Invisible

Chapter 37

sorry its been so long since its last update :) but hey its done now lol hope you enjoy it x

The Situation As It Is

Cornelius Fudge, former Huffelpuff graduate of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, sat down terrified. The manacles wrapping tightly around him. Binding him to the chair, like they did for all criminals. Not that Fudge would have gone anywhere; his entire form was shaking and his normal immaculate blonde hair messy. If he stood up unaided he'd have crumbled to the ground. His eyes were wildly looking around; you could almost see his mind trying to comprehend how to get out of this situation. Unfortunately for him, there was no way out of this. The world wanted blood for the actions against their once again golden boy.

The stares he was receiving from everyone, including the Wizengamot were making him turn a pasty white colour. He had for one second hoped, to have at least Dumbledore on his side. They had worked together, during his terms as Minister of magic. Albus had struck up a comradeship, which hadn't stopped even when they announced Voldemort was back. That had only been because Albus had sworn he wasn't after his job through. The old man had known him well after all. Here he was now, glaring at him, with those blue disappointed eyes. Eye's he'd hated even as a young boy, the way they twinkled had never been natural. They were twinkling happily as if measuring you out for your coffin. They'd given him the creeps; they were no less intense now.

"Interrogator: Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Court Scribe Percy Ignatius Weasley and Brian Sanchez as lawyer for defence." said Madam Bones, they were missing quite a few people, and since Fudge and Umbridge were bound for prison she was the sole interrogator. A new Minister and secretary would have to be found. Now that they were in a war, it wasn't looking good. In fact the world had become a dangerous place; Fudge had royally screwed them all over. Not just Nicolas Potter, the world didn't have a leader, without it - it would crumble. Amelia was staring at him without emotion, doing her job despite the feeling she had for the Ex- Minister of Magic.

"So the charges!" Said Madam Bones, placing her monocle on her eye and unrolling a piece of parchment. Before stating in a non judgmental voice the changes Fudge was being called upon.

"Endangered Underage students, by allowing a banned object to be used"

"Sighing off to allow Dolores Umbridge to torture students, by means of a Blood Quill"

"For handing over an illegal Blood Quill, to a member of the community" truth be told they should have been destroyed. Something she was going to have to look into, hopefully she wasn't about to find a stash of illegal items in Fudge's office. Damn, she realized she should have had his office and house searched. For all they knew he should be brought up on more charges.

"For being the causing Nicolas Potter is magically drained and in a coma,"

Once the changes had been called, she walked over to Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mad eye Moody. She whispered so low nobody else could overhear, even in the deadly quiet room. "I need you to search his office and house, Jasmine will get you what you need." she said backing away. When they nodded to her, she nodded back before resuming her role as sole interrogator.

"You are Cornelius Fudge are you not?" asked Madam Bones, the Minister's address were never known. It was much too dangerous to allow it, only the heads and secretary's of the departments were privy to that information. All public information was expunged, including even their Hogwarts acceptance letters. Even if they didn't live there anymore.

"Yes I am," said Fudge licking his dry lips nervously, his mind was racing. Everyone feared Azkaban for a reason, those that didn't - let's just say they had to already be insane. Fudge was no means insane, but he was insanely terrified of what was coming.

"How do you plead to the charges?" asked Madam Bones, who was obviously not playing around. Normally she'd ask a few more questions, and if they deny them or not. Brian Sanchez remained very quiet, as if trying to mould himself to the chair. He was obviously going to do nothing to defend Fudge, just as he'd done with Umbridge. Bones realized she'd have to speak to him about professionalism. Guilty or not they were right to a defence, which he wasn't giving them.

"It's extenuating circumstances," said Fudge not answering, "I had a choice to make that affects us all."

"What would that be?" asked Madam Bones dryly.

"Nick Potter needed training," said Fudge soothingly, as if he was speaking to a toddler. His brow was still sweating rigorously, and he could do nothing about it as it ran down his face.

"And you thought you'd be the one to ensure it happened?" asked Madam Bones.

"Objection, your twisting my client's words," said Brian standing up, for the first time.

"Did you or did you not give Dolores Umbridge permission to use a blood quill?" asked Madam Bones nodding to Brian, before facing Fudge once more.

"I signed something," said Fudge hesitatingly, and haltingly. He was obviously trying to buy himself some time.

"Don't tell me you signed something without looking at it?" said Madam Bones dryly, "Exhibit A, the contract Cornelius Fudge signed, giving Dolores Umbridge permission to use a blood quill."

Percy Weasley, hastily handed it over to the first Wizengamot member, it was passed around for them all to see.

"Did you or did you not read it?" asked Madam Bones exasperatedly.

Fudge slumped into his seat, he knew he wasn't getting out of it, "Yes." he admitted.

"So you did consent to the of a blood quill?" asked Madam Bones.

"Object my client has already given you an answer," said Brian standing up once again.

"If Mr. Potter dies, both yourself and Umbridge will be brought back on murder charges." said Madam Bones, "Now since we have a confession, I suggest we get this meeting over with." unlike the Muggle world, they didn't take days to deliberate. The Wizengamot had a decision to make, within an hour. Even less if they used Veritaserum, which was only used in the worst cases. Torture, death and Murder being the three worst case scenarios that the truth potion was used for.

Amelia Bones looked around, staring into the eyes of every Wizengamot member. She could almost see the sentence staring her in the face. Her voice high and demanding she asked "All those in favour of clearing the accused raise your hand!" she never removed her eyes from them. Waiting with bated breath, for a sentence to be reached.

Nobody raised their hands; the silence was overwhelming to say the least. Most Wizengamot members were stuck between a rock and hard place. They knew they were potentially giving You-Know-Who the potential opening he was probably waiting for. One wrong move from them could see him taking over the Ministry, without them or the public realizing. Until of course as always, it was too late for them to stop. Unfortunately if they let Fudge off, it would be wrong. Their hands twitching, they kept them lowered their minds whirling with the ramifications of their actions.

"Those in favour of the accused being convicted raise your hand," said Madam Bones her voice as always, when speaking to the Wizengamot loud. So she could be heard even at the back.

More than half of the Wizengamot members raised their hands; some of them felt the responsibility was too much. They were abstaining from the vote, but it didn't matter. The results were obvious; Cornelius Fudge was going to Azkaban prison.

Fudge himself was sitting slumped on the seat, or rather as slumped as the restraints would allow him. His brow was no longer sweating, his face haunted and resigned. Wishing with all his might, he'd never listened to Umbridge. Now his life was over, and he was going to be in Azkaban by night end. He'd stopped his wife attending; he didn't want attention drawn to her or his children. They were innocent in this, and he didn't want them to see him being taken away. How he regretted that, he wanted the last thing he saw before Azkaban be her face. He'd miss her, them, terribly. At least they were safe from the war; his manor was extremely well protected. He'd made her promise not to leave once the war truly started. He might be greedy and stupid but his family meant the world to him.

"I'm surprised they aren't here," said Harry, lowering his book, he hadn't paid much attention to the action going on around him. He noticed through that neither the students nor Severus had been called upon. It had been a waste of their time, although the students will be glad for the time off, and getting to see revenge dished on those who'd allowed them to be hurt.

"I doubt they've left the hospital wing," said Severus dryly, aware of whom Harry was referring to. Lily and James, he never said their names if he didn't have to.

Harry just curled his lip before disappearing behind his book again.

The Wizengamot deliberated for quite a while on Fudge's sentence. Arguing was taking place, even by those who'd abstained from voting. They believed he deserves a harsher punishment due to the fact he was held in such a high regard. If he wasn't punished that the people might revolt or protest. Wizarding protests were ugly things, and something the Ministry always tried to avoid. After twenty minutes of deliberating, they finally reached consensus. Albus Dumbledore, who usually ruled the meetings, was standing back letting the others decide. Now you'd imagine it would make them feel lost, without their leader. It wasn't the case at all; they were getting on with it, seeing it through to the end. Considering all and ever angle they could possibly come up with.

Once their decision was made, they removed the silencing spell before sitting forward. Their faces showing nothing, no gloating, happiness nothing just resolution.

"Has a decision been reached?" asked Madam Bones, speaking strictly, to the speaker, the leader of the Wizengamot.

"Consensus has been reached," said Albus his normal twinkle absent as he stared at everyone over his half moon glasses. "We feel with who and what Cornelius was he must be made an example off. We will not tolerate treason, abandonment or illegal activities from our Minister's. We have come to the conclusion that his punishment should be doubled. The accused will be sentenced to twenty eight years in Azkaban Prison."

Fudge paled even more if possible, unable to believe they'd doubled the sentence! He hadn't even been the one to do anything. Swallowing thickly, twenty eight years, he'd never survive. He'd probably die in Azkaban; he'd never see his wife again.

"Can I ask for one thing?" asked Fudge his voice choked and croaked.

"What is that?" asked Madam Bones staring at Fudge in incredulity.

"May I see my wife for five minutes before I'm taken to Azkaban?" asked Fudge his voice trembling just at the mention of Azkaban.

"Very well, take him down to the cells, I shall contact her for you," said Madam Bones.

"Thank you," breathed Fudge in relief. For a man just condemned to Azkaban, he was remarkably calm. Madam Bones would make sure that he was watched twenty four seven. Nobody was that calm after being sentenced to twenty eight years in Azkaban.

Fudge was quickly escorted away by two Unspeakables, and the students were Portkey'd safely back to Hogwarts by Dumbledore. The room quickly emptied, and Harry couldn't get out of their quick enough. He just wanted to brew, train and do what he needed to face Voldemort. It was hard but he realized he had to stop thinking and saying Voldemort. He had to call him something else; he didn't want the Death Eaters to get into Prince Manor. It was his home, his safe heaven, a place where he felt more at home than anywhere else he'd ever been.

Albus Dumbledore landed gracefully, as his students struggles to remain standing. They hadn't even got to say goodbye to their parents properly. "I am deeply sorry I did not see what was going on in this school. I am even sorrier, that I failed each and every one of you." he told them staring them in the eye meaning the apology from the bottom of his heart. "I am even sorrier, that you didn't trust me enough to come to me in your hour of need."

The students stared at the floor, contritely, feeling rather sorry for themselves despite the fact they were the one hurt. Some of them realized Dumbledore was trying to move the blame so he didn't feel bad. Others were stupid enough to not realize what was going on, just continued to stare at the floor.

"When it comes to us Slytherin's headmaster, we've learned you take the side of the teachers and students, especially the Gryffindor's over us. Why would we come to you?" asked Zabini. He wasn't about to be made feel as if it was all his fault.

"Then I have failed you more than I can understand," said Albus morosely, perhaps Severus had been right all along. Maybe he truly was a prejudice old fool. "Go on, return to your common rooms, lunch will be served soon."

"Yes sir," chorused the students obediently, making there to their common rooms. The walk so familiar, they could do it with their eyes closed and blindfolded.

Albus watched them go extremely pensive, was that what every student thought? That he wouldn't care if they weren't a teacher or a Gryffindor? How far out of his reach were they? How could he rectify it? Damn he should have realized this was happening. Unfortunately he'd been too deeply into making sure Nicolas looked up to him to realize. One plan successful and he lost his students trust. A weary sigh left his lips, the price of war weighing heavily upon his shoulders and his conscience. He trudged to the hospital wing, his mind heavy.

"How many years?" asked James Potter the second Albus stepped foot into the hospital wing. There seemed to be no sign of improvement in Nick Potter's appearance or his monitors.

"Dolores received fourteen years, Cornelius twenty eight years," said Dumbledore calmly.

"Good." snarled James viciously; if he had attended he would have ended up on trial for murder. He would have killed the both of them, he almost wanted to quit as an Auror. To make a stand against the Ministry for what they'd done. Unfortunately he couldn't, he was using up his sick days just to stay at his son's side.

"How is he?" asked Albus taking a seat, Lily was sleeping uneasily on a chair, her head resting beside her son's head. He could sense the magic around her, no doubt a silencing spell.

"Same." said James swallowing past a lump that formed rapidly in his throat.

Albus stared at Nick his heart sinking some more, but he took solace that he wasn't getting worse. James had already been pushed to the limit; Skeeters had gotten into the Hospital wing. Demanding answers and pushing him, to breaking point. James had shoved her so hard; she'd been knocked unconscious in the fall. Albus had taken her to St. Mungo's and thankfully she remembered nothing.

"Please son," choked James, "Please wake up, I'm so sorry, so very sorry I need you please…please wake up!" begged James Potter, to his son. The only one he really had left. Harry wouldn't want anything to do with him, and for once James didn't blame him. He didn't even blame him of having to work, because he'd stolen the money. He'd spent along time thinking, about everything analyzing all his memories. He realized he'd neglected his son his entire life.

"Excuse me," said Albus leaving the hospital to give the obviously grieving father privacy he deserved.

It wasn't long before James was interrupted again, an hour later. Sirius and Remus entered the hospital looking drawn and haggard. James heart leapt seeing them. He missed his friends a great deal; he knew they weren't there for him unfortunately. "Remus, Sirius…what are you doing here?" he asked weakly.

Sirius stared at his friend, he was a mess, his eyes were bloodshot and he looked as if he hadn't slept in days. "Do you want us to leave?" asked Sirius unable to help himself. He was still very angry with James, for what he'd done to Harry. So was Remus for that matter, but it didn't mean they stopped caring.

"No," choked James his heart twisting unpleasantly, he'd rather a knife in the stomach than endure this torture anymore.

"How is he?" relented Sirius.

"No improvement, but Poppy is optimistic, no news is good news she says. She obviously hasn't been in this position before." said James bitterly, he normally really liked her, but his son was suffering, and he had to moan about something.

"Why don't you get some sleep? Me and Sirius can keep an eye on Nick for a while." suggested Remus quietly.

James merely shook his head, but he was going to crash and burn soon.

"The news is out, about Umbridge and Fudge." said Sirius awkwardly, as they all sat down near Nick. Making sure not to disturb Lily, who was still sleeping away.

"She didn't get nearly long enough," snarled James viciously.

"I know," said Remus angrily.

"I just don't understand why his magical core split," said Sirius agitated.

James stared at the floor before he admitted in a strangled voice "We trained him during the summer…Umbridge was, then me and Lily were training him during the year again. We were too worried; we didn't even notice what we were doing to our son."

Remus and Sirius sucked in deep harsh breaths at the admission. "Are you out of your mind? Did no one tell you what could happen?" gaped Sirius.

"Didn't you wonder why I didn't let you train him every day this summer but only two days out of the seven?" asked Remus his amber eyes wide in complete horror and astonishment. James and Lily had trained him even after him training Nick during the summer twice a week?

"No," said James shaking his head, "How did you know this when even I didn't? I had to find out after Poppy told me and I nearly killed me son!" his voice angry and self reproached.

"My mother used to preach it all the time, when my uncles and father tried to teach us new spells during the summer." said Sirius grudgingly. He hated mentioning his father; things had been strained when he'd been sorted into Slytherin. Regardless though he'd been a Black, and he'd received the same training as Regulus. That was until he left and never looked back once. His parents were dead now, most of the Black's were.

"I read about it," shrugged Remus, it's why he was always knackered during his school years. When he turned into the wolf, he was essentially using magic from his core to stay alive. It's why he aged so much more than others his age.

Things were tense for everyone, all of them hoping and praying Nicolas Potter would pull through. Word had got out about Umbridge's speech; they were eating it up for breakfast the next day. They believed Umbridge, that Nicolas Potter was responsible for them all. After all if a Ministry official believed it enough to break the law…it had to be true didn't it? Unfortunately they believed everything told to them. They seemed incapable of thinking for themselves. It probably had something to do with Dumbledore. Dumbledore supported the Ministry fully, so to the sheep out there - the Ministry couldn't do any wrong. If the Ministry declared Lucius innocent they'd believe it. Even if they seen him in Death Eater garb, holding a dead Muggle in each hand. That wasn't the only thing in the newspapers the day after the trial.

Cornelius Fudge, Ex- Minister Of Magic Found Dead In Cell

They'd found Cornelius Fudge dead in his cell, it looked like suicide. He'd managed to conceal a poison pill, upon his person. After an autopsy they realized it had been in his tooth. The Muggle Born's realized he'd copied it from the old days, spies used the same thing. Just in case they were caught, they'd rather die than betray their country even under torture. It was all new to the Pureblood's.

The newspaper after that was mostly about Nick Potter and any progress he made. Which ground of Harry's nerves, so much so he'd stopped reading the paper.

"Harry, how do you feel about a party sweetie?" asked Eileen, as much as she'd like to surprise him she wasn't sure he'd like it.

"I don't know enough people to have a party," said Harry surprised, but his heart warmed at the thought. He loved her to pieces and for her alone, he reckoned he'd try and end this war. So she could know peace in her older age that she hadn't as a child or young adult.

"Course you do, it doesn't have to be anything big, just your nearest and dearest sweetie." said Eileen, trying to convince him.

"Well…okay." said Harry smiling at her, his green eyes twinkling blindly.

"Good." said Eileen almost doing a dance - she'd gotten her way again.

"What's good?" asked Severus coming in, "You did well on your quizzes, only one mistake." he said passing over the papers, nodding his head, his onyx eyes glinting with pride.

"Brilliant," smirked Harry accepting them, he was getting better at remembering stuff. Perhaps there had been a point to those quizzes all those times. If you train your mind enough, eventually it did what you wanted it to. Notice things you normally wouldn't, training was a valuable thing.

"Indeed," smirked Severus sitting down in his own eat.

"I was just suggesting a party to Harry, his birthday is fast approaching." said Eileen, hopefully Severus hadn't forgotten.

"I know," said Severus, he'd been wondering what to buy on and off for a while. One month to go, he was cutting it pretty close. Now he had to make sure he didn't buy him the same as the others would get him. Perhaps he should suggest to his mother to make a list. So nobody ended up getting him two of the same thing. It would keep her happy, his mother was always happiest when she was on the move.

"Excuse me," said Harry, he always did when he got his quiz, he placed everything neatly in his room. He was very organized and tidy; it was a good thing where Potions Mastery comes in. untidy lab causes contamination, accidents and all sorts of nastiness. He put Severus to shame when it came to neatness, unless of course they get into something. You'd be able to tell right away. They left a trail of mess wherever they were, until they accomplished their mission. After sleeping it off for hours, they tided up and got back to normal.

Eileen always knew when they were on to something big. It was her turn to be onto something big, she knew Harry's friends, and he spoke about them often. Severus though would have to invite some of the Potion Apprentices and Masters. Perhaps Harry would come further out of his shell, and mingle properly with people on his own wavelength.

There we go soo who wants to see more snarry interactions ;) will harry kiss him or will i wait a few more months before that happens? will Nick get better? will sirius and remus forgive james and they make up? or will they always remain distant? will harry ever forgive them? or will the potters always regret what happened? will we see the death eaters much more diffuclt to take down since harry's training is being upped? would you like to see harry in action in a few chapters? testing his skills out and Dumbledore finally seeing him in action? or will i hold that off for at least another year? while Nick is trained and has the same ability with half the magic :P R&R PLAESE!