Finally! Now that I have a proper plot going on I'm finding it harder and harder to finish chapters. Can you tell me how I did with Fudge? He was rather difficult to write as, hence the long wait.

I'm not sure who'll be up next.


55 Fudge

Moody's trial was unsatisfying in that it only fueled to serve the belief that Black could be innocent. What was even more annoying was that Dumbledore seemed to be actually considering the story. It was a disaster. And Black couldn't be innocent, he just couldn't and not least because of how the public would view you.

You were starting to wish that someone had told Harry all about Black so that he could fully understand what he had done as the boy had so far been steadfastly on Black's side and being The-Boy-Who-Lived would make him a useful ally.

There is a commotion outside and Shacklebolt sticks his head in to inform you of the other witness's arrival. He looks very flustered and tired. You nod your approval and ask him to stay as extra and unbiased protection; mostly because you don't think anyone else should be going to sleep right now if you can't.

Shacklebolt sighs, "Alright Sir, should I go in and watch over Black then; make sure he doesn't try anything?"

"Hmm. Yes good idea." He nods respectfully and closes the door. You sink into a chair and wait for Harry to come in; Moody should have told him to by now.

After waiting a few more moments of trying to avoid Dumbledore's piercing gaze the door opened.

"Uh, Mr. Moody said you wanted to talk to me next."

"Yes and he certainly took his time about it." You huff.

"Yeah, umm, want do you want to know?"

"Just tell us about any interactions you've had with Mr. Black, Harry." Dumbledore says pleasantly; he's still acting like this is a game or something.

"Ok, well I met him today after we, err me and Ron and Hermione, followed Professor Lupin through the fire"

"Which you did why?" Snape sneers at him.

"Well I'd only just heard about Sirius supposedly betraying my parents and it seemed like a good idea." But that would mean that he knew about everything Black did and still trusted him. Unbelievable.

"How did you hear about the betrayal?" Albus sounds only a little interested.

Harry pauses for a moment then answers hurriedly "Ron and Hermione overheard –

Albus stares at him over the rim of his glasses and raises an eyebrow.

"Alright, I snuck into Hogsmeade with Ron and Hermione and we overheard the minister," he nods at you, "Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Hagrid telling Madam Rosmerta about it."

Dumbledore turns to stare at you. You groan at your carelessness; that's the last time you try to impress a woman.