[a/n0]Just 1 thing about last time. A review from MarcusRowland thought the OOM didn't equate with the Victoria Cross, but more the George Cross. They are analogous to the US Medal of Honor & Medal of Freedom, military & civilian respectively. But the descriptions provided in hpfandom, as well as the reasons for awards, tell me the OOM 1st class would fit best to the VC[notwithstanding Fudge's self-award]The Battle of Hogwarts was very much military in nature. 2nd & 3rd class OOMs have civilian elements , IMO, more compatible with the GC or MoF.
[a/n]Complimentsof PixelandStephanieForeverWhat if, after not being believed that he did not put his name into the Goblet for the Tri-Wiz, Harry writes to the Ministry and sues Dumbledore for criminal mischief and child endangerment..
Harry Does Different CCCDXXIXb
The Law
"I didn't enter my name, alright!" Harry snapped at his best friend in total frustration. He stomped across the room, flung himself on his bed and pulled his curtains shut. He could safely pretend to be asleep if anyone tried to harass him.
The next morning was no better as Ron made a point "Come on, mates. Let's leave the cheater alone. He ruins my appetite."
"Didn't think that was possible, weasel." He sneered back "Well? Any of you believe me? Fine all of you can sod off."
Abcij
Seating in the Great Hall wasn't exactly assigned but everyone tended to like their spot. As a result sitting next to Ron was about Harry's only choice. The nasty look he received just pushed him over the edge. He shoved his probably ex-friend and said "You know what? Fuck you!"
"Twenty points from Gryffindor Potter!" growled the passing Professor Snape "And a detention tonight, with me."
Harry rolled his eyes "What else is new?" He got up, making no effect to be smooth or polite about it. An elbow to Ron's head didn't bother him. He stepped up on the table, a foot on Ron's dinner and another knocking over the pitcher of pumpkin juice. Copying what he saw at the Quidditch cup, he touched his wand to his throat and announced "LISTEN UP I DID NOT ENTER MY NAME! IDIOT CROUCH SAID I HAD TO AND DUMBLEDORE IS USELESS! ANYONE KNOW A LAWYER?"
"Mr. Potter! Fifty points from Gryffindor!" this from his Head of House "Get off that table immediately! Mr. Crouch is an important Ministry official! Never mind the disrespect to Headma- - -"
Ignoring the outrage as only she could a blonde Ravenclaw approached and looked up at him "Well done, Harry Potter, you have dispelled the wrackspurt infestation in your ears."
"Wha? Huh? Who are you?" given some unusual fashion choices this girl displayed, Harry was deeply surprised he never noticed her before.
The girl ignored the approach of the angry Deputy Headmistress and smiled up "Unfortunate we have not met before. Especially how close I am to the Burrow. You really should get out more. Regardless. My Dad's paper has a fulltime barrister on staff."
"Miss Lovegood, off with you." McGonagall shooed her away "Potter you will have detention with me- - -"
Angry, Harry cut her off "Did Dumbledore back me up? No! Did you for that matter? NO! I just got called liar by those foreign idiots! As for detention, well, you'll just have to wait your turn. Snape saw me first! Come on guys, time for Trelawney to predict my death. Might actually be right."
Abcij
"How nice to see you again, Harry Potter. Have you rid the professors of wrackspurts?" asked Luna the next time she saw The-Boy-Who-Lived.
To which he sighed "I wasn't in detention long enough to do that. So? Moon was it? Sorry …Luna, right… I would love t talk to your Dad's lawyer. Any ideas he has would be great."
"Then it is fortunate I wrote her while you were in detention. She will be in Hogsmeade today. Perhaps you will accompany me?" the Third Year Ravenclaw spoke airly.
Another Ravenclaw, an older girl passing by sneered "Harry Potter is way out of your league, Loonie."
"You know, Cho, I thought you were bloody hot. Still do." Harry stepped between the two girls and looked the Chinese girl up and down "Of course, there's more important things than a pretty wrap. Shall we Luna?" He took no official notice of the whispering and stares of the witnesses.
Abcij
In a small room above Madam Puddifoot's Harry was introduced to the female equivalent of Vernon Dursley. At least in size, in fact you could probably add Dudley in and still have leftover. Despite that, she was the polar opposite in personality. She gushed over him "Such an honor Mr. Potter! Ima Z. Shuyster at your service. Now, Xeno's little one here was somewhat incomplete in describing your problem. Tell me all about it."
"Pleasure to meet you too." Said Harry , offering his hand and beginning "I shoulda known when Dumbledore announced the stupid cup would announce the Champions on Halloween. Aint had no luck since my first. Anyway…"
The lawyer listened to every detail, perhaps a little too attentive for the boy's comfort, but when he concluded she nodded "I can certainly see your point of view. The-Boy-Who-Lived has glory to sell. Now, timing is crucial. I can get something through a friendly judge with a modest donation. And it would be best to wait until the day of to spring it on everyone."
"I'm sure you know best." Harry looked doubtful "But isn't there something about giving the other side time?"
She just chuckled "You mean things like discovery and disclosure? Why certainly! But there is also the dramatic effect. And believe me, this is best served as I outlined."
Abcij
"AND LOOK THERE ARE OUR CHAMPIONS NOW!" the announcer shouted for all the crowd to hear as Cedric, Fleur, Harry and Viktor made their appearance at the tent on the far side of the stadium.
Harry had, as advised, gone along with everything as if nothing had changed. Yes, he knew the task had to do with dragons, and he still told his fellow Hogwarts Champion. He did get a bit nervous, at least until he saw his ace-in-the -hole make her entrance.
"Headmasters! Headmistress! Games officials! Honored guests!" Ima was waddling up waving a very official looking scroll "I have in my possession a court order! Signed by Judge Shaw herself! Harry Potter is an underaged student and ineligible to participate! You all would be in contempt of court if he were allowed!"
Harry yipped in delight, then sobered …or at least, pretended to… "Sorry 'bout that folks. Court order and all. Think I'll just go sit with my friend." He sneered when he passed Ron to sit with Luna.
"Madam….? I am sorry, I do not recognize you?" Dumbledore approached her as everyone's eyes followed Harry "But, be that as it may, this is a long-planned event. Harry was informed his participation is mandatory and it must continue."
The heavy lawyer nodded agreeably enough "Of course any of you, with standing, may appear in court to appeal Judge Shaw's ruling."
"Come, we will do so at once." Said Dumbledore.
Ima just smirked "Surely, you know it is after court hours. And a Friday night no less. Plus I am sure a senior official as yourself, Headmaster, is aware that the first court of appeal is the judge who issued a ruling. Sadly, Judge Shaw ironically came down with a case of Dragon Pox and will be out for three weeks. I imagine you could get an emergency restraining order on Monday. But, I must express my concern Headmaster, and will at… but ahh… Miss Skeeter, excellent! Ask yourself …and your many readers… why all these high government officials are so eager to endanger a child."
"Ahhh…just a moment." The Headmaster delayed and summoned the others into a huddle, then touched his wand to his throat so the whole stadium could heat "By unanimous consent, tonight's event is postponed until further notice! Have a pleasant evening!"
As a sudden inspiration, considering the scandalwitch was at least temporarily on his side, Harry threw out "One more thing you might look up, Rita? I'd like to know more about Black. Think you could get his trial records?"