Je t'aime

by atokkota

For a particularly private woman whom many considered to be the quintessential virginal bookworm she had the Mona Lisa smile of a woman who had a lover. The smile was rarely flashed in public but when it was it made observers question if they had seen it. This story is AU/OCC & what ever you call it when you twist canon.

38. The Star Chamber

Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognise. This is for fun only, please don't sue.

Chapter 38: The Star Chamber

By the first week of teaching in January there was a low mumble and murmur within the normal magical community gossip fuelled by children's letters home advising that the Headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore was unexplainably missing from the top table at Hogwarts. The Professors were all just saying he was away on business but he wasn't seen in London down at the Ministry or around Diagon Alley and he wasn't away with the International Confederation of Wizardry so were was Dumbledore? Those who knew roughly of his current location were not openly talking about the situation but there were a few discussions that were overheard within the ministry so of course the round of Chinese whispers had been set off about the whiskered one.

o0o0o

The Hunt for Delores Umbridge had been unsuccessful for the magical law enforcement. The magical community clearly knew that she was persona non grata numero uno. In the Muggle world the law enforcement officials had gone down a slightly different approach to apprehending her by flagging the woman as person with a known association to terrorist organisations. Not believed to be dangerous but Special Branch should be notified on the 0800 antiterrorism phone number as soon as possible if she was believed to be in your facility or area. The information bulletin about the woman that contained the horrible woman's toady face photo advised that the powers that be did not want her intercepted but rather located and informed of whereabouts.

The 0800 phone number on the bulletin went to a SIS head office where currently there were a mix group of operatives both magical and non-magical enforcement agencies manning the line. The magical operatives were key personnel from the Department of Mysteries who had experience within the muggle world. Ticket agents at all exit ports within the country were briefed via the routine manner and reminded what to do in the case of this person of interest appearing at their counter. The British Transport Police patrol briefings reminded that they didn't want to spook the woman of interest one Delores Umbridge but the intelligence agencies wanted to know what she was up to. Additionally agents from MI5&6 were currently sitting in the key CCTV monitoring stations round the country to see if they could pick her up on a camera feed.

It was highly unlikely that the woman would use Internet booking or an agent since there didn't appear to be a credit card or muggle bank account associated with the woman. The Goblin Nation had declared her persona non grata so there was no way she could access her bank account especially since it had been frozen by the Imperator. Madam Umbridge's access to the magical community was limited unless there were individuals who were sheltering her and that was not likely. Given her odious disposition along with her prior association with Cornelius Fudge the woman didn't have many friends or associates who wanted to protect her. Most people who appeared to be friends or associates the Aurors found to be actually individuals whom she had some sort hold over. When they did get Madam Umbridge before the courts in addition to the kidnapping charges there appeared to be a number of blackmail charges that were going to be added to the charge sheet.

Since Delores Umbridge hadn't appeared during the Christmas New Year period the strategic thinkers in both the magical and non-magical security intelligence services thought that she would be getting desperate and would need to get out of the country. There was little to shelter her here in the UK. It was highly unlikely that the woman would have the skills to blend in well amongst the non magical community given her great distaste for muggleborns so it was suspected she would be noticed by her inability to assimilate into society. She was likely to stick out like a sore thumb if she was like many magical folk. Whether it was due to her dress, behaviour or attitude the intelligence services believed she would slip up and they would get her if they were on the alert for her.

How right they were. It was the Ticket Office staff at the London St Pancras International Train Station that flagged the customer in the 1980's pink Chanel style suit. The woman paid for her ticket in cash. The fact it was a one-way ticket and the cash payment sparked the radar that there was something wrong about this customer that and her obnoxious attitude towards the customer service representative serving her. As soon as the woman had been issued her ticket the young ticket representative called her supervisor. A quick check in the back office reviewing the notice board bulletins and they both agreed it was the woman. The ticket was flagged electronically and the closest British Transport Police officer was nabbed during his routine patrol to inform him they believed they had that person of interest. The CCTV office where closely monitoring her progress through the terminal before her train and were very surprised at how quickly the secret squirrels had appeared on the scene. Apparation and slide along apparation come in very handy for quickly getting around inner London.

It was during the security checks before border control processing that Delores Umbridge was quietly taken to one side for more detailed security scanning since her security profiling alone flagged that she needed further investigation. Just as she was brought into a side office Delores was stunned by an Unspeakable who was there under an invisibility coat catching the woman in the act of pulling her wand. Umbridge had been about to confound, obliviate and imperise to get herself through the security checks and onto the train. Another list of charges that they would be able to tack onto the already long charge sheet waiting for her when they got her into the Aurors' offices.

The last couple of weeks had been rather unpleasant for the Madam Umbridge, as she had to reside in muggle establishments. Of course she hadn't paid for accommodation but she had been doing a large amount of wand work to ensure she was not detected and managed to get regular meals. It had become very clear to the woman that she needed to get out of the country as soon as possible. Oh how she stuffed up the kidnapping, binding and obviation of Hermione Sodding Granger had infuriated the woman. Now that horrible girl and all the other muggle loving sympathises had meant she had been excluded from the UK magical world. Delores hadn't been able to return to her position in the Ministry she would never again reach the heights of Under Secretary.

Oh how she missed the power and authority of her former position in the Ministry of Magic and it was all down to that horrible girl. No matter she would get her revenge she knew she was the Asiatic veela causing all the problems for the ministry and Delores Jane Umbridge was going to make sure Hermione Granger was outed as a dark half breed creature that she was no she was not going to get away with putting this muggle born facade onto the public. If there was any way Madam Umbridge was going to use her knowledge to gain her revenge and if possible reclaim her position back within the magical world.

The Special Branch Officers along with their Department of Mysteries and MI5 colleagues who were involved in the detention and arrest of Madam Umbridge took her to Paddington Green Police Station were another familiar face was to be seen within the cells. However due to the security procedures neither of these two magical prisoners were aware that each other were within the detention cells as they were isolated from the other prisoners.

o0o0o

Thanks to the recent upheaval with the Privy Council ruling to separate the legislative from the judicial systems within the magical the two high secure magical prisoners were currently residing in the high secure muggle detention cells of Paddington Green Police Station. There was some concern about bringing either prisoner into the Ministry of Magic cells until the Star Chamber Court system was up and fully operational. The Ministry of Magic cells were rather full as there had been a backlog of cases over the holiday period since the Wizengamot was not supposed to process judicial cases. The PM office, the Lord Chief Justice, the Justice Secretary and the Privy Council had been working flat out to establish those members of society who could man the courts to provide an independent judiciary service for the magical community.

Monday the 21st of January 2002 had started as a pretty dull day for the news desk when a Ministry of Magic press release arrived at 10am. The News editor, Barry Hardcastle, had read the owl three times before flooing his personal contacts in the Ministry of Magic to find out if this was some sort of joke. Albus Dumbledore had been charged with trespass and other offences under the UK Muggle antiterrorism act. Dumbledore was currently detained in a high security remand facility after been refused bail. The court trial date would be released when set.

"Come On Jonesy. A three line sodding statement. You mean you don't have anything else on what has gone down? Get me what you can and I will pay top price. We need the scoop after Rita getting herself locked up," advised the News Editor to his key personal source within the Ministry of Magic. It wasn't before long Banabus Cluffe was informed by Barry Hardcastle that there was there was a mammoth unbelievably fantastic breaking story of the post war era going down right now. They would have to move fast to get the scoop and all hands on deck were needed. Additionally Cluffe should loosen his grip on the snake fund cause they were going to have to pay top wedge to all their informants. Albus Dumbledore had been charged with trespass and UK Muggle terrorism offenses! There had been some gossip amongst the parents and students of Hogwarts given his disappearance all term but now to hear that he was currently in muggle remand was mind blowing for the journalists. By 10:30am there was an all out flap amongst the press corps and the vultures of the third estate were circling for blood.

The magical press pack soon descended onto the Ministry of Magic trying to find out more details about the shocking news in relation to Albus Dumbledore. The pack found that they were herded into a large briefing room set up in half of one of the ministerial ballrooms where the Minister of Magic would proceeded to provide a detailed briefing to all concerned at 11:30am. The waiting was killing the journalists and soon there was various rumours milling round the converted ballroom. Not only was the local press corps were out and about but also the international corps will there with bells on. This was ground braking international magical news.

The bare facts that Dumbledore had trespassed on a high secure Muggle site on Christmas Day where he was charged under Anti Terrorism legislation and rules. Didn't make enough of an explanation for the magical press corps. The various magical radio stations had been on this story all morning and of course were currently prepared to broadcast the Minister of Magic's briefing live. Round the country many a home or business had come to a complete standstill as they were glued to the radio broadcast. Each song played was just making the tension higher and higher with the commentary separating the songs played repeatedly advising that there was no new news as yet from the ministry and to repeat the that basic overview that Dumbledore had been charged with Muggle terrorism offenses.

"Quiet Down. The Minister will take begin his briefing. Silencio. Minister Shacklebolt."

"Good Morning all. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second has recently signed a Privy Council order separating the magical judiciary from the Wizengamot with the establishment of the Court of the Star Chamber. The new judicial system will initially use judges from the muggle justice system and come under the direction of Lord Chief Justice. Over the last month there has been a detailed focused Privy Council investigation into all the current wizarding legislation and already statutory orders have been passed to remove legislation that does not meet the approval or standards required by the Crown. As per the Charter that established the Ministry of Magic and Statue of Secrecy the Wizengamot is supposed to pass all statutory changes or new legislation for final approval to the Monarch. This fell out practice in 1861. Given our recent turbulent history her Majesty is reimposing her authority, as it seems many of our former leaders kept her uninformed and utilised magic to manipulate the information passed through the formal processes.

I have been appointed the Interim Minister of Magic and I have nominated a coalition cabinet to the Crown for Her Majesties approval. It is expected that there will be a full reform of the Wizengamot with elections in May next year. I expect to be the last appointed Minister as her majesties would like the reestablishment governance with the mandated will of the populace. The Ministry will continue to work to provide services to the magical community of the United Kingdom but now we will be more integrated with the Muggle community. The Statue of Secrecy will remain but we will be modernising to reflect how the world has changed. All legislation will now have to fall into line with the International Treaties and Conventions. There is much to do and an information booklet will be sent to every magical household in the next 24 hours. The media agencies will be provided with this booklet along with a full briefing package this afternoon under embargo until midnight. During this time specialist support will be provided to explain and answer any questions the media has over briefing package so that press corps understands the implications.

Yes Professor Albus Dumbledore has been charged for trespassing on at a designated site the Sandringham Estate Norfolk. Under the muggle laws that we as magical persons as subject of the crown are also bound he has been arrested and charged. Bail has been refused. Since the Star Chamber Courts have only recently been established the current magistrates court cases will start being heard on Wednesday. The higher cases will have their court dates set in two weeks time with the appointment of the Magical Justices of the High Court. Existing Muggle System Judges are currently being selected for their suitability and ability to undertake appointments to the new Court. The first ten magistrates have been selected and will be sworn in tomorrow. Initially the magistrate courts will use the existing courtrooms here in the Ministry of Magic however this will be reviewed to ensure that these courtroom facilities are meeting the requirements of the new judicial system.

At that point the Interim Minister of Magic left the briefing podium and exited the ballroom. The aide who had applied the silencio earlier lifted the silencing charm with a finite incantatem and there was a second of stunned silence before roar of noise. By the end of the radio broadcast most of the UK magical community was stunned by the radical change occurring to their world. Those who had been lobbying for change, the removal of restrictions and greater equality were dancing in the streets when the extraordinary news had finally sunk in. The old pureblood guard decried that the old traditions were going to pot and started to look at their legal options to challenge these latest changes. There were some amongst the legal fraternity that were rubbing their hands together over the amount of business that could be coming their way.

Strange things had happened all over the magical high streets in the UK. As soon as the broadcast had started many had turned up their radios and ensured with the use of charms like the Sonorus it was used to ensure those on the street heard the full broadcast. It was a strange sight to see people standing stock still in the middle of the cobbled street that made up Diagon Alley for the broadcast and this same scene apparently occurred all round the country such as Dovetown and Hogsmeade.

Deputy Headmistress McGonagall had called all the students into the Great Hall at 11:15am as per her advanced notice from Kingsley Shacklebolt so the student population along with the elves and other inhabitants of the grounds were able to hear the historic proclamation.

o0o0o

Hermione Granger had returned to Oxford with two close protection officers from the eagle phalanx on her return to the UK after her stay in Romania. All three had been operating under a goblin glamour so even Mischa did not realise it was her friend Hermione when she was in their shared classes. Oxford's Magical College heard about the radical shake up of the Ministry of Magic in a rather disjointed manner, as not all the students were in classes or magical only sessions at that time. Where possible the broadcast was transmitted in magical classrooms. Students like Hermione Granger who happened to be in the Magical College's Library had been alerted via word of mouth that something big was happening. Hermione with her escort had returned to her accommodation where they listened to the rest of radio broadcast in stunned silence.

When it was broadcast on the lunchtime magical news channel had finished Hermione had sat in shocked silence. She had trigged this was the key thought running through the intelligent witch's brain. Hermione double-checked her unspeakable medallion to check if she was being called into the Ministry of Magic. There was no signal for her. In the end it was one of her goblin protection officers who got news for the curious Hermione. The Imperator wanted to bring her onto the Goblin Nation, as he was worried if some of the old blowhards would link her kidnapping to the radical changes that were transforming the UK Magical Society.

o0o0o

The fall out of this historic announcement created great frustration for Hermione as she felt that she didn't have enough information on what was happening and why, had been sidelined and concerned about completing her degree. It seemed like the whole UK magical community was basically shutting down or grinding down to a halt thanks to the total focus on the implications of the Monday ministerial briefing. The information booklet did little to sooth Hermione's curiosity but it appeared to calm most of the magical population. Kingsley Shacklebolt had to do a state of the nation type speech on the Friday following Announcement Monday as it started to be referred to as the name to remind everyone of the key point in modern magical history. The various media sources all appeared to be rehashing the same information. Those who required further information could apply through the new information office where all it appeared at the moment the general public was getting was a copy of the various statements, the original briefing, a transcript of the state of the nation speech and a copy of the press information briefing. At least this additional information enabled Hermione to get some of her questions answered the media didn't know any more cause they were just re jigging the information releases.

Hermione had found her time in the goblin halls and caverns very restricted by being required to be in the presence of Gornurk. Even with the protection of the Eagle phalanx and the Imperator there were still some of whom that viewed her presence as a slight to their personal honour. Hermione had however utilised her time with the elder goblin statesman by utilising his influence to accessing the extensive goblin libraries and archive halls to source citations to enable her to complete her final assessment pieces. All she really had left for this semester after two weeks in the Goblin Nation was the final end of year examinations. She had complete all the assessment tasks, read all the required readings, and started preparing her revision notes. When the Higher Court Justices were appointed it was announced that Dolores Umbridge was being charged with kidnapping, blackmail and numerous other offences.

In the press there was an outcry for Hermione Granger to show herself to the public to prove that she was safe and well. She did so with a press conference on the main banking floor of Gringotts in the presence of the Imperator and Gornurk. Hermione's stay with the goblin nation had also been a learning experience as she was able to visit and learn more about the hidden goblin culture. When not with Gornurk in his office Hermione could often been found in his wife's domain of their private apartments. Vesha provided Hermione with a rare understanding and insight into goblin culture, as female goblins were not frequently seen above ground in the banking premises or in the magical community.