(a/n): Percy and the points brought a round of comments. I didn't think very deeply at the time. But, considering his attitude, it fit the moment. I never had anything like the House Point System in school, but the nearest thing I can draw is the Hogsmeade trips are a school sponsored event, like a trip to the zoo or the planetarium. So a teacher could still discipline a student as if they were on school grounds.
Ginny bashing? They're not even interested in resolving their troubles, but only a true fanatic would've wanted to visit Harry to tell him how much she hated him while he was comatose. And having just awakened, Harry has other priorities. Basically out of sight, out of mind.
As for Harry offering lead poisoning treatments, not likely since those are Voldemort's tactics. Harry's just not the Dark Lord type, especially with Susan around.
This chapter is an Americanism. I did read up on British trial procedure, but decided to stick to what I know. I tried, but it just felt off. I was a plaintiff in two civil cases and a witness in a criminal trial, and a juror in both criminal and civil cases. Plus I think I've seen every episode of Law & Order.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I did notice that TxA-GunFighter & CRaZY TeDDy who are new readers took the time to review almost every chapter. Not many (me included) do that. It's appreciated as are all reviews.
This is a trial that Sirius and yes even Barty Jr. should have had. Yep, 3 weeks, but it takes a bit of work to argue both sides of a case. Plus, it's also getting into Umbridge's head.
The Ministry vs Susan Bones
Two weeks re-growing bones had left Harry very weak. Healer Bole had insisted that he stay in bed for at least another week. But, Harry had started moving almost at once.
The frustrated healer had finally given in to his stubborn patient and given the teen a few light exercises. He admonished Harry to do them carefully and instructed both the staff and Harry's friends to make sure he doesn't overdo it. That didn't meet with much success. On the afternoon before Susan's trial, Harry announced that he was planning to attend. "Listen to me, Mr. Potter. You have barely managed to walk the length of the ward" he said "Granted, that's far more progress than I expected. But you can't possibly expect to handle a trip to the Ministry. I simply cannot authorize it."
"This is important to me" replied Harry "I'm going. Look, how bad could it be? I'll be sitting in a courtroom."
Bole shook his head "I just cannot sanc--"
"I'm sorry, Healer" said Harry, interrupting him "I can and will leave. Susan is too important to me"
Drawing himself up, Healer Bole informed him coldly that "Patients do not simply walk out of this hospital, and as it is, you barely can."
Harry didn't bother arguing further. "I'm going, you know that, right Snuffles." He told his loyal dog "Moony's outside isn't he?"
"I take it you're pretty determined, Harry" said Remus, when he arrived. Harry nodded, so he continued. "Shouldn't be hard. It'd be really easy if we had your father's Invisibility Cloak"
Harry grinned happily "Check with Ron, got that covered."
"Someone was concerned about you leaving the hospital without an OK" Remus said, eyeing the dog subtly.
Harry shrugged and asked, also looking at Snuffles, "And what would my Dad have done?"
That night, Remus disillusioned himself and slipped into Harry's room. He put a levitation charm on a chair and laid the Invisibility Cloak he'd gotten from Ron on the bed. Finally, he turned Harry's toothbrush into a portkey for The Ministry.
"Good job, Moony" Harry said, when he woke up just after dawn. He got into the floating chair next to his bed and made his way out of the hospital. Avoiding people took a little work, but finally outside, he activated the portkey. Once inside the Ministry, he dressed in his Hogwarts robes and just wandered around, waiting for Susan's hearing time.
"Harry Potter! Harry Potter!" Rita Skeeter exclaimed "Harry! Please! A statement for the public! Why are you here? What about your condition? Can you walk?"
Harry sighed "I'm just tired Rita" he said "All I'm here for is to help my g--err--friend Susan. She was nearly murdered just like I was. This trial is totally unfair. If it wasn't for her, I'd probably be dead."
"Is there any truth to the rumor you two dating?" asked the scandal seeking reporter.
Harry just rolled his eyes and replied "No comment"
"Oh, come on Harry" Rita half-pleaded, half-demanded "The wizarding public has a right to know"
"Actually, everyone is entitled to a private life, Ms. Skeeter" a stony faced Arthur Weasley said.
Rita was thrown off, but recovered in a split second "Why, hello, Arthur. How nice to see you again"
"That's MISTER Weasley" Arthur countered, harshly "Now, Madam Bones has requested Harry's presence in the courtroom. That is, if you don't mind"
An unwilling interviewee never deterred Rita. This one's reaction made her decide to go for the big guns "Well, then, ARTHUR" she said, emphasizing his first name "Please tell us. Both your wife and daughter were extremely vocal concerning our Boy-Who-Lived"
"I hate that term!" snapped Harry. "What went on is none of anyone's business."
Arthur pushed Harry's chair along and into the courtroom "Thank you Harry" he said.
"I don't like giving that woman stories" Harry said in a brittle tone "Besides, Susan said it pretty well."
Arthur gave a frustrated sigh and said "Harry, forgetting about how fathers feel about their daughter's boyfriends. I was quite pleased when you and Ginny began seeing each other. Isn't there a chance you could--"
"No offense, Mr. Weasley" said Harry, cutting him off "But how would you react if you saw your wife snogging someone else?"
Arthur was left with that to ponder because of a young redhead, definitely not his daughter, calling for Harry.
"Mr. Weasley" the girl greeted him stiffly and without her usual smile.
The formality stung "I've know you since you were an infant, Susan" Arthur said "Good luck today. I don't think you did anything wrong. Maybe we can talk later."
"Thank you" replied Susan, more warmly.
Arthur patted her shoulder and said "Well, I'll leave you to it then"
"So long Mr. Weasley" Harry offered a wave. Twisting to Susan, he commented "Well, that was interesting. Wonder where he stands on things."
Susan leaned over and kissed him briefly "Come on, there's some introductions I need to do." She gave a scornful laugh at Harry's nervous expression "My hero!" she chuckled "You-Know-Who, no sweat! A Basilisk, piece of cake! My parents aren't scary!!" She pinched his shoulder.
"Yeah, right" Harry muttered.
"Oh, pish" she scoffed, pushing the chair forward "Mum, Dad…this is Harry. Harry, these are my parents. My Dad, Neil--"
Neil Bones was Harry's height, but his desk job had left him rather pudgy. Not outright fat, such as Uncle Vernon, but he carried a noticeable spare tire "So you're Harry Potter." He said by way of greeting, offering a hand.
"Yes, sir" Harry replied, taking the hand. He could tell where Susan's bright red hair came from.
Sizing Harry up, Mr. Bones commented "Hmm, dunno if he measures up to what I've read about him"
"Daddy!" exclaimed a scandalized Susan.
"Don't mind him" declared Joan Bones "If Merlin himself sought our daughter's hand, he'd find something to complain about." Susan's mother was roughly the same height, and though she had blond hair, she was definitely the source of her daughter's curvaceous figure.
Harry nodded uncomfortably and said "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Bones. It's just…everyone thinks they know me…especially the Daily Prophet…I don't like people writing about me."
"Oh, it isn't the Daily Prophet we've been hearing about you from" she said, eyeing Susan.
Susan blushed and complained "Mother!!"
"Well…err" stuttered Harry. He rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed by his complaint. "I guess, coming from someone … ahh …like Susan. She actually knows--" he trailed off, at a loss for words.
Fortunately for Harry, he was saved further foot-in-mouth problems by the Wizengamot entering. Harry didn't see the Wizengamot enter in his previous encounter, and he'd wondered where Amelia Bones was. First, the members entered and remained standing. They were followed by Minister Fudge and Senior Undersecretary Umbridge. Next came Madam Bones, she stood at the Speaker's seat. Finally, to Harry's surprise, came Dumbledore.
"I relieve you, Madam Speaker" said Albus, offering a formal bow.
Amelia bowed back, she handed him her gavel and replied formally "I stand relieved Chief Warlock" She paused in front of Fudge and just barely bowed. Hidden from view, she gave a stony look to her nemesis.
"There's nothing personal in this, you understand, Amelia" Madam Umbridge whispered, displaying one of her sugary smiles to the crowded courtroom.
Crossing the front of the courtroom, Madam Bones nodded and smiled at Harry, and her in-laws. She took her position next to Susan. She briefly clutched the girl's hand, her formal robes hid the gesture from the Wizengamot, but Harry saw it.
"As Chief Warlock, I call this trial and meeting of the Wizengamot, to order" said Dumbledore. Everyone sat. "Is the Ministry prepared to present its case?"
Fudge stood and replied "Yes, Chief Warlock"
"And, is the Defense prepared to present its case?" Dumbledore asked, addressing Madam Bones.
Amelia stood, along with Susan, and replied "We are, Chief Warlock"
"Very well, please proceed, Minister" said Dumbledore.
Minister Fudge nodded "Thank you, Chief Warlock" he began his opening statement "Wizards and Witches of the Wizengamot, I come to you today with a heavy heart. In the years since the fall of You-Know-Who my administration has stood for law and order. One area in which I feel we have done especially well is in the removal from our society of violent individuals. That makes this incident particularly difficult for me. First, in that such occurrences show how much there is still left to do. Further, I feel a deep sense of regret that this case involves one so young. We can, certainly feel compassion for the accused, however we must not allow that compassion to get in the way of our duty to our society. The Unforgivable Curses are called that for a reason, a very good reason. Wizards and Witches of the Wizengamot, the Ministry will show beyond any possibility of doubt that Susan Bones used an Unforgivable. In fact, the most unforgivable of Unforgivables. After which, we will be asking for imposition of the only appropriate penalty. Thank you."
"Madam Bones would you like to make a statement for the defense?" asked Dumbledore.
Nodding, she stood walked to the center "Yes, Chief Warlock. Wizards and Witches of the Wizengamot, my colleagues, certainly we should work to keep order in our society. In fact, each and every one of us swears an oath to do so when we take office. I entirely agree with Minister Fudge in that and in the notion of compassion. If we do not use compassion in our decisions then we run the risk of throwing away centuries of progress. And, more recently, the sacrifices made by those who fought You-Know-Who fifteen years ago. The Potters and the Longbottoms, just to name two families. All evil needs to spread is for good people to do nothing. That's a very wise saying. My client…my niece…defended herself and Harry Potter as best she could in a life or death situation. Under that set of circumstances, who wouldn't use deadly force for self defense?"
"If you're both ready then?" asked the Chief Warlock. Receiving nods from both sides, he continued "Very well, Minister Fudge please begin."
Fudge nodded to Madam Umbridge, who rose "The prosecution calls Rufus Scrimgeour." After he was sworn in, she continued "Please state your name and occupation for the record."
"Rufus Scrimgeour, Senior Auror" he replied.
Umbridge nodded and asked "And what, Senior Auror Scrimgeour, were you doing in Hogsmeade on the day in question?"
"Commanding the patrol for the day" he replied.
"I see" Umbridge said "Then it was a normal day for you."
Scrimgeour shook his head "Well, no, not exactly"
"Ohh!" Umbridge commented in false surprise "Tell me, what made this day unusual?"
"Hogsmeade was visited by students from Hogwarts that day" said Scrimgeour. "We are usually beefed up for such days"
"I see" Umbridge said nodding "And was your force smaller or larger than it usually is?"
"Larger" the Auror replied.
Umbridge looked out at the crowd, and swept the Wizengamot with a look that said she had a major point "Who, Senior Auror Scrimgeour, gave the order assigning the unusual increase?" she asked.
"Director Bones" he replied.
"And did the presence of Harry Potter have anything to do with the increase?" she followed up.
Rufus shook his head and replied "I wasn't given that information"
"Once again, Senior Auror, who gave the order?" Umbridge repeated
Madam Bones, silent until then, rose and said "Objection, asked and answered"
"Sustained" Dumbledore declared "Move on, Madam Umbridge"
Giving a mocking half bow to her opponent, she said "Your witness, Amelia"
"Why, thank you" Madam Bones said, not quite sneering. She turned to the witness "Good morning, Rufus"
"Hem-hem" Umbridge interrupted.
Bones ignored her "Just a few qu—"
"Hem-hem!" was heard again, this time more loudly
"—questions" Bones continued "How man--"
Slamming her hand down, Umbridge coughed loudly "A-HEM-HEM!! I have an objection, Chief Warlock!" she said angrily "It is inappropriate for the defense to refer to the witness by his familiar name!"
"The objection is agreed to" Dumbledore said patiently "The defense is instructed to address the witness formally" Umbridge grinned happily "The prosecution is instructed to voice its objections in a professional tone of voice or risk being held in contempt"
Bones gave a half shrug and looked at Dumbledore "Of course Chief Warlock. My apologies, if I gave offense. Senior Auror Scrimgeour, what is the everyday patrol complement of Aurors in Hogsmeade?"
"Three to five, Madam Director, depending on the time of day" Rufus answered.
Nodding, she added "I see, and how about on a day when Hogwarts students are visiting?"
"Nine to twelve" he answered.
"And the reason for the variation, Auror Scrimgeour?" she followed up.
"Seasonal" he explained "In general, fewer students make the trip during the winter months"
"And how many Aurors were present on the day Susan Bones was assaulted?" asked Madam Bones.
Umbridge was on her feet "AH-HEM-HEM!" she coughed "I object in the most strenuous terms, Chief Warlock!! Susan Bones is the one facing charges! There is no proof of any assault upon her!!"
"Your objection is overruled, Delores" Dumbledore said, lightly "And I do recommend a coughdrop. I happen to have several flavors in my office. If you like, I will gladly get some during the lunch recess." Amusement rippled through the courtroom. "Please answer the question, Rufus"
Nodding, Scrimgeour replied "We have reports from thirteen Aurors on that day"
"How many Aurors were on duty, that day?" Amelia asked.
"Twelve" he answered.
"And how do you account for that?" she asked
The Senior Auror replied "One Nymphadora Tonks was in town that day, however she was not on duty"
"Move to strike as irrelevant!" Umbridge demanded.
"Denied" Dumbledore said, instantly.
"One final question, Auror Scrimgeour. How long have you and I known each other?" Amelia asked.
An amused smirk appeared on Scrimgeour's face before he answered "Almost thirty years, Amelia. Though you are a few years older than me."
"Then no one should be surprised that we are on a first name basis" she observed.
The rest of the day, Aurors were questioned about their incident reports. Interest in the trial fell off the next day as Umbridge questioned multiple witnesses, whose testimony was, with few differences, identical. Most people in the town saw the same thing. Both sides did basically the same thing. Umbridge focused on Susan's use of the Killing Curse, which everyone recognized, while the defense kept pushing the kidnapping portion of the incident.
"The Ministry rests" Umbridge finally said. Murder trials didn't recognize weekends, so that occurred late Sunday morning. The trial broke for lunch.
"The prosecution presented a large number of witnesses" Madam Bones began "And if that was the sole basis for determining a case then even I would start to wonder. It's been a busy couple of days, so I'll try to avoid taxing your patience. I plan on calling only five witnesses. First, I call Percival Weasley as a hostile witness."
Percy came forward and addressed Dumbledore "Chief Warlock, I protest being called to testify by the defense in this matter. I am a Ministry official."
"Your protest has been noted." Dumbledore replied "The witness is ordered to take the stand"
Percy could only obey. After he was seated, Madam Bones asked her first question "Mr. Weasley, how long have you worked for the Ministry?"
"Two years and sixty-one days…Since I graduated from Hogwarts." He answered proudly "I have held a number of increasingly responsible positions"
Nodding, she said "Quite an accurate count there. Tell me, isn't one of the main provisions of Ministry service to maintain a fair and impartial position?"
"Objection, leading the witness!" Umbridge complained.
"Sustained, rephrase the question." Dumbledore decided.
"Mr. Weasley! Is part of your Ministry oath to enforce laws fairly and equitably? Yes or no!" Madam Bones demanded.
Momentarily stunned, Percy jumped "Yes ma'am!"
"Relevance, Chief Warlock?" asked Umbridge in a bored tone.
Eyeing Amelia, Dumbledore inquired "Madam Bones?"
"Just two questions, Chief Warlock" she replied "Mr. Weasley, are you an Auror?"
Percy shook his head and replied "No, ma'am"
"Then, Mr. Weasley, what qualifies you to perform the Priori Incantatum on a wand for investigative purposes?" asked Madam Bones. When Percy didn't answer right away, she turned to Dumbledore "Chief Warlock, please instruct the witness to answer the question."
Dumbledore turned to Percy and said "Answer the question."
"I … err …umm" he stammered uncomfortably. Then he replied, faintly "Senior Undersecretary Umbridge told me to perform the spell."
Amelia nodded "I remember quite well" she commented "Now is that, or is that not, a violation of procedure?"
"I don't know" replied Percy.
"Remarkable for someone who prides himself on knowing and following regulations" she didn't quite sneer.
Umbridge stood and asked "Was the defense asking a question?"
"Additionally, you cut the Priori Incantatum short, didn't you? You didn't allow enough time to show if anyone had actually been killed, did you?" Madam Bones asked coldly.
Percy's face turned pink "Err…err" he stuttered.
"And advance your career again by helping put an innocent child into Azkaban!!" she shouted at him.
"Objection, Chief Warlock!" Umbridge countered.
Before Dumbledore could rule, Madam Bones said disgustedly "I have nothing more for this witness."
"No questions" said Umbridge
Percy stepped down, shooting an angry look at Susan. He had been publicly humiliated.
Harry, seeing it, grabbed Percy's wrist. His grip was weak, but the redhead stopped "Don't even think of pulling something on her" Harry snarled "Or--"
"Don't threaten me, Potter!" Percy hissed.
"It's a promise, not a threat" Harry countered.
They were interrupted by a gavel hammering "ORRRRDERRRRRR!!" Dumbledore shouted "Madam Bones, your next witness, please."
"I call Hermione Granger" she announced.
Hermione's testimony consisted of a brief account of the morning. Ron pulling her into the sports store, followed by Ron's growling stomach. They noticed Harry and Susan in Madam Rosmerta's, so they went to another inn for lunch. Then, noticing the commotion, headed for the Post Office. And then, what she first thought was three Dementors, turning out to be one plus a pair of wizards.
Madam Umbridge objected, saying "Chief Warlock, the investigation into the alleged attack on Potter has been terminated by the Ministry.
"So it just didn't happen?" asked Hermione in a sarcastic tone.
"Do not question me!" Umbridge snapped.
Hermione shot her a cold look and replied "It looks like a cover-up to me! Why don't you explain that!"
"You will show me the respect I am due as a Ministry Official!!" Umbridge screeched.
Dumbledore hammered the gavel, but Hermione ignored it "Which is none at all you fat lazy toad!!" she declared.
Harry and Ron burst out in applause. Ron stood and stomped his feet. Harry, still not quite back to full strength, let out an impressive whistle. Though not quite as good as the one Hannah Abbott had in tribute to Susan. Madam Bones, however, had a firm grip on her niece's arm restraining her from joining in.
"SIIIILLLLEENNNNCE!!" Dumbledore roared, unnaturally loud. Then, "You, Miss Granger, are fined ten Galleons for contempt of court. Madam Bones, have you any further questions?"
Amelia couldn't keep amusement out of her voice when she replied "No…that will…be…all"
"Does the Ministry which to cross?" he asked.
Umbridge was shaking with repressed fury "N-no" she said, grinding her teeth.
"The witness is excused" said Dumbledore.
While Bones was calling Ron, Hermione shared a grin with Susan. Then as she passed Harry, who today was sitting next to a very pleased looking young girl, slapped his outstretched hand in celebration. "Best ten Galleons I ever spent!" she commented.
"That was bloody brilliant!!" Ron exclaimed, not too loudly. Not a surprising line from the youngest Weasley male. But, he grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her. Hard.
"NOW!! MR. WEASLEY!!" came Dumbledore's voice. Hermione watched him go and sat down with a huff.
One of the twins, Hermione couldn't spare the energy to figure which, asked "Something wrong Granger?"
"He did…THAT…" she began in a befuddled tone "Then…just left…All these…people saw, but he--"
"That's both pools gone, dear brother" said Fred.
George nodded "Too true. And in front of plenty of witnesses yet!"
"I'll kill him" Hermione muttered. The twins desperately kept their laughter silent.
Ron was a little difficult for Madam Bones to question. In fact it took almost twice as long to get the same information out of him as it did Hermione. Though, he did snap out of it about half-way through, he never quite lost his grin.
"Quite a display of affection, Mr. Weasley" Umbridge observed.
Ron's smile faded "Don't see how it's any of your business" he replied
"I have to agree with the witness, Chief Warlock" Amelia said as she stood "In spite of the quite public display, it has nothing to do with the case"
Dumbledore nodded "I agree. Madam Umbridge, do you have a question for the witness?"
"You're fairly devoted to Potter, aren't you Mr. Weasley?" she asked.
Ron's eyebrows furrowed in confusion "He's my best friend if that's what you mean"
"You'd do anything for him, wouldn't you?"
Ron nodded "Pretty much, yeah." He said rather proudly.
"Betray your own sister, apparently" she pointed out, smiling sweetly.
"Bitch!" Ron cursed "That's none of your business."
Dumbledore tapped his gavel at the ripple of gasps and giggles that came from the crowd "Now then, let's have quiet" he said mildly "Mr. Weasley, you are warned against the use of foul language."
"Yes Professor" Ron replied, glaring at Umbridge.
"Oh, I'm not offended at all, Chief Warlock" she said in a sugary tone "This is why children go to school. To learn impulse control. And why there are seven years. Tell me Mr. Weasley, have you ever lied for Potter before?"
"Well…but"
Umbridge waved her finger before him and said "Now, now Mr. Weasley. It's really a simple question. And, there's a simple answer. Yes or no."
"Yeah" said Ron sullenly.
Cupping an ear, Umbridge said "Sorry, dear, I didn't quite catch that"
"I am not your DEAR!" Ron snapped.
Patronizingly, she said "Be that as it may. Please, for the record, repeat your answer" Ron did so, angrily. "Temper, temper, Mr. Weasley. Now then, why should the Wizengamot believe an admitted liar?"
"Objection!" Madam Bones exclaimed
Madam Umbridge grinned at her rival and said "I have no more questions for the liar."
"Just keep your blood quills away from me!" Ron snarled as he stalked off. He stormed out of the courtroom ignoring looks from everyone, even Harry and Hermione's concerned ones.
Harry couldn't follow because he was called by Madam Bones. From the stand, he watched as Hermione followed. Amelia asked him to tell about the day from his point of view and let him talk.
"I don't think you need to dwell on the details of the date, Harry" she said, amused at coloring of his cheeks.
Umbridge stood and said "Chief Warlock, I do believe you previously ruled on proper forms of address."
"Oh! Very well!" Amelia said impatiently "Mr. Potter, please resume your testimony at the point where you and Susan…Oh I'm sorry…Miss Bones… were attacked"
"OBJECTION CHIEF WARLOCK!" Umbridge exclaimed "The Ministry has determined that there was no attack on Hogsmeade!!"
"Your objection is overruled" Dumbledore replied "We have heard enough testimony to confirm that both Mr. Potter and Miss Bones were victims of an attack."
"About time you listened to me" Harry commented. Dumbledore ignored it, though. Harry would've happily paid a fine, if it just had gotten the old man to pay attention to him.
Harry completed his version of events then Amelia asked "To confirm, Mr. Potter, did you hear the curse Miss Bones used?"
"No I didn't" Harry replied.
Madam Bones nodded and said "Thank you, Mr. Potter. No further questions."
"Your witness, Madam Umbridge" Dumbledore stated.
Delores approached the stand with a friendly smile "Now, I know we didn't exactly get along as teacher and student, Harry. But I--"
"That's Mr. Potter" he said, cutting her off.
Madam Umbridge stiffened "I beg your pardon!" she exclaimed.
"I'm merely following your example, Madam Umbridge" Harry didn't quite smirk, nor did he exactly look at Madam Bones. He gave every appearance of waiting patiently for her to continue. He found it hard not to laugh, but Susan's aunt had told him that would ruin it completely. He wondered how she could've known Umbridge would've reacted so strongly. The prosecutor repeatedly scratched her chin and her left eye twitched erratically.
Controlling herself with a super-human effort, the Senior Undersecretary finally asked "S-so i-i-its y-your testimony th-that you d-did not hear anything?"
"No I didn't" Harry replied, simply.
Back under control again, she asked "How far apart were you two at the time?"
"Like I said, Madam Umbridge" Harry replied "Susan had been thrown aside by one of the people who attacked us. She crashed into a wall about twenty feet away. I can remember seeing her picking up her wand, but I got kicked in the head and that's it."
She closed on the witness stand and said "This is a trial, Potter! Do you realize what can happen to you if you lie in your testimony!"
"Have a Blood Quill used on me maybe?!" Harry snapped back "Maybe you did it! You hate both of us! Voldemort's a good choice too!!" he raged "Are you working for him!? And it's MR. Potter!"
Again, Umbridge had to bite back a shrill of fury "No more questions!" she gritted out. "Chief Warlock, I request a recess and a private conference with the defense."
"Any objections?" Dumbledore asked of the Wizengamot. Only eight of the fifty members objected "And the defense?"
Amelia shook her head and answered "No objection, Chief Warlock. We will meet."
"A thirty minute recess is ordered" Dumbledore said, bringing down the gavel.
Everyone rose as the Wizengamot departed. Madam Bones agreed with Madam Umbridge to meet in Conference Room Six.
"Ami, what's going on?" a worried Mr. Bones asked.
She squeezed her brother-in-law's bicep and replied "It's not uncommon at this stage, Neil. She'll be offering Susan some kind of deal for a guilty plea."
"But she didn't do anything wrong!!" exclaimed the young blond girl sitting next to Harry.
Joan Bones gave her daughter that kind, parental 'No, you're not invited' look that made Harry glad she had spoken first. "We know that, Tina. And, even if she wanted to, your father and I have no intention of letting her."
"Thanks Mummy" said Tina, tearfully "Can I go with you?"
Neil patted his younger daughter's shoulders and said "I don't think so, sweetie."
"No, Harry. You handled her perfectly, even better than I thought" Amelia was saying at exactly the same time. "You made her lose her cool in open court."
Harry blushed slightly from the praise "It was mostly your idea" he replied, bashfully "But, couldn't I help?"
"It's exactly because you riled her up so much that you can't be in there" she explained "Will you trust me on this?"
Harry growled, but nodded "Anything else I can do to help, then?" he asked.
"Glad you asked" Amelia replied "Why don't you take Tina for something to eat, on me. Include Ron and Hermione too. Tell them, for me, they did fine." She handed him a couple of Galleon coins.
Susan laughed at the eagerness with which her younger sister latched onto Harry's arm "I was going to ask if I could trust you with my sister." She said lightly "You will bring him back, won't you, Tina?"
"Maybe she will, maybe she won't" Harry teased back. Then, seriously, he asked "You gonna be OK?"
Susan nodded "Oh, Toadface isn't getting a plea out of me. Besides, we did the right thing"
"And without you, I'd've been killed" he whispered in her ear.
Susan rolled her eyes at him "For the millionth time…you're welcome. None of this…matters. What I'll remember from it is you testifying for me and making Umbitch turn purple." She finished with a laugh, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Come along, Susan" Mr. Bones urged.
Left with the blond girl, Harry said "Well, how about we get some ice cream?"
"Sounds like a plan" Tina grinned up at him.
Waiting at the back of the courtroom was a still upset Ron, Hermione and Hannah Abbott.
"Think ya got a little lipstick there, mate" Harry commented with a smirk "And, hey, don't worry about it. Madam Bones thinks you two did fine. She even gave me a couple of Galleons to take everyone out."
"So, who's your new friend Harry?" asked Hermione.
Hannah nodded and added "Yes, Harry, tsk-tsk. It's rather rude of you not to introduce us."
"You've been coming to my house for years Hannah" she said.
Harry snorted in amusement "That'll teach you" he commented "Tina, this is Hermione Granger and that's Ron Weasley. They're my two best friends."
"Do you two always kiss in courtrooms?" she asked.
They both blushed vividly. Recovering first, Hermione replied "Err…actually that was the…umm…first time"
"Oh" Tina said "Sorry, it looked like you'd been doing it for years."
"Tina is Susan's younger sister" said Harry.
"I'll be starting Hogwarts in September" the young girl announced "I wanna be in Hufflepuff just like Susan."
Ron gave her a serious look and said "You'll have to battle a mountain troll."
"Uh-Uh" Tina squeaked. Half in denial, half in fear.
Hiding a smirk, Ron added "Yep. Gryffindors have to fight dragons."
"Stop it, Ronald!" Hermione snapped. "Don't listen to him. He's a boy and sometimes boys can be silly. All you have to do is sit on a stool. Professor McGonagall places the Sorting Hat on your head and the Hat chooses your House."
"Do you really know everything?" asked Tina.
Harry and Ron laughed and nodded "Come on, we'd better hurry if we want that ice cream" said Harry.
"I know a short cut to Florean's" Tina put in. She grabbed Harry's hand and led them through a door in the Atrium. The other teens followed and ended up in an alley right beside the ice cream shop.
Ron grinned down at her and ruffled her hair "Darn useful you are" he said. They all got in line and ordered.
"That's five cones, three chocolate, a vanilla and butterscotch" the clerk said "That'll be one Galleon nine Sickles please."
Harry paid and collected the change while the others found a table "What happens now?" Tina was asking, when he joined them.
"Right now, Umbridge is trying to get Sue to accept some kind of deal" Hannah explained "For example, they're trying to convict her of Murder using an Unforgivable. Since there's no bod…er…victim, she might offer something called Reckless Endangerment. The maximum for that is five years and not even in Azkaban."
Harry grumbled moodily.
This led to Hannah snapping at him "I think that's what she meant when she said you sometimes act like a jerk, Harry. Don't go acting all miserable when Tina needs all the support she can get."
"She'll be alright, won't she?" Tina asked of the group.
Hannah squeezed the younger girl's hand and replied "Of course she will. Won't she Harry?" she glared at the Gryffindor, daring him to say anything other than yes.
"Absolutely, Tina" Harry added "There's no way Sue's going to prison" What had started as a fake smile, made its way around the table and they were quickly all smiling. "It's all gonna be fine" he assured her.
Hermione looked at her watch and said "We should head back, now" They all finished their ice cream and headed back to the door in the alley. By the time they did, the Wizengamot had been seated, although Dumbledore hadn't come out and the Bones family had their heads huddled together.
"Hannah!" exclaimed Susan when she spotted her best friend. She ran forward and they embraced "What happened to you?" asked Susan.
"I overslept by ten lousy minutes" the blond Hufflepuff replied "I'm sorry. I ended up in the back of the courtroom."
Susan felt Harry grasp her hand "So, did she steal you yet?" she asked teasingly.
"Hmm, maybe" he fired back "Pretty cute, that one" Then seriously, he asked "What happened?"
Susan giggled "I plead to attempted murder and serve ten years, covers both charges. Dad told her to stick her hat up her arse."
"How'd Auntie Ami react?" asked Hannah.
Susan laughed more, but didn't get the chance to answer as Dumbledore entered "Has opposing counsel been able to reach a compromise?" he asked.
"No, Chief Warlock" Umbridge replied "The defense was completely unreasonable in--"
Madam Bones was on her feet "Objection!" she protested "Chief Warlock, the details of our conference are not for public consumption. And frankly, the prosecutor's opinion is irrelevant."
"Agreed" Dumbledore continued "Very well, the case will proceed."
Still standing, Madam Bones replied "The defense has no more witnesses to call. We rest."
"Chief Warlock! I protest!" Umbridge exclaimed "The Ministry has not had the opportunity to question the accused in court!"
Madam Bones cut in smoothly "As I'm sure the prosecutor is aware, Section two – Paragraph three clearly states that a defendant need not testify at trial. Besides I do not believe the Ministry has met even a minimum level of proof, let alone--"
"That is a topic for your closing argument, Amelia" Dumbledore scolded. "Which may proceed at this time."
Madam Bones spoke in detail, knocking down each of the prosecution's points "Members of the Wizengamot, let me start with actual evidence. Fact, this can't very well be a murder case when there is no victim. Let alone two. Second, the attempted murder charges are based on illegally obtained evidence. Percy Weasley is a civilian employee of the Ministry and in no way qualified to examine evidence in a criminal investigation. Third, there is not one single witness able to say they saw Susan Bones cast a Killing Curse. Let alone two. Or was it four, since there are two murder charges and two for attempted murder? I'm going to repeat something I said in my opening statement. There is not a witch or wizard alive who would not have used any means at their disposal to protect him or herself and their loved ones in a similar situation. I offer for your review two hundred and forty seven pages of spells and potions that produce a greenish glow. They include a Muggle repelling potion that was used to help conceal the Quidditch World Cup of last year, and a memory erasing charm. There's also a knitting spell in there, dangerous stuff"
There was a round of chuckles in the courtroom at that comment. Dumbledore silenced it with a couple of gavel taps.
"My final point" she continued "While the title of this case is The Ministry vs Susan Bones, it seems to me that it is more another chapter of Delores Umbridge vs Amelia Bones."
"Utterly preposterous!" Umbridge exclaimed.
Amelia gave a sarcastic snort "Is that so?" she asked "How many battles did we have as children at Hogwarts? I am certain the Chief Warlock can produce the records. I still have no idea why you carried the grudge you did and, at this point, I couldn't care less. I will not tolerate you carrying this pettiness against my niece!!"
The final word came out in a snarl that Umbridge flinched from.
"As you deliberate, my colleagues, consider some of our own records from Wizengamot debates. Further proof of Delores' petty grudge against me. Thank you for your attention." That said, Madam Bones sat.
Delores stood, offering another of her sugary sweet smiles to the room "My friends" she began "Let me assure you that Amelia--"
"That's Madam Bones. We are most certainly NOT friends" the defense counsel interrupted.
Still smiling, Umbridge said condescendingly "As you wish. Certainly, there is no animosity on my part. Nor, was I aware of any personal conflict with my former classmate. I had no idea Madam Bones felt that way. It makes me very sad." She managed a tear, that she made a display of wiping. "I admit that, as I search my memory, we have often been on opposite sides of debates. Though, maybe it has to do with the nature of criminal trials."
"Load of shit" Harry commented, a little too loudly.
Umbridge ignored it, and the ripple of laughter, continuing "At any rate, we are here to determine fact and as my esteemed colleague reminded us earlier, personalities are irrelevant. Fact, more than twenty witnesses, including several Aurors confirmed the presence of the Killing Curse. Regardless of the smoke screen thrown by the defense this spell came from the accused's wand. Yet another defense smoke screen, saying any of us would have done the same. RUBBISH!! I say!! Members of the Wizengamot, ask yourselves if you really would have been so irresponsible as to risk the lives of who knows how many innocent bystanders by casually casting about the Killing Curse. Unfortunately, we cannot ask the accused that question since the defense refused to put her on the stand. Meanwhile, you can also ask What is the defense afraid of? For fifteen years now, since the unexplained disappearance of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, thanks to the wise policies of Minister Fudge, we have maintained law and order in our world. So, whatever the defense wants to call it. The behavior of the accused makes her a danger to our society. I ask you. No…strike that…I beg you, get this person off our streets. Don't give her the opportunity to repeat her crime. PLEASE!"
"Harry was right!" Madam Bones shouted "Casting a fifteen year old schoolgirl as a hardened criminal is a load of shit!!"
That brought a loud outburst "SIIIIILENNNNCEEEE!!" Dumbledore roared above the noise, banging the gavel "Amelia Bones, you are fined fifty Galleons for contempt of court. Having rested, the defense had no place speaking. Your remark is stricken from the record. A letter of apology, both to the court and to defense is also expected. Madam Prosecutor, is there anything else you wished to say?"
"No, Chief Warlock. My closing argument is complete" Umbridge replied "Though I would like to add a note of gratitude for the fair and even-handed manner in which you have judged this trial."
Dumbledore nodded "No thanks are necessary, it is merely my function as Chief Warlock. Court is adjourned to allow the Wizengamot to deliberate on the verdict."
"Are you alright?" Susan asked of Harry, who hadn't moved or spoken. She nudged him lightly.
Looking over, in response, he said in a distracted tone "That's just what McGonagall said" Then angrily "Almost the same words!!"
A fair sized group was invited to a late lunch by Susan's parents. It included Ron, Hermione, Harry and Hannah. They walked out into Diagon Alley. Hannah pointed out a restaurant and they started for it, only to be stopped.
"RONALD WEASLEY! YOU COME HERE THIS INSTANT!!" shouted Mrs. Weasley from across the square. "My son doesn't owe you a thing. He merely had to obey the Wizengamot's summons!"