Chapter Nine: The Ministry of Magic
As they entered they saw Fudge talking to McGonagall, Snape, Dobby and Winky. The trio looked at Dumbledore and he nodded. Without attracting anyone's attention, he placed a shielding charm on Fudge. When it hit him, he just scratched his baldhead as if it was nothing. They were safe.
"Ah you're here. Harry welcome to the Ministry." Fudge shook his hand energetically, before shaking the other three. "We still have an hour and I know you haven't eaten. I have set up brunch in the Grand hall. We have decided to set up the conference outside, as it is a beautiful day. They all followed Fudge.
"So Harry, I am sorry for not believing you last year. It just took some difficulty letting the fact sink in. But that was then. Did you read the article about yourself yesterday?" Fudge guided them into the Grand hall. It looked like Hogwarts, except the tables looked like the Yule Ball. They sat down at the middle table.
Snape sat in between Fudge and McGonagall. Dobby and Winky wanted to meet a few of their friends. Next to McGonagall were Dumbledore, Moody, Hermione, Ron and Harry. Fudge insisted that he sit next to Harry. "Well at least I know she finally told the truth about something. And I don't need to write an autobiography anymore."
The group laughed. They picked up the menus and ordered. Ron, Hermione and Harry all ordered hamburgers, fries and butter beer. They were all nervous about what was about to take place.
Fudge kept asking Harry questions and pepping him up for the conference. "It's very simple. Just tell everyone exactly what you know. The community deserves to know what is happening.' He turned to Ron. 'Don't be uncomfortable about your dad and brother having to question you. Just think of it as being as home, alright?"
Harry looked at Ron quizzically. "Oh yeah. Percy took over Crouch's job. He was so honored and worked up to all hours at night that the ministry had to stun him to force him to get some sleep and food." They laughed, but at that moment, Arthur and Percy Weasley walked over. Percy bowed so low to Fudge and the other professors that he almost fell over. "Hello Ronald, Harry, Hermione. Are you ready?"
They nodded. Arthur looked at his son. "You do know we might need to question you, right?"
"As long as it isn't about spiders, than I'm prepared for anything." They laughed.
McGonagall looked at her watch. "It's midday so we better head off."
They followed the three ministry officials to a door that led to the courtyard. When the large wooden doors opened people started clapping. Harry, Ron and Hermione went out and stopped. In front of them must have been over a thousand people looking at them. Harry's hands became extremely sweaty and his heart thumped very loud.
Hermione dragged him to a long table that was slanted to face the crowd and a symmetrical table that was lined up with the ministry. Harry sat between Ron and Hermione. With them sat Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Winky, Moody and other wizards who Harry did not know. Fudge and a wizard who Harry presumed was the point wizard had a table in the middle, facing the crowd.
Everyone hushed down as Fudge stood up. He place his wand under his throat and whispered 'Sonorus.' "Welcome all to this conference today. We are here to discuss the incidences that have occurred and I feel as Minister of Magic that you as the general public should know. You might already know why this is taking place through Rita Skeeter's article. So I would like to welcome Professors Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape and Alastor Moody.' The crowd clapped politely. 'We would like to thank the headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore for letting this conference take place.' More polite claps followed. 'And we would like to give a warm welcome to Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter who have given up their time to attend this conference.' The claps were loud, but still polite.
"We will let the witnesses tell their stories on all the topics before the ministry might have questions they would like to ask. When that is done, you as the general public might ask any questions as long as it is on the topic of what we are discussing.' There were a few laughs. 'So lets get this under way. I would like to announce the special guest point wizard for this afternoon, Mr. Dedalus Diggle.' There were many claps, even though Harry and Hermione did not know who he was.
Diggle stood up. "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic public conference. We are here to discuss incidents that have involved Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, The Dark Lord (people flinched) and Harry Potter. Our first topic will be the Triwizard Tournament. The following witnesses will speak about it in this order. Professor Albus Dumbledore, Winky: Bartemius Crouch Sr.'s house elf, Professor Alastor Moody, Professor Minerva McGonagall and Mr. Harry Potter. Albus?"
Dumbledore smiled and placed his wand under his throat and whispered 'Sonorus'. "As you all are aware, at least by now that the Triwizard Tournament took place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With our school, Beauxbatons Academy and Durmstrang Institute was also to compete in the tournament. All three schools were aware that only students of the age of 17 and older could take part. But when the three champions were selected from the Goblet of fire, we were all surprised when another name was selected. And as you all know, that name was in fact Harry Potter.'
'When I told the students to eat dinner, I went into the chamber where the champions were and questioned Harry if he put his name somehow into the Goblet, but he said no and all adults present believed him.' Here everyone on the table looked at Snape but he was just fiddling with his quill. 'But I was not allowed to take him out as it was a magical contract that bound the champions when their name was pulled out. Myself, Bartemius Crouch Jr. who was under Polly juice potion as Alastor Moody and Bartemius Crouch Sr., explained this. So I was forced to allow Harry to compete in the tournament.'
'As you all found out through Rita Skeeter's articles, Harry was able to come into the lead and tied with Cedric Diggory, also a Hogwart's champion. Before the third task, Harry and Viktor Krum were talking near the dark forest near where they were shown where the third task would be. They saw Bartemius Crouch Sr. who had been reported sick by his assistant Percy Weasely (Ron and Harry sniggered as Percy puffed out his chest) and was disoriented as witnessed by Harry and Viktor. Harry told Viktor to watch him while he went to get myself, but by the time we arrived, Viktor had been knocked unconscious and Mr Crouch was no where to be seen. I sent the imposter Moody to look for him, but he said he did not find him.'
Dumbledore looked at Diggle. "Thank you Albus. Harry Potter, will you please talk about what took place from the third task to – '
Harry saw Malfoy try and throw a curse at Fudge, but it bounced off and hit a wall. Nobody noticed.
' – The next day, please?" Harry saw Malfoy try it again, but gave up frustrated. Hermione helped with the spell so everyone could hear him. Harry cleared his throat and began to speak. He told them everything from entering the maze, to Viktor trying to harm Cedric, to the incident with the spider and touching the cup. He talked about Cedric and Harry thinking it was part of the task and taking out their wands. Harry told about seeing figures approach and Harry's scar burning and Cedric being killed. He heard crying from his mother, but Amos only looked at Harry with renewed bravery. He talked about the figure tying him up and realizing it was Peter Pettigrew. He watched Pettigrew do a spell and bring a bone from Voldemorts – '
Diggle stopped him. "Harry but could you please use the Dark Lord?" Harry nodded and continued. "The Dark lord's dead father and tossed it into the cauldron that held a bundle that Harry could not see. He saw Pettigrew cut his hand off, the one with the missing finger and put it into the cauldron. He then told them about Pettigrew stab him in the arm and drew blood and threw that into the cauldron. Harry told the public then that the Dark Lord rose up and called for the death eaters using Pettigrew's dark mark.
People started to shout and Diggle had to call for order. Lucius Malfoy stood up. "This is outrageous. Are you going to really believe a boy who can speak Parsel tongue and has hallucinations? I say to stop this right now!"
"Order!' Everyone fell silent. 'Lucius take your seat and wait until your turn.' Malfoy was about to speak again, but Harry noticed and stepped in. "I can speak Parsel tongue because when he cursed me, some of his powers, including his ability to speak Parsel tongue went to me. As for these hallucinations. They are premonition like dreams where I can feel when he is very angry or near or is torturing or killing someone. And I would like to ask you Mr. Malfoy. Is the reason why you would like this meeting to stop – '
"Stop playing games, you fool" Malfoy stood up. Harry stood up as well.
"Is the reason why you would like this meeting to stop because you are one of the death eaters who attended the rebirth of the Dark Lord?" People gasped and started whispering to eachother. Malfoy and Harry looked at eachother with loathing.
"You lie, Mr. Potter and I must once ask again for this conference to stop." Malfoy said without taking his eyes off Harry. They both were still standing and the crowd looking at them both.
"You lie, Mr Malfoy. Do you object to the use of Veritaserum to prove your innocence? Though I doubt you had any in the first place."
"I do object because I am not the one we are discussing – '
"You do object because you are lying!"
Diggle stood up. "Both of you sit down now.' They both sat down but still did not take their eyes off eachother. Fudge whispered something to a wizard on Harry's table and he went into the building. 'This is not a trial and I will not tolerate people disobeying the rules that have been set out.' The wizard came out with a tiny bottle and passed it to Fudge. Fudge than whispered something to Diggle who nodded. 'Fudge has suggested clearing up this matter that Harry will be under Veritaserum, as Lucius already pointed out that it is Harry's side who is being discussed. Does anyone have any objections?"
Harry saw Malfoy, Avery and Nott touch his forearm. Malfoy stood up. "I object and as I know you would rather take this fools word for it, than we shall not take part in this game." They stood up and left. Harry whispered to Dumbledore that they were summoned. Snape looked at Harry and Dumbledore.
Dumbledore looked at Diggle. "Is it alright for Severus Snape to be excused as he has school business to take care of and is not a necessary witness?"
Diggle looked at Fudge who nodded. "Yes he may. Does anyone else have objections? Albus?"
"I do not object. Harry is it alright for you to use the truth potion?" Dumbledore's twinkling blue eyes locked with Harry's own emerald ones. " No I do not."
The wizard, who brought the potion, told Harry to open his mouth. The wizard placed three drops and left. At first Harry thought it did not work. But then a cool sensation went through out his whole body and he felt very weak. It was a nice feeling but at the same time, he did not like it either.
Diggle looked at Harry. "Can you hear me Harry?" Harry nodded in a monotone voice. "Can you please tell us what happened when the Dark Lord summoned his death eaters?"
Harry than told them. He fought to remember every detail and kept biting his lip to think. He told them what Voldemort had said to each death eater and how he had planned this since the Quidditch World Cup. Harry could hear the crowd gasping and whispering to each other. Harry told about the duel.
"What happened during the duel?" Diggle's voice echoed through his head.
Harry told being forced to bow and hiding and being scared. He told the public that if he were to die in the Dark Lord's hands, he would do it like his father. He spoke about the Prior Incantatem and how he forced the ball into the Dark Lord's wand though he had no idea what that would achieve. He than he told them about the ghosts emerging. Pettigrew's hand, Cedric, an old muggle, Bertha and his parents. He told the public how his father told him that he would touch the cup that would transport him back to Hogwarts.
He told them how Cedric had asked him to take his body back to his parents and he promised he would. He told them how he ran and shot spells to slow the death eaters who were trying to stop him. He told them how he jumped over the cup and grabbed Cedric's wrist but could not reach the cup. He told them what the Dark Lord said and how Harry summoned the cup which transported them back to Hogwarts. And he told them how the Dark Lord was angry that he had escaped for the fourth time.
"Harry, what happened when you arrived back at school?" Diggle's voice echoed through his head again.
Harry told them about landing on the grass and feeling like he would black out. He told them about Dumbledore turning him around and Harry grabbing on to his wrist telling him the bad news. He told them that Dumbledore lifting Harry up and making him let go of Cedric. He told them that Dumbledore told him to wait because the Diggory's were running towards him. He told them about the incident with Moody the imposter. He told them about Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape entering and stunning him. He told them exactly what Moody had said and how Winky came in.
"Alright Harry. We will take you out of the potion. Take this antidote." Harry let liquid slide down his mouth and the truth potion disappeared leaving Harry with a headache. "Ah yes. That can do that to you. Just wait, the potion will help it go away. Thank you. Now for Winky."
Harry did not pay much attention as McGonagall, Winky and Moody told their story. He waited until they were finished.
Diggle stood up when Moody finished his story. "Thank you. Now for our next point. Colin Creevy. The following witnesses will speak about it in this order. Mr. Harry Potter, Mr Ronald Weasely and Miss Hermione Granger. Harry?"
Harry, Hermione and Ron said exactly the same thing, but in there own words of course. It again went with the final topic of the Hogsmeade Ball. But people gasped at Harry new power. Harry did not really want to tell the public was forced to as Dumbledore had said.
When Hermione had finished telling her version of the events at the ball, Diggle stood up. "Thank you. Now is there anyone from the Ministry who would like to ask anybody questions?"
Diggory stood up. "My question is addressed to Mr. Potter in relation to the second topic. Mr. Potter, can you please again explain how you knew where exactly to find Colin Creevy?"
Harry felt annoyed. He did not really know how to explain it. "I don't know really how to explain it. It was just when I looked at Dennis Creevy, Colin's younger brother, I had this fast forward premonition of Colin. I did not know exactly where to go, but decided to go the Gryffindor tower. When we heard the scream from above us, we then knew where to go. Is that okay?"
"Yes it is, thank you." Amos took his seat with satisfaction. Percy stood up. "My question is addressed to Mr. Weasely and Miss Granger in relation to the second and third topic. Why did you two not stop Mr. Potter and go straight to the teacher's with your concerns?"
Hermione spoke up first. "In accordance with the second topic, we saw that Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape follow us, but as they did not know what had happened, we decided to go on ahead, hopefully to save Colin's life. But unfortunately we were unable and the teachers soon caught up and we explained the situation."
Ron spoke up next. "And with the third topic, Harry knew that you – know – who did what he did to get to him and as we were his best friends we would not let him do it on his own. We noted that the teachers were what was it – ten minutes away and since there were not to many death eaters, we were able to disarm them. Soon after the teachers caught up and the Dark Lord and death eaters dissapperated."
"Thank you." Percy sat down and Diggle stood up.
"Any more questions from the Ministry?" No one stood up. "Alright time for the public." At once a thousand hands shot up and started shouting questions. "Everyone quiet now! We don't want to be here all day one at a time. We'll start with Rita Skeeter and work our way across."
So a thousand questions later and the sun setting and everyone looking tired, they finally completed the conference.
Fudge stood up. "That completes our conference. But do not fear as there is a separate organization working against the Dark Lord and all is safe. Thank you for all attending and good night."
Dumbledore and McGonagall stood up. The students followed suit. Fudge shook their hands. "Thank you for all attending and I will have a word with Lucius. I don't know what has gotten into him. And Dumbledore, I so hope your Order of the Phoenix or what ever it is called works. Good night."
With that he left and Harry looked at the Ron and Hermione who looked at Dumbledore with interest. He read their minds. "Oh no you don't. You are to stay away from business that you should not look into."
McGonagall sensing where he was heading said, 'I expect that you will not get into your usual selves and look for trouble. Especially you Hermione. You're a prefect. What example would that set for the other students?"
They all laughed and instead of taking the carriage, they took a portkey (a quill) and had dinner with the teachers.
Harry looked at Ron. "What was Fudge talking about?"
"Something about what was it called? Order of the Sphinx or something?"
Hermione lit up like she did when she realized something amazing. Well at least to her anyway. "I remember reading something in the old days when you – know – who was around. It was a secret organization who was made up of the most powerful good wizards. They were brought together to catch the death eaters to slowly make you – know – who lose power. But we know what happened there.' They looked at Harry who blushed.
Ron grinned. 'Oh I remember Charlie telling me something like that. I remember Moody was in it. And Dumbledore – '
Dumbledore and McGonagall looked up so suddenly that they started. McGonagall tightened her lips. "Did you not listen to anything we said Mr Weasely?' Said McGonagall warningly. 'I don't know why you insist on getting into trouble and putting yourself in danger! Now listen to me, all three of you – do not go interfering in things that don't concern you. It is dangerous as you already experienced.' Here she looked pointedly at Harry. 'You disregard what the minister had said to the headmaster, that's between the members within the Order of the Phoenix – '
'Aha!' said Harry. 'So there is an Order of the Phoenix, is there?"
McGonagall looked furious with herself, while Dumbledore couldn't help himself grin at Harry.
As they entered they saw Fudge talking to McGonagall, Snape, Dobby and Winky. The trio looked at Dumbledore and he nodded. Without attracting anyone's attention, he placed a shielding charm on Fudge. When it hit him, he just scratched his baldhead as if it was nothing. They were safe.
"Ah you're here. Harry welcome to the Ministry." Fudge shook his hand energetically, before shaking the other three. "We still have an hour and I know you haven't eaten. I have set up brunch in the Grand hall. We have decided to set up the conference outside, as it is a beautiful day. They all followed Fudge.
"So Harry, I am sorry for not believing you last year. It just took some difficulty letting the fact sink in. But that was then. Did you read the article about yourself yesterday?" Fudge guided them into the Grand hall. It looked like Hogwarts, except the tables looked like the Yule Ball. They sat down at the middle table.
Snape sat in between Fudge and McGonagall. Dobby and Winky wanted to meet a few of their friends. Next to McGonagall were Dumbledore, Moody, Hermione, Ron and Harry. Fudge insisted that he sit next to Harry. "Well at least I know she finally told the truth about something. And I don't need to write an autobiography anymore."
The group laughed. They picked up the menus and ordered. Ron, Hermione and Harry all ordered hamburgers, fries and butter beer. They were all nervous about what was about to take place.
Fudge kept asking Harry questions and pepping him up for the conference. "It's very simple. Just tell everyone exactly what you know. The community deserves to know what is happening.' He turned to Ron. 'Don't be uncomfortable about your dad and brother having to question you. Just think of it as being as home, alright?"
Harry looked at Ron quizzically. "Oh yeah. Percy took over Crouch's job. He was so honored and worked up to all hours at night that the ministry had to stun him to force him to get some sleep and food." They laughed, but at that moment, Arthur and Percy Weasley walked over. Percy bowed so low to Fudge and the other professors that he almost fell over. "Hello Ronald, Harry, Hermione. Are you ready?"
They nodded. Arthur looked at his son. "You do know we might need to question you, right?"
"As long as it isn't about spiders, than I'm prepared for anything." They laughed.
McGonagall looked at her watch. "It's midday so we better head off."
They followed the three ministry officials to a door that led to the courtyard. When the large wooden doors opened people started clapping. Harry, Ron and Hermione went out and stopped. In front of them must have been over a thousand people looking at them. Harry's hands became extremely sweaty and his heart thumped very loud.
Hermione dragged him to a long table that was slanted to face the crowd and a symmetrical table that was lined up with the ministry. Harry sat between Ron and Hermione. With them sat Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Winky, Moody and other wizards who Harry did not know. Fudge and a wizard who Harry presumed was the point wizard had a table in the middle, facing the crowd.
Everyone hushed down as Fudge stood up. He place his wand under his throat and whispered 'Sonorus.' "Welcome all to this conference today. We are here to discuss the incidences that have occurred and I feel as Minister of Magic that you as the general public should know. You might already know why this is taking place through Rita Skeeter's article. So I would like to welcome Professors Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape and Alastor Moody.' The crowd clapped politely. 'We would like to thank the headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore for letting this conference take place.' More polite claps followed. 'And we would like to give a warm welcome to Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter who have given up their time to attend this conference.' The claps were loud, but still polite.
"We will let the witnesses tell their stories on all the topics before the ministry might have questions they would like to ask. When that is done, you as the general public might ask any questions as long as it is on the topic of what we are discussing.' There were a few laughs. 'So lets get this under way. I would like to announce the special guest point wizard for this afternoon, Mr. Dedalus Diggle.' There were many claps, even though Harry and Hermione did not know who he was.
Diggle stood up. "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic public conference. We are here to discuss incidents that have involved Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, The Dark Lord (people flinched) and Harry Potter. Our first topic will be the Triwizard Tournament. The following witnesses will speak about it in this order. Professor Albus Dumbledore, Winky: Bartemius Crouch Sr.'s house elf, Professor Alastor Moody, Professor Minerva McGonagall and Mr. Harry Potter. Albus?"
Dumbledore smiled and placed his wand under his throat and whispered 'Sonorus'. "As you all are aware, at least by now that the Triwizard Tournament took place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With our school, Beauxbatons Academy and Durmstrang Institute was also to compete in the tournament. All three schools were aware that only students of the age of 17 and older could take part. But when the three champions were selected from the Goblet of fire, we were all surprised when another name was selected. And as you all know, that name was in fact Harry Potter.'
'When I told the students to eat dinner, I went into the chamber where the champions were and questioned Harry if he put his name somehow into the Goblet, but he said no and all adults present believed him.' Here everyone on the table looked at Snape but he was just fiddling with his quill. 'But I was not allowed to take him out as it was a magical contract that bound the champions when their name was pulled out. Myself, Bartemius Crouch Jr. who was under Polly juice potion as Alastor Moody and Bartemius Crouch Sr., explained this. So I was forced to allow Harry to compete in the tournament.'
'As you all found out through Rita Skeeter's articles, Harry was able to come into the lead and tied with Cedric Diggory, also a Hogwart's champion. Before the third task, Harry and Viktor Krum were talking near the dark forest near where they were shown where the third task would be. They saw Bartemius Crouch Sr. who had been reported sick by his assistant Percy Weasely (Ron and Harry sniggered as Percy puffed out his chest) and was disoriented as witnessed by Harry and Viktor. Harry told Viktor to watch him while he went to get myself, but by the time we arrived, Viktor had been knocked unconscious and Mr Crouch was no where to be seen. I sent the imposter Moody to look for him, but he said he did not find him.'
Dumbledore looked at Diggle. "Thank you Albus. Harry Potter, will you please talk about what took place from the third task to – '
Harry saw Malfoy try and throw a curse at Fudge, but it bounced off and hit a wall. Nobody noticed.
' – The next day, please?" Harry saw Malfoy try it again, but gave up frustrated. Hermione helped with the spell so everyone could hear him. Harry cleared his throat and began to speak. He told them everything from entering the maze, to Viktor trying to harm Cedric, to the incident with the spider and touching the cup. He talked about Cedric and Harry thinking it was part of the task and taking out their wands. Harry told about seeing figures approach and Harry's scar burning and Cedric being killed. He heard crying from his mother, but Amos only looked at Harry with renewed bravery. He talked about the figure tying him up and realizing it was Peter Pettigrew. He watched Pettigrew do a spell and bring a bone from Voldemorts – '
Diggle stopped him. "Harry but could you please use the Dark Lord?" Harry nodded and continued. "The Dark lord's dead father and tossed it into the cauldron that held a bundle that Harry could not see. He saw Pettigrew cut his hand off, the one with the missing finger and put it into the cauldron. He then told them about Pettigrew stab him in the arm and drew blood and threw that into the cauldron. Harry told the public then that the Dark Lord rose up and called for the death eaters using Pettigrew's dark mark.
People started to shout and Diggle had to call for order. Lucius Malfoy stood up. "This is outrageous. Are you going to really believe a boy who can speak Parsel tongue and has hallucinations? I say to stop this right now!"
"Order!' Everyone fell silent. 'Lucius take your seat and wait until your turn.' Malfoy was about to speak again, but Harry noticed and stepped in. "I can speak Parsel tongue because when he cursed me, some of his powers, including his ability to speak Parsel tongue went to me. As for these hallucinations. They are premonition like dreams where I can feel when he is very angry or near or is torturing or killing someone. And I would like to ask you Mr. Malfoy. Is the reason why you would like this meeting to stop – '
"Stop playing games, you fool" Malfoy stood up. Harry stood up as well.
"Is the reason why you would like this meeting to stop because you are one of the death eaters who attended the rebirth of the Dark Lord?" People gasped and started whispering to eachother. Malfoy and Harry looked at eachother with loathing.
"You lie, Mr. Potter and I must once ask again for this conference to stop." Malfoy said without taking his eyes off Harry. They both were still standing and the crowd looking at them both.
"You lie, Mr Malfoy. Do you object to the use of Veritaserum to prove your innocence? Though I doubt you had any in the first place."
"I do object because I am not the one we are discussing – '
"You do object because you are lying!"
Diggle stood up. "Both of you sit down now.' They both sat down but still did not take their eyes off eachother. Fudge whispered something to a wizard on Harry's table and he went into the building. 'This is not a trial and I will not tolerate people disobeying the rules that have been set out.' The wizard came out with a tiny bottle and passed it to Fudge. Fudge than whispered something to Diggle who nodded. 'Fudge has suggested clearing up this matter that Harry will be under Veritaserum, as Lucius already pointed out that it is Harry's side who is being discussed. Does anyone have any objections?"
Harry saw Malfoy, Avery and Nott touch his forearm. Malfoy stood up. "I object and as I know you would rather take this fools word for it, than we shall not take part in this game." They stood up and left. Harry whispered to Dumbledore that they were summoned. Snape looked at Harry and Dumbledore.
Dumbledore looked at Diggle. "Is it alright for Severus Snape to be excused as he has school business to take care of and is not a necessary witness?"
Diggle looked at Fudge who nodded. "Yes he may. Does anyone else have objections? Albus?"
"I do not object. Harry is it alright for you to use the truth potion?" Dumbledore's twinkling blue eyes locked with Harry's own emerald ones. " No I do not."
The wizard, who brought the potion, told Harry to open his mouth. The wizard placed three drops and left. At first Harry thought it did not work. But then a cool sensation went through out his whole body and he felt very weak. It was a nice feeling but at the same time, he did not like it either.
Diggle looked at Harry. "Can you hear me Harry?" Harry nodded in a monotone voice. "Can you please tell us what happened when the Dark Lord summoned his death eaters?"
Harry than told them. He fought to remember every detail and kept biting his lip to think. He told them what Voldemort had said to each death eater and how he had planned this since the Quidditch World Cup. Harry could hear the crowd gasping and whispering to each other. Harry told about the duel.
"What happened during the duel?" Diggle's voice echoed through his head.
Harry told being forced to bow and hiding and being scared. He told the public that if he were to die in the Dark Lord's hands, he would do it like his father. He spoke about the Prior Incantatem and how he forced the ball into the Dark Lord's wand though he had no idea what that would achieve. He than he told them about the ghosts emerging. Pettigrew's hand, Cedric, an old muggle, Bertha and his parents. He told the public how his father told him that he would touch the cup that would transport him back to Hogwarts.
He told them how Cedric had asked him to take his body back to his parents and he promised he would. He told them how he ran and shot spells to slow the death eaters who were trying to stop him. He told them how he jumped over the cup and grabbed Cedric's wrist but could not reach the cup. He told them what the Dark Lord said and how Harry summoned the cup which transported them back to Hogwarts. And he told them how the Dark Lord was angry that he had escaped for the fourth time.
"Harry, what happened when you arrived back at school?" Diggle's voice echoed through his head again.
Harry told them about landing on the grass and feeling like he would black out. He told them about Dumbledore turning him around and Harry grabbing on to his wrist telling him the bad news. He told them that Dumbledore lifting Harry up and making him let go of Cedric. He told them that Dumbledore told him to wait because the Diggory's were running towards him. He told them about the incident with Moody the imposter. He told them about Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape entering and stunning him. He told them exactly what Moody had said and how Winky came in.
"Alright Harry. We will take you out of the potion. Take this antidote." Harry let liquid slide down his mouth and the truth potion disappeared leaving Harry with a headache. "Ah yes. That can do that to you. Just wait, the potion will help it go away. Thank you. Now for Winky."
Harry did not pay much attention as McGonagall, Winky and Moody told their story. He waited until they were finished.
Diggle stood up when Moody finished his story. "Thank you. Now for our next point. Colin Creevy. The following witnesses will speak about it in this order. Mr. Harry Potter, Mr Ronald Weasely and Miss Hermione Granger. Harry?"
Harry, Hermione and Ron said exactly the same thing, but in there own words of course. It again went with the final topic of the Hogsmeade Ball. But people gasped at Harry new power. Harry did not really want to tell the public was forced to as Dumbledore had said.
When Hermione had finished telling her version of the events at the ball, Diggle stood up. "Thank you. Now is there anyone from the Ministry who would like to ask anybody questions?"
Diggory stood up. "My question is addressed to Mr. Potter in relation to the second topic. Mr. Potter, can you please again explain how you knew where exactly to find Colin Creevy?"
Harry felt annoyed. He did not really know how to explain it. "I don't know really how to explain it. It was just when I looked at Dennis Creevy, Colin's younger brother, I had this fast forward premonition of Colin. I did not know exactly where to go, but decided to go the Gryffindor tower. When we heard the scream from above us, we then knew where to go. Is that okay?"
"Yes it is, thank you." Amos took his seat with satisfaction. Percy stood up. "My question is addressed to Mr. Weasely and Miss Granger in relation to the second and third topic. Why did you two not stop Mr. Potter and go straight to the teacher's with your concerns?"
Hermione spoke up first. "In accordance with the second topic, we saw that Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape follow us, but as they did not know what had happened, we decided to go on ahead, hopefully to save Colin's life. But unfortunately we were unable and the teachers soon caught up and we explained the situation."
Ron spoke up next. "And with the third topic, Harry knew that you – know – who did what he did to get to him and as we were his best friends we would not let him do it on his own. We noted that the teachers were what was it – ten minutes away and since there were not to many death eaters, we were able to disarm them. Soon after the teachers caught up and the Dark Lord and death eaters dissapperated."
"Thank you." Percy sat down and Diggle stood up.
"Any more questions from the Ministry?" No one stood up. "Alright time for the public." At once a thousand hands shot up and started shouting questions. "Everyone quiet now! We don't want to be here all day one at a time. We'll start with Rita Skeeter and work our way across."
So a thousand questions later and the sun setting and everyone looking tired, they finally completed the conference.
Fudge stood up. "That completes our conference. But do not fear as there is a separate organization working against the Dark Lord and all is safe. Thank you for all attending and good night."
Dumbledore and McGonagall stood up. The students followed suit. Fudge shook their hands. "Thank you for all attending and I will have a word with Lucius. I don't know what has gotten into him. And Dumbledore, I so hope your Order of the Phoenix or what ever it is called works. Good night."
With that he left and Harry looked at the Ron and Hermione who looked at Dumbledore with interest. He read their minds. "Oh no you don't. You are to stay away from business that you should not look into."
McGonagall sensing where he was heading said, 'I expect that you will not get into your usual selves and look for trouble. Especially you Hermione. You're a prefect. What example would that set for the other students?"
They all laughed and instead of taking the carriage, they took a portkey (a quill) and had dinner with the teachers.
Harry looked at Ron. "What was Fudge talking about?"
"Something about what was it called? Order of the Sphinx or something?"
Hermione lit up like she did when she realized something amazing. Well at least to her anyway. "I remember reading something in the old days when you – know – who was around. It was a secret organization who was made up of the most powerful good wizards. They were brought together to catch the death eaters to slowly make you – know – who lose power. But we know what happened there.' They looked at Harry who blushed.
Ron grinned. 'Oh I remember Charlie telling me something like that. I remember Moody was in it. And Dumbledore – '
Dumbledore and McGonagall looked up so suddenly that they started. McGonagall tightened her lips. "Did you not listen to anything we said Mr Weasely?' Said McGonagall warningly. 'I don't know why you insist on getting into trouble and putting yourself in danger! Now listen to me, all three of you – do not go interfering in things that don't concern you. It is dangerous as you already experienced.' Here she looked pointedly at Harry. 'You disregard what the minister had said to the headmaster, that's between the members within the Order of the Phoenix – '
'Aha!' said Harry. 'So there is an Order of the Phoenix, is there?"
McGonagall looked furious with herself, while Dumbledore couldn't help himself grin at Harry.
