From previous chapter:

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Harrison stood tall and proud as he turned to look directly at the man known to be revered and beloved in the wizarding world, and stated in a cold, carrying voice, "I, High Lord Harrison Potter, High Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter, Lord of the Venerable House of Chaparral, High Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Dumbledore, do hereby charge the man seated before you, known to you as Lord Albus Dumbledore, known to me as Albus Percy, vassal to the House of Dumbledore, with Line Theft, Murder, Kidnapping, Conspiracy, Grand Theft, Political Piracy, Child Abuse, and Treason. I allow for the eventuality that the details of the case I here present will expand upon those charges greatly. I Demand Justice."

With the magical demand, a magnificent glow flared and swirled around the powerful lord, whipping tendrils of his long hair loose and rippling the fabric of his distinctive cloak. Newspapers the next day would have on their front page a gripping photo of a stern Lord Harrison Potter, emerald eyes glowing, aura visible, hair and clothing moving in the unseen breezes of a powerful magical vow, an enigmatic Lord Lucius Malfoy leaning back and looking up at him with his own silver eyes shining and reflecting the swirling magics before him. The newspapers would be sold out within one hour.

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CHAPTER THREE: WERE YOU THERE WHEN…?

Silence.

In the immediate aftermath of Lord Harrison Potter's stunning charges against the venerable Albus Dumbledore, it would always be the shocked, weighty silence in a Hall holding hundreds of the most powerful people in Wizarding Great Britain that witnesses and participants would remember. Through it all, Lord Potter remained impassive and unfazed, never taking his piercing, cold glare from the gasping, gaping figure of the aged accused.

Maintaining his emotionless Malfoy mask with difficulty, Lord Lucius Malfoy could not take his own gaze from the unconsciously heroic stance of the man beside him. The magics of the younger Lord's Petition for Judgment had flared and swirled like oil upon water before fading back into the man's palpable, powerful aura. His emerald eyes glowed with the power of the man, ready to leap out and attack at any provocation. He was confident, deadly, dangerous, and filled with controlled, righteous anger. He was breathtaking.

Tearing his attention away from Lord Potter to assess the reactions of the other lords, Malfoy found himself irrelevantly thinking that, had he just encountered Potter for the first time today, he would have thought the man considerably older than eighteen. Glancing to his right, he met the maliciously amused smirk of Lord Gabriel Zabini, and raised his eyebrows slightly as he gave an acknowledging nod. Give a wizard his due. Zabini had been entirely correct when he told Lucius that he would not regret giving his full support to Potter during this Session. Zabini tipped his head toward the Witness Box and its lone occupant. Malfoy followed his glance and stifled an inappropriate snort. Dumbledore looked like he had been gutted.

Sitting stunned in the Witness Box, wrinkled hands clinging to the armrests of the comfortable leather chair, Albus Dumbledore's pale complexion stood out in sharp contrast to the vividly awful robes he wore. It was perhaps fortunate that he had chosen one of his more circumspect robes for the Session, as the usual cacophony of animated creatures or candies would likely have pushed his nauseous reaction beyond his control. A sudden image of 'The Daily Prophet' with a large, live-action photo of him spewing over the railing made him visibly cringe and shake his head in violent denial. Taking a deep breath, Dumbledore tightened his mental walls and straightened his spine. Fixing his stern, twinkle-free glare upon the narrowly observing figure of Harry Potter – Dumbledore refused to give him the accolade of 'Lord' – he raised himself up to a rigidly upright posture and fed Power into his aura and his voice. "Harry James Potter, how DARE you make mockery of this institution? We do not meet for your entertainment, young man. The Hall of Lords is the final authority within our society; we are all busy and highly important people with heavy responsibilities and duties. That you enter our Session and engage in such a juvenile, ill-considered prank as this is the height of disrespect. You will remove yourself immediately! Return to your home and remain there; I will attend you after this Session concludes. And you had best PRAY that I am able to keep my fellow lords from laying charges upon you! NOW GO!"

Truly, the reactions of the lords and the attendees in the Gallery were mixed. Some, the most gullible of the lot, were immediately convinced that Dumbledore had the right of it and were incensed at the idiotic behavior of the Boy-Who-Lived. It seemed obvious to them that the boy had gotten used to fame and was missing it greatly since the demise of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Others, those who tended to adopt a wait-and-see attitude, cast assessing gazes upon Dumbledore and Potter and knew that Dumbledore was attempting to manipulate the situation to his own benefit – which, for Dumbledore, always meant keeping secrets. The majority of the observers, however, could feel the importance of this moment in time. Looking from Lord Potter's authoritative posture and unflinching, green glare to Dumbledore's pasty complexion, erratic breathing and lightly sweaty forehead, it was clear to all that Dumbledore was very, very afraid of what Lord Potter had come here tonight to reveal.

Council Leader Amelia Bones' stared in disbelief at Dumbledore. The crafty old wizard was unbelievable! Regardless of what Lord Potter may or may not have to say, it was clear that the 'First Lord' of the Hall of Government quite adamantly did NOT want it said. Inwardly acknowledging that she, too, was now stating Dumbledore's titles with a touch of mockery, Bones shook her head in disgust and turned to Lord Potter. "My Lord, forgive me. I must take just a moment and address Dumbledore's comments." At Lord Potter's confirming nod, she turned to the man in the Witness Box and coldly spoke. "For the duration of this Session, I will refrain from addressing you by any title other than 'mister.' It would be inappropriate, considering the charges before us, to use political or noble honorifics, and your position of Headmaster at Hogwarts has no bearing or import here. With that said, Mr. Dumbledore," with a small smirk at his offended expression, "your response to Lord Potter's Petition for Judgment is inappropriate, condescending, and is itself an insult to this Institution. Everyone here with intelligence," looking scornfully at some of those whom she knew would have immediately fallen for the old man's tactics, "knows with certainty that Lord Potter has laid a legitimate Petition for Judgment before this Hall. Even if it were possible for a High Lord to betray his own honor and his family's honor in order to engage in such a blatant abuse of authority, the magickal wards and seals upon this Hall prevent the laying of false claims against another Lord. You do remember those little incidentals, don't you, Mr. Dumbledore? You have been quite enthusiastic in the past in reminding various members of them whenever anyone has expressed an interest in looking deeper into certain of your … hmmm …. your "extracurricular" activities with known vigilante groups!" She swept her glare across the Hall, allowing it to settle briefly upon certain squirming Lords and Gallery attendees.

Squaring her shoulders, Council Leader Bones took a deep, centering breath and declared in a ringing tone, "I, Lady Amelia Adella Bones, Council Leader of this the twenty-four-hundred-and-thirty-second Session of the Hall of Government, do by my name and magick hereby acknowledge the Petition for Judgment voiced by High Lord Harrison James Potter upon the one presently known to us as High Lord Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. I affirm by the magick of my Office that Wards and Seals of the Hall of Lords recognize this Petition is considered valid by High Lord Potter and is laid upon us in all honor and sincerity. Let the facts be submitted. Let the events be told. Let the Pursuit of Judgment commence." With those ritualistic words, three loud knocks echoed throughout the Hall, and a bright glow sealed the entryways and briefly settled upon each person in the Hall. A brighter, stronger glow passed through both Dumbledore and Lord Potter before seeming to settle within their very skin. Runes for truth and full disclosure became visible in the wooden railing that surrounded the Witness Box and the tense old wizard within it.

Casting a feral grin around the room, Lord Harrison Potter thanked Council Leader Bones, and then began to speak. "Rather than extend the telling of the story that led to this Petition by speaking in the more formal manner that is appropriate to this forum, I ask for the indulgence of my fellows. I ask that I can simply tell you the whole story, history actually, as I discovered it. I will present witnesses and provide evidence, and – if we can keep unnecessary posturing and rhetoric to a minimum, " casting a significant glance at Dumbledore, "we may be able to conclude this Pursuit within a reasonable amount of time."

Bones raised her eyebrows in question and spoke to the seated lords. "Those in agreement?" At the unanimous agreement signified by a veritable sea of glowing blue lights, she stated, "Agreement is given. Proceed." Turning to look directly at Lord Potter, she added with acerbic humor, "I, for one, am eager to determine the full meaning of your original issue before us. So, Lord Potter, please do explain to us what you meant when you asked Dumbledore ' why are you here?'."

Leaning over to Gabriel Zabini, Malfoy quietly muttered, "I am eager for an answer to that myself!" Zabini patted the fairer man on the arm and whispered, "Soon, my friend. Very, very soon!" The anticipation in his tone was evident. Turning away, they both shifted their chairs in order to comfortably watch Harry – or, truly, at the moment the young man was not so much Harry as he was Lord Potter – as he paused for a moment to order his thoughts. Squaring his shoulders, he began.

"I suppose the best place to start would be with the Hogwarts Book of Names. I'm sure all of you know that the Book of Names is a magickal tome in which the names and families of all magickal children are entered at birth.

What you may not know is that the book is an independent magickal object. It has a presence, a sort of rudimentary intelligence, that allows it to complete its tasks, which are to list the names of magickal children, identify their families – meaning, their families of noble lineage, their parents or guardians, or their families of Service or Obligation – and send out the Letters of Acceptance for Hogwarts. " At the puzzled looks that appeared on the faces of some, he elaborated, "Basically, it shows any parents or guardians, and any Noble Families to which the child is bound as a vassal, or a squire, or a knight, etc." At the looks of comprehension, he nodded firmly and continued. "The Book of Names was created by the Founders, as I'm sure everyone knows, and up until two years ago it was a stand-alone magickal object. Anyone who needed to correct information had to contact the Book itself."

A yellow light flashed on over a portly, jovial-looking lord on the far side of the Lord's Hall. "A question from Lord Ogden," noted Council Leader Bones. Lord Ogden raised himself slightly from his seat and asked, "Lord Potter, if the Book is a stand-alone magickal object charged with the sole task of accurately identifying and tracking magickal children, why would anyone need to correct its information? Surely it would, in fact, already have complete and accurate information." He reseated himself with a sigh.

Lord Potter smiled a little. "Lord Ogden, I'm glad you asked that! Normally, yes, of course, the Book of Names would have full and accurate information. But nothing is perfect, even in magick. Well, let me amend that. Nothing is perfect, EXCEPT magick. But the Book of Names, like every other magickal object, was created by a person who wields magick, which means it is bound to have a few flaws and weaknesses here and there. The muggles have an expression for one of their own inventions, a computer. The expression is 'Garbage in; garbage out.' And no, this is no insult in any way to the Founders; the expression simply means that the end product is only as perfect as the original planning and information that went into an item's creation. Even with the Book of Names, how can we expect it to be perfect, unless we are willing to hold our Founders to a standard of perfection? No, the Book is flawed. Granted, it was made by Rowena Ravenclaw, and we all know that she was easily one of the most intelligent and talented witches in our entire history. Her spellwork and charmswork would have been almost pristine – but she was still, in the end, human and fallible, and therefore, so is anything she created." Some of the people in the Gallery began to whisper in outrage, but the rising noise was abruptly silenced by the sharp, reprimanding knock of Council Leader Bones' magic upon the Hall. "Please, my esteemed peers, understand that I mean no offense. I truly have nothing but respect and admiration for the Lady Ravenclaw – indeed, all of the Founders – and I doubt that, even given a hundred years in which to work, I could achieve anything as impressive as the Book of Names." As the people settled at his comments, he added with a rueful smile, "Nevertheless, the Book is not perfect. There are examples of names being misspelled within the Book. In fact, my own name was listed in the Book originally as 'Harry James Potter', when my true name is 'Harrison James Potter', and the Book failed to list any of the noble families I count as my own. You see, the Book is fallible, in that it was influenced by the Headmasters or Headmistresses of Hogwarts, as well as occasionally simply making a mistake – recording someone's nickname rather than their full name, or not recording a family or a vassalage if that information had been deliberately obscured, perhaps for nefarious purposes, say, for example, by a block upon the person's blood or line theft."

Many in the Hall noted that Dumbledore, who had been sitting in the Witness Box listening very closely to Lord Potter's recitation, became visibly more tense as the discussion progressed. Lord Potter flashed a smirk as he turned to look directly at Dumbledore as he spoke about blood blocks and line theft. Dumbledore assumed a grandfatherly, deeply disappointed expression and gazed back sadly.

Harry sent a charming smile around the room as he ignored Dumbledore's dramatics. "Now, I, for one, can completely empathize with the Book of Names for having a few errors. I'm willing to wager that there isn't a single person here who hasn't written a letter or a paper, and proofed it carefully, and re-proofed it, and maybe even had someone else proof it, only to find that once it is submitted or published, that errors remained within it. I've had that happen more times than I can count; how about you?" Commiserating laughter rippled throughout the Hall. "So, of course, the Book is occasionally susceptible as well, although it really is a rare occurrence."

"Up until two years ago, if someone needed to correct information in the Book of Names, you literally had to write to the Book itself. (I'm still amazed at the way Lady Ravenclaw charmed that; the Book isn't actually sentient, but it can read its own mail! That is some impressive magick!)" Many of the Lords had thoughtful looks on their faces, and some nodded in agreement. It was true; the complexity of that type of charmswork was very impressive.

Taking a quick sip of water from the glass that had appeared in front of him, courtesy of another bit of impressive charmswork, this one set upon the Hall of Government itself, Lord Potter continued, "The problem is, or was, that the Book IS NOT sentient. It isn't gifted with independent thought. When it got a letter, it simply confirmed that the author of the letter was magickally identical to either the person listed or that person's parent or guardian, and as long as that was true, any changes required within the letter were made – and no one else was ever notified about it…. Anyway, once I learned the truth of my full heritage, I started to wonder why my letter had my name wrong, so I did some research. As a result of that research and the information that surfaced because of it, the Book of Names accepted a sentient being as its Regent."

At this, Dumbledore loudly spoke up, "NO. My friends, that is simply not true. I understand, my dear Amelia, that young Harry here is constrained to tell the truth as he knows it, but what he thinks he knows is incorrect. The Book of Names continues as it was: an independent entity. As Headmaster of Hogwarts, clearly I would know if the Book had been tampered with!"

Bones raised an aggravated hand to her face and pinched the bridge of her nose for a moment, taking deep, calming breaths. Raising her eyes, she fixed her monocle in place and spoke coldly. "Mr. Dumbledore, if I must remind you again to keep to the formality of this Session, I will Sanction you. You WILL address me by my title and surname. You WILL address Lord Potter by HIS title and surname. Is there anything about that directive that you are truly incapable of understanding?"

With a hurt look, Dumbledore raised his hand disarmingly, "My apologies, my dear – oh, do forgive me! – Council Leader Bones. I simply believed that you were granting informality to all of us when High Lord Potter asked to dispense with formalities. Clearly, Council Leader Bones, I was mistaken, and only High Lord Potter may speak informally, while only I am to be …. set apart … by being denied my formal and rightful title. No, truly, I understand completely, Council Leader Bones. Thank you for clarifying this, Council Leader Bones."

Several people watching shook their heads in mild disgust. Really, the old man was being incredibly petty. His implication that Lord Potter was being treated with leniency while he, Dumbledore, was being treated disrespectfully was ridiculous. Furthermore, his blatant condescension toward the esteemed Council Leader was childish and insulting. It was looking more and more obvious that the wise, grandfatherly elder that was Dumbledore's public face hid a much less likable truth underneath.

For her part, Bones was unable to prevent her lip from curling in scorn at the man, but she kept to her duties honorably. "You are entirely welcome, Mr. Dumbledore." Well, no one said she couldn't get the occasional dig in here and there. "Now, Lord Potter, would you address Mr. Dumbledore's assertion that the Book of Names remains independent?"

Lord Potter was greatly amused at Bones' deft handling of the old bastard's childish behavior. With a bow of respect to her, he stated, "With pleasure, Council Leader Bones." He smirked at her amused snort, which was echoed to his right by Malfoy and Zabini both as reluctant grins crossed several other faces throughout the Hall. "Despite his obvious belief, the Book of Names was never under the offices of the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Therefore, he would not have known of any changes that occurred to, by, within or on behalf of the Book." Raising his hand to forestall any protests, he said calmly, "I know I said that the Book was subject to the influence of past Headmasters and Headmistresses of Hogwarts. That was simply because the Book is tied into the wards of Hogwarts, and the Headmaster or Mistress is the holder of those wards. Their influence on the Book was basically a trickle-down effect – like having someone who lives near you singing a certain song over and over, and eventually you find yourself singing it, too. If a Headmaster constantly thinks of a particular child using a certain nickname, or obsesses over that child, the 'noise' of those thoughts would eventually trickle into the Book and influence it. To prevent that, as well as to prevent willful misinformation, we asked Hogwarts to give the Book a Regent – and she complied."

Turning to the Gallery, Lord Potter knocked once upon the correct rune carved into his table and a gate appeared in the low wall separating the people in the Gallery from the Lords' Seating. "I ask Lady Minerva McGonogall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, to come forth with the Book of Names and give evidence."

Across the Hall, heads turned to watch the well-known older witch rise and pass through the gate. She was a stern-faced woman with kind eyes, graying hair confined in a tight bun, wearing dark green robes with a McGonogall tartan sash. She was carrying a beautiful old book bound in white leather, on the front of which was the Seal of Hogwarts and, in each corner, a symbol from one of the four Houses: Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and Slytherin. Stepping onto a raised platform, also decorated with runes for veracity and honor, she carefully placed the large book upon the table in front of her and looked up attentively.

With a warm smile for the imposing woman, Lord Potter sought to put her at ease. "Thank you for coming, Lady McGonogall. Shall I call you by that title, or would you prefer Deputy Headmistress or Professor?" Before she could answer, Dumbledore spoke up scoffingly, "Oh, I must protest! If I am forbidden the use of my title 'Headmaster', why then would we allow her to be addressed by her own Hogwarts title? After all, you specifically explained to me, Council Leader Bones, that a career at Hogwarts is irrelevant here!" It was evident that the petulant, white-haired wizard was still smarting under the sting of the public reprimand.

Before Bones could reply, McGonogall spoke up sharply, "For Merlin's sake, Dumbledore! Surely you aren't that befuddled? I am present AS a Professor and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts; therefore, CLEARLY, those are the titles available to me that are most appropriate this evening. I won't go into the matter of why you are being temporarily denied your noble title, but LORD Potter was simply being gracious in offering me a choice. Are you entirely clear about the whole concept now, or would you prefer a few hand-drawn pictures, or perhaps puppets? As I recall from your past behavior, you seem to be especially fond of puppets."

Lucius Malfoy abruptly placed a gloved hand over his mouth. Damn, another inappropriate laugh almost slipped out! What on earth were these Gryffindors doing to him tonight? Merlin, if he weren't careful, he'd find himself snickering like a schoolboy – a non-Slytherin schoolboy, that is. But truly, could anyone present be expected to keep a straight face when the Lioness of Gryffindor verbally flayed the Headmaster as if he were just another belligerent schoolboy? Besides, her allusion to the manner in which Dumbledore tended to treat people as if they were his puppets and he a master puppeteer was exquisitely done! If he could, he would have awarded Gryffindor house points.

Malfoy was not alone in enjoying Professor McGonagall's sharp rebuke to Dumbledore. Many of the attending Lords and members of the Gallery had been in classes under the redoubtable woman's tutelage and had been on the wrong end of a brogue-heavy tongue-lashing, but watching one directed at the arrogant Headmaster was grand entertainment, and for some, it was immensely satisfying.

Turning back to Lord Potter, McGonogall calmly stated, "In regards to your gracious question, Lord Potter, I believe it appropriate that you address me either as Deputy Headmistress, as it is in that capacity for which I attend this Session, or simply as McGonogall. I forbid you to call me 'Deputy Headmistress McGonogall'; it takes far too long and we'll be here all night as it is."

Harry joined many others as he threw back his head and laughed aloud. He couldn't help it; it was sometimes simply impossible to be 'Lord Potter' around the incomparable Minerva McGonogall! Composing himself, he offered her a warm smile and asked her simply, "Deputy Headmistress, in keeping with my original question to Dumbledore, can you please explain in full why you are here?"

"Certainly, Lord Potter," McGonogall replied. Placing her hand lightly on the cover of the Book of Names, she said, "I am Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. The Book of Names falls under my purview and resides within my offices. The Letters of Acceptance are signed by me. The Headmaster has nothing at all to do with the Book, and quite frankly I cannot fathom why he thinks he does. Therefore, when Lord Potter had concerns, he broached them with me. He also felt that certain information the Book had about him when he was eleven would have saved him considerable grief had it been known by an authoritative, sentient being."

At the latter comment, both Lucius and Gabriel exchanged meaningful glances. They had heard rumors that Harrison's original letter had been addressed to him in a cupboard or something similar, and had been equally concerned that such a clear indication of a troubled childhood had gone undetected. It had not mattered to anyone, not even the Dark Lord himself, what side of the war a child was supposedly on; abuse or neglect of any magickal child – Merlin, any child at all – was unforgivable.

Ignoring the expressions of concern on most faces, and that of unease on the pallid face of Dumbledore, McGonogall continued, "After we researched the matter of errors within the Book, we conducted experiments to determine how easily the information within the Book could be changed. We discovered that it was as simple as writing a letter to the Book – a letter which no living person would ever read or even see. As long as the letter had the magickal signature or imprint of the person about whom it was written or that person's guardian or Regent, the Book would make whatever change was requested. Lord Potter had concerns not only regarding the incorrect and missing information regarding his own name, but also with the fact that anyone clever enough could fool the Book."

"Deputy Headmistress? You said that the letter had to have the person's magickal signature. How, then, could someone trick the Book?" Turning in the direction of the deep, velvety voice, Minerva was startled to realize that the politely phrased question had come from the dignified Lord Lucius Malfoy. She saw other Lords nod in agreement; apparently, they all questioned that point.

"Allow me an example. I am sure most of you are aware of the fact that Lord Potter was forced to participate in the Tri-Wizard Tournament during his fourth year as a student at Hogwarts, even though he had not entered his name in the cup. The principle is the same here," McGonogall replied.

One of Dumbledore's supporters, Augustus Arndstrom III, a middle-aged wizard with a weak chin and a pot belly, decided to speak up to try to curry favor with the beleaguered First Lord. He was appalled at how disrespectfully the powerful wizard was being treated. "Oh, really, Professor! I think everyone here understands that Mr. Potter could not have been named as a Champion if he hadn't put his name in the cup. He wasn't forced to participate; he just had to pretend reluctance to avoid getting into trouble." Glancing around at the expressions of distaste aimed his way by his fellow Lords, he hastened to add, "Of course, it was perfectly understandable of Mr. Potter … at the time, I mean…. Boys will be boys, and all that!"

McGonogall glanced enquiringly at Lord Potter, who made a 'have at it' gesture in reply as he chuckled, "Oh, no, please! He's all yours, Deputy Headmistress!" He heard Gabriel chortle, and could have sworn he heard Lucius Malfoy snicker.

Turning a thin-lipped little smile on the hapless Lord Arndstrom, McGonogall coldly replied, "Clearly, your deductive reasoning has not increased with your years – or your girth. 'Everyone' who 'knows' that young Harry Potter somehow managed to trick a powerful and ancient magickal artifact is not only wrong, but delusional. It has since been proven that it was Barty Crouch Jr who entered Mr. Potter's name, and he did so by following the explicit directions of Voldemort. He did it by confiscating a note Mr. Potter had written to a friend of his, a note that simply said, "Thank you for helping me. Harry" That was all it took. It showed his magickal signature, which also most likely showed he was expressing himself honestly and sincerely, and it included a statement which did not contradict the request added by Crouch – specifically, the final note submitted to the Cup read, "Please name me as Tri-Wizard Champion in honor of home-schooled students. Thank you for helping me. Harry (J Potter)" The clincher was that he was the only student named for the 'fourth school' and his signature was real. So CLEARLY, Lord Arndstrom, 'everyone' was wrong, and despite that fact, and the additional proof of young Mr. Potter's Wizarding Oath testifying to his innocence, which he made just five minutes after his name was called, Mr. Potter was forced to participate in a deadly competition for much-older and more experienced wizards. I will further add, Sir, that he did so despite the derision, harassment and pressure to which he was relentlessly subjected by 'everyone' who 'knew he had done it'."

The concerted opinion of the gathered Lords in the Hall at the moment was an unvoiced and rueful, 'ouch!' and a consensus that it was never wise to get on the wrong side of the redoubtable Minerva McGonogall.

During McGonogall's diatribe, as Arndstrom sank lower in his seat, Harry's eyebrows climbed higher and higher. He had known his former Head of House felt strongly about how he had been treated, during the Tournament as well as so many other times in his life, but he was surprised that she was willing to express her anger so openly in such a forum as this. He was deeply moved by her loyalty and concern. Feeling a touch on his elbow, he glanced over at Lucius – err, Malfoy – and quirked an eyebrow in question. He was surprised at the regret in the silver eyes. Shaking his head in quick negation, he leaned over slightly, cast a quick privacy muffliato, and said, "It's fine, Lucius. Over and done with. This is a new day and all that rot." At Lucius' … err, damn it, MALFOY's…. quick smile, he cancelled the charm and turned back to McGonagall as Council Leader Bones spoke up.

"Deputy Headmistress, while I can certainly appreciate your incisive commentary – deeply—I feel we are not yet at a point where we truly understand specifically why you are here. The information about the Book of Names is intriguing, of course, but why was it presented? Furthermore, both you and Lord Potter have stated that Hogwarts itself appointed a Regent to the Book. Can you explain that as well, please?"

Offering an appreciative nod at Amelia Bones' ability to remain focused and on task, the elder Scotswoman resumed her commentary. "Certainly, Council Leader. Last question first, I think. Hogwarts herself has become sentient over the centuries; I know that has at the very least been rumored throughout the wizarding world and it is true. She sometimes speaks to favorite teachers and students, and I will admit that both Lord Potter and I have been graced with conversations with the Lady Hogwarts. I know from Dumbledore's own regular complaints that she has always refused to speak with him." Several people sneered at the old wizard's disgruntled expression. "Now, although Hogwarts does not speak willy-nilly with just anyone who wishes to meet her, she does have someone within the castle who can always relay her thoughts. That person is Tavin McGonogall." The older woman smirked again at the blank look on almost every face. "Tavin McGonogall was the Clan Chieftain of the McGonogall's roughly two millennia ago. He assisted in the construction of Hogwarts, was one of the original professors, in fact. He was a good friend to all of the Founders. Every McGonogall since Tavin has attended Hogwarts and enjoyed his company, and every student who ever attended Hogwarts has met him personally." She slid a slightly malicious grin at a perplexed Albus Dumbledore, and said, "He is better known to most of you as 'The Sorting Hat.'"

Casting a glare at Dumbledore's loud scoff, she added with deliberate malice, "Although Dumbledore seems to be in disagreement – probably because of Tavin's often-expressed dislike for Dumbledore's methods and motivations – we need not take my word OR Dumbledore's. The Lady Hogwarts answered Lord Potter's and my appeal for her to provide answers about Lord Potter's family as it relates to the Book of Names, as well as to specifically address how those errors occurred. She spoke with us, provided us with certain bits of evidence, and then appointed a Regent as her voice to the House of Lords and as overseer for the Book of Names." Removing her sash, she placed it on the table next to the book. With a vicious, Cheshire grin at Dumbledore, seated white-faced in the Witness Box, she proudly proclaimed, "Members of the Hall of Government and my fellow witches and wizards in the Gallery, I present to you Tavin McGonogall, High Chieftain of Clan McGonogall, Regent to the Lady Hogwarts and to the Book of Names. Known to most of you as," with a complex gesture of her wand and an eye-bending transfiguration of form and color, the sash re-formed, "the Hogwarts Sorting Hat!"

Everyone stared, floored, at the familiar old hat, resting on the table next to the Book of Names, as it – no, as HE – revealed his 'face' and spoke in an aged, somewhat gravelly voice. "Greetings, Lords. I am here this night to testify as to illegal and immoral actions taken by the reprehensible wizard seated in the Witness Box, known to you all as Albus Dumbledore, although Lord Potter is correct in referring to him as Albus Percy. Actions that started when he wrote his first letter to the Book of Names, roughly 150 years ago, and claimed a heritage to which he had no right. His crimes against the Dumbledore family, the Potter Family, and Harrison Potter most specifically, as well as against the wizarding world, are many and varied ….. Oh, my dear children, I have such a tale to tell."

Once again, silence settled within the Hall of Government. Glancing around, Harrison saw that most of those in the beautiful old Hall looked simply stunned – mouths agape, eyes wide, frozen in place. Next to him, Lucius – err, oh, hell, fine, LUCIUS! – had managed to keep his Malfoy mask on, but just barely. His gloved hand was gripping his snake-headed cane tightly, and his powerful body was taut with reaction. Harry glanced over at Gabriel, who was enjoying a scene he had been greatly anticipating for some time now. Minerva seemed to be fairly amused as well, and old Tavin simply sat there, observing, patiently waiting as the stunned people slowly recovered and returned to their senses. Council Leader Bones had processed the shock fairly quickly and was already opening her mouth to begin questioning Tavin McGonogall when Dumbledore, who had appeared to be in deep contemplation of some plot or other, suddenly rose to his feet and smiled broadly, eyes twinkling madly. Looking closely, Harrison reflected that using the words "Dumbledore" and "madly" in the same sentence was probably redundant.

Drawing himself up to his full height, Dumbledore swept his arms outward in a theatrical gesture and grandly spoke, "Ah, my wonderful Lords of the House, fellow members of the Wizengamot, and my beloved peers in the Gallery! Although I am certain you wish I would remain with you throughout this Session, as you explore the past and make marvelous discoveries – and indeed, I do envy you the journey before you – I am afraid it is time for me to bid you a fond adieu. You have your plans, and I most certainly have mine. Farewell, my friends. Fawkes!" Raising one arm high above himself and tucking his wand closely to his side with the other, he welcomed the beautiful, fiery phoenix as it flashed into the Hall and sang a triumphant song. He held the statuesque pose, which he felt would look thoroughly magnificent on the cover of tomorrow's Daily Prophet, as he waited for the glorious magickal bird to whisk him away from the Hall of Government in a grand escape that would be the stuff of legends. He waited …. and waited…

Brow wrinkling in confusion, he lowered his head slightly and glanced around. Frozen, he saw with consternation that the beautiful phoenix, HIS phoenix, HIS familiar, was not, in fact, anywhere near him. Instead, it sat comfortably upon the shoulder of a smirking Lord Harrison Potter. Stunned, Dumbledore remained poised in the position he had taken for his grand exit. His pale blue eyes were certainly not twinkling now. Instead, a look of rage and betrayal had begun to mount as his face flushed and his mouth gaped. Hundreds of startled Lords and citizens in the Gallery gazed riveted at the shocked man.

He stared at them.

They stared back.

Gabriel Zabini finally commented offhandedly to the room at large, "Has anyone ever seen that copper statue that France gifted to the Colonies? The big green Lady of Liberty, standing in that harbor in - what is it? – New York City? Dumbledore looks a lot like that – except stupider."

It began with a snicker from Lord Potter, and a snort from Lord Malfoy. Old Tavin McGonogall rasped that Dumbledore even had the green complexion right, and then joined with Minerva in a derisive chuckle. As Council Leader Bones summoned his wand and all other magickal objects from Albus Dumbledore's … or, perhaps Albus Percy's … person, laughter took over the room. From the highest seats down to Amelia Bones, no one remained straight-faced and unaffected. From the old Headmaster's perspective, it was thoroughly humiliating, particularly as someone had cast a stunner at him to keep him in place and he was stuck there, frozen with one arm raised high and the other folded against his side. And he was right; he definitely made the papers the next morning.

Lords Potter, Malfoy and Zabini were captured in another photograph, which would be shown on page two of the morning's newspapers, helplessly leaning upon each other as they laughed too hard to remain independently upright, tears streaming down three stunningly handsome faces. Many, many women and suitably inclined men would sigh longingly as they gazed at the glorious sight. The debonair Lord Zabini had a face and disposition designed for such moments as this. Most of the readers would find themselves thinking that the aloof Lord Malfoy became utterly irresistible with his normally cold eyes sparkling with laughter and a broad smile on his face as he reached up to pet the phoenix on Lord Potter's shoulder.

But what made that particular photo sizzle was the way the darkly sensual Lord Potter tipped laughter-lit emerald eyes in a handsome, smiling face downward to gaze into the upturned, silver eyes of the joyfully laughing Lord Malfoy, resting one hand on the older man's broad shoulder, as both men caressed the phoenix.

Little did the public realize, that the story had only just begun.