Mundungus last name is Fletcher. lol So, tell me how y'all thought the sixth book was?
School started back. Gross isn't it.
The foursome spent the next few weeks hanging around the burrow, and attempting to do some of the homework they were assigned. Ron continued to pester Hermione about doing his homework, using the excuse if you loved me, you wouldn't let me fail. Of course she continued to refuse, but it was getting so much more difficult to turn anything he asked down.
Finally, it was the night before the trial. Mrs. Weasley was force-feeding Ron food so he wouldn't retch that night. He had a pale green color coating his face and anytime you mentioned something to do with school, he would swagger slightly.
"Ron, just lay down alright," Hermione said helping him lay onto the couch. He nodded and shut his eyes. "Do you want me to stay with you right now"
"No, sorry but it's really hard to look at you without thinking about tomorrow," Ron said quietly and let go of Hermione's hand. Hermione nodded and stood up.
"Well, I'm going to go upstairs then. Feel better," Hermione kissed his forehead lightly and walked up the stairs, to Ginny's room. Harry was sitting on Hermione's bed, reading from one of his new textbooks.
"You know, I don't think Ron has anything to worry about. He has tons of people who can testify for him," Ginny said sitting up as Hermione sat next to her.
"I think he is just more worried about having to relive the experience. You know, wasn't exactly the best time of his life," Hermione explained leaning her head on Ginny.
"He could always make do with just finding an easier job. Fred and George didn't finish their seventh year," Harry said closing the book and leaning back against the wall.
"Mum'll have a fit though if Ron can't return, and I don't think he'll be as lucky as Fred and George," Ginny said.
"Not very optimistic are you, Gin," Hermione laughed.
Ginny and Harry smiled, "Nope, not really"
July 26th arrived the next day in full force. Hermione put on one of her nicer skirts with a sweater and a pair of pumps. Ron was wearing one of his best ties with a nice pair of pants and a button up shirt. Mrs. Weasley was fussing over his hair, trying to slick it back with a sort of gel-type substance that came out of her wand.
"Ronald, I want you using all of the manners you have inside of you. None of that sarcasm you like to use on your father. Listen to every word that the Wizengamot has to say," Mrs. Weasley straightened Ron's tie and as she turned around, Hermione caught sight of her just barely wiping away a tear.
"I'll do everything I can to help," Hermione smiled and hugged Mrs. Weasley.
Mrs. Weasley returned Hermione's hug and broke away. "I'm sure you will, dear. Good luck to the both of you."
Hermione and Ron walked over to the fireplace. Mr. Weasley was standing there beside it waiting for them. "All set. Well, let's be off then." They all huddled into the fireplace together and Mr. Weasley threw the floo powder down as he called out "Ministry of Magic". They were hurtled out of the fireplace into the wide room that was the entry way. Mr. Weasley led them to a desk with a short, peppy young blonde woman who was dressed quite stylish for someone who worked at the ministry.
"Good morning Charlotte, I'm bringing Mr. Ronald Weasley and Miss Hermione Granger for their trial," Mr. Weasley said greeting Charlotte unusually bright for such an occasion.
"Hello there Arthur, I have been expecting you. Here are the children's nametags and here is your paperwork for the day. The Enforcement Squad is quite eager for you to file your report," Charlotte said as she handed Mr. Weasley two nametags and a large stack of papers.
"Well, the Enforcement Squad will have to wait until the trial is over. Have a lovely day, Charlotte," Mr. Weasley waved as he walked off and Charlotte said goodbye. He led the other two over to the elevator and they crowded in with an elderly man and a mid-twenty's young woman. Ron kept his eyes glued to the opposite wall of the elevator so as not to even stir anything up within Hermione. This lady was rather pretty. She had shoulder length dirty blonde hair and bright, sparkling green eyes. She had her arm around the old man, giving him additional support.
"Ahh! Nathan, what are you doing here at the ministry?" Mr. Weasley addressed the old man and shook his hand. "I suppose this is your daughter, Natalie. You are quite right in deed, she does look just like Nicolette. I'm Arthur Weasley." Mr. Weasley introduced himself to Natalie.
"Arthur, so good to see you again. I've missed telling you about my adventures." Nathan shook Mr. Weasley's hand rather jittery and listened as Mr. Weasley introduced himself to his daughter. He grinned widely and looked at his daughter quite lovingly. "Yes, she is a beauty"
"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Weasley. I believe I have heard my father speak of you before," Natalie shook Mr. Weasley's hand.
"Kids, this is Nathan Harold Taylor. One of our top researchers on creatures. He was Newt Scamander's partner until he got married. Most of the information we know now on the class four creatures we learned from him. And this is his daughter Natalie," Mr. Weasley introduced Rona and Hermione to Nathan. "Nathan, this is my son Ron and his girlfriend Hermione"
Hermione eagerly shook Nathan's hand, "I've read all about you, sir." Mr. Taylor smiled and suddenly the elevator stopped. The doors opened and Nathan and Natalie exited the elevator saying their goodbyes.
"He's a nice old man. Suffered quite a lot. When Natalie was eight, Nathan and her mother, Nicolette, brought her on one of their explorations. They went to Africa to study the Erumpent. Well, about 6 months into it, Nicolette was handling the Erumpent fluid they had extracted and it leaked out. It blew up Nicolette's tent completely with her inside it. Terrible how things like that happen so unexpectedly. Here we are, the Department of Mysteries"
Mr. Weasley led them down the long corridor and down the flight of steps at the end. They went along the other hallway that resembled the dungeons of Hogwarts. "You two are to be in number three...yes, here it is. But, don't go in yet. Your due in there at three, it's only two-fifty"
Ron sighed heavily and lent back against the wall, shuffling his feet. He suddenly didn't feel like being patient. He looked up as a sound of someone's heals clicked across the cold floor. He looked over at Hermione and she had her back facing the way that the person was coming, obviously not even wanting to look at whomever it was. As the sound turned the corner, Ron saw that Snape was coming towards them, followed by Draco. Dumbledore was also not too far behind.
"Albus, I've been meaning to ask you…..," Mr. Weasley rushed over to Dumbledore. Ron scooted closer to Hermione as Draco and Snape stood next to each other, uncomfortably.
"You gonna be alright?" Ron whispered to Hermione. She just nodded her head softly, not looking up from the floor.
Suddenly, a large chime echoed down the halls and from the ceiling. The large clock in the main room was announcing that it was three. Dumbledore smiled and walked over to the doors, pulling them open and letting everyone file in. There was a long row of chairs seated in front of the high benches that sat the Wizengamot.
"Precisely on time. Well done, Albus," the outline of Fudge said. His words echoed off the dungeon-like courtroom. Everyone took their seats in the row of chairs and Fudge stood.
"Disciplinary hearing of the twenty-sixth of July into offences committed under the act that no student/teacher may harm any student/teacher and the Principles of Self Defense by student Ronald Billius Weasley and professor Severus Tobias Snape of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Fudge began the what-seemed-like incredibly long opening procedure.
"Interrogators: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic; Amelia Susan Bones, Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister; Rufus Anton Scrimgeour, Head of the Auror Office. Court Scribe, Percy Ignatius Weasley. Witness for the defense's, Hermione Jane Granger, Draco Lucius Malfoy, and Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. And what are you here for Arthur?"
"Support," Mr. Weasley said at once.
"Alright, now, the charges for Mr. Ronald Billius Weasley are as followed: he knowingly profusely striked his professor of potions. Professor Severus Tobias Snape is charged with advancing on a student and potential rape upon said student known as Hermione Jane Granger. These are very serious accusations. We shall begin with the examination of Ronald Billius Weasley."
Ron stiffened and sat up straight. No matter how cold it was, small droplets of sweat began running down his forehead.
"You are Ronald Billius Weasley, are you not?"
"Yes, I am," Ron said. His voice cracked slightly.
"You are accused of striking a teacher, your teacher, which if not found with good intentions, is reason enough to have you expelled. How do you plead to the aforementioned statement?"
"Guilty with good reason, sir," Ron said a little more bravely.
"Please state your case," Fudge sat back in his seat.
"Well sir, it is quite a long story, but I was in the hospital wing under watching Hermione. We had recently broken up and I wasn't happy about it. I was just making sure that she okay and healthy. Then I saw Professor Snape come in carrying a load of books. He old Madame Pomfrey that he was delivering her homework. She nodded and went into her office. Snape then pounced on Hermione, kissing her. She couldn't get him off of her and I wasn't going to let him harm her. I shoved him off and ……..I am sorry but I just couldn't control myself. I kept punching him. I confess that what I did was wrong, but I was only acting to help Hermione."
Ron emptied himself and felt like he still hadn't said everything that he wanted to say when he was finished. He could faintly see the look that Umbridge had on her face, and she looked like a whole heard of centaurs had come running through the room. Ron could see a few of the members had their mouths hanging open.
"So you say the reason for striking your professor was in defense of Miss Granger?"
"Yes," Ron nodded.
"Miss Granger, could you please give your side," Fudge said to her.
"W…well, ummm, like Ron said, Snape was kissing me and I couldn't get him off, he…..he…..well suddenly I felt him shoved off me. I looked down to the ground and Ron was fighting with him. If Ron wasn't there to help me……" Hermione could barely speak. She didn't like reliving this, especially not in front of a large group of old witch and wizards. Plus she didn't want everyone to see her bust out in tears. She hated crying in front of people.
"I'm sure this is very hard for you," Madame Bones smiled sweetly and sympathetically. Hermione nodded and looked down. "Don't make her continue Fudge. She said what proved Mr. Weasley's story.
"It doesn't matter how hard this is on her. This is the Wizengamot. She should give her answers clearly in order to make her account known to be true," Fudge said a bit sharply.
"Cornelius, Amelia is right. We got the information out of her, let's continue," Dumbledore spoke loudly.
"Well all right then," Fudge snapped. "Now it clearly states in school rules that no student/teacher may harm another student/teacher, unless under self defense. Mr. Weasley, you were not protecting yourself."
"No, he was not." Dumbledore interrupted. "He was, however, defending a fellow student who just happened to be his girlfriend. This I believe is a true mark of bravery, of Gryffindor."
"Or it is a true mark that the boy can't control his temper," Fudge threw back. Dumbledore rose from his seat, causing Fudge to scoot back in his seat.
"Please tell me that you do remember what being a seventeen year kid! This girl was in danger, Mister Weasley protected her and just simply couldn't control his anger as well as you or I because he is not as old and experienced as you or I. He is obviously guilty of nothing more than teenage emotions and wanting to protect his girlfriend," Dumbledore's voice rose more and more as he spoke. Fudge's face turned redder and redder as Dumbledore spoke.
"As you remember Albus, you turned down our offer to resume your position as Head of the Wizengamot. Therefore, I am the Head. I have the right to decide if Mr. Weasley is guilty or not……I mean the Wizengamot does. Now…..Mr. Weasley what you did was very severe. You obviously must be punished," Fudge was embarrassed. Dumbledore knew just how to push his buttons and Fudge couldn't help but let them effect him every time.
"Cornelius, you obviously have no case left to discuss. Just give the boy a warning and let's move on," Dumbledore interrupted again. Fudge clenched his fists under the bench and puffed.
"Mr. Weasley, you will be off the hook this time, but if we hear of this ever happening again…..you better believe you will be expelled. I don't care how brave it is, you will be expelled. You are cleared of all charges." Fudge reluctantly said the last part. Ron beamed. He felt like jumping up and down and dancing across the floor. He was going to school again, with Hermione.
"Now, we shall begin with the examination of Professor Severus Snape," Fudge said shuffling some papers he had in front of him. 'Shit!' Ron shouted in his head. He had totally forgotten about Snape's part.
"You are Professor Severus Snape, are you not?" Fudge asked Snape.
"I am," Snape said coolly.
"You are accused of advancing on a student of yours and potential rape upon the student. If proven, you will immediately be fired. How do you plead to the aforesaid statement?"
"Guilty, Minister, but I was under the effects of a potion," Snape said. Ron made a sound that sounded like he was choking. He stared over at Snape and glared. How could he blatantly lie like that. He looked at Dumbledore and saw him looking questioningly at Snape as well. Dumbledore turned back around. He looked assured and shrugged his shoulders. Ron looked up at Fudge in hope that he wasn't buying this.
"Well, continue," Fudge said.
"Well sir, I had earlier that day taken the potion Felix Felicis. I only did it for fun, you know just to have a good day. Well, I was getting this strong feeling that I needed to go to the Hospital Wing. So, I grabbed Miss Granger's things from that day and took them to her. I believe the potion was a bit tweaked, so I suddenly couldn't control my body and I fell on Miss Granger quite harmlessly. I don't know why the potion wanted me to go there, but I passed it off as something that would make me lucky. It wore off when I fell and I was suddenly hurled off of Miss Granger and onto the floor. He was punching me so much that I could barely open my eyes…….when I did, they wouldn't open far but I saw that it was Mr. Weasley. My only fault in this was that I wrongfully brewed the potion, it is a difficult potion."
"He's lying! He's never wrongfully brewed a potion in his life!" Hermione spat in Ron's ear.
"Felix Felicis does do that Minister. I've seen it plenty in my day…." Umbridge began babbling and acting like she knew what she was talking about.
"Well, if you say that you were under the Felix Felicis potion, then you wouldn't mind having a blood test. That potion stays in your system for over a year after you've taken it. We should still be able to find traces of it in you," Madame Bones said eyeing Snape suspiciously.
"I wouldn't mind at all," Snape said as if he expected this. He got up and Madame Bones escorted him out of the room, to be tested.
"He's such a conniving little prick. Why can't he just be a man and fess up that he had a crush on a student," Hermione said and made a harsh grunt sound at the end of her sentence.
"Hermione, this is Snape we are dealing with. He can't be a man, because he isn't one. He's trying to save his own butt from never having a job again," Ron said glaring at the door where Snape just walked out of. "I bet he took some of that potion that night, after what had happened. He planned this all out incase he would have to be brought to court."
"And watch Fudge just buy into it all," Hermione nodded.
About ten minutes later, Madame Bones and Snape walked back in the room. They took their seats and Madame Bones handed Fudge a sheet. Fudge cleared his throat and looked up.
"Well, it appears that you do still have traces of the potion Felix Felicis in your blood," Snape smirked slightly and Hermione put her face in her hands. "But, it still doesn't excuse what you did to young Miss Granger. You could have controlled taking that potion."
Snape's smirk fell and Umbridge looked stunned.
"Now, I believe I have come up with a fair decision. You are allowed to keep your teaching position," Ron and Hermione grunted and Snape smirked again. "But, you will have an assistant, a co-professor. I shall let Dumbledore decide on who this person shall be. That way, you can have a second opinion on whether your potions are safe or not."
Snape's face fell once more. "That sound fair enough Cornelius. Thank you for being so understanding of both of the cases," Dumbledore said.
"No need to thank me, Albus. I believe these trials are now over. You may leave," Fudge said while getting up. Mr. Weasley walked behind Hermione and Ron and edged them out of the room quickly.
"Congratulations, you two. We should get home as soon as possible," Mr. Weasley said while he continued moving them up the stairs.