Saturday 27 July
… --- …
Connie and Anna accompanied Sunset to Umbridge's office. Sunset unsealed the door while Anna prepared her logbook. Anna waited patiently while Connie photographed the office from several angles. When she was through, Anna methodically searched the desk drawers finding nothing of particular interest. After a half hour, Anna had finished and began looking through the office closet, again finding nothing of specific interest. They were looking for documentation regarding Umbridge calling the dementors to Privet Drive last July, or a blood quill that was allegedly used inappropriately.
After a few more minutes, they gave up on the closet. Anna started on the file cabinet and Hammer said, "Anna, you're wasting your time. Everything will be in the briefcase on the floor under that stack of magazines."
Daily replied, "You can't be right every time. She might have tucked a file in here someplace."
"Five galleons?"
"What, is your new gold burning a hole in your pocket? I'll bet you a coffee instead."
"Ha ha. It was good of Minister Scrimgeour to do that for us. Fudge probably would have just pocketed the gold." Hammer doubted that Fudge would have even come by to say thanks. Scrimgeour was looked on by the rank and file as standing behind them and supporting them. Of course she admitted that she now had fifty thousand reasons to think that way.
"No kidding. All right, there's nothing in here. Take another photo of the briefcase and I'll look through it."
Five minutes later Anna said, "Here it is. After his appearance today with all those reporters, if that's Potter's blood on that horrible thing, she a dead woman walking."
Hammer nodded and replied, "I'll have two sugars with mine, thank you." She took two photos of the blood quill before placing in an evidence bag, sealing and signing it.
… --- …
An hour later, Hammer and Daily had completed their paperwork and Daily took the sealed plastic bags down to the crime lab to test the blood sample that they had taken from Potter against what they had found on the blood quill found in Umbridge's office. If they had a match, the evidence would be damning even without Potter having to resort to a pensieve memory.
When they got down to the evidence room, the lab attendant asked, "Who was murdered with the quill that you gave me last week?"
Surprised at the question, Anna asked, "What do you mean?"
The toxin in that quill was really nasty stuff. I'd never seen it before. It slowly degrades vascular tissue. Most likely, the victim would have an aneurysm within a few days or two weeks at most. Other than bloodshot eyes, they might not notice anything until they drop dead. The reason I ask is there was a tiny trace of blood on the tip of the quill. The victim might not have even noticed that they'd been struck. Where did you find it?"
Anna replied, "Snape had it in his hand, but as far as I know he never regained consciousness after he crashed through the window of Ollivander's trying to escape after Mr. Potter and Director Bones' niece broke up an abduction."
"Maybe the blood was Snape's."
"It could be. I'll contact Potter and Susan just in case."
The lab attendant shivered and said, "Gruesome stuff you two get into out in the field. We don't have an antidote for it, nor do we have a large enough sample to reliably re-create it. To be honest, it was luck that we ran the right tests with the small sample that we had. When do you need the sample-match test results from the blood quill?"
Hammer replied, "Tomorrow will be great. It won't affect the indictment."
… --- …
As Hammer and Daily were finishing their paperwork, Harry and Susan were finishing their lunch. They had gone to one of Susan's favorite pubs, The White Horse, and been tucked into a rather dark, corner table, much to their mutual satisfaction. Susan was teasing Harry's leg with her toe, to his delight. She said, "You did really well with all of those questions today. That nasty witch from Teen Witch Weekly was so nosey."
She looked thoughtful for a moment, thinking about his answer, or lack of, to the interviewer's question. Harry noticed it, and asked, "I hope I answered or didn't answer her question, okay. I didn't want to put you in any more danger or set you up for problems."
She replied, "That's really sweet of you Harry. I heard that Hermione got dozens of howlers in our fourth year, but I'm okay if you want to tell people that we're dating, or if you don't."
He smiled, and stated, "We are dating, aren't we? Was I supposed to ask you if…"
She squeezed his hand and said, "Harry, "I'm very happy to be your girlfriend. I'm happy to have you be my boyfriend. Of course, that means no more gawking at Hannah's bits."
"I, um, …didn't mean… okay."
"I'm just teasing, Harry. She is beautiful. Maybe we can go for a swim later."
Harry replied, "I'd like that." He murmured, "I think you're beautiful."
Susan heard his barely whispered words and felt a tingle run through her. She didn't know if was his magic or just a magical, teen moment, but she would always remember it.
… --- …
While Harry was staring into Susan's eyes, Narcissa was ushered into Scrimgeour's office. She had been at the award ceremony earlier that day and noticed his words or lack of them regarding Draco. She assumed that his carefully worded statement was his signal that he would be willing to entertain an offer of pardon for her son.
She had been able to secure a two million-galleon loan against the Malfoy manor using a line of credit that Lucius had set up years earlier. Additionally, she liquidated the last of the family held securities for an additional eight hundred thousand and sold her seat on the Wizengamot for another half-million. She hadn't seen the specific charges that Draco would be brought up on, but hoped that she might be able to obtain his freedom.
She displayed considerably less arrogance this time as the receptionist held the door for her. A week ago, she had another sixteen million Galleons in the family vault and a powerful husband. She had examined the photos and read the published reports of his death and was disappointed that Lucius had chosen to pick a fight with an obviously prepared group of Aurors. She hoped that Draco wouldn't be so foolish.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Malfoy. How can I help you?" asked Scrimgeour. He had one hand on top of his desk, the other underneath it, on the trigger of a sawed off double-barrel shotgun held in place by wires to be pointed at the guest chair.
"To come to the point, Minister, the Malfoy family has 2.8 million galleons left. Is that enough to secure Draco's release?"
"He will be tried and most likely convicted of several crimes, Mrs. Malfoy. The most serious is casting an unforgiveable on an innocent; for which there are at least two reliable witnesses. If tried, he will be convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Then there is the attempted abduction; for which there are again at least two witnesses and ample physical evidence that will run another five years at an absolute minimum. That is a lot of mayhem for 2.8, though I would consent to writing him a pardon for those crimes for three million. Perhaps you will need to shake his piggy bank a little harder. His trial starts in a week. You have until the end of the month, next Wednesday to deliver the gold. Hopefully he won't try to escape, although it has happened before."
There was no hint of exaggeration or bluff in his voice. In truth, he would just as soon see the young troublemaker float through the veil, and didn't have a pressing need for the gold, though further disarming the Malfoys would be a good thing.
Before he could change his mind, Narcissa replied, "I will have your gold for you on Tuesday, Minister. Please have Draco ready for me to pick up on Wednesday at noon. Since he is a minor, I will insist on signing for him myself."
Scrimgeour replied, "As you wish, Mrs. Malfoy." As she was leaving, he called his assistant in and said, "Locate Hammer and send her in."
… --- …
Amelia welcomed Professor Dumbledore into their home on Monday morning. He said, "Good morning, Amelia. It is good to see you up and about again. May I speak with Harry, please?"
She was a bit surprised. It was the first time that she could remember Dumbledore coming to her home and not having business with her. She smiled at the change and replied, "He's out back with Michelle. You should take a look at this."
He followed her to the kitchen window where Harry and Michelle were working with the pop up target simulator. At ten second intervals, Harry was hitting two targets at once.
"Remarkable," noted Dumbledore. "I cannot perform such a feat myself, let alone with the ease that he is demonstrating. When did this skill manifest itself?"
"I saw it for the first time a few days ago," replied Amelia.
"Who knows of this?" inquired Dumbledore.
"Harry, Michelle, probably Susan, and us."
"We would do well not to advertise such a rare skill," remarked the old professor. "I have only seen this performed one other time."
Amelia replied, "I've had that conversation with Michelle and I will be certain to say the same to Susan. I'll get him for you, Professor." She didn't think he looked like he was feeling well, but chose not to say anything.
Harry walked inside looking tired. He said, "Hello Professor. How can I help you?"
Dumbledore smiled, and replied, "Good morning, Harry. I came to invite you to consider assuming your family's rightful position within the Wizengamot."
"Professor, what do they do? I only know about the trials that I've seen in your pensieve and my own last summer. Who has the Potter seat right now? Would it be all right if Amelia joined us?"
Dumbledore smiled and said, "It is always a good idea to seek qualified advice, and she is as qualified as anyone. Go get her. I'll wait."
A moment later, Amelia came in and sat with the other two. Harry said, "Professor Dumbledore has invited me to take the Potter seat back at the Wizengamot. I asked if you could join us. Professor, what do they do?"
"Harry the Wizengamot is made up of the fifty most prominent families within the British Wizarding world. It serves four functions. First, it is the body that elects a new Minister of Magic. Second, the Director of the Magical Law Enforcement position that Amelia holds reports to both Wizengamot but is funded by the Minister, effectively creating a duel reporting situation. Third, it is the lawmaking branch of the wizarding world and finally, it serves as the jury pool for criminal cases."
Harry remarked, "It sounds like a lot of work."
Dumbledore replied, "It is indeed a lot of responsibility. However, it is not a time consuming position, averaging no more than one afternoon and one evening per week."
Harry inquired, "Who currently is acting in the Potter position?"
Dumbledore replied, "Amos Diggory has been acting as the steward in the position for the last six years. I am sorry to say that Cornelius Fudge was acting as steward from the time of your parents' deaths until he was elected Minister of Magic early in 1990."
Harry asked, "Amelia, what do you think?"
She considered his question for a moment and replied, "Harry the seat is rightfully yours. Professor Dumbledore is right; it is not a time consuming position. Remember when we spoke of influence and authority last week? This is an opportunity to exercise some of each. With respect to the judicial portion, most trials are held with a randomly drawn five-member panel. Only at the request of the head of the Wizengamot, in this case Professor Dumbledore, does the full body hear a case."
Harry considered what he'd heard for a moment. He knew if the professor had thought it a horrible idea that he would have voiced his opinion. Harry glanced at Amelia for a moment and she gave a slight nod. A moment later, he said, "Okay. What do I have to do?"
Dumbledore replied, "Excellent. You will be sworn in tomorrow afternoon. In the event that you are a witness or directly related to a defendant, you will not serve as juror for that case. As such you will not be seated for the Draco Malfoy and Delores Umbridge trials, or the trial for the nine Death Eaters all scheduled for next week."
… --- …
Tuesday morning at eleven, Narcissa walked into Scrimgeour's office and took the three shrunken chests out of her purse. Like before she whispered a complex incantation and within a minute the chests had expanded to their original size and weight. As soon as she was done, a Gringotts Goblin came in, and carefully examined each chest. He found them to be untampered with and accurate. Scrimgeour nodded and the Goblin left. A moment later, he said, "This will do. Be back tomorrow at noon."
… --- …
"Destination, determination… That's stupid," said Michelle looking at the Ministry manual. "Susan and Harry, when you need to apparate, decide where, and do it. The 'decide where' part means to picture clearly in your mind where you want to be. Obviously that's easiest if you can see the spot and almost as easy if you can picture the spot in your mind because you've been there before. I'll take you with me a few times so you get used to the feeling of apparating. Who wants to go first?"
Harry answered, "Ladies first. I'll walk over to the other side of the pool and watch."
Susan walked over to Michelle and they held each other's arms. Susan whispered something in Michele's ear and she nodded. A moment later there was a POP and both women were right behind Harry. Susan leaned up and kissed Harry on the back of the neck and said, "Pretty good."
Harry replied, "Brilliant, and the apparating was good too." He smiled at her and suggested, "Try again."
Michelle smiled and replied, "Quite the little taskmaster there, Mr. Potter." A second later there was a slightly smaller Pop and they were back where they had started.
Harry was about to say something and Michelle disappeared and with a much smaller pop was right next to him. She held his arm and announced, "Your turn Mr. Potter. Picture us both right behind Susan facing her." A moment later after a squeezing feeling, they were there.
"Good. Try again."
… --- …
Wednesday at noon, Narcissa entered Scrimgeour's office. She asked, "Where is my son?"
Scrimgeour replied, "We just finished the paperwork. Straighthand, take Wood with you and bring Draco Malfoy up here for me."
Scrimgeour's assistant asked, "Would you like some tea, Mrs. Malfoy?"
She replied, "No thank you, I would like to review the pardon documents while I'm waiting."
Scrimgeour handed her the document. It read much like a personal promissory note.
In exchange for the sum of three million galleons, I Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister of magic do hereby fully Pardon Draco Malfoy for the following crimes committed on 25 July at 37 Diagon alley.
One - Attempted abduction of Mr. Ramone Ollivander, proprietor.
Two - Casting of the unforgiveable curse, Cruciatus against an innocent on Mr. Ramone Ollivander and holding it for a period of sixty three seconds.
Three – Any incidental property damage done at the Ollivander's wandmaking shop, 37 Diagon Alley.
There was also a property release form listing thirteen galleons, a pocket knife and a wand.
Straighthand brought Malfoy up a few minutes later. His normally slicked-back hair look disheveled and there was blood on his robes from having fallen on his nose at Ollivander's. Scrimgeour said, "Sign here and here, boy, and don't find yourself in my office again."
"It may not be your office for long," drawled Draco; his voice dripping with its usual arrogance and implied threat. "My father will hear…"
"Your father was carried out of here in a body bag, you insolent twit," replied Straighthand. "I zippered it shut myself."
"Draco," warned Narcissa, "Keep your mouth shut and wait outside by the fountain. Stay out of trouble. Here, take your things and go."
"I'll have your copies ready in just a minute," said the assistant.
… --- …
Michelle was pleased at Potter's progress at simultaneous casting. He could cast an offensive spell at the same time that he cast a defensive spell which would be an almost unbeatable skill in a fight.
She had him practice a simultaneous cutting hex at the same time that he summoned his target's wand. Neither spell was particularly difficult, but in combination would distract the opponent to the point where the offensive spell wouldn't be blocked.
"The thing to remember is to say, Accio wands," reminded Michelle. "They might have several and they might have other weapons too. Be sure that they're stunned, and then bind em."
Harry nodded in understanding and replied, "Thanks for the advice."
"You're making good progress, Mr. Potter. Have a butterbeer and I'll go find Susan. See you tomorrow."
… --- …
Malfoy stepped out into the atrium. It was almost empty except for a few people sitting by the fountain. Draco recognized his cousin Tonks sitting there eating a sandwich. She said, "Hello Draco. I heard you were getting out today. This is my friend, Auror Michael Wood."
"I don't have to talk with you," drawled Draco fingering his wand.
"True," replied, Wood, "but since I asked, you do have to roll up your sleeve. It is a crime to be a marked Death Eater. Were you pardoned for that too?"
With remarkable swiftness, Draco fired a strong Reducto blast at Wood who flew several feet back. Tonks commanded, "Stop Draco! You are under arrest."
Malfoy wasn't going back to the cells. He apparated back to Malfoy manner.
"Michael!" screamed Tonks. "Somebody call a Mediwitch."
She ran up to him and tripped on something, falling to the floor.
… --- …
"Try casting a different spell," suggested Michelle.
Harry obliged her by casting his Patronus. His happy memory had changed of late. He thought of Susan kissing him and called, "Expecto Patronum."
Michelle watched in wonder as two brilliant stags flew from his wands. She noticed that the one from his new wand was at least twice as bright as the one from the old wand. In awe of them she exclaimed, "Harry, they're beautiful."
Looking out from the kitchen window, Susan and Amelia thought the same thing.
… --- …
Back at the atrium, Wood felt like he had been hit by the Knight Bus, but was thankful that he and all of the other aurors had been issued the latest in dragonhide body armor, courtesy of the Malfoy fortune. At ten thousand galleons a set, they were far too expensive for individuals to have to buy themselves, but the department had bought sixty sets in the last few days! He sat up, looked over at Tonks sprawled on the floor and began a pained laugh.
"Grab the perpetrator, Tonks. I'll be all right."
"He got away," groused Tonks, all traces of dignity gone. She was still spread eagle on the floor
"No. He's having a good look at your knickers right now."
She turned around and there was Draco's head on the floor, eyes blinking, apparently the result of a horrible splinching. Narcissa who had seen, but not heard the short confrontation said, "I'll go get the rest of him and bring his body back. You can have him. He's a stupid, stupid boy. He's just like his father." Disgusted at his actions, she walked to the exit point and apparated to the overly leveraged manor. After returning Draco's body to the accidental magical reversal squad and the aurors, she went back to Malfoy Manor, collected her valuables and remaining gold, and left the country to start a new life in Italy.
… --- …
An hour later, Michael Wood, Tonks, Hammer and Daily were in Scrimgeour's office presenting their report. Daily and Hammer had been stationed as backup and were witnesses. Daily had taken a few photos and written up a report.
Scrimgeour asked Michael, "How do you feel, Wood?"
The fortunate Auror answered, "I'm fine, Sir. I'm lucky to be alive and grateful for the new body armor. The biggest bruise that I have is to my pride, Sir."
"That will heal, Son." He handed Tonks and Wood Gringotts Drafts for fifty thousand galleons each and said, "If the four of you have your paperwork done, take the rest of the day off. Tonks, next time you feel the need to kick a splinched Death Eater's head around, aim for the fountain and walk away. Good work, you four. Dismissed."
"The first round's on me," said Michael.
"All the rounds are on you, Lucky" replied Hammer. "I've seen teenagers who draw faster than you. You can tell us what your sister Michelle has been up to when we get to the pub. Let's go."
… --- …
As Hammer and the other aurors were hoisting a few pints at the expense of Michael Wood, Harry was confirmed as the newest member of the Wizengamot. In his introductory speech, Professor Dumbledore noted that Harry was the most influential wizard of his generation within the wizarding world and had an unwavering sense of right and wrong.
As was tradition with every change of membership, a group photo of the entire Wizengamot was taken and copies were given to each of the members. It would be the last photo ever taken of Professor Dumbledore.
… --- …
You must be kidding Mr. Crow! You can't possibly be thinking of leaving the story like that. Where is the rest? I'll admit, it was not my place to criticize Miss Abbott's attire, or Dr. Granger's choice of venue for a family location, but your comment regarding Albus leaves too much to the imagination. Fifteen feet of parchment is due within three days. Three days mind you, and no more excuses about defective bot charms."
As he was leaving, in her sternest voice she said, "Remember, I have a birthday party to attend. She shook her walking stick at him." He was too busy reading a new parchment written by the scribe, Japanese Jew to hear a word that she'd said. Besides, he was wondering if white would be an appealing color for a strawberry blonde.
… --- …
