A/N: Thanks for all your feedback, I really appreciate it! (Except for people who keep complaining about the cliches- like guys, just read the description at the beginning. It says there will be lots of lichces. And I mean lots.) Anyway, here's the new chapter! R&R!

Chapter 25: Trials and Tribulations

"I now call this session to order," Madam Marchbanks said with a bang of her gavel. Sometimes Harry found the similarities between muggles and wizards utterly amusing. They had no electricity, but they copied something as insignificant as a gavel? If he weren't so focused he probably would have laughed. "First on the docket are Molly and Ginevra Weasley, both facing charges of attempted line theft. Ladies, how do you plead?"

Her gaze turned to the two red heads sitting in the middle of the court room, metal cuffs keeping them in their chairs. Examining them, she couldn't help but wonder how they were related. They certainly presented two vastly different images. One was the picture of defiance, her head held up high, her nostrils flared. The aurors had had to silence her because she hadn't stopped yelling insults since she'd been arrested. They'd cancelled it to allow her to shout "Not guilty" and then had quickly reapplied it.

The other was the picture of defeat. The younger one, Ginevra, she noted, sat slumped in her chair with her head hung. She didn't even look up when the trial had begun. Madam Marchbanks didn't need to look too hard to figure what her plea would be. Indeed, just seconds later she mumbled, barely audibly, "guilty".

Marchbanks nodded and made a note on her case file. "Noted. We'll begin in order of arrest. Ginevra Weasley, you are called upon by the courts to testify about your crimes. Sitting in the witness chair signifies the acceptance of an oath of honesty. If we discover you to be lying there will be penalties." The girl nodded her head and took the seat, her eyes downcast the whole time. "The prosecution may begin."

Nodding, Amelia stood and approached the stand, completely ignoring Molly, who'd had a two-way silencing spell erected around her so she could neither hear nor be heard. She'd anticipated a little more fight from the youngest Weasley, but wasn't exactly upset by the change of plans. It would make her day much easier.

"State your name for the court."

"Ginevra Weasley."

"Ms. Weasley, could you please describe the events of the 18th, starting with the auror fetching you from class?"

And so she began, her voice small, telling the tale of all that had happened that disastrous day, and the events that had led up to that. Some things that came to light even surprised Amelia.

"You planned to kill him?"

"No," she said in the familiar monotone she'd fallen into using, "that was You-Know-Who's job. I was just supposed to marry him and get pregnant before that happened so that the money would come to us."

"And by us you mean?"

"My family."

"Were all of your family aware of this?"

"My brother Ron and I have known our whole lives. My Mother is the one who put the plan together. Percy discovered our plans and threatened to go to the aurors so mum obliviated him. She didn't do a very good job, though, because he hasn't been home since."

"None of your other family members knew?"

"No, it was just us."

"You said before that the plans were your mother's. Was she alone in making these plans?"

"No."

"Who else was involved, then?"

"Albus Dumbledore." Her response caused a ripple of noise to spread around the court, but not as much as Amelia had expected. Apparently most people believed the Daily Prophet's accusations against Dumbledore. Harry hadn't known that the story had leaked, but all facts published had been true, so he couldn't complain much. Besides, it may end up helping them in the long run. The article certainly hadn't painted Dumbledore in a pretty light.

"What was he responsible for in all of this?"

"He made himself Harry's magical guardian so we could gain access to the Potter vaults. He sent Harry to his relative's home so that he would be beaten down and grateful to Dumbledore for getting him out of there and for us for being kind to him. He arranged for us to run into him on the Platform first year. He set up dangerous situations at Hogwarts to draw out You-Know-Who. He arranged for the love potion when he lost control."

"And you were aware of all this?"

"We all were, the three of us, that is." That statement pretty much sealed her fate. Not even Amelia could find pity for her after that.

"And did you know this was illegal?"

Her head dropped even lower. "Yes."

"This has little bearing on the case, but I believe the court would like to know just why you did what you did."

She shrugged. "It was easy. He was so grateful for even the little things and so easy to take advantage of. He was also rich, and our family was really poor. I grew up knowing that I would marry Harry Potter, and that he would die. It was just how things were."

A streak of pity sliced through Amelia but she pushed it aside. She had broken the law and deserved to be punished.

"Very well. I have no more questions for the defendant."

"Aurors, return Ms. Weasley to her chair and bring forth the Senior Weasley," Marchbanks ordered. They did so and soon Molly was on the stand.

"I may live to regret this, but aurors, please lift the silencing spells on the defendant." Hesitantly, very hesitantly, the auror lifted the spell, cringing back as the screaming became audible.

"-DON'T NOTHING WRONG I TELL YOU! JUST ASK DUMBLEDORE, HE'LL TELL YOU WE'RE INNOCCENT!"

"Mrs. Weasley!" Madam Marchbanks looked incredibly offended at the behavior in her courtroom. "Either silence yourself or we will do so for you. In such a case we'll be sentencing you and your daughter without your testimony." That shut her up, her mouth closing with an audible click. "Excellent. Amelia, you may proceed."

"Mrs. Weasley, you just stated quite vigorously that you were innocent of all charges." Molly nodded. "What do you think of your daughter," Amelia asked out of the blue. "Is she an honest girl? Trustworthy?"

"Of course," Molly beamed. "Ginny's a good girl, always honest and kind."

"And, in your opinion, would she lie on the stand?"

Molly looked offended. "Of course not! She's a good girl. It's that Potter boy that's the liar!"

Ignoring the last comment, Amelia struck. "So, according to you, we should believe your daughters testimony. But this poses a problem. You see, Ms. Weasley testified that you knew of the crimes against Mr. Potter and in several cases were the perpetrator of such crimes. So you see, either you're lying, or she is. And if you say that she should be believed…well, that doesn't bode well for you, now does it?"

Molly paled and stuttered for several minutes before backtracking quickly. "Did I, well I, you see…she is a good girl, she really is, but sometimes she gets confused, you see. She'll read something and thinks it's real, for example. Nothing wrong with that, it's completely normal."

"Of course. However, all of her claims were supported by the evidence." Amelia pointed to a large stack of papers and vials, amongst other objects, that she'd collected throughout her investigation. "Yours, however, are not."

She held up a piece of parchment. "For example, these accounting statements show that you've been involved in theft of Mr. Potter's inheritance ever since the death of his parents." She held up another few pieces of parchment. "These letters of correspondence between you and Albus Dumbledore also reveal your involvement and knowledge of all crimes being perpetrated. Especially," she grabbed the empty potions vial, "this last one, which occurred shortly after you wrote Dumbledore for help.

Molly looked panicked at the amount of evidence against her. That her own daughter testified against her only made matters worse. There was no way she was getting out of this cleanly, but maybe she could lessen her sentence a bit.

"It was all his idea," she blurted out desperately. "The theft, the potions, all of it!"

"The person you're referring to is Albus Dumbledore?"

Molly nodded vigorously. "It was his idea to pair Ginny and Harry up. He's the one who got the potions and initial access to his vaults."

"You said potions, as in plural?"

"Yes. There were loyalty ones for Ron in the beginning, to help them become friends, and for Ginny, too, during his second year. But we weaned him off those carefully so he would continue the friendships on his own! We hadn't given him anything since third year! But then he met that slytherin bint," she spat, "and everyone began to fall apart. He took the money back, money that we didn't have, and took up his stations, which we didn't know about, honest! He was out of control, so I owled Dumbledore for help. He was going dark! He never would have done this to my family before he met those Slytherins!"

Molly was trying to make herself look the victim, but her prejudices were slipping out for all to see and painting an ugly picture of the woman and her family.

"You were aware that your actions were illegal?"

"Well, yes, but I was just doing what any good mother would do. We needed that money, and he had plenty to spare. I was just being a good mother and looking out for my kids!"

"You say you were looking out for your family, but several other members of your family came forwards during the investigation and not only claimed they were unaware of your actions, but also condoned them as unnecessary and cruel."

"Was that the twins," she snapped, "because they were always causing trouble! You can't believe a word they say!"

"Actually, it was your husband Arthur and eldest son Bill." Molly looked absolutely shocked by that.

"They, they did?" Amelia nodded. "Well," Molly continued, sounded a little unsure, "Arthur never did have a good grasp of finances, and Bill-"

"-has a steady job and income, despite growing up without funds stolen from an orphan," Amelia cut in coldly.

Apparently Molly had run out of excuses, since she just sat there, gaping like a fish. Amelia took that as a sign to end her questions.

"Very well," Madam Marchbanks began, "The court has now heard the evidence and will vote. On the charges against Ginevra Weasley, all those who vote guilty?" Eighty percent of the judging panel lifting their wands. "Those who vote innocent?" Half a dozen wands went up. In the audience, Daphne took note of who those wands belonged to.

"The court finds Ginevra Weasley guilty of her charges. In accordance with wizarding law, and taking into account Ms. Weasley's status as a minor, the court sentences her to fifteen years in the low security sector of Azkaban prison. Upon release she will have her magic bound for another five years or until such a time as she is deemed responsible to use her gift by the courts." A bang of the gavel had aurors bringing the now sobbing girl out of the room.

"Moving to the charges against Molly Weasley, all those who vote guilty?" Ninety five percent of the wands went up. "Innocent?" No wands were raised. "Very well. In accordance with wizarding laws and taking into account the seriousness of the charges, this court sentences the defendant the life in Azkaban. We'll adjourn tomorrow to hear evidence in the case against Albus Dumbledore." Another bang of the gavel signified the end of the trial. Molly was led out of the court room, her head held high but tears leaking down her face. In the audience, her husband of thirty years had similar tears falling down his face.

After congratulating Amelia on her win, Daphne headed out towards the public floos. She wanted to head back to Gringotts to give Harry the news. He was doing better now, with all three agents neutralized, but was still rather weak and tired easily. He'd wanted to be there today, but the doctor had told him that if he did so he would be in bed the next three days, and Harry wanted to attend Dumbledore's trial even more. Resigning himself to another day in bed, Harry had sent Daphne to attend the Weasley's trial in his stead.

Just before she reached the fireplace, someone calling her name caused her to pause. Turning, she saw Mr. Weasley, his eyes red but dry, and his eldest son looking at her pleadingly. "Could we have just a moment of your time?" Ignoring the whispers around her, and the exciting murmurs of the reporters, Daphne slowly nodded and stepped towards them. She figured they'd want to speak privately, and was thus surprised when Arthur began his apology right there in the lobby.

"Ms. Greengrass, I know that by now my words probably mean nothing to you, but I had to say something. I just, there aren't enough words to express how sorry I am that Mol- he choked on the name, my wife said such horrible things about you and Harry. I'll be contacting him with a more formal statement, but could you please let him know how sorry I am? And that no matter what Molly did, I still consider him family and should he ever need me, I'd be glad to help him however I can. Please?" His voice broke at that, and he turned to his son and pulled him into a hug.

Daphne's heart broke at the sight and she had to reinforce her occlumency barriers to prevent her eyes from watering. She'd known something like this would occur and had planned to simply brush it off and leave it to Harry for later, but now she found herself wanting to ease their pain. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and put her hand on his shoulder. Arthur turned at the movement and looked at her in confusion.

"I can't offer forgiveness, because it's not mine to give," she said softly. The man's face fell but he nodded. "However, I like to think that I know Harry pretty well, sometimes too well, in fact," she said with a wry smile. "It took him a long time to learn that he wasn't responsible for other people's actions, and some days he still has to work at it." She looked the man in the eye. "You didn't know, Mr. Weasley. You treated Harry out of the goodness of your heart. And while your wife and youngest children broke him down, his friends, your twins included, helped build him up. I think the question you need to ask yourself is not if Harry can forgive you, but if you can forgive yourself. And when you do, we'll be there. We're always there for our family."

Arthur wiped his eyes and squeezed her should in thanks. Turning, he stood tall and headed toward the floo. "Thank you," his son said feelingly, before he too disappeared in a whoosh of flames. Deciding she'd had enough emotional outbursts today, Daphne quickly followed them into the flames, eager to see her boyfriend.

-line break-

Harry was bored. Like, really bored. After the excitement about his discovery had died down, he'd found himself oft alone and lacking anything to do. A pile of quidditch magazines sat beside his bed, but he'd read them already. Daphne had spent most of the morning with him, but she'd left for the trials hours ago. Ragnok was busy, as was Griphook. Susan and Neville were back at school and keeping an eye on things. The twins were attending the trial in support of their father. Amelia and Augusta were there as well. So that left Harry alone with his thoughts, which were super boring.

At first he tried to nap, but he'd slept all night and was well rested. Next he turned to his discovery, but he'd already set the goblins on finding the ingredients he'd need. For now all they could do was wait. After that he tried to read, but his attention wavered after twenty minutes. Finally admitting defeat, he sat up in frustration and ran a hand through his hair.

"Is the poor human growing tired with his cushy life," a snarky voice asked from the entryway. Looking up, Harry found himself grinning. Ironfist had come to visit.

"You honor me, great teacher," Harry said respectfully in Gobbledygook, wandlessly changing the Goblin's hair to a bright pink.

"How insulting," the goblin responded, casting a colorless spell at his former student. Unbeknownst to him, Harry's eyebrows started to grow, slowly at first until they covered his entire forehead.

"I try," Harry quipped, casting a spell that would only allow the goblin to walk through a doorway backwards.

"You always were a failure," the goblin said nonchalantly, animating the eyebrows to start dueling each other for space. He also cast a spell that would make Harry squawk like a chicken whenever a house elf appeared.

"What can I say? It's the human in me." Harry gave up the pretense of secrecy and sent a bright pink spell towards his mentor, who dodged it easily.

"You've gotten sloppy," Ironfist said with a feral smile. "You know what happens to those who get sloppy."

When Daphne arrived a few hours later she came upon the scene of what could only have been a well and true prank war. Harry's eyebrows had detached from his face, grow several feet, and then had been used to bins him to the bed. His skin was pink with purple stripes, he seemed only capable of speaking backwards, and for some reason he kept going cross eyed.

On the other side of the room, Daphne found the instigator of the war. Ironfist was dressed in a muggle ball gown, complete with chest. On his shoes were glass slippers that kept flashing different colors. His hair had been grown out down to his ankles and charmed pink. It reminded Daphne of several muggle fairy tales that Harry had told her about, especially the fact that the goblins legs had been replaced with fins, like those found on a mermaid.

Hiding her amusement, she put her hands on her hips and scowled at the two men. Both took a break from staring at each other (though Harry was having a hard time with it due to being cross eyed) to give her large, innocent smiles. At that she lost her fight and began to laugh uproariously. Ragnok, hearing the sound while walking by, popped in to check on things and soon began to laugh with her. He'd never seen his best trainer so thoroughly…feminized. He secretly promised himself to save this memory in his pensieve for later viewings.

After laughing for several minutes, and sneaking several pictures on her muggle camera that had been a gift from Harry, Daphne took pity on the menfolk and began to undo the curses. Twenty minutes later she was growing frustrated. Both boys had somehow changed the spells to not react to a simple finite but instead to a password, and neither of them were able to tell her what they were. When she asked Ironfist he began to hiccup, and when she asked Harry he began to dance the Macarena (which was very difficult to do while one's eyebrows tied them to the bed).

Ragnok, having seen the situation for what it was, had called for a curse breaker from above. The man who showed was dressed in black robes that matched his tied back hair. He moved with a cat-like grace, and when he smiled at Daphne his large canines came into view. She hadn't known that Gringotts employed vampires.

"Ms. Greengrass, I'd like to introduce you to Stephan, our best curse breaker, currently on loan from our South American branch. If anyone can undo this mess, it's him."

Steeling herself, Daphne stuck out her hand. Stephan grabbed it with gentle fingers and gave it a chilling kiss. Since his heart didn't beat his lips were freezing cold.

"Pleased to meet you," the man purred. From his bed, Harry narrowed his crossed eyes and began to squirm.

"And you as well," Daphne replied with a smile. She had to admit, Stephan was cute. From his bed, Harry began shouting, but instead of words coming out he began cursing in ancient Egyptian. Damn that meddlesome goblin and his sneaky ways. "I appreciate the help. I'm afraid this is a little out of my league." She gestured over her shoulder to the wizard and goblin and the vampire smiled, sending shivers through her spine.

"I have no doubt that you could solve this situation with ease, my lady, but since I'm here I may as well make myself useful." Turning first to the goblin he began chanting in Latin. Slowly but surely, Ironfist's hair shrunk back to its normal white wisps, the dress disappeared (leaving a naked goblin, which Daphne never ever wanted to see and would probably give her nightmares), fins became legs, and shoes disappeared. Handing the embarrassed goblin a robe, Stephan next turned to Harry, who was attempting to scowl at him.

Stephan seemed to sense the source of his irritation and took great delight in sending Daphne a wink before getting started on his work. To her horror, Daphne actually found herself blushing.

An hour after Daphne had walked in on the terrible twosome, Ironfist and Harry were finally back to normal. Well, almost normal. For some reason Harry kept clucking randomly, but Stephan assured her it would wear off eventually. Bidding goodbye, Stephan brought Daphne's hands to his lips and gave them a soft kiss. Smirking at the blush covering her face, he sent Harry a smug smile before stalking out of the room. Watching him leave, Daphne sighed, Harry glared, and Ragnok laughed.

"You'll find that many have the same reaction. Vampires elude a natural charm that helps them find prey. Not so good for wizards, but many a witch have been known to succumb to his charms." For some reason this didn't seem to make Harry any happier, but Daphne looked a little relieved.

Changing the conversation, and promising revenge on flirty vampires, Harry quizzed his girlfriend on the outcome of the trials.

"Life in Azkaban for Molly, fifteen years in the low security sector for Ginny."

"That seems harsh?"

Daphne shook her head. "Turns out there was more in the mix than we thought. Molly admitting to giving you loyalty potions up through third year, geared towards Ron and Ginny, but especially Ron. That along with the amortentia had the panel in an unforgiving mood."

Harry thought for a moment, then nodded. "Good, though I feel bad for poor Arthur."

"He stopped me after the trial, you know. Apologized right in front of the crowds and reporters. Poor man was actually in tears."

Harry looked uncomfortable at that. "I hope you were nice to him."

"Don't worry prince charming, your reputation is safe. I assured him he had nothing to be sorry for."

"Good. He may be blind to his wife's antics, but he's a good man." Daphne smiled at the conviction in his voice and leaned in to give him a kiss.

"So are you."

"So, is everything ready for tomorrow?"

"Yup. We'd best get there early, too. They're expecting quite a crowd."

"Excellent. It's about time he got what was coming to him."

"Indeed," Ragnok added.

-line break-

"Wow." He'd expected a crowd, but this was just insane. Harry and Daphne had left Gringotts with a goblin guard at ten that morning and made their way to the ministry via floo. Inside was a madhouse. Apparently the court room had filled quite early and now people were packing into the lobby to try and hear what would be a famous trial. After all, it wasn't every day that the famous leader of the light was charged with plotting against the boy-who-lived.

Charging forward, they fought their way to the elevators only to be confronted with an auror blockade.

"Courtroom's full," the auror said, sounding as if he'd repeated himself a thousand times already. "You'll have to listen in on the WWN," he finished, not even glancing in their direction. The poor auror looked quite harried, so Harry didn't take too much offense.

"Thanks, but I think they'll find room for me."

"Oh," the auror snarked, "and just who do you think you-," the auror finally turned and caught side of their party, paling at the intensity of the goblin guards. Harry hadn't been keen on bringing them, but Ragnok had insisted. "Oh," he said meekly.

"Oh indeed. Could you please let us through?"

"Of course my lord, my apologies." The auror quickly stepped aside and let their party of eight (Harry, Daphne, and six guards) into the elevators. A quick ride up and they were back into the mayhem. Early risers, reporters, and everybody else and their mothers were on the floor, packed around the court room doors. Sighing, Harry signaled for the guards to make their way inside. It might be too flashy for his tastes, but it got the job done.

The court room was just as packed as outside, and the noise level only rose when the audience spotted Harry and his entourage. Grimacing, Harry grabbed Daphne's hand and pulled her toward the inner stands that were reserved for Wizengamot members and those involved in the trial. Upon emerging on the court room floor they all sighed in relief as the silencing spell blocked out the crowd's considerable noise.

"Bunch of vultures, they are," a voice to his right said. Spotting Lord Abbott, he smiled.

"Is it always like this?"

"No, almost never, but this isn't an ordinary case, now is it? Normally a small panel of Wizengamot members and ministry officials sit in judgement, but today the whole Wizengamot has turned out to vote. Cyrus asked me to tell you to sit where you sat when you took up your titles. It'll make quite a statement. Ms. Greengrass, you'll find that my wife and daughter are have saved you a seat." He pointed to the front row of seat on the balcony above.

"Thank you Lord Abbott," Harry said.

"Please, call me Phil. And you're very welcome." He shook hands with them both and returned to his seat.

Turning to each other, Daphne and Harry kissed like they'd never kissed before. It was full of desperation and support for each other. "Keep your head up and stick to the plan," Daphne said calmly.

"You too princess," Harry replied. One last kiss later and they split apart, Daphne taking half the goblin guards up to the balcony with her, and Harry taking the other half over to the seats reserved for the twelve. Augusta was already in her seat and was chatting with Amelia, who was leaning over the railing to talk to her.

"Morning ladies."

"Harry! I thought the healers said you would be down for another day."

He gave her a suave grin. "They did, but they let me out early for good behavior. What can I say? I'm just naturally charming."

It seemed that his charms didn't apply to Amelia or Augusta, who both swatted him on the back of his head.

"Getting into trouble so soon?" Harry turned to the newly arrived Cyrus and gave him a mock pout.

"They teamed up on a poor defenseless student! And these ladies are pillars of our community?" He got the laughs he was looking for before the conversation turned more serious.

"Speaking of pillars of the community, what are we expecting in regards to Dumbledore's defense," Cyrus asked Amelia, who sighed in response.

"He's chosen to represent himself, which isn't all that surprising. By the time the trial ends he'll have said so many words that will tell us nothing that we'll be happy to see it end no matter the outcome."

Augusta nodded. "He certainly is talented in answering questions without giving you any answers."

Amelia nodded in agreement. "Yes, and that's the problem. I have no doubt that we'll nail the wanker on something, I'm just not looking forward to all the word play it will take to get there."

"Well, if everything goes to plan you shouldn't have that long a wait." He received three curious looks.

"What do you mean?"

"You'll see." Seeing madam Marchbanks enter the courtroom, the group were forced to accept that answer and take their seats. They all hoped Harry had an ace up his sleeve.

Luckily for them, he did. After Madam Marchbanks called for order and heard Dumbledore's plea of not guilty, Harry stood. Heads swiveled around to stare at him as he caught Madam Marchbanks' eye.

"Lord Potter, you wish to speak?" She didn't sound at all pleased with the interruption but Harry's status allowed him that right.

"I do, your honor. You see, I have no doubt that Albus Dumbledore is guilty of the crimes against my person, and have no desire to sit here all morning and listen to him evading the prosecution's answers. He has been implicated by two people, Mrs. and Ms. Weasley, whom the courts have found guilty of their crimes. Evidence has been gathered against him that cannot be denied. He has been implicated in one of the greatest crimes in our nation."

Another member of the Wizengamot, and one of Dumbledore's staunchest supporters, Elphias Doge, stood and interrupted Harry, making a very large faux pas. "Surely you aren't suggesting we listen to the words of some boy and just give a verdict of guilty and throw a man in Azkaban without giving him a trial? Or are our basic rights now just suggestions?"

Harry merely raised an eyebrow at the man. "If you'd let me finish, you'd know that I'm asking for no such thing. Or are you suggesting that a member of the twelve would go against this body and ignore the laws it so studiously passed upon the creation of our government? On another note," Harry continued, not giving the man time to respond, "It's interesting that you ask if I'm going to throw Dumbledore in Azkaban. Apparently you too see that he's obviously guilty. You must have freed your head from his…grasp." The pause let everyone know that grasp wasn't exactly the term implied.

"What I was saying, as is my right as the victim of the crimes and as a member of this auspicious body, is that the evidence presented and obvious guilt of the defendant don't give me the right to sentence him on the spot," here he shot a glare and the angry and embarrassed face of Elphias Doge, "but it does give me the right to request that the defendant be administered veritassium."

A buzz swept through the courtroom as his words registered.

"If I may," Dumbledore said, standing and gesturing grandly, his grandfatherly facade in full bloom.

"Actually," Harry cut in, "you may not. As former Chief Warlock you are obviously aware of the law that states that with enough evidence is present veritassium can be administered. You should also be aware that the only person who can decide this is the judge. Your opinions, therefore, are neither wanted nor required." Finishing his rant, Harry silenced Dumbledore and turned to Madam Marchbanks, who appeared to be thinking.

Finally she spoke. "While I cannot say I condone the disruption of my courtroom or the silencing of the defendant without due cause," here she gave Harry a glare, "Lord Potter is correct in his statement of the law and its implications. Aurors, administer the veritassium."

Dumbledore was rapidly paling as the aurors approached. His wand taken from him, he resorted to physical violence to try to escape his fate. Rolling their eyes, the aurors simply stunned the man, placed the three drops in his mouth, and then enervated him.

Amelia gave Harry a great beaming smile and went to town asking questions about all of Dumbledore's dirty little secrets. By the end of the day the persisting thought that Dumbledore was a true light wizard was well and truly crushed. Not even his staunch supporter Doge voted innocent for him, though he did abstain. The panel quickly found him guilty of all charges and were about to sentence the defeated man when Harry stood once more.

"Yes Lord Potter?"

"Madam Marchbanks, honored members, I speak before you in the light of Dumbledore's misdeeds not as a lord or student but simply as a wizard. You see, magic is a gift, a great gift, and one that can be used both for good and for evil. It is of no question what Dumbledore used his for. I hasten to point out that I was not the only one affected by his crimes. However, I am the only one in a position to request a specific punishment."

"And what might that be?"

"Magic is a gift, a gift that he used most horribly. I request that in light of his actions, this gift be taken away from him. In short, I request that his magic be bound so that he can never use it to harm another. Thank you."

As he sat down to shocked whispers, the panel deliberated. Harry simply sat by and watched, knowing they would eventually grant him his request. And indeed, moments later, the movement was passed and Dumbledore was led out to a ministry cell, where his magic would be permanently bound.

As the trial ended he made his way to his girlfriend and pulled her close.

"We did it," she whispered to him. "It's over."

"Almost," he said, talking mostly to himself. "Almost."