DISCLAIMER: The story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J.K Rowling, and various publishers including but not limited to Warner Bros., Scholastic Books, etc. This story is intended as a fan made story and no money is being made. No trademark and copyright infringement is intended.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Please note again that Harriet's alternative identity is Liliana. So please do not be confused when Harriet's and Liliana's names are being used as they are the same person. On a side note… I really do not like FFN formatting. Just realized that FFN does not allow certain types of page breaks and etc. While I am usually too lazy to fix that, I decided to fix a few of the previous chapters while I still have the will to do so.
Again like before, sorry for the horrible grammar and etc. I do edit and spell check, but I am known to fail in the delicate art of writing well. Please feel free to note if I am horrible at spelling or grammar. If there is a particular spot you could point out, that is even better.
Also, I did split this chapter into two as both chapters were lengthy enough to be their own chapters.
Reviews always appreciated. PMs are also alright as well.
Chapter 6 – Outmaneuvered
The 23rd arrived and Liliana walked to the Ministry wearing her formal robes for the occasion. This was a fairly big moment for her. While her real self was to attend Hogwarts, her other self was to take on the seat and start getting the Magical world to progress once more. This also included a trial for Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black. While on the official agenda that was released to the members did not state so, with the help from Amelia, Liliana was able to slip the trial in to this session. With that, she was certain to ensure that any opposition would lack the time to provide an effective counter argument and condemn the man back to Azkaban.
At the entrance to the Ministry, she met with William along the way and together they walked down the hallway to the lifts that would take them to the courtroom. As William ushered Liliana into the lift, he slipped her a small folder and nodded to her as she passed. Taking the folder, she nodded slightly in thanks as they began to descend. Once arriving at their designated floor, the two entered the chamber where other members were taking their seats. Her entrance caused the room to fall silent as the current occupants of the room noticed an unfamiliar face for the first time.
"Lady White," William muttered to her. "I believe that that we should take our seats."
"Good luck, Mister Haynes," she replied in agreement.
With that the two separated and headed to their respective seats.
Dumbledore sat on the seat of the Chief Warlock and looked at the young lady clearly wearing a rather elegant set of robes. As this was a closed session to the public and only members of the Wizengamot were allowed, he was quite curious as to why a newcomer was allowed into the Wizengamot. He beckoned to Elphias Doge who sat near him to come closer. Once he approached, Albus leaned in and asked in a low voice, "Elphias, would you happen to know who the young lady is?"
Elphias looked towards the direction that Albus indicated, his eyes narrowed a bit in confusion.
"That is Liliana White," he replied, "She is here to claim the Potter Seat as a distant relative."
"Oh?" Albus remarked motioning him to continue.
"Yes," Elphias responded, "Apparently, she part of a branch that broke off from the Potters and lived on the main continent? I apologize Albus, but I honestly do not know much of her. I thought you would have known as a missive was sent to her to attend on your behalf."
"Oh!" Dumbledore replied, "It must have slipped my mind. Yes. Yes. Definitely forgot."
Elphias looked at him quizzically for a moment before shaking his head.
"Would that be all?"
"Ah, yes. Indeed, Elphias. Thank you," Dumbledore replied, "Just needed to refresh my memory a bit."
Elphias went back to his seat as Albus leaned back against his seat, carefully looking at the young woman who entered the room.
I am sorry my dear. He thought. But I am afraid that you will not be receiving the Seat.
For years Albus had been trying to place someone within his influence onto the Potter Seat with little success. Most of the candidates were not suitable to take the position. Those that were suitable were quickly shot down by the opposition, without someone actually related to the Potters taking up the Seat, an overwhelming majority of the Wizengamot had to approve of the candidate that was to take over the existing seat.
Albus knew that there while he may not have the actual numbers within his own control to outright bar her from being accepted by the rest of the Wizengamot to take the Seat, there were plenty of members who would naturally be cautious of an unknown claiming the Seats. The Light that do not follow him would reject her in possible fear that she would not align with them. The Dark would do the same likewise. While Albus would like to have control of the absent seat, it was better to ensure that it would be left vacant and that no one had it if he was not able to control it himself.
That was of course she was not related to the Potters and if distantly related, be so far distant that she would not be eligible to simply claim the seat. Albus quickly went over his knowledge of the Potters and from what he was able to gain from the James Potter. Unfortunately, much of the information about the Potters were barred from him due to Charles Potter's (James' father) meddling. Despite that, Albus managed to glean quite a bit of the history of the Potters and from what he knew, there had been no close relatives other than the Blacks through Dorea Potter née Black. However, even on the Black side, there was no one eligible to claim the seat, which he could recall.
Smiling to himself, he waited for the room to settle down and watched the young lady, expecting her to sit on one of the benches to be called as it was customary for those petitioning to be on the Wizengamot. His smile immediately turned into a frown, which his hid immediately, as she continued passed those seats and was walking up the stairs. This brought about a sudden hush as those witnessing the young lady moving onward in a purposeful manner only to take a seat in that was designated for the House of Potter.
Suddenly, noise erupted as many who were present expressed their outrage by this action. Many called for her to sit back down at the benches as she had no right to just sit there. Some even clamored to have her thrown out of the Wizengamot for her behavior. Dumbledore's eyes narrowed just a slight bit in puzzlement as the young woman clearly did not look confused, but rather poised and calm despite the commotion that was going around her. She seemed to blatantly ignore the remarks from other members of the court. He waited for a few moments to allow the room to say their piece at this act knowing that by allowing more people to express their anger on this matter would only assure that, the disregard to protocol, would assure her remaining chance of gaining the Seat to diminish. Eventually, he banged the gavel to keep order to the room and the members began to settle down once more.
"Miss," Dumbledore called out looking directly at her as the assembled body took their seats. "I would have to ask you to take your seat on the benches. You are not allowed to sit at that seat unless you have been granted approval."
As the young lady looked up to look back right at him, Dumbledore discreetly probed her mind to see what her motive was.
Liliana felt something trying to probe her mind. Trying as it was obviously unsuccessful as Liliana was able to see Dumbledore's widen a bit in surprise. Had she have not been looking at him intently, she would not have seen the look of momentary surprise that he shown.
"Good, sir," she replied her voice calm and cool. "I would like to inform you that it is rather better manners to ask beforehand."
Murmuring arose from the audience.
"Quite so," Dumbledore replied smoothly, "As such for you to-"
"As for me sitting here," the young lady cut of Albus to the shock of several members of the Wizengamot, "I am merely claiming the seat as is my right."
"Your right?" an elderly woman in the Wizengamot asked.
"Indeed," Liliana replied turning to the voice, "Lady?"
"Longbottom, Augusta Longbottom," Augusta replied, her eyes slightly raised with mild interest and mild displeasure at the young lady who clearly did not show respect to the Chief Warlock.
Liliana nodded her head respectfully in her direction causing Augusta's eyebrows to rise even further at her, and then proceeded to pick up the folder next to her.
She pulled out some documents from the folder and seemed to glance over them before using her wand to send a few of the documents over to the Chief Warlock and the court officials. Albus received the documents and began to glance over it. While the documents were copies, they were certified copies from Gringotts and from various other official organizations that clearly connected the woman's lineage to the Potters. His hands shook for a moment as he tried to process how it was possible for her to not only be distantly related, but still be eligible to inherit the Potters fortune. The only conclusion he could make was that the Potters' will was read, but that was impossible. He made sure to seal their will and also read the contents. In the will that he read, there was no Liliana White listed to inherit. Yet, despite that, these documents clearly claimed otherwise.
After several long seconds of reviewing the contents, several of the officials sputtered in shock bringing more excited murmuring from the whole group.
"Pardon me, Miss White," Albus started, "Are you sure these documents are authentic?"
Liliana looked to be furious at this and spoke softly, "Would you be questioning the honor of Gringotts? I would be glad to send a request to a representative from Gringotts and inform them that you-"
"No, no," Dumbledore hastily interjected, "It is just rather unusual for them to affirm something that did not appear to be so."
Liliana slowly collected herself and looked pointedly at Dumbledore.
"Per the old laws set forth by the Golden Houses that are still in effect, a Silver House may have one from the cadet line make a claim for their Seat should a direct line declines to make a claim themselves or has died out. By that rule, which was made under magical oath and had not been revoked even with the changes of the Wizengamot today, and the claims the documents have listed, I believe that we do not have to deal with this nonsense of debating my eligibility and can finally get to the actual issues we are here to discuss?"
Many looked at her after reading the documents and discussed the situation amongst themselves until the Record Keeper stood up and addressed the room.
While the Record Keeper was a member of the Wizengamot, their primary function was to record the sessions and to keep track of the agenda, they are also in charge of being the keeper of the rules. While not a definite favorite of several more unsavory Lords and Ladies, the respect for the position was still there as they were the ones to enforce the rules when needed.
"My Lords and my Ladies," the man began. "While it is a rather antique law, it is still a valid one. The Lady White speaks the truth."
"Would you care to state specifics of the law in question?" a voice called out amongst the Wizengamot.
The Record Keeper pulled up a dusty looking book and flipped through the pages after a few moments, he began to recite the law pertaining to the situation that Liliana spoke of and confirming what she stated. If she really was as the documents claim her to be, she was within her right to claim her Seat.
With the laws cited and her line showing connection to the Potters, there was little that people can do to refute that. Some members particularly Cornelius Fudge and Dumbledore and their closest allies were furious. For quite some time, both thought of this as a great opportunity to secure control on another seat, but now an unknown made a move. While having an unknown would also have the possibility of having a potentially useful or useless ally join and tip the balance of power, the risk and effort needed to cultivate the unknown power usually outweigh the rewards unless further research is done.
Albus straightened himself and leaned back momentarily as he tried to take in what is unraveling before replying.
"I am afraid that is not how things work here, despite it being a rather ancient law, the old laws are no longer valid as-"
"Excuse me, Sir," the Record Keeper spoke up, "The old laws were not overturned and has remained to be in effect."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Well despite some of the changes in regulations within the Wizengamot over the years, the ancient laws were not thrown out. While there had been new laws introduced and some taken out or changed, the ancient laws were never repelled."
Some various Houses who were of the older Houses murmured in approval at this while others grumbled a bit though seemed to do so with less anger.
Seeing that things were cooling down a bit and his options to deny the lady her Seat, it would be difficult to start another opposition argument while the room was losing momentum for him. Albus decided that he would let this go by and take care of it at the right opportunity. He knew that for now he could not use the road block on her Seat as she presented the necessary information to claim the seat through the ancient laws. The best choice was to not be as obvious in his resistance and try to appear accommodating. That may allow her to be more lenient and put him on friendlier terms with her and perhaps gain him an ally. Even if she may turn out to be a difficult ally, she would at least support the Light faction if he was successful in cultivating her.
Should she become a bother, he would simply have to find a way to remove her from her power by looking for something incriminating to pin her with.
"Very well, then let us formally open this session," Dumbledore announced and nodded.
Immediately another person in the room whom Liliana was not able to identify, began the formalities of opening the session as the members of the Wizengamot prepared for the new session.
After the formalities were over, Dumbledore spoke up.
The following half hour were of trivial things. Propositions and requests that both sides presented and argued. Albus paid specific attention to the Lady White to try and gauge her. From what he could tell, either she was not interested or she was merely being a passive observer for now.
As the last of the topics were about to close, Albus started to signal the end of the rather short session much to the joy of some members of the court when he suddenly saw Amelia Bones raising her wand, the tip of her wand lit.
"Yes, Lady Bones," Albus asked.
"I would like to inform you that we still have two more issues at hand."
Frowning, Dumbledore looked at his list.
"I beg your pardon, but you seem to be mistaken. That was all for today's session," he replied.
"We actually have two more issues at hand in regards to a criminal matter that would require the full assembled body. While I do admit the changes were rather late, it has been noted with the Record Keeper."
Albus turned towards the Record Keeper who nodded in agreement.
"Two trials were requested by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," the Record Keeper replied, "Seeing that today's schedule was rather light, the two trials have been scheduled for today."
"And what do who do we have on trial today?"
The Record Keeper looked at the scroll in slight confusion and responded slowly.
"Well, we do have a trial for Sirius Orion Black, sir."
Before Dumbledore could respond a dumpy Wizengamot member with a large black moustache stood up and shouted, "He has gotten his trial and is a convicted murderer! Let him rot in the Azkaban! Unless this is a trial to see if we should send him through the Veil or deliver him an early execution, why should we bother?"
Several members of the court gasped in shock of the man's response.
"What? I am only speaking what everyone had in their minds. Who would want such a known criminal to still be alive and still breathe the same air that we breathe knowing that he still lives?"
Amelia cleared her throat catching the man's attention and the assembled body once more to her.
"That is the issue. Sirius Black was never given a trial."
Silence ensued within the court.
"What do you mean?" Lady Longbottom inquired.
"There has been no record of giving Sirius Black a trial, even though all other convicted felons were given a trial before."
"Then let us be over with it!" The dumpy man shouted, "And then we can get over the other trial and be done with this silly issue and send Black back to where he belongs. In Azkaban!"
Several people began to murmur in agreement.
Seeing quite a few of the assembled members beginning to clamor to get this over with, Dumbledore nodded and the session resumed.
"The first order of business is the Trial of the People of Britain vs. Sirius Orion Black."
At that moment William who was sitting at one of the tables for guests that was in front of the Chief Warlock stood causing Dumbledore to pause momentarily.
"Yes, Mr.?"
"Haynes, sir. William Robert Haynes acting as legal counsel for the defendant, Sirius Orion Black, for this case," William stated bowing coolly.
"Thank you, Mr. Haynes," Dumbledore replied as look of recognition came to him, "It has been a while since I have last seen you. I believe it was since your graduation from Hogwarts, was it not? One wondered where such… talent disappeared to. I am truly glad to see you are well."
"Thank you, sir," William replied calmly, "However, I must request that you temporarily relinquish your position for today's trials."
"Oh?" said Albus.
"As a witness that will be needed to be called to the stands, per the laws of Britain, those who hold any positions within the court must relinquish their positions and/or votes should they be called to witness until the case has been resolved."
This caused quite a stir within the council as they began to wonder what Albus knew that would have him be called as a witness. Inwardly, Dumbledore frowned at that. He did not like where this was going, however, despite being displeased with this, he simply smiled outwardly.
"I do agree," And with that Minister Fudge was about to stand to take over the proceedings.
"Excuse me, sir," William called out again, this time to the Minister.
"Yes?" Cornelius Fudge glared at the man irritably.
"According to the laws and regulation, the council must appoint the Interim Chief Warlock."
"I am the Minister of Magic, I should more than suffice."
"Be as it may," William continued, "Regulations stipulates that-"
"Hem, hem," a rather familiar yet annoying voice to Liliana voiced out.
"Pardon?" William replied.
"Would it not be rather easier to simply have the lovely Minister be the Interim Chief Warlock rather than simply wasting everyone's precious time with such a ridiculous vote?"
William looked pointedly at the Record Keeper who looked rather uncomfortable before replying.
"The law specifically states that the Interim Chief Warlock must be voted in by the Wizengamot, Madame Umbridge."
Umbridge simply smiles back at the two, but it was evident she was fuming inwardly.
"For now. Very well," she simply stated before sitting.
After going back and forth on the voting, it was led down to only two possible candidates, Lord Parkinson and Lady Longbottom. After much deliberation and neither side wanting to yield Lord Parkinson irritably stepped down from the running stating that it was rather silly that they were spending a ridiculous amount of time deliberating the position for the Interim when they should get the trial over with.
With that, Lady Longbottom replaced Albus Dumbledore as Interim Chief Warlock. Albus reluctantly vacated his seat as required and left the room to await his summons.
Once the council was ready, Madame Bones motioned the trial to begin. Four Aurors manhandled two convicted men chaining them down to two conjured chairs in the center of the room with enough space in between them as a fifth Auror brought forth two vials. The identity of the two individuals brought about many excited whispering until Madame Longbottom asked for the court to be silent.
Chained to the chair was the infamous Sirius Black and a rather ratty looking man that some individuals still silently whispered and pointed at in recognition. Sirius kept sending murderous glares towards the other chained individual, but with William's urging barely kept control of his temper. He willingly took the potion when the Auror came to administer the dose to him.
At this several people began to protest at the use of the potion that many concluded was Veritaserum. Even Madame Longbottom seemed to frown at the actions of the Wizengamot, until Madame Bones spoke up.
"With the Trial for Sirius Black, Mr. Black has agreed to be questioned under Veritaserum."
William simply waited out the group for a few minutes before merely proceeding despite the continual protest of the use of the potion by a few.
The trial lasted for quite a while. When it was Pettigrew's turn, he frantically tried to fight his chains and despite stating that he was innocent, would not take the Veritaserum or state and oath to confirm his own story. William immediately pounced on the refusal as an opportunity further discrediting Pettigrew's claims.
However, as the testimonies were being drawn out and witnesses and suspects being cross-examined, fairly was becoming evident that Sirius Black was innocent and Peter Pettigrew was becoming guiltier for the crimes laid against Sirius. With some people called to witness who were requested to be questioned under oath or through Veritaserum, it became more and more apparent that it was rather foolish to think Sirius would have done what he was charged of. While many of the court were still appalled that such measures were being taken, the fact that those taking the oath or Veritaserum willingly prevented any valid argument.
What scandalized even more was when Albus Dumbledore was asked to be called as witness. As he sat in the witness box William asked out if he would make the vow to state the truth, he refused to. They provided the option to use Veritaserum as well. He flatly refused both.
"I see no reason to be questioned, nor do I see the need for taking such oaths and potions. We have not had the need to do so and there is no reason especially for me to do as you request. As the Supreme Mugwump, Chief Warlock, and Headmaster of Hogwarts, my word alone should be enough."
William was about to speak when Liliana decided to snorted out loud in a rather rude manner.
"Is there something you wish to say, Lady White?" Lady Longbottom asked.
"Yes, I find it to be very suspicious as to why the Chief Warlock is so against to being questioned under an oath or Veritaserum when everyone else was willing. Perhaps he is hiding something just like Mister Pettigrew is?"
"I wish to ask you, the Chief Warlock some questions for clarification, sir. Please make a choice, sir. The use of Veritaserum or the oath has been granted for this case and as a called witness you are required to make your testimony."
Dumbledore looked at him and merely nodded and decided to give the oath. Seeing the flash of light around Dumbledore, William started his interrogation.
"May I ask how long you have been the Chief Warlock for?"
"Some time after the war."
"Which war?"
"The one on the continent."
"Are you referring to the Global Wizarding War that took place in the early 1920s and ended in 1945? When very war where you defeated Gellert Grindelwald?"
"Yes."
"And you were still the Chief Warlock in 1981?"
"I was."
"Do you know of the two convicted men before us? Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black?"
"Yes, I am familiar with them."
"According to the testimony from Sirius Black, you were the one who casted the Fidelius Charm on the Potter's residence in Godric's Hallow is that correct?"
Albus remain silent for a moment and William repeated the question once more. After a few more moments of silence Albus replied.
"… Correct."
"And was Peter Pettigrew the Secret Keeper?"
"We were set to have Sirius Black as the Secret Keeper," Albus replied hoping to let it blow past.
"You did not answer my question," William stated catching that.
"I believe I did I stated that we were set to have Sirius Black as the Secret Keeper."
"Please correct me if I am wrong, but you stated 'were' as in the past tense. That would imply that something changed. While it may have originally been Sirius Black, had the plans for the Secret Keeper change?
There was a pregnant pause and Dumbledore nodded.
"Please, answer in words."
"Yes."
"Do you know who the true Secret Keeper of the Potter's residence residing in Godric's Hallow during the night of the 31st of October of 1981 was?"
"… Yes."
"Were you also aware that Sirius Black was the magical guardian and godfather of Harry Potter?"
"Yes."
Voices began to whisper excitedly as Madam Longbottom used the gavel to bring order back.
"Then how come you did not take any action to free Sirius of his crimes? You has stated that you knew that he was the MAGICAL guardian of Harry Potter, you knew that Peter Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper, AND you were still the Chief Warlock during that time which would mean that had Sirius Black actually received a trial, you would have to have attended or been informed of the trial. I would like to know what you were thinking."
For the first time to many within the room, Albus looked to be as old as his actual age. For a moment it seemed like before them was a man, who seemed to be exhausted from the weight of the world placed on him.
"I am an old man and it was not long after the war against Gellert that we were all fighting a second war against Voldemort," he responded earning a collective gasp at Voldemort's name. "We did not have the time nor resources to properly try every one convicted and by the time it was over it simply slipped my mind."
Anger boiled within William. As a man who championed for justice, he was upset with how nonchalant Dumbledore was about this whole situation.
"Then perhaps we should help you on the matter," Liliana called out. "After all, a Headmaster, Chief Warlock, and Supreme Mugwump are all full time occupations themselves."
The people began to whisper excitedly once more once Dumbledore was excused. After a few more questions with other witnesses, some even questioning the sanity of Sirius Black himself, and the final evidences and testimonies being presented, the Wizengamot went into a debate.
When the Wizengamot voted, only two votes, the Minister Fudge and Dolores Umbridge, voted him to still be guilty as the others raised to clear Sirius of all charges, some if somewhat hesitantly. When voting for Pettigrew's verdict, again Fudge and Umbridge were the only two to declare his innocence while the rest voted him to be guilty. At the urging from William for a harsher punishment and with the overwhelming approval of the council, Pettigrew was sentenced to the Dementor's Kiss and was promptly taken away. The Aurors unshackled Sirius Black who cried as he was able to experience freedom once more and with justice finally being served. Still trying to process what had occurred, Sirius stood shock still his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Free? I am finally free?"
"Hem, hem," Dolores Umbridge intervened once more, "I believe that while Mr. Black here may be free. It would be beneficial for us to have him be seen by some professional medical help? Perhaps the mental ward at St. Mungo's would do?"
Several members of the Wizengamot blanched at that part while slowly nodding in agreement. Sirius' eyes widened even further at that.
"No! I will not be carted off into the crazy house!"
"See?" she cried gleefully, "He is unstable! As much as he should be given his full rights, with the years he spent in Azkaban, his actions could hurt us!"
Liliana whispered urgently to one of her neighbors as to why everyone cringed at the mentioning of the mental ward.
"Why young miss," an elderly gentleman replied, "While it is a mental ward to help the patient and while visitors are allowed. Nearly everyone who enters never come back."
"You mean never released?"
The elderly man nodded if a bit sadly.
At that moment, Liliana stood up, anger clearly emanating from her while the various groups began to argue back and forth on the choice.
"I believe that Lord Black had suffered enough! He does not need to be sent off. If anything, he must be back to his familiar environment! A place where he would be comfortable in to properly rest and recover, the healers could visit him instead! That ought to work!"
Albus then intervened quickly, knowing by now that the Lady White was not necessarily going to be his ally for now decided to try and cut her plans short no matter what it was.
"Regardless, for the safety of everyone else, would it not be better to have Lord Black be in a controlled environment where the healers would constantly be at watch over him? Surely the healers would be able to help the poor man, not to mention having him be released and introduced to the mass early would cause panic."
At that many began to nod in agreement even if some reluctantly. Before Liliana was able to refute the argument, Elphias called for a vote immediately. Once the Wizengamot passed their votes, the result was a mere 2 votes in favor of sending Sirius Black to the mental ward at St. Mungo's.
Sirius began to scream in outrage automatically causing one of the Aurors to stun him and have him dragged off to the hospital.
Stunned by the announcement, Liliana did not hear Umbridge quickly move the session to a close and started when Albus slammed the gavel down and signaling the end of the Wizengamot session. This left a rather shocked William and Liliana to stand motionless from where they stood as the rest of the Wizengamot exited the room.
Liliana was shocked, she thought the plan would have worked perfectly. However, all that she did was trade Sirius' location from one prison to in a sense another. Sure, he would have more freedom compared to Azkaban, but for those who are there, it was a prison regardless. Slowly as she began to gather herself, she tried to figure out just what went wrong with her plans.
If she only turned around just then, she would have seen a cloaked figure silently chuckling in the back shadows before the figure faded away from view.