A/N: sorry for the long wait, I haven't been updating anything recently but I'm going to get back to it. I've had to focus on YouTube (job) cause the whole ad revenue bumped my paycheck down under the "going to get paid this month" threshold yet again.

Hope you like this chapter and future ones to come. Thank you to everyone who reviews again sorry for the wait.

IThe next morning Harry and Fiona went with Arthur to the hearing in London. Harry had on a suit jacket, dress shirt and nice slacks while Fiona wore a skirt and blouse, as well as a borrowed pair of dress shoes from Ginny. Both looked rather grown up and professional. They three had to take the subway to get to the ministry and of course Arthur was fascinated.

"Trains. Underground." He said. "Ingenious, these Muggles." He walked up to one of the scanner doors and swiped his hand across. He looked confused when it didn't let him through and tried again, meanwhile Harry and Fiona got their cards out. Arthur turned to them and Harry showed him the card. "Ah." Harry let Arthur through before swiping the card again to let himself through. Fiona followed after.

…

"Here we are." Arthur said walking up to a red telephone booth. "I've never used the visor's entrance before. Should be fun." He said with a smile. "Might be a tight fit." He muttered as the three went inside, it was a bit cramped; Harry moved back as much as he could to let Fiona stand in front of him. "Right. Good. I'll just get my Muggle money." Arthur turned put some money in and the booth moved down like an elevator into the ministry of magic, just in the middle of a large long hall. Arthur opened the door and the three stepped out. Harry took immediately Fiona's hand when he saw the huge crowd around them. There were many fireplaces where witches and wizards used floo powder to arrive. The two walked with Arthur to a circle of elevators and got inside one with some others.

"Morning, Arthur."

"Morning, Bob." Arthur said. A bunch of paper airplanes flew in and floated above their heads. Harry looked up at them. "Interdepartmental memos." Arthur explained. "We used to use owls. Mess was unbelievable." Kingsley hurried into their elevator and moved behind Arthur to whisper something to him. "Merlin's beard. Thank you, Kingsley. They've changed the time of your hearing." He said to Harry.

"When is it?" Harry asked as the doors closed.

"In five minutes." Arthur said. The elevator moved backwards then down. Harry looked around before looking to Fiona.

"You don't seem surprised by any of this." Harry whispered to her as the elevator stopped on a floor and some people got out.

"I've come with my dad loads of times when I was little." She whispered back. Harry nodded.

…

"Department of Mysteries." An automated voice said. Arthur looked back at Kingsley who nodded before he walked out. Harry and Fiona followed.

"And I'm confident, minister, that you will do the right thing." They heard Lucius Malfoy. The three stopped to see him talking to Fudge.

"Yes, but we must be-" the two turned, hearing the elevator, and saw the three standing there. Arthur put his hand on Harry's back to lead him away.

"Remember, during the hearing, speak only when you're spoken to." Arthur told Harry. "Keep calm. You've done nothing wrong. As the Muggles say, truth will out." He looked to Harry. "Yes?" Harry nodded. "I'm not allowed in, I'm afraid. Good luck, Harry." Harry looked up at him before going through the door. "Now, Fiona, you'll want to wait here until someone fetches you for your statement." Arthur said when Fiona went to follow.

"Wait here? But-"

"I'm not late am I?" The two turned to see Mrs. Figg.

"No, not at all. Just wait here." Arthur said as he looked between the two before walking away.

"You're here to defend Harry?" Fiona asked with a big smile.

"Of course, dear. Just because you're older now doesn't mean I won't look out for you two." The woman said giving her a smile.

…

Harry sat in the middle of a round room in a chair while witches and wizards in black and red sat above and in front of him in a half circle. Fudge stood at a large podium.

"Disciplinary hearing of the 12th of August into offenses committed by Harry James Potter, resident at Number Four Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. Interrogators, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Mag-"

"Witness for the defense." Dumbledore said loudly as he walked in. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brain Dumbledore." He said walked around Harry and approached Fudge.

"You got our message that the time and place of the hearing had been changed, did you?" Fudge asked.

"I must have missed it." Dumbledore said. "But by a happy mistake, I arrived at the Ministry three hours early. The charges?"

"The charges against the accused are as follows: 'That he did knowingly and in full awareness of the illegality of his actions produce a Patronous Charm in the presence of a Muggle.' Do you deny producing said Patronus?"

"No, but-"

"And you were aware that you were forbidden to use magic outside school while under the age of 17?"

"Yes, I was, but-"

"Witches and wizards of the Wizengarmot…"

"I was only doing it because of the dementors" Harry said.

"Dementors?" A woman asked. "In Little Whinging?" Fudge pointed up.

"That's quite clever." Fudge said. "Muggles can't see dementors, can they, boy?"

"Highly convenient."

"I'm not lying. There were two of them, and if I hadn't-"

"Enough." Fudge held up his hand. "I'm sorry to interrupt what I'm sure would have been a very well-rehearsed story but since you can produce no witnesses of the event-"

"Pardon me, minister," Dumbledore said. "but as it happens, we can."

"Who is the witness?"

"Witnesses." Dumbledore corrected. Fudge frowned.

Fiona sat in the chair Harry had been in while he sat alone up in the stands and Dumbledore stood off to the side a few feet from the chair. She glanced up to Harry who gave her a reassuring smile.

"Your full name, for the record." Fudge said.

"Fiona Mae Gaunt." She said.

"Where were you during the attack?" A woman asked her.

"I was with Harry and Dudley-"

"The Muggle?"

"Yes, the Muggle, Harry's cousin." Fiona said.

"And why did you do nothing to stop the attack." Fudge asked.

"I-I didn't know what to do and I didn't have my wand..."

"Did you know of Mr. Potter's ability to produce the Patronus charm?"

"No, sir. And if I'd known that the charm would've made them go away I would've helped when Harry dropped his wand." She said.

"Is there anything else you would like us to know?"

"One thing sir."

"Go on."

"The Muggle who was in our presence has known that Harry and I have magic for five years now and you could hardly say he saw Harry do it. The boy had been attacked by a dementor, he went into shock and-"

"Nevertheless, Mr. Potter still broke the rules, Miss Gaunt." Fudge said. "Next witness please." Fiona bit her tongue and joined Harry, sitting a few feet from him so no one would say anything, before Mrs. Figg was brought out. She sat in the chair and a woman spoke to her.

"Please describe the attack." The woman asked. Mrs. Figg didn't answer. "What did they look like?"

"Well, one of them was very large and the other was rather skinny-"

"Not the boys. The dementors." Fudge said.

"Oh, right, right. Well, big. Cloaked. Then everything went cold… as though all the happiness had gone from the world."

"Now, look here. Dementors don't just wander into a Muggle suburb and happen across a couple of wizards. The odds are astronomical."

"I don't think anyone would believe the dementors were there by coincidence, minister." Dumbledore said.

"I'm sure I must have misunderstood you, professor." A woman with a pink collar said. "Dementors are, after all, under the control of the Ministry of Magic. And it's so silly of me, but it sounded for a moment as though… you were suggesting that the Ministry had ordered the attack on this boy."

"That would be disturbing indeed, Madam Undersecretary, which is why I'm sure the Ministry will be mounting a full-scale inquiry into why the two dementors were so very far from Azkaban and why they mounted an attack without authorization." Dumbledore said. "Of course, there is someone who might be behind the attack." Dumbledore moved closer and spoke softer. "Cornelius, I implore you to see reason. The evidence that the Dark Lord has returned is incontrovertible." Fudge looked upset.

"He is not back." He hissed.

"In the matter of Harry Potter the law clearly states that magic may be used before Muggles in life-threatening situations."

"Laws can be changed if necessary, Dumbledore." Fudge said.

"Clearly. Has it become practice to hold a full criminal trial to deal with a simple matter of underage magic?" Dumbledore asked. He held out his arms when no one said anything, before putting them on his hips.

"Those in favor of conviction?" A woman asked. A few people raised their hands. "Those in favor of clearing the accused of all charges." More people raised their hands, including the woman.

"Cleared of all charges." Fudge said before banging a gavel. Dumbledore started to leave.

"Professor." Harry said as he quickly got up but Dumbledore ignored him. Fiona stood.

"He's probably just busy." She said as she came to stand next to him.

"Yeah… probably."

Fiona and Harry walked through the station, Moody and Tonks in front of them a ways. A black dog walked along side them.

"Harry?" Fiona asked. He turned to her. "Is that…" Harry grinned and nodded. The dog barked once. Moody looked back at the dog.

"Padfoot. Are you barking mad?" Moody asked. "You'll blow the entire operation." The dog headed downstairs and into a waiting room before he changed back into a human. Harry touched Fiona's arm and she nodded before he could say anything.

"Go on." She said. Harry smiled at her before he quickly followed after Sirius and closed the door to the waiting room. Moody and Tonks stood by the door Harry and Sirius had gone into.

"Best be getting to the train. Harry will be along shortly." Moody said. Fiona nodded.

"It was nice meeting you, Tonks."

"Likewise." Tonks said with a grin.

Fiona went through the gateway and got onto the Hogwarts Express. She walked through the cars looking for Ron and Hermione who'd gone ahead of her and Harry. She glanced into compartments as she past them until she was suddenly pulled into an empty one. Fiona gasped and looked up at the smirking blond who had his hands on her waist.

"Hello, love." Draco said.

"Don't do that." She smacked his arm lightly. "You scared me." she said as she moved out of his arms.

"Sorry." He said as his smirk faded. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine." She said.

"I meant to write." Draco said. Fiona blinked.

"You mean over the summer?"

"Of course." He said.

"Oh."

"You're surprised?" he asked.

"Well… you've never written to me over the summer before." She said.

"Well, we weren't exactly on speaking terms before fourth year." He said with a sheepish smile.

"I'm sorry…"

"Hey, no, it was my fault. I was… I was being an idiot." He admitted. "Forgive me?"

"Well, I did have fun at the dance last year." Fiona said with a smile making him grin. The train started to move and Fiona caught herself by holding onto Draco's arms for a moment. He gently held her elbows as she regained her balance.

"Stay with me this year?" he asked.

"I'm not sure I'd be welcomed." Fiona said.

"Who cares what anyone else thinks? I want you there."

"Harry will get worried." Fiona said. Draco frowned.

"Well, we wouldn't want that." He muttered before letting out a sigh. "Alright. I understand, but just one thing?"

"Hmm?"

"Our place tonight?" he asked with a grin as he gently brushed some of her hair behind her ear. Fiona's face flushed and she nodded before looking away shyly.

"Okay." She said. His grin grew and he leaned down to kiss her cheek softly.

"Better hurry; won't want Potter to get upset." Fiona nodded as he let her go. She turned to leave then paused and turned back to him. "What's wrong?" he asked, noting the look on her face.

"I was just going to say… don't be too mean when you have to be." She said with a sad smile.

"I'll do my best." He said sincerely with a small smile. Fiona turned to leave but bit her lip before turning back and kissing his cheek. Draco made a show of putting his hand to his heart and sighing loudly, making Fiona giggle. He winked at her. "See you tonight." She nodded before leaving the compartment.

Fiona found Harry and the others soon enough and entered their compartment.

"Where've you been?" Ginny asked.

"Snogging with Malfoy again?" Ron asked.

"Again?" Fiona's face flushed. "We haven't kissed once." She said as she sat down across from Harry.

"Really?" Ginny asked. Fiona nodded.

"But you were with him." Harry said.

"I was just saying hi." Fiona said as she glanced at him. He let out a sigh and looked out the window.

"Well, I'll see you at dinner." Ginny said before she got up and left to go sit with friends from her year.

…

That night, the four got off the train and started walking along the platform towards the carriages. Draco and his friends walked by. He looked like he was going to say something to Harry but stopped himself and winked at Fiona instead. When she tried to hold back a small smile he grinned at her before smirking at Harry. This caused Harry to glare at him and Draco's friend's snickered as they continued walking ahead.

"You're dating that?" Ron asked as he gave Fiona a look.

The four walked on to the carriages. Fiona noticed Harry looking Cho and her friends before they pulled away in their carriage.

"Hi guys." Neville said as he walked up next to them.

"Hey, Neville."

"Hey there, Neville." Harry turned around to see the creatures that pulled the carriages. "What is it?" he asked. The others turned around.

"What's what?" Ron asked.

"That. Pulling the carriage." Harry said.

"Nothing's pulling the carriage, Harry." Hermione said. "It's pulling itself, like always."

"You're not going mad." Luna Lovegood said from the carriage. She lowered her magazine. "I can see them too. You're just as sane as I am."

"Everyone, this is Loony Love-" Hermione started but realized what she'd said. Luna didn't look offended. "Luna Lovegood." Hermione looked away, embarrassed for actually insulting the girl without thinking. "What an interesting necklace." She commented when she looked back at her.

"It's a charm, actually. Keeps away the Nargles." She said leaning forward. Neville looked uncomfortable as he held his plant. "Hungry. I hope there's pudding."

"What's a Nargle?" Ron asked.

"No idea." Hermione whispered.

"Luna… how come he can see them now but not before?" Fiona asked the blonde quietly.

"You can see them?" she asked. Fiona nodded. "I'm sorry." She said with a sad smile.

…

At the feast it was obvious no one wanted to sit by Harry. Seamus and the others left a wide space between them and him.

"Good evening, children." Dumbledore said. The students quieted down and turned to their headmaster. "Now, we have two changes in staffing this year. We're pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank who'll be taking Care of Magical Creatures while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave. We also wish to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Dolores Umbridge." Harry looked to Fiona and the two shared a look. "And I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing the professor good luck. Now, as usual, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you—"

"Hem hem." Umbridge made a noise and Dumbledore turned to her. She stood and walked around the head table.

"She was at my hearing." Harry whispered to Hermione. "She works for Fudge."

"Thank you, headmaster, for those kind words of welcome." Umbridge said before turning to the students. "And how lovely to see all your bright happy faces smiling up at me."

"Is she looking at the same people we are?" Fiona muttered making Ron snicker.

"I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends."

"That's likely." The twins muttered.

"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance. Although each headmaster has brought something new to this historic school," she looked to Dumbledore who nodded his head. "Progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected and prune practices that ought to be… prohibited." She whispered before giggling and returning to her seat. Dumbledore started clapping so the students started clapping.

"Thank you, Professor Umbridge. The really was most illuminating." Dumbledore.

"Illuminating?" Ron asked. "What a load of waffle."

"What's it mean?" Harry asked.

"It means the Ministry's interfering at Hogwarts." Hermione said.

…

Harry walked into the Gryffindor common room and the students inside quieted down. He saw some turn to him and saw Seamus holding the Daily prophet that showed a picture of Harry sitting at his hearing with the word 'Potter?' changing to 'Plotter?'

"Dean, Seamus." Harry said. "Good holiday?" he asked.

"All right." Dean said. "Better than Seamus' anyway." Seamus put down the paper and stood.

"Me mum didn't want me to come back this year."

"Why not?" Harry asked.

"Let me see. Uh, because of you." Seamus said. Fiona walked into the common room and stopped seeing the two boys facing each other. "The Daily Prophet's been saying a lot of things about you, Harry, and about Dumbledore as well."

"What, your mum believes them?"

"Nobody was there the night Cedric died."

"I guess you should read the Prophet, then, like your stupid mother, it'll tell you everything you see to know." Harry said.

"Don't you dare talk about my mother like that."

"I'll have a go at anyone that calls me a liar."

"What's going on?" Ron asked as he walked over.

"He's mad, is what's going on." Seamus said pointing to Harry.

"Harry was there!" Some people turned to see Fiona walking over as well. "Do you believe everything you read, Seamus?" Fiona came to stand next to Harry.

"Fiona, I can fight my own battles." Harry said.

"This isn't a battle, Harry. This is Seamus, as well as everyone else, believing the Daily Prophet because God forbid there's something in that bloody paper that's not true!"

"Do you believe the rubbish he's come out with about You-Know-Who?" Seamus asked looking to Ron who stood on Harry's other side.

"Yeah. I do." Ron said. "Has anyone else got a problem with Harry?" No one said a word. Harry headed up the stairs, Ron following after.

"You all used to call yourselves Harry's friends." Fiona said. "Yet you take someone else's word over his?"

"My gran says it's the Daily Prophet that's rubbish." Neville said. "She's canceled our subscription." He looked to Fiona.

"Now I know why my dad did the same." She said before following after the boys. She got to the top of the stairs just in time to hear Harry shout.

"I said, I'm fine, Ron!"

"Right. I'll just leave you to your thoughts, then." Ron said quietly. He turned and left. Ron looked at Fiona before heading back downstairs.

"He's only trying to help." Fiona said as she walked into the boy's dorms.

"Fee… please. I just-"

"I get it. I'll leave you be. But you know we're on your side."

"I know… thank you." He said.

I uploaded this from my phone so hopefully it works. Again sorry for the delay I'm going to get back to writing my fics more. (Any big mistakes please let me know. ^_^)