Training Begins, The Hearing

A/n: I'm sorry if the events for the book are not accurate, a family friend borrowed it.

I woke up fairly early the next morning. The sun hadn't started to peck out of the horizon yet. I heard the door open and a voice say softly, "Harry, you up?" It was Sirius. Sitting up, I nodded and got dressed quietly. Once finished, I joined Sirius in the hall.

"What is it Sirius, not getting cold feet?"

He shook his head, "no, just was going to tell you Remus left. He should have the books you wanted by noon at the latest. If you like, we could get started on some of what we have now." I nodded my agreement and we went to the library. I began going over things like Transfiguration, Charms and Potions. Sirius was very helpful for Transfiguration and Charms, but admitted his skill in Potions was slightly above average at best, assuming he was paying attention.

We went down to breakfast, drawing a strange look from Mrs. Weasley. She announced that we were going to be cleaning one of the upstairs rooms, until Sirius said, "Harry and I are going to work on another project Molly." Mrs. Weasley wasn't about to let it slide. She kept saying how I wasn't James, which put Sirius on the defensive.

"Mrs. Weasley," I had raised my voice to be heard. She looked shocked that anyone would raise their voice to her. "Mrs. Weasley," I continued much quieter, "Sirius is well aware that I am not my father. There is something that we both have a particular interest in, that is what this project is about." I could tell she was fuming.

"Well if you had shown this interest earlier then you wouldn't be in this mess," she huffed.

I wasn't aware I stood up until my chair slammed into the wall. "I would like to see you think sanely with someone you care for dead." Mrs. Weasley paled. "I know you think of me as a part of your family, and I'm grateful beyond definition, but Sirius and I are still family."

No one said anything. Sirius simply cocked an eyebrow, but remained oddly silent. Before I left the room, Mrs. Weasley said, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"It's like a feather in the wind Mrs. Weasley, once you let it go, it hard to take it back."

Sirius and I began working on potions exclusively, as Remus would be bringing books on more advance Charms and Transfiguration later. Remus showed up just in time for lunch. Lunch was a quiet affair, Remus kept looking around trying to figure out what had happened since he left. Mrs. Weasley asked, "where did you go this morning Remus, you were gone before breakfast."

Remus shrugged and said, "I had thing I need to get, I decided to go early and get it done as soon as possible." No one missed how vague he was being. We returned to the studying after lunch. Between Remus and Sirius, I began to understand much more advance magic than I had originally. We began with the basics to set a foundation, once set we began to build on it. I quickly discovered that when placed outside of a theory based lesson style, and into a practical style, charms and transfiguration were incredibly easy.

W spent the days up to my trial practicing, me studying and them demonstrating, much more advanced spells than I was supposed to understand. As I became more advance in Charms and transfiguration, we increased the time we spent on potions. I was finding it easier to keep track of more complicated potions every time I made a new one.

The day of my trial came, Mrs. Weasley had pressed one of my nicer sets of clothing, and Mr. Weasley and I went off to face the trial. We arrived three hours early, as we had before. As we passed the fountain of magical brethren, I remembered the fight against Voldemort, and all the things that had gone wrong.

We arrived at Mr. Weasley's office and talked with Shacklebolt, this time acting like I don't know who he is. Mr. Weasley's partner comes in and tells us the time and venue had changed. We both got on the elevator down to the courtrooms, we sprinted to the doors of room ten. Pausing to catch my breath, I entered.

The courtroom was just as I remembered it. "I must apologize for my tardiness, I just missed the owl who was delivering the new time and location," doing my best Dumbledore imitation. I walked calmly and coolly over to the seat in front of the Wizengamot.

"That is not the fault of the Wizengamot," a voice said that I didn't recognize.

"It is a good thing I decided to be early," I replied smoothly.

While they begin listing the reason for being here, I take the time to study the faces of the Wizengamot. Outside of Mrs. Bones, Percy, Fudge and Umbridge I notice quite a few of the people are a great deal older than most. I noticed many seemed surprised that we were here about a violation of underage magic, until it was mentioned that there was a violation of the statue of secrecy.

Fudge began listing the interrogators, I had to restrain myself from sneering at Umbridge's name. Once he finished, I heard, "Witness for the Defense, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore." I turned towards him when he spoke. I simply nodded and returned my attention to my accusers. Fudge floundered at Dumbledore's appearance. Once Dumbledore drew himself up a seat, I copied his posture slightly to see what would happen.

Fudge reacted by flinching, Umbridge leaned back into her chair with a slight fear in her eyes, and the rest didn't have any visible reaction. Once we began the actual discussion of my innocence, I raised my hand to speak.

"Yes Mr. Potter?"

"I would like to argue the violation of the statue of secrecy on the grounds that Dudley Dursley, the one I performed the Patronus Charm in front of, has knowledge of the wizard world. Under that knowledge, I have not violated any form of secrecy as he knew of our world." The effect was amusing. Dumbledore looked at me surprised I guess because I was so calm and collect, Fudge jaw dropped, and the rest of the Wizengamot began talking amongst themselves.

Dumbledore leaned over and said, "that was well said Harry."

"Thank you Professor, perhaps we could discuss the subtleties of words and how they relate to a prophecy about me." I smiled at his shocked face. I returned my attention to the front when Madam Bones rose.

"Mr. Potter is correct that he has not violated the international statue of secrecy. All in favor of dropping this charge signal your agreement." Over half did. "All opposed?" Fudge and a few others raised their wands. "Motion passed, the charge is dropped."

Fudge straightened his robes, as if by doing so he could regain some of his dignity. "As to the charge of underage magic, do you have any proof as to what happened," asked Mrs. Bones.

I looked to Dumbledore who said, "yes we have a witness who can attest to the fact that there were dementors there." Fudge told Percy to go and get this witness. He came back with Ms. Figg, in her common flannel attire. I listened as she described the event from her perspective.

Once she was finished, Fudge said, "I do not see how dementors could have attacked you in Little Whinging Mr. Potter."

"The only ways I see it would happen are if some dementors have broke away from ministry control," I said.

"There are no dementors out of ministry control," yelled Fudge.

I nodded, noting the strange look Dumbledore was giving me. "Then the only other way I could see them being there is if someone sent them there, which would lead me to suggest that someone might be trying to use this event to there gain."

This caused an uproar. Dumbledore face looked strangely guarded. I knew he was skeptical of who I was. Madam Bones finally restored order by issuing a few loud bangs from her wand.

Umbridge made her self know and said, "what would be there to gain by attacking you Mr. Potter?"

"I shrugged, "I'm not entirely sure. As far as I can tell, someone may have come under the employ of a dark wizard who sees me as a threat."

Fudge scoffed at this, "and why would they see you as a threat?"

I kept my expression neutral, "because regardless what the press says, many people view me a hero. The result of my demise would be to distract attention from other operations this person was involved in."

"Not this he-who-must-not-be-named imitator again," replied Fudge.

"Any person who could do with a distraction would benefit from it sir. It would not need to be done for a dark wizard, just someone who wished me either disgraced or dead."

Many of the Wizengamot nodded, agreeing most likely that it would provide a fairly large distraction. Fudge brought up the first incident in which I used magic outside of school to which I replied, "that wasn't me. A house elf came into my house and used my wand to use the spell."

I turned to Dumbledore, "isn't he employed at Hogwarts sir?"

"Yes he is," Dumbledore replied smiling, "I'll call him up. It will only be a moment."

Fudge said not to bother. He retorted, "He blew up his aunt just a couple of years ago."

I smiled, "and I'm very grateful for you not pressing charges then. After all, not everyone can control their emotions all the time." I was enjoying this.

Fudge began turning purple, much like Uncle Vernon. I glanced at Dumbledore and indicated he should take over. He nodded slightly and began his defense.

How was it I was concise when arguing? It felt like I became detached from my emotions.

'That would be me,' said the voice of the fox.

'I'm not complaining, but why?'

'Because it allowed you to argue your own defense. Your useless to me in jail.'

I agreed silently. Dumbledore had shot down every one of Fudge's arguments. Madam Bones called a vote, more than half agreed to dismiss the charges. Dumbledore got up quickly, but I was already ahead of him.

"Professor, could we meet sometime soon? There are some things I need to discuss with you."

"I'm sorry Harry, perhaps Professor McGonagall could help you." He was trying to ignore me, I don't think so.

"I would rather discuss the reasons behind the employment of Professor Trelawney's with you professor. Or would you like me to recite the secret you have kept from me all my life to everyone?"

Dumbledore's face paled, which surprised me. "I will talk to you tonight after supper." With that he left. I joined Mr. Weasley outside and he asked me how it went.

"Didn't Professor Dumbledore tell you when he passed?"

"No, he said that he was in a bit of a rush but not to worry."

I told him that he would have to wait for the details because I only wanted to recite it once. We met Malfoy Sr. on the way up near the Department of Mysteries. Mr. Weasley exchanged a few curt words with him before we left.

Once we returned to Grimmauld Place, everyone was waiting to hear the verdict. Deciding to test reactions, I told Mr. Weasley to enter looking sad and not to say anything. Once he did, I waited about thirty seconds before walking in.

Everyone was glad to see me apparently. Hermione launched herself at me, but I adjusted my footing to stay standing, Ron clapped me on the back rather hard, Ginny said who glad she was that was alright, and the twins said they glad as well. Mrs. Weasley came up afterwards and said she was glad I was alright. Remus and Sirius nodded at me from across the room, Sirius raising an eyebrow at something to my right.

Looking over, I noticed Hermione was still holding on to my side, and I hadn't let go of her yet. Smirking at Sirius, who leaned over and most likely informed Remus, I released her and sat down to tell everyone what happened.

A few of the adults were shocked that a full Wizengamot was used to punish me. The twins laughed when I told them about the exchanges with Fudge. I, without actually saying so, implied that Dumbledore was the one who had been my defender.

Once my story was done, Remus and Sirius pulled me off to work on our 'project'. "So, you and Hermione," began Sirius.

"Are at the moment just friends Sirius," I replied coolly.

"You didn't seem into much of a hurry to separate yourself from her," Remus chimed in.

I smirked, then the three of us laughed out loud. "As long as neither of you try and give me the talk, we should be fine."

"Why Harry, are you afraid we'll embarrass you?"

Getting my laughter under control I replied, "no, you'll kill me by making me laugh so hard at you."

After we calmed down, Remus asked, "well what do you want to work on for the rest of the day?"

"Potions. Dumbledore and I have a meeting after Supper today and I don't want to strain my mind to much."

We worked through the day on a couple of potions at once. We finished in time for supper, which was a loud and joyous event. Mrs. Weasley asked Moody to inspect the drawer in the Drawing Room to see if there is a boggart inside.

After supper, Dumbledore showed up. He exchanged pleasantries with everyone before saying, "I would like to talk to Mr. Potter alone." Everyone, except Hermione and Ron stood.

"That means you two as well," I said to them.

"You're going to tell us anyway," Ron spouted. After a minute of me staring at him he said, "right?"

I felt sorry for him, I truly did. "Regardless, this conversation is between the Headmaster and myself. I will tell what I am allowed to tell you later."

Hermione balked at this. "So you're going to decide what we know, is that it?"

I looked at her, and felt my expression soften. "That has nothing to do with it. We are at war, information is worth more than all the contents in Gringotts." Ron flinched when I said that. "The best kept secret is the one very few people know."

"I forbid you to tell him anything about the war," Mrs. Weasley said defiantly.

I stood and walked right in front of her. "This war will play to me regardless if I have the knowledge or not. Voldemort," everyone flinched except Dumbledore, Remus, Sirius and I, "doesn't care if I know nothing, he will come after me because he sees me as a chink in the light sides armor."

"You're to young," she replied weakly.

"The world has already stolen my innocence, it's time I become accountable to those who have sacrificed so much."

Mrs. Weasley had tears in her eyes, as did some of the others. When I looked over towards Hermione and Ron; Hermione started to move forward but stopped, and Ron looked at the ground. Sirius and Remus, who knew exactly what I was talking about, nodded their agreement.

After everyone left and Dumbledore raise a privacy shield, he turned and pointed his wand at me.

"What have you done with Harry Potter?"

A/n: Thank you for so many reviews! Next, Harry tells Dumbledore about what is going on, somewhat. We(you the readers) get introduced to more of Kyuubi's past.

Questions answered:

Icy Tears: yes and no. I'll explain more in the next chap.

Ricardo: Very good, similar but not quite.

Captuniv: Wow, I thought I was the only one who would have put that together. Go research Kitsune to see their powers, I'll use them through the story. Hope you liked the turn around in the trial.

That Kid Crying In The Corner: Confronting Dumbledore up next.