(a/n): Some answers to Chap#6 reviews. First, a thanx to everyone who did. The trio all have tempers that cause misunderstandings and fights (H & Hr over the Firebolt -- R & Hr over Scabbers/Crookshanks -- H & R at the start of GOF) The added problem this time was Ginny. Stalker girl? Dunno about that--interesting though. I've been thing of her as immature so far. The unseen event I picture as Ginny jumping to the wrong conclusion and dragging everyone else along.
I couldn't picture the Dursleys caring for Hedwig considering what they were doing to Harry. And I figure Ron's letter was doomed no matter what it said given Harry's state of mind.
Some teaser info about Susan here. And she'll be moving to the forefront.
Ruptured Relationships
"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione, as he and Sirius entered the kitchen. She threw her arms around him "Oh…I'm so sorry"
"GET—OFF—ME" Harry snarled. He shoved her away. Only catching herself on the table kept her on her feet. Into the shocked silence Harry asked "Where's Hedwig?"
Ron answered "She's in our room, mate"
"You a part of this whole hate Harry thing, too?" he asked coldly.
Ron flinched, he stammered and stuttered "Well…it didn't start…errr…well what I mean…that is---"
"Shut up, Ron!" Harry cut him off "Sirius, are there more rooms in this house?"
Sirius, looking sad, replied "Yeah, Harry. You sure that's what you want?"
Harry gave a terse nod.
"Alright. Kreacher! KREACHER!" he called out.
An ancient elf appeared "Traitorous Master called Kreacher. Kreacher must obey. What is it be wanting?"
"Go clean out another room" Sirius ordered "Well! You have your orders! Get about it!"
"Disgraceful! The Mistress cast it out, now Kreacher must obey Blood Traitors and Mudbloods" the elf muttered, then vanished.
In the wake of Kreacher's disappearance, Ginny approached and took Harry's hand "Its all my fault, Harry" she said "Please don't be mad at Ron and Hermione. I was the first one to wonder if----"
"Why!?" Harry yelled. He yanked his hand away from her and slumped into a chair.
She rubbed his shoulder, saying "I dunno, I guess I thought you wanted to forget about me, I---"
"We were together all second term. I'd a given anything to be here than with the…the sodding Dursleys. Couldn't you believe in me…even a little?" he asked miserably, then he slapped Ginny's hand away. She ran out in tears. "I don't much feel like eating anymore" Harry said bitterly "What's been going on with Voldemort?"
Before anyone could reply, Fred and George apparated from upstairs "Honestly, you two" Mrs. Weasley scolded "There is just no reason for you to apparate between floors"
"Practice, Mum, practice" George said cheerily.
"So, dinner ready?" Fred asked "Something wrong with Ginny?"
"Mind your own business!" Harry snapped
"Harry, there's no reason for you to be worried about You-Know-Who" Mr. Weasley cut in.
"Quite so, dear" said Fred, imitating his mother's mannerisms, if not her voice, very well "He's entirely too young"
Harry almost laughed at that, but withheld commenting. He wasn't sure how or if the twins were involved in the whole mess this past month.
George bowed to his brother and added "Never mind he actually dueled him"
"Knock it off, you two" Mrs. Weasley ordered "This isn't your decision to make. Don't forget what Dumbledore told us?"
"What might that be, Molly?" Sirius asked.
"The part about not telling Harry more than he needs to know!" Mrs. Weasley shot back, her face was getting red.
"And who makes that decision, Mrs. Weasley?" Harry asked, rather sarcastically.
Her eyes widened in surprise "That's for the adults in your life to decide, Harry. Especially Professor Dumbledore."
"Don't think much of Dumbledore at the moment" Harry fired back.
"And what, pray tell, is that supposed to mean young man?" Molly demanded, angrily.
Harry might normally have been scared of her expression, but his argument with Ginny, Hermione and Ron had pushed him too far "He's had that useless idiot Figg, spying on me from day one! Never once did she bother telling him how the Dursleys treated me like a slave!! And did he ever bother to look in himself?! NO!!!"
"I'm sure that, if he'd known---"
Harry cut her off angrily "And what about this summer?!" he glared at Ron and Hermione "OH, right, I forgot! My so-called best friends thought I was tossing them off!! I was too busy starving to death!!" That drove Ron and Hermione out of the room.
"Harry's entitled to know a lot more than he does!" Sirius added "Dumbledore thinks he shouldn't even know what he already does!"
"Then it's a good thing you're not in a position to decide that!" Mrs. Weasley fired back
Sirius slammed his fist on the table "I'm his Godfather that gives me the right!!" he gritted out between clenched teeth.
Mrs. Weasley sneered at him "Hard to look after a child while being locked up in Azkaban, isn't it?"
"THAT'S NOT FAIR!!" Harry screamed and Sirius was more than half out of his seat.
Lupin finally cut in calmly "Sirius, sit down. Harry, this isn't your argument."
Harry gave angry looks to both Remus and Mrs. Weasley.
"And I think that Harry should have some say in this" Lupin finished
Harry dove at the opportunity "I want to know!" he said "Why'd Voldemort kill my parents? Why's he after me? What's he doing now?!?"
"Do you see Molly?" asked Sirius "No child could have put it that plainly"
Harry crossed his arms and directed a dirty look at Sirius "Great" he said bitterly "Can we stop talking about me and start answering me?"
"Alright Harry" Sirius said, "You'll have to understand that we don't have all the answers but a few of us know a piece of a prophecy that talks about a person with the power to defeat The Dark Lord, meaning Voldemort. Fourteen years ago, Voldemort decided you fit the description. I don't know why." He looked at the room, receiving headshakes.
Remus picked up the narration "We didn't know it at the time, but Wormtail betrayed their hiding place to his master, breaking the Fidelus Charm. Voldemort wasn't particularly interested in killing James and Lily that night----"
"He was after me, wasn't he?" Harry concluded
Sirius squeezed Harry's shoulder, sympathetically and said "Harry, you do understand there was nothing you could do about it, right?" Harry just shrugged
"So, whether it's a matter of revenge for what happened then, or this prophecy. I'm afraid you're a target" Remus concluded.
Harry felt a cold hate build in him that he hadn't felt in over a year. He knew exactly where it came from "Sirius, do you remember when I first saw you in the Shrieking Shack. Up til then I thought it was you who betrayed my parents."
"Understandable, considering" Sirius replied.
"Well I don't remember if I apologized for it" Harry added "But, why not just let Voldemort find me. Right now, I wouldn't mind another----"
That brought shrieks of outrage from everyone in the room "WALKING INTO----TOO YOUNG----OVER MY DEAD BODY" was all jumbled together in various voices.
"SHUT UP, EVERYONE!!" Sirius bellowed, then silence achieved, he addressed Harry quietly gripping his shoulders "Listen to me Harry. Coming after me was one thing…not really bright, either, given you knew nothing about me at the time. Frankly, I doubt I'd last more than a few minutes against Voldemort in a fight. You did great in that graveyard, never doubt that. But that was a brief encounter. And he let his ego get in the way with that stupid 'He's all mine garbage'
After learning all he never wanted to know about Voldemort, Harry was exhausted. "I'm going to bed" he declared "Uhh…thanks for dinner, Mrs. Weasley."
"I'll show you to your room" Sirius offered.
Harry allowed himself to be led upstairs "Sirius, I---" he began, only to be interrupted by a yawn.
"No more talk tonight, Harry" his godfather said, sternly "In bed, now"
Harry stuck like glue to Sirius for the next couple of days. He commented that the Blacks weren't exactly the nicest bunch of people. (Present company excepted) To which Sirius laughed. Harry laughed in return. Spotting Hermione in the doorway caused his momentary good mood to drop away. He frowned and she vanished. "I wish they'd get it!" Harry snapped.
"A change of plan for tomorrow, Harry" said Sirius, coming to a decision "Dumbledore gave me a mission for the Order. Shouldn't take more than a few hours, so I'll be away. Sorry to spring this on you at the last minute"
Harry gave a listless shrug "It's ok" he said "I'll find something to do."
"Maybe you could start letting your friends back in, again" Sirius said, gently "Personally, I'd start with Ginny. Highly snoggable, that one…ahh…if I were just twenty years yo---"
Sirius got elbowed in his ribs "Really not an image I needed!" Harry exclaimed.
"Ok, I'll give you that" Sirius said with a leer "Though there was this girl I went to school with. Very nice curves, played the field a bit. Definite above average snogger"
"And?" Harry asked suspiciously.
Sirius shrugged "Eh…nothing really to tell. Did I mention red hair? She married, had a kid. Not as handsome, mind you, if she'd married me, but he's---- HEY!!!"
"Mangy mutt!" Harry yelled, pouncing on his godfather with a pillow. Sirius, now equally armed struck back.
The noise quickly drew Mrs. Weasley ranting and raving "HARRY POTTER YOU'RE ENTIRELY TOO OLD TO---!!"
"He started it!!" Harry yelled, hitting Sirius right over the head. His pillow exploded in feathers.
Mrs. Weasley was even more angry to see Harry's opponent "SIRIUS BLACK" she roared "STOP THIS IMMEDIATELY!!! WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE---"
"All in fun Molly!" Sirius shouted.
"HMMPH" she grunted "I think you should both clean this disaster up. That means no magic" with that she stormed off.
Still in the middle of a laughing fit, Harry asked "Where's your wand Sirius?"
"No way!" Sirius giggled back "She looked quite scary"
Harry could only agree, as for working though, he said "Well have fun then" and started to leave.
"Get back here! I'm not cleaning this up all by myself!!" Sirius exclaimed
Harry put a hand beside his mouth and fake yelled "Ohhhh, Mrs. Weasley, guess what Sirius said about your daughter!!!!"
"You would!" Sirius gaped at him.
Drawn by the commotion Ginny appeared "What's going on?" she asked "Ahh---chooo" complements of the feathers, then her head hung "Hi Harry" She disappeared from sight.
"Go on, Harry, I consider myself blackmailed" Sirius urged.
Harry gave a faint smile and nodded "Gin, hold up!" he called.
"I'm so sorry Harry---I-I" she sniffled, not looking up.
Ginny looked rather pale "Are you alright?" he asked, concerned
"I'm fine" she said
"Gin, look at me…You've been crying---a lot" he observed.
She just nodded.
"Because of me?" he asked.
Ginny sobbed "Of course, Harry…I…we've…missed you. Even you being here, you're not. Ron and Hermione hoped you'd at least watch the chess game yesterday. And the three of us so wanted you to join when we were tossing the quaffle around, this morning."
"Sirius hasn't been very subtle either" Harry said "That's what started the pillow fight"
"Oh?" she inquired, hoping to continue the conversation.
Harry nodded, looking embarrassed "Errr…yeah…he said you're…ahh…highly snoggable" he replied.
"No, thanks" Ginny said lightly "Don't much care for beards. Wonder what Mum would think…"
Harry laughed a little and asked "Why do you think he's cleaning up the pillow fight?"
"Ahh, blackmail, good one" she giggled "Ummm…Harry, does this mean…errr…are we ok?"
Hesitating, Harry replied "Well…I want to be"
Ginny hugged him.
"That's a good way to start" he said with a smile "Guess, Ron and Hermione are next…The truth is I'm gonna have a harder time with her than anyone."
"How come?" she asked.
"The phone call" he explained. They found Ron and Hermione in the kitchen, playing chess.
They both jumped up when he entered and exclaimed "Harry!"
"Yeah" he said "look all three of you have apologized a hundred times. Apology accepted."
Hermione bear-hugged him and said "Oh! Harry I'm sooo sorry!"
"Hermione look, I'm not at that point yet" he said, making no effort to return it.
Sobbing, she released him "I-I und-und-und-ders-s-s-stand" she blubbered.
"Be nice to have things back to normal, Harry" said Ron, offering a hand.
Harry took it "The truth is I've been pretty lonely. I've got one condition, though."
"Anything, Harry" they all said.
"I want to tell you everything that happened this past month" he said. "Actually, I wish I had a pensieve so you could see it---"
Hermione's eyes almost popped out of her head "Harry!" she exclaimed "They're so rare, so valuable! How did---"
"Dumbledore has one" he grumbled "And can we stay on topic, please?"
It took considerable effort, but she nodded "OK, sorry Harry" she said
"Well, it started before we were even out of King's Cross" he began "Remember that goodbye kiss---"
Ron groaned "Rather not, mate. Turns my stomach. YEOW! OUCH!"
"Something wrong?" Harry asked.
Glaring at Hermione and Ginny, Ron replied "Err…no. Sorry for interrupting" He was reaching down and rubbing his legs under the table.
"OK, as I was saying. Hermione hugged me and kissed my cheek. Ginny's kiss, well, that one was….ahhh….more. Dudley, my cousin, he…ummm…well…askedhowmuchIwaspaying" Harry explained, the last bit coming out in a rush.
Ron turned bright red "WHAT!! I'll banish him to Mars!" he yelled.
"Well, I had my wand in my trunk, so I punched him in the stomach as hard as I could" Harry explained "Dropped him like a ton of bricks. Then, back at Privet Dr. I went upstairs to put my trunk away. Ten minutes later, Uncle Vernon slammed the door open, pushed me down the stairs and locked me in the cupboard just like before I started at Hogwarts. I was locked in there for the entire next two weeks----"
On the other side of the door, Mrs. Weasley and Sirius were listening to Harry talk. She wanted desperately to rush in to comfort him. But, Sirius stopped her "Leave it to them" he whispered "He'll just clam up the minute one of us goes in there. One thing I plan is to make sure Harry never has to go near them again. I don't care what Dumbledore says. All three of them should be in Azkaban."
"In that, we fully agree" Mrs. Weasley promised.
By the time Harry finished his story they were all in tears "Wish Mum would stop with the onions" Ron complained wiping at his face.
"Oh, I wish you'd just admit it Ronald" Mrs. Weasley whispered tartly.
Sirius, whose fury had been mounting by the second, gave a short barking laugh at that "You should know teenage boys never cry, Molly"
"It sounds like he's finishing." Mrs. Weasley observed "Let's go"
Ginny was the first to speak when Harry finished "That's just plain…I mean how could they! ERRR! They should be under a bat-bogey hex for the rest of their rotten lives!!! I'm sorry you went through that, Harry and I'm sorry---"
"I said I accept, no more apologies" Harry said, giving her hand a firm squeeze. "Let's just put it behind us. So, who's winning here?" referring to the Chess game.
Hermione let out a frustrated sigh "Ron says I'm six moves from being checkmated, but I don't see it."
"That's why I'll win" said Ron smugly.
"If you would just spend half the time you spend on Quidditch and Chess---"
Harry giggled, looking at Ginny "Still at it, I see" he commented.
"Never ends" she replied in a suffering tone. Then she whispered in his ear.
Harry tingled a little at that, but then he cracked up at her words "Ya think?" he asked
"Bet'cha a Galleon" Ginny replied
"WHAT?!" Ron and Hermione asked at the same time.
Harry and Ginny both just shrugged.
"Ahh…Harry" Hermione asked "Are you worried about the trial?"
Harry cringed, in his anger with his friends he'd honestly forgotten about it. Now it was back in his face "Terrified, to be honest. I can't imagine not going back to Hogwarts" he said
"It'll be alright, mate" said Ron reassuringly. Hermione nodded and Ginny leaned against him and started petting his arm.
"Hope so" Harry said.
During Sirius' absence, the rifts were mostly healed. Chess and Quidditch pretty much took care of Ron. Snogging and Harry's hormones went a long way with Ginny. Harry was still having trouble around Hermione right up until the day of his trial before the Wizengamot. Every time they talked, her accusation over the phone would echo in his mind.
"I think you should turn in early, tonight, Harry" Mrs. Weasley said, shortly after dinner.
Sirius, who'd returned from an Order mission that afternoon, agreed "Yeah, I don't know much about trials. But I'm pretty sure yawning in court doesn't win you points with the judges"
"Awright" Harry muttered "Lemme just finish beating Ron. I actually got him this time."
That comment brought a lot of attention. Ron was down three pawns and a rook. He was frowning in deep thought. Ginny ran upstairs and the twins popped in to see history in the making. A half an hour and only three moves later, Harry had traded two pawns for Ron's other rook. "Bye, bye, Harry" said Ron with a sudden smirk.
"Great Merlin" Ginny moaned as the massacre started.
A horror-struck Harry could only move his hapless king out of check over and over each time over the next six moves as Ron's two knights and queen stomped all over his defenses claiming one piece after another. All Harry got in return was one of the knights, but at the cost of his queen. The deathblow came when Ron landed a pawn on Harry's back row, which morphed into a second queen.
"Checkmate" Ron said quietly as he slid his original queen right next to Harry's king.
"Somehow a trial seems like a piece of cake after that" a completely stunned Harry said "Mrs. Weasley you're right. G'night, all. Ahhh….nice….ummm…game Ron."
Ron, looking highly pleased with himself, said "You too, mate. And try not to worry about tomorrow"
"Tuck me in, Gin?" asked Harry in a flirtatious tone.
Ginny pretended not to notice "Ehhh" she shrugged "Ain't you old enough to do that on your own?"
"Ahhh…Harry? Can we talk…just you and me?" asked Hermione "You mind, Ginny?"
After a glance at Ginny, Harry said "Sure, come on"
"Harry, I don't want to get you upset or anything---" she began, once they were alone.
"But, you're wondering why I'm more okay with Ron and Ginny, than you?" he finished.
Hermione nodded, quite surprised he'd read that so well "Yeah" was all she managed to say.
"It's like this" he explained "I really don't know what you guys were saying back and forth, and at this point I don't want to. But, what it is, is, it was you on the other end of the phone."
Hermione suppressed sob and said "I'm soo sorry about that Harry. I wish I'd never picked up the phone that day. I wish…I mean I want us to be back the way we were. Tell me what to do, Harry! I'll do anything!"
"Not crying would be nice. You know I'm rubbish with that stuff" he replied. He squeezed her arm and added "I care about you, Hermione, just as much as Ginny and Ron. Just give me a little extra time, OK?"
Hermione's eyes still watered "Sure, Harry" she said. Then, patting his hand, she turned to leave.
"Hey" he said, before she left "Careful saying you'll do anything, right"
Hermione looked back confused and questioned "Huh? Wyzzat?"
"If I wasn't with Ginny, I mighta asked for a snog or two" he joked.
Her jaw dropped, her cheeks turned red "Harrryyyyyy!" she squealed. Half surprised, half embarrassed and half flattered, she skipped out of the room. Heading toward her room, she never saw Ginny.
Harry woke feeling quite blissful. He had never gotten a chance to ask Ginny exactly what brought on the amorous activities of the night before. But, he would the minute he got a chance. His boxers tented up as he relived that memory.
"Up and at'em, Harry!!" came Mrs. Weasley's voice, followed by a knocking on the door "You've got a busy day today!!"
Harry groaned "I'm awake"
"I put out some clothes by the bathroom for you!" she yelled "Better move it, the hearing is in two hours!!"
"Thank you!" Harry called back. Images of Ginny rushed out of his head. Being reminded of the trial probably would have done it by itself. Hearing Mrs. Weasley's voice, on top of it, just killed the whole thought completely. "Talk about bad timing" he muttered
"Did you say something, dear?" she asked.
Harry rolled his eyes "Just wondering about the trial, Mrs. Weasley."
"No point worrying, breakfast is already started" she replied.
After showering and dressing, Harry made his way to the kitchen. Ginny's back was to him when he entered. Feeling playful he covered her eyes "Guess who!" he said
"Hmmm, its not Sirius…" she commented "…could be Bill"
Harry tilted the chair back and kissed her "That help any?" he asked.
"HAGRID!" Ginny declared.
Harry attacked her ribs causing her to squeal with laughter "Thought you didn't like beards" he commented as he flopped down beside her.
"Are you quite done groping my sister?" Ron complained.
Mrs. Weasley glared at him "RONALD WEASLEY! APOLOGIZE AT ONCE!" she screeched "That was perfectly harmless! And completely unfair to both of them!!"
"Err…sorry" said Ron, begrudgingly.
"You know, Ron, you'd be a lot better off getting a nice girl of your own instead of worrying about Harry and Ginny" Sirius offered.
Harry was too busy inhaling a plateful of bacon, eggs and toast to comment. But, he noticed a blush creep across Hermione's face. And that Sirius had cast his eyes toward her. Ron just grunted and scowled at Sirius.
"Finish up, Harry. Its time to go" Mr. Weasley said.
Harry looked at the clock, it read 8:20 "Its not til ten" he pointed out.
"I realize that, Harry" he answered "But in light of the charge against you. It would be best if we traveled by non-magical means. So we're taking those Muggle trains to the Ministry, what are they called…so fascinating"
"The Underground" Harry explained.
Mr. Weasley nodded, then asked "Why are they called that?"
"Well…because they move through tunnels that are underneath the city" Harry explained. He'd thought that was obvious.
"Fascinating, fascinating" Mr. Weasley said "And what---"
Mrs. Weasley cut him off "Arthur, I imagine you can ask plenty of questions during the trip. I'm sure Harry would much rather have a round of farewells. Good luck Harry" she concluded, hugging Harry.
"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley" he replied, returning the hug.
Fred and George were next "In case things go bad" they said
"…we've got a"
"Dungbomb for you…"
"…To set off"
"on the stinkers---"
"Most definitely NOT!" Mrs. Weasley declared, "Give me that, and off to your room!!"
The twins popped out of the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley pointed her wand at the little brown ball and it vanished. Seconds later, there was a muffled Boom.
"MUUUUUMMM!" came two shocked yells.
Mrs. Weasley displayed a wicked grin and yelled back "KEEP THAT DOOR CLOSED! AND, NO, YOU CANNOT OPEN THE WINDOW EITHER!!"
"It'll be fine, mate" Ron said, gripping Harry's shoulder "But, good luck anyway"
"You know I wish I could be there" said Sirius
Harry nodded "Yeah, but its not a good idea" he said, wrapping his arms around his Godfather's waist.
"Alright, save some of that for the girls" Sirius joked.
Hermione put her arms around his neck and said "You've really got the law on your side in this. You're allowed to use magic in self-defense. Besides, the only Muggle who saw it was your cousin"
"I know, but thanks" Harry said giving her waist a gentle squeeze. Then he turned to Ginny, he hadn't seen the frown she quickly hid. "Right now, I feel like I could take on the world" he whispered in her ear. His lips slid across her cheek to her mouth.
A nudge from Mr. Weasley broke the kiss "We'll have a party all set for you when you get back, Harry" Ginny said.
The Underground was an uneasy trip for Harry. He did his best to answer all of Mr. Weasley's questions, but he felt that his fascination with all things Muggle was creating a scene. There were several passengers eyeing the pair curiously, but thankfully there were no incidences. Harry guessed they assumed at least Mr. Weasley was a tourist.
Upon entering the Ministry, the situation was reversed Mr. Weasley had to drag the awestruck Harry along "Keep moving, Harry" he insisted "I'll be glad to give you a tour AFTER the hearing" Four different times, Harry bounced of a pillar or a person because he wasn't watching where he was going.
"You're late!" a cold voice informed Harry on entering the courtroom.
Harry flinched "Err…sorry. I didn't know the location was changed"
"This may not be looked upon favorably by the court" the same voice said. The man was Minister Fudge "Now that you are here…finally…let us begin"
"I've been looking forward to your explanation as to why a simple thing like this required the attention of the entire Wizengamot, Minister" a monacled woman commented.
Harry was awed and intimidated by the presence of forty unhappy looking witches and wizards. His confidence evaporated.
"Disciplinary Hearing, Twelfth of August" said Fudge in a ringing voice, the scratching in the room was Percy taking notes "into offences committed under the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and the International Statute of Secrecy by Harry James Potter, resident at Number Four Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. Interrogators, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic: Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement: Delores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister: Court Scribe, Percival Ignatius Weasley---"
OOTP pg 138
From the end of Fourth Year, Harry knew the Minister no longer liked him. He got a bad vibe from Umbridge but he wasn't quite sure why. He suddenly hoped that Susan Bones had said something nice about him. It had to be a good thing that Amelia Susan Bones was annoyed with Fudge.
"---Witness for the Defense: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore" came from behind Harry
OOTP pg 139
Harry spun around in his chair---Someone on my side---he thought. But, Dumbledore didn't even look at him during the whole hearing. Mrs. Figg's testimony was very helpful. He nodded his thanks to her, but she gave him a contemptuous look as she walked past Harry. He returned it. ---She owed him an apology---he figured ---For that matter so did Dumbledore for sticking him with the Dursleys.
Dumbledore and Fudge argued back and forth way over Harry's head over subjects he didn't know anything about. As frustrated as he was with Dumbledore, Harry loved watching him make Fudge's face turn various shades of red. "And since when is the full Wizengamot called in to conduct a criminal trial on a simple matter of underage wizardry?" asked Dumbledore.
"This boy has been flaunting our laws for years!!" Fudge screeched.
Very calmly, Dumbledore replied "Hmmm, that's odd. As Headmaster I would be made aware of any previous charges filed against any student. I admit I don't have the school records at hand. Perhaps you could refresh my memory, Minister"
"August previous!" Fudge declared triumphantly "The accused blew up his Muggle aunt causing her to float over the city"
"She's not really my aunt!!" Harry protested.
Dumbledore nodded condescendingly and said "Yes, Minister, I am aware of that incident. However, no charges resulted from that. I am sure Harry appreciates your consideration in that case."
"And the Hover Charm three years ago---" Fudge mentioned.
Harry angrily cut him off "Dobby did that!"
"What is a Dobby, Potter?" Fudge asked coldly.
Dumbledore coughed "Pardon, but if I may, Dobby is a house-elf current on staff at Hogwarts. Perhaps the court would bene---"
"NO!" Fudge shouted, furiously "This boy's pattern of misuse of magic is endless! It even goes back to the apparent Apparation incident in 1988!!"
Harry was furious at that---They've known all along about how the Dursleys treat him!!---He gave Dumbledore a nasty look, but was ignored.
"That is irrelevant, Cornelius" the headmaster said "As you're aware, no law exists regarding accidental magic performed by Muggle raised children"
"Need I remind you that Potter is not Muggleborn?" Fudge pointed out, as if he'd made a major point.
Dumbledore nodded as if acknowledging the point, but said "I believe you didn't hear me correctly, Minister. I did not say Harry was Muggleborn…as, for example some of those in attendance today are…I stated that Harry was raised by Muggles---"
"If you could call it that" said Harry, resentfully
Dumbledore talked right over Harry "Regardless, the outcome is the same. And even children raised in Magical homes do not have pre-Hogwarts accidental magic held against them. Nor, is it relevant in this case. There is only one charge against him."
"Has the accused anything to add?" asked Madam Bones.
Harry had no idea what he might have said, but Dumbledore was apparently satisfied. Despite his frustration with the headmaster, he couldn't think of anything else so he replied "No, ma'am"
"Not guilty?" asked Madam Bones ----then---- "Guilty?" ----finally---- "Twenty-four to nine with seven abstentions the case is dismissed."
"Court adjourned!" Fudge snarled.
Dumbledore turned to leave, Harry tried to stop him "Professor! I need…to……speak…" his voice trailed off as the door closed behind the headmaster. "Bloody idiot!" he cursed, kicking the wall.
"And what, pray tell, did the wall do to you?" a stern voice asked.
Harry jumped, highly startled and turned "Sorry! Nothing!" he exclaimed.
"Oh, I'm sure you didn't break it, Harry" Madam Bones replied lightly "Forgive me for startling you. I wonder if we could talk for a bit."
Harry hesitated before replying "Err…I'm not sure…I mean. I came with Mr. Weasley"
"Not to worry, Mr. Weasley is part of my department." She replied.
Harry waited with Madam Bones as the Wizengamot members filed out of the courtroom. He thanked as many of them as he could as they passed. Many, even the ones he knew voted not guilty, were frowning.
"Amelia, good morning. Harry, what happened?!" an anxious Mr. Weasley asked. "Dumbledore didn't say."
Harry grinned broadly announcing "Not Guilty!"
"Excellent!" Mr. Weasley exclaimed "Just excellent! Not that I had any doubt, of course. But still, I couldn't help but be---Harry I can't believe they brought in the whole court for this."
Madam Bones had an unpleasant look as she said "I think that should be investigated. Even considering Harry's unusual position in our world, this really didn't warrant the attention of the full Wizengamot."
"Err…sorry" Harry apologized.
"You didn't do anything wrong" Madam Bones said "Rather, I'm questioning the behavior of our ---er--- leader ---- in this. For example…" she pointed at where Fudge was talking to Lucius Malfoy.
Fudge gave a half bow and vanished. Mr. Malfoy headed for the group "Ahh...my dear Amelia, always a pleasure to see you." He greeted her with an outstretched hand and a tip of his hat.
"That's Madam Bones, Mr. Malfoy" she replied stiffly. She made no effort to return the man's gesture. "Is there something I can do for you?"
Lucius shifted to turning a cold look at Harry "It's so nice to see, once again, the boy hero getting out of a tight spot. Almost snakelike you might say." He sneered.
"Don't talk to me, Malfoy!" Harry shot back.
"Above showing proper respect for your betters, boy" Lucius accused.
Harry barely held his temper. He hated being called 'boy' with a passion "NO Death Eater is my better. Go back to kissing your lord's feet."
"How dare you!" Mr. Malfoy snarled, beginning to pull his wand.
Surprising himself, Harry growled "Didn't do too well the last time you tried that!"
"Mr. Malfoy you aren't drawing your wand on a defenseless child are you?" Madam Bones asked, hers was already out. Her draw was like lightning. "A word of caution, sir, money doesn't buy everything."
Malfoy slapped his walking stick shut furiously and ground out "Good day, madam" before turning his back and departing.
"I am not helpless" said Harry in a disgruntled tone.
Madam Bones sighed "Believe me, Harry I know that. But, I really don't think you need another trial for Underage Wizardry in the same day. Especially with Lucius as the accuser"
"His influence is golden, you might say" Mr. Weasley added.
Harry nodded "I think I get it" he said "Sorry about that."
"I think we should delay the tour." Mr. Weasley said.
Harry readily agreed "Not a problem, sir."
"Give us a moment, Arthur" Madam Bones said "I'd like to talk with Harry in private."
Mr. Weasley walked away to give them privacy "I'll be waiting near the fountain" he said.
"I would imagine if there's one subject you wouldn't want to talk about, it would be about what happened the night Voldemort returned. Is that about right, Harry?" asked Madam Bones.
Harry looked deeply surprised "You said his name!" he observed "And you believe he's back!"
"Yes I did" she replied "I try to set an example for everyone in my department. Arthur does try, I'll give him that. Anyway, I wanted to speak with you about Cedric."
Harry looked away from her and said "That's definitely something that I don't---"
"I'm sure it is" Madam Bones interrupted gently "And the Ministry already has a detailed account of what you told Professor Dumbledore---"
"Then how come the Daily Prophet's calling me 'emotionally unbalanced' and Dumbledore a 'crazy old coot' for believing me?" asked Harry, bitterly.
Madam Bones sighed "Unfortunately, Harry, the Prophet's printing what Cornelius and 'unnamed senior ministry officials' are telling it to. And the Minister wants to stick his head in the sand; or up his ass if you like"
"Hahaha" Harry chuckled, then he grimaced "That would be funnier if it wasn't true."
"As part of the Ministry, I can't directly say anything that disagrees with official policy. But there's no reason that you can't Harry. Cedric Diggory was a very popular student, it's been very hard for his friends. The headmaster was very forceful in instructing all the students not to push you to discuss what happened. I was hoping that now you would be able to." She said.
Harry cringed "Well, you see, that many people…I dunno"
"How about one person, then" Madam Bones offered "You know my niece fairly well."
Harry nodded "She's a nice person. She sits next to my friend Ron Weasley in Potions and with Hermione Granger in Defense Against the Dark Arts. I never talked to her much until last term though."
"Hmmm…Miss Skeeter does have a way with words" she commented.
Harry blushed at that "We didn't…I mean that's not the way it happened…err…I have a girlfriend"
"Yes, I know Harry. Susan was equally as embarrassed. How about on the Hogwarts Express, then" Madam Bones suggested.
"Sure, I guess I can" Harry said, quite unenthusiastically "But, it's not really pleasant. Are you sure Susan want to hear it?"
Madam Bones laid a hand on his shoulder and said "Harry, have you ever felt like you wanted to know something, no matter how bad it might be. You just needed the truth."
"Yeah" Harry snorted "I wish Dumbledore could hear that. Alright, sure, I'll look for Susan during the trip"
"Thank you, Harry. I'll tell Susan to keep an eye out as well. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer"
On the Underground back to Grimmauld Place Harry asked for advice "Mr. Weasley, Madam Bones asked me to talk to Susan about what happened…that night…"
"What did you say?" he asked.
"I said I would" Harry replied "I think the way everyone's keeping secrets is part of the problem. What I don't know, is…well…Voldemort told Wormtail to kill the spare…meaning Cedric…I'm sure that means that if he didn't get me then Cedric would do for the spell. But since he got me, Cedric…ahhh…just wasn't needed."
Mr. Weasley gasped "That's just…well…it…its horrible. I'm sorry you heard something like that. Such a casual attitude toward murder. There's no reason that ever needs to be repeated. In fact, we could have that memory obliviated if you want."
"No way!" Harry said emphatically "After Lockhart there's no way I'll let anyone obliviate me!"
"Just a suggestion, my boy" Mr. Weasley apologized "Forget I said it. And why don't you try to forget about Cedric for the next couple of weeks. Enjoy the rest of the summer."
"Ok, thanks, Mr. Weasley" he said.
The party started the instant the pair opened the door. Chants of "HE GOT OFF!!" and "THREE CHEERS FOR HARRY!!" and "HOOZAAAHHH!!" filled the house.
"You started without me" Harry said after he kissed Ginny.
She pulled back and asked "What do you mean?"
"Well, I got two of my three favorite tastes in one go" he said with a huge grin. He laughed at Ginny's confused look "Butterbeer is the best drink" he explained "Your Mum is the best cook and you're the best---" he broke off at the sight of ten Weasley eyes gazing at him.
Bill gestured "Yes, do go on, Harry"
"Please Harry" Ron said, cracking his knuckles
Mrs. Weasley hugged him and said "All of you sit! Harry, it was very nice of you to complement my cooking!"
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed "I'm so relieved" She looked like she desperately wanted to hug him.
There was a moment of tension that Harry broke by reaching out to her "Thanks Mione" he said
"I'm so sorry about before, Harry" she said into his shoulder "I could've at least listened to you"
"Butterbeer all around!!" Sirius called out. The music came from the Wizard Wireless. "I don't think my godson should have all the pretty girls. Miss Weasley, might I…"
Ginny took the outstretched hand and Sirius spun her around. "No rat breath? I hope" she joked.
---Hahhh--- Sirius breathed on her "I brush three times a day" he said, pretending to look offended. Ginny looked annoyed after a couple of songs because Harry was still dancing with Hermione. "Wanna dance with your boyfriend, eh?" Sirius questioned.
"Yeah" Ginny replied.
Sirius said "Hey, Harry! For some reason my partner'd rather dance with you."
"Think I'd like that" Harry grinned. Then mischievously added "Ron, I think Hermione still wants to dance." He strode over to Ginny.
"Can't figure it" Sirius muttered as he handed Ginny over "She already had the best looking guy in the place"
Harry poked him in the stomach and said "Down Padfoot" as the couple twirled off to a romantic ballad.
"Ahh…Yes…Mr. Weasley" the twins said, imitating Professor McGonagall in stereo no less "Now! Put your hand on my hip!!"
"What's all that?" Ginny asked.
Harry giggled into her shoulder "Tell ya after this dance."
Ron's face looked like a stop sign by the time the twins finished with McGonagall's failed dance class. "I wasn't that bad" he groaned.
"Ask that poor Indian girl you took" George giggled.
This earned him a slap from his mother "Stop embarrassing your brother!" Mrs. Weasley scolded.
Harry suffered a coughing fit as he swallowed a mouthful of butterbeer instead of spraying it across the room.
The party ran almost until dawn. Everybody slept well into the next afternoon.
At dinner, Mrs. Weasley declared "That was the exception, tomorrow will be normal schedules! And you're all going to work on the rest of the house."
"Aww. Why can't Kreacher do it?" Ron complained. Ron got it from two sides.
"House-elves should have the same rights as witches and wizards!" came from Hermione.
And from Mrs. Weasley came "I will not have my family become lazy!"
Harry and Ginny paired up, at least until the third day when Mrs. Weasley came across them snogging in the attic. After that incident it was strictly boys team and girls team.
"It's all your fault, you know" said Ron, while furiously scrubbing the windows. He didn't sound even a little bit sympathetic. Harry went back to sanding the floor.
Their Hogwarts letters arrived the next day, with book lists and grade reports. Mrs. Weasley lectured Fred and George on their results, although she did praise their Defense grades. Ron's letter, which was heavier than everyone's but Hermione's revealed a Prefect badge.
"Ohhh! The shame!!" the twins groaned.
Harry and Ginny's shoulders shook with silent laughter. Fred and George getting slapped by Mrs. Weasley just cracked them up. Ron laughed at that as well.
"And how are your grades?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
Ron read it than handed it over "Got Os in Charms and Defense. Barely passed History, though"
"Too bad they don't give grades in mealtimes" Harry teased.
"How'd you do, smart guy?" Ron bristled.
Harry opened his and grinned "Os in Charms and Transfiguration; O+ in Defense. About the same in History"
"Well! Congratulations on making Prefect!" Mrs. Weasley said, practically strangling Ron.
Ginny looked rather upset with hers "Yeah, congrats Ron" she added.
"Something wrong, Gin?" asked Harry.
Ginny shrugged "Yeah, kinda. I failed History"
"Sure you're not the first" offered a supportive Harry "Binns IS boring"
Mrs. Weasley looked disappointed "That's not an excuse, Harry. And I expect you to do something about getting that grade up, young lady. You go straight to either Professor McGonagall or Professor Binns to work something out"
"Yes ma'am" Ginny grumbled, looking at the ground "Actually, Professor McGonagall already assigned me a tutor. It says so in the letter"
Mrs. Weasley took it, saying "Well, that's a good start"
"Hermione" guessed Ron. Harry nodded in agreement
Mrs. Weasley was scanning the letter and said "Hermione Granger---"
"Knew it!" Ron exclaimed
Mrs. Weasley read on, then stopped and backed up "Actually no" she said
I might normally recommend Hermione Granger. However, taking into consideration how close she is to your family, I feel another student would be more appropriate. Two students consistently outperform Miss Granger in History of Magic .Granted, not by much.
Harry and Ron gasped in surprise.
Miss Parkinson declined the assignment, however, Mr. Finnegan graciously volunteered to tutor you during the coming year. Mr. Finnegan received a perfect grade on the material you will be covering in class this year. It is my expectation that your grades will improve markedly.
The boys exchanged frowns.
"All out of the goodness of his heart" said Harry, very sarcastically.
Ron nodded in agreement "Yeah, a right prince of a guy"
"Is this the same Seamus Finnegan that you write about, Ronald?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Yeah, Mum" Ron answered. There was a hint of a growl in his voice.
Mrs. Weasley frowned at that "I thought you were friends?" she asked.
"Yeah, until he turned on Harry" Ron replied.
Mrs. Weasley's frown deepened "I seem to recall you writing a few unpleasant things about Harry at the beginning of the year Ronald" she commented.
"That's got nothing to do with it" Ron mumbled, feeling ashamed.
"Mrs. Weasley, Ron and me stopped arguing right after the first task" Harry put in "Seamus only got worse. Especially after the Yule Ball. Dean Thomas told me its because I'm dating Ginny. I really don't like the idea of him spending so much time with her."
Ginny looked irritated "I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself" she said crossly "And Seamus has always been nice to me."
"I'll bet" said Ron "You're blind, Ginny"
"Mind your own business, Ron!" she snapped
Mrs. Weasley shook her finger at her youngest son "Your sister is correct, Ronald Weasley" she said "This has nothing to do with you." Ginny grinned at the minor victory. "No smiling from you, Ginevra!" she scolded "I will be writing Professor McGonagall to ask for regular reports!"
"Yes, Mum" Ginny muttered.
Harry cringed when Mrs. Weasley looked at him "Harry, I want you to know that Mr. Weasley and I think of you as one of our own. And, kissing in the attic notwithstanding, we approve of your and Ginny's relationship. That said, Ginny's schoolwork is more important right now."
"Are you telling me to stop seeing Ginny?!" a horrified Harry asked.
"No, Harry, I'm not. But, I am telling you not to interfere with her study time" Mrs. Weasley said "You may not like this boy, but Professor McGonagall says he is the best one to help her." Mrs. Weasley subtly allowed Harry and Ginny to go together on cleaning projects for the last few days. And let them go off on their own in Diagon Alley for school supplies.
Up next: Approaching Thunder
