In just the last few days since my last posting, the world changed drastically. Another war in Europe. On other sites I offer my views about it, here I'll merely say I pray it doesn't get worse and ends soon.

[a/n]In nostalgia news are a couple reviews. First, it was a treat to go back and read SoHDD#158 my Dumbledore Sings installment. Thx LWJ2. Second, goes back to HDD#188 A recent review ...maybe impersonating alix33... commented "'Eluded'? 'Alluded' for goodness sake!" I sniggered. Or is it snickered?

[a/n]So got the urge to rush-resequelize. Last time was just about McG.

[a/n1]fouled up my labeling last time [sic] This is REAL Legal Help3. #234 should've been Narcissa's Troubles but don't know if I can change JUST a label.

Harry Does Different CDXXXVay

PixSteph4ever:Legal Help3

Apparently, anger was a great way to control Floo travel, because Harry landed erect and steady in the Ministry hub. Barely was half the thought "Where did I land myself?" when he was approached by a witch he vaguely recognized.

"Good morning, Harry Potter. Augusta Longbottom. Here to escort you to our conference." She was petite, almost a head shorter, but somehow the force of her personality made her seem larger than Hagrid.

He nodded at her in greeting "You're Neville's Grandmother, right?"

"Indeed. Such high hopes for that boy. Shame he keeps coming up short in his core subjects." She replied grandly.

Harry frowned at the senior witch, moving close enough to speak confidentially he took her to task "Y'know, I think you're part of Neville's problem. You and that idiot uncle of his. Talking him down and tossing him out windows. What if he'd broke his neck?"

"Oh? Do you have any other complaints with my child-rearing actions?" many an adult would cringe at the harsh sarcasm in Augusta's voice.

Harry merely nodded "As a matter of fact, yeah. That wand is all wrong for Neville."

"You are on thin ice with me, boy." She sneered at him "Or are you a wandmaker?"

Still as unaffected by her ire he shrugged "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. That's what Mr. Ollivander told me before First Year. Even my wand works better for him."

"You obviously require no advice voicing your opinion." She said coldly as they stopped at an ornate door that read COURTROOM#6. "You will be interviewed by a joint session of Hogwarts Board of Governors and the Wizengamot High Council."

Abcij

The more than irked witch took her spot in the open seat and nodded to the central wizard "The Wizengamot High Council is called to order."

"Augusta, it is customary for the Chief Warlock to open any Wizengamot session." Dumbledore was sitting a chair away from center.

The witch's wand emitted a sharp noise "Not the High Council. And not when it is the Chief Warlock under investigation. Madam McNaught?"

"The Board of Governors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is called to order." Said a witch who looked twice Dumbledore's age.

Tiberius, that was all Harry knew of him so far, nodded "Madam Bones, it was at your request our two bodies gather. The floor is yours."

"Thank you Chief Warlock." Amelia said formally as she stood "I am certain everyone is aware of the identity of our star guest." At this said guest colored slightly "My niece sent an owl requesting I meet her and Mr. Potter in Hogsmeade. A lovely meal it was too."

A large dark-skinned wizard interrupted gruffly "We do not require a menu, madam. Kindly get to the point."

"Of course, Governor Shacklebolt. And Kingsley sends his regards." Her tone was light "But never mind, based on our talk …which Harry can repeat under oath… we can convict Dumbledore for criminal mischief and child endangerment. At least. That is for just his actions and inactions pertaining to The TriWizard Tournament."

The cynical Madam Longbottom interrupted "And what else could possibly come from a half-educated wizard?"

"Glad you asked Augusta." Answered Amelia "For young Harry made an interesting throwaway comment that produced some provocative results, or rather, lack of. Now I realize it's over a decade, but I am sure everyone would remember the trial of Sirius Black."

From his seat beside Dumbledore, Snape declared "We all know he was imprisoned for his part in betraying Potter to the Dark Lord."

"Silence!" the Warlock's wand went off again "You are here as an observer, Professor Snape, and do not have permission to address this council."

Now the Headmaster put in "Now come, Tiberius, no need to be quarrelsome, especially as Severus has my complete confidence."

"Yes we SHOULD take the word of a Death Eater on the guilt or innocence of another?" Madam McNaught sneered at him "Curious your pet's information came exactly three hours too late to - - -"

Interrupting in a kindly tone Albus said "Lady that was most tragic, but surely you cannot hold Severus responsible for your grandson's death. And surely not bear a grudge after a dozen years."

"With my span of life, child, that is a fleeting hour." The witch's tone dripped vitriol.

The Warlock's wand again erupted, both in light and sound, "Enough! You are two of our senior-most statesmen. Back to the business at hand. Madam Bones? If you please?"

"Harry, you are perhaps aware of the Board of Governors. The Wizengamot High Council is less well known." The top DMLE official gave a brief lecture "There are twelve seats each. Why are there only sixteen present? You wonder? There are two vacancies in each body, and the remainder hold seats in both. This is the highest authority in Wizarding Britain. Understood?"

The teen nodded and swallowed "Yes ma'am."

"You've been asked this. For the record, and to be completely clear, did you enter your name in the TriWizard Tournament?" she spoke coolly and professionally.

He looked her square in the eye and as coolly answered "Absolutely not. I don't know half what the champions do. All I wanted to do was watch from the stands."

"Come come the hero of our children's books not wanting to prove himself to his legions of adoring fans?" this not-quite-question came from an unfriendly and unpleasant looking wizard.

Harry took an instant dislike to him, but covered it well enough "You sir, must be Pansy Parkinson's father. Easy to see where she gets her looks. Anyway? Books about me? Never heard of them. Have to ask my friends. But really? Eternal glory? Got that even if I owe it to dead parents. GG1000? Barely enough to cover textbooks, especially with that pile we had to buy from Lockhart in Second." This exaggeration was met with derisive laughter.

"Harry, you should not cast aspersions on professors, or in this case, former ones." Was the headmaster's first contribution in a while.

The boy snorted "You mean like Quirrell for instance?"

"The report on that was less than informative." Madam McNaught looked squarely at the headmaster, who only looked at his Potion Master. She frowned then looked at the boy "Well, Mr. Potter, you appear to have information we do not. Why don't you assume we know nothing of Professor Quirrell's year as Defense teacher and tell us what YOU know."

Harry did so, in a more or less chronological order, concluding "…I never told anyone all that because, honest, I thought; from what Professor Dumbledore said to me, basically everyone knew."

"Anything but." Amelia was eyeing Albus with disfavor. "But I'm sure your Second and Third Years had less excitement. At least not counting your Quidditch performances."

Neither would ever admit to it, but the exchange could have been scripted. The student snorted "Anything but."

"Perhaps we can listen to similar summaries of those years. I personally, would be interested in any dangers my niece was exposed to without my knowledge. Even after the fact." This from a law enforcement officer and concerned parent.

Severus had a double reaction to the end of Harry's Second Year "What! Just more of your self-aggrandizement Potter!" then a complaint "As Hogwarts Potion Master I should have been brought in instantly to claim the beast and render it. Even the undoubtedly small one, if even true, the brat might have dispatched."

"You would actually steal a valuable trophy from the rightful conqueror?" the basso voice of Governor Shacklebolt cut in "Headmaster Dumbledore, is this the way you typically permit your teachers to speak about students?"

Albus frowned "Devon, we are not here to discuss administrative matters. In fact, it exceeds my imagination …and that is saying something… exactly WHY we are here at all."

"Amelia? You called this meeting. And stipulated the attendees." The governor looked back.

She nodded and looked at the only student in the room "Mr. Potter? Ask the same question you told me about."

"It's been weeks. Almost time for the first task. What's been done about figuring out how my name got in that bloody cup?" Harry couldn't help an outburst of anger.

Amelia nodded, but allowed a hint of harshness to creep into her tone "Do I detect a modicum of frustration? Of whom have you asked? And what has been the response?"

"Professors Moody and McGonagall. Mr. Crouch. The others, Maxime and Karkaroff. Judge Watts. Even Rita Skeeter." Harry listed. "And of course Headmaster Dumbledore."

Again, Amelia nodded and with a wave "The result?"

"Most of them call me cheat and order me out. Professor Sprout has been almost as bad as Karkaroff." He answered bitterly "Not that all Puffs are bad. Hannah and Susan especially are great. If I'm not a cheat then they send me to Dumbledore. And whenever I ask HIM I get we're looking into it. Well it's NOT doing me ANY GOOD!"

Mr Parkinson, who held seats in both, sneered "Righteous indignation is one of the oldest tricks of the liar."

"I don't know what that means, but if you're calling me a liar, my Muggle relatives call me worse." Harry returned the sneer "Now shut up!"

The Warlock's wand went off "Lord Parkinson, that is unproductive."

"I simply want him to prove his claim, sir." The wizard replied "By all accounts, the boy is nothing but a lying glory seeker."

That pushed Harry over the edge "Oh yeah? Got one of those tattoos Snape and Karkaroff keep whispering about? Or are you one of them weaklings who couldn't beat Imperio? I can!"

"You arrogant brat!" the Potions Master was surging out of his seat.

The courtroom was full of some of the most politically powerful magicals in Britain. Some were truly ancient, and not quick on the draw, but half-a-dozen shields flashed into being. One spell tangled the raging wizard in ropes. Just ten seconds in, though, Albus was canceling the spell and helping him to his feet even while interposing his body to prevent further fire "My friends, Severus apologizes for his outburst. I do wish to note he WAS provoked. Might we have a short recess?"

"By all means, Albus. I think it wise some of our discussions occur outside your and Professor Snape's hearing. Mr. Potter do you mind continuing with our committees?" this polite request came from Augusta.

Harry was surprised but concealed it rather well, considering his earlier encounter. He wisely let bygones be and offered a slight bow as Headmaster and Professor disappeared through the door "I am at your disposal Madam Longbottom."

Abcij

It was near midnight and the Great Hall was packed. There wasn't much movement or talking. Everyone was yawning, not a few students had been levitated from their beds. Some few stirred when Harry Potter walked in with a distinct spring in his step. He cheerily brushed off his redheaded former friend and grinned at Hermione.

"Methinks young Mr. Potter has pulled a prank." George yawned.

From the seat next to the empty headmaster's throne, Professor McGonagall followed her student's course to the Hufflepuff table and a particular pair of Fourth Years. She spoke curtly "Welcome back Mr. Potter, I assume your presence has something to do with our vampiric assembly. Have you something to say?"

"Oh sure, Professor." He drew more attention, then especially when he began counting dramatically "10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…"

In came the Minister for Magic "Professor McGonagall, students and staff of Hogwarts, and our visitors from afar: Greetings. Important discussions have been going on all day and I am here to explain the governmental aspects." As a diminutive witch entered leaning on a cane entered, he coughed briefly [not pleased at having to share the spotlight] "This is Lady McNaught who will speak in a moment. Now, the Wizengamot High Council has had one vacancy for some years, today that became four. Additionally, Albus Dumbledore has been suspended from both his Wizengamot and International Confederation posts. Temporarily, Lord Gregory Goyle will be the British representative to the ICW and Tiberius Ogden has been appointed as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. That requires a vote of the full body for confirmation."

This brought gasps of surprise from the now very unsleepy assembly.

"There are also other international impacts which I am prepared to address now." Here Fudge felt justified in speaking over the ancient witch at his side "To the visiting schools, you are more than welcome to remain as long as you like. Madam Maxime, you have the British Ministry's gratitude for your patience. I have ordered Madam Bones to remove all surveillance effective immediately."

The French giantess gave a regal nod "Je vill inform our ambassador. Zank tu."

"You haff zee same for me, Fudge." Said the Durmstrang Headmaster with a broken tooth smirk.

Cornelius grinned a most unpleasant grin "I disliked the pressure to allow you here, Igor. As I said, the students are more than welcome. You are restricted to your ship, which has diplomatic status. The only exception to this will be for you to travel, under Auror guard, to the Ministry for international Floo travel to East Prussia."

"How dare you!" the goateed wizard blustered and was instantly struck by three Expelliarmus spells.

The aged witch sharing the spotlight with him cut in "I trust you are finished, Fudge?"

"Why yes. Now I ask you to give your attention to the Lady Lavender McNaught, senior member of Hogwarts Board of Governors." The Minister bowed his way out of the spotlight.

Though hardly up to the wizard's chest, the witch's personality seemed dominant. She briefly looked around before speaking "Despite my many years, I still remember sitting where all of you are. Enough woolgathering. The Board has made numerous decisions. The first; related to the TriWizard Tournament, it cannot be canceled due to the oaths invoked. However, we can and will publicize exactly what the coming Tasks are and simple, safe ways to successfully complete each."

This was me with loud protests.

"SILENCE!" Madam McNaught easily overrode the noise "Moving on to closely related matters, we find that no investigation was conducted into the impossible misfortune …and make no mistake… Harry Potter view it as nothing BUT misfortune. This is simply negligence and must be punished. Barty Crouch is stripped of his position and barred from the school. Albus Dumbledore is no longer Headmaster."

This brought expressions of shock, and some loud objections, but not a few cheers. Which was allowed to run its course.

"Obviously you are not of one mind." She observed shrewdly "We are pleased to name Minerva McGonagall as the new Headmistress. Gryffindors, Professor Burbage will be your Head of House. Until filled, we ask the Headmistress to continue teaching Transfiguration. Filius Flitwick will be Deputy. Due to some rather troubling observations, positions of Deputy and Head of House are seen as somewhat conflicted, therefore Professor Vector will be Head of House for Ravenclaw. Last, Professor Snape is suspended for two weeks. Aurora Sinistra is temporary Head of Slytherin House."

Like the announcement of the removal of Dumbledore, it was the last part that produced enough mayhem to need to run its course. Touching his wand to his throat, Draco's voice boomed "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? MY FATHER WILL NOT LET THIS STAND!"

"Silencio!" just her fingertips glowed briefly and the blond Slytherin glowed as well. After a smirk, the aged governor was ready to continue "Yes young Malfoy, Harry mentioned you during our discussion. I was navigating the corridors of power before your great-great grandfather was in diapers. These appointments are conditional and may be declined without prejudice. Last …for now… the Board will become far more active. Plans are being made for all of us to have sitdowns with all here. Students and staff alike. To our guests, again, enjoy Hogwarts hospitality. Thank you."

Harry grinned at the angry-looking Slytherin and waved across the hall in what appeared to be a friendly and cheerful manner.