A/N: Still not mine. Still not seeking profit, fame, or glory.
A/N: Sorry for the repost. I realized that I took the chapter from an earlier version of the file. I have corrected that. It is mostly minor edits. Message me privately or in a review it you have questions or concerns. Thank you for your patience and support.
Chapter 3: Truths Come to Light
Thursday, 1 August 1991
Less than four hours later, Amelia Bones awoke, took an invigoration draught, quickly got ready, and dressed in her formal ministerial robes before apparating back to Gringotts just in time to meet with Prince Ragnok. Prior to her departure, she had sent a letter addressed to Sensei Chase that reported, "Black was never given a trial. I have moved him to a secure location with people that I know are loyal to me so that others cannot interfere."
Amelia was amazed at the turnout when they arrived. The Wizarding Wireless was streaming the news conference live. In addition to their set up, representatives from at least thirty international news sources were lined up as well. Front and center were the members of the local press. Amelia was pleased to see that Rita Skeeter was nowhere to be found. Instead, Barnabus Cuffe was seated with three of his most trustworthy reporters. The other British and Irish news outlets had also followed her request.
For the next forty-two minutes, Prince Ragnok outlined the charges against Dumbledore and the evidence against him.
After he finished, Amelia took over. "Prince Ragnok showed me much of the evidence that they had recovered by 9:00 last night. After reviewing that evidence, I can firmly state that I believe the charges that Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore faces before the Goblin Nation are legitimate.
"Further, portions of some of those actions took place outside of Gringotts, so they would fall under the Ministry's jurisdiction. As a separate sovereign, the Ministry also has the right to try him for his crimes.
"Should Dumbledore escape Goblin justice or should he be released while I am still in office, I fully intend to try him on thousands of charges as well. Those included kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment, fraud, illegal memory charms, multiple counts of murder, including the murder of the last of a pureblood line, and several thousand charges of theft, possession of stolen property, and related charges.
"At present, we have not had a chance to investigate Dumbledore's actions outside of Gringotts to the degree necessary to determine what all of the charges will be. We also do not know what, if any, crimes he has committed against the ICW, which is a separate sovereign that could charge and try him as well."
The two then spent the next hour and a half answering questions.
Amelia ended the news conference telling the assembled press, "Prince Ragnok has invited Cuthbert Mockridge and myself as witnesses of the procedure for the Ministry of Magic. He has also invited both Griselda Marchbanks and Tiberius Ogden as witnesses for the Wizengamot.
"In addition, all of the press representatives here today should provide me your contact information so that I can randomly draw the names of five members of the press that will be permitted to attend the trial. Two national press organizations and two international press organizations along with a wildcard draw will be permitted to send a single representative. In addition, Wizarding Wireless News will be permitted to broadcast the proceedings in their entirety live as they occur.
"With that, please leave me your contact information and good day."
Less than an hour later, Amelia sat before an enraged Minister of Magic and his undersecretary.
Fudge threw down that morning's Daily Prophet which showed three headlines: Harry Potter declared Friend of the Goblin Nation; Albus Dumbledore Arrested inside Gringotts for Crimes Against the Goblin Nation; and Albus Dumbledore's Kidnapping Attempt Foiled by Intended Victim Harry Potter.
Amelia had seen the paper just a few minutes earlier. Fortunately, the last front page story about the mysterious waves of magic inside Gringotts did not mention Harry at all.
"Listen to me, Cornelius. You need to understand how severe this really is. Seventeen families, including half-bloods and a pureblood, were wiped out by Dumbledore and his goblin co-conspirators. They were each murdered. Seventy-five percent of their wealth went to Dumbledore with twenty-five percent going to the goblins.
"But, by far, that is not the worst of it. Do you remember how wealthy the Potters were?"
"Yes. Everyone knows they have old money. Their library is second-to-none in Britain. Their weapons collection contains pieces from around the world…many of the pieces are unique with special magical properties. Each Lady Potter had her own jewelry collection based on the belief that the older jewels would be available for the indirect lines. Shortly before they were killed, Charlus and Dorea Potter put on a display in the atrium. It was beyond impressive and the display only consisted of works commissioned by Charlus' parents. Why?"
"Dumbledore emptied the Potter Family Vaults."
"WHAT!?"
"He liquefied everything he could get his hands on. Not even a single Knut remains in the main vault. Every single item from the heirloom vault has also been removed."
"But why would he do such a thing?"
"Yesterday, his co-conspirators at Gringotts attempted to get Harry to add his blood to a parchment that they claimed would verify his identity. While it is true that the document would have verified that he was indeed Harry James Potter, it was far more insidious.
"It also would have irrevocably turned control of his estate over to Dumbledore's co-conspirators and, if Harry died before achieving his majority, the estate was split with 75% going to Dumbledore and the remaining 25% going to his goblin co-conspirators.
"That contract was just like the other seventeen that they found. However, Dumbledore and his co-conspirators had already murdered those seventeen.
"Now that we know to look for foul play, it is clear to see that it was present in every one of the seventeen cases. Four of them were murdered within a month of their seventeenth birthday."
Umbridge chimed in, "Surely they were just mudblood scum."
"You would call David Welty, the last of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Welty mudblood scum?"
"He was raised by his squib sister. He was as good as mudblood scum!"
"Delores!"
"No, Cornelius, it is alright. This actually proves my point.
"Albus Dumbledore was the first one on scene when Voldemort supposedly attacked the family and killed everyone except young David. According to Dumbledore, there were no wills and the only family member he could live with was his squib sister because Dumbledore had erected special wards to protect the boy. Recall Dumbledore did all of that before we even knew there had been an attack.
"Who does that remind you of?"
Cornelius paled. "Blood hell! That is exactly what he said about Harry Potter."
"Yes, but here is the kicker. James Potter and Lily Potter had Dumbledore witness their final wills. Gringotts has copies of the memories of the signing of the wills from James and Lily Potter, Sirius Black, and Alice Longbottom."
"Black! But he betrayed the Potters!"
Delores simpered, "And Alice Longbottom is incapacitated, so she cannot testify to the memory.
"Apparently, he did not. James and Lily specified several points that were stated in the wills about which they wanted Dumbledore to be absolutely certain. One of them is that their wills explicitly stated that at Dumbledore's insistence they had changed secret keepers earlier that day, that Sirius Black would continue to act as a decoy and that Peter Pettigrew was the actual secret keeper. They were killed the next day."
"But Black killed Pettigrew!"
"Did he, Delores? Cornelius, all that was found of Pettigrew was his little finger. You were one of the investigators. Were any of his clothes or scraps of his clothing found?"
"No."
"I have reason to believe Pettigrew is still alive."
"What would that be?"
"Harry's list of vaults showed that one of the vaults that James Potter set up was still active: the vault of Peter Pettigrew. Apparently, he withdraws a couple of galleons per month.
"I also found out from Remus Lupin that Pettigrew is an illegal rat animagus."
"You cannot trust anything Lupin says. He is a bloody werewolf. The beast should be put down!"
"Delores, calm yourself or you will need to leave my office."
"Sorry, Cornelius. But surely you see this is all nonsense. Why did not of this come out at Black's trial?"
Cornelius paled. "Because Dumbledore insisted that Black did not need a trial as all of the evidence was stacked against him. Bagnold and Crouch agreed. He was sent to Azkaban without even being questioned properly. I do not recall him getting a trial after that."
"He did not. Mr. Potter showed me his banking statement that listed Sirius Black as 'incarcerated pending trial.' Shacklebolt verified it last night from our own records. There was no trial. Mr. Potter notified me this morning that he had given an interview about it to three newspapers, so the story will break tomorrow. I suggest we give Black his trial at the emergency meeting of the Wizengamot scheduled for this afternoon."
"I must notify Lucius of this right away!"
Bones was glad that she had already moved Sirius to a safe facility where only she and her four most loyal aurors could gain access to him. It would not do for Sirius Black to suffer an "accident" before his trial could be held.
Harry met with Chase at 6:30 that morning and explained everything that had happened. At 6:47 that morning, Amelia's owl arrived and both read the missive with a sense of urgency. They decided to wait until 7:00 AM before taking action. During that time, Harry had worked on a statement to the press and had completed a first semi-polished draft that Chase had contributed to by asking questions to focus Harry's attention.
Chase immediately floo called Remus Lupin, Andromeda Tonks, and Augusta Longbottom and invited them over to the dojo. Fortunately, he had already planned to close the dojo that day so that he could take Harry to Diagon Alley to make sure he had a proper introduction to the wizarding world, so he invited them to meet at his dojo.
Augusta and Neville were the first to arrive. After clearing off the soot, Augusta said, "Acting Lord Potter, it is good to see you again."
"Please, obviously our families were friends in the past. Please call me Harry."
"I would like that greatly, Harry. Had things been a little different, you would have been raised calling me 'Gran.' I think I would like it very much if you called me that when in an informal setting.
"You met my grandson Neville briefly last night. I'd like to reintroduce him now that he is no longer exhausted from working in his greenhouse all day."
Neville timidly bowed at Harry. Harry quickly bowed back and then held out his hand to shake.
Neville was unsure of what to do with the hand, so Harry taught him about how non-magicals used the handshake as a greeting.
Andromeda arrived while Harry was explaining the handshake and waited her turn. As Harry bowed to her, she held out her hand. When Harry shook it, she pursed her lips until Chase said, "Harry! Remember, you are meeting a lady in the wizarding world."
Harry blushed red and then took her offered hand and brushed his lips across the back of her hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Madam Tonks."
"Much better. I am glad to see that you have had some etiquette lessons. I will add to the lessons you have already had over this next month. It is a pleasure to meet you in a less formal setting, Acting Lord Potter. Please, call me Andi. We are supposed to be family, after all."
"Thank you, Andi. I would appreciate the lessons. Sensei Chase has shown me what he could. However, I haven't had much (cough, any) chances to practice with a lady, so I forgot my lessons. My apologies for my slip. Please, call me Harry."
When Remus arrived, Harry practiced the bows again. Remus also offered his hand for a handshake before saying, "Now that you are recognized as an Acting Lord, I believe your bows should not be so deep."
This led to a brief lesson on bows to different people. It covered how deeply Harry should bow to different people and how deeply others should bow to him.
Once the formal meeting started, Chase took control almost immediately. "Harry found out last night that Sirius Black has yet to receive a trial. His official Gringotts identification documents state him as 'Acting Lord Black.' Amelia Bones contacted us this morning stating that the Ministry's own records show that no trial took place and that she has moved him to a safe location pending the trial."
Augusta and Andi then took over."
"We need to schedule a press conference immediately. Who should we invite?"
"Andi, I believe the best parties would be the Daily Prophet's editor, Barnabus Cuffe; the Magical Times of Europe's Julianne Henderson; and the Quibbler's Pandora Lovegood. We should contact them immediately."
"Yes, definitely Cuffe. If we do not get him, he would send it to Skeeter."
Chase then added, "They should all still be at a joint press conference that Amelia Bones called with Prince Ragnok on the steps of Gringotts."
Andi immediately flooed her husband and introduced him to the others.
"Harry, Sensei Chase, this is my husband, Theodore Tonks. He is a barrister in both the wizarding and the non-magical worlds. I think it would be best if he and either Augusta or I go with you. He can provide you legal advice and either of us can provide you with political advice."
Harry then slid the paper he had written out his preliminary statement on to the others.
"I wrote this with the understanding of wizarding politics that I have based on Sensei's lessons. I am not saying that we have to use it. It is just a starting point."
Chase quickly copied the document so everyone could read it.
Press Release from Harry James Potter, Acting Lord Potter, Acting Lord Black
1 August 1991
It has come to my attention that a serious injustice has been done against one of the oldest pureblood families of this country. Yesterday, I visited Gringotts and underwent a typical identification that revealed my titles, relatives, vaults, and other holdings. Imagine my surprise to find that I was "Acting Lord Black." This was explained to me after a statement in my guardianship caused me to ask further questions. Sirius Orion Black is the current Lord Black. My Gringotts' documents refer to him as "incarcerated, pending trial." Other documents declare that he is my "sworn godfather," meaning that he could not betray me and still keep his magic. He obviously has his magic or his death in Azkaban would have been reported.
The current Head of one of the Sacred 28 Families, one of the Most Ancient and Noble families, has been in prison for nearly ten years waiting for a trial. This is a travesty of justice, if it is true.
I informed Madam Amelia Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She immediately took action, sending one of her senior aurors to check the records. Upon finding that Lord Black never received a trial, she immediately put him in protective custody and is working to get a trial scheduled for as soon as possible.
My question to the general public is this: If the Lord of one of the most powerful of the Most Ancient and Noble Houses, one of the Sacred 28, can be imprisoned for nearly ten years without a trial and can be placed with the worst offenders in the area with the highest concentration of dementors, just what can be done to the rest of us that lack such social standing and protection?
It took the group a few minutes to read and then reread the statement.
When everyone was done, Ted Tonks spoke first. "This is written extremely well. You catch their attention with a serious injustice against one of the oldest pureblood families of this country. After telling them what information you used to arrive at it, you state a very bold conclusion and then qualify it with 'if it is true.' You then go on to demonstrate that it is true as verified by a very trustworthy person. Finally, you close with a question of relevance which leads to a conclusion that will stick in everyone's mind: this could happen to me, my parents, my children, my spouse. I think it is exemplary as it is. When did you draft this?"
Harry blushed and said, "In the thirteen minutes before we called all of you."
Chase responded, "Do not be so timid, Harry. You have experience with this. Some of my politics lessons are to give Harry a set position in society and then ask him to write from that perspective. He knows he has to write to his audience. In this case, he identified that his first audience was the pureblood elite that would govern the trial. Because the story offered juicy gossip, the common folk would also be important, hence the last paragraph. Further, his paragraph about immediately informing Amelia Bones would satisfy those who work in government: Harry did not try to take things into his own hands, he relied on those sworn to do the job. Add to that his developing skill as a debater on his school debate team and you have an excellent memo."
Ted Tonks sighed and said, "Thirteen minutes. You have a gift for this, Mr. Potter. I would have spent at least a half an hour and probably closer to 45 minutes to come up with a document like this."
Harry blushed deeply.
"Oh, do not be embarrassed. As I said, you have a gift. If you have the time, I would like you to come by my offices once or twice a week to spend time with me so that you can learn more about the legal systems that you are a part of. We should also discuss your long-term goals so that I can better assist you during our time together."
Andi and Augusta had a few small comments regarding specific wording, but also agreed that it was an excellent press release.
After a quick floo call to reserve a private room at her favorite tea shop, Augusta called her house elf and quickly wrote out three invitations to a press conference to be held there for those three specifically and that would give by none other than Harry James Potter, Acting Lord Potter, Acting Lord Black. The letter also explicitly said that this news was embargoed until the next morning. The time of the conference was set to be twenty minutes after the Gringotts-Bones press conference ended.
Her elf would notify her when that conference ended.
With that taken care of, she quickly changed gears.
"There will be an emergency meeting of the Wizengamot this afternoon. It has not been scheduled yet, however, with Dumbledore's arrest and some of his charges listed in the Daily Prophet this morning, one will be scheduled.
"Harry, since you have taken up your titles, you can personally select who you want to serve as your proxy and represent your interests on the Wizengamot. You will need different proxies for the House of Black and for the House of Potter."
"Are there any restrictions on whom I can appoint as my proxy?"
Augusta stated, "I cannot serve as your proxy because I serve as the Longbottom proxy until Neville comes of age. The person you select must be a witch or wizard above age seventeen." Like the night before, Neville was sitting next to his grandmother. However, today, he was not as bored as he had been last night.
Remus sighed and said, "I cannot serve as your proxy."
Harry growled out, "Bloody hell. The bigoted idiots. So what if you have a furry little problem a day or two each month. It's just like any other disease."
Remus looked up with fear in his eyes. "You know?"
"Yes. Dragonflame explained it to me as to why your account was frozen instead of just stagnant. Apparently, the law the Wizengamot passed to do so has only ever applied to one person, you. You should have received notice that I released your vault back into your control I also deposited 100 G from one of the vaults that I control."
Andromeda cut in, "We are getting sidetracked; we still have a lot to do before this meeting. Time is of the essence."
Harry nodded and then said, "Sensei, from your lessons, I know that the Black family tends to be more conservative and the Potter family tends to be more liberal. Would you be willing to sit on the Wizengamot on my behalf as the Potter proxy?"
Chase responded before anyone else could. "Harry, this is a very big deal. To the best of my knowledge, there have not been any muggleborns on the Wizengamot before."
Augusta cut in, "There haven't. However, I think many on the light and neutral side would welcome the perspective. Yet, Mr. Chase is correct. This would be a very big deal. It would definitely stir up a hornets' nest. You will have my support no matter whom you select. You will also have Madam Bones' support as well, I am sure."
"Listen. Sensei Chase has been there for me for years. I trust him more than anyone else I have ever met. The list of adults that I trust is VERY short. In fact, if it was not limited to witches or wizards, I would appoint Account Manager Dragonflame as my proxy for the Black family. I do not have the history with him that I have with Sensei, but he did save my life yesterday. I am not sure how much longer I could have held Gripclaw pinned down."
The entire group looked at him curiously. Obviously, they had not heard the story that he had been attacked by one of the senior Grip clan members.
"Realistically, that leaves me with two choices. I could appoint Andi or I could appoint her daughter Nymphadora."
Remus, Andromeda, and Augusta spoke in stereo, "Oh, dear Merlin, NO!"
Harry grinned and looked around, "Why not?"
Augusta spoke, "I love Nymphadora. Your father and his friends used to watch her when she was a child. Sometimes they would come over to visit my Frank at Longbottom Manor. Her youthful energy combined with her mother's stubborn streak…I think several members of the Wizengamot would fall over dead from heart attacks."
Remus chuckled. "Although, that could be a good thing."
Andromeda spoke, "I love my daughter to death. However, she is not mature enough to take up that level of leadership and would likely accidentally cause the collapse of the Ministry of Magic were she permitted to."
Harry laughed and then said, "Then, I guess that leaves you, Andi."
"You should know that will also raise a storm at the Wizengamot. Arcturus Black disowned me when I married my husband. Many of the old pureblood families would see that as a slap in the face of tradition."
Harry chuckled, "Great...so I'll slap them on both cheeks. Andi, you need to realize that Arcturus Black himself agreed that I would become the Lord Black upon his death or upon my reaching the majority, whichever came later. So, at most, it will be six years, but you will be readmitted into the family line."
Andi teared up and merely nodded.
While she was gathering herself together at the casually dropped bombshell, Augusta commented, "All three of you will need a new wardrobe."
Augusta flooed her personal tailor who came over and prepared formal Wizengamot robes for Chase and Andi as well as formal dress robes for Harry.
Harry's robes were emerald green and had the Black and Potter family crests on the right-hand side. Four further sets would be arriving that night.
Chase's robes were plum colored with only the Potter seal on his right-hand breast.
Andi's robes were identical except they bore the Black seal.
Chase and Augusta took Harry for a quick trip to Diagon Alley to purchase dragon hide boots for each of them, Harry's wand, and a wand holster for Harry. They also sent a new rejection letter to McGonagall and, while they were at the post office, signed up for three mailboxes: one for Harry Potter, one for Acting Lord Potter, and one for Acting Lord Black.
The post office would screen all incoming mail to ensure it did not contain curses, potions, portkeys, or other hazards. They would place any cleared mail into a delivery box linked to a separate box that Harry could take with him.
Harry would keep his own box. The Acting Lord boxes would go to his proxies.
This also ensured that he did not need an owl. He could just put outgoing mail in his box and it transfer to the post office. They would send it out with one of their owls.
The entire trip to Diagon Alley had taken an hour and fifteen minutes. The longest portion of that was at Ollivanders' Shoppe: they spent just under thirty minutes there.
As they were about to leave the post office, Augusta's house elf popped in and said, "Mistress, the press conference has just ended."
When they flooed back to the dojo, they found their robes were ready.
Harry quickly changed into his dress robes. Andi and Ted had gone home and gotten dress robes of their own. Augusta's house elf popped in with dress robes for her and Neville. Within five minutes, all four were ready to go.
A quick floo call later and the party was in a small private room in Benson's Tea and Biscuits. About three minutes after they arrived, all three reporters arrived together.
Once everyone was served and seated, Augusta and Ted raised exceptional privacy wards. Harry then muttered something in Andi's ear. Her lips pursed and she cast another ward which resulted in a bug turning into a reporter.
Harry and Chase reacted at the same time, but Harry was closer as the woman had wanted to spy on him more than any other.
He had a dagger at her throat and a second at her heart. "Who are you and why are you breaking into a private meeting?"
"Boy, you do not know who you are messing with. I am Rita Skeeter, senior gossip writer at the Daily Prophet. I WILL DESTROY YOU."
Harry backhanded her across the mouth. "I AM NOT YOUR BOY. Is this entire society so backwards that implied sexual relations with a pre-teen are considered normal?"
Ted actually answered that. "Acting Lord Potter-Black, that term has the connotation that you are referring to among pedophiles and child abusers. However, most people in both the magical and non-magical side of the world use it as a term of endearment to a younger male. It is a shame that you have been introduced to the more insidious meaning of the term. If I may ask, how did you learn of it?"
Harry sighed, too a deep breath, stepped back and said, "If what he says is true, I apologize for hitting you. When I was in my last year of primary school about three and a half years ago, my non-magical cousin was three years behind me. The teacher he had that year was a pedophile who abused one of the boys in the class. He often referred to his male students as "boy, my boy, my pet, or baby." He violated that poor kid and was, I think the word is grooming?, yes, grooming several others to be next.
"The whole school had an assembly about it with all of our parents and guardians there. They warned us of the signs to be on the look for. Those four words were pounded into our heads as dangerous.
"Last I heard, the kid was still in a mental health institution and was completely broken, almost catatonic."
All of the witches and wizards in the room looked very pale, except Chase: he looked angry and commented, "After that, I taught a self-defense class to every student in that school on how to say, 'no,' and if the person did not respect that 'no,' how to respond physically for the, 'I said "no."' Acting Lord Potter-Black took those lessons to heart as he felt he had a duty to protect his cousin and any of the younger children. That single action was sufficient to activate his sense of social justice. If he sees a wrong, he will attempt to right it."
Skeeter asked, "What happened to the pedophile?"
Harry answered, "He was caught in the act by another well-known and respected teacher. Fortunately, the kid did not have to testify. The doctors and nurses and the respected teacher were enough. He was sentenced to 15 years but died in prison less than a month into his sentence. Apparently, he was attacked by several of the other inmates. In the non-magical world, those who hurt children are seen as the worst of the scum and even those in for crimes which have substantially longer sentences will look down on them and hurt them. His death was gory, but it at least helped the kid's parents recover a bit, even if he is still catatonic."
Skeeter said, "I would like to write this story. People need to understand where you come from."
Harry let Chase take control of her and went over and spoke with Ted Tonks.
"If we give her this story, I want her to give a magical oath referring to herself as 'I' and stating that she will not spy on me, use her animagus ability against me, or report on me without my consent and that everything she reports on me will be factually accurate and not include any speculation. Will that be sufficient enough to protect me?"
The two of them then wrote out an oath that they both thought was sufficient.
Ted took the oath to Skeeter and said, "You will swear this oath exactly as stated or you will be obliviated of the last two hours of your life."
Skeeter read the oath and, with each line, her eyebrows climbed higher on her face. Finally, she exploded, "Is this some kind of bloody joke? How the bloody hell am I supposed to do my job?"
Cuffe made his way over, read the oath and said, "Come on, Rita. I think this is very fair. It only applies to Harry. Afterall, they all know you are now an unregistered animagus and could take that to the press or to Amelia Bones at the DMLE. That would greatly decrease your life expectancy."
Skeeter glared at her boss, then took out her wand, and swore the oath.
Chase then let her go and said, "You have your story. Now, leave. Thank you."
Harry called after her and said, "Oh, Ms. Skeeter, if you write anything about me slapping you, I will respond by filing a complaint in open court about you eavesdropping in your animagus form and what led to me slapping you. I also expect you to take the standard payment from the all three publications for your article so that they can include it with their own writer's article."
Once Skeeter agreed and had left, Harry turned to the others and said, "I would prefer you did not report on that in any detail. If anything, please reference her story. I am here today to tell you about an injustice that is ongoing right now." As he spoke, he handed the three of them copies of his press release. "I am the Acting Lord Black because the current Lord Black has been imprisoned for ten years in Azkaban's highest security setting without a trial. He is my sworn godfather, so he could not have done what he was accused of doing."
All three reporters were shocked by that revelation and then took a few minutes to read through the statement Harry had provided. Each of them then asked questions.
Cuffe went first. "Acting Lord Potter-Black, who do you think is responsible for this?"
"I can say for certainty that Headmaster, Chief Warlock, and Supreme Mugwump Dumbledore knew the truth and did not say anything in Black's defense at the time the events in question took place."
Lovegood came next, "How can you be sure that he is innocent?"
"It is my understanding that his biggest offenses were betrayal of my parents and the murder of Peter Pettigrew. I have proof that Pettigrew is alive." Here, Harry pulled out a statement that he had gotten from Dragonflame the night before that showed Pettigrew's transactions from his vault over the past ten years.
"I have supervisory control over this vault. As such, I am able to order an audit. Approximately ten years ago, 1,000 G was added to Pettigrew's account. Those funds were traced back to Albus Dumbledore's accounts."
Henderson then asked, "What do you expect to happen next?"
"There should be an emergency meeting of the Wizengamot today or tomorrow. People are furious about Dumbledore's charges and the Wizengamot needs to decide what they are going to do about it. At that meeting, I intend to announce myself and assign proxies to the two houses I now control. That will change the makeup of the Wizengamot."
"A follow-up?"
"Go ahead."
"Who do you plan to name as your proxies?"
Harry smirked and said, "While I would hate to ruin the surprise, I believe that at least these three papers deserve to have the knowledge so that you three reputable reporters can begin doing background checks. This information is embargoed until AFTER the Wizengamot meeting that I mentioned."
All three reporters swore an oath to honor the embargo.
Harry then said, "Arcturus Black and Sirius Black agreed to name me the next Lord Black. Per their agreement, that will take place upon my seventeenth birthday. Tentatively, until I become the actual Lord Black and affirm the decision, I officially welcome Andromeda Nymphadora Tonks née Black back as a daughter of House of Black with all honors, rights, and responsibilities that entails. I recognize Theodore "Ted" Tonks as a recognized spouse of the House of Black with all the honors, rights, and responsibilities that entails. I also welcome Nymphadora Dorea Tonks as a daughter of the House of Black with all honors, rights, and responsibilities that entails. So I say, so mote it be."
Andromeda broke down in tears, fell to her knees and said, "I accept, my Lord Black."
Ted got down on his knees next to her, pulled her close, met eyes with Harry and said, "I also accept, my Lord Black."
Harry thanked them both and then said, "I do not have a ceremonial weapon from the House of Black or I would finish the ceremony. All I have is one that I had previously decided as to use as a ceremonial weapon for the House of Potter."
Andi and Ted looked at each and then looked at Harry and said, "That would be appropriate in these circumstances."
Harry then drew his ceremonial dagger and tapped each of them twice on each shoulder saying, "Rise Andromeda Nymphadora Tonks née Black, daughter of House Black. Rise, Theodore "Ted Tonks," spouse of House Black."
Once both were standing, Harry continued, "As a daughter in good standing with the House of Black, I intend to appoint Andromeda Tonks née Black as my proxy for the House of Black.
"Further, were I able to, I would nominate Potter Account Manager Dragonflame of the Clan Dragon as my Potter proxy after he saved my life yesterday. However, since I cannot do so, I would like to nominate the wizard that I have known the longest in this world, the one who has taught me about the customs of wizarding society as well as provided a basic education into what all witches and wizards learn while living in our society, Sensei Bryton Chase. To be clear, Sensei is an honorific meaning master or teacher and refers to one who teaches martial arts. It has been my honor to have Sensei in my life and caring for me since I was five years old. He is the one who challenged me to do well and helped me to accelerate my education."
Andi came up and whispered something in Harry's ear. He looked at her in confusion, asked a few questions, and then replied.
"I just found out about another ceremony that I should perform. If you agree to the same embargo, I will do that now."
Again, the three journalists agreed to the embargo.
Harry took a deep breath and said, "Sensei Bryton Adam Chase, please come forward and kneel."
Chase did so, looking at Harry and then Andi in curiosity.
"For services rendered relating to my education, physical training, safety, and general wellbeing, I, Harry James Potter, Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter recognize you as a friend of House Potter." Harry paused here to pull a ceremonial dagger that Chase had found for him a few years ago and insisted that he use for Potter family duties and rituals out of his second right hip sheath. He then tapped him on each shoulder and then on his head before saying, "I recognize Sensei Bryton Adam Chase as a friend of my family and promise to serve this friendship faithfully to the best of my abilities." He paused, put the dagger away, and said, "So I say, so mote it be." Again, he paused and then said, "You can either accept or reject this offer."
Chase laughed and said, "I, Bryton Adam Chase happily accept. I am not familiar with this custom, but I already consider you a family friend and family. I promise to serve this friendship faithfully to the best of my abilities."
Harry reached out, grabbed his arm, and pulled Chase to his feet before giving him a massive hug. He whispered, "You should go talk to Ted about my next offer. Listen to what he has to say, let him answer your questions, and then, if you want, I will make you a vassal of House Potter."
The journalists sat there quietly realizing that something more significant could be about to happen.
Chase and Ted came over several minutes later and handed Harry a parchment listing a few conditions. Chase said, "I admit, this is one custom that I was completely unfamiliar with. If you can abide these conditions, I will gladly become your vassal."
Harry looked through the conditions, smiled, and said, "Yes, I think I can abide by those."
"As a friend of House Potter, I, Harry James Potter, Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter hereby recognize Bryton Adam Chase as a vassal of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter with all of the honors, rights, and responsibilities that entails with the exceptions that you shall not have to house any of my livestock at your dojo or any other property you own that does not have pasture or a barn; subject to the restriction that, while we are in lessons or in any other time that we both agree to, you are free to act as my superior; subject to the condition that access to some of my properties is not at all dependent on your need of protection; and recognizing the other restrictions privately stated to me. So I say, so mote it be."
When he finished speaking, Chase said, "I accept the position of vassal subject to the conditions discussed, my Lord."
Harry then pulled out his ceremonial dagger again and tapped Chase on each shoulder twice, saying, "Rise, vassal Bryton Adam Chase of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter."
Harry grabbed Chase's other arm, pulled him to his feet, and hugged Chase for all he was worth. "Thank you," he said as tears rolled down his cheeks.
Chase was emotionally overcome as well and said, "This just makes us closer to being recognized as a true family."
Everyone, including the three reporters stood and clapped. Harry had not realized, but Pandora had a camera with her and had taken pictures of Harry letting Andromeda back into the Black family and welcoming Ted and Nymphadora as well. She had also gotten pictures of Harry making chase a friend of House Potter and a vassal of House Potter.
Harry nodded to the journalists and said, "I believe that ends this press conference."
However, before anyone could react, Augusta's house elf snapped her fingers and the embroidery on Chase's robes changed to indicate his status as vassal.
The three reporters laughed. Pandora Lovegood came up and said, "I have pictures that I took. My glasses are a special kind of camera that I developed after my time as an unspeakable. I will develop the film tonight and will send copies for you and for both other journalists.
"If you can get her here, I would like to photograph Nymphadora's response as well."
Ted was standing next to Harry as Lovegood came up and said, "I will send for her right now."
He then cast a messenger patronus. Ten minutes later, Nymphadora entered the room wearing a nice set of black dress robes.
She walked up to Harry, hugged him, and said, "Dad said I am needed here?"
Andi rushed over and started whispering in her ear.
Nymphadora then knelt in front of Harry and said, "I accept, my Lord Black."
Harry then repeated the ceremony with his dagger.
When Nymphadora rose, she hugged Harry very tightly and said, "You have no idea how much this means to my mum and, to a lesser extent for myself, but even more so because of how much it means to her, how much it means to me."
Her hair was cycling through multiple colors. Harry whispered something to her and she shook her head no.
Harry then turned to the press and said, "Okay. This time, I mean it. The press conference is over."
Everyone laughed. The three journalists briefly spoke one-on-one with Harry, Andi, Ted, Nymphadora, and Chase to get quotes.
After everyone returned back to the dojo, Andi and Augusta drilled Harry and Chase on what they were to say, how to hold themselves, and on the other etiquette was expected in the Wizengamot chamber.
Andi warned Harry, "Lucius Malfoy has been sitting as proxy for Lord Black, claiming that his son is the heir. He will challenge you. When he does, state, 'If I am the legitimate Acting Lord Black, I can disown your wife and son. Will that be sufficient proof to you that I am who I say I am?'
"I do not believe he will risk it. However, if he does, start with something smaller. Annul his marriage and recall all Black monies and the penalties for breach of contract."
Augusta added, "If you annul the marriage, that can be verified immediately by the official record book kept in the Wizengamot chamber.
"You need to be aware that you will be standing alone when you issue this challenge. Andromeda and Bryton will be seated in the visitor's gallery until you announce them. Then, they will remove the glamour charms that hide their robes."
Harry said, "Wait a minute. Do I not have to have grounds to annul the marriage?"
Andi answered the question. "You do. ALL Black family marriage contracts have clauses that prevent the spouse from swearing loyalty to anyone other than the Lord Black and then to their own family second. If such an oath was previously given, the marriage nullifies that oath. Lucius is known to have gone back to Lord Voldemort
"Who is the Potter proxy right now?"
"Dedalus Diggle. He is a stooge of Dumbledore's. He will likely resist you replacing him. Seat the Black Proxy first. You can neuter Malfoy on your own. However, Diggle is not someone that you can exert over whom you have that type of control.
"He might do something stupid and issue a challenge for a duel. If you have already seated me, I can request to duel on your behalf since you are an untrained minor. However, the Wizengamot may request that your proposed proxy does so.
"Malfoy will never chance issuing you a challenge to a duel in front of the Wizengamot. He would lose too much political standing to do so. The light barely tolerates him and the neutral faction doubts his claims of innocence for crimes during the war.
"In contrast, Diggle is deluded enough to think Dumbledore will smooth everything over."
Chase asked several questions about Diggle before stating, "I believe I can take him in a duel, then. If he resists, it might be better if I did so. After all, that should show that I am somewhat qualified to take the post."
While their party had been in Diagon Alley, Augusta had received official notice of the Wizengamot meeting, which was to start at 5:00 that afternoon.
Shortly after four that afternoon, Harry, Andi, Chase, Nymphadora, Neville, Ted Tonks, and Augusta Longbottom all arrived in the Ministry lobby via floo.
Andi helped Harry get a visitor's pass while Augusta helped Neville get his. Everyone else knew the procedure.
The security guard screening Harry's wand put it on the scale and said, "Holly and phoenix feather, in use since," at this, his voice turned questioning, "six hours ago?" He then looked up, met Harry's eyes and saw the scar. "Ah. Welcome back, Mr. Potter. Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. What is your purpose here?"
"Wizengamot business."
With that, the group took the elevators to Level 2 and entered the formal Wizengamot chambers.
Augusta led Harry up to the Wizengamot's scribe and introduced him, "This is Harry James Potter, Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter and Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. He intends to introduce himself this afternoon."
"Yes, Dowager Longbottom. I will ensure that he is heard first thing."
"Who will be presiding today?"
"Today is Madam Marchbanks' turn."
"Thank you. Mr. Potter, I must take my seat now. Please wait here until Clerk Smith calls you."
"Thank you, Gran. I appreciate all of your help yesterday and today."
"Think nothing of it. As I said before, I am just glad that my Neville will now have you in his life."
The clerk showed Harry to where he was to sit until he called him to step forward.
Less than ten minutes later, four minutes after the meeting was supposed to have started, two people entered the chamber. The first was wearing a lime green bowler hat with a fake smile. Harry felt a sense of revulsion towards the man. From his lessons with Chase, Harry was sure that this was the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.
The person with him was dressed in a horrid color of pink and spoke with a simpering tone. With the bow on her head, she looked rather like a large toad. Harry could not help but chuckle to himself as he thought, "Meet Toad, the toady."
When that woman met his eyes, Harry sensed unadulterated hatred. Only his uncle looked at him that way now. Seeing that the creepy man next to her was also looking at him a similar look, Harry knew that he could not trust either of them, no matter what they said. He made a note to himself to be very careful around them.
Once the two sat, Smith called the session to order announcing Madam Marchbanks would be presiding in the absence of the Chief Warlock.
Marchbanks turned to Smith and said, "What is first on the agenda today?"
"We have a young Lord that would like to introduce himself to the Wizengamot."
This immediately got everyone's attention as each tried to figure out what seat was empty that could potentially have a young lord to take over it.
"Acting Lord Potter, please come forward."
As he had practiced with Andromeda and Augusta, Harry stepped forward and stood in front of Madam Marchbanks.
"Welcome, Acting Lord Potter. You have requested an opportunity to introduce yourself to this body. Please do so."
Harry turned to look at the assembled group and spoke with as clear of a voice as he could. "I am Harry James Potter. I turned eleven yesterday and, after speaking with my account manager, I have taken up my titles. I declare myself under magic to be Harry James Potter, Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter and Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Today, I will name my proxies for the family seats under my control."
As expected, Lucius Malfoy jumped to his feet and protested, "This is absurd. My son Draco is the Acting Lord Black. It is his birthright! Send this boy away before he makes an even greater fool of himself."
"Mr. Malfoy, I was warned that you might challenge me so as to keep hold of your illegitimate powers in this body. If I am the legitimate Acting Lord Black as I claim, then I can disown your wife and son. That would immediately terminate your right to be in this chamber. Will that be sufficient proof to you that I am who I say I am?"
"You foolish boy! I am calling your bluff. Everyone knows that I am rightful proxy."
"I gave you a chance to step aside in an honorable manor. You are correct. That was a bluff. I will not cast out your wife and son based on your actions.
"However, I, Harry James Potter, Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black annul the marriage between Lucius Abraxas Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy née Black due to breach of contract. I recall all Black monies and call all penalties due immediately. So mote it be."
"You dare to pretend!"
Harry spoke over the protesting man. "Please check the record book."
All eyes turned to Clerk Smith as he pulled open the massive volume and flipped to the last page. He then announced, "At 5:17 PM on this the first day of August in the year 1991, the annulment of the marriage between Lucius Abraxas Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy née Black for breach of contract was recorded."
Griselda Marchbanks pounded her gavel once and said, "Acting Lord Potter has demonstrated that he has the power he has claimed. Lord Malfoy, you are excused from this august body."
"You have not heard the end of this, boy!"
Aurors appeared to escort Malfoy from the chamber.
Marchbanks then turned back to Harry and asked, "Who do you name as your proxy for the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black?"
"I, Harry James Potter, Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black name Andromeda Tonks née Black, daughter of the House of Black in good standing, as my proxy until such times as I no longer retain the title or either of us determines this proxy is not in the best interests of House Black."
Gasps rang out from many of the darker families realizing that the Black family had just shifted into a light grey category.
"Andromeda Tonks née Black, please step forward and take your Oath of Office."
Andi stood, and walked up to stand in front of the Chief Witch.
"Repeat after me. I, state your name, swear on my life and magic to serve as a faithful proxy to the House of Black. So mote it be.
"I, Andromeda Tonks née Black swear on my life and magic to serve as a faithful proxy to Acting Lord Harry James Potter of the House of Black and, through his vision, to the House of Black. So mote it be."
Andi had discussed the purpose of her modified oath with Harry before they attended. If she swore to the House of Black, any member of the Black Family could challenge her. However, by swearing to Harry and to the House of Black only through his vision for it, only Harry (or Sirius if he was freed) could challenge any action she took. She had just announced that the House of Black would be changing and that the existing members of the House had better get in line if they knew what was good for them.
Marchbanks did not even pause as most of the rest of the Wizengamot gasped.
"Acting Lord Potter, who do you name as your proxy for the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter?"
"I, Harry James Potter, Acting Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter name my vassal, Sensei Bryton Adam Chase as my proxy until such times as I no longer retain the title or either of us determines this proxy is not in the best interests of House Potter."
The pink toad shouted out, "You can't! That thing is a mudblood who stole his magic from some pureblood! He has no place in this body."
"Madam Umbridge! You will control yourself or you will be banned from this chamber. While there has never been a muggleborn appointed as a proxy, the law is very clear. A proxy may be any witch or wizard who has reached age 17 and who does not have lycanthropy."
"Sensei Bryton Adam Chase, please step forward and take your Oath of Office."
Chase stood, and walked up to stand in front of the Chief Witch.
"Repeat after me. I, state your name, swear on my life and magic to serve as a faithful proxy to the House of Potter. So mote it be.
"I, Bryton Adam Chase swear on my life and magic to serve as a faithful proxy to Acting Lord Harry James Potter of the House of Potter and, through his vision, to the House of Potter. So mote it be."
Marchbanks turned to Harry, "I thought his name was Sensei Bryton Chase. Care to explain?"
"I apologize, Chief Witch Marchbanks. Sensei is a title of respect for the position he holds in my life, much like professor or headmaster."
Diggle chose that moment to object. "Objection, Chief Witch! It is clear that this muggleborn youth has exerted improper influence over Mr. Potter. Further, I was appointed by Chief Warlock Dumbledore, who is this confused boy's legal guardian."
"Might I respond, Chief Witch Marchbanks?"
"Of course, Acting Lord Potter."
"For the last several years, Sensei Chase is the only adult who has taken an interest in my safety and wellbeing. He took steps to address the abuse and neglect I suffered at the hands of my mother's sister and her husband. He also took it upon himself to introduce me to the wizarding world, its history, its customs, and how to defend myself. He has also shown me much of the low level magic that people of my station would have learned from their families."
Amelia Bones spoke up at that point. "Sensei Chase is named in both Potters' wills as a suitable guardian. After seeing how Acting Lord Potter has behaved today, I am willing to certify that Sensei Chase has served as a suitable guardian to the extent permitted to under Albus Dumbledore's illegal manipulations. The goblins recognize him as such as well."
"Now see here! Dumbledore would never have done anything illegal. If, as he claims, the child was abused and neglected, why didn't this young man report it to the authorities?"
Harry actually growled. "I happen to know that he did on multiple occasions. In my presence, he spoke with at least four different aurors. Nothing ever happened about those complaints.
"I am not surprised, however. Each time one of my teachers, administrators, nurses, doctors, or other responsible adults reported suspected abuse to the non-magical authorities, they mysteriously forgot about it and were subsequently under the impression that I was liar, that my aunt and uncle took great care of me, and that there was no reason to believe any of my stories no matter how black and blue I was from the beatings. Only I, my aunt, my uncle, and, sometimes, my cousin remembered that the authorities had been notified.
"One time, I was even removed from their home. The next morning, I was back with no recollection of how I had gotten there.
"Sensei was the one who made sure I had at least two good meals a day every single day. He also made sure that I had the school supplies I needed to excel in my schoolwork. With his help, I managed to skip three grade levels already and get into a great public school.
"He gave me a sense of hope, a sense of purpose, and a place where I belonged.
"All Dumbledore did was illegally disregard my parents' wills, name himself my 'guardian', empty the Potter Family Vaults of all money and heirlooms, place me with my aunt and uncle against the explicit wishes of my parents as he had been told the day before they died, and make sure that I was stuck in an abusive environment. Oh, yes, and in the two times I have met him in person, he has tried to memory charm me, has implied I have an improper sexual relationship with him, and repeatedly attempted to kidnap me to prevent me from speaking with the goblins.
"My only regret is that I did not do worse than stab his hand and take his wand when he tried to draw on me."
Diggle laughed, "You expect us to believe this nonsense? You are obviously delusional and a liar. You expect anyone in this body to believe that you disarmed Dumbledore? Those pictures in the paper are obviously fakes."
"You, sir, are a delusional fool. You also obviously do not have my interests at heart. Just to be clear, YOU ARE FIRED."
Andi, Augusta, Remus, and Chase were all getting nervous. Harry had obviously faced too much in the past two days and was quickly approaching his breaking point. He had done so well up to this point, but he was rapidly losing his cool, which could undo his entire good first impression.
Then, it happened. Diggle stood and pulled his wand.
This time, Harry had come prepared. Instead of just his two boot daggers, he had his full set on him. Daggers flew from both of Harry's arms. Diggle had barely had time to bring his wand to level before the first dagger sliced his right bicep and the second dagger sliced into his right shoulder.
Diggle dropped the wand and by the time he looked up, he saw Harry had prepared another two daggers.
In his growing frustration and fear, Harry struggled to remember what Andi had told him only an hour or so previously.
"Mr. Diggle of the Minor House of Diggle, you have pulled a wand on the Acting Lord of two Most Ancient and Noble Houses. Under the laws governing the Wizengamot, I could kill you where you stand or have either proxy do so. This is your only chance. Leave now with your life intact. Continue down this path and your life will end just as your honor and dignity already have."
Seeing Diggle reach to pull the dagger out of his shoulder, Harry shouted, "Do not remove either of them until you get medical assistance. Once they are removed, your bleeding will be much more severe and you could die."
Diggle ignored him and pulled out both daggers. He quickly fell unconscious from the loss of blood.
Harry murmured under his breath, "Idiot. I warned him."
Unfortunately, he was overheard by the entire body since it had fallen completely silent.
Fortunately for Diggle, an auror had arrived almost immediately and began emergency first aid.
Amelia Bones spoke to Harry, "Acting Lord Potter, I am sorry but you will not be able to have your two daggers back until after Diggle's trial."
"That is okay. I have several spare waiting back at my place."
One of the Wizengamot members said, "Acting Lord Potter, that was a most informative demonstration of your abilities and that your Sensei? has trained you well."
Deciding to try to take back some control of the situation, Harry recalled Chase's advice to "always downplay your abilities."
"Thank you, sir. I apologize that I do not know who you are. However, much of that was luck. I was not aiming for either his bicep or his shoulder. I did not expect the first two daggers to do much actual harm. That is why I reached for two others."
"No need to apologize, Acting Lord Potter. I should have introduced myself to you." It was clear from his tone of voice though that Harry had failed an important test.
"I am Lord Daniel Greengrass…"
Harry picked up from there, "Of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Greengrass, aligning primarily with the grey faction of the Wizengamot, married to Loraine Greengrass née Longbottom, and father to Daphne and Astoria Greengrass.
"I apologize sir that I did not recognize you from your picture. Sensei Chase did have me study each of the families of the Wizengamot. It is my own fault that I did not review the photographs for each member before I came here.
"In my defense, I did not know I would be before this body today until Dowager Longbottom told me of the emergency meeting this afternoon."
Harry internally smirked at his play on words there. He hoped that he Wizengamot members would take it to mean that he had not learned of the meeting until this afternoon rather than his actual meeting of "an emergency meeting scheduled for this afternoon."
Greengrass nodded and said, "In that case, I am most impressed. I welcome your proxies to this body and look forward to seeing the impact they have. It is clear to me that Sensei Chase has done well in providing your training while he did not have physical guardianship of you.
"If I may ask, what will happen to your guardianship now?"
"That is complicated, Lord Greengrass."
Amelia spoke up, "That actually ties in to the next issue of business on the agenda. Perhaps Acting Lord Potter could sit with one of his proxies and we could move on?"
Madam Marchbanks said, "Agreed. Please take a seat Acting Lord Potter. Sensei Chase, welcome to this body."
Once both took their seats, Marchbanks continued, "Madam Bones, what is this new business?"
"Last night, at the official reading of the Potter wills, Acting Lord Potter brought a matter of grave importance to my notice. According to the blood based account statement that Gringotts provided to Acting Lord Potter on his eleventh birthday, his sworn godfather Sirius Orion Black was incarcerated pending trial."
The entire gallery went crazy. A sworn godparent could not do anything to actively harm their godchild or they would lose their magic. The "pending trial" also indicated that Black was never convicted.
A man Harry recognized as Theodore Nott due to how much he looked like a rat rose and said, "Obviously there is a mistake on Gringotts part. Everyone knows of Black's betrayal."
Bones pulled out the Wizengamot's pensieve and said, "Head Unspeakable Croaker, if you would?"
Croaker poured a copy of Lily Potter's memory from the will signing into the pensieve and then said, "There were four memories from the will signing. I have viewed each of the four. They are identical except for the slightly different perspectives. Each memory is authentic. I saw absolutely no sign of tampering. However, if this body as a whole or any individual members would like to see the other three, that can be arranged as well."
After viewing the memory, the Wizengamot was outraged.
Fudge stood up and made clear, "I was an obliviator sent to the scene. Later, I observed Dumbledore convince Crouch and Bagnold that Sirius was obviously guilty so there was no need for a trial."
Crouch looked up from his seat at that. "Nonsense. That never happened. Black had a fair trial before the Wizengamot and was found guilty by an overwhelming majority of the members of this body."
Almost all of the others were nodding along with that.
Bones asked Crouch, "What role did you play in that trial?"
"I was sick. I believe my assistant Weatherby handled the trial."
"I see." Bones then turned to several Wizengamot members who had nodded their heads. After questioning an even dozen of them, it became clear that something was going on. Regardless of whether the person was light, grey, or dark, everyone remembered being sick for Black's trial but remembering that he had been overwhelmingly convicted.
Bones then asked the Wizengamot at large. "Does anyone here actually remember being present at Black's trial?"
Not a single person raised their hand.
Theodore Nott spoked up again, "This is outrageous! Are you claiming someone managed to memory charm the entire Wizengamot?"
"Although I did not suspect that when I came in here, from what you and our fellow members have described, that appears to be the case, Lord Nott.
Harry was actually sitting right between Andi and Chase, both sitting in the Black family seating area since the Potter one was an active investigation area.
Andi had been whispering in Harry's ear for several minutes already.
Harry stood up, "Excuse me, Chief Witch Marchbanks and Madam Bones?"
"Yes, Acting Lord Potter?"
"I believe I might be able to help. However, to do so, I will need to do some magic. Could I get an exemption from the Reasonable Restriction on Underage Sorcery?"
Now everyone was looking at Harry. Some were amused. Others were confused. Still others were angry.
Marchbanks asked, "What spell?"
"My understanding from my proxies is that a memory charm can be reversed with a simple 'finite incantatem' if it is done with the same wand.
"I suspect that Dumbledore used his own wand to do this. I took his wand from him yesterday.
"If I am right and he did cast the spell on each of you, wouldn't that return your memories to you?"
Umbridge stood and shouted, "Ridiculous! You are just an attention seeking liar! Of course we will not give you consent to flaunt Wizarding law you half-blood upstart!"
Marchbanks addressed her, "Madam Umbridge, you were already warned. I am not Albus 'give them an infinite number of chances to change' Dumbledore. You are hereby banned from this chamber unless a majority of the members of this body vote to overturn my decision."
"You cannot do this to me!"
"Aurors, escort her out."
Turning to Amelia, Marchbanks continued, "There is no need for this body to grant Acting Lord Potter a waiver as you can do so on your own authority."
"I will complete the form. However, before Acting Lord Potter attempts cast a spell on any of the members of this body, I want to have him practice it.
"Respectively, I move that we table this conversation and take a brief recess. During that time, I will complete the required paperwork and I will have Acting Lord Potter work with one of my senior aurors to ensure that he can cast the spell flawlessly."
When no one objected, Marchbanks banged her gavel and called for a half-hour recess.
Harry spent the next two and a half hours working with Shacklebolt and practicing the charm. For the last ninety minutes of that, Harry would hand the wand to Shacklebolt who would then cast a memory charm a kneazle. He would then give the wand back to Harry who would then cast finite incantatem on the kneazle. After they had done that over forty-five times, Shacklebolt said they needed to stop.
"We cannot keep doing this to Boots. I have already shown her where the treat is and then obliviated her memory of the treat. You have then reversed it and allowed her to eat the treats. If we keep this up, she will not be able to fit through the doors."
Boots was not impressed with the treatment she had suffered at the hands of the two wizards and at this insult clawed the auror's arms several more times before daintily walking away. To her credit, his legs were already a bloody mess.
"I guess she did not like you calling her fat," Harry laughed. He cast one last finite incantatem intending to remove all the spells still on the poor kneazle.
The two then made their way back to the chamber.
They stepped in just in time to hear Lord Greengrass ask, "Can we really trust the goblins to ensure a wizard gets a fair trial?"
Amelia responded. By now, her voice was rather hoarse. "They are willing to have Lord Ogden and Madam Marchbanks as witnesses from this body, five representatives from domestic and international media, Cuthbert Mockridge and myself representing the Ministry, and a live broadcast of the proceedings on the WWN."
Harry cleared his voice slightly to draw her attention.
"Oh, yes, Acting Lord Potter will also be there for the proceedings as a Friend of the Goblin Nation."
That stopped all conversation in the chamber as the members once more looked to the unassuming boy who had surprised them repeatedly over the course of the meeting.
Shortly after that, the Wizengamot voted 52 to 38 that they would endorse the goblin proceeding and would only try Dumbledore once the goblins were finished with him.
Madam Marchbanks then turned back to Harry and Shacklebolt.
"How did your practice session go?"
"Acting Lord Potter mastered the spell rather quickly. He would let me use the wand to cast spells and then he would try to undo them using finite incantatem.
"He was successful to the point that I cast up to eleven spells on an object with the wand and Acting Lord Potter would then remove only one of those spells, whichever one I requested he remove.
"He practiced removing memory charms on the office kneazle. By my count, he removed the charm selectively forty-eight times.
"As a word of caution, if you go into the bullpen area, be careful around Boots tonight. She is not happy that she stopped getting fed. She is downright angry about the color changing charms, the curling of her fur, and several other spells I cast on her to make sure Acting Lord Potter could selectively remove a memory charm from a living being. Braiding her tail fur really seemed to bother her."
Harry then asked, "Do you want me to just focus on any memory charm related to Sirius Black's Trial or on any memory charm Dumbledore applied?"
Most of the Wizengamot were skeptical that this would work at all. However, in the end, they all decided that they would rather have any memory charm Dumbledore had applied removed.
Amelia, Augusta, Andi, and Chase lined up to be the first human test subjects for Harry.
After Harry cast the spell on the first three, they each sat dazed. However, each of the women was becoming more and more angry the longer they sat in the seat.
When Harry cast on Chase, he shook his head a few times and then said, "I am going to kill that bloody bastard!"
Andi nodded at that and said, "I am going to strangle him with his beard. Arcturus came to speak to me about reinstating me into the family shortly before he died. I also remember agreeing to be one of the potential guardians for Harry."
Augusta had tears streaming down her cheeks. "The healers have a technique that they think could bring my Frank and his Alice back. Dumbledore removed the memory of that from me and from the healers. He left behind a memory that their situation was hopeless and that they would never get better.
"Also, I remember him casting a memory charm on me to make me think that Black had a trial."
Amelia shook her head a few times and then said, "He has charmed my memory dozens of times. I am struggling to put them all into perspective. Some of the things blamed on You-Know-Who appear to have been by Dumbledore instead. I will need to meditate and rest before I can sort this all out. But I can say with certainty that Black never had a trial."
After that, Marchbanks said, "I am going to adjourn us until noon tomorrow. Everyone who wants their memories returned, let Acting Lord Potter do so tonight so that you can get a full night's sleep and so that we can be an influence free, functional body tomorrow afternoon."
After seeing the difficulty the women had, only eleven of the remaining Wizengamot members were willing to let Harry cast upon them: Marchbanks, Greengrass, Nott, Ogden, and, surprisingly, Fudge were among that number.
Not knowing he was using the Elder Wand, Harry did not realize that he was releasing every memory charm Dumbledore had done to these people in his 162 years of life. Many of these dated back to when current Wizengamot members were students of or with Dumbledore.
Harry was so exhausted that he barely made it back to the Dursleys. Once more, it was so late that they were all asleep when he arrived. However, tacked to the door to his bedroom was a note from his aunt:
Harry:
Just because we agreed for you to attend Hogwarts, do not think that you can stay out to all hours of the night and not do your chores. I expect
to talk to you tomorrow morning before you leave.
Aunt Petunia.
Harry pulled out his mailbox and wrote a brief letter to Amelia asking her to stop by in the morning, preferably between 7:00 and 8:00 so that he could reveal some things to his aunt, uncle, and cousin.
He also wrote a note to Dragonflame asking him to provide a bank draft for £ 1,000 payable to his aunt with a memo line of Reimbursement of Expenses for HJP.