The Final Lesson
Written by: HoshiHikari
Disclaimer: I do not own HP! That's right, the characters still all belong to J.K Rowling As for the plot, it might have been done before, so I won't take credit for that either
Summary:
He is tainted by evil. He had lost all emotions, all feelings all humane senses. He had become heartless, soulless towards all living creatures. The final straw had snapped. How could Harry save the world and bring light into a world consumed by darkness, when he, himself is the cause of chaos and destruction? When he himself is the Dark Master, the Half-Blooded Prince?
He is a werewolf, a dark creature, tainted by the goodness of people. He is the remaining Marauder, given the responsibility and the burden to raise young Harry. Now that Harry's gone evil, to what lengths would his guardian goes to protect him, to save him, not only from the world but from himself? Can Remus bring back the Harry that was once adored by everyone? Will Remus be able to teach Harry the most important lesson of all time? Can Remus teach Harry how to once again be humane, to have a heart and a soul? Will he, Remus be persuaded to give up, and cross over, when all is lost, and Harry is past being worth saving? Or will he stick by his beliefs, run out of time, and in turn pay the ultimate price?
NO SLASH! NO SLASH! in fact, Romance is not important, nothing romantically, and if there is, its not meant at all!
Author Notes: "…." talk Italic thoughts/dreams /…/ Parseltongue Snake language underlinetext/letter/writings bold/italicslyrics from songs (if any)
Fan of Great Works: A defense? That would do. Maybe, maybe not. However, the chapter will be long!
samuraiduck27: thanks again. Glad you liked the chapter! I'll update as soon as I can!
lovi thank you!
Strega nah, it's alright. I don't mind that you missed a review for a chapter. Hmm, a drawing of my choice? I have to think about that. I do have something on my mind, however, it's so hard to describe. When I find the words of description, I'll tell you then.
Yes, concepts of gray. The perfect world would ideally be that the Light and Dark are completely separate identities. However, after being stumped and a good progression of time, they should realize the fact that sometimes in order to get something, one must cross that line. After all, it's not good or bad magic, it's how the wizard uses it. It's a very deep concept, and yes, can be considered a philosophy. Exactly! What may seem to be right, may not be right, and what is wrong, isn't necessary wrong. In the end, what counts is if the result justifies the use of the action to gain it.
Haha! I love that Bumble nickname. It suits him, and someone who is exposed to it for the first time (like me) knows exactly who that person is.
Yes! More house points! (maybe I should start to keep track of them, adding and subtracting) Harry wasn't put into Gryffindor for nothing! I mean, even if he denied the sorting hat in placing him in Slytherin, there were three other houses to choose from! No! Not everything thing that he said to McGonagall was all lies. The truth may be imbedded in the lies. At the moment, he needs as much sympathy as he can get from the world. Not many people will give that. McGonagall just so happens to have once been the head of Gryffindor. It'll make more sense to turn to her, then someone else, and since now, she has more then House powers (such as the Order, and Headmistress of Hogwarts), it would be wise on his part to do so.
Actually, his defense of his guardians serves many purposes. It not only gives the world a glimpse of the Boy-Who-Lived, but as you said, makes himself seem more Harry like. It also aids him in matters regarding to Remus. If the man is alive, this will also help convince him more that with his aid, Harry is slowly changing for the better. Although, that may not be the case.
Oh my God. You pointed out Moody. I just realized that he's supposed to be dead. Remus was suppose to have killed him. Uh oh. Don't know if you or anyone for the matter realized it, but that is a mistake. Regarding his inquiry about why exactly Harry gets a trail, he should know it. Yes, it is more like a show. Harry and his followers will use it to the Prince's advantage (didn't Snape mention something about Bella doing her best to get him out of it?)
Ah! Guilty eh? That was my intention to begin with. Since I didn't know how the world (or more like my reviewers would act) I tried it first out with McGonagall. She seemed to buy it, meaning that the world won't be too off from it.
No, Harry still only has one eye. It's more fugitive language. Eye's are in pairs, and if Harry did have his other eye, he'll have rolled it as well.
It would be too ridicules if Harry is innocent to all charges. If that is his goal, it would be a difficult one, not that it is impossible. He shouldn't aim for something too high. He should be grateful for Azkaban, rather then death. After all, he's still got much on his agenda to accomplish! Being there, could mean extreme planning and plotting. Not too sure if Dementors are under his control. Ideally they would be, as they were under Voldemort's and that power would have been passed down to him. Exactly! Wow! Are you a Legilimenist? Or am I too predictable? Azkaban would be the perfect base for him. Who would ever suspect that!
If Remus was to show up (if he is alive) he'll surely be able to help persuade the world. Death Eaters aren't as dense either. With the help of Remus and then with other Death Eaters testifying, it should be no problem for Harry to win. This trail should be very interesting to play with!
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed! I'm going to update my bio often so please check it out!
Chapter 27 Judgment of the World (Part I)The large dungeon filled quickly and noiselessly. Everyone seemed to hold their breath as they gathered for the trail of the century that was schedule to occur today, August 21st, at 2:15 pm. Some had arrived as early as noon, the earliest arrival time for the public while others piled in around 2, the latest before the grand doors shut. However, no matter what time they came out, the anticipation and restlessness for the trail to begin was quite apparent. Then, precisely at 2:15, not a minute too early, nor a minute too late, a side door swung open.
Tap. Tap. Tap. The clear distinct sound of footsteps approaching grew louder and louder, though no one was seen behind the door, as the corridor beyond the door to the waiting room was too dark to see. The people on the benches couldn't help themselves as they leaned closer to see the approaching person.
Tap. Tap. Tap. More footsteps, until finally a lone figure stood at the doorway, halting, as the figure took in the scene. Then with shoulders black, head high, feet slightly apart, the figure took confident strides to the chair at the center of the room. He stood before it, stared at it, shook it off before taking a seat. Immediately the chains that were covering the arms sprung up to bind him securely on the chair. Even so, before he was comfortably situated, at least 20 aurors cautiously approached him, wands out, halting at firing range, but safe enough from the Prince. To add to it, dementors, at least another dozen or so were floating above him, though at a much more respectable place, a place where he was still affected, but far away enough as though they too were afraid of him.
"Harry James Potter." Amelia Bones, temporary Minster of Magic, since Arthur Weasley's death said quietly and calmly, staring directly at the chained person before her. "You have been brought here in front of the Council of Magical Law to answer to numerous counts of charges including serving Lord Voldemort, murdering Lord Voldemort, attempted murder on Albus Dumbledore, being a ruthless tyrant as the Half Blooded Prince, claming to be the Dark Master, appointing Avenger, and the order and execution of the entire living population, threatening the mere survival of all humans, animals, and magical creatures alike."
Now everyone was staring at Harry Potter. For the first time, people took in his appearance. He was dressed in simple black robes, and aside from the fact of that a hideous scar ran down his face, the boy looked quite normal. At least physically that was. As the numerous counts were said, the boy was completely unaffected. There was no remorse, no regret, no emotion, on his face, something that people had not expected. Surely, the boy was affected some way by what he did to the world?
"We have evidence." At this, Harry rolled his one eye.
Of course they have all the evidence they need. It's not like I've been working in the shadows. What I need to do though is use that to my advantage. Now, what is the best way to approach this?
"against you and are about to reach our verdict. Do you have anything to add before we pronounce judgment?"
There were lots of scoffs from the room, done in obvious protest to the question. After all, for all the world cared, there was no way the boy could be innocent.
Silence, complete silence followed. "Nothing?" Bones added. There was still no response. "Very well then, for all the charges placed against Harry Potter, I suggest a…."
The grand doors suddenly opened. All heads turned to see a hunchback slowly enter the room. "My client reserves the right to remain silent." The hunchback was saying. "We also demand a full trail." He was saying. "with concrete witness and evidence against Mr. Potter, to be carefully examined here and now."
There was immediate outrage from those in the benches.
"and you are?" Bones asked calmly.
"Steven Bryant, appointed lawyer of the defendant." He was saying. "Part time owner of a magical gifts and good store in Knockturn alley."
"appointed by who?" Bones asked, leaning closer, noting how the hunchback had somehow managed to get into a protective stance before the teen.
"Why the defendant of course!" he exclaimed.
"Death Eater!" someone from the stands shouted.
"No. I can testify under veritaserum if needed. I am not a Death Eater." He paused. "I have not been threatened nor am I under Imperio either." Bryant said softly. "I am a lawyer, and as a lawyer, it is my duty to take the case of possible clients, go through it, and decide to take it. I have willingly chosen to defend Mr. Potter."
"Why?" Bones' questioned.
Mr. Bryant took a look at Harry before turning back to the temporary Minster of Magic.
"That, your honor, is my own business." He said smoothly, receiving a glare from Bones. "My client has a strong case. I have personally and carefully reviewed the counts and charges against him. I have also viewed the defense. I have witnesses that can testify for him. Weighing the sides, I'll say Mr. Potter cannot be blamed for his actions, he has merely been misunderstood, used as a tool, after all, he's a strong political figure head and being so can be abused by use."
There were mummers and unrest among those that were gathered. Some scoffed while others started complaining. Bryant ignored this. He took a step forward towards the judges.
"I suggest you allow Mr. Potter a fair trail, with both prosecutions and defenses presented at this common time."
"you are in no position to speak." Bones was saying. "Guards, remove this man." She demanded. Two aruors approached Mr. Bryant who glared at them. "I once again ask for a decent trail. Nothing more, nothing less." He was saying. "I believe Mr. Potter needs not only an apology to this world for the deeds he his condemned to, but also a formal explanation about why he did it."
For once there were mummers of agreement.
"an apology, and a reason?" Bones raised her eyebrows. "and you tell me you are his lawyer. Am I correct?" she asked again.
"yes."
"Ah ha!" she exclaimed. "Therefore the defendant is pleading guilty?"
"No one ever said he was pleading innocent." Bryant remarked smartly. "You as well as the rest of the world merely assumed it." A pause. "however, he is not pleading guilty either." A frown from the judge. "My client is neither innocent nor guilty."
"explain." Bones said curtly, looking pass Bryant's shoulder at Harry who had an extremely calm, unfazed look.
"Call off the aurors." Bryant spoke calmly. "Allow my client a full trail. Let me call forth my own witness in defense for Mr. Potter, without any objections. Their safety for the duration of the trail must hold, no matter who I call forth. The evidence used is of my choice." His eyes swept through those who were gathered. "I suggest you comply as well. You won't want an uprising from within the Ministry."
This caught everyone's attention, including the Prince's. For the first time, he looked up at the stands. At first glance there was nothing special, nothing odd. However, on second glance, he realized that at least ¼ of those attending and were present here and now where Death Eaters. Out of these ¼ at least ½ of them were prominent figures, including, and Harry was surprised at how they managed to get in undetected, ones who he had work with directly. What was more was how they had distributed themselves so that they weren't bunched up, separate enough to make an uprising possible, yet close enough to protect each other. Still, and Harry couldn't help but laugh inwardly at this, was the two people seated right next to Bones. Although they were cloaked so that their faces weren't shown as were the other judges aside from Bones, Harry could immediately tell who they were.
Indeed, if required, an uprising would definitely occur. Ah, once I get out of this, I must personally thank Bella for such organization. Not only had she slipped in a Death Eater for my lawyer, but had prepared for the worst.
"Is that a threat?" Bone's asked.
"No, I am merely stating the truth. If Harry Potter does not get a fair trail, a lot of people will be very upset" he said, empathizing each word. "If you wrongly charge Mr. Potter without finding out the truth, finding out both sides, you as well as the rest of the world will regret it. If you charge my client with anything without solid proof, then you are no better then he was, no better then any other Dark Lord before him"
More outrage.
"There is a fine line between Good and Evil. If you take away the humane rights of the defendant, then tell me exactly what is it that separates you from him. As far as I can see, if such things are taken for granted, if certain things are denied, then I see no difference. Then the world isn't as black and white as it may seem, and the gap in between is a lot closer then before."
Bones opened her mouth then snapped it shut. She opened it again, and spoke. "Very well." She said, agreeing not because of the underlying truth behind the stated words, but because she herself was curious and wasn't willing to admit it. "We will first proceed with the prosecution before the defense is allowed to defend."
"Agreed." Mr. Bryant replied, nodding his head in her general direction.
"bring in the first witness, Bill Weasley." Taking that order two aurors went out to retrieve the oldest Weasley son.
"Bill Weasley" Bones stated, clearly "You are here to testify against Harry James Potter."
"Gladly." Bill said automatically.
"Please state your full name, relationship to my client, and exactly what he has done to your family." Bryant began after getting a nod from the head judge.
"Bill Weasely, eldest son of Arthur and Molly Weasely." He said clearly. "Since my family met that traitor for the first time, we had taken him in as our own." He said angrily.
"and when is that?"
"almost 8 years ago, on September the 1st, on the Hogwarts Express." He was saying. "We've been kind to him, defended him, and actually cared for him. We gave him, shelter, a home, a family." He was saying. "We were cool man, my younger brother Ron and he had been best buddies." Bill said. "and this is how he pays us!" he shot a loathing look at Harry. "he goes off, and has both my parents, my mother and my father, the Minister of Magic killed!" he held his temper as he continued. "We did nothing but support him. He betrayed us. He's a bloody cold hearted bastard who deserves nothing more then death!"
"indeed?" Bryant questioned, motioning the oldest Weasely representative to step aside for a minute. "any more?"
"Hermione Granger" Bones said, and those two that had brought in Weasley came back with her.
"Hermione Jane Granger?" Bryant asked, the minute she was settled.
"Yes, sir"
"You are here to testify against Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, sir"
"Under what evidence and conditions?"
"He's a bloody murderer and a mechanical torturer. He destroyed the world…"
"but not you?"
"to the world."
"this is your case Ms. Granger. What has he personally done to you. You, as in yourself."
Hermione was silent.
"Obviously he has not killed you."
"yes, that's true but…"
"he hasn't personally tortured you.."
"true, but…"
"Then how dare you accuse him of a crime he didn't commit?"
"he ordered…"
"and what proof do you have of that?"
Hermione couldn't speak. She stared at him, completely stumped and wordless.
"If you would, join Mr. Weasley."
Hermione silently walked over to stand next to him.
"any more?" Bryant asked. There were shouts of 'unfair', but the lawyer ignored it.
"Minevera McGonagall" Bones said next.
A judge at the end of the bench stood, took a step away before sitting back. "I reserve judgment." Minevera said, surprising everybody in the room. "In the lights of new events, I cannot testify against my former student." There was an obvious gleam of triumph from Bryant. "for now, I reserve judgment. Neutrality remains."
"very well…Filius Flickwick…" Amelia called out. In this form the prosecution went on and on for what seemed like eternity. Each witness retold his or her story of the chaos and destruction of the world done by Harry Potter, before joining the others, forming a single line that stood before the lawyer.
"Is that enough, or need I go on?" Bones called out after the 20th prosecution witness, Tonks, was called out and had joined the others.
Bryant shook his head. "No, it is time to move on. It is my turn to put forth my defensive case."
"Be my guest."
So cut this chapter into parts, as it would be too long otherwise. As always, your opinion is greatly appreciated!