[a/n0]Does Snape hate Harry because he's a DE or is he a DE because he hates Harry? Ahh the proverbial chicken-egg boys and girls.

[a/n]Here we look in on the postwar era.

Harry Does Different CCCVI

Order of Merlin

"How was the months-long honeymoon?" Susan Bones asked of her visitor.

Harry Potter grinned, gave his longtime schoolmate a warm embrace and a kiss "We saw fifty cities on six continents. Things I never did as a kid. Next time I think we'll do a year away and stay longer in some places."

"You rushed home and the first place you visit is a stogy Wizengamot office?" she observed teasingly "Mrs. Potter should think the sex was poor." And gave a delighted smile at the reaction.

It took some time for Harry's blush to fade and recover his power of speech "Anyway! NO. I'm here on business. You're on the Judicial Subcommittee."

"Harry Potter paying attention to government?" she mocked him gently "I'm impressed! Noooo. That's Granger knowledge."

He rolled his eyes "Of course it is. Why I let her sit the Potter seat except for formal occasions where my presence is expected. I'd rather be playing Quidditch."

"I know. I know. Don't get all testy on me." She gave an amused smirk "So what can I do for you? I assume this is business then?"

He nodded "And it's probably not going to be popular. And I bet it's a lot of work too."

"Sounds serious, but we're here to do what's best for everyone." The answer was a little hypocritical and they both knew it.

The response pushed him to bluntness "Alright, Sue, Peter Pettigrew got a Order of Merlin First Class at the end of the First Voldemort war…good job, no twitch…The little bastard was a lying cowardly Death Eater. Without him, maybe Cedric Diggory would also still be alive too. I'm probably playing what if a bit too much and someone would've got him a body back about that time anyway. But the point is it wasn't ANYONE. It was someone the Wizengamot and the Ministry as a whole recognized as a hero who helped bring down that sick fuck in 81. That's a lie Sue!"

"Such passion." She observed with a tilt of her head and a grin. Then frowned in thought "Well, OOMs can start in my committee, though it's a little irregular. Usually the Military Committee handles that, but I understand why Hermione pointed you this way. What you're proposing is ugly with a capital UG."

To this he frowned and snapped "Why?"

"Some of the faces have changed." Susan explained "But, Harry, the basic of government hasn't. it took Fudge being out of office to get your Godfather a pardon and it was after he was dead and only in the aftermath of that very public Ministry fight. A lot of people are going to have to admit they were wrong in voting to award the absolute top prize for heroism Britain has to bestow."

Harry slapped the arm of the chair he was in "But dammit Sue! Wouldn't they want it back?"

"In theory sure." She acknowledged readily enough "But consider, we still didn't get every Death Eater out of positions of power after the Second Blood War. And there's the reality of politics, it takes two-thirds of a committee to recommend a OOM. It's going to take three-quarters to take one back. The other requirement is you'd need at least a majority of those who voted for the original award. The Minister for Magic could veto it."

This time, the arm snapped off in his grip "You make it seem there's no point even starting! Sorry."

"No Harry I just wanted you to be aware this won't happen tomorrow." Susan began coolly "Don't worry about the chair. A little Elf magic and it'll be fine. I'm telling you, babies could be conceived and born between my first reading and a real vote."

Swallowing his anger Harry said "Well, thanks for listening Sue. Bye."

Abcij

"For what purpose does the gentlewitch seek recognition?" asked the Chairman about a month later.

Susan spoke for the record "Mr. Chairman I have a new bill before the Wizengamot."

"The clerk will read the title." Ordered the Chairman.

Clerk stated "Bones bill #9 for LY2001 for the purpose of addressing certain Order of Merlin matters."

"House Bones is recognized."

Susan coughed briefly nervous "Mr. Chairman on behalf of Harry Potter, and in his name, I ask this committee take up the revoking the great honor of the Order of Merlin First Class from Peter Pettigrew. In the aftermath of the Second Blood War Sirius Black was cleared of the mass murder of Pettigrew and twelve muggles with evidence provided by Duke Potter." She paused, seemingly to take a breath "This meant the posthumous Order of Merlin award was given under the false assumption he actually was dead. When in fact he deliberately hid in animagus form among people in a position to be aware of signs of the Dark Lord's return. That second rise, begun with the cold-blooded murder of Cedric Diggory, and climaxing in the bloodbath we call The Battle of Hogwarts. The honor is undeserved and indeed a stain on this body that must be rectified."

"House McNaught desires to co-sponsor this legislation." An elderly witch rose and declared in a cracked voice.

A youngish wizard stood "I rise in opposition and would know the reason why. McNaught favored inclusion of Pettigrew among the honored of Merlin."

"Now is not the time for debate." Ruled the Chairman "Bones will control time for the affirmative. Nott will control the negative. Three hours for initial discussion. The clerk will put it on the calendar. Next new business?"

Abcij

Nobody really paid much attention to bills working their wearisome way through committee, especially given how many of them tend to die there. Not even when Ginny Potter sat quietly in the observers' balcony of the hearing room being used by the Judiciary Committee.

"By vote of 11 – 6" the Chairman announced "The Committee sends to the full Wizengamot the bill to strip Peter Pettigrew of the noble Order of Merlin First Class. The Chair recognizes Baron Nott."

The man stood "I wish the record forwarded to show the Committee did not meet the three-quarters majority vote required."

"Countess Bones? A response if any?" inquired the Chair.

Susan rose "Thank you. Indeed my Lord is correct. However, the law does not stipulate a supermajority in committee. Only that the FULL Wizengamot do so when considering the dishonorable behavior. The record will include the vote. I think our illustrious peers can do basic arithmetic."

"I think our illustrious peers can do basic arithmetic." Ginny quoted to Susan after the hearing concluded, then burst into laughter "You sounded more pompous than Nott!"

The other redhead snorted "We should be offended by your commonness, woman! Begone! Now, no pun intended, BUT that is definitely NOT a happy man. He pulled every reasonable, logical, rational argument during committee hearings. That having failed, it will only get uglier from here."

Abcij

"Madam Speaker" Lord Nott was still the main opposition to what had in the past weeks become a very public fight "I frankly think it is time to put up or shut up, to put it crudely, the clerk has my amendment."

Augusta Longbottom ordered "The clerk will read the amendment."

"Nott Amendment #1 to Bill to Strip Pettigrew of Order of Merlin First Class." Clerk reported the title, then explained the text "The proposal, in addition to stripping honoree Peter Pettigrew of all honors and merits associated with our nation's highest award, the cash award paid must be forfeited to the Ministry forthwith. This in accord with Statute 12 Section 3 Paragraph 5."

As the two main proponents, Harry and Susan were sitting close and conferring in rapid whispers.

"Madam Speaker" Lord Nott again spoke "I direct the attention of this body to the balcony. To the woman who has been without her son for over two decades, through no fault of her own. Mildred Pettigrew. Whose only solace has been the benefit received in the honor due her lost boy."

Susan yanked Harry back into his seat and spoke harshly if private, then sought recognition "Madam Speaker, parliamentary inquiry? What is the cash value of the Order of Merlin First Class?"

"There have been many presentations the last few years, Lady Bones." Augusta was slightly reproving "You yourself hold a Second Class. The First includes an award of GG100,000."

Susan nodded accepting the rebuke "I was asking for the record, Madam. Now I speak for my colleague who I've found it necessary to silencio. We do support Lord Nott's amendment. Lord Potter was orphaned by the cowardly actions of Pettigrew, of which the Wizengamot will hear full testimony. And, to be honest, my friend feels why exactly should family of a craven traitor profit from what deprived him of so much?"

Harry Potter was the star witness in the trial that followed. Nothing in the Statutes prevented him from voting when it came time to decide. Perhaps the most poignant was when Mrs. Pettigrew testified.

"Tell us about Peter." Said a compassionate Lord Nott.

She offered a sad smile "A good boy. Always tagging around behind that naughty Potter and his crew. But it's good in a way for boys to get into a bit of trouble. He never seemed, as a little one, particularly powerful. So when he showed me his Animagus I was astonished and so very proud. Knowing he was working with Headmaster Dumbledore against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and one of his most important advisers! Well what mother wouldn't be thrilled? All this is such a nightmare. That nasty Black."

"Thank you Mrs. Pettigrew. No more questions." Lord Nott concluded.

Ginny was usually quite happy on the Quidditch pitch, with less interest in government than her husband. She did have the legal right to sit in the Potter box. Today she did, with strict orders from Susan to keep Harry on a short leash.

"So, despite everything we've seen and heard, Mrs. Pettigrew" Susan was the harsh prosecutor "you believe Mr. Pettigrew was the great hero? And Cedric Diggory died of what? An accidental blast-end skrewt?"

The witness stiffened "I had nothing but sympathy for The-Boy-Who-Lived. But it's obvious to me I should have taken Miss Skeeter and Madam Umbridge more seriously. And, no, I do not believe that lie of my son murdering that poor boy. As for 81? Well any fool can see the Potter brat has been thoroughly cunfundused by either Black or that werewolf Lupin …how Dumbledore let such a creature teach children I'll never know."

"I'll point out that creature, as you call him Mrs. Pettigrew, was at one time one of your son's closest friends." Susan cut in.

She snapped back "Don't tell me about my son! All I have of him are my memories!"

"And a six bedroom house." Susan sneered at her "Bought with, as was quite eloquently expressed, money that was undeserved. Profit made on the bodies of the parents of an innocent baby. One who survived by the barest luck and some ancient magic."

Mildred Pettigrew was equally resentful "Brat girl. Who are you to tell me I shouldn't have a few comforts in my old age? Especially my son whose memory you miserable lying lot are trying to besmirch?"

"Yes, a standing order for century-old firewhiskey from Ogden's." Susan opened a folder and flipped a page, then another "The Wizengamot can also see pictures of how your home is furnished. Completely outside your normal means, well except for a certain award. And tell me, is it necessary for a widow mourning her dead son to own silver service for twelve?"

The witness suddenly burst into tears and fled from the chambers screaming "YOU HATEFUL BITCH!"

Abcij

"You've all seen the projection memories I've offered." Harry was concluding the case in a carefully crafted speech "It is corroborated by Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Peter Pettigrew DID betray my parents to Voldemort. He also murdered Cedric Diggory on orders of his semi-resurrected homunculus form. All you have to ask yourselves is if you believe what you've seen. If yes, you must strip Pettigrew of the award he was erroneously given."

Lord Nott got to speak last "In no way has the case against Mr. Pettigrew been proven. And consider this, my peers, the Order of Merlin has existed for five centuries. In that time it has been awarded - - in all three classes - - 104 times. Only four cases of multiple awards. NEVER has it been stained by what my opponents so nonchalantly calls error."

"You may now vote." Declared Speaker Longbottom "Green will be AYE and for stripping Mr. Pettigrew of his honor. Red will be NAY and for allowing Mr. Pettigrew retention of his honor. The 114 members of the Wizengamot have 15 minutes to vote on the matter."

In seconds 14 greens and 10 reds appeared, obviously some made up their minds quite early…..At the five minute mark the score was 30 greens 20 reds, a majority but not as required….The ten minute mark seemed likely, but it was still mathematically possible to fail with 62 greens 25 reds….

"Time has expired. Any member wishing to change their vote?" announced Augusta Longbottom in her most formal tone "Very well, then. I note two abstentions" there was considerable catcalling, which she allowed longer than typical legislative rules permitted "The yays are ninety, the nays twenty-two. A sufficient number of the Wizengamot having agreed, Peter Pettigrew is stripped of the Order of Merlin First Class."

Harry stood "Permission to remind the Speaker, the Nott amendment required forfeiture of the cash award as well. I recommend Wizengamot security be sent to the home purchased with said funds to protect the value and ensure enforcement."

"Are you suggesting an old woman would defy this council?" a voice scoffed.

Harry chuckled sourly "I remind you her son blew up most of a city block. And as far as old goes, so were …by most standards… Grindelwald Dumbledore and Voldemort. I say better safe than sorry."

THE QUIBBLER

Four Aurors Killed

Acting on the recommendation of Lord Potter four of the Ministry's finest, names withheld until families' are notified, were slain last night. They entered the home owned by one Mildred Pettigrew to enforce a Wizengamot forfeiture order. Onlookers report that moments later the well-appointed structure detonated. Nothing is left of it but a crater.

"I have no doubt Mildred Pettigrew is still alive." Harry Potter offered during an interview "Just like her coward son. She may even be an unregistered animagus. The trick worked for Peter."