Chapter Four: In Which Counsel Is Provided
"You are Harry James Potter, of number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey?" Fudge said, glaring at Harry over the top of his parchment.
"I don't know if I should answer this question or not. I haven't been provided legal counsel, have I?" said Harry.
Fudge was thrown off by this. There was muttering all around the Wizengamot.
"Very well, you may consult Albus Dumbledore," allowed Fudge.
Dumbledore whispered to Harry, "You can answer this question."
"I am," said Harry to the court at large.
"You recieved an official warning from the Ministry for using illegal magic three years ago, did you not?"
"Yes."
"And yet you conjured a Patronus on the night of the second of August?" said Fudge.
Harry whispered to Dumbledore, "The official warning was for something Dobby did. I think you should ask for the warning to be removed from my record."
Dumbledore nodded.
"The defense objects to the use of the word 'yet' and moves to have the warning from three years ago dismissed."
"On what grounds?"
"The illegal magic that Harry James Potter was accused of was not performed by him. It was done by a house elf by the name of Dobby. He would be very happy to testify. If you will allow me to —"
Fudge blustered, "I haven't got the time for listening to house elves, Dumbledore!"
"This is a mockery of justice! The Wizengamot Charter Of Rights clearly states that the accused has a right to present witnesses for his or her case!"
There was complete pandemonium. Two thirds of the court started shouting in outrage, and the rest who were in Fudge's pocket objected, stating contempt of court and other such nonsense.
They finally settled down.
"He is correct," said Madam Bones knowledgeably.
Harry gave Fudge a smug look. There was a reason Dumbledore was the holder of so many titles; he definitely knew how to play the game.
Madam Bones took over the trial and kicked Fudge out.
"Let us continue. The witness, Dumbledore?" she asked.
"Dobby!"
Dobby appeared with a loud crack. "Yes, Headmaster?"
"Answer all of Madam Bones' questions truthfully," ordered Dumbledore.
"Is your name Dobby?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Did you ever visit Harry James Potter?"
"Yes."
Many questions later, the warning was dropped.
"The defense moves to have the underage magic charge against Harry James Potter dismissed."
Madam Bones looked at Dumbledore expectantly.
"On grounds of Harry James Potter being an adult," he continued.
"An adult, you say?"
Percy Weasley was scribbling very fast now.
"The Wizengamot only convenes for trial of an adult. Therefore, Minister Fudge recognised him as an adult. That is why Harry Potter did not do illegal magic; he is well within his rights to do so whenever he pleases."
"Very well. The charge of underage magic is dismissed. What about the Statute of Secrecy? Is it not important to the 'adult' accused?"
"Quite the contrary, Madam Bones. Harry Potter protected his soul by performing the Patronus Charm. As I recall, according to Clause Seven of the Decree states that —"
"We are familiar with Clause Seven, thank you very much. Please elaborate on the part where the accused was protecting his soul?"
"The defense moves to call the witness, Arabella Figg."
Many questions later, the last charge was dropped.
The Wizengamot shuffled out, and Harry, Dumbledore and Madam Bones were the only ones left.
"Well played, Dumbledore."
"I only seek justice, Madam Bones. Something that was denied to Harry by our dear Minister Fudge."
AN: Phew! Such a long chapter! But an important one.
1) If Harry is being tried in court, he deserves legal counsel.
2) It's not underage magic if an adult does it.
3) The judge can't deny a witness, even in the Wizarding World! (The Wizengamot Charter says so.)