Disclaimer – I don't own Harry Potter, I don't make money from writing this fan fiction. All characters and spells you recognize you recognize belong to J.K. Rowling and her publishers.
Chapter Four – Trials and Tribulations
The weekend rolled by once again in a flurry of activity. It seemed that all the Order members had something to drop off, but none had the time to stick around. Well, with the exception of Arthur Weasley.
Harry talked to the elder Weasley for a half hour about Ron, Ginny, Fred and George, and the other members of the Weasley household. Apparently Percy had not come back yet, but Arthur conjectured that it was probably due to embarrassment. Harry showed Arthur the muggle room, in which the older man was fascinated. He admitted that he hadn't had a tour of the house yet, but that he didn't have time for a full tour at the moment. Harry quickly showed him how the television worked and put on the muggle sound system. Arthur, unfortunately, had put his ear next to the large subwoofer, clearly not expecting the sound that emanated from it to be so loud. The older man jumped near two feet in the air as Harry hit the power button that turned the speakers on.
Ten minutes later Arthur informed Harry that he really had to be going but that he would drop by again sometime and Harry could show him all the other interesting muggle toys. Harry had nodded in agreement.
Harry had also spoken with Tonks and assured her that he would have the invisibility charm done with by Monday.
"Well that is very impressive Harry. I was planning on continuing work on that charm Monday, but I suppose that if you will be done with it we can move on."
They then engaged in some light conversation about how Tonk's job with the aurors was going and Harry asked if Fudge was doing anything in regards to Voldemort's return.
"Well, he sure has us doing a lot more guard duty for the Ministry, but he hasn't sent us out to protect other places. I mean, sure, we have some guards at Diagon Alley and Hogsmede, but not nearly enough in my opinion." Harry nodded his head and let Tonks get on with what she had to do that day.
After dinner that night, Dobby had served roast lamb to Harry, Remus, and Kingsley who was at the house delivering his reports at the time, Harry asked Remus to help him finish practicing the invisibility charm, to which Remus gladly agreed.
By 9:00 that evening Harry had finally mastered the invisibility charm. It had taken three hours with Remus, but it was worth it in his opinion. Now he wouldn't have to rely completely on his father's cloak to go unseen. Exhausted, the spellwork was rough on the mind, Harry and Remus had lounged in the muggle room listening to music; Remus had put on some muggle band called The Beatles, and played some pool. Remus beat Harry quite easily much to Harry's chagrin.
"Don't worry about it Harry, it took me months to be able to play this game at all. I was quite hopeless at first. I'm sure you are doing better than I was to start with." The next half hour was spent with Remus teaching Harry how to properly 'shoot.' At the end of the night Harry was substantially better than he was at the beginning, but Remus could still beat him handily.
After doing his mind clearing exercises Harry fell asleep tired and content.
Sunday rolled around and Harry found himself thinking about Jess as he woke up. She had said that she was normally at the Café Mocá at 11:00. Seeing as it was 9:30 Harry figured he had plenty of time. After breakfast he approached Remus and asked if it would be all right if he could go. Remus had smiled and nodded in the affirmative, but warned Harry to be careful.
"Thanks Remus. And don't worry, I'll be careful."
With that Harry left 7 King Street, and began the walk to the Carnaby Shopping area; more specifically to the Café Mocá. The walk was uneventful and Harry found himself standing in front of the Café Mocá doors at 10:45. Nervously he opened the doors and walked inside. A quick look around showed that if Jess was coming today she was not there yet. Harry went up to the counter and asked for a recommendation on a drink. He walked back to his seat with some drink, he hadn't caught its name, and waited.
It was some time later that Harry looked down at his watch, 11:11, and sighed. Perhaps Jess wasn't going to come today. With that he stood up and walked to the trash bin and deposited his cup. A gust of wind alerted him to the doors being opened. As he turned to the doors to walk out he smiled; Jess was walking in and up to the counter.
She was placing her order when Harry snuck up behind her and pinched her side. She jumped up and spun around with a slight gasp to come face to face with a laughing Harry Potter.
"Harry!" she said "You scared me!"
"That was the plan," Harry said with a wink. "I didn't think you were going to show up."
"Well," said Jess after she finished her order, "You, didn't show up yesterday." Harry gave a slight wince.
"I know, honestly, I forgot. But," he added hurriedly, "I woke up today thinking about you and decided to come hoping you'd be here."
Harry and Jess made some small talk while she finished her drink. Harry asked her what she had been doing for the past week and she responded that she took a lot of fun classes including two dance classes. She also had been looking for a job, but as of yet had not found one. She asked if he had a job and Harry responded that no he didn't, and didn't actually plan to get one this summer, but possibly the next.
"So is there anything you wanted to do today Jess? Or do you already have plans?"
"No, I don't have any plans, but I'm not really sure as to what we could do. I mean, I doubt you need more clothes," she added with a smile.
Harry laughed. "I know, I could probably clothe a small army now."
Jess laughed too and blushed slightly. "Well," she began. "The cinema opens at noon. We could go see a movie if you wanted to."
Harry, never having been to the cinema before was quite keen on going. He had heard all sorts of wonderful things about it from Dudley.
"So what films are out?" Harry asked.
"Well, the two big ones right now are from America, Independence Day and Twister. They both look pretty good."
Harry played the ignorance card and asked what each of the movies was about. Independence Day was about aliens attacking Earth and Twister was about the tracking of tornadoes. Harry didn't know which he wanted to see and so left the decision to Jess, who decided that they would go to Twister. First though she called her parents and told them that she was going to the movie. Harry wished he had such a quick way of contacting Remus but shrugged it off.
Fifteen minutes later the two were standing in front of the local cinema and Harry purchased two tickets for the first showing, starting at 12:15. Harry and Jess walked inside and Harry bought the two of them popcorn and drinks for the movie. Jess had tried to pay for hers but Harry waved it off saying that it was on him.
Two hours later Harry and Jess emerged from the movie excited and talking about the tornadoes. Great Britain didn't get tornadoes, and in fact, they pretty much only existed in the Midwest of the United States. That however was forgotten as the two spoke about what they would do in the case of a tornado emergency. They laughed and joked about running away, neither being as daring as the tornado hunters in the movie.
The two continued talking about the movie for a good ten minutes after the show had ended, but it was then that Jess got a phone call and told Harry that it was her parents telling her that she had to come home. She smiled apologetically and Harry and her shared goodbyes. Before leaving she bent towards him and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Thanks for the afternoon Harry. I had a great time."
"Um, it was my pleasure," said Harry unsurely. He was a bit startled by the move. Jess laughed, gave him a wink and then turned to walk back towards her house. Harry, in turn, began the walk back to the Potter Residence.
.:oOoOoOo:.
"How was your date Harry?" Remus asked with a knowing gleam in his eyes as Harry stepped into the house.
Harry was shaken from his reverie, "Date?"
"Well," Remus began with a smile, "that is what I would call a movie with a pretty girl. But if the kids nowadays are calling it something else please enlighten me."
Harry blushed. 'I should have known that they would send somebody to watch me.'
"So who was watching me?" Harry asked Remus.
"I was," came the response.
"You? I thought you had things to do for the Order today."
"Well, yes, normally I would. But Dumbledore and I both agreed that we should let you live as normal a life as you can. So, I took the day off and Kingsley collected the reports for me today."
Harry muttered an embarrassed "thanks."
"You know, your father was quite good at wooing young women into dates with him. It seems you have inherited some of his charm," Remus said with a wink.
If possible, Harry flushed even more, much to Remus' amusement.
The two spent the rest of the day in the muggle room watching television, listening to music, and playing pool. That night during his mind clearing exercises Harry reflected that this had been the best day of summer vacation so far.
.:oOoOoOo:.
"Focus Harry, focus. The disillusionment charm isn't simple. Remember, it is a circular wand movement, a slight flick and a quarter rotation of the wand. The incantation is 'non-vi-dor.'"
Harry groaned. "Isn't that what I've been saying the whole time?"
"Almost, you're putting the emphasis on the dor and not the non," Tonks told him. "And try to make the flick a bit more slight. You don't need to jerk your wrist so much."
Harry sighed. It was especially difficult to complete the charm because he was attempting it on himself. It was odd to make those particular wand movements above his own head, but once again Harry readied himself. "Nonvidor," he spoke clearly while doing the prescribed wand motions.
He suddenly felt the cold feeling as if an egg had been cracked open over his head. Slowly the feeling ran down his body until it hit his feet, and then the feeling dispersed.
"I did it!" he yelled, ecstatic that after forty-five minutes he had finally done the charm correctly.
"Well," Tonks began, "you almost did it." Quickly she conjured up a mirror and showed Harry his progress. His body was currently covered in what appeared to be a shimmering, silvery liquid.
"Woah," Harry said, stunned by his appearance. "This is kind of neat." Tonks laughed at that.
"You did do the basic incantation correctly Harry, I think you may have forgotten the quarter turn of the wand. That liquid is actually supposed to happen, but it is supposed to blend into the background so that anybody looking at you can't see you well."
Harry nodded, cast a quick Finite Incantatem on himself to get rid of the failed disillusionment charm and began again. The silvery film was all he was able to accomplish by the end of the lesson and he promised Tonks that he would work on the charm with Remus that night.
After Tonks left the house Dumbledore arrived. A quick conversation about what he had been learning with Tonks led Dumbledore to change his lesson plan for the next day.
"Ah, in light of these charms that Nymphadora is teaching you I believe that it would be prudent for you to learn countermeasures," Dumbledore had said, and Harry agreed. That done the two continued with Harry's Occlumency
The Tuesday lesson with Dumbledore was spent learning what Dumbledore called a mist charm, but Harry didn't think that it quite fit the spell. The spell did in fact bring mist into play around the caster, but it was also much easier for the caster to see out of it than it was for an opponent to see into it. When Harry had asked how this helped to detect people with an invisible charm on Dumbledore had demonstrated.
As the Headmaster walked through the mist his body produced a void in the mist. It was in this way that one could tell there was something there that was invisible or disillusioned. Harry immediately saw the use of such a spell, and not just for finding invisible people. It was one spell that he was going to keep in his repertoire.
The next few days leading up to the trials passed in a similar way. Dumbledore and Harry continued work on clearing Harry's mind very quickly. This was necessary, Dumbledore had explained, because Tom would not wait for Harry to get his defenses up when he attacked. Harry would have to be ready and be able to activate his defenses as quickly as possible whenever an attack came.
Remus taught Harry a rather simple potion that was used to cure acne that Tuesday night that week.
"Are you insinuating something Remus?" Harry had asked the older man barely keeping the grin off his face.
"Of course not," Remus countered, "but if you ever need it, you'll know how to brew it," he added with a wink. "I'm actually kind of surprised that you haven't had any acne yet, it usually happens to kids your age. Harry shrugged it off and told Remus he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Tonks continued to work with Harry on the disillusionment charm on Wednesday as he had not been able to master it with Remus the night before. While he had gotten the liquid to actually change colors, the colors changed were always a little bit off of what they should have been. After apologizing to Tonks about not being able to finish the work on the charm he had been told not to worry about it as he was making faster progress than she had hoped in the overall curriculum.
"Honestly Harry," Tonks had begun, "I'm surprised you've made as much progress as you have. This spell is considered difficult even in auror curriculum."
Harry had flushed a bit and muttered 'thanks.'
Madam Pomfrey began a lesson that would take the next week to learn. The lesson comprised of a trio of spells that were used to heal larger cuts that delphius couldn't cure alone. The first of these spells had been a blood-clotting spell. It was necessary to stop the blood loss associated with the kinds of wounds that would be dealt with. The second, which is what Thursday was spent learning, was a mending spell. This spell was much like delphius in that it mended the skin and blood vessels back together but it worked on a much larger scale. As such this spell drained a lot of the caster's energy, much more than delphius did. Healing spells, Madam Pomfrey had explained, worked by transferring energy from the caster to the wound. The magic of the caster was drained onto the wound to heal it and thus the caster would find himself magically pressed for some time while his/her magic recuperated.
These lessons with Madam Pomfrey were especially draining on Harry because of the wounds inflicted that were necessary to learn the spell. During the Thursday potions lesson with Remus, Harry was taught how to make a blood-replenishing potion, and for that Harry was very grateful.
Friday rolled around quickly what with all the training Harry was doing during the week and Harry found himself being woken by Dobby so that he could be up in time for Tonk's lesson.
Rolling out of bed Harry stepped into his morning slippers and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. As he slipped out of his clothes Harry caught a look at himself in the mirror and was a little shocked by what he saw. His body was very pale, much more so than it even was while he was mourning over Sirius. He decided that he would bring it up to Remus at breakfast.
Fifteen minutes later Harry stepped out of the shower, dried himself off, dressed, and then headed downstairs.
"Remus!" he called and noticed that it took effort to speak.
"Harry?" came the reply. Harry finished descending the stairway as Remus came out of the kitchen. When the older wizard saw him he rushed up and put his hand against Harry's forehead.
"Harry, you're burning up, and you don't look good at all."
"I feel alright," Harry said.
"Ridiculous," Remus waved his hand in the air. "You're going to need to call off the lessons for today and rest."
Harry was about to protest when Remus continued. "I'll tell Tonks that you are feeling under the weather today. I imagine she could use a break also anyway. I'll also let Albus know that I won't have you doing Occlumency with him today. Perhaps he has something else to do with you."
"But Remus. I just feel a little bad, I can still do my lessons," Harry protested weakly.
"No, when you're sick you aren't supposed to do anything until you get better. Trust me, I know all about feeling so," Remus replied grimly.
"Remus, I want to do my lessons," Harry countered again.
"Absolutely not! Why are you being so difficult about this? First priority is for you to get better. Remember, you have to attend the trials tomorrow and we want you in tip top condition." Remus gave Harry a look that clearly said 'no more arguing about this' and Harry reluctantly gave up.
"Now," began Remus again. "Let's get you back up these stairs and up to your bed. I'll have Dobby serve you there." Remus bent down to pick Harry up but Harry flinched away.
"I can go back up on my own Remus," he said firmly.
"Harry, don't be silly. You are in no condition to be exerting yourself. I know how difficult the walk up these stairs is when you are not feeling well. I'll carry you up."
With that Remus bent down once again and picked Harry up in his arms. It briefly crossed his mind how small Harry was in comparison with James at the same age, but he passed it off as Harry getting those particular genes from Lily.
A minute later found Remus setting Harry back down on his bed in the master bedroom.
"Dobby?" Remus called for the house elf. Nearly instantly the loyal elf appeared.
"Mr. Lupin sir, what is it that you be needing?"
"I just need you to bring Harry's breakfast up to him Dobby. He is not feeling well today."
Those words brought Dobby to look over at Harry who smiled weakly at his odd friend. Dobby muttered under his breath and then looked up at Remus. "Mr. Harry Potter sir is lacking in blood Mr. Lupin sir. If you is wanting Dobby to Dobby could provide Mr. Harry Potter with a potion and sleep after Dobby be getting Mr. Harry Potter's breakfast."
"Yes Dobby, that would be great," Remus replied, relieved to know that Harry was suffering from something trivial. Dobby popped off. Turning to the boy in question, "I guess that blood-replenishing potion wasn't as perfect as I thought it was. Sorry about that Harry."
"Don't worry about it Remus. I'm sure that Dobby will have me fixed up in no time at all."
"Yes, I imagine he will," Remus replied as Dobby popped back with Harry's breakfast. The house elf set the tray down over Harry's stomach and helped prop Harry up against the headboard of the bed with pillows supporting his back.
"Thanks Dobby," Harry said with a smile.
"Dobby is not deserving of Mr. Harry Potter's thanks. Mr. Harry Potter is a great wizard sir. Dobby will be back with Mr. Harry Potter's potions." Dobby popped off again.
"I wish I knew why he keeps saying stuff like that," Harry voiced to Remus. "Sure I freed him from Malfoy, but even before I had done that he still treated me exceptionally well."
"I'm sure only Dobby really knows," Remus responded with a shrug. "Eat up Harry, you need the energy."
Harry did as he was bid. It never ceased to amaze him how Dobby could make a simple meal such a breakfast so grand. The cinnamon rolls were outstanding and Harry noted to himself to thank Dobby again when the elf returned.
"Hello?" a call came from downstairs. "Harry? Remus? Are you home?"
"That would be Tonks," Harry said with a slight smile as he looked over at the clock. "Right on time too. I guess you better go break the news to her. She'll be heartbroken I'm sure."
Remus returned Harry's smile and excused himself from the room.
While Remus was out of the room Dobby popped back in with his blood replenishing potion and a dreamless sleep potion, which Harry had set aside for later. He wasn't ready to fall asleep again quite yet.
"Oh, and thanks for breakfast Dobby, it was wonderful."
Harry imagined that that strange color that came to Dobby's face was the house elf blushing with the praise but he wasn't completely sure. He was, however, able to understand the adoration that Dobby heaped upon him afterwards though and was just about ready to tell Dobby that it was enough when Remus entered the room, this time with Tonks in tow, and Dobby popped away with only a few more wonderful things to say about Harry.
"Not feeling well Harry?" Tonks asked him.
"Umm, not really," Harry admitted shyly.
"You don't look to good either. Remus says that your lessons yesterday took a lot out of you."
Harry nodded, "I was learning some more advanced medimagic and to top off the fact that I was performing the spells, which drain you on their own, I was losing a lot of blood due to the cuts inflicted. I had to practice on something."
Tonks winced.
"Well, at the end of the day Remus helped me make a blood-replenishing potion, but apparently it wasn't up to par. Dobby's just brought me another. I imagine I'll be fine by later this afternoon."
Tonks nodded. "Well, just make sure that you get better. We need you healthy for Lucius' trial tomorrow. We finally got the chance to land that S.O.B in prison for good. I can only hope that he won't be rescued." She paused for a second. "Well anyway, have a nice day Harry and make sure you get some rest."
"Bye Tonks," Harry waved as she left the room.
Forty-five minutes later Harry was finished with his breakfast and was looking decidedly better if not quite feeling it yet. Remus looked at the clock; 10:55.
"Harry I'm going to go downstairs and meet Dumbledore to tell him that you will be unable to practice with him today." Harry nodded his consent.
Seven minutes later Remus returned to the room, this time with Dumbledore in tow. "Ah my boy. Remus informs me that you are not feeling well this morning." Harry nodded. "Very well, its just as well that it be today that we skive off on your Occlumency. I had not planned on doing those lessons today. I wanted to talk with you instead about the trials tomorrow. As you know, Lucius' trial will be first and Dolohov's will follow. Those are the only two that you will be testifying at. Both Mr. Longbottom and Miss Granger will be testifying along with you at Lucius' trial. Miss Granger will also be testifying with you at Antonin Dolohov's.
"I want to make sure that you know your rights and a few other things as you will, undoubtedly, be cross examined by the accused's attorneys. First off, you do not have to answer anything that you feel may incriminate yourself." At this he gave Harry a pointed stare and for some reason Harry knew that Dumbledore was aware of him casting crucio on Bellatrix.
"Second, you have the right to refuse Veritaserum if you should want to. But I believe that should you take it, it would weigh more heavily in our favor. Lucius Malfoy will of course refuse to be subjected to its influence."
"But sir," Harry interrupted, "what if they ask a question while I'm under the influence of Veritaserum that I do not want to answer."
"Don't worry Harry. For witnesses only two drops of Veritaserum are used. This allows for the subject to refrain from answering a question, but insures the truthfulness of any statement that leaves the witness's mouth." Harry nodded; it made sense that there would be a way to allow that.
"Thirdly, I must ask that you speak nothing of Sirius' involvement in the attack. Cornelius, unwisely, has decided to not look over the information I have given him proving Sirius' innocence."
Harry was about to start up but Dumbledore silenced him with a wave.
"Harry my boy, we will get Sirius' name cleared, but Lucius Malfoy's trial is not the place to do it." Harry reluctantly nodded.
"Fourth, there will more than likely be attacks upon your character in an attempt to prove that you are an unreliable witness. They will bring up your relationship with Mr. Draco Malfoy and what little contact you had with Lucius before this event. I must ask you to keep your head when answering these questions. Also, do not try to belittle your conflicts with the Malfoy's. Stay as honest as you can throughout the trial."
Harry nodded, knowing that it may be difficult to control his temper in such attacks. "I will try my best sir."
"I know you will my boy. I know you will."
"Sir, if I may ask, what is to become of the accused when they are found to be guilty?" Harry asked hesitantly. He wasn't completely sure he wanted to know.
Dumbledore looked at Harry over the top of his spectacles. "As first time convicts, many of those involved in the attack on the Ministry will be sent to Azkaban. Those that escaped Azkaban during the breakout last year and have been recaptured will be declared incurable."
Harry gulped. "Incurable sir?"
Dumbledore sighed. "Yes Harry. After they are declared incurable they will be executed. I'm afraid there is no other way to prevent these men from returning to Voldemort."
Harry's face suddenly returned to the pale color that it was that morning. "Ho – how will it be done?"
"A heavy overdose of a powerful sleeping potion is used. It is a painless way to be killed Harry. Remember, these men would do anything in their power to return to their master and their evil ways. I'm afraid that the only way to prevent them from doing so is by taking their lives."
Harry nodded in acceptance, his face still ashen.
"You are doing the right thing Harry my boy. I'm sorry it can't be any other way." With that Dumbledore turned from the room and walked out leaving Remus to comfort the Boy-Who-Lived.
"He is right you know," Remus said hesitantly. "Those men are responsible for many, many deaths. Not only of muggles, but of wizards too."
It was Harry's turn to sigh. "I know Remus, I just wish that there was some other way. I don't want there to be any more death."
Remus responded by hugging Harry, a hug that Harry returned. The boy had been hugged so little in his life, and it felt good to know that he was loved.
"Thanks Remus, I needed that," Harry said with a smile.
"Anytime Harry," the older wizard replied with a similar smile.
.:oOoOoOo:.
"The Ministry of Magic calls Harry James Potter to the stand," called Matt Johnson, the ministry attorney who was taking this particular case.
Harry nervously stood from his place in public viewing area and walked through the small gate separating it from where the trial was taking place. Mr. Johnson led Harry up to the witness stand and upon his being seated returned to his own chair at the prosecution's table.
Madam Bones, the judge at the trial then turned to Harry. "Will you consent to taking Veritaserum so that the court can be assured of the accuracy of your statements?"
"I will your honor," Harry replied.
"Very well then," she responded and motioned for the court bailiff to administer the potion. "Two drops please Martimus."
The bailiff nodded and Harry opened his mouth to receive the potion. As the two drops fell into his mouth he felt his mind clear. Any worries he had were completely forgotten and he felt as if nothing he knew was to be kept secret.
The court waited ten minutes to continue so that this initial feeling of the two drops would wear down and the witness would be able to refuse to answer a question should he deem it important.
After the waiting time had expired Harry was feeling mostly in control of himself and Matt began.
"Mr. Potter, if you could recount the events prudent to the case from the events after the third task of the Triwizard Tournament."
The apprehension in the room was nearly palpable and nearly half of those in attendance took a sharp intake of breath. Harry noticed that the reporters present already had quick quills jotting down notes that were, no doubt, inaccurate to the point of being sickening.
"After taking the cup at the same time as Cedric Diggory we were transported to a graveyard, the cup had been turned into a portkey. I do not know where it was. Upon arriving Cedric was killed by Voldemort's orders. He was waiting for my arrival. He needed my blood, as the blood of an enemy, to recreate a body for himself so that he could once again rise in power.
"After taking my blood, his servant's flesh, and his father's bone he completed the ritual and rose once again. He then summoned his Death Eaters via the dark mark. They complied and apparated to the graveyard. One of those Death Eaters was Lucius Malfoy. He was named specifically by Voldemort and responded.
"After that there was a duel between Voldemort and I, and I escaped by use of the portkey that brought us there along with Cedric Diggory's body."
Harry could tell that half the people in the room seemed ready to faint due to his use of Voldemort's actual name so many times.
"Thank you Mr. Potter, if now you could please tell us where you were the night of May 28th?"
"I was at the Ministry of Magic, more specifically in the Department of Mysteries."
"And what exactly were you doing there Mr. Potter?"
"I had received a vision from Voldemort of him torturing an innocent and I was there to stop him."
'Hmm,' Harry mused, 'so I don't have to tell the entire truth then.'
"What happened when you entered the Department of Mysteries?"
"I lead the way down hallways that were familiar due to the vision and me and the group of students I was with unknowingly made our way into the Hall of Prophecy and a trap."
"Was Lucius Malfoy present in the Hall of Prophecy?" Matt asked.
"Yes, he was. He was conveniently there under orders of Voldemort so that he could take the prophecy from me once I had picked it up myself."
There were gasps again around the court as Harry spoke the Dark Lord's assumed name, but Matt ignored them and continued with his questioning.
"So he was one of the Death Eaters present that night?"
"He was found in a Death Eater robe and mask was he not? Of course he was there as a Death Eater."
"Once the trap was sprung what actions were taken?"
"Well naturally we were trying to escape. Lucius Malfoy and the other Death Eaters present were attempting to stop us and acquire the prophecy for Voldemort."
More flinches across the courtroom. Harry noticed with pleasure that the senior Malfoy was looking vehement.
"What happened to the prophecy?"
"It broke in the fight that followed, but that isn't important sir," Harry reminded the man who nodded.
"I am done with questioning the witness your honor," Matt directed at Madam Bones.
"Very well," came the response, "Mr. Redmonds, you can now proceed with the cross-examination."
A man with deep black hair, high aristocratic cheekbones, and pursed lips gave her a nod.
"Mr. Potter," he began. "Who, if I may ask were you there to rescue that night?"
"An innocent sir. The person's name is unimportant."
"Indeed. You say that you went to the Department of Mysteries in order to stop the Dark Lord from torturing this innocent." Harry nodded as the man made it perfectly clear he knew who it was that Harry was there to rescue. "Why, if I may ask, did you feel it necessary to go yourself. Why would you have not informed a teacher at the very least?"
"Mr. Redmonds, you will find that certain educational decrees made this impossible. There were no teachers present that I felt I could trust with the information at that time. But I do not see how this relates to Lucius Malfoy sir."
Redmonds did not reply to Harry's observation. "You are in the same year as Mr. Malfoy's son, are you not?"
Harry knew immediately where the questioning was going next. "Yes sir, I am."
"Would you describe your relationship with young Mr. Malfoy?"
Matt Johnson chose this moment to speak up. "Your honor, I don't see how this line of questioning helps the defense. I would ask that they get to the point."
Mr. Redmonds countered, "I am merely trying to establish that Mr. Potter is not a credible witness due to his relationship with my client's family your honor."
"Your honor, my client testified under the influence of Veritaserum. It would prevent him from lying about Mr. Lucius Malfoy's involvement on the night of May 28th."
Madam Bones nodded. "Mr. Redmonds. This line of questioning will not further your case and it will cease."
"Very well then," Mr. Redmonds acquiesced. "Mr. Potter, how can you be certain that it was actually Lucius Malfoy at those two events?"
"At the first event Mr. Redmonds, Voldemort called him by name. If you think that he is so easily fooled that an imposter could be standing in Mr. Malfoy's place then I suppose the fact that I recognized his voice would help as well. In the Department of Mysteries I saw his face and again recognized his voice."
Mr. Redmonds gave a sneer and informed Madam Bones that he was done with the cross-examination.
Madam Bones in turn indicated to the bailiff that he should administer the antidote, which he did. Harry was then led from the witness stand and back into the public seating. As soon as he was seated Harry could feel the final effects of the veritaserum fade and immediately he was struck by the images of that night. Retelling the story had triggered his memory of those events.
He once again saw the fake vision of Sirius being tortured by Voldemort. He saw the failed fire call to Grimmauld Place and Umbridge finding him in her office. He saw his escape and riding to the Ministry on the Thestrals along with Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Luna. He watched as he led the other five into a trap. He watched as each of them was injured because of him. He relived Neville being put under crucio by Bellatrix Lestrange, he felt fear as Hermione was hit by Dolohov's 'specialty,' he felt helpless as Sirius was hit by that unknown curse and his body sailed gracefully back and through the veil of death.
He never heard the whispers of congratulations from Hermione and Remus. He never saw the two try to gain his attention when he didn't respond. He never felt pain when wood splinters pierced his hands as he crushed the armrests of his chair under a vice-like grip. He never tasted the single, salty tear that ran down his cheek and stopped at his lips as he relived the memory of Sirius' death. He would never remember being taken from the courtroom by Remus, Hermione crying for him and having to stay because she had yet to testify, his singular bobbing motion, or being transported via portkey to 7 King Street provided by Dumbledore.
Harry Potter had gone catatonic.
.:oOoOoOo:.
(A/N: Well, it's been a while I know and I have a good reason for that. If you read my profile you would know what it is. My computer crashed, and needed to be reformatted. I was, unfortunately, unable to save anything. So, along with losing 5000 songs I lost my outline and all work I had done on some of these chapters, as well as my will to write more. It really sucks when you have to retype what you have done. Anyway, the plan I had for this chapter would have put it at about 20,000 words so I compromised and now it is a modest 6400. The plus side to that is that I now have my outline for chapter five already complete. It will more than likely be longer than this chapter, making it the longest yet.
Also, because of the crash I found an incentive to go back and fix some things up on previous chapters. So if you haven't read since the last update the story is now about 3000-4000 words longer. Much of this was in the first chapter. I'm not sure how realistic the 'make-up' of Dumbledore and Harry is and I'm still not quite happy with it, but it will do for now.
I've got some of my main outline completed but it is not finished again, yet. I do have many of the important ideas down again and I hope crosses fingers that I haven't forgotten anything.
Oh, and thanks a bunch to all reviewers.