, two of the victims of the slasher were the two terrorists that set fire to his residence.

Given how he has killed threats to himself before…" Umbridge started.

"Objections, speculation!" Jerry said.

"Mister Shargel is correct. Unless you can prove that Mister Potter went after the two alleged criminals; this is pure speculation." Marchbanks said.

"Madam Marchbanks; I know that Mundungus gave those two the location of Mister Potter's residence," Dumbledore said.

"Mister Dumbledore? How do you know that? For us to consider, you must give the full details and swear an oath agreed by Mister Shargel on this issue for us to consider that." Marchbanks said.

"I would require an oath that ensured that we get the full details. Like why do you know Mundungus gave the location of Mister Potter to those two criminals? Like if you know how he obtained the address and if you know why he gave that information to them." Shargel said staring at the old man. Albus just shut up and sat down.

"Well Mister Dumbledore. Should we end this possible speculation or will you give a full detail backed by a wizard oath after providing all the information Mister Shargel asked? At which point it would no longer be speculation." Marchbanks said already knowing that Albus would not risk his secrets that easily. She was already irate at the headmaster.

"No, Madam Marchbanks, it is pure speculation," Albus said furiously. Everyone in the room laughed at Dumbledore's fury. Harry smiled at him; pissing Albus off even more.

"If there is nothing further, Umbridge? Dumbledore?"

"Well, members? Raise your wand if you think we should progress on this inquiry?" Marchbanks ask. Only two wands were raised.

"With only two votes; the matter is closed. Mister Potter is found innocent of any allegations on this matter. To wit; he is not the slasher?" Marchbanks said.

"Now, before you split wands; raise your wand if you think Mister Potter killed Sirius Black," Marchbanks said. The same two were the only ones that raised their wands.

"In the matter of the murder of Sirius Black; I find Mister Potter innocent of the charge. Therefore; I order the DMLE to drop all lines of inquiry into Mister Potter for these supposed crimes." Marchbanks said.

"Now, unless a recess is needed; we will continue with this inquiry." Seeing no response, "Now, Mister Dumbledore, what is your evidence that Mister Potter, murdered Miss Weasley." Marchbanks said.

"We will start with the memory. Mister Potter's memory, which he presented to the Wizengamot started after her death. That is suspicious."

"Do I need to say, speculative? Could it not be that Mister Potter felt bad about killing the slag?" Jerry said.

"Mister Shargel!" Marchbanks shouted.

"I am sorry, but I am calling a spade a spade. Not a multipurpose digging utensil. I have evidence about the girl." Shargel said while smiling at Dumbledore.

"You will have your turn. Now, Mister Dumbledore; what else do you have."

"Here is a report from Saint Mungo's. Miss Weasley was killed while she was flat on the floor, and she was unconscious when she was killed." Albus said. "And the records of the Goblins taking her bridal costs back against a family that needed that money to survive.

"Marchbanks, objection," Shargel said. "Dumbledore; you know that bridal prices are regularly returned in cases where the contract is voided for any reason. That is not illegal; that is common practice." Marchbanks said.

"I have another report on another girl who I signed a betrothal contract on. The contract was between the girl and Mister Potter. Saint Mungo's proved that the girl's infertility was caused by House Black family magic. It was a black family curse. That curse voided the contract between the girl and Mister Potter."

Albus said. "This makes it suspicious that Miss Weasley was not targeted."

"Objection, speculation. Do you have proff that the curse only resides in the Black library? That no other dark family has similar magic?" Shargel said.

"Anything else, Mister Dumbledore?" Marchbanks asked. Albus shook his head.

"Madam Umbridge?" Marchbanks asked.

"Yes, Miss Ginevra Weasley was a pureblood. Lavender Brown; the girl that was cursed was also a pureblood. Any allegation of a half-blood killing needs a full investigation. Liars and scum half-blood must be investigated." Umbridge said.

"Madam Umbridge, this is an official court. We follow the law; not indulging prejudices. Since you responded; I will let the defense rebut now thanks to your obvious bias." Marchbanks said with a smirk. "I will let you continue Mister Shargel. Why do you call Miss Weasley a slag?"

"Well, the first point, what term would the court allow for a person that receives money in exchange for sexual congress?" Shargel asked.

"Why do you say that she was given money for sexual congress? You also have to provide why this is a defense for your client." Marchbanks said looking at the solicitor with a questioning look.

"Easily done. We will start with a small detail. Mister Dumbledore sealed Mister Potter's parents will. He used that to assume magical guardianship." Shargel said.

"Objection; how is this not speculation?" Dumbledore asked in a rage. He didn't like his manipulations exposed. This lawyer knew too much. He could not risk this. It would damage him if it was exposed.

"Continue Mister Shargel. I assume you will come to a point soon though." Marchbanks said; wondering where this was going.

"Yes, Dumbledore signed the contract five days after Mister Potter's parents died. The contract was unusual. First; the price was five times what was normal. Then there were the provisions. They allowed the bride to use amortentia on the groom, did not have to be faithful to the groom, and may use fertility potions, but here are the major kickers. On the death of the husband; the child shall get all of his assets; if the child dies, the father's magical guardian gets the assets and shall pay the bride five thousand galleons per year in perpetuity. She shall get a one-time fee of ten galleons per pregnancy or attempt to get pregnant."

"So how could any rational wizard look at this but galleons for sex? This is why I call her a slag. More to the point; how could Mister Potter or any other wizard not see the girl as a threat? So, he was defending himself. The girl was a threat not only to his life but to his family line; a de facto attempt at line theft." Jerry said with a grin.

"If it matters. When the DMLE searched her trunk after her death. They found amortentia, loyalty potions key to her, lust potions key to her, several fertility potions, and the draft of the living death." Shargel said added.

"Can I confirm the inventory?" Marchbanks asked.

"Yes, here is the documentation provided by Madam Amelia Bones."

"Anything else from the defense?" Marchbanks asked.

"Chief Unspeakable Croaker verified that the girl was possessed when she was killed. A possession was unseen by the teachers at school. Or at least that was what the headmaster claimed. According to these documents Croaker provided; the soul that possessed her was that of he-who-shall-not be named." Korshak stated.

"The possession from someone that dark; is a threat. Even though her mind was unconscious; her body was still a threat. Per Croaker, her body could still cast the killing curse at Mister Potter. Mister Potter saw a threat in many forms." Korshak said.

"You see, this was a clear-cut case of self-defense. In a school where basilisk attacks had taken place; would you not curse first if you found a girl in a double parselmouth locked chamber where you know a basilisk lives?" Jerry asked.

"If the wills had not been sealed; this would have been a clear-cut case of line theft." Jerry added.

"Jury, disregard the last part. This is not an inquiry into Mister Dumbledore; unfortunately." Marchbanks finally ruled for the headmaster.

"Is there anything else you want to add?" Marchbanks asked.

"No, ma'am. I have nothing else to add to Mister Potter's defense." Shargel said smiling.

"All those who think we need to inquire more about the incident of the slag's death?" Marchbanks asked.

Three of the wands were raised.

"How many think Mister Potter just defended himself?"

Four wands were raised.

"Mister Potter; as shown; you defended yourself. There is no reason to further investigate what happened to Miss Ginevra Weasley. While I do not like what you did; she was a threat to you and your other wives. Mister Dumbledore; how can you write a marriage contract for a fourteen-month-old child where you benefit from that child's death?" Marchbanks said in a cold voice.

"I did not plan for Harry's death. I felt Mister Potter needed to be married to a pureblood of a light family. If something happened to him; his legacy would go to protect the side of the light. That is what was needed; for the greater good of the wizarding world." Albus defended.

Marchbanks gave him a stern look. "I am disgusted with what you did. I wish we could charge you. But we cannot. So, is there anything else today?" Marchbanks asked.

"Nothing for this inquiry. Madam Marchbanks." Dumbledore said.

"However, Minister Fudge has stated that he approves Dolores the right of trial by combat. So, Mister Potter. Proceed to the dueling room." Albus said. Hoping the death eater will kill the brat.