Chapter 17: A Bold New World
HARRY POTTER NOT GUILTY
New Evidence Proves Potter Innocent
By Billie Glazer, Special Correspondent
In a startling turn of events, Harry James Potter was cleared of all charges when new evidence and a confession by Peter Pettigrew proved that Mr. Potter was in fact not guilty of the crimes he was sentenced to Azkaban for seventeen years. Also new information has come to light that those that were presiding on the Wizengamont in 1996 were bribed to convict him of the charge of murdering Rubeus Hagrid former gamekeeper of Hogwarts, all other charges that had been added since Mr. Potter's escape from Azkaban have also been dismissed. Lucius Malfoy who has been suspected of being Death Eaters for some time was implicated in the bribery of the court and his son, Draco also under suspicion of being a Death Eater, in the murder of Hagrid. When the Daily Prophet tried to contact either of the Malfoy's, they had mysteriously vanished and were unavailable for comment.
WIZARDING WORLD EXPOSED!
By Billie Glazer, Special Correspondent
In other news, a recent turn of events the wizarding world, as we know it, has ended. During his flight from justice (Editors note: Mr. Potter has been cleared of all charges.), Harry Potter met with muggle governments around the world to ensure that Wizarding Ministries would never again be able to wrongfully accuse or imprison wizards without due process. This had happened twice in recent years to Mr. Potter and Sirius Black who was until recently a professor in Defense against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts were both convicted of murder that neither committed. This would also ensure that magical crimes against muggles and wizards would be dealt with in a court of law, much like the British High Court. These new developments would also make the rise of the Dark Lord in any form virtually impossible.
The governments of the world have announced to the muggle world that magic does in fact exist and their plans to incorporate it into the everyday lives of the general population. While many of the religious leaders and their followers do continue to deny the existence of magic, many muggles in general welcome us.
In a statement from Arthur Weasley, Interim Minister of Magical Affairs for The United Kingdom announced the first Magical Studies class for muggles. This class, which will be taught at yet undetermined campus, will be very similar to our own muggles studies class. The class is designed to teach students about our history, various creatures and how we live on a daily basis. The members of the now defunct Muggle Relations departments across the world are being asked to begin this class in their own countries.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
"Well if you thought you were going to keep your name out of the papers you were obviously mistaken." Ginny informed her husband. It was very early in the morning and she was sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea and reading the very last edition of the Daily Prophet as the wizarding world knew it.
"It will blow over. I'm more concerned about tomorrow's operation. Once its over we'll finally be free." Harry said as he wrapped his arms around Ginny's neck in a loving embrace. He kissed his lover's head and enjoyed the feeling of absolute freedom. Pardoned by the Prime Minister as well as being exonerated by the wizarding world was a great feeling. His family funds were finally released as well as all of his confiscated personal effects.
"Didn't you feel a tad guilty about ruining the wizarding economy?" Ginny asked with a grin on her face.
"Not even a tinge of guilt love." Harry stated.
He had tried to make a deal with the goblins during his flight from the ministry only to have the goblins double-cross him. Harry promised them that they would regret it. True to his word, they now regretted ever crossing Harry Potter. All wizarding transactions were now in muggle money. The goblins were now obligated to follow modern economic rules and regulations (yet another loss of profits and infinitely more paper work). The goblins now despised the Potters but unfortunately were now in no position to do anything about it. The wizarding world had been informed that muggle banks were giving a better exchange rate than Gringotts for currency so if the goblins wanted to stay in business they had to match the rates posted by the Federal Trade Commission or lose out when they exchanged their money.
Ginny and Harry were currently residing in their family cabin located in Michigan. Ginny had loved the area so much during their brief stay three years ago that she pleaded with Harry to buy the cabin and the land it resided on. Harry readily agreed and made the owner an offer he would be stupid to refuse. True Harry paid more than it was worth, but to he and Ginny it was worth every penny.
Walking hand in hand to the living room, the proud parents looked on as Jasmine lay sleeping on the couch. The little girl loved falling asleep there. The couch looked out on the lake with a good view of the sky. Sunsets, moonrises, and sunrises were always amazing to watch and Jasmine loved each and every event.
"What's on your mind love?" Harry asked his wife as she looked at their child.
"She's growing up so fast." Ginny said.
"That she is. Pretty soon she'll be going to school. Whatever will we do when she's gone." Harry asked with a grin on his face.
"I'm sure we can come up with a few things Mr. Potter."
"Always good to know Mrs. Potter."
Harry ran his hand over Ginny's stomach. The baby was kicking up a storm. This brought a large smile to the happy parents faces.
"Your son is going to be quite the fighter. just like his dad." Ginny said as she leaned into her husband's embrace.
"Which will be bad if he has his mother's fiery temper." Harry joked.
"Very bad." She retorted and kissed her husband.
"Harry, how big of a family do you want?" Ginny wondered.
"As big as you want love. Once my commitment to the government is fulfilled I'm never leaving my family again." Harry stated.
"I want to have another as soon as James is born." Ginny replied.
"Your wish is my command milady." Harry said and placed light kisses on her neck.
"Ewwwww." Jasmine said in a teasing manner. The little girl had opened her eyes and was smiling at her parents.
Harry pulled his daughter from the couch and began kissing the little girl furiously. Jasmine squealed in delight.
"I love you Jasmine." Harry told his daughter.
"I love you dah." Jasmine replied. "You too Mum." The little girl then leaned over and kissed her mum.
"Is baby kicking?" The little girl asked. Ginny sat down on the couch and Harry put his darling daughter next to her so she could feel her baby brother.
"You ok in der Jimmy?" Jasmine asked as she touched her mum's tummy.
As if to answer the infant kicked where Jasmine's hand was. Jasmine kissed the spot and just sat with her head next to the baby while Harry and Ginny looked on.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
Molly and Arthur Weasley were sitting at their kitchen table having lunch when there was a knock at the door. The couple turned to see a little girl being held up by her father. The Weasleys opened the door and in walked their exonerated son-in-law with his only daughter. Ginny followed close behind and closed the door then walked over and gave her parents a large hug (after they had lavished a large amount of overdue affection on their granddaughter).
It had been ages since Molly last saw Jasmine. Arthur was never privy to her visits to give him plausible deniability. Ginny took pictures of her daughter and sent them to her Uncle (a muggle) and Molly would go get them from him. Ron and the ministry could not "officially" monitor him without giving themselves away so it was the safest place to send mail.
"So Harry," Arthur began. "what's on the agenda for today?"
"Today is my day of rest, tomorrow.. Well you know what's happening tomorrow."
"Indeed I do." Arthur stated with a slightly worried look on his face. His new position allowed him access to information others weren't privy to. Amos Diggory worked with Arthur as Deputy Minister of Magical Affairs. Harry bore the man no ill will. He was simply doing his job. Harry had stood by Amos when he was brought before Parliament to answer for the crimes he was accused of. In the end the case was dropped and Amos freed to go about his business.
Molly was about to inquire when her husband and son-in-law turned to her and stated in unison, "Don't ask."
Molly took the hint and asked nothing.
"All things considering, I'm surprise the transition has gone over so smoothly." Arthur stated, referring to the mixing of magic and technology.
"The two compliment each other. What one can not do, the other pics up the slack." Harry stated. "As you yourself have learned Arthur."
Harry was reminded of all the muggle inventions Arthur had tried to charm. A flying car being the best of them.
"What's this techno-wizard, techno-mage program I'm hearing about Harry?" Molly asked.
"Sorry Molly, I can't disclose that just yet. You'll find out very soon though."
"Harry. are you ever going to forgive us for not believing you were innocent all along?" Molly asked.
"I have already forgiven you and Arthur. You're parents, you were worried about you daughter's safety. As a parent myself I can't fault you for that." Harry stated.
"Ron on the other hand was my best mate. If anyone should have believed me it should have been him. Over the years time and again he doubted me. Fourth year is the best example. I told him I didn't put my name in the Goblet of Fire, and he didn't believe me. I may forgive him, again, one day. But that is some time off."
"I understand." Molly said.
She was sad that Harry felt like this but understood where he was coming from. Ron had always been vocal of his feelings about Harry during his time on the run. Now, Harry was proven innocent and Ron was alone, save Hermione, with his guilt. He had betrayed his best friends trust one too many times, and this one was by far the worst. Ron had, on several occasions, literally tried to kill Harry. A fact Harry was very aware of.
Changing the subject Harry looked at his mother-in-law and asked, "Molly, is it alright if Ginny and Jasmine stay with you and Arthur until I return tomorrow evening?"
"Of course it is Harry, you never need to ask to stay here. This is your home as well."
"Thank you. I have to leave soon to prepare for tomorrow and I want to make sure that someone is watching over Ginny while I'm away."
"You worry to much love. We'll be fine." Ginny stated.
Harry looked over at his daughter, playing with her grandfather. He then looked back to Ginny. "I know you'll be fine love, I just I worry about you when I am away. If you I know you're safe here it will be one less thing to distract me." Harry said with a kiss to his wife's head.
Ginny kissed Harry on the lips. "Ok." She then hugged her husband and said, "Harry. please be careful." in a very concerned tone.
"I will my love." Harry said kissing his wife with all the passion he could muster.
"Promise me." Ginny said.
"I promise. I will return to you and our family." Harry stated adamantly.
"Dah." Jasmine said, holding out her arms.
Harry hefted his daughter up, spun her around in a circle and give her a big hug then kissed her on the cheek. Jasmine gave her father a huge kiss on his as well.
"I love you dah. Be cawfull" Jasmine said.
"I love you too sweetie." Harry informed her.
"I love you Ginny Potter." Harry said giving her one last kiss.
"I love you Harry Potter." She stood at the door to her family's home as she watched her husband of three years leave the Burrow.
HARRY POTTER NOT GUILTY
New Evidence Proves Potter Innocent
By Billie Glazer, Special Correspondent
In a startling turn of events, Harry James Potter was cleared of all charges when new evidence and a confession by Peter Pettigrew proved that Mr. Potter was in fact not guilty of the crimes he was sentenced to Azkaban for seventeen years. Also new information has come to light that those that were presiding on the Wizengamont in 1996 were bribed to convict him of the charge of murdering Rubeus Hagrid former gamekeeper of Hogwarts, all other charges that had been added since Mr. Potter's escape from Azkaban have also been dismissed. Lucius Malfoy who has been suspected of being Death Eaters for some time was implicated in the bribery of the court and his son, Draco also under suspicion of being a Death Eater, in the murder of Hagrid. When the Daily Prophet tried to contact either of the Malfoy's, they had mysteriously vanished and were unavailable for comment.
WIZARDING WORLD EXPOSED!
By Billie Glazer, Special Correspondent
In other news, a recent turn of events the wizarding world, as we know it, has ended. During his flight from justice (Editors note: Mr. Potter has been cleared of all charges.), Harry Potter met with muggle governments around the world to ensure that Wizarding Ministries would never again be able to wrongfully accuse or imprison wizards without due process. This had happened twice in recent years to Mr. Potter and Sirius Black who was until recently a professor in Defense against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts were both convicted of murder that neither committed. This would also ensure that magical crimes against muggles and wizards would be dealt with in a court of law, much like the British High Court. These new developments would also make the rise of the Dark Lord in any form virtually impossible.
The governments of the world have announced to the muggle world that magic does in fact exist and their plans to incorporate it into the everyday lives of the general population. While many of the religious leaders and their followers do continue to deny the existence of magic, many muggles in general welcome us.
In a statement from Arthur Weasley, Interim Minister of Magical Affairs for The United Kingdom announced the first Magical Studies class for muggles. This class, which will be taught at yet undetermined campus, will be very similar to our own muggles studies class. The class is designed to teach students about our history, various creatures and how we live on a daily basis. The members of the now defunct Muggle Relations departments across the world are being asked to begin this class in their own countries.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
"Well if you thought you were going to keep your name out of the papers you were obviously mistaken." Ginny informed her husband. It was very early in the morning and she was sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea and reading the very last edition of the Daily Prophet as the wizarding world knew it.
"It will blow over. I'm more concerned about tomorrow's operation. Once its over we'll finally be free." Harry said as he wrapped his arms around Ginny's neck in a loving embrace. He kissed his lover's head and enjoyed the feeling of absolute freedom. Pardoned by the Prime Minister as well as being exonerated by the wizarding world was a great feeling. His family funds were finally released as well as all of his confiscated personal effects.
"Didn't you feel a tad guilty about ruining the wizarding economy?" Ginny asked with a grin on her face.
"Not even a tinge of guilt love." Harry stated.
He had tried to make a deal with the goblins during his flight from the ministry only to have the goblins double-cross him. Harry promised them that they would regret it. True to his word, they now regretted ever crossing Harry Potter. All wizarding transactions were now in muggle money. The goblins were now obligated to follow modern economic rules and regulations (yet another loss of profits and infinitely more paper work). The goblins now despised the Potters but unfortunately were now in no position to do anything about it. The wizarding world had been informed that muggle banks were giving a better exchange rate than Gringotts for currency so if the goblins wanted to stay in business they had to match the rates posted by the Federal Trade Commission or lose out when they exchanged their money.
Ginny and Harry were currently residing in their family cabin located in Michigan. Ginny had loved the area so much during their brief stay three years ago that she pleaded with Harry to buy the cabin and the land it resided on. Harry readily agreed and made the owner an offer he would be stupid to refuse. True Harry paid more than it was worth, but to he and Ginny it was worth every penny.
Walking hand in hand to the living room, the proud parents looked on as Jasmine lay sleeping on the couch. The little girl loved falling asleep there. The couch looked out on the lake with a good view of the sky. Sunsets, moonrises, and sunrises were always amazing to watch and Jasmine loved each and every event.
"What's on your mind love?" Harry asked his wife as she looked at their child.
"She's growing up so fast." Ginny said.
"That she is. Pretty soon she'll be going to school. Whatever will we do when she's gone." Harry asked with a grin on his face.
"I'm sure we can come up with a few things Mr. Potter."
"Always good to know Mrs. Potter."
Harry ran his hand over Ginny's stomach. The baby was kicking up a storm. This brought a large smile to the happy parents faces.
"Your son is going to be quite the fighter. just like his dad." Ginny said as she leaned into her husband's embrace.
"Which will be bad if he has his mother's fiery temper." Harry joked.
"Very bad." She retorted and kissed her husband.
"Harry, how big of a family do you want?" Ginny wondered.
"As big as you want love. Once my commitment to the government is fulfilled I'm never leaving my family again." Harry stated.
"I want to have another as soon as James is born." Ginny replied.
"Your wish is my command milady." Harry said and placed light kisses on her neck.
"Ewwwww." Jasmine said in a teasing manner. The little girl had opened her eyes and was smiling at her parents.
Harry pulled his daughter from the couch and began kissing the little girl furiously. Jasmine squealed in delight.
"I love you Jasmine." Harry told his daughter.
"I love you dah." Jasmine replied. "You too Mum." The little girl then leaned over and kissed her mum.
"Is baby kicking?" The little girl asked. Ginny sat down on the couch and Harry put his darling daughter next to her so she could feel her baby brother.
"You ok in der Jimmy?" Jasmine asked as she touched her mum's tummy.
As if to answer the infant kicked where Jasmine's hand was. Jasmine kissed the spot and just sat with her head next to the baby while Harry and Ginny looked on.
~~**~~ ~~**~~ ~~**~~
Molly and Arthur Weasley were sitting at their kitchen table having lunch when there was a knock at the door. The couple turned to see a little girl being held up by her father. The Weasleys opened the door and in walked their exonerated son-in-law with his only daughter. Ginny followed close behind and closed the door then walked over and gave her parents a large hug (after they had lavished a large amount of overdue affection on their granddaughter).
It had been ages since Molly last saw Jasmine. Arthur was never privy to her visits to give him plausible deniability. Ginny took pictures of her daughter and sent them to her Uncle (a muggle) and Molly would go get them from him. Ron and the ministry could not "officially" monitor him without giving themselves away so it was the safest place to send mail.
"So Harry," Arthur began. "what's on the agenda for today?"
"Today is my day of rest, tomorrow.. Well you know what's happening tomorrow."
"Indeed I do." Arthur stated with a slightly worried look on his face. His new position allowed him access to information others weren't privy to. Amos Diggory worked with Arthur as Deputy Minister of Magical Affairs. Harry bore the man no ill will. He was simply doing his job. Harry had stood by Amos when he was brought before Parliament to answer for the crimes he was accused of. In the end the case was dropped and Amos freed to go about his business.
Molly was about to inquire when her husband and son-in-law turned to her and stated in unison, "Don't ask."
Molly took the hint and asked nothing.
"All things considering, I'm surprise the transition has gone over so smoothly." Arthur stated, referring to the mixing of magic and technology.
"The two compliment each other. What one can not do, the other pics up the slack." Harry stated. "As you yourself have learned Arthur."
Harry was reminded of all the muggle inventions Arthur had tried to charm. A flying car being the best of them.
"What's this techno-wizard, techno-mage program I'm hearing about Harry?" Molly asked.
"Sorry Molly, I can't disclose that just yet. You'll find out very soon though."
"Harry. are you ever going to forgive us for not believing you were innocent all along?" Molly asked.
"I have already forgiven you and Arthur. You're parents, you were worried about you daughter's safety. As a parent myself I can't fault you for that." Harry stated.
"Ron on the other hand was my best mate. If anyone should have believed me it should have been him. Over the years time and again he doubted me. Fourth year is the best example. I told him I didn't put my name in the Goblet of Fire, and he didn't believe me. I may forgive him, again, one day. But that is some time off."
"I understand." Molly said.
She was sad that Harry felt like this but understood where he was coming from. Ron had always been vocal of his feelings about Harry during his time on the run. Now, Harry was proven innocent and Ron was alone, save Hermione, with his guilt. He had betrayed his best friends trust one too many times, and this one was by far the worst. Ron had, on several occasions, literally tried to kill Harry. A fact Harry was very aware of.
Changing the subject Harry looked at his mother-in-law and asked, "Molly, is it alright if Ginny and Jasmine stay with you and Arthur until I return tomorrow evening?"
"Of course it is Harry, you never need to ask to stay here. This is your home as well."
"Thank you. I have to leave soon to prepare for tomorrow and I want to make sure that someone is watching over Ginny while I'm away."
"You worry to much love. We'll be fine." Ginny stated.
Harry looked over at his daughter, playing with her grandfather. He then looked back to Ginny. "I know you'll be fine love, I just I worry about you when I am away. If you I know you're safe here it will be one less thing to distract me." Harry said with a kiss to his wife's head.
Ginny kissed Harry on the lips. "Ok." She then hugged her husband and said, "Harry. please be careful." in a very concerned tone.
"I will my love." Harry said kissing his wife with all the passion he could muster.
"Promise me." Ginny said.
"I promise. I will return to you and our family." Harry stated adamantly.
"Dah." Jasmine said, holding out her arms.
Harry hefted his daughter up, spun her around in a circle and give her a big hug then kissed her on the cheek. Jasmine gave her father a huge kiss on his as well.
"I love you dah. Be cawfull" Jasmine said.
"I love you too sweetie." Harry informed her.
"I love you Ginny Potter." Harry said giving her one last kiss.
"I love you Harry Potter." She stood at the door to her family's home as she watched her husband of three years leave the Burrow.