A/N: Harry's hearing at the Ministry goes differently, with huge consequences. Harry and Ginny have been dating since the Yule Ball when he took her, Cedric survived. A muggle tried to help and Voldemort killed him. Still don't own Harry Potter or any characters.

OoTP: A different hearing

Amelia Bones was furious with Minister Fudge, he had wanted to put Harry Potter on trial before the full Wizengamot. This had never happened before and was in direct contravention of normal procedures. Unlike Fudge, she just wanted to find out what had happened, so she reminded made sure the hearing was set for 10am August 2nd and made sure only she and Mafalda Hopkirk, the head of misuse of underage magic would be there.

Two days later Harry had entered the Ministry with Arthur Weasley and was reading an episode of Quidditch Weekly that was on his desk when Mr. Weasley approached. "It's time Harry."

Harry took a deep breath and stood. "Right, here we go."

Mr. Weasley led Harry to a door and told him, "This is where I leave you Harry."

Harry nodded and walked in, seated behind a table were two women, one was a stern looking older witch, who reminded Harry of his Head of House, Minerva McGonagall, the other was younger, with brown hear that fell to her shoulders, and hazel eyes. A lone chair was opposite the two witches. The older witch spoke first, "Ah Mr. Potter, right on time. Please be seated and we can begin." Harry did so. And the same witch spoke, "My name is Amelia Bones I am Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and this is Mafalda Hopkirk she is the head of the Improper Use of Magic."

"Hello."

"Now that we know each other, let's get to business. First for the record, are you Harry Potter?"

"I am."

"And your current residence is Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Winging, correct?"

"Correct."

Hopkirk spoke next, "Did you cast a Patronus Charm on July 31st and did you have any other option?"

"I did and I did not."

Madam Bones spoke next, "Please explain, Mr. Potter."

"Two Dementors attacked myself and my cousin, who knows of magic. They were about to use the Dementor's Kiss on us."

That statement caught both women of guard. "Dementors? In a muggle neighborhood?" Madam Bones asked in shock.

"Yes."

"And to save yourself and your cousin you decided you had no option but to use the Charm?" Hopkirk asked.

"That is correct."

The two women looked at each other, and Hopkirk nodded, Madam Bones turned to Harry. "Mr. Potter, we find you innocent of all charges, it is clear that your actions saved the souls of yourself and your cousin."

"Thank you, Madam Bones, Miss. Hopkirk."

With that Hopkirk left but Harry called to Madam Bones before she could leave, "Actually Madam, may I speak with you for a moment?"

"Certainly, Mr. Potter, come with me." With that she led him to her office before casting a spell and sealing the door shut. "Now, what did you have to tell me, Mr. Potter?"

Harry proceeded to explain what had happened after the 3rd task and Madam ones just listened. When he was done Madam Bones was furious, "Damn that man! We could have gotten a head start! Now we're behind!" Taking a deep breath, she spoke to Harry, "Mr. Potter, are you willing to give me the names of the Death Eaters who were at the graveyard?"

"Of course Madam." So Harry told her all the names of the Death Eaters who had been at the graveyard that night. Madam Bones make notes of the names.

After Harry finished she nodded, "Thank you Mr. Potter, I will start preparing. If there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know."

"Ok Madam. Can you send a not the Mr. Weasley and tell him I am here?"

"Certainly." With that she wrote a note and sent it off. After removing the spell form her door there was a knock. "Arthur, is that you?"

"It is, Madam Bones."

"Come in." Mr. Weasley walked in and looked at the two. "Mr. Potter and I were just talking about what happened after the 3rd task. As to why he was here, Hopkirk and I have found him innocent, and he is free to go. I will be investigating as to why there were Dementors in Mr. Potter's neighborhood."

"Fantastic. Come on Harry, let's head back. Good day, Madam Bones."

Soon enough the two were back at Headquarters and the news sent everyone into cheers. Harry however slipped into the study and sat on one of the couches, and he was quickly joined by Ginny. "Hey."

Harry leaned against her, while he generally avoided contact, Ginny had always been an exception. In fact the two had been dating since the Yule Ball that had been held the year before. "I knew you were going to be found innocent."

"Thanks Ginny. Apparently Fudge tried to get me in front of the full Wizengmot. Thankfully, Madam Bones made sure that didn't happen. I also told her who I saw at the graveyard, she's starting to prepare, hopefully she can find a way to get Fudge out of office." After saying that he yawned.

Ginny kissed his cheek "Get some rest sweetie, I'm not going anywhere." With that she maneuvered so his head was resting on her lap, and she ran her fingers through his hair while he dozed off.

After Harry and Arthur left, Amelia Bones began to investigate how the Dementors got to Privet Drive. To her shock, she found that the order had come from the Minister's office, specifically it had been ordered by the Undersecretary, Deloris Umbridge. Add to that, the required paperwork hadn't been filed, and as there hadn't been an escape the very act of sending the Dementors after Harry was illegal. Armed with this information, she and a team of Aurors raided the Offices of both Deloris and Fudge, and found a wealth of evidence of corruption, Fudge had been taking bribes for years from Lucius Malfoy. Gathering all her Aurors, except for Dawlish, who was a Death Eater, they launched a surprise raid on Malfoy Manor and managed to capture Voldemort and his followers. Pettigrew was also captured, and once he was, Sirius was found innocent.

The last of Harry's school years were spent quietly, and after graduating Harry joined the DMLE as an investigator and Married Ginny.