Chapter 16: The End of an Era
The once empty streets of Edinburgh, Scotland were now filled with over thirty people. All of these people had one thought on their mind. If he moves, he's dead. Harry Potter knew this, if for no apparent reason then because he was a telepath. Luckily for him his opponents did not know this.
"What do you mean, Green Light?" Brian Cassidy repeated.
As if to answer his question a large group of men dressed in gunmetal gray suits exited the buildings from the surrounding area. Several large black helicopters encircled the area, all of which dropped thick cords and groups of men slid down them. The hit wizards, Brian Cassidy and Ron Weasley suddenly found themselves vastly outnumbered three to one. Each of the men surrounding them was armed with a large variety of muggle weapons. All of these weapons pointed at various hit wizards. Each hit wizard had three red dots on their heads, arms and chests.
Brian Cassidy was the first to move and say, "Immobulus."
A ripple effect, similar to dropping a pebble into a body of water spread out and all the men suddenly stopped moving. Brian, Ron and the Hit Wizards smiled until one of the muggles squeezed his trigger. The single bullet flew threw the air and struck Brian Cassidy in his right shoulder. Brian was flung to the ground by the sudden impact of a bullet crashing into his bone. The hit wizards were about to respond when Harry Potter spoke up.
"I wouldn't advise doing that," Harry said. "These men are MI-5 or for those of you who don't know muggle acronyms, Her Majesties Security Service. For those of you that are totally ignorant and haven't the slightest notion, her majesty as in the Queen of England. They have been specially trained by me for the past two years to fight and win against any magical or supernatural opponents. In this case, that would be all of you. Further more they have a several tactical advantages over wizards and witches that you are now about to become aware of. Your spells won't work on them. but their weapons will work on you. You can of course disregard everything I'm saying and find out for yourselves but I'd highly advise against it."
The hit wizards took in all of the words that Harry Potter spoke. Some thought he was bluffing. Others weren't willing to take their chances. Six wizards drew their wands and launched curses at the closest muggle. The hit wizards watched in surprise as some of their most potent curses dissipated before their eyes.
To make their point several MI-5 team members promptly shot the aggressive wizards in the arms, legs and hands. All the shots were non fatal as they were in no danger from any of the spells cast. Harry Telekinetically lifted every wand from their owner's possession and proceeded to snap them into twigs.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Harry stated signaling to a man behind him.
"Medic," one of the men called out. Two teams of medics then began patching up the downed wizards. While this was going on Harry drew a scroll out and proceeded to read it to those in attendance.
"By order of Her Majesty, the Prime Minister and the British Parliament your authority to enforce wizarding law on British citizens has been revoked!"
Harry paused for a moment and looked at Brian Cassidy who was being helped to his feet. "Actually it was revoked last week and I've been letting you dig your graves." He then continued to read the proclamation.
"You have no authority anywhere in Europe, or anywhere else for that matter. You are all under arrest for the destruction of public property, assault, battery, three counts of attempted kidnapping, and a few other crimes that will be listed at your trial. You will surrender your wands and any magical items you possess now. well you don't have to worry about the wands any longer," Harry informed them.
"Surrender now or else." On that signal several of the men took up positions at point blank range to make their point to the wizards. Any muggleborn or halfblood wizards might be tempted to fight back (and actually know how), the purebloods wouldn't have a clue how to resist these odds.
Harry then casually walked over to Ron Weasley. He looked the man square in the face and smiled. "That includes you Ronald."
One of his troops then came over, forcefully pulling the red head's arms behind his back so he could hand cuff him. "How is it that you can arrest us? You're a known fugitive!" Ron blurted out.
Harry's smile widened. "Ginny and I were officially pardoned by the British Parliament the day after the government revoked the Ministry of Magic's authority over British citizens." "You'll never get away with this Harry. When Dumbledore and the Minister find out--" "Ron you stupid prat, do you think I'm worried about Dumbledore and Diggory. They are no threat to anyone. They have no power or authority anywhere. Also they should be finding out what I'm up to about. oh right about now. They and every country on the face of this." Harry stated.
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Harry informed his brother-in- law.
"Sir the gateway is ready to transport us to the specified coordinates," another agent informed Harry.
"Then let us not keep them waiting any longer," Harry informed the man, then ordered, "Bring him." Pointing at Ron. The officer put his gun barrel at Ron's back and ordered him to move. Ron kept pace with Harry.
Harry walked over and kissed his wife. She and the baby were both fine and Jasmine was only crying a little bit. She had been terrified when the War Golems appeared but when her daddy arrived to save them she was able to rest easy in her mum's arms.
"Bad Unca Won," Jasmine stated pointing her finger at him then gave him a raspberry. Ginny kissed her daughter. Ron looked at his sister hoping for some sort of sympathy. Ginny gave him none.
"Ready to return to become part of history?" Harry asked.
"More than ready love," Ginny stated.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
Albus Dumbledore had never imagined he would be seeing the sight before him. Human beings have only been flying through mechanical means for less than a century yet here, in the supposedly protected grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a group of muggle helicopters were landing around the school. A large group of men exited their metal flying machines, weapons drawn, and stood downfield from Hogwarts. Hermione Weasley, current muggle studies professor looked through a pair of omnioculars at the congregation of troops.
"Do you think they know we're here?" Minerva asked Albus.
"I'm not sure. They appear to be waiting for something," Dumbledore replied.
"Hermione, what are those things on their heads?" Minerva asked.
"They're wearing helmets with some sort of electrical device on them. I'm not sure what, I never studied military technology," Hermione said, "But because of the wards around Hogwarts they shouldn't be able to use them."
As Hermione finished her statement the company of troops began marching on the doors to Hogwarts. The soldiers stopped mid march and slung their weapons over their shoulder, indicating they were not acting hostile.
"Do you think they see us?" Minerva asked again.
"I would hazard to guess yes," Albus answered.
"What shall we do Albus?" Minerva asked.
"Tell the staff to be ready. For what I don't know but to be prepared for anything," Dumbledore informed the deputy head mistress.
The group then stopped about fifteen paces from the Headmaster and Muggle Studies teacher. No one moved. They simply stood in place as if awaiting an order. Amos Diggory arrived via portkey a minute later between Headmaster Dumbledore and the company of soldiers.
"I see your situation is no better than mine was Albus," Amos informed the Headmaster.
"What do you mean?" Albus asked.
"The Ministry of Magic, the Auror Training Facility and now Hogwarts itself are all surrounded by these. people. I barely managed to flee the ministry before they overran my office. None of our wards, charms, or curses have any affect on them."
Before Amos could continue one of the masked soldiers shouted, "Company, Split Formation. March." The troops to the left of Amos, Albus and Hermione proceeded to move left, and the ones on the right moved right. There was now a large gap between the two groups.
It was then that a gateway ten feet by ten feet opened. The gateway was yellow in color and was like someone had cut out a ten by ten piece of the world. The first person that walked through the gateway surprised everyone. It was one Ronald Weasley. Hermione was shocked and then horrified when she saw he was in handcuffs. That look was nothing compared to the look on the Minister of Magic's face when Harry Potter walked out next with his family. Several troops wearing similar garments to the men surrounding Hogwarts accompanied them as the gateway then sealed itself behind the last man.
Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were outside moments after Harry's arrival. From the looks on their faces, Harry guessed that their opinions of him had changed since the last time he saw them. Had he cared he might have scanned them to see what was on their minds. if he cared, which he didn't.
"Amos," Harry greeted the former Minister of Magic. He then turned his attention to his former headmaster, "No Albus, I'm not here to turn myself in so don't even say it," Harry stated. The past few times Harry had seen his former headmaster the first words out of his mouth were to give himself up and be shown leniency.
"Why is Ron in handcuffs?" Hermione asked before anyone else could utter a word.
"Let's see," Harry said as he pulled out a pad of paper, "Destruction of public property, assault, battery, impersonating a law officer, three counts of attempted kidnapping, harassment, carrying concealed weapons, and a few other crimes."
"Harry you're a fugitive. You can't possibly have any authority," Hermione stated. Harry was about to comment on that when someone spoke up.
"We know the truth now Harry," Sirius interrupted. The look on his face was similar to the one he had after explaining his part in the death of Harry's parents.
"What truth is this?" Amos and Hermione asked in unison.
"We just received a full confession from Peter Pettigrew ten minutes ago. Lucius and Draco Malfoy set up Harry with the help of Pettigrew. We have the evidence that can prove him innocent," Albus Dumbledore explained.
The news shocked all that knew the whole story save three people. Those three people were the Potters.
"You're news comes too little too late Mr. Black," Ginny Potter announced in her harshest tone.
"Ginny, Harry is innocent," Remus stated.
"Funny Remus. I specifically remember uttered those same words for the past SEVENTEEN YEARS," Ginny yelled. She was covering Jasmine's ears as she did so.
"Innocent?" Ron uttered.
"Yes Ronald. IN-NO-CENT!" Ginny stated.
"Harry I--" But Ron never got to finish his statement.
RONALD WEASLEY. SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!! THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN SAY TO MAKE UP WHAT YOU DID TO HARRY. IF JASMINE WEREN'T HERE I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT YOU WOULD BE ON THE GROUND IN A WORLD OF HURT!!! KEEP YOUR LIPS SHUT AND MAYBE THAT TEENY TINY LITTLE BRAIN OF YOURS WILL LEARN SOMETHING FOR A CHANGE!!! a voice that sounded like an enraged Ginny Potter yelled in his head in a manner that he had not heard since they were children.
Tears came to Ron's eyes. The hurtfully loud voice resonating in his thick skull was giving him a severe headache. Ron wiped his eyes and shut his mouth.
"So after seventeen years. Albus Dumbledore, the greatest sorcerer in the world, an accomplished Occlumens & Legilimens admits that he was wrong. That he helped condemn a sixteen-year- old boy to hell without giving him the benefit of the doubt or even bother to check for himself if he was telling the truth," Harry stated.
"Anything to say in your defense DUMBledore?" Harry asked his former headmaster. Everyone noticed how Harry had overemphasized the world dumb in Albus' name. When Albus did not reply Harry then moved to Hermione. She had tears in her eyes as well.
"Ginny told me that while you didn't help me any you at least had your doubts. While I don't yet forgive you I won't hold a grudge against you Hermione," Harry stated. He gave the girl a quick hug to show he was being sincere. Hermione hugged him back. Harry the walked over to Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. The look he was giving them could melt a cauldron. "Albus, would you please put a silencing charm around my lovely wife and daughter please?"
Without asking any questions, Dumbledore did as he was requested.
"I want you both to know, while I'm glad the truth has finally come out, that it is too little too late. I hate you," Harry said pointing to Remus Lupin. "I hate you," he said pointing to Albus. "And there are no words to describe how much I despise you," Harry said looking his godfather square in the eyes.
"None of you believed in me. You proved that time and time again over the past seventeen years. You played right into Voldemort's hands by believing I could ever work for him. So there is no doubt in your mind, let me make this perfectly clear to the three of you, I hate you all, and I never want to see the three of you again. ever!" Harry told them.
Harry waited for the impact of his words to sink into their heads. He motioned for his lieutenant to place Ron over by the three wizards. " Incase there are any doubts how I feel about the lot of you," Harry said, "allow me to share my feelings with you."
With those words spoken Harry projected all the emotions he'd stored over the past seventeen years into the quartet. Every painful memory brought out by the Dementors, every emotional attack brought on by his connection to Voldemort, every angry thought he had about them, Harry empathically transmitted it to the four men. He did this for three minutes straight. Some would consider it torture. Harry thought it was poetic justice.
"Now you can honestly say you know how I feel," Harry stated to the four men when he was done. The four wizards looked quite sick, Hermione couldn't believe that even Dumbledore looked like he was going to heave.
"Occlumency protects the mind from invaders, but I wasn't attacking the mind," Harry said, "I was attacking the heart."
"Why didn't you do that to me as well?" Hermione inquired.
"Because you were at least sympathetic to me and questioned my guilt. The others never gave me the benefit of the doubt," Harry stated.
Harry then gave Amos Diggory his undivided attention
"Clearly." Amos stated, "These facts will have to be verified. Upon which--"
Harry held up his hand stopping Amos from speaking. He then motioned for his lieutenant. The man drew a letter from his satchel and handed it to Harry. Harry opened the letter and read it aloud.
"By order of her Majesty, the Prime Minister and the British Parliament, no organization shall have the authority to detain or imprison citizens of the United Kingdom without proper trial by said kingdom's courts. All law organizations shall fall under the British Government and its appointed department heads. Any organization that does not respond by the date specified shall be considered non-existent until a time that that they are re- instituted. Etc, Etc, Etc." Harry stated.
"For those of you that haven't been paying attention for the week since this announcement was made, The Ministry of Magic is closed. You have no authority what so ever anymore. I am here to take into custody Peter Pettigrew, and Amos Diggory. Also after the Ministry of Magic's authority was revoked the British courts reviewed my case, Ginny and I have already officially pardoned," Harry informed those gathered.
"You can't do this," Amos protested.
"According to the laws of the land I can Amos. See, since my escape I've been planning for this day, the day that I exposed the existence of magic to the world. You see, several other wizards and witches that you cast out long ago have spent the better part of four years preparing devices that would work regardless of magical wards. With out the restrictions of the Ministry we were able to accomplish quite a bit," Harry stated.
"Harry, you can't let the world know we exist," Remus pleaded.
"Its already done Lupin. I spent the first few years making deals with every government in the world. The one thing they all seem to agree with is that the wizarding world cannot be allowed to govern itself. You," Harry pointed to Albus and Amos, "would allow wizards and witches to alter the memories of people for your own protection as a means to keep the truth buried. You allowed Lord Voldemort to reign not once but twice now. He killed countless muggles and it was all covered up. And of course, you sent me to Azkaban for a crime I didn't commit," He reminded them.
"No, the world needs to change so that what happened to me can never happen again," Harry adamantly stated.
Harry then waved to his lieutenant. "Amos Diggory you are charged with failing to adhere to the laws of the land. You have allowed numerous unauthorized black ops teams to roam the lands after the laws were established. I'm afraid you will have to answer for your crimes. All of your aurors have been arrested, your hit wizards are being given a chance to surrender, but my men have orders to shoot any that resist. Also Azkaban is under our authority now," Harry stated.
"You're going to destroy the civilized world as we know it Harry," Hermione stated.
"Don't be so melodramatic Hermione. You are a muggle-born witch, it didn't take you long to accept being different, your parents accepted it, eventually the world as a whole will get along with magic as well," Harry said.
"And what of those that won't accept it. They will try and persecute us because we're different," Remus replied.
"The world as a whole persecutes other races simply because they are different Remus. We will just be another minority. True many will fear us at first because we are different, but we must make strides to change that perception. Laws have been proposed and approved protecting us. Of course it will go a long way when we start helping the world instead of hindering it," Harry explained.
"We have never hindered the world," Amos retorted.
"By not helping you have hindered it. Natural resources have been squandered because there was no alternative at the time. Had you aided your fellow man, that might not be so," Harry said, "I don't mean to imply we, as a society, should handle all of the worlds problems, but we can sure help try and solve and further them. Although it was probably a good thing to stay out of World War 1 and 2, not telling how nasty things would have turned out with magic involved there."
Harry then turned to his subordinate; he said, "Lieutenant, escort my family home, then have alpha company take stations in the designated areas around the school and await further instructions."
"Yes sir," the man responded and began carrying out his orders.
"Oh yes, Albus.." Harry said his back to the man, "I expect you to tender your resignation immediately. You've proven that you are no longer capable of making good judgment calls. You are a liability to this school, one that I cannot allow to remain. The same goes for tweedle dumb and tweedle dumber." Harry pointed to Lupin and Black.
"Hermione, until further notice you are acting Headmistress of Hogwarts. do try and be a better head of school than your predecessor."
With a wave of his hand Ron's cuffs were released. "Mr. Weasley is free to go Lieutenant," Harry said. The officer nodded in response. Harry walked over to Ron and looked him square in the eyes.
"Because I love and respect your mum and dad I am letting you go Ron. All charges against you will be dropped and no additional charges made. You may keep your wand and sword but never carry your blade in public again," Harry said.
Before Ron could thank him Harry said, "One last thing. don't ever darken my doorstep. ever. You are not welcome in my home."
Harry then departed with the Amos Diggory and the recently arrived and extremely pale Peter Pettigrew in tow.
"Get a hold of yourself man, if I was going to kill you Peter you would already be dead," Harry stated.
That remark did little to comfort Peter as they walked through the gateway.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
The room was extremely dark when he was thrown in. It took him a moment to get to his feet. When a light came on Cornelius Fudge was sitting in the chamber that he once presided over for many years. Earlier that day he had been forcibly removed from his home and brought, blindfolded, here for some unknown reason by men he didn't know.
"It's time to atone for your sins Fudge," a voice called out from the darkness.
"Who's there? What sins have I committed?" Cornelius asked.
"You were a politician Fudge, the question you should ask is what sins haven't you committed?"
"What is my crime?" Cornelius asked in a worried tone. Fudge buried his face in his hands. "What is my crime?"
The light came on above his former position and sitting above him was Harry Potter.
"You tell me Fudge. what could you possibly had done?" Harry asked the man, with a smirk.
"Potter?" Fudge said in disbelief.
"I told you one day I would be here and you would be down there atoning for your sins. You helped Voldemort get me out of the way. You took a bribe from Lucius Malfoy to set me up. You selected a group of wizards and witches that would vote the way you told them to. Is it any wonder that you are now yourself going to be tried and convicted of treason against Great Britain?" Harry asked of the man who became more pitiful by the moment.
"What are you going on about? Great Britain takes no notice of us!" Fudge responded.
"That all ended last week Cornelius, when the parliament dissolved the Ministry and will now be the ones judging all cases, even magical ones," Harry gleefully informed the idiotic simpleton.
"Tha... that's impossible," Fudge cried.
"Thanks to you it is very possible," Harry said with a smile on his face.
"M... me??? What did I do?" Cornelius asked.
"If you hadn't railroaded me ten years ago none of this would ever have happened. The wizarding world would still be an autonomous entity and you wouldn't be going to prison. Funny how things work out isn't it? I went to Azkaban for crimes I didn't commit, and you're going to prison, possibly execution for crimes you did commit." Harry said. Fudge watched as two of the men who had brought him before Harry once again stood besides him, ready to take him away.
"For the record Fudge, you're on your way to be tried for your crimes. You, as former Minister of Magic, are accountable for wrong doings dating back to your term in office. I imagine that's quite a few."
"Noooooo," Fudge screamed as the men started to remove him from the chamber.
"Cornelius..." Harry said. The two guards stopped momentarily and Fudge looked at the young man. "I want you to know that you will be given a fair trial, something you and your contemporaries denied me all those years ago," Harry said as the men removed Fudge from the room.
As soon as the door was closed the lights went off, for the last time.
The once empty streets of Edinburgh, Scotland were now filled with over thirty people. All of these people had one thought on their mind. If he moves, he's dead. Harry Potter knew this, if for no apparent reason then because he was a telepath. Luckily for him his opponents did not know this.
"What do you mean, Green Light?" Brian Cassidy repeated.
As if to answer his question a large group of men dressed in gunmetal gray suits exited the buildings from the surrounding area. Several large black helicopters encircled the area, all of which dropped thick cords and groups of men slid down them. The hit wizards, Brian Cassidy and Ron Weasley suddenly found themselves vastly outnumbered three to one. Each of the men surrounding them was armed with a large variety of muggle weapons. All of these weapons pointed at various hit wizards. Each hit wizard had three red dots on their heads, arms and chests.
Brian Cassidy was the first to move and say, "Immobulus."
A ripple effect, similar to dropping a pebble into a body of water spread out and all the men suddenly stopped moving. Brian, Ron and the Hit Wizards smiled until one of the muggles squeezed his trigger. The single bullet flew threw the air and struck Brian Cassidy in his right shoulder. Brian was flung to the ground by the sudden impact of a bullet crashing into his bone. The hit wizards were about to respond when Harry Potter spoke up.
"I wouldn't advise doing that," Harry said. "These men are MI-5 or for those of you who don't know muggle acronyms, Her Majesties Security Service. For those of you that are totally ignorant and haven't the slightest notion, her majesty as in the Queen of England. They have been specially trained by me for the past two years to fight and win against any magical or supernatural opponents. In this case, that would be all of you. Further more they have a several tactical advantages over wizards and witches that you are now about to become aware of. Your spells won't work on them. but their weapons will work on you. You can of course disregard everything I'm saying and find out for yourselves but I'd highly advise against it."
The hit wizards took in all of the words that Harry Potter spoke. Some thought he was bluffing. Others weren't willing to take their chances. Six wizards drew their wands and launched curses at the closest muggle. The hit wizards watched in surprise as some of their most potent curses dissipated before their eyes.
To make their point several MI-5 team members promptly shot the aggressive wizards in the arms, legs and hands. All the shots were non fatal as they were in no danger from any of the spells cast. Harry Telekinetically lifted every wand from their owner's possession and proceeded to snap them into twigs.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Harry stated signaling to a man behind him.
"Medic," one of the men called out. Two teams of medics then began patching up the downed wizards. While this was going on Harry drew a scroll out and proceeded to read it to those in attendance.
"By order of Her Majesty, the Prime Minister and the British Parliament your authority to enforce wizarding law on British citizens has been revoked!"
Harry paused for a moment and looked at Brian Cassidy who was being helped to his feet. "Actually it was revoked last week and I've been letting you dig your graves." He then continued to read the proclamation.
"You have no authority anywhere in Europe, or anywhere else for that matter. You are all under arrest for the destruction of public property, assault, battery, three counts of attempted kidnapping, and a few other crimes that will be listed at your trial. You will surrender your wands and any magical items you possess now. well you don't have to worry about the wands any longer," Harry informed them.
"Surrender now or else." On that signal several of the men took up positions at point blank range to make their point to the wizards. Any muggleborn or halfblood wizards might be tempted to fight back (and actually know how), the purebloods wouldn't have a clue how to resist these odds.
Harry then casually walked over to Ron Weasley. He looked the man square in the face and smiled. "That includes you Ronald."
One of his troops then came over, forcefully pulling the red head's arms behind his back so he could hand cuff him. "How is it that you can arrest us? You're a known fugitive!" Ron blurted out.
Harry's smile widened. "Ginny and I were officially pardoned by the British Parliament the day after the government revoked the Ministry of Magic's authority over British citizens." "You'll never get away with this Harry. When Dumbledore and the Minister find out--" "Ron you stupid prat, do you think I'm worried about Dumbledore and Diggory. They are no threat to anyone. They have no power or authority anywhere. Also they should be finding out what I'm up to about. oh right about now. They and every country on the face of this." Harry stated.
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Harry informed his brother-in- law.
"Sir the gateway is ready to transport us to the specified coordinates," another agent informed Harry.
"Then let us not keep them waiting any longer," Harry informed the man, then ordered, "Bring him." Pointing at Ron. The officer put his gun barrel at Ron's back and ordered him to move. Ron kept pace with Harry.
Harry walked over and kissed his wife. She and the baby were both fine and Jasmine was only crying a little bit. She had been terrified when the War Golems appeared but when her daddy arrived to save them she was able to rest easy in her mum's arms.
"Bad Unca Won," Jasmine stated pointing her finger at him then gave him a raspberry. Ginny kissed her daughter. Ron looked at his sister hoping for some sort of sympathy. Ginny gave him none.
"Ready to return to become part of history?" Harry asked.
"More than ready love," Ginny stated.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
Albus Dumbledore had never imagined he would be seeing the sight before him. Human beings have only been flying through mechanical means for less than a century yet here, in the supposedly protected grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a group of muggle helicopters were landing around the school. A large group of men exited their metal flying machines, weapons drawn, and stood downfield from Hogwarts. Hermione Weasley, current muggle studies professor looked through a pair of omnioculars at the congregation of troops.
"Do you think they know we're here?" Minerva asked Albus.
"I'm not sure. They appear to be waiting for something," Dumbledore replied.
"Hermione, what are those things on their heads?" Minerva asked.
"They're wearing helmets with some sort of electrical device on them. I'm not sure what, I never studied military technology," Hermione said, "But because of the wards around Hogwarts they shouldn't be able to use them."
As Hermione finished her statement the company of troops began marching on the doors to Hogwarts. The soldiers stopped mid march and slung their weapons over their shoulder, indicating they were not acting hostile.
"Do you think they see us?" Minerva asked again.
"I would hazard to guess yes," Albus answered.
"What shall we do Albus?" Minerva asked.
"Tell the staff to be ready. For what I don't know but to be prepared for anything," Dumbledore informed the deputy head mistress.
The group then stopped about fifteen paces from the Headmaster and Muggle Studies teacher. No one moved. They simply stood in place as if awaiting an order. Amos Diggory arrived via portkey a minute later between Headmaster Dumbledore and the company of soldiers.
"I see your situation is no better than mine was Albus," Amos informed the Headmaster.
"What do you mean?" Albus asked.
"The Ministry of Magic, the Auror Training Facility and now Hogwarts itself are all surrounded by these. people. I barely managed to flee the ministry before they overran my office. None of our wards, charms, or curses have any affect on them."
Before Amos could continue one of the masked soldiers shouted, "Company, Split Formation. March." The troops to the left of Amos, Albus and Hermione proceeded to move left, and the ones on the right moved right. There was now a large gap between the two groups.
It was then that a gateway ten feet by ten feet opened. The gateway was yellow in color and was like someone had cut out a ten by ten piece of the world. The first person that walked through the gateway surprised everyone. It was one Ronald Weasley. Hermione was shocked and then horrified when she saw he was in handcuffs. That look was nothing compared to the look on the Minister of Magic's face when Harry Potter walked out next with his family. Several troops wearing similar garments to the men surrounding Hogwarts accompanied them as the gateway then sealed itself behind the last man.
Sirius Black and Remus Lupin were outside moments after Harry's arrival. From the looks on their faces, Harry guessed that their opinions of him had changed since the last time he saw them. Had he cared he might have scanned them to see what was on their minds. if he cared, which he didn't.
"Amos," Harry greeted the former Minister of Magic. He then turned his attention to his former headmaster, "No Albus, I'm not here to turn myself in so don't even say it," Harry stated. The past few times Harry had seen his former headmaster the first words out of his mouth were to give himself up and be shown leniency.
"Why is Ron in handcuffs?" Hermione asked before anyone else could utter a word.
"Let's see," Harry said as he pulled out a pad of paper, "Destruction of public property, assault, battery, impersonating a law officer, three counts of attempted kidnapping, harassment, carrying concealed weapons, and a few other crimes."
"Harry you're a fugitive. You can't possibly have any authority," Hermione stated. Harry was about to comment on that when someone spoke up.
"We know the truth now Harry," Sirius interrupted. The look on his face was similar to the one he had after explaining his part in the death of Harry's parents.
"What truth is this?" Amos and Hermione asked in unison.
"We just received a full confession from Peter Pettigrew ten minutes ago. Lucius and Draco Malfoy set up Harry with the help of Pettigrew. We have the evidence that can prove him innocent," Albus Dumbledore explained.
The news shocked all that knew the whole story save three people. Those three people were the Potters.
"You're news comes too little too late Mr. Black," Ginny Potter announced in her harshest tone.
"Ginny, Harry is innocent," Remus stated.
"Funny Remus. I specifically remember uttered those same words for the past SEVENTEEN YEARS," Ginny yelled. She was covering Jasmine's ears as she did so.
"Innocent?" Ron uttered.
"Yes Ronald. IN-NO-CENT!" Ginny stated.
"Harry I--" But Ron never got to finish his statement.
RONALD WEASLEY. SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!! THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN SAY TO MAKE UP WHAT YOU DID TO HARRY. IF JASMINE WEREN'T HERE I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT YOU WOULD BE ON THE GROUND IN A WORLD OF HURT!!! KEEP YOUR LIPS SHUT AND MAYBE THAT TEENY TINY LITTLE BRAIN OF YOURS WILL LEARN SOMETHING FOR A CHANGE!!! a voice that sounded like an enraged Ginny Potter yelled in his head in a manner that he had not heard since they were children.
Tears came to Ron's eyes. The hurtfully loud voice resonating in his thick skull was giving him a severe headache. Ron wiped his eyes and shut his mouth.
"So after seventeen years. Albus Dumbledore, the greatest sorcerer in the world, an accomplished Occlumens & Legilimens admits that he was wrong. That he helped condemn a sixteen-year- old boy to hell without giving him the benefit of the doubt or even bother to check for himself if he was telling the truth," Harry stated.
"Anything to say in your defense DUMBledore?" Harry asked his former headmaster. Everyone noticed how Harry had overemphasized the world dumb in Albus' name. When Albus did not reply Harry then moved to Hermione. She had tears in her eyes as well.
"Ginny told me that while you didn't help me any you at least had your doubts. While I don't yet forgive you I won't hold a grudge against you Hermione," Harry stated. He gave the girl a quick hug to show he was being sincere. Hermione hugged him back. Harry the walked over to Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. The look he was giving them could melt a cauldron. "Albus, would you please put a silencing charm around my lovely wife and daughter please?"
Without asking any questions, Dumbledore did as he was requested.
"I want you both to know, while I'm glad the truth has finally come out, that it is too little too late. I hate you," Harry said pointing to Remus Lupin. "I hate you," he said pointing to Albus. "And there are no words to describe how much I despise you," Harry said looking his godfather square in the eyes.
"None of you believed in me. You proved that time and time again over the past seventeen years. You played right into Voldemort's hands by believing I could ever work for him. So there is no doubt in your mind, let me make this perfectly clear to the three of you, I hate you all, and I never want to see the three of you again. ever!" Harry told them.
Harry waited for the impact of his words to sink into their heads. He motioned for his lieutenant to place Ron over by the three wizards. " Incase there are any doubts how I feel about the lot of you," Harry said, "allow me to share my feelings with you."
With those words spoken Harry projected all the emotions he'd stored over the past seventeen years into the quartet. Every painful memory brought out by the Dementors, every emotional attack brought on by his connection to Voldemort, every angry thought he had about them, Harry empathically transmitted it to the four men. He did this for three minutes straight. Some would consider it torture. Harry thought it was poetic justice.
"Now you can honestly say you know how I feel," Harry stated to the four men when he was done. The four wizards looked quite sick, Hermione couldn't believe that even Dumbledore looked like he was going to heave.
"Occlumency protects the mind from invaders, but I wasn't attacking the mind," Harry said, "I was attacking the heart."
"Why didn't you do that to me as well?" Hermione inquired.
"Because you were at least sympathetic to me and questioned my guilt. The others never gave me the benefit of the doubt," Harry stated.
Harry then gave Amos Diggory his undivided attention
"Clearly." Amos stated, "These facts will have to be verified. Upon which--"
Harry held up his hand stopping Amos from speaking. He then motioned for his lieutenant. The man drew a letter from his satchel and handed it to Harry. Harry opened the letter and read it aloud.
"By order of her Majesty, the Prime Minister and the British Parliament, no organization shall have the authority to detain or imprison citizens of the United Kingdom without proper trial by said kingdom's courts. All law organizations shall fall under the British Government and its appointed department heads. Any organization that does not respond by the date specified shall be considered non-existent until a time that that they are re- instituted. Etc, Etc, Etc." Harry stated.
"For those of you that haven't been paying attention for the week since this announcement was made, The Ministry of Magic is closed. You have no authority what so ever anymore. I am here to take into custody Peter Pettigrew, and Amos Diggory. Also after the Ministry of Magic's authority was revoked the British courts reviewed my case, Ginny and I have already officially pardoned," Harry informed those gathered.
"You can't do this," Amos protested.
"According to the laws of the land I can Amos. See, since my escape I've been planning for this day, the day that I exposed the existence of magic to the world. You see, several other wizards and witches that you cast out long ago have spent the better part of four years preparing devices that would work regardless of magical wards. With out the restrictions of the Ministry we were able to accomplish quite a bit," Harry stated.
"Harry, you can't let the world know we exist," Remus pleaded.
"Its already done Lupin. I spent the first few years making deals with every government in the world. The one thing they all seem to agree with is that the wizarding world cannot be allowed to govern itself. You," Harry pointed to Albus and Amos, "would allow wizards and witches to alter the memories of people for your own protection as a means to keep the truth buried. You allowed Lord Voldemort to reign not once but twice now. He killed countless muggles and it was all covered up. And of course, you sent me to Azkaban for a crime I didn't commit," He reminded them.
"No, the world needs to change so that what happened to me can never happen again," Harry adamantly stated.
Harry then waved to his lieutenant. "Amos Diggory you are charged with failing to adhere to the laws of the land. You have allowed numerous unauthorized black ops teams to roam the lands after the laws were established. I'm afraid you will have to answer for your crimes. All of your aurors have been arrested, your hit wizards are being given a chance to surrender, but my men have orders to shoot any that resist. Also Azkaban is under our authority now," Harry stated.
"You're going to destroy the civilized world as we know it Harry," Hermione stated.
"Don't be so melodramatic Hermione. You are a muggle-born witch, it didn't take you long to accept being different, your parents accepted it, eventually the world as a whole will get along with magic as well," Harry said.
"And what of those that won't accept it. They will try and persecute us because we're different," Remus replied.
"The world as a whole persecutes other races simply because they are different Remus. We will just be another minority. True many will fear us at first because we are different, but we must make strides to change that perception. Laws have been proposed and approved protecting us. Of course it will go a long way when we start helping the world instead of hindering it," Harry explained.
"We have never hindered the world," Amos retorted.
"By not helping you have hindered it. Natural resources have been squandered because there was no alternative at the time. Had you aided your fellow man, that might not be so," Harry said, "I don't mean to imply we, as a society, should handle all of the worlds problems, but we can sure help try and solve and further them. Although it was probably a good thing to stay out of World War 1 and 2, not telling how nasty things would have turned out with magic involved there."
Harry then turned to his subordinate; he said, "Lieutenant, escort my family home, then have alpha company take stations in the designated areas around the school and await further instructions."
"Yes sir," the man responded and began carrying out his orders.
"Oh yes, Albus.." Harry said his back to the man, "I expect you to tender your resignation immediately. You've proven that you are no longer capable of making good judgment calls. You are a liability to this school, one that I cannot allow to remain. The same goes for tweedle dumb and tweedle dumber." Harry pointed to Lupin and Black.
"Hermione, until further notice you are acting Headmistress of Hogwarts. do try and be a better head of school than your predecessor."
With a wave of his hand Ron's cuffs were released. "Mr. Weasley is free to go Lieutenant," Harry said. The officer nodded in response. Harry walked over to Ron and looked him square in the eyes.
"Because I love and respect your mum and dad I am letting you go Ron. All charges against you will be dropped and no additional charges made. You may keep your wand and sword but never carry your blade in public again," Harry said.
Before Ron could thank him Harry said, "One last thing. don't ever darken my doorstep. ever. You are not welcome in my home."
Harry then departed with the Amos Diggory and the recently arrived and extremely pale Peter Pettigrew in tow.
"Get a hold of yourself man, if I was going to kill you Peter you would already be dead," Harry stated.
That remark did little to comfort Peter as they walked through the gateway.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
The room was extremely dark when he was thrown in. It took him a moment to get to his feet. When a light came on Cornelius Fudge was sitting in the chamber that he once presided over for many years. Earlier that day he had been forcibly removed from his home and brought, blindfolded, here for some unknown reason by men he didn't know.
"It's time to atone for your sins Fudge," a voice called out from the darkness.
"Who's there? What sins have I committed?" Cornelius asked.
"You were a politician Fudge, the question you should ask is what sins haven't you committed?"
"What is my crime?" Cornelius asked in a worried tone. Fudge buried his face in his hands. "What is my crime?"
The light came on above his former position and sitting above him was Harry Potter.
"You tell me Fudge. what could you possibly had done?" Harry asked the man, with a smirk.
"Potter?" Fudge said in disbelief.
"I told you one day I would be here and you would be down there atoning for your sins. You helped Voldemort get me out of the way. You took a bribe from Lucius Malfoy to set me up. You selected a group of wizards and witches that would vote the way you told them to. Is it any wonder that you are now yourself going to be tried and convicted of treason against Great Britain?" Harry asked of the man who became more pitiful by the moment.
"What are you going on about? Great Britain takes no notice of us!" Fudge responded.
"That all ended last week Cornelius, when the parliament dissolved the Ministry and will now be the ones judging all cases, even magical ones," Harry gleefully informed the idiotic simpleton.
"Tha... that's impossible," Fudge cried.
"Thanks to you it is very possible," Harry said with a smile on his face.
"M... me??? What did I do?" Cornelius asked.
"If you hadn't railroaded me ten years ago none of this would ever have happened. The wizarding world would still be an autonomous entity and you wouldn't be going to prison. Funny how things work out isn't it? I went to Azkaban for crimes I didn't commit, and you're going to prison, possibly execution for crimes you did commit." Harry said. Fudge watched as two of the men who had brought him before Harry once again stood besides him, ready to take him away.
"For the record Fudge, you're on your way to be tried for your crimes. You, as former Minister of Magic, are accountable for wrong doings dating back to your term in office. I imagine that's quite a few."
"Noooooo," Fudge screamed as the men started to remove him from the chamber.
"Cornelius..." Harry said. The two guards stopped momentarily and Fudge looked at the young man. "I want you to know that you will be given a fair trial, something you and your contemporaries denied me all those years ago," Harry said as the men removed Fudge from the room.
As soon as the door was closed the lights went off, for the last time.