And now we're here again. Welcome one and all, to another addition to Battle Mage of Hogwarts: Year 3!
Now I'm glad so many people seemed to enjoy the chapter, but I was kinda sad not one person responded to the part where I asked for help finding some cover art for my Battle mage fanfics. TT-TT
Also, Mandalore the freedom requires the assistance of a beta. So if anyone here is a beta or wants to become one, please contact him.
On with the show!
Disclaimer: I do not own harry Potter. It is the property of J.K. Rowling.
Chapter 10
A Trial of Truth
The Great Hall was a mass of noise the next morning, as students talked anxiously with each other over what had happened the previous night. The knowledge that Sirius Black had not only gotten into the castle again, but had actually gotten into one of the Common Rooms and into the dorms set many of them on edge. It made them feel less secure, even if Sirius Black wasn't after any of them.
Harry was currently hunched over a plate of food, quietly picking at his food. He couldn't shake the knowledge that last night, a man that wanted to kill him had gotten within mere feet of him while he slept. And he hadn't sensed anything. It had shaken him up quite a bit.
It had also caused him to think on things though. Last night, Sirius Black had gotten into the Gryffindor Tower completely undetected. The only reason he was unable to kill Harry was that he got the wrong bed, and had fled when Ron screamed. That was what puzzled Harry though. Why hadn't Sirius Black killed Ron before he screamed, and then move on to find Harry and kill him?
Harry just sighed, pushing his food away, only to glance up as a hand landed on his shoulder. "You alright man?" Neville asked him, sitting next to him.
Harry just glanced at his food. "I…guess. I'm just…shook up," he said, as Ginny and Hermione sat down with them. "He was there…he could have killed me in my sleep," he said quietly. "It's different…when I went after the Philosopher's Stone, and went to fight the Basilisk, I knew I could die. I knew what I was facing, and could prepare for the worst. But this…I had no idea…no time to think or prepare…it scares me."
"It's okay Harry. You're safe. It's understandable that you're shaken after what happened. But you shouldn't worry about it, as there's nothing you can do to stop or prevent the unknown," Hermione said softy.
Harry just nodded, as he picked at his food again. "I suppose so. But it's just…it's disconcerting."
Ginny hugged him quietly. "Just give it some time Harry. You'll feel better."
The young mage nodded, before looking at Hermione. "Hermione, I think we should give the Marauder's Map to one of the professors, and fast. Is that duplication spell ready yet?"
Hermione glanced around, before leaning in. "I think it is Harry. I'd like to try it a couple more times first. I'm not sure if it'll also replicate the charms on the map, so we'll need to find out what they are, and see if we can perform them on the duplicate map."
"Alright then Hermione. Let me know as soon as you're ready. I think I'm going to give it to Professor Lupin. I'll be seeing him Sunday for another lesson. He's helping me fine tune my Patronus Charm." Harry, finally feeling his appetite return, began eating his food.
Throughout the day, there were signs of increased security all over the place. Filch could be seen boarding everything from cracks to mouse holes. Flitwick was seen trying to charm the doors at the Main Entrance to recognize Sirius Black and deny him entry. Sir Cadogan had finally been removed and returned to his portrait's original location on the seventh floor. The Fat Lady's Portrait, which had been expertly restored by Mr. Filch, was returned to her position as guardian of the Gryffindor Common Room. To ensure the safety of the students and the Fat Lady, security trolls had been assigned to guard the corridor leading to Gryffindor Common Room.
Dumbledore had also announced that until further notice, all trips to Hogsmeade were cancelled. The fact that Sirius Black had managed to slip into Hogwarts twice led the teachers to feel that the students were too exposed out in Hogsmeade, where he could easily capture one of the students and use them as a hostage.
The atmosphere was tense in Hogwarts, as the students went to their classes. Discussions were forced, as students constantly glanced over their shoulder, wondering of Black would suddenly round a corner, or burst from a classroom.
Harry could barely concentrate during his classes, as he was still a bit shaken from the events of the previous night. When the classes finally ended, he made his way to the library, where he hunkered down at a study desk. He slowly pulled out the Marauder's Map, and after activating it, he looked it over.
The map was alive with movement, as the small dots denoting the various occupants of the castle moved about the map. Harry slowly scanned each part of the map, as if hoping to spot Sirius Black's name. Sadly, he couldn't seem to find the murderer anywhere on the map. Giving up, Harry prepared to wipe the map clean, only to stop, as he noticed the dot denoting Hagrid's location. It was currently in his hut, but it almost looked like there was a second dot and name hidden underneath his.
Harry blinked at that. Did Hagrid have a visitor? Harry tried prodding Hagrid's name bubble, as if to move it, but nothing happened.
With a sigh, Harry wiped the map clean. He probably was just seeing things, wanting to try and discover Black's location so that this whole mess could be over with. Folding the map up, he slowly stood, only to find himself face to face with Professor McGonagall.
"Ahh, Mr. Potter. Professor Dumbledore wanted me to inform you that next weekend will be the hearing for Buckbeak. Dumbledore will be transporting you, Miss Granger and Misters Neville and Malfoy to meet with the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. You will be witnesses as to what happened," McGonagall said.
Harry nodded at that. "Thank you Professor. I'll make sure to tell Hermione and Neville."
As the Transfiguration Professor left, Harry looked back down at the map in his hands. He was half tempted to call Professor McGonagall back, to tell her about the map. But something held him back. He wasn't sure why, but he just felt like the map was important to him. Sighing, he shook his head, and headed towards the Gryffindor Common Room, to tell his friends about the upcoming hearing.
In the Headmaster's Office, Dumbledore frowned as he finished consulting with the Minister of magic via a Floo call. This whole business with Sirius Black was getting out of hand, and the Ministry was putting pressure on him to better secure the castle.
Dumbledore sighed quietly as he sat behind his desk, taking a lemon drop form the bowl on his desk and quietly sucking on it. As he did, his thoughts turned to Sirius Black.
When Sirius Black had been arrested for the murder of Peter Pettigrew and the muggles on that street, Dumbledore had watched the young man be tried for not only the deaths of twelve muggles and a wizard, but also for being a servant of the Dark Lord Voldemort. At the time, Dumbledore had mixed feelings on the whole subject.
He knew that only three people outside of the Potters, at the time, knew that they were using the Fidelius Charm to hide. Dumbledore had cast the spell himself, and Sirius Black had been the original choice of Secret Keeper, only to end up suggesting that they use Peter Pettigrew instead. As such, Dumbledore knew the only way Voldemort could have known where the Potters were hidden was if Peter had told him their location, or if Sirius had led Voldemort to Peter. The fact that Peter screamed about Sirius Black betraying the Potters right before Black had blown him up was rather damning evidence towards Black being the culprit.
But at the same time, there were other things to consider. Such as Black did not have the Dark Mark Voldemort used to mark his followers. Surely if Black was a servant of the Dark Lord, he would have had one, yes? Some had argued that this was so Black could work undercover for the Dark Lord, but Dumbledore was not so sure. Then there was also the fact that Dumbledore had watched Black and Potter ever since the pair had first arrived at Hogwarts. He had watched them, and could say that they were closer then blood brothers. He would never have believed that one of them would betray the other.
And yet, he had thought that Tom Riddle would never have become something like Lord Voldemort. So he had already been proven wrong in the past.
At Black's hearing though, when Black was sent to Azkaban as a suspected Death Eater by Bartemius Crouch, he couldn't help but be stunned at the man before him. Sirius Black had always been energetic, playful, a prankster of the highest order, and in his later years, quite the ladies man. He had always been smiling, laughing, full of life. But the man sitting in the hearing room had none of the life in him. Before him had been a man with dead eyes and no life left in his soul. It had almost been like a completely different person.
And now that man was here. Twice he had somehow penetrated Hogwart's security, the second time actually reaching the dorm room of Harry and the other Gryffindor 3rd Year boys. But like Harry, Dumbledore had been confused as to why Black hadn't simply killed all the boys in the dorm room. If twelve years ago was any indication, Black cared nothing for his own life, when he had killed all those people and then stood there laughing. Slaughtering five boys should have been child's play.
Instead, he ran. Ran without harming a single one of them. Dumbledore shook his head. He had questions, questions that could only be answered by Black. And that wasn't likely to happen anytime soon. For now, he needed to focus on protecting the students of this school. That was what was most important, above all else.
Dumbledore began looking over the various suggestions he had received from faculty and the Ministry to improve the security of the school. He would need to implement these and hope that they worked. Otherwise, the Ministry would be forced to scour the school and its grounds with the Dementors. And Dumbledore knew that was asking for something horrible to happen to one of the students. With renewed vigor, the ancient wizard set to work.
Sunday Evening
Harry felt some trepidation as he approached Professor Lupin's office, the Marauder's Map currently folded in his pocket. He was nervous about what the DA Professor's reaction would be upon discovery of this map. For some reason, Harry felt terrified at Lupin being disappointed in him. Professor Lupin had not only been extremely helpful, but they had also enjoyed talks about Harry's parents when they were in school. Though a lot of the stories centered more on Harry's father James, due to Lupin being a friend of his.
He silently touched the map as he reached his destination, ensuring it was there. Hermione had managed to finally duplicate the map, along with its enchantments. Currently the witch was with Neville and Ginny in the library, trying to see if they could research the charms that had gone into the creation of the map, so that they could perhaps begin to expand on it to include the village of Hogsmeade. Neville had suggested that perhaps they should make more copies of the map, but Ginny had pointed out that the more copies there were the greater chance one could be stolen ordiscovered. So they stuck to the one copy.
Harry took a deep breath as he knocked on the Professor's door. After a few moments, Lupin let him in. "You know Harry, I'm surprised you wished to continue lessons with me. There's little more I can teach you now," Lupin said softly, sitting down. The professor seemed even more tired and stressed looking than usual. Something Harry attributed to Black's most recent break in.
Harry just smiled back. "Well you know what they say Professor. Practice makes it perfect. Besides, if I tried to practice by myself, I wouldn't be able to practice against a Boggart Dementor, now would I?"
Lupin chuckled quietly, as Harry sighed softly. The Professor tilted his head a bit. "You seem nervous Harry. What is it?"
Taking a deep breath, Harry slowly removed the Marauder's map from his pocket, and laid it on the table. "Professor…I recently was given this by some…'associates'. It's a map of Hogwarts," he said, slowly spreading the parchment open and activating the map. As he was looking at the map, he didn't see the surprised and slightly fearful look on Lupin's face, which quickly disappeared.
"I see Harry. And why didn't you turn this over to someone when you realized what it was?" Lupin asked quietly. "This is a very dangerous piece of information that could have fallen into the wrong hands, and could have proven very useful in the right hands."
Harry winced softly, before answering. "When I got it, I did realize that, and I did think of turning it over. But I felt that perhaps I could make use of, to warn me if Sirius Black was nearby. But after that incident in the Boy's Dormitory, I know that it'd be in much better hands with the faculty."
Lupin quietly took the map. "Very well Harry. But you should have brought this to a teacher when you first got it. What if someone had been hurt by Sirius Black? This map could have prevented that if it happened."
Harry winced more at his tone and words, looking down. Lupin sighed, shaking his head. "Thank you, for bringing this to me Harry. I'll be sure it's put to good use. Now, I wish to discuss this other spell that you mentioned finding last time we worked together," he said.
Harry nodded softly, as he pulled out the parchment where he had copied an abridged version of the Spiritual Flames of Hestia. He handed it to Lupin, who read it, his eyes widening a bit.
"I must say Harry, this is quite a spell. Where did you find it?" He asked. The young mage shrugged quietly.
"It was in one of the older books in the Library at the mage Sanctuary. I wasn't sure if it could help, so I brought it to you," he said. He couldn't reveal the truth about Merlin's Grimoire, as that would cause quite a stir.
Lupin nodded as he studied. "Well I think we should try working on this spell as well. So let's give it a try, shall we?"
Harry nodded, as he moved to the center of the room, as Lupin went to the trunk with the Boggart in it. "Alright Harry. This spell doesn't require just a happy memory. This requires force of will. You need to pour everything into this spell, to try and stop the Dementor. I have no idea what effect it will have on a Boggart or Dementor, so I'll be ready to react in an instant, alright?"
Harry nodded softly, as he gripped his hand, taking deep breaths. As he did, he began to chant the incantation in his head. After a few moments, he nodded to Lupin.
With a click of the trunks locks, the Dementor/Boggart appeared, rising from the trunk, and preparing to swoop down on Harry. Harry trembled, raising his wand as he felt the cold rush over him. "A-Animi Ardores H-Hestiae!"
The wand briefly sparked a bit with a silvery blue aura, before instantly failing and Harry started to feel the cold swarm over him, only for it to vanish as Lupin stepped in. Harry still fell to his knees, panting softly as Lupin secured the Boggart again. "Well…that wasn't fun," Harry said quietly.
Lupin chuckled softly. "It's your first time using it against something, yes? We'll try again when you're ready," he said.
Harry let out a quiet sigh. This was going to be like the start of the Patronus training all over again.
The following week seemed to fly by for Harry. With winter gone and spring in the air, the teachers had begun to increase the workload for the students, as their exams drew near. Oliver Wood had also increased their Quidditch Training, though with the training sessions now watched over by every member of the faculty who were available at the times of the training. Travis was working with the replacement players' full time now, getting into the groove of training as a Beater, and working with the other Gryffindor players.
So Harry found himself surprised at how quickly the next weekend arrived and with it the hearing for Buckbeak. After studying and training in the Common Room, Harry took a shower, dressed, and headed down to the Hall, trying to eat and calm the butterflies in his stomach. He didn't want to let Hagrid down, and he was determined to see that Malfoy didn't get away with having an innocent creature executed for his own revenge and amusement.
As if aware of Harry's thoughts, the familiar drawling voice was heard behind Harry. "Well Potter, you ready to see that oaf's precious Hippogriff be found guilty?" Draco sneered.
Harry just growled softly as he turned to face Draco, standing up. "Malfoy, it's going to be a cold day in hell before I let you get away with this," he said, his nerves near the breaking point due to Black's last intrusion into the castle, and now this hearing. "You better pray that those Committee members realize the truth and find Buckbeak innocent, or I swear you'll find out what a real injury is like."
Draco's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that a threat Potter?"
"No, you worthless piece of slime. It's a promise," Harry all but whispered in a dangerous sounding voice, before sitting back down and eating. Draco paled a bit before twitching his head to his cronies and the trio departed the Great Hall.
Ginny looked at Harry warily from her seat across from them. "You know he'll try to find a way and use that against you, right?"
Harry just snorted in disgust, as he went back to eating. "If he does, I'll just remind him of the fact that back in our first year he tried to attack me with the Full Body Bind and still lost to me."
Hermione chuckled a bit. "I remember that. You came stumping into the Common Room with one leg frozen. It was funny seeing you like that."
Harry half heartedly grinned. "Yeah well at least it never really went beyond that between us. I'd have to mar his pretty little face if it did."
Neville gagged. "Please tell me you're joking. Malfoy's face, pretty?"
"Yeah, marring it would be doing him and the world a favor," Ginny added with a giggle.
It seemed infectious, as soon the quartet was joking and laughing, and the tension that had been hovering over them was gone, for the moment anyways.
Around one o'clock, Harry, Neville, and Hermione were gathered in Dumbledore's office along with Draco, who was standing apart from the group. Dumbledore nodded to all of them. "Now that you're all here, we can be underway," he said, as he pointed to the fireplace. "Mr. Malfoy, if you please?" He asked.
Draco approached the fireplace, grabbed a pinch of Floo Powder and after throwing it into the flames, and stepped in, saying "Ministry of Magic!" He disappeared as the flames rose up, before settling back down.
One by one, the remaining three students went through, followed by Dumbledore. At the other end, they were met by Draco, who now was smirking as he stood at his father's side.
Lucius Malfoy's mouth was set in a thin, barely held back sneer as he looked at Dumbledore. "Really Albus, is all this necessary?" He drawled. "Can you not see that I simply want justice to be done for my poor boy's injury?"
Dumbledore's eyes faintly twinkled behind his glasses. "Oh I want justice too Lucius. Which is why it's only fair that eye witnesses to the event be present and able to give testimony. We wouldn't want the Committee members only hearing half the story, would we?"
Lucius just sneered and swept off towards the check in desks with Draco in tow. Dumbledore shook his head as he followed. "Come along now. Hagrid should already be waiting for us," he said to the trio behind him. Hermione was gawking, looking every which way. Of the three of them, she was the only one who had never really been to the Ministry of Magic. Harry had been here shortly before his first year at Hogwarts, when Gareth had revealed him to the Minister of Magic and Dumbledore. Neville had been here a couple of times with his Grandmother. But Hermione, who was muggle born, found her first time in the Ministry awe inspiring.
As they finished getting their wands checked, with the witch at the desk gawking at Harry's forehead after learning who he was, the group entered one of the elevators, with Hermione excitedly examining the group of small enchanted paper airplanes over their head. The elevator traveled to level 4 of the Ministry, where the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures was located at.
The group stepped out onto a floor that made Hermione blink. Other than a few obvious magical items and enchantments going around, it was almost like walking onto the floor of a muggle office building, as it seemed there were a bunch of cubicles where various witches and wizards were working. Dumbledore turned to his right, gently urging the trio on. "This way. We need to head to the Beasts Division," he said.
Harry blinked at him. "Beast Division sir?" He asked.
Dumbledore nodded to him. "That's right Harry. This branch of the Ministry is divided into three main divisions, each handling different magical creatures. The one we are going to is the Beast Division, while the other two are Being and Spirit Divisions."
Harry nodded in understanding as they passed the cubicles and came to a hallway lined with doors. Dumbledore stopped at one that read 'Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures', before opening it and ushering the students in.
The room inside seemed to be larger than it should be, and was recognizable as a type of court room. The majority of the room was taken up by rows of seats, with a railing separating the seating room from the rest of the hearing room. On the other side were two tables with chairs, facing a long desk behind which at least four wizards and a witch sat, quietly discussing things. Next to the desk was a younger witch who had a stack of parchments and a dark green quill.
The table to their left was occupied by Lucius and Draco Malfoy, while ahead of them was Hagrid, wearing a furry brown suit. Dumbledore indicated they should take the seats in the first row behind Hagrid, before moving through a gate in the railing and joining Hagrid at his table.
The wizard sitting in the center of the long desk stood, banging a mallet on a gravel to get everyone's attention. "We call to order this hearing. Let it be known that on the 20th of April, this meeting of the Committee for the Disposal of Dangers Creatures was called to order. This hearing is in regards to Lucius Malfoy versus the Hippogriff Buckbeak, represented by Rubeus Hagrid, Groundskeeper of Hogwarts and Professor of care of magical Creatures, with Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, representing legal aide. Lord Malfoy, do you wish to begin with opening statements?"
Lucius Malfoy slowly stood, adopting a dignified pose. "Honorable Committee members, I simply wish to express my concerns about the safety of students at Hogwarts. What happened to my son could have happened to anyone one of them, perhaps even far worse than the injury my son suffered and still occasionally suffers from. I simply wish to see that a dangerous creature be dealt with for the good of our future generations."
As Lucius Malfoy sat down, Rubeus slowly stood up, looking nervous as his massive frame dwarfed everyone presence. "Y-Yer honor's, I know that perhaps I started off too strongly for my first lesson. And that perhaps allowing third year students near hippogriffs was not wise of me to do. But Buckbeak is no more dangerous than any other hippogriff. He merely reacted how any of his kind would when insulted. And I hope to proof that there's no real harm or malice in him, beyond that of any other normal being. Thank yeh," he said, slowly sitting back down on the protesting chair. The whole time, the secretary's dark green quill had been moving on its own since the head of the Committee had started talking, recording everything.
The Head Committee member nodded. "Very well. We'll begin with eye witness testimony of the events that happened, starting with Mr. Malfoy, the injured party in this altercation. Mr. Malfoy, please take the stand," he said, indicating a chair that rose up in front of the Committee's desk.
Draco stood, and sat down in the chair, looking at the Committee members, as the head one nodded to him. "You may begin."
Draco nodded, trying to adopt an innocent appearance as he spoke in a somewhat humble tone. "Honorable Committee members, we had arrived at Professor Hagrid's hut to begin our lesson. When he arrived, he ordered us to take out the books he had assigned for the class, The Monster Book of Monsters, a book that anyone neglected to tell us how to open due to its enchanted beast like nature. Professor Hagrid acted rather condescendingly towards us for not knowing how to open the book, and after a brusque demonstration, immediately left to retrieve the creatures he planned to show us."
Harry seethed angrily in his seat, hearing the obvious lies Draco was feeding them. In his seat, Draco continued his version of the events. "Professor Hagrid soon returned with several hippogriffs. After introducing the creatures to us, he barely even told us any facts about them before ordering us to come forward and attempt to gain their respect. Most of the class refused to do so, until Harry Potter stepped forward, and did so with the hippogriff Professor Hagrid identified as Buckbeak. He was successful in gaining the creature's respect, and-."
"Pardon my interruption, but did you say he was successful in gaining its respect? That seems like quite an achievement for someone with barely any instruction upon their first meeting of a hippogriff," the witch on the Committee said, glancing towards Harry in the viewing area, followed by the four wizards. As such, none of them noticed the jealously and anger that crossed Draco's face.
"Yes, I did," Draco said a bit stiffly. "Afterwards, Professor Hagrid ordered Potter to ride Buckbeak, which he did. Upon his return, several other students began approaching the hippogriffs, myself included. I approached Buckbeak, feeling perhaps that he might be calmer due to Harry's previous efforts. But barely had I approached when the creature suddenly reared back and attacked me, gouging my arm. Professor Hagrid quickly brought me to the Infirmary, where Madame Pomfrey tried to heal my arm. Despite her best efforts, it was required that I be taken to St. Mungo's, where Healer Stevenson reported that my arm would require extensive time to heal. I'm just grateful that it was only my arm that was injured, and that it could eventually heal, though I still feel pain from it even now," he said, gently touching his arm as if it suddenly was in pain.
The Head of the Committee nodded. "Very well, Headmaster Dumbledore, do you have any comments concerning Mr. Malfoy's testimony?"
At that moment, Dumbledore stood up. "If the Committee would indulge me for a moment, I do believe that both Mr. Malfoy and MedWizard Stevenson have done Madame Pomfrey a great disservice, as well as Mr. Malfoy towards Professor Hagrid. The position of Healer at Hogwarts is one that requires incredibly extensive knowledge and medical abilities, which are equal if not greater to those of most witches and wizards in the Medical Magical Arts. This is due to the fact that they are in charge of caring for and healing our students, who can undergo all kinds of mishaps as they learn about magic at our school. Most Healers simply need to specialize in one single field of Medical Magic, but the Healer of Hogwarts must be well versed in multiple medical procedures and cures. And Madame Pomfrey has been the finest Healer Hogwarts has had in a very long time. I also wish to read to the Committee her notes on Mr. Malfoy's wound here," he said, raising a piece or parchment and reading it. "Patient Malfoy's wound consisted of a rather long gash caused by a single talon of a Hippogriff. While the wound was long, it was not critical as majority of damage was done to patient's skin. Damage to underlying muscle was serious, but easily healed. While blood loss was significant, treatment was fairly standard by quickly repairing damage done to the muscle and stitching the wound shut before bandaging it with medicinal herbs that will help repair damaged skin. One blood replenishing potion was administered with a second on standby if needed. Patient Malfoy will be fully healed by tomorrow with no scarring or sign of previous wound."
Dumbledore set the parchment down. "I consulted at least three separate Healers on Mr. Malfoy's condition, even having Madame Pomfrey create a facsimile of the wound for their study. All of them agree with her assessment and treatment, stating that there was no need for further treatment, and that no residual pain should occur. It has been noted also by faculty members that Mr. Malfoy's injured arm seems to work miraculously well for all the damage Healer Stevenson claimed it underwent, and the pain Mr. Malfoy claims to still occasionally feel.
Draco seethed a bit at Dumbledore, while Lucius seemed rather calm. Dumbledore continued. "As for Professor Hagrid's conduct, I have received nothing but neutral to pleased comments from the majority of students within Hogwarts, from all four houses. While most find the current lessons about Flobberworms to be very dull, they do find Professor Hagrid to be well informed on the subject, and that he has given them quite extensive information on Flobberworms."
The Head Committee Wizard simply nodded. "Thank you for your comments, Headmaster Dumbledore. Mr. Malfoy, you may return to your seat."
Draco quietly did so, as the wizard now turned to Harry. "The Committee will now hear testimony from Mr. Harry Potter. Mr. Potter, if you will please take the witness seat."
Harry nodded as he stood and walked to the chair, before sitting down. When prompted, he began to speak. "As Mr. Malfoy said, we had gathered for our first lesson of care For Magical Creatures. When Professor Hagrid joined us, he greeted us warmly, and asked us to retrieve our books, The Monster Book of Monsters, and to open then. At that point, Mr. Malfoy rather rudely interrupted Hagrid, demanding to know how to open the books, and afterwards, continued to make rude comments regarding Professor Hagrid's choice of textbook. At that point, Professor Hagrid went to retrieve the hippogriffs. When he returned, he began explaining in detail about how to safely approach a hippogriff, making special emphasis on maintaining eye contact, and showing them respect, as well as never insulting one, as it could be dangerous, if not fatal. After explaining how to approach a hippogriff, Professor Hagrid asked for volunteers. When no one else did so, I stepped forward, and following his instructions, I earned the respect of the hippogriff Buckbeak. After which Professor Hagrid offered me the chance to ride Buckbeak, which I accepted. Upon our landing, Professor Hagrid allowed the other students to try out as well with the other hippogriff's present. Everything was going fine until Mr. Malfoy rather rudely insulted Buckbeak. Whether this was done intentionally or due to his own choice of not paying attention, I do not know, but as I said earlier, we were warned never to insult a hippogriff. Mr. Malfoy was injured by Buckbeak as a result, and Professor Hagrid quickly restrained Buckbeak before rushing Mr. Malfoy to the Infirmary."
The Committee members glanced at each other, before the wizard on the far left spoke. "Your story seems to conflict rather greatly with Mr. Malfoy's."
Harry looked the wizard in the eye. "It would be rude of me to share my opinion on why that is. But I suggest that if you wish to figure out which version is truth and which is a lie, that you also hear testimony from not only my fellow students here, but perhaps from the other Third Year Gryffindors and Slytherins who were present at the time, and see how many of their stories are similar to mine or Mr. Malfoy's."
The Committee Wizard nodded, as the Head Wizard, gestured to Harry. "You may return to your seat, Mr. Potter. Unless you have any questions or comments, Lord Malfoy?"
Lucius just calmly but coldly looked at Harry. "I'm afraid I do not."
"Very well. We will now hear testimony from Miss Hermione Granger," the Committee head said.
Hermione's testimony was almost similar to Harry's, only with more details and from her point of view. Neville's also supported Harry's story when he came up. As Neville sat down, Dumbledore stood with a small stack of parchments. "Shortly after the incident in question happened, we did conduct interviews with the other students present, to try and ensure we received all the facts of those present. These here are the copies of the interviews with the students, along with their names and which house they belong to," he said, levitating the parchments onto the desk for the Committee members to consider.
The Committee head glanced at the parchments, before looking up at Dumbledore. "You seem to have done a thorough job here Albus," he said a bit tiredly. And with good reason to, as Dumbledore had made things difficult for them. Lucius Malfoy had bribed the Committee to make a judgment in his favor. But Dumbledore's actions in not only providing copies of witness testimony, but three eyewitnesses' as well, meant that they could not simply make a judgment in executing the hippogriff. Not without a scandal erupting. And yet if they voted in favor of sparing the hippogriff, it would earn them the ire of a very powerful and dangerous man. "The Committee will look over the evidence and discuss a verdict," he said, as he pounded his gravel, and led the four other members of the Committee into a room behind their desk.
Harry leaned forward to Hagrid. "You alright Hagrid?" He asked softly.
The giant of a man glanced back at Harry, smiling a bit with a couple tears in his eyes. "I am thanks to yer Harry. Even if they vote to execute Buckbeak, it's good to know yeh was here to help. Thanks Harry. And to yeh two as well," he said, turning to Hermione and Neville, who smiled back at him. Dumbledore gently patted Hagrid's back.
It took the Committee over an hour to finally make a decision. Everyone rose as they filed back in, and the Head Committee member pounded his gavel again. "This case certainly has been an interesting one. We've gone over the available evidence, evidence that supports both sides of the case. And we have come to a conclusion. We do feel that the actions of Rubeus Hagrid were questionable, as we feel that hippogriffs were too dangerous a creature to start with for third year students. And that perhaps greater safety precautions could have been taken. However…we feel that the actions of Buckbeak the hippogriff are not the actions of an exceptionally dangerous and wild creature, but instead are the actions of a creature that was unfairly and perhaps maliciously provoked. Therefore, we find the hippogriff Buckbeak innocent," he said, pounding the gavel. "This hearing is adjourned.
Hermione cheered happily, hugging Hagrid as Harry and Neville grinned happily. Hagrid burst into happy tears, hugging all three of them, while Dumbledore smiled.
To the side, Draco glared murderously at the group, while Lucius stared stonily at the Committee members for standing. "Come Draco. We're leaving," he said, turning and stalking off. Draco followed him quickly, but not before turning and glaring at Harry.
Harry just glared back at him in response, even as Draco left. Harry knew that this was just another battle in a war Draco seemed intent on perpetuating. But Harry wasn't planning on backing down. As Hagrid clapped him on the shoulder, Harry just smiled back at his giant of a friend. As they quintet began to leave the Committee room, the Committee head smiled softly as they watched them leave. Their decision may have earned them the wrath of Lucius Malfoy, but the happiness he felt at seeing justice be done was reward enough. The old wizard smiled as he left, reminding himself that he had a small purse of galleons to return to Lucius Malfoy.
Finally got this chapter done. Sorry for the long wait guys. Been busy with snow problems, and the Assassin's Creed game marathon I started, and been job hunting as well. No luck so far.
I hope you all enjoy this, including my twist on the Buckbeak incident. Something that really bothered me was how even if the Committee members were bribed or threatened by Lucius Malfoy, they still should have had eye witnesses to the event give testimony. But ehhh, what are you going to do?
For now, please enjoy!