A/N: I am so sorry that this chapter took so long to get out. Although I have an outline I just was not happy with the previous court scenes that I had written. I am still not happy with this one, but trust me it is better than what I had before.

Chapter 12: The Judicial Side of Wizardry

It was the day of the trial and everyone was a little slow getting going that morning. Luna was afraid of how this was going to affect the boys' attitudes, and maybe the presses reaction to the news about Harry. Dudley's problem came from the fact that he was the best witness against his father. He also worried about how the tides may be turned on him during questioning. Harry on the other hand knew that he would be questioned. His apprehension stemmed from the fact he would have to face the accused head on.

Dobby decided that the best thing for everyone before they left was a full English breakfast, and put out all the stops. The food was much appreciated though they did not eat enough to satisfy the house elf. At seven am Severus had everyone touching the portkey ready to leave for Diagon Alley. There was some shopping that needed to be done before they appeared in court at nine.

The first stop was Gringott's bank where a spectacular row occurred between Harry and Severus about which vault the money they were to use was coming from. Severus was adamant about paying for the robes they would need for the trial while Harry was trying to explain that he was well off, and did not need Severus' help. Luna was the one to solve the conflict quickly. All she had to do was whisper one word into Harry's ear and he conceded.

They entered Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions exactly as the door was spelled to admit customers. Both boys' received three sets of dress robes. Luna did not need any being from a predominant wizarding family. Once they were all attired and up to societies standards they left for the phone booth that would allow them access to the ministry.

Harry was delighted to show Dudley how the phone booth worked, and though he grew somber with memories from his fifth year. It was still fun to experience new things through his cousin's eyes. Badges in place they stepped up to the check point submitting their wands for inspection. Dudley watched as they carefully logged length and cores of the wand in a book. Professor Dumbledore met them on the other side and led them to the elevators that would take them to the court room.

Surprisingly the court room was pretty empty. Dumbledore had spoken to the magistrate about the sensational nature of what the trial was about and he agreed that only the necessary parties were to be present. Those present were Dudley, Harry, Severus, Luna, the mediwitch that took care of Petunia, and Albus Dumbledore. Others would be allowed in if and only if the prosecutors agreed to the person.

Vernon Dursley was brought in bound and gagged by magic. His foul attitude lent to him spewing epithets that were not appreciated hence the gagging spell. He shot venomous looks to his son and Harry. Not only was his display not working to intimidate his son, but it gave Dudley a boost of courage to do the right thing in court that day. The jury was already selected, and after the counselors both gave their opening arguments the judge allowed the prosecution to start calling witnesses. Harry went first.

He approached the witness chair, and sat in it nervously pick at the sleeve of his robes, a telling sign. He jumped when the magistrate called for the veritaserum to be used, and opened his mouth for the prerequisite three drops. There was silence in the court room as they waited for the potion to take effect. Dumbledore and Simeon Sludgen were instructed to take turns with the questioning, Sludgen went first.

"Mr. Potter who during you childhood were responsible for giving you shelter, feeding you, and the like?"

"The Dursley's."

"Harry how often did they feed you, and where did you sleep?"

"I was fed when I finished all my chores and wasn't bad, usually and about every three days or so. My room until I received my Hogwarts' letter was the cupboard under the stairs."

"Did the Dursley family ever explain why you were being kept in the cupboard under the stairs?"

"Yes..."

"Harry what were you punished for?"

"I would sometimes burn the breakfast, but I learned by age five and rarely burned the bacon anymore. Sometimes I would tell them about my dreams about flying on a motorcycle, and get cuffed or sent to my cupboard without food. One time I accidentally jumped onto the roof of my school, and was kept in my cupboard until the end of school. I was fed bread and water once a week."

"Was Vernon Dursley the only Dursley that punished you, Mr. Potter?"

"No. Aunt Petunia and Dudley did when he had permission from his parents."

"So Vernon was not alone in the abuse that you received? Please explain."

"No. Uncle Vernon was not the only one. Aunt Petunia usually gave me a swat on my backside, or sent me to my cupboard. I did not go hungry during her punishments though. While Uncle Vernon was at work she would give me the lunch leftovers. Dudley used to chase me and give me a black eye when we were younger, but he grew out of that."

There were a few more questions, but Sludgen ended up digging Vernon deeper in trouble. Vernon did not know about all the things that Petunia, and Dudley had done behind his back. It was very surprising during the questioning to see how much they did while he was not around. Dudley was called next. Many of the questions were repeated, but it was surprising to everyone his reason for the Harry Hunting.

"Father expected it. He wanted me to be just like him, and it was the best way to get at Harry. He would more than likely get away from me."

Other muggles from the neighborhood gave testimony to aurors, and were replayed in the court. Many told how the Dursley's nephew went to a school for wayward boys, and how they saw him constantly in trouble. Others mention how the boy never wore clothes that fit him, and he was never present when they were invited over. Some of Vernon's business associates never even knew that he had another child living in the house.

Lastly, was Petunia's medi-witch from St. Mongo's. She testified to the horrors that her body attested to. There was proof of the years of abuse, and showed signs of major trauma to the brain which caused her current condition. Dudley broke down as the evidence came out against his father. He never knew what his mother had silently been going through all those years.

The Wizengamot deliberated for less then ten minutes before they came back with a verdict. Vernon was forced to stand and here what his fate was to become...Only to be disappointed. He was found guilty and they needed to figure out just what each and individual offense carried what punishment. Until that time he was to be kept in Azkaban Prison. The others would be notified of the sentencing date. Right before he dismissed them though they made sure that all parental and guardianship rights were terminated.

A/N: Since all of you waited for this chapter for so long. I decided to go a little bit further as a reward for all of you.

Severus, Dudley, Luna, and Harry left the court room to go to the level seven court systems (family courts). They went to the adoption area and checked on the filings that Severus had sent off earlier that day. If everything went as planned, all they had to do was sign some papers and answer one or two questions and then their new family would start.

It was surprising that someone was waiting for them at the adoption magistrate's court room. Severus was told immediately that there was a problem with a part of the adoption, and it needed sorting out first. They waited in the antechamber with thoughts on trying to figure out what could be the problem. Luna held Harry's hand tightly she knew that he would be in for a very big disappointment.

The magistrate came into his chamber with his robes billowing open, much like the potion's professor during the school year. He cleared his throat and announced that the adoption of one Dudley Dursley was granted and henceforth that he would be known Cassius Damien Snape. The problem came up with Harry's adoption. It was decided that there was no way that a person with a questionable background with the death eaters, and having been proved with the dark mark could be allowed to adopt the-Boy-Who-Lived.

Harry upon hearing this stood up shaking in fury. He narrowed his eyes at the magistrate, "are you telling me that a person that I have requested to become a part of my family is going to be denied because he made a mistake when he was younger?" As he was speaking power was seeping out of Harry in waves that could be felt by everyone in the room. Luna tried grabbing his hand, and soothing him, but there was nothing at the time that she could do. Harry took to yelling then, "Am I still such a child that you feel you do not need to listen to my wishes. Fine! I will leave it to all of you who know best, but don't come looking for me to do anything for the wizarding world after this." With a pop he disappeared. The magistrate looked at all the others who were left in the room. In a quiet voice of awe a line most famous from being heard told by Hermione Granger was known to say. "You can't apparate in the Ministry or Hogwarts."

A/N: That's it. A finished chapter. I gave you a little cliffy to encourage myself to get the next chapter out as soon as possible. My only clue about the next chapter is where Harry went, and also the title Calling out the Big Guns or Going to the Mattress. I haven't decided yet. Let me know what you think. Please review; I enjoy them so much.