Chapter 11: A New Order

When Harry woke he found himself lying on his back in a dark, stone room, he squinted to try and clear the blurring in his vision. It didn't work.

"Are you okay, Harry?" asked a voice on his right.

He twisted his head. The speaker was as blurred as the rest of his surroundings, but the long mane of red hair and the voice allowed him to identify her. "I'm fine, Ginny. You?"

"I'm fine, Harry."

"Where are we? And what happened to my glasses?" Harry asked, then realised that under their blankets, both of them were barefoot and in only their underwear. "And our wands and clothes?"

"We have been arrested by the Aurors of Department of Magical Law Enforcement," said Jenna, coming up from behind Ginny.

"Did you show them your ID?"

"Yes. The Auror-in-Charge, Adolphus Dawlish, wasn't interested. He arrested us, brought us here and had us strip-searched and our weapons and equipment confiscated."

"Who's here?"

"Neville, Luna, Ginny, and you and I. Mr Zabini and Miss Chang were both slightly injured and were taken to St Mungo's. Miss Bones wasn't arrested, she is - as the police would say - helping them with their enquiries."

"Which is a long way of saying that Dawlish that doesn't want to annoy his boss by arresting her niece," Harry said.

"But that he - or more likely the Minister - don't want Professor Dumbledore to find out we've been arrested either," added Ginny.

"Agreed," Jenna said. "Can you feel him, Harry?"

"Yes, I can," Harry confirmed. "The Amulet is well hidden until it's needed."

"Are you going to bring him out?" asked Ginny.

"Not yet, Ginny. As Jenna's great-great-grandfather would say: 'Always get your opponent to show his cards first.' Let's see what they've got planned before we let him do his thing."

"Do you have a plan?" asked Ginny.

"Several," Harry admitted. "Depending on the various different plans Dawlish and his cronies might have."

"Then we wait?" asked Jenna.

"We do," Harry confirmed. Then he lay down and prepared to make the most of the opportunity for a short nap.

Ginny woke Harry a couple of hours later, just as Dawlish, Williamson, and seven wizards in Auror Security uniforms came into the cell. Two of the security wizards carried bundles of clothing.

"Get dressed," ordered Dawlish. "You are appearing before the Wizengamot in ten minutes."

The five young people slipped on the dark-grey robes, which Harry recognised as being those worn by Azkaban prisoners. That's not a good sign.

Relax, amici. Everything is under control. I have the perfect plan. This is what we will do...

Haimric kept talking in Harry's head until the group entered into the courtroom. The galleries at the sides and back of the court were empty again, but this instead of a single chair in the centre of the room there were five, one for each of them. The five chairs were arranged in a pentagram, with one chair in front of the others.

Harry was guided to the front chair. He sat down, and the chains rattled ominously, but didn't move. Ginny and Jenna were forced into the flanking chairs, while Neville and Luna were placed behind them.

Harry looked up at the Wizengamot. As in his hearing the year before, Dumbledore's rightful place in the centre chair had been taken by Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. Amelia Bones sat on his left, while the spot on his left, previously occupied by Dolorus Umbridge, now had a middle-aged wizard with close-cropped grey hair that Harry didn't know. Percy was back in his old seat, trying to ignore the glares that Harry was pretty sure Ginny was sending his way.

"This is a criminal hearing of the twenty-third of August," Fudge declared. "Into the various offences under the Properties Act, the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction on Underage Sorcery, the Statute of Secrecy and the Criminal Code committed by Harry James Potter, resident of number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey; Jenna Jameson, Muggle and resident of Flat C, number twenty-nine Rose Gardens, Little Whinging, Surrey; Ginevra Molly Weasley, resident of The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon; Luna Lovegood, resident of Lovegood House, Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon; and Neville Frank Longbottom, resident of Longbottom Lodge, Silverdale, Lancashire.

"Interrogators: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic; Amelia Bones, Head of the Department Magical Law Enforcement; Howard Mitchell, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. Court Scribe: Percy Ignatius Weasley.

"The charges against the accused are as follows: That Jenna Jameson committed wilful murder against Ministry Executioner Walden MacNair in violation of s223 of the Criminal Code, that she illegally entered wizard property in Godric's Hollow in order to do so, and that she failed to surrender herself to the authorities when ordered to do so.

"Furthermore, Harry Potter, Ginevra Weasley, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom also are accused of illegally entering the Godric's Hollow ruins, and that while there, they knowingly committed numerous and serious breaches of both Paragraph C of the Restriction for Underage Sorcery and section 13 of Statute of Secrecy by performing spells outside of Hogwarts School and in full view of the aforementioned Muggle.

"Harry Potter, do you have anything to say? And I don't want to hear anymore of your usual excuses."

"Yes, I do. And it is not 'one of my usual excuses' as you put it. In fact, I've only one word to say."

"Which is?"

"Amicitia!"

The resulting whirlwind pushed the Aurors back against the sides of the chamber. When it cleared, Harry's prison-issue robes had been replaced by the black trousers, gold-trimmed black tunic and grey-and-black cloak worn by Haimric.

"I am Lord Haimric Seamfor Procella, I will be appearing for the defence today."

Anyone looking at the Minister at this moment would probably have said he looked a little ill.

"I will take each charge in turn, Cornelius," Haimric told Fudge. "But as the murder charge against my Companion is the most serious, and it impacts on most of the other charges I will deal with that first."

"I can't see how, she killed a member of the Ministry of Magic!" Fudge exclaimed. "But speak if you must."

"Of course you do not see how, Cornelius. You are more interested in saving your own skin that seeking justice," Haimric stated. "But, I digress.

"Madam Bones, was a report of the arrest submitted to you as is correct procedure?"

"Yes, it was."

"Could you please verify for me that Walden MacNair was wearing the black robes and skull mask of a Death Eater at the time of his death?"

"He was."

"Thank you very much, and how many other people were so garbed?"

"There were twelve witches and wizards present wearing that mask and those particular robes," Madam Bones replied. "Only four - Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix, Rabastan and Rodolphus Lestrange - were arrested."

"I will return to that anomaly momentarily," Harry promised. "None of the accused were so garbed?"

"No, they were not."

"Thank you."

"What relevance has this to the murder?!" asked Fudge. "Walden MacNair was a highly-respected Ministry employee who has never been proved as associating with the dark arts."

"If you believe that, Cornelius... you are an even greater fool than I feared," Haimric said. "But I will explain. As my Companion, Ms Jameson is a full member of L'Ordine, a sub-group of the Dark Force Defence League sponsored by the Vatican. As such, she is classified as an 'Informed Non-Magical Person' under section 7 of the International Confederation of Wizards Statute of Secrecy. Therefore, the reliant charge of 'using magic in the presence of a Muggle' against my other friends is baseless.

"Humph!"

"You may scoff, Cornelius. But I am not finished. Madam Bones, as far as you are aware, is the International Confederation of Wizards Mutual Defence Pact 1792 still in effect?"

"I believe it is. Why?"

"Because under section 78c of that Pact, any recognised law enforcer or anti-darks arts operative, legally resident in a country in a declared state of war, may take any action they feel necessary against a threat – perceived or actual – connected with the aforementioned state of war.

L'Ordine is a recognised anti-dark arts organisation, and as such its members – of which Ms Jameson is counted, and is clearly identified as such by the tattoo on her left wrist -" At this point Jenna rolled back her sleeve to show Madam Bones the tattoo. She examined it for a moment, then nodded, apparently satisfied. "- May act as against anyone appearing to be a Death Eater. Which by his clothing Mr MacNair did appear to be. Therefore Ms Jameson's actions are entirely within the law and no murder has occurred."

"There is still the matter of the illegal entry into the property in the first place," Mitchell pointed out.

Haimric chuckled. "That is most ridiculous of all the charges."

"Really?"

"Yes Madam Bones. It is," Haimric confirmed. "Mr Weasley, did you by some miracle of coincidence happen to acquire the ownership records for the Godric's Hollow ruins?"

"Yes, I did," Percy replied, in a tone that suggested he was annoyed at the allusion that he might have omitted a helpful piece of paperwork.

"Excellent," Harry told him. "Well done. Now, could you please tell me who the last registered owners were?"

Percy scanned the list for a moment. "The last registered owners were James and Lily Potter. The house passed out of their hands upon their death on the 31st of October 1981."

"And under the Probates and Properties Convent 1329, it would automatically pass to the closest blood heir, would it not?"

"Yes, it would," confirmed Percy. "Except if..."

"The heir was underage, in which case the property would be held in trust by the heir's recognised guardian under wizarding law until such time as he or she comes of age, or the guardian predeceases him or her." Haimric finished. "As the Potters' sole heir, and having no legal wizarding guardian due to the death of Sirius Black earlier this year, Harry Potter is therefore fully entitled to do anything he wished with the property. This naturally would include visiting it, so no trespass could possibly have been committed by him or by any of those accompanying him at his request, which Ginevra, Jenna, Neville and Luna were.

"So you see, the only possible breach of the law could be in their underage use of magic outside of Hogwarts, but Paragraph C (iii) of the Decree permits unauthorised use of magic in cases where the caster believed themselves to be in danger. I submit that the apparently superior number of Death Eaters present indicates such a danger and ask that that charge, and all the others be dismissed."

"I suggest we put it to a vote," suggested Madam Bones. "All in favour of dismissing all charges?"

When Harry came down to breakfast the next morning, Ginny, Jenna and Katie were at the Gryffindor table, pouring over a copy of the Daily Prophet. All three were grinning gleefully.

"What's up?" Harry asked, sitting down beside Jenna and helping himself to some breakfast.

"Have a look," Jenna said, and offered him the paper.

Harry took it. A single story with a large banner headline filled the front page. Harry took a long drink from his glass of orange juice and began to read:

MAYHEM AT THE MINISTRY

(by Rita Skeeter, Freelance Correspondent)

The Ministry of Magic is in turmoil today following the departure of the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. Informed sources at the Ministry claim that the Minister's departure, which his assistant Percy Weasley claims was due to 'health reasons' was in fact due to a Vote of No-Confidence being passed on him by the Wizengamot earlier yesterday. The source, an influential member of the Wizengamot, claims that the vote was called by Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, after it emerged that the Minister had ordered Aurors to ignore supporters of Lord Thingy, in order to arrest Harry Potter for minor charges which were immediately dismissed by Hogwarts Head of Security Haimric Seamfor.

Neither Mr Seamfor nor Mr Potter were able for comment, but a spokesperson for the two, Department of Mysteries Egyptology adviser Dr Jackson Daniels, stated that they were happy with the outcome, and would now be concentrating on their activities at Hogwarts. He also admitted that Mr Potter's arrest followed an altercation with Lord Thingy, which according to both men, was fatal to the legendary dark sorcerer. For further information on the defeat of Lord Thingy, see pages 3, 4, & 7. He also confirmed that Harry had been asked if he would be interested in running for Minister, but stated that 'sixteen is too young to enter politics' and that Harry had no interest in running.

"I guess Rita decided that playing along was better for her in the long run," Harry observed. "That was pretty nice for her."

Ginny snorted, but then nodded. "Rita's nasty, but no-one's ever accused her of being stupid."

Harry nodded.

"How much of that's true, Harry?" asked Katie. "Ginny and Jenna say it's true, but...."

"It's all true, Katie," Harry told her. "I did face Voldemort yesterday and he is gone. This time for good."

"And Minister Fudge?"

"Yep, he's so afraid of Dumbledore and I that he ordered his cronies in the Aurors to ignore the Death Eaters and go after me instead. Fortunately, Haimric was able to get us off."

"It wasn't just you?"

"No, Ginny and Jenna were arrested as well, Neville and Luna too. Haimric got us all off."

"Good," Katie said. "Any idea who's going to be the new Minister?"

Harry shrugged. "There will have be a vote in the Wizengamot of course. I reckon Madam Bones has a pretty good shot. Almost anyone would be better than Fudge though."

"That's true," Katie agreed.

The four friends chatted comfortably for the rest of breakfast. They were just getting up to head back to Gryffindor Tower, when Fawkes popped in with a note from Professor Dumbledore. Harry scanned it, then frowned. "Dumbledore wants to see me in his office. School business he says. I'll see you back in the common room later."

"Bye Harry," said Ginny brightly, and followed Katie out of the room.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Jenna asked.

"Come, but stay outside unless I call for you," Harry said, and then crossed the Great Hall and headed for a door at the front of the room.

"Okay," Jenna agreed and followed Harry, when they reached the door, she opened it and allowed Harry to precede her, then went through herself and closed the door behind her.

"Ah, Harry. Thank you for agreeing to join us," said Dumbledore, when Harry entered his office a few minutes later. "Have a seat."

Harry glanced round the room before taking his seat. Several of the surviving staff were present – Professors Sprout, Vector, Davis and Grubbly-Plank, as well as Madame Hooch and Madame Pomfrey – but there were three particularly noticeable absences: Professors McGonagall, Snape and Flitwick.

"What did you want to discuss, Professor?"

"As you know we are short several key members of staff, Harry. However, I am to a degree at a loss about how to replace many of them at this time. I was wondering if you had any ideas?"

Harry paused for moment before speaking. "Haimric suggests that Jenna might be able to cover the Basic and Intermediate Potions classes, and he also believes that Madam Pomfrey could probably cover the Advanced Potions classes..."

"Poppy has already agreed to do so," Dumbledore confirmed. "Wilhelmina has agreed to cover Minerva's classes and Rolanda has agreed to cover Filius's. However, we are still lacking cover for Astronomy, History of Magic, and Ancient Runes."

"Neither History of Magic or Ancient Runes require magic to teach," Harry pointed out. "I think Jackson could probably manage one or both classes, especially if you were to only reinstate the Advanced and Intermediate History classes."

"Astronomy?"

"I believe Remus could cover those classes, if he can be spared."

"He can, Harry. However, there is the issue of the full moon."

"That is in hand, Professor," Harry promised. "It will be sorted before the end of the holidays."

"Excellent. One last thing."

"What is it?"

"While Minerva is away, I find myself in need of a temporary deputy and Head of Gryffindor. Would you be willing to fill in? It would only be until the end of the year."

"Yes, I would," Harry told him.

"Excellent, you may use Minerva's office and quarters if you wish. Wilhelmina will be using the old Care of Magical Creatures office on the ground floor."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Given the circumstances, I think we could dispense with the titles in private, Harry. You may call me Albus."

"Very well, Prof-Albus. I'll be in Gryffindor Tower getting my things together if you need me."

"Would you like to tell Miss Jameson and Dr Daniels or shall I?"

"I would like to if you don't mind, Albus?"

"That would be fine, Harry. We will need them in place before class resume remember."

"They'll be ready," Harry promised, then rose and went to the door. "Goodbye Albus, Professors."

It didn't take long for the fallout to hit. Haimric was in his new office a week later sorting through some old detention records, when there was a knock on the door. Haimric looked up. "Come in."

A stocky, red-faced man with dark brown hair, barrelled through the door. "Minerva, I must-" He stopped and blinked. "Where is Professor McGonagall?"

"In Righlionn, consulting with metal craft- and medi-mages about a replacement for her missing leg. I am filling in, with full authority, for her absence. What can I do for you, Mr Bonhomme?"

"You can explain why the Board wasn't consulted before you employed that dangerous beast and that harlot!"

"I'm not sure who you're referring to, Mr Bonhomme. Could you please be more specific?"

"Remus Lupin and Cho Chang!"

"What about them?"

"Lupin's a werewolf!"

"Yes, he is, Mr Bonhomme. But as Albus pointed out to you almost three and a half years ago, the Hogwarts bylaws allow non-humans and part-humans to be employed at this school if they do not pose a danger."

"He does!"

"No, he does not. Remus Lupin has full control of his transformations. He is no threat to any innocent party."

"Prove it."

"Oh, I will," Haimric promised. "But first, what is your problem with Ms Chang, exactly?"

"She's pregnant! And she doesn't even have a boyfriend!"

"That is true," Haimric agreed. "Her pregnancy was discovered during an examination at St Mungo's recently. The man she was dating, our Head Boy Roger Davies, was killed during battle at Hogwarts last week. However, I am at a loss to see the relevance?"

"She should have been expelled, not made an Assistant Professor!"

"Why?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why exactly should she have been expelled?"

"She's pregnant!"

"Yes," Haimric agreed. "We have established this. Again, I am still waiting for your point?"

"She broke school rules!"

"No, she didn't."

"Why do you say that?"

"Hogwarts bylaws prohibit sexual relations between students only if they are conducted in public, or if one or more of the parties concerned are underage. Miss Chang's eighteenth birthday was in November. Mr Davies was seventeen and a half at the time of his death. Miss Chang is less than two months pregnant. All they were guilty of was carelessness. That is not an expulsion offence."

The head of the Board of Governors spluttered and cursed for a few moments, then appeared to collect himself. "Then there's the matter of you employing Muggles to teach here."

"Dr Davis is the Egyptology adviser to the Department of Mysteries. He is more than qualified to teach either History of Magic or Arithmancy," Haimric pointed out mildly. "Ms Jameson is an agent for the Dark Force Defence League and her potions ability is equal to that of anyone in this castle. Except possibly me. Both appointments are temporary, other replacements will be sought in due course, but with only the Christmas holidays to work in, we had to take whomever we could get at sort notice. Ms Jameson was already at the castle, and Dr Davis was only a Floo call away."

"And Remus Lupin?"

"Is currently taking an improved version of the Wolfsbane Potion I developed over the holidays. It does not cure him. But it does allow him to regulate his transformations and control his actions in his transformed state."

"Very well. But if I even hear the slightest rumour of a student being injured or... corrupted, then I'll be back."

"I would expect no less, Mr Bonhomme," Haimric agreed. "I assume you can find our own way out?"

The older man harrumphed, then turned on his heel and marched out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

A/N: According to my original plan, this was meant to be the penultimate chapter of HP & the Lord of Storms, I'm not sure if that's going to work now, but there will be at most three more chapters. I have at least one sequel already planned, but it may be as long as a few weeks before I can get this into the works as I start back to college on the 6th. Chapter 12 will be up as soon as humanly possible, in the meantime, please review.