[a/n0]Current events note: USA lost a great jurist. If you agree with her, or not. Ruth Bader Ginsberg aka RBG was that.

[a/n]Thought this was going to be my longest 1shot. It got away from me, I even cut out some scenes I'd sketched in my mind. I glanced at some previous word counts and it comes out 6th longest out of the last 100.

Harry Does Different CCCXLVIII

Why Don't You Prove It

"Oh, I think you do, sir." Harry was confronting Lucius Malfoy in the corridor outside the Headmaster's office "I think you slipped that diary into Ginny Weasley's cauldron…that day…in Diagon Alley."

The much taller man stalked menacingly close to the boy, shoved the tattered book into his servant's hand and sneered "You do, do you? Why don't you…prove it?" He stood there for a few seconds, then flicked his eyebrow and turned to leave "Come Dobby."

"Open it." Harry whispered to the pathetic creature "Do it!"

Dobby complied and his eyes bugged out. Inside was treasure beyond measure "Master has given Dobby a sock! Dobby is frrrrreeeeeeeee!"

"I didn- -" Mr. Malfoy was in shock. Worse was the mocking expression on the brat's face. Worst was when said brat lifted his pant leg to reveal his bare ankle. Rage filled him "You lost me my SERVANT! Avadaaaa- - -!

Dobby's hand flashed a bright blue and his face lit up as his former master flew down the corridor. He merely grunted in satisfaction and crossed his arms across his chest.

"Your parents were meddlesome fools too, Potter." Lucius blustered from the distance "One day you'll meet the same… sticky… end." And was gone.

Dobby looked up with worshipful eyes "Harry Potter freed Dobby. How can Dobby repay him?"

"Just pr- -" Harry was about to ask him not to save his life again, but stopped "actually, err, why don't you walk with me. Let's see what we can work out."

The elf was skipping with glee beside his savior "Dobby will follow Harry Potter's orders."

"Friends ASK and friends do because they WANT to." The young wizard was long aware of the horrible treatment the scrawny creature had suffered "What CAN you do? You can apparate in and out of Hogwarts, but that's supposed to be impossible. It's in Hogwarts: A History."

Answering "Elf magic different than human. Dobby not know exactly how."

"Can you show me? Over the summer maybe?" asked Harry "Something better to do than chores for the Muggles."

Frowning "Dobby not liking Muggies. Treat Harry Potter like House Elf." They arrived by the Great Hall, he was reluctant to continue "Dobby not allowed in with witches and wizards."

"Are you my friend? I sit with my friends. Come. If you must, consider it an order." The boy's tone was as inexorable as fate. But he touched the emaciated shoulder lightly "Come on."

Abcij

Boisterous conversation faded as the last student arrived for the last dinner of the school year. First to low talking, then whispers and finally silence. The Muggleborns had never seen the like. Halfbloods, and some of the Purebloods, knew what the creature with Second Year Gryffindor, was. And were curious. Those Purebloods in Slytherin, particularly those of Draco's ilk, were offended.

"Dobby!" the Malfoy heir, as soon as he recognized the elf, was furious "What are you doing here? And with Potter! Go home and slam the oven door on your ears!"

The poor little thing cringed and began sobbing.

"Leave it alone!" yelled Hermione "You loathsome evil cockroach! What is it?"

Harry stepped in front of his new friend protectively "You can't order him about anymore, Malfoy. Your dear old dad gave him clothes.

"Bad little master." Dobby straightened "Great and noble Harry Potter protects Dobby!"

Harry had his back to Draco so he didn't see when his nemesis drew his wand and started a spell. Hermione was in the middle of a disarming spell, which unfortunately, was off target. Ron with a bit of malicious relish, fired "Serpensortia!"

The snake landed right at the Slytherin's feet. Drool dripped from the conjured creature's fangs at the smell of fresh meet. It struck like lightning.

Draco screamed in terror and pain. He kicked his leg, whipping the snake around. A Seventh Year girl, Tracey Davis and Vincent Crabbe went down as the snake became a lash. Professor Snape coolly, and dead-on accurate, fired "Evanesca!" vanishing the conjuration, then "Mr. Weasley, that will be 50 points from Gryffindor for assaulting a fellow student. Same for you Miss Granger, do not think I missed your ATTEMPTED assault. And if school was still in session- -"

"However, it is not, Severus." Professor McGonagall pointed out sternly "I, however, noticed Mr. Malfoy's attempted assault on Mr. Potter. Therefore, that will cost Slytherin 50 points. And I award Mr. Potter and Miss Granger 51 points each for acting to protect a Housemate from a cowardly stab in the back."

The Headmaster coughed delicately and declared "The year concluded I seer that in fourth place, Ravenclaw has 324 points, Slytherin has 371 points, Gryffindor 391 points, Hufflepuff with 404 WINS THE HOUSE CUP!"

Professor Sprout's badgers went crazy.

"Hey Farley!" Hermione whispered sharply to the outgoing Head Girl, she was feeling particularly good about things "You realize that stunt of Malfoy's cost you The Cup?"

Gemma Farley belonged to a light-oriented Pureblood family, but that was a matter of House pride "Silence, little brat!" Behind her unemotional mask, it only took a moment to calculate what the Gryffindor meant. She would take THIS up when the House was back in the dungeons.

Abcij

Harry was searching through the Hogwarts Express for a specific individual. He first came upon a pair of mischief lovers.

"We will" began Fred

George added "avenge you

F:"oh savior"

G:"of our sister!"

"I'm already cooking up a plot." Countered Harry, as his eyes flicked back and forth "But you're missing one of the fundamentals of a good prank."

The twins almost fell out of their seats "How dare you!?"

"You tailor your revenge to your victim." Harry offered in a lecturing tone, waved off their outrage "For instance, get some basic information you need from the best source you have. For my plans, I need to start with your OLDER brother."

F:"Did you"

G:"tell Ron?"

Harry shrugged "He lost interest as soon as I mentioned Percy. What about you two?"

G:"You have

F:"us curious."

"See, I learned a bit about my target and none of your pranks would impress him. Or humiliate him enough. I assume you wouldn't mind targeting Lucius?" Harry's look was inscrutable.

They blinked "You mean of course"

G:"Draco, his son."

"No, I'm going for the top dog." The younger wizard seemed confident. He stopped an older Gryffindor girl "Anna? Hi. You know which compartment Percy Weasley is in?"

The black girl nodded "Sure, Harry, follow me. Just saw a patch of red hair that wasn't female."

"Percy? Got a few minutes?" he asked after opening the door.

The oldest Weasley student looked up with a frown, there were a couple Ravenclaws his age there as well. All three were reading intently. Being annoyed didn't keep him from being observant "I am trying to get ahead on next year's coursework. Why are they with you and not Ronald?"

"Nice to see you too" said Fred

George finished "dear brother."

"Are you interested in getting back at the …umm… person" Harry didn't identify who because of the extra company "who slipped your sister her …ahh… diary."

If anything the frown deepened "How could you POSSIBLY know that?"

"First a question that needs your expertise." He deflected the question "How EXACTLY are House Elves classified in the Wizarding World? Hermione's already taken up House-Elf liberation."

Percy rolled his eyes, and, behind their books so did the Ravenclaws "It is things like THAT that will convince those high up in the Ministry your…errrm…what do I call him? Pal? Draco. That he is justified in using the M word about her."

"Don't distract me." Harry gave a slashing gesture "Dobby!...Dobby, will you repeat what you told me?"

The small creature looked around the compartment, unsure, but after an encouraging nod "Yes, Harry Potter, sir. Bad old master gives evil book to Wheazey chit."

"HEY watch your tone!" ordered both Fred and George in voice "That's our sister!"

Harry saw his tiny friend flinch and goto hit his head on the wall. Instantly restraining he scolded his friends "Let him alone guys. He doesn't know any better. Remember who he's been living under. Dobby, ignore those two and please."

"In bad old master's house. Dobby saw. Bad old master has secret place in floor." The poor elf was sobbing "Bad old master said to bad old mistress, bad book belonged to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

Harry gave the little guy's shoulder a gentle squeeze and dismissed him kindly "You did good, Dobby. Thank you very much. Off you go. Rest up."

"Harry Potter THANKS Dobby!" he was awed. Snapped his fingers and was gone in a puff of smoke.

Then back to "So, Percy, what do you know about House Elves? In the Muggle world people are sometimes disqualified from testifying."

The senior Weasley considered, then nodded "There is some dispute in the matter. Rulings have been on both sides. However, as long as an elf can be proven competent and not ordered to lie."

"Just imagine, guys" Harry was fairly bouncing on his toes "Between what me, Dobby, Ron, Hermione and Ginny know. Can you see a certain someone locked up?"

And had Harry been a little older, perhaps not so biased against only Slytherin, he might have considered the possibility that a Ravenclaw's family might be Malfoy allies. Or more precisely, severely indebted to the Goyles. Though he was furious, Lucius was in Cornelius' office the next day with his silver tongue and pouch of gold. From there, trips to Knockturn Alley and much as he loathed the race, a contract with Gringotts for some rush cursebreaking. Buying the team's silence was even more expensive.

Abcij

"Lucius Malfoy" this was just a formality "I have a warrant to take you into custody and to search your home. Every room."

The Lord of the castle smiled unaffectedly and waved a hand in permission "But of course, Madam Bones. Do come in. My son and wife were just finishing after-dinner tea. Would you care for a cup? Earl grey?"

"Perhaps you had best be concerned with more serious matters." She phrased it as a suggestion.

His smile was nothing short of infuriating "As you say, oh Head of the DMLE. Perhaps Master Auror Moody would care for some?"

"I'll not drink anything a dark wizard pours, Malfoy!" the battle-scarred man snarled. His artificial eye was looking everywhere.

Unconcernedly, Lucius didn't rise to the bait "Dark wizard? Me? I do recall I was cleared of all wrongdoing in 1981. Something about being cursed."

"I recall Potter, a 12-year old at the time throwing off that same curse." Moody taunted "Shame a grown, powerful wizard like yourself couldn't."

That bit deep "Someday you will go too far."

"All I goto is to find ALL your secrets." Moody- was eager, and gloating. He walked off, never turning his back on the suspect.

Narcissa and Draco appeared in the foyer, and the boy acted precisely as instructed, screaming "Daddy! NO!" and throwing himself at the Aurors handcuffing his father. He wasn't deemed a serious threat and Madam Bones only lightly stunned the boy.

Abcij

"And, in conclusion" the Malfoy lawyer was addressing a meeting of the Black Magic Committee of the Wizengamot "not only did the investigating Aurors, accompanied by investigators from the Misuse of Artifacts Department, fail to find dark objects. But, a young boy, whose only crime was impulsively leaping to the defense of his beloved father was brutally assaulted by heavily armed Aurors. Where is justice for Draco Malfoy?"

In the gallery Ron and Harry looked at each other, stuck their fingers in their mouths and gagged. Hermione elbowed Harry in the side and Mrs. Weasley promised punishment to Ron.

"If there is no further discussion" said the chairman "green to refer to the full Wizengamot for trial, red is immediate dismissal."

Lucius Malfoy glared angrily at every green wand.

After voting time expired the chairman ritually announced the results "Does any member wish to alter their vote? The Committee, by a vote of 4-3 with 2 abstentions, the case will be decided by the Committee of the Whole."

"Lucius, this is not good." Mrs. Malfoy perfunctorily kissed her husband's cheek.

Glare fixed on the departing members, he spoke quickly before the guards came to return him to a holding cell. Aware of his position, they waited for the defendant's permission. "Fear not, Narcissa, I had limited influence here. And at that I almost was cleared. Acquittal among my peers is assured."

Abcij

"Uncle Vernon" in #4 Privet Dr. Harry came down the steps and entered the kitchen decked out in his full-dress robes "I have to appear at a trial."

The boy's uncle looked up from his paper "Not likely boy! I want bacon and eggs! Where's my coffee? Get out of those freak things."

"I wasn't asking permission. I was informing you of a fact. And no I don't have time. I probably won't for about the next week, maybe two." Harry's cool tone a sharp contrast to the man's building anger.

His aunt cut in, she was remarkably observant, accusing "A trial you say? Committed a crime, proved our point all these years. Well, don't expect us to taxi you about."

"Hahaha" Dudley was stuffing himself with Corn Flakes.

Facing off against a basilisk and teenage Voldemort left Harry more or less without fear, particularly in Privet. He gave a shrug "Believe what you want, Auntie. I don't feel like riding with either of you. Dobby!"

"Harry Potter sir calls his Dobby." The elf popped in.

Vernon jumped out of his seat with remarkable speed for his size "Wha' tha'ell is THAT thing!?"

"My friend Dobby, he's a House Elf. Some wizards treat them as slaves, but he's free." Explained Harry, making no effort to help with the fallen chair "You sort of met him last year. Remember the pudding incident? Dobby, Courtroom six, Ministry of Magic, please."

Dobby took his hero's hand almost worshipfully and the magicals were gone. The Dursley household wasn't quiet again for several minutes.

Abcij

The trial of Lucius Malfoy took a solid week. Harry was the last witness. After which, the defense spoke first "How can you take ANY of this seriously? The prosecution would have us believe a mentally unstable witch, a boy with a propensity for …well… to be kind, dramatic storytelling. Remember Deputy Headmistress McGonagall testifying about his belief Professor Snape was stealing an immortality stone. And the witness putting things together? A disgraced House Elf. Certainly he would have no grudge against his former owner."

"Madam Bones? Your final statement?" Minister Fudge was less than pleasant to his 'top cop'

She stood and began clapping "Very nice verrrry niiiiice!"

"Enough!" the Minister's complexion reminded Harry of his uncle.

She smiled and half-bowed "Apologies, noble members of the Wizengamot. Ultimately the case DOES boil down to who you believe. I would just change the characterizations given by the defense. I would call Dobby a most loyal House-Elf. A loyalty to something more than his family. His master was plotting to murder an uneducated young witch. The defense all but used the word Mudblood more than once."

The entire courtroom gasped. Though used liberally enough to bully individuals, it was not shouted publicly.

"And besides" Amelia went on after hardly a pause "consider that, one thing about Muggleborns is they come to us without preconceptions. Hermione Granger had NO reason to dislike Draco Malfoy, or his father. And Harry Potter, whose bloodline is even more pure than any of the Sacred 28, his upbringing leaves him as unbiased as any Muggleborn. A last thought to take with you into your deliberations, Lucius Malfoy did NOT just endanger the unimportant poor Mudbloods… as some call them."

A confused din of conversation filled the silence thus created. Where was she going with this?

"A basilisk, one fully as big as any dragon, was set loose by the shade of The Dark Lord!" She fairly shouted her point, then quietly "Could such a monster truly be controlled? It was sheer luck no one died. And while the three who were petrified were Muggleborns, what would have stopped a 60 foot monster from killing everyone it wished? I imagine such a creature has quite an appetite. How many of you have children at Hogwarts right now? I do. Lucius Malfoy endangered EVERY ONE OF THEM!"

The Minister hammered his gavel furiously "That is quite enough Bones! Her entire speech is stricken from the record except for Apologies, noble members of the Wizengamot."

Malfoy's attorney was nervous, but not Lucius, he was arrogantly confident that he had bribed and/or spread the right blackmail material in the right places to get the desired result. And he whispered the fact "Not to worry, my wife my son, I predict an easy victory. We shall be dining with a few of our most loyal supports this evening."

"Yes father." Said Draco, nothing but pride in his eyes.

Abcij

The courtroom was tense as Minister Fudge approached the podium. He tapped his gavel and gave a ceremonial bow to the Speaker of the Wizengamot, said "This meeting is called to order. Mr Speaker, the only item on the agenda is Lord Malfoy's trial. I understand you have reached a verdict."

"Indeed Mr. Minister" a man easily Dumbledore's age intoned "By the Statutes set down by Merlin and his successors, we find Lucius Abraxas Malfoy guilty of three counts conspiracy in attempted murder, three counts of conspiracy in aggravated magical assault. Finally 344 counts of child endangerment."

Minister Fudge choked down his shock, and honestly fury, at the outcome. Forced into a neutral position he had to ask formally "You have the voting results for publication?"

"Yes Mr. Minister" the white-haired wizard replied formally "The votes on attempted murder 616-277, the votes on aggravated magical assault 660-237, last child endangerment 794-106."

Lucius pounded the table with a fist and jumped to his feet "I warned all of you! I paid all of you! Your families will suffer for your betrayal!"

"It is precisely our families we are concerned about." A voice was amplified and much of the audience was surprised to see Michael Crabbe rise to his feet "My son was as much at risk for your adventurism as any Mudblood." He was struck in the shoulder by a redish spell.

After the commotion died down, Fudge resumed formally "In the best interest of Britain, the Ministry casts its 100 votes for Guilty on all Counts. Has the august Wizengamot determined a sentence, if any?"

"We have, Minister" answered the Speaker "Attempted murder, 10 years, each count. Assault, 5 years, each count. Child endangerment, one year- - -" he paused, clearing his throat.

There were displeased mutterings, that were silenced by the Minister's wand making a loud sound.

The Speaker continued "My apologies. That was one year for EACH COUNT of Child Endangerment."

"WHAT? NO!" raged Lucius. He was seized by Aurors, restrained and manacled "YOU WILL PAY! ALL OF YOU!"

His lawyer, as he was dragged out, said "The defense moves sentences to be served concurrently."

"Denied." Said the Speaker.

The lawyer flinched, but argued "We will appeal!"

"To whom?" asked the fairly neutral Cyrus Greengrass "I have two daughters who he endangered. And a young son who is still too young. Look on the bright side, with good behavior he might earn a parole around 2100."

Hermione had been silently thinking "Ron! Harry! That works out to 389 years in prison! What did that man mean?"

"Hah!" Ron gloated "He'll be Binns before he gets out!"

Percy was well informed "That is Cyrus Greengrass. His family has a slightly Dark reputation. I understand the son, his heir, has the nickname Midnight. He will start when you are Sixths. Parole is possible after a third of a sentence is served and again at the halfway mark. It requires a board recommendation, approval of the Director of Magical Law Enforcement and the Minister for Magic.

"129.6 years" Hermione's expression was a mix of awe and alarm.

Ron gave his friend's arm a nudge "Harry …err… better look at Malfoy."

"Well, he's never liked me." It was a sigh, but he crossed his arms and looked right back. Only the fact that the room was emptying ended the staring contest.