a/n: no changes made to Umbridge's trial, but the subsequent questioning session has been changed a bit. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! 03/13/05 fixed error in text to read 'I must not tell lies'

Chapter 15

Wednesday, July 17, 1996

Everyone was gotten up early, as they all had to be at the Ministry of Magic to attend and testify at Umbridge's trial. It was a madhouse. After Mrs. Weasley had forced them to eat quickly and repeatedly straightened their robes, they were finally declared ready to go. Snape turned to the teens and threatened them with dire consequences if they did not behave during their trip on the knight bus, and subsequent time at the ministry.

Other than Ron falling off his chair a couple of times, the trip to the ministry was uneventful. They all crammed into the battered telephone box. Harry was in front of the group so he picked up the receiver and dialed six­-two-­four-­four-­two.

The same voice the children heard the last time chimed, "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business."

Severus said, "Severus Snape, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, Ginevra Weasley, and Luna Lovegood to testify in the trial of Delores Umbridge."

"Thank You. Visitors, please take the badges and attach them to the front of your robes." Once the badges slid out of the metal chute, Harry took his and passed them back for the others to take. The voice continued, "Visitor to the Ministry, you are required to submit to a search and present your wand for registration at the security desk, which is located at the far end of the Atrium."

The lift lowered and the cramped group began to descend. Once the lift reached the bottom, the voice chimed out, "The Ministry of Magic wishes you a pleasant day."

The door opened, and the group toppled out of the telephone box. Severus checked to make sure everyone had their badges on, and then led the group to have their wands registered. There was a line at the registration desk. In fact, the atrium seemed to be packed with people. Harry walked over to Severus and said, "Why are there so many people here?"

Severus said, "Umbridge's trial is big news, Potter. The public is angry that the ministry allowed someone who blatantly abused and threatened children to be placed in a role as instructor, and ultimately headmistress. Once this trial is over and everything comes to light, it may spell disaster for Fudge and any others responsible in the ministry. Let's hope it does, anyways."

Harry nodded his agreement as the line moved forward and it was his turn to present his wand to be registered. Once everyone was finished, Severus led them to the lifts that would take them down to the courtrooms. Harry shuddered as they past the door to the department of mysteries.

Severus noticed Harry's shudder and placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Thanks," muttered Harry. The group continued down until they had reached the same courtroom that Harry's hearing had been at last year.

There was a guard at the door, but once he saw their badges they were ushered in and seated with a group of other witnesses. Lee Jordan was there, along with several other students or former students. Noticeably absent were any Slytherins. Harry wondered for a moment if Snape was uncomfortable around so many students that weren't from his house, but when he looked up at Severus he noticed his 'public scowl' was in place and thought it best not to question him right now.

Harry took a few minutes to look around the circular courtroom. It was packed. Not only were all the members of the Wizengamot there in their plum colored robes but it appeared many people had come to watch the proceedings. Harry noticed that Dumbledore was sitting next to Madame Bones.

The door to the hall opened, and Umbridge came in, flanked by two Aurors. She looked quite disheveled. Once she sat down, the handcuffs on the chair came to life and bound her to the chair.

Fudge, who was again sitting next to Madame Bones, began: "Criminal Hearing of the third of July charging Delores Jane Umbridge of the following: Using an unauthorized object in student detentions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry resulting in bodily harm to those students; Ordering dementors to Little Whinging, Surrey to attack one Harry James Potter; Using veritaserum to question a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; and threatening to use the cruciatus curse on a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

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

Fudge cleared his throat. "As there are many witnesses, they will not all be noted here. All those students who were placed in detention with Ms. Umbridge please rise and come forward."

Harry, Lee, and a few others rose from their seats and approached the bench. One by one they testified how Umbridge used her quill in detentions. Harry was the last to testify. Fudge said, "Ah, yes, Harry Potter." Apparently, Fudge was trying to get on Harry's good side again, because his voice sounded more like it had when he met Harry at the Leaky Cauldron before his third year.

"Mr. Potter, how many times were given detention with Ms. Umbridge?"

"Four times, but three of them were a week long each, sir."

"And what were the infractions?"

Harry said, "The first time was for saying that Cedric's death was not an accident and that Voldemort had returned; the second time was for stating that professor Quirrell had been possessed by Voldemort; The third time was for stating that the reason a student had gotten attacked by a hippogriff my third year was because of he didn't listen to what Hagrid told him to do; and the fourth time was because I gave the interview to the Quibbler this spring."

"And were you forced to use the quill in question?"

"Yes, sir."

"And what were you forced to write?"

"I will not tell lies. You can still see it on my hand if you look close"

Dumbledore said, "Hold out your hand, Harry."

Harry obeyed, and Dumbledore muttered a spell. Suddenly and enlarged echo of his hand appeared for all to see, showing the scar I must not tell lies.

There was a gasp around the room, and Fudge said, "Very well, Mr. Potter. Please stay there, as we have more questions for you."

Harry nodded, and Dumbledore drew a picture of a chair with his wand. The chair floated over and landed behind Harry, allowing him to sit until they questioned him further.

Fudge turned to Umbridge and said, "Do you have anything to say in your defense, Ms. Umbridge?"

Delores looked up to the Wizengamot and said, "These children need firm discipline. I provided that."

Madame Bones shook her head and said, "Those in favor of conviction on the charge of using an unauthorized object in student detentions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, resulting in bodily harm to those students?"

Most of the Wizengamot raised their hands.

"Those opposed?"

Not even one hand was raised. "Very well. Ms. Umbridge is found guilty of the first charge, which carries a minimum sentence of five years in Azkaban. On to the next charge."

Fudge said, "I call Professor Severus Snape."

Harry turned around and saw Severus walk up and stand next to his chair. Fudge said, "Professor Snape, did Ms. Umbridge ask you to supply her with veritaserum in order to question a student?"

Snape said, "Yes, she said she wished to question Mr. Potter here."

"And did you provide her with said substance?"

"No, I provided her with a vial of salt water."

"But she thought it was Veritaserum?"

"Yes, she did."

Fudge said, "Very well. Mr. Potter, did Ms. Umbridge question you?"

Harry said, "Yeah, she questioned me one day. But she was acting all weird, so I only pretended to drink the tea she gave me."

Madame Bones laughed. "Smart boy," she said.

Fudge turned back to Umbridge and said, "And what do you have to say to this charge, Ms. Umbridge?"

"I was questioning the boy on the whereabouts of the escaped convict Sirius Black. I believe the boy knows where he was and probably still does."

Madame Bones said, "It appears, Ms. Umbridge, that you are somewhat behind the times. Mr. Black has been cleared of all charges. Mr. Black lost his life protecting children in this very building. All those in favor of convicting Ms. Umbridge on the charge of using veritaserum on a student?"

Again, most of the hands were raised.

"Those opposed?"

This time, about half a dozen hands were raised. Harry supposed it was because she didn't end up actually using real veritaserum on him.

Madame Bones said, "Ms. Umbridge is found guilty of the second charge, which carries a minimum sentence of five years in Azkaban. On to the next charge."

Fudge said, "I call Ginevra Weasley, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood forward."

While the students were coming forward, Dumbledore conjured another chair on one side of Harry and a long couch on the other. Severus sat in the chair, while the other five students sat on the couch.

Fudge continued, "Did the six of you hear Ms. Umbridge admit to sending the dementors to Little Whinging, Surrey in order to attack Mr. Harry James Potter on the night of August 2, 1995?"

All six students chimed "Yes, sir."

"And did all six of you hear Ms. Umbridge threaten to use the cruciatus curse on Mr. Potter?"

"Yes, sir," they said again.

Fudge turned back to Ms. Umbridge, "What say you to these charges?"

Umbridge seemed to be getting quite upset. She said, "The boy needed to be dealt with. He tells lies, and is rewarded. I was acting in the best interest of the ministry!"

Madame Bones said, "Sending dementors after a child and threatening the use of an unforgivable on that same child will never be in the best interest of the ministry. All those in favor of convicting Ms. Umbridge on the charge of illegally sending dementors to Little Whinging, Surrey to attack Mr. Potter?"

This time every single hand was raised.

"And to the charge of threatening to use the cruciatus curse on a student?"

Again every single hand was raised.

Madame Bones said, "Ms. Umbridge is found guilty of both charges, which carry a minimum sentence of ten years in Azkaban each. Ms. Delores Umbridge you are hereby convicted of all charges and will be remanded to Azkaban for the next thirty years. Case dismissed."

Cheers were heard around the courtroom. But Umbridge did not go quietly. She was led away by Aurors, kicking and screaming the whole way.

Severus turned to the students and was about to direct them to stay together as they left the building when Madame Bones spoke again. She said, "Just a moment. The Wizengamot needs to question these children further."

Everyone sat down and waited for the courtroom to clear out. Some reporters tried to stay, but guards forced them out. Madame Bones said, "First of all, I want you all to know that you are not in trouble. However, we need to know what happened at the Department of Mysteries, as the trials of the death eaters involved are about to begin. We will take a statement from you, and it will be used in their trials so that you do not have to attend them."

Before anyone could say anything further, Snape stood. "I believe it is customary for children under 17 to have a parent present for this sort of questioning."

Madame Bones looked confused and said, "I had been told you were to be responsible for the children for the summer."

Snape said, "I have not yet assumed custody of anyone other than Potter. However, with their permission, I would be willing to stand in for thier guardians. I will need a few moments to confer with them before questioning begins."

Madame Bones called a five minute recess. Severus turned to stand in front of the students. "If any of you wish your parents present, I need to know immediately."

Ron piped up, "I want my dad." The glare he sent Snape made it more than evident that he trusted the potions master not at all. Severus did not choose to react to the boy, but merely turned and requested that Mr. Weasley be called to the courtroom.

He turned to Miss Lovegood, who dreamily replied that if he was good enough for Harry, he was good enough for her. Severus just shook his head at the girl's behaviour and turned to Longbottom.

The boy stuttered out a statement similar to Miss Lovegood's.

Finally, he turned, and said, "Miss Granger?"

"My mum and dad want the Weasleys to stand in as guardians for any legal actions in the wizarding world," she said softly.

Arthur walked in, and Severus sent Ron, Hermione, and Ginny over to him.

Lastly he turned to Harry. "Up, Potter. I wish to speak with you alone."

Harry got up and followed the professor to a dark corner of the dungeon. Snape turned, pulling out his wand and performed an intricate set of movements. Suddenly a dome of blue surrounded Harry and the professor. "What.."

Snape said, "It is merely an extension of the impertubable charm. Are you prepared to do this, Potter?"

"I don't know," admitted Harry.

"What are your concerns?"

"How much do they know?"

"Is it the curse you used that has you worried?" asked Snape.

"No," said Harry.

"Potter, you must tell me what is bothering you in order for me to help you," said Snape, who was beginning to become exhasperated.

"How much do they know about my link with..."

"Do not say the name here!" Snape admonished harshly.

He softened his voice, and said, "I do not know exactly what is known about your trip to the Department of Mysteries. There is one person who most likely has the information though."

"No!" said Harry angrily.

Snape sighed. "You do not have to trust the man in order to glean information from him."

"But..."

"Think about it Potter. Do you believe that I trust the Dark Lord?"

"No."

"But yet I was still able to glean enough information to help the order."

"Yeah," admitted Harry, "but how do I know whether what the headmaster says is true?"

"Has the headmaster ever lied to you?"

Harry thought hard about that. The man had left him with horrible relatives, and kept information from him, but in spite of what he had told others earlier he couldn't actually point to any time that the man had ever lied. "Alright," he finally conceded.

Snape lowered the shield and motioned for the headmaster to join them. Once Dumbledore had glided over, Snape performed the spell again to insure their privacy. "What is it, Harry?" he asked seriously.

"How much do you think should I tell them?" he asked.

"I would suggest you downplay the link you share with Voldemort. They know you had a dream that you thought was real, and that is what brought you to the ministry. You do not have to tell them how much you know of the link. I would also suggest that you not divulge the contents of the prophecy."

Dumbledore looked at his strange watch and said, "Your recess is almost up. If you want to know anything else, Harry, you need to ask me now."

"No, that's all," he mumbled.

"Do you need to speak with me alone again?" asked Severus.

"No," said Harry, gathering his courage. "I think I know what to do now."

Severus ended the spell a second time, and he and Harry left to join the other students while the headmaster returned to sit with the rest of the Wizengamot.

As soon as Dumbledore sat down, Fudge said angrily, "You're too close to this situation headmaster, You should step down."

Dumbledore said serenely, "If that is the Wizengamot's wish I will gladly join the children." In a cooler voice, he added, "however, I will not leave my students."

Fudge called for a vote to request Dumbledore's removal during the questioning. His was the only hand raised when the vote was called. He looked taken aback at this, but seemed to regain his composure. "Now, for the first question..."

Madame Bones interrupted, "I believe I will take over questioning these witnesses," she interjected.

Harry almost laughed at the look he saw on Fudge's face. It was nice to see the man taken down a peg. Madame Bones looked directly at Harry. "It is our understanding that you had some form of dream that made you fear for your godfather's safety. Is this true?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Why don't you tell us about it," she said kindly.

Harry nodded, and so the story began. Unlike the former year when he had been stopped whenever he tried to say anything, the members of the Wizengamot remained silent as he told his tale. After he talked about trying to contact Sirius using Umbridge's fire, the other students filled in what happened to them and how they all came to be in her office. When they got to the part where Snape was summoned to bring some more Veritaserum, Madame Bones had the teens stop the retelling of the story while she questioned him. Madame Bones said, "Did you understand the cryptic message Mr. Potter gave you?"

Snape said, "Yes, as soon as I was dismissed, I contacted his godfather and let him know that Potter thought he was in danger. I returned to Ms. Umbridge's office to find that the teens had gone, leaving their captors in considerable distress. After escorting the remaining students to the hospital wing, I went in search of Potter and his friends. When I could not find them in the forest, I returned to the school and informed his godfather that I believed that Potter had gone to the Department of Mysteries."

Then Hermione picked up the story, telling of the remaining meeting in Umbridge's office, including Umbridge's admittance of sending the dementors to attack Harry, and how she almost used the cruciatus curse on him. Hermione described how she came up with the lie of a weapon to distract Umbridge, and told of the confrontation in the forest. Then Ginny told of how the rest of the teens overcame their captors and left to meet Harry and Hermione.

Harry was happy to sit back and let everyone else tell the story. It felt good not to be the center of attention for once. However, as Harry heard Neville begin to describe what had happened in the death chamber he found himself trembling and fighting back tears.

Severus looked over and noticed that Harry was in distress. He reached over and put a hand on his shoulder hoping to calm him. Thanking his forethought, Severus brought out a vial of calming potion and handed it to Harry. Harry thanked him and started to drink the potion when Fudge bellowed, "What did you give him?"

Severus knew that Fudge thought nothing but ill of him, but refused to rise to the underlying accusations in Fudge's voice. He said, "I merely gave Mr. Potter a calming potion. He still has difficulty speaking of his godfather's death. If I had known the children were to be questioned concerning this today, they would have been better prepared. If you wish to ask any more questions of him, you will allow him to take the potion. Otherwise, I will have him removed from the remainder of these proceedings."

Fudge looked taken aback, but Madame Bones said, "I am aware of your new status as Mr. Potter's guardian, and of course we will allow your judgment to prevail. We will take another recess to allow all the children to collect their thoughts."

Fudge harrumphed, but said nothing further. Severus leaned over and said "Take the potion, Harry."

Harry complied, and then Severus said, "Now sit back in your chair and close your eyes. Begin your deep breathing, and allow yourself to meditate for a few minutes."

Harry had obeyed and in a few moments his breathing evened out, Severus leaned over and said, "Are you calmer now, Harry?"

Harry looked up and said, "Yes sir. Thank you."

"Do you want to continue?"

Harry said, "Yes, sir."

Severus turned to Madame Bones and said, "We are ready to proceed."

Neville continued to tell of what happened in the death chamber. He finished by saying that Dumbledore had corralled all the death eaters except for Bellatrix Lestrange, and then described how he and Lupin gathered the injured and were portkeyed back to Hogwarts. At that point Madame Bones said, "Mr. Potter, what happened when you chased after Bellatrix Lestrange?"

Harry told the tale, leaving out the fact that he had attempted to use the cruciatus curse on her. He finished by telling how Voldemort possessed him, and how he left when Harry began feeling love for his godfather.

The silence was overwhelming. After a few minutes, Madame Bones again spoke. "Just one final question, Mr. Potter. Is the article that appeared in the Quibbler, and subsequently The Prophet true?"

Harry said, "Yes ma'am."

Then Madame Bones looked at the teens quite seriously and said, "I hope you are all aware of how lucky you are."

The teens nodded. But finally Fudge spoke up. "How are we to be sure the boy won't be fooled again? I think he should be put under ministry protection."

Snape said, "I am his guardian and am looking after his interests. Mr. Potter has been studying occlumency, and is improving in his studies. He will not be so easily fooled again."

Dumbledore said, "You have no legal way to remove him Cornelius, as I told you yesterday. Harry has chosen his guardian, and you will have to accept his choice no matter what your prejudices are."

Fudge shouted, "But he was a death eater!"

Dumbledore replied, "And he became a spy for the side of light. He has only recently relinquished that role in order to serve as Harry's guardian."

Madame Bones said, "That is enough gentlemen. I have gone over the guardianship papers myself, along with speaking to Mrs. Petunia Dursley. The guardianship of Mr. Potter is legal. We have come here today not to fight, but to discover knowledge as to the rise of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. We have received the statements of the children. This meeting is adjourned."

Severus immediately rose and hurried the teens out of the courtroom. He quickly led them through the halls and lifts and out the atrium. Once outside he lifted his wand and summoned the knight bus. The ride to Grimmauld Place took all of five minutes. He ushered everyone inside and into the kitchen. He turned to Harry and said, "Eat quickly. Once you have finished, pack and bring your belongings downstairs. We will be leaving as soon as possible."

The others looked confused, but Harry guessed that Severus was trying to get him out of the reach of Fudge. Harry walked over to Severus and said, "Thank you."

"What for, Potter?"

"For keeping your promise about the ministry."

Severus studied Harry for a moment and said, "You're welcome. Now get over there and eat. We have to get you back to the manor as soon as possible."

Harry nodded and went to join his friends. He couldn't believe it, but he was looking forward to going back home. If anyone had told him a month ago that he would call Severus Snape's house home, he would have laughed at them. But now he knew it was.

Today had been incredibly hard, and Harry felt drained, but also felt positive about the fact that the truth was coming out. He still missed Sirius considerably, but seeing how all his friends had stepped in to tell the story of what happened to spare him from having to tell the whole tale reminded him that there were others who cared for him. Harry resolved to focus on the friends and loved ones he had instead of everything he had lost.