"Well my love, it was just as tedious and frustrating as I imagined," Harry sighed heavily as he sat down next to Hermione's hospital bed. She was still unconscious. Her core levels had risen in the last few days to 37%. Harry had every hope that she would wake soon but the waiting made his nerves feel raw. He ran his hands through his disheveled hair and took Hermione's hand. "I wish you had been there," he whispered. "Perhaps it was better that you weren't. You probably would have hexed the lot of them into oblivion for their stupidity." A small smile graced his lips at the thought. But as Harry's mind reviewed the trial his face hardened and he felt the need to breathe deeply to dispel some of the tension in his shoulders. He had not enjoyed the proceedings in the slightest but they were in the forefront of his mind and he couldn't help but mull them over.
The trial had started with Harry's defense. Even as the witnesses testified in his favor, he couldn't stem the dread of what was going to come when the prosecution got their turn. Ron, Mr. Gibbs, the doctor at St. Mungos in charge of Hermione's care, and Mr. Thaddeus Lovegood all had given glorious testimony that supported Harry's actions as self-defense. However, each one of them was then mercilessly questioned by Mr. Haze who was representing Benton. Harry had felt particularly sorry for Ron who looked terrified and kept fidgeting. They had all done their best to show Harry in a good light, but Haze was cold and ruthless. He twisted their words and Harry felt his skin crawl and his jaw tighten each time the man spoke with venom against the actions and motives of his friends. Harry had not been fully prepared for the ordeal this had become. He was well aware that not everyone would see things the way he did. He knew he had committed a crime but he was not prepared for the onslaught of distain that seemed to come from Haze and a few others in the Wizangamot. Harry was the last to get his turn on the witness stand. After explaining himself and presenting his side of things the prosecution got their turn with him.
"So, you learned Legilimency for the sole purpose of using it on Mr. Benton? Is that correct?" Mr. Haze asked with a sneer.
Harry didn't like the man's tone right off the bat. Haze's dark eyes flashed menacingly as if he took far too much pleasure from the chance to make a fool of Harry Potter. With a sigh Harry responded, "Well, I thought it would be a good skill to have, should Mr. Benton prove uncooperative. I was given permission to learn it, as you have already heard."
"Yes, but you did not have permission to use this new skill did you?"
Harry clenched his jaw. "No."
Mr. Haze turned to the Wizengamot as if he had proven a point and was bragging about it. "So, you knowingly used Legilimency on an unsuspecting person without the proper authority?"
"Yes," Harry ground out.
"And in doing this you basically killed a man is that right? I mean we all heard the doctors say that Mr. Benton will not recover and will most likely die from brain failure within the week."
"Is there a question in there Mr. Haze?" Kingsley asked in an annoyed voice.
Harry was pleased to see that he was not the only one that was frustrated by Mr. Haze. But there were also a handful of people around the room that seemed to be nodding in approval of his approach.
"Oh, my apologies Minister, I just wanted to make sure everyone was clear on the outcome of my client." Mr. Haze took a drink of water before bearing down on Harry once more. "Did you fatally injure Mr. Benton?"
"No, not knowingly," Harry said.
"So you went into my clients mind without permission, not being able to control your own power or abilities?"
"No, I was capable and ready just as Mr. Lovegood has said."
"But you confessed to not being in control while in Mr. Benton's mind?" Haze asked lazily.
Harry nearly rolled his eyes. "I have already admitted that I was not in control for most of the encounter. Unbeknownst to me he was a very skilled Occlumens as well as a Legilimens. I admit I was not prepared for it and he took control of the encounter from nearly the very beginning."
"But your purpose was to hurt him was it not? Did you not rifle through his thoughts?"
"No, I never got to see his thoughts. He blocked me from doing so. My goal was not to harm him but to get information from him."
"What information was that then?"
"How to break the bond between him and my wife," Harry ground out.
"Ah! Yes, so you decided to just rummage into his mind to find a cure then?"
"He had played us and made us think he could reverse the bond. When he admitted to not being able to I was unwilling to believe it and wanted to be sure that he was not lying again. Let's not forget he had a wand pointed at my unconscious wife at the time!" Harry felt his blood beginning to boil.
"So, you took the law into your own hands. Thinking that you're the Savior of the Wizarding World you probably didn't think you'd get in trouble for mentally assaulting someone did you?"
Harry bit his lip to try to keep quiet and not rise to the bait. Haze spat, "So, when you didn't like the answer you got from him you decided to just take care of it by destroying his mind?"
"No," Harry said.
Haze hardly paused as he continued, "You knew Benton had the upper hand on you in the mental arts and that the only way to break the curse was for either him or your wife to die, so you decided to end it!"
"Haze!" Kinsley said in a loud warning tone.
There were a few whispers roaming around the room and Harry tried to calm his harsh breathing and uncurl his fists. Haze straitened his jacket and asked, "Did you attack Benton?"
"Yes," Harry said. Haze turned to the room as if he had proven his point. Harry quickly said, "But I didn't do it with the intent to harm him."
"You knew the only way to end the bond was for one of them to die did you not?"
"Yes," Harry sighed. He was feeling tired now.
"Yet, you claim that scrambling his mind was not your intent? Isn't it true that with Benton's mind so damaged he is not able to hurt your wife anymore? That is highly convenient."
"I wanted to stop him. I didn't know what my magic was going to do to him," Harry tried to explain. His temper was rising. The looks and whispers of those that seemed to agree with Haze made his ears ring as his blood pumped.
"You didn't care though did you? You didn't take even a moment's thought about it before you let loose and struck him down did you?"
Harry's voice was low and dangerous. "How dare you! You have no idea what happened. You said yourself that Benton was more skilled than me in the mental arts. What do you think Benton did to my mind while we were connected? He ripped it apart! He searched out moments I'd rather forget. He dug for images of Hermione screaming in agony because of what he'd done to her. He…saw intimate details of our lives. The only reason Benton lied about being able to break the bond was so that he could get close to Hermione. So he could see his handy work! When I entered his mind he saw the opportunity to see even more of it!" Harry was breathing heavily. He paused for just a short moment before he said, "I wish I'd never tried to enter his mind. But it is too late for that. Let's not forget Benton is not innocent here! He performed an experimental and illegal bond with my wife! I am not the bad guy!"
"Mr. Potter, Benton's innocence or lack thereof is not what is on trial today! This is about you and your irresponsible and deadly decisions. You take no thought for the law or the consequences. You have admitted to illegally performing Legilimency on and attacking my client." Mr. Haze roared.
"Gentlemen, that is enough. Mr. Haze I suggest you ask a question of Mr. Potter or conclude your remarks," Kingsley said loudly.
Mr. Haze had the audacity to glare at the Minister before straightening his jacket and turning politely to Harry. "Tell us what happened after Mr. Benton saw your thoughts please. Was it inside your own mind that you assaulted him?"
"No. After he tore into my mind I was able to push back into his only with great desperation and effort. As I said before, he knew he was going to get the Dementors Kiss. But he also knew that he could still win if he killed Hermione. He was aware of her poor condition and that another episode would most likely end her life. After throwing out the threat he attacked her! I heard her screaming and my magic flared. I had no idea what would happen if I let it loose but I knew if I didn't stop him that my wife would die!" Harry was yelling now.
"But she is not dead is she?" Haze said almost sadly.
Harry suddenly stood up, his body shaking with his anger. "Her heart stopped! She came as near to death as one can! So, yes, I wasn't going to sit by and do nothing while he murdered my wife! I released the magic that had built up. Call it accidental magic, call it purposeful power. I don't care! It saved my wife's life and I won't apologize for that! She's still fighting for it! I am not going to sit here and have you make light of her condition or paint me to be as villainous as the man who has tortured her for several months! Is Benton going to die? Yes. Am I sorry about that? No. Whatever you may think, my actions were in defense of myself and my wife. It was not premediated; it was not intended to do the damage it did. I am fully aware I broke the law and entered Benton's mind without proper authority or permission. If you feel the need to punish me for it then do it! If throwing me in Azkaban is what makes you feel better than so be it! Without my actions my wife would be dead. I have no regrets. As for thinking that I'm the Savior of the Wizarding World... I am, but only because you have put me on that pedestal. I despise that title. I never would have been able to do end the war without Hermione and Ron's help, not to mention a slew of other people. I have never asked anything from you. I have never enjoyed or taken advantage of the fame you have pushed on me. I don't expect it now either. Do what you feel is just. I have always been consistent in protecting those I love at all costs. This situation was no different. Whether you agree with my actions or not is beside the point. I was defending the life of my wife! End of story."
Harry was aware that his breathing was heavy and he tried to calm himself. After the rushing in his ears left he was aware how eerily quiet the room was. All eyes were on him. Harry glanced around and found that some held looks of surprise, some respect, some smiled and some glared at him with distain. He gave a slight nod to Kingsley as if in apology. Harry was amused to see the corners of Kingsley's mouth twitch as if holding back a grin. The silence was beginning to grow awkward just as Haze began speaking again. Before he got more than two words out however, Kingsley said, "I think we have heard enough. We will take a half hour recess to discuss and come to verdict."
It was a blur after that. Harry remembered his lawyer taking him to a quiet room and pressing water and food at him. He had managed a few sips of water but little else. His lawyer had said some encouraging words but Harry was hardly listening. When the half hour was up Harry was once again in the court room, but this time he stood alone in the center of the room waiting to hear his fate. Kinsley's voice echoed in the large room. Harry suppressed the urge to rub his cold hands together.
"Due to the evidence and testimony given we have come to the conclusion that Mr. Harry James Potter is guilty of knowingly and illegally performing Legilimency on Mr. Atticus Benton. It has been concluded that these actions will result in a six month, unpaid suspension from the Auror Department. After that time a six month probation period will be in effect before full reinstatement will be issued."
Harry remained quiet and stoic but saw the sadness in Kingsley's eyes. The man was clearly not happy to be giving this news out. Kingsley continued, "As for the actions occurring during the episode afore mentioned, which have resulted in the incapacitation Mr. Benton, we find Mr. Harry James Potter not guilty of any crime and hereby declare it an action of self-defense on behalf of Mrs. Hermione Potter. This hearing is officially over."
The beginning of whispers spread through the room and Harry was left standing in the middle of it as people slowly exited. He was unsure what to feel. He was relieved that he had not been dealt a sentence in Azkaban and yet annoyed that it would be a full year before he was full reinstated as an Auror. He took a deep breath. It was over. He shook his lawyers hand and thanked him for all of his hard work. Ron and Mrs. Weasley approached him. Ron gave him a quick hug. "Good job mate. Not so bad really. You'll want to be home with Hermione while she recovers anyway, and I am sure she'll appreciate knowing you are not getting into too much trouble at work for a bit."
Harry gave him a smirk. "Yeah, you're right. Thank you Ron. I know it was hell."
"Don't make me do it again," Ron said with a smile.
"For at least a year," Harry teased.
Mrs. Weasley said, "I was ready to curse that man! I couldn't believe he would…Well, it is over thank goodness." She embraced Harry fully. "Everything will be fine now dear. Please let us know how Hermione is. And you are always welcome at the Burrow if you need some company or help or anything at all."
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," Harry said with a warm smile.
Harry waved as the pair left and he saw Kingsley approach him. "Minister, thank you." Harry shook the man's hand.
"I am sorry I couldn't get around the suspension and probation," Kingsley said.
"I'll take that over Azkaban, Sir."
"Indeed. I am sorry for how things went. It was troubling," Kingsley admitted.
"It would seem you may still have a bit of house cleaning to do," Harry said as his eyes swept around the room of people leaving, seeing various people glaring daggers at him.
"I do. But even after defeating Voldemort, you won't win over everyone," Kingsley said with a smirk.
"That's why there is still an Auror Department. At least it's a steady job…mostly," Harry shrugged with a smirk of his own.
Kingsley chuckled and shook his hand. "Do take care of Hermione. I don't want to pry, but I'd like to hear how she is doing. She means a lot to a great many of us who understand the part she has played on our behalf."
Harry was touched and nodded, "I will write."
Before Harry knew it he was back in the quiet, stark hospital room looking down at the love of his life. As his mind reviewed what had transpired that day he was overcome with gratitude, relief and pure exhaustion. There was satisfaction knowing that it was over. The worst was over. And while he would miss work and then be horribly annoyed for six months while everyone looked over his shoulder on probation, he was also looking forward to the quiet time; the time for him to reconnect with Hermione and help her heal. He knew it was going to be a long road ahead for her. But he would be there. It was bound to be better than it had been. She just needed to wake. She needed to take a breath on her own. A small part of Harry worried she wouldn't wake and that he'd still lose her. He swallowed past the emotion of that thought and ran his fingers through her curls. "Hermione, it's over. It's going to be alright. I just need you to wake up. Please love, I miss you." He studied her face for a moment but nothing changed. He laid his head down on the bed, ignoring the grumbles of his stomach, and let sleep claimed him.
Harry was suddenly awakened when several beeping alarms went off at once. His eyes flew open and he saw Hermione's body stiffen, her head tilted back as she tried to inhale. The sound was rough and strained. The slight relief that had come at seeing her take a breath was short lived as he watched her body begin to convulse and shake as she struggled to take in another breath. The loud beeping continued and soon the room was full of panicked voices. He was roughly pushed aside by medical personnel.
"Hermione!" Harry said loudly.
A nurse was standing in front of him trying to prevent him from getting too close. "Please Mr. Potter, we are doing all we can. Let them check her."
Harry just stood there trying to see over everyone. His blood pounded fast in his veins and his breathing was harsh. What was going on? He tried to listen to their voices but it was jumbled and too much was going on at once. He only caught snippets.
"She's in shock."
"Pain potion!"
"Her temperature is too high," one female voice said.
"Remove that air mask!" a male demanded.
"Is that wise?" questioned another.
"Her chore levels are holding at 37%."
Harry took that as a good sign but the sheer chaos of the scene didn't do much to stem his anxiety. After several more minutes the room began to get quiet. The beeping had stopped and the voices became less frenzied. Finally, an older Mediwizard approached him. "Mr. Potter. Your wife is going to be alright."
Harry felt himself breathe for what felt like the first time in several minutes. "What happened?"
"Her body woke up. She began breathing on her own but it put her into shock. The shaking you saw was a mixture of that shock as well as the lingering effects of her condition. She was in a good deal of pain I suspect and her body didn't know how to handle it. We have given her strong pain potions that will help her heal and rest. We were hesitant to remove the breathing mask but once we did her breathing seemed to be less strained. She is breathing unassisted now, though it is taking a bit of effort. Still, she has improved. She has not regained consciousness but I suspect that she will in the coming days. Her levels are holding steady and should continue to rise. As her core regains strength her body will as well."
Harry nodded, "Thank you."
"Of course, I should warn you however that her temperature was high. We have treated it and it seems to be responding to the potion thus far. We will watch it closely. It may be a side effect of her condition. She might be prone to high fevers from now on. It is hard to be sure though this early into her recovery. Also, the convulsing indicates there has been some permanent nerve damage. We won't know how bad or wide spread it is until she wakes and we can run some more tests. Much depends on how her body heals."
Harry swallowed thickly and nodded his understanding. He couldn't worry about that yet. He didn't want to think about it. Right now he would focus on the fact that she was breathing. She was recovering. His stomach grumbled loudly. The Mediwizard smiled, "Take care of yourself, lad. Go get something to eat. She is resting peacefully."
Harry nodded but moved toward the bed. He was pleased to see that some color had returned to her cheeks. Her face was calm. She was sleeping. She was breathing. He kissed her lightly on the forehead. "You're so strong. Sweet dreams."
I hope this was alright. Please let me know. I gave you a taste of the trial without drawing it all out. Let me know your thoughts, wishes, and hopes. Thanks for reading!