A/N: My readers may be excused if they think my life's ambition is only to write takeoffs from broomstick flyer. At this point, I have five stories at various stages of completion as tributes. I am truly intrigued by this story's idea, but I found her execution of it left something to be desired. Hence this story, written in Harry's POV. I hope you enjoy. Continuity Note: The events in Chapter Three occurred Monday, 25 January 1999. This chapter beginson that date and continues throughFebruary, 8 1999. (1)
Part I Training
It had taken us a day to settle into our quarters in Longbottom Hall. My room was the farthest from the door to the rest of the hall and was deemed safest for me by acclamation. The room itself was more than acceptable. The food brought to us by Turin the house elf assigned to us was marvelous. We did little the rest of the 25th beyond unpacking eating a large delicious dinner and turning in.
Tuesday was what the old-time British navy would term a 'make and maintenance day'. (During training I discovered a jones for Napoleonic Naval fiction: Aubrey-Maturin, Hornblower, Fox and others) .(2) After a 7:30 breakfast Sam and Henry took extensive clothing measurements. Then they had Turin take ₲1,000 and the measurements to Madam Malkin's with instructions to outfit me with wizarding wear from underwear to formal standard and casual robes. After the elf returned with the new clothes he unpacked them in my room and I changed out of my prison oranges (I intended to keep them as a reminder of the course my life had led).
Meanwhile, they had Turin draw ₤5,000 from my account and go to Harrods with a list of non-magical casual, semi-casual and formal clothes including a fine silk three-piece suit in charcoal gray with ash gray pinstripes. Those clothes arrived as I finished changing and were put away. I instructed our elf as to what I wanted done with the prison outfit and he did that (although he clearly thought I was bonkers) then served us a filling lunch.
I was the third wheel that afternoon. One thing that the three of us had kept to ourselves whilst I was imprisoned was that my meditative exercises before I destroyed Voldemort had equipped me with an impenetrable Occlumency shield. Both had with my permission attempted their strongest Legilimency attacks singly and together. My shields never wavered. We'd had me try Legilimency without success
Afterwards Sam and Henry rearranged our common area into a space that would meet their requirements for a work/dining/social/public space. They told me to rest until dinner at 6:00 so I browsed through a book or three and napped — you might think I'd slept enough and more during my incarceration but honestly confinement saps you horribly and one gets little rest.
–SWM–
Before we could sit down and eat we heard a loud, passionate and enraged woman's voice. I instantly recognized it as Hannah Longbottom's.
As she spoke, it wasn't a mind art, but my own memories of what I'd felt convinced me that Hannah whatever her issues with me were truly loved Neville.
"You can't have him in this house! You know how I feel about him and you. He's been nothing but a millstone around your neck from day one at Hogwarts."
"Love that's simply not true. Harry's been always a true friend..."
"No he's not! Even Dumbledore admitted it at the Leaving Feast. He gave you points for standing up to him! Yes, he gave Potter, Granger and Weasley more points, but see what that got them? Ron was never more than a jealous broken reed. But Potter raped Granger and abandoned her with child!"
"Hannah dearest, that is simply not the case..."
"Really, Husband? What about the next year? How much help was the 'Great' Harry Potter then? Just how much money did you really spend on those ugly talismans to protect yourself from the snake that only he could talk to?
"Potter! We knew him for what he was and is. Who knew what he was truly saying to those things? Then he tried to get her killed with Clearwater. Only reason he killed the thing at the end was because if he didn't save his best friend's sister, he would've been knocked off his pedestal and be seen as he is!"
–SWM–
She kept on and I had to blank out on our third year. My fault for everything, even the Time Turner I didn't even know about until the end of that year. She practically blamed me for Remus being a Werewolf!
–SWM–
(3) I'd finally lost my temper with Mrs. Hannah Longbottom. "That is enough Mrs. Longbottom! I've had my fill of your bile. To set the record straight in our first year, that Halloween, it was Ron's words that sent Hermione into that loo. We locked the troll in with her, true, but we didn't know her was inside. We went back to that loo and saved her. And when the staff got there, she lied to them when she could have blamed us.
"At the end of the year yes Neville tried to stop us. It was Hermione who used Petrificus Totalus on him. But the first trap was Devil's Snare a trap perfectly suited for Neville. As it was we got through as Hermione was the second-highest in Herbology that year to Neville. If Neville hadn't gotten points for standing up to us, he'd have gotten them being part of the party who saved the Stone."
–SWM–
"Second year when Mrs. Norris then students began getting petrified it was Hermione who thought up the idea to brew Polyjuice Potion and she got Lockhart to give her access to the Restricted Section. She did the brewing after stealing from Snape's supplies. Not only did she brew that NEWT level potion but a sleeping potion to get Crabbe and Goyle out of the way. That she turned into a cat-girl was pure accident one that Madam Pomfrey fixed.
"In the dueling club I called that snake off Finch-Fletchley. Yes I'm a parselmouth I've been one all my life. If I thought you had any interest I'd tell you about a funny incident, at a zoo before I learned I was a Wizard. Maybe you'd like it because my Uncle punished me badly over it. My 'relatives' hated my parents hated magic and hated me. I spent years in Hell living with them.
"I had nothing to do with Hermione and Penelope's petrifications. I was getting ready to play Quidditch, remember? You should as Hufflepuff was playing too!
"This isn't something everyone knows. I spent many nights in the Infirmary holding her hand and reading to her. Doing that led to the discovery of the page from the library she tore out. That is how I and Ron knew to confront Lockhart. I almost died killing the Basilisk saving Ginny and destroying a Horcrux.
"At the celebratory feast when Hermione came in and hugged me it was the brightest moment in my life to that point.
–SWM–
"Third Year what with Sirius Black Dementors accidental magic and the realization there were secrets about me that 'everyone' but me knew it was worst year yet.
"Started with my mouthy 'Aunt' Marge, who brought her favorite dog Ripper with her. She always sicced that dog on me. I had to put up with it. It was the price for Hogsmeade permission. Finally, I blew my top at her because of a once-to-often go at my mum. Fudge met me at the Leaky and oddly didn't throw the book at me.
"Hermione got Crookshanks and the little drama betwixt he and Scabbers began.
"The first go with Dementors on the Express chilled me and offered promise of the full horror to come.
"The paradox of Hermione seeming to be in two places at once kept her well-being in my mind all year. It didn't help that she got snappish and wouldn't let us in on her secret.
"Again, we played Hufflepuff and I fell from my broom. It's well known now but I relived my parents' deaths and Voldemort's attack on me.
"At Christmas time Hermione and I had our first important row when she went behind my back when I got the Firebolt and it nearly broke our friendship. If she'd talked to me first she might have talked me into having it checked voluntarily. At worst I'd have know where she was coming from.
"Then when I got the broomstick back there was the row about Scabbers. I sided with Ron until Hagrid talked some sense into us.
"In June, it all came together. The attack on Ron revealing Sirius. Learning about some of the things 'everyone else' knew. The attack by Snape and then Lupin turning. Going back in time to save us, Sirius and Buckbeak. It was the first time her and me had an adventure with only us. It felt so good to me that it redeemed the entire year.
–SWM–
"Fourth Year. From the chaos at the World Cup to the Merlin damned TriWizard the only constant was Hermione and her support. When my name came out of the Goblet she was my only backer. She was the only one who believed I didn't put my name into the Goblet. Everyone else thought I was a cheat one way or another.
"I would have died in the first task without her teaching me Accio. I made a fool out of myself at the Ball. I should have asked her but I wasn't thinking that good even with her help.
"I was insulted by the second task and having to rescue Ron. I was glad though to help Fleur and her sister.
"All the spells I learned for the maze she taught me. At the end I knew she believed me about what happened to Cedric and Voldemort's rebirth. I was enraged when Fudge let his pet Dementor kiss Crouch Jr. After all that her kiss on my cheek almost made it feel worthwhile.
–SWM–
"Fifth Year was in many ways my worst at Hogwarts. The Ministry pulled out all the stops to smear me and Dumbledore for telling the truth.
"The Kangaroo Court over the Dementor attack was a shock. Madam Bones was the only reason I wasn't railroaded and convicted. Dumbledore was little help and confused me when he wouldn't look me in the eye.
"What shamed me the most though was my lashing out at Hermione and the Weasleys when I got to HQ. It took me time to cool off and eventually all was back to normal. I didn't really expect to be a Prefect but was shocked to find Ron got the badge. I knew he was going to be a drag on Hermione so Neville was the best potential prefect in our dorm.
"When we got to Hogwarts the students were already poisoned against me even in Gryffindor. Then having Umbridge for DADA and all the detentions I got writing lines in my own blood." I showed them the lines still clear after two-plus years.
"The DA was Hermione's idea from the start and if I had the knowledge and power to teach she did everything else. Right up to our getting betrayed it was still her show. The scene in Dumbledore's office protected us but not too much.
"Doing this all under the strain of our OWLs meant we had non-stop stress. And then the visions leading us to leave the school but not before seeing McGonagall attacked and Umbridge almost using Crucio on us.
"We flew to the ambush that cost Sirius his life. The worst for me though was the curse that hit Hermione. Only Neville assuring me she was alive gave me the will to fight and not even Voldemort's possession of me was as bad as seeing her fall.
–SWM–
"Sixth Year was a full loss. The 'special training' Dumbledore offered was useless and didn't teach me to fight him at all.
"Hermione and me had our inexplicable rows over the potions book and over my suspicions about Malfoy and there was her fathomless jealousy over Ron and Lavender then her throwing herself at him all the more weird since her testimony shows she couldn't stand him.
"Finally the disastrous hunt for a Horcrux that led to Dumbledore's death.
–SWM–
"The Seventh Year hunt for the Horcruxes is mostly known. Ron buggered off when he missed his mum's cooking but Hermione and I kept on leading to that terrible Christmas at Godric's Hollow.
"What happened next is what we're trying to find out. All we know is a baby was conceived. This is not trial now it's an Inquiry. It could still end up with my dying but it's not that likely now But I knew that I'd never rape Hermione the one who refused to leave me. So what do you say now Mrs. Longbottom?
–SWM–
Hannah turned a dead pale color that rivaled any ghost I'd ever seen. Then, she turned a beetroot red that even surpassed Vernon Dursley at his most outraged. "I've a solution a final solution if you will. The Grangers will be hungry so we'll give them a snack. I'm going to pull out your pluck (a funny word for a cowardly bastard like you) and your lungs and I'll serve them up Harry Potter Haggis! (4) Everyone's problems will be solved!"
I looked incredulously at this deranged woman. I couldn't stop my laughter. When I got a hold of myself I said "Go for it." Even as relatively out of shape as I was knocking her off her pins and disarming her would be easy.
I never got the chance. As she ran at me four stunners hit her. Neville and Augusta picked her up. "Harry I'm sorry we'll take her to St. Mungo's. She needs treatment and I only hope she won't end up with mum and dad.
I then dredged up a First Year memory. "Wait a second. Remember there was a seventh year some guy named Mordred Selwyn who was expelled. Ask McGonagall and Dumbledore's portrait about why 'cause it might been important.
The two looked at the other and nodded as they Disapperated.
Henry looked at me, then called Turin. "Get Harry a big lunch and a calming potion. Harry eat in your quarters and rest until we get back and come for you."
–SWM–
When I finished a meal of haggis(!) along with the traditional mashed tatties and neeps (5). I was amazed to find out that there was a Guinness version of Butterbeer. After shortbreads for afters I drank the potion and laid down. I awoke after a few hours calmer and refreshed. After attending to my ablutions I walked out into the main room of the suite to notice a Wizard's portrait of Alice Longbottom and her husband Frank.
"Hello Godmother. I regret never having the chance to be with you and Uncle Frank properly. Can you tell me about your times at Hogwarts with my parents and your friends?"
"Harry we're glad to see and finally talk to you. It is tragic that we never had the chance to rear you with Neville the way Lily and James intended. Tell us did Sirius have any chance at all to rear you before he died?"
"I'm so sorry to say that he didn't. I was left by Dumbledore on the doorstep of Mum's sister and family. They hated me for existing and made me a house elf in effect because I did everything! All the gardening and cleaning and cooking from age 5 on and you can still see the scars from cooking." They hissed at the sight of the scars on my hand but soon I'd have far worse to show them. "If things were not perfect they'd beat me and starve me. I never learned anything about mum and dad. They told me they were no-account drunks who died in an auto accident and I got my scar from that accident. They encouraged Dudley to beat me up at any opportunity so he and his friends had a game they called 'Harry Hunting' where they chased me and beat me when I was caught. I never had any friends at school for Dudley and gang intimidated anyone who tried to befriend me and somehow I ended up being the problem student in the class not them. I hated it and I had to fudge my assignments so I wouldn't be punished for 'stealing Dudikin's grades'. A couple beatings by Vernon drove home that point. They made sure none of the neighbors trusted me and finally they told their children to avoid me not that they hadn't already.
"When my Hogwarts letters came they tore them up but so many came they took us away to a far island but Hagrid found us anyway and gave me my letter on my 11th birthday and took me to Diagon to get my first year's supplies and Hedwig my owl." I must have been crying because they tried to sooth me somehow I knew that I'd been hugged if they could. The Dursleys told the neighbors I went to a school named 'St Brutus's Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys'. You heard about my years at Hogwarts when I yelled at Hannah. Dumbledore knew too for he told after Sirius died that he knew I'd have "ten dark and difficult years' with the Dursleys right before he told me the prophecy that started this whole wretched life I've lived."
Uncle Frank told me "This is so disturbing since Dumbledore knew about your parents' will that said that you should never have any contact with the Dursleys. Why he did it we don't know but I hate that we couldn't rear you and Neville as it should have been – even living here with mum and Neville would have been better by far."
Aunt Alice chimed in. "He had to know how terrible they would be to you. Didn't he look in on you at all?"
"No and even though there was a Squib living nearby who even babysat me sometimes he never looked in to help like I told you. He may be dead but I hope mum, dad, Sirius and both of you are giving him what for in his 'Next Great Adventure'!"
When I stopped sobbing and why I was crying so much I didn't know but when I stopped my Godmother said "You asked about stories of Lily and James and the others. We were two years ahead of them so we really met them after the Sorting. Our first morning which was a Wednesday and we ..." That started several hours of wonderful stories that made me feel closer to them than I'd ever had been.
–SWM–
After some hours, Sam, Henry, Neville and Augusta returned.
"We've found out what happened to Hannah. Selwyn pushed into her right heel a bit of metal with runes that made her hate you. They think he was going to do that to a number of witches in Gryffindor and that Hannah was his test case."
They had to clean up after me when I vomited everything still in my stomach. "Great Merlyn! Voldemort would have won in our First Year if Selwyn got away with it! I'd never survived to the end of the year and 'Quirrelmort' would have had all the time needed to get the Stone out of the Mirror and he'd have been reembodied and done whatever he pleased. They gave me another calming potion and sat with me and when I was myself again the five of us had a quiet and tasty meal. When we were done they gave me a dreamless sleeping potion and put me to bed.
–SWM–
The next morning, I was myself again. After breakfast I huddled with my advocates. "I need for you to do a couple of things. I need you to go to Gringotts taking ₲5,000 out and get it into a new vault. Second I want to find out whether a person can still call in a Life Debt if they have committed a violent crime against the person owing the Debt."
They both looked askance. "Harry" asked Sam "why do you want this vault and what is it for?"
"I want to give it to Narcissa Malfoy. If the worst happens and I'm condemned and executed there's going to be no one to mourn my passing. You and the Longbottoms will feel bad sad and angry for me but it'll go away. I envy Draco because he has people who'll mourn him for rest of their lives. I want to make sure that his tomb is the best they can make it." After a long silence both of them nodded somberly as they understood my admittedly morbid and cynical reasoning.
"The second request is an that idea I've tv hought about but haven't had the chance to ask about before today. It seems to me it is an independent way to confirm my innocence and whilst there's another reason it's not something I want to share just now. Not sure who'd you'd ask but I've no doubt that you two have contacts who can get you answers."
After a looong pause, Henry sighed. "OK we can do this it'll take some time to see about it so we'll see you at dinner..
I spent the afternoon thinking about other things I might need for court and hearing more stories about my parents' years at Hogwarts from my Godmother's portrait.
When they got back that evening, they consulted with me after our splendid dinner.
"First of all" Sam said "the vault you wanted I opened with a balance of ₲5,000. We also paid the opening fees for your vault. He handed my a flat case containing the key.
Henry said "Regarding the other matter, neither of us know and it's hard to get answers here in England. I'm going back to the States tomorrow for a few days to hunt that down."
–SWM–
Whilst Henry was gone I continued to talk strategy with Sam talked with Nev and Augusta about Hannah's treatment and progress and all the while hearing as many stories as the portrait could tell me. I was told that removing the object was a delicate business and she would need further treatment after that was done. Henry returned and told me that I was right about Life Debts so we had another string on our bow. Then we prepared until the night before the Hearing.
–SWM–
Part 2 Learning the Truth
At 9:55 Sam and Henry Flooed into the alcove then me then the Longbottoms. The Longbottoms took their place in general seating whist Henry went to talk with Mandl with Sam talking to Auror Robinson. She nodded and Sam took over to Narcissa who apparently still had details about the earlier hearing to finalize. When we got to her I took the case from a pocket inside my robes.
"Mrs. Malfoy please accept this vault key, There is ₲5,000 to ensure Draco's burial place is finished and maintained appropriately."
"Why would you to this for your enemies?"
"Frankly I am envious of Draco. I saw the look of disbelief on her face and I hastened to explain. "I am very aware that I'm not out of the woods yet and today might well be my last. I know that if that happens there will be none to mourn me though some will be sad or angry. I know that Draco has what I don't and might never have. People who loved him and will mourn his passing along with friends who will do the same. That is why I gave you the key so his resting place becomes and continues as you'd want it to.
Narcissa's mien became wondering then understanding. She took my hand and kissed my palm. "Thank you Harry James Potter for this gift and if today is your last I will mourn you and you'll lay to rest next to Draco.
I could only bow my head in amazement. Sam led me back to out table.
–SWM–
Then Henry and Jerome Mandl escorted me to the other table. The three Grangers looked at me stiffly and with a bit of fear which was a reaction for which my angry side was content.
I looked Hermione dead in the eyes. She could barely meet them but did.
"May I hold our daughter?" Her nod was hardly visible but was there. She placed the black-haired green-eyed infant into my arms showing me how to support her.
I was transfixed and they told me later my eyes filled with an emerald glow. "Marie Jane Potter. Flesh of my flesh and blood of my blood you are beautiful. I see both your mother and me shining in you. I hope I will be with you and your mum to help rear you and share in all the milestones you will have. You'll be a wise and powerful witch. Never will I believe you came about through rape.
"If the worst befalls you'll have a guardian angel looking down and protecting you. All that is mine will be yours and your mum is your regent. Keep this in your heart that I Harry James Potter love you with all my heart soul and being."
I kissed her and returned my girl to her mum's arms turned and strode off to our table to face my fate.
–SWM–
A bailiff called "All rise"
When we were standing, Umbridge intoned "We are reconvened after a two week recess to consider the question of the circumstances of Marie Jane Potter's conception. Mr. Mandl, have the Grangers any additional information to present?"
Mandl rose and said "We have none at this time Head Warlock."
Umbridge looked to our table. "Misters Cogley and Drummond have you any additional information to present?"
Henry rose "We have Head Warlock. After Miss Granger left their tent Mr Potter went through the tent and packed everything he thought important. Among those items were three Recording Balls." The court and audience stared at Hermione who let out a loud startled gasp. Ploughing on, Henry continued "These balls have been entered as Inquiry Exhibits one through three. We now call on Johnson Jamison creator of the balls to inform the court of their condition and contents."
A tallish man in his late middle age approached the witness table and took the oath to be truthful.
"Can you identify these objects/"
"Yes, they are all Model 110 Recording Balls and I can tell that they have recordings but they have never been viewed."
"Will you play the recordings for the Court?"
"Of course Head Warlock" Jamison touched his wand to a rune on the ball which projected a scene to the entire courtroom. It showed me lying on my bed moving rather restlessly. All watched spellbound as a naked Hermione entered then pulled down my sleep pants and ministered to my member. When it was erect she mounted me and coupled vigorously. When she finished she pulled up my sleep pants and left.
The court room rang with loud comments until Umbridge pounded his gavel. "There will be order in the court! There is testimony still to review." Mr. Jamison displayed two other Balls. In one we saw Hermione walking towards my room and back, naked. The other showed her rising from her bed undressing then leaving the room and returning after a few minutes re-donning her nightclothes and lying back down.
Before the spectators' reaction got loud we heard an anguished shriek from Hermione "I don't remember any of that!" and Richard Granger shouting "Oh God not again!"
It was five minutes before Umbridge could restore order. "There will be order or all of you will be removed!" They quieted and he continued. "Mr. Jamison, the Court has seen all that it needs to. You will prepare and submit to the Court a report on the contents of the three Balls.
"Mr. Granger you will give testimony to this Court. Not being a wizard we can't have you make a binding oath or take Veritaserum still you can sit at the table as on the chair is inscribed a Truth Rune so we can be assured of your testimony." Richard took his seat. "Mr. Cogley your witness."
–SWM–
Sam approached Richard smiling reassuringly at him. "Mr. Granger your outburst indicates this isn't a unique occurrence. Please give us an idea of the history of these incidents."
"When Hermione was young about from age three to eleven she would have incidents of sleep walking. She'd get up and move around the house doing physical feats she could have never done awake. This occurred with what we later learned was accidental magic and while she had accidental magic awake too her sleep walking always included magic. When Professor McGonagall came with her Hogwarts letter the three of us finally knew why it had happened. Hermione never sleepwalked again to our knowledge up to today."
Umbridge excused Richard to the Granger table then spoke to Hermione "Miss Granger in the light of the testimony heard today have you a statement for the Court?"
Hermione stood. She looked as if the revelations still had her stunned. "May I give an oath to the Court?" At Umbridge's nod she lifted her wand. "I Hermione Jane Granger swear on my life and magic that I have no recollection of the actions recorded. So mote it be!" She looked over at me. "It is apparent that Harry James Potter did not rape me. I ask that the Court find him not guilty. Should the Court find that charges should be brought against me or an inquest into my actions be held I stand ready."
Umbridge spoke quietly to the other on the bench. "Will Mr. Potter and the Grangers rise." When all of us stood he continued. "We find that in the matter of the conception of Marie Jame Potter that she was conceived through mischance. No further actions need be made in this matter. Mr. Potter may move without any restrictions. The Grangers are free to return home. We are in recess for thirty minutes."
I approached the Grangers. Hermione latched onto me in the strongest hug she'd ever given me. "Harry, I'm so horribly ashamed and sorry that you were put through this. I don't know if we can make amends."
"Hermione all I wish is for her parents to rear her. There are matters that will keep me in London for a time. After that I would like to go to Australia and join you. Will I be welcome at least until I find a house to live in?"
Richard Granger told us "We intend to remain where we are and you are welcome to share our home for as long as you wish."
"That is very good. Until then I wish to to give you some aid. Dobby, Winky, Kreatcher !" My three elves appeared and I hurriedly added. "All three elves asked me to bond them as family which I did. Winky will go with you and she will be an extra pair of hands as nursery help. When I arrive the others will follow." All of them nodded and Hermione handed the baby to her mother then turned and engulfed me in another 'Hermy Hug'. Both our eyes were moist when we parted.
"I will send Dobby to you when I'm ready to come." With that we parted and I rejoined Sam and Henry at our table.
"Now we will get you compensation from these 'people'." Sam's grin was shark-like as we waited for Court.
–SWM–
Part 3. Paying the Piper
When the Court reconvened Umbridge asked us if there were more matters to consider before adjournment. Henry and Sam rose.
"If it please the Court we are glad that our client Harry James Potter has been vindicated. This was only right and proper. But now we seek justice for Mr. Potter. He has been maligned relentlessly since before he vanquished Voldemort and from then until now. He was constantly vilified. As his legal advocates we were deeply grateful to the House of Longbottom for granting him asylum as we think nothing less would have seen him alive and competent to aid in his vindication. We respectfully submit to you that he is entitled to compensation for the months of vilification he has suffered and while nothing can in truth shall ever set his reputation to rights an effort must be made to compensate him for his time and the physical, emotional and psychological distress he suffered. We ask the Court award just recompense for him." As Henry sat Sam stepped forward.
"Honorable judges we ask that Harry be compensated by the two parties primarily responsible for vilifying him. The Daily Prophet was the vehicle for the character assassination of Harry Potter. But without the information leaks by the DMLE their articles would have been discounted in the main. Therefore we ask that The Daily Prophet pay ₲2,000,000 for their many and relentless libels. We ask that the Ministry pay ₲9,000,000. ₲7,000,000 for the egregious information leaks concerning Harry Potter and ₲2,000,000 as a reward for freeing Magical Britain from the clutches of Voldemort and his DeathEaters. This is a civil case but we ask the court to order the four main actors Rita Skeeter editor Barnabas Cuffe (6) Auror Nymphadora Tonks and Auror Hestia Jones into custody to keep them from leaving England."
Umbridge ordered the four be restrained then Sam went on. While this case is civil if the court wishes to prefer criminal charges we won't mind. At this point we ask for adjournment."
The Court adjourned and we went home. We were called back into Court a week later. After we presented our case we found that the four couldn't mount a defense. We received full damages. We returned to the Longbottoms and spent two days tying up all the loose legal ends and arranging for the damages to be paid into the Potter vault. I also asked that they sell all the Potter and Black properties.
On the third day I was packed and at 11:30 pm I bid my hosts goodbye and Dobby popped to the Grangers' home where it was 8:00 am the next morning. (7)
–SWM–
Omake: The Trial is a Charlie Foxtrot (8)
I sat at the Defendant's table completely stunned. Nothing we prepared could have readied us for the total lack of due process the Court displayed. They dismissed every argument Sam and Henry tried.
Ron's testimony was allowed and it had no connection to reality only to his own self-aggrandizement. Hermione made her allegations which the Court accepted without allowing us any rebuttal at all. The only 'win' was that Narcissa withdrew her charges. I thanked Merlyn that Henry and Sam persuaded her to meet with me. She and I preformed an Unbreakable Vow. She accepted my word that I killed Draco in self-defense. In turn she accepted the ₲5,000 for the tomb and promised that if I were executed she would arrange internment in that tomb.
I stood as I was found guilty and ordered to be thrown through the Veil that day.
"May it please the Court I wish a different method of execution."
"What then?"
"Hermione Granger! Do you acknowledge the Life Debt owed me from 31 October 1991? She rose jerkily and bowed. In the background Sam argued that since I could call in a Life Debt that showed I couldn't have committed forcible rape against Hermione only to be told by Umbridge "Mere technicalities." (9) I broke in "To pay this debt you must cast Sectumsempra at me then guard me until I'm dead and Narcissa Malfoy takes my body to be interned."
She cast the spell and I understood the pain she went though at the Department of Mysteries.
I felt myself rising up but saw my dead body and then Narcissa carrying it away. I rose farther and found myself among the spirits of my family then we celebrated for all time,
–SWM–
1. Footnotes àla chem prof.
2. Historical Naval fiction is a favorite genre for me.
3. Though discursive, Harry's rant serves to provide the backstory up to the start of chapter 1.
4. Hannah must be proficient with butchering as well as cooking.
5. "Neeps" are called rutabagas here in the States. One Thanksgiving we served them and one of our friends, Leonard Kercher commented, "We use to feed these to the hogs!". This scandalized his wife and we found to be so funny that we christened the dish "rutabagas Leonard".
6. This person appears in the Half Blood Prince, chapter four and in fanon as the editor of The Daily Prophet.
7. Adelaide, Australia is eight and a half hours ahead of London.
8. While this Omake takes place in chapter 3, some things don't get introduced until this chapter. Also, I only just thought up the Omake as I wrote this chapter!
9. This is a nod to In this World and the Next by RobSt. Delores Umbridge says that line in chapter 1.
A/N: First, a big shout out to my Beta, Alix33. Betas help keep me on the straight and narrow, bless them all. Any goofs are on my dime. I have tried to write this story in the style of broomstick flyer. I'll leave it up to you as to how well I did. I intend to post the corrected version
The story recommendation the this chapter is Hijacking the Kangaroo Courtby Sprinter1988m id: 7120596
There is often a poll up on my profile. Your input is needed. Please check and vote.
Once more, thanks to all of you who read my efforts. Visitors, hits, reviews, follows, favorites, C2s are my only payment. Believe me, they make me feel rich!
Posted: 05/08/2021
Words: 6,365