I thought that I would get to Balmoral Castle this chapter, but I was 7K into the chapter before the trial even started. I've already started to plan the next chapter and I have some other items to include, but we should have at least part of the meeting with the queen in the next chapter. That should be fun.
As always I welcome your feedback. Both positive and negative-it really does help keep me writing (typing).
As always- all of this is JK Rowling's and we're just messing with her stuff.
My Beta is ill and working a lot of hours- so any errors are my own- and I apologize in advance. Let me know if they're too numerous or too egregious.
Thanks again for enjoying this with me.
Bob.
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They had returned and found the notification for Sirius' trial. Harry immediately sent Hedwig out to both Sirius and the Tonks. Not leaving anything to chance. He didn't trust anyone associated with the ministry. He could've used the mirror, but after a long emotion day fueled by alcohol, the two triads didn't feel like walking so they broke the rules again by apparating to the Hogwarts gates. They weren't reckless enough to apparate through the wards. That would have notified Dumbles and their aim was to treat him as much like a mushroom as possible. (Kept in the dark and fed a lot of crap.) They doubted whether anyone saw them, but the fine of 100 Galleons each didn't phase them.
They had avoided detentions for the most part, although they spoke about trying to sort out Mr. Filch soon. Besides Harry already skipping many classes, the only perk he could think of coming from the thrice-damned tournament. They utilized their time going through strategies to use for the trial. Hedwig got a lot of use and was satisfied for the first time in a while.
The expected confrontation came a day earlier than everyone had predicted. It was dinner time and Albus had been quiet recently. The kids knew he was up to no good, but even the hat couldn't enlighten them. In fact, it was the hat that had warned them to come up with some protections for the trial. After a thousand years it had scanned many devious minds. While it never retained the memories of those children, it learned traits, strategies, tactics, and plans. Besides composing the following years' song the excess time allowed it to imagine many a scenario. One of the hats most often repeated laments was the bombardment of the thoughts of 100,000 preteens. The hopes, dreams, and machinations of prepubescent children. He likened it to being attacked by 100 children throwing marshmallows. Cute, but after a bit annoying.
The hat let slip that he often had Fawkes bring him to Luna and they dream walked together. The hat claimed it was most fun he ever had since the great prank war of 1209. The hat wouldn't tell them what happened except to say, "It wasn't pretty. Rowena and Helga got retribution on the two guys so well that neither of the guys ever slept the night through afterward."
"Mr. Potter. Mr. Longbottom. I have scheduled for you two to act as ambassadors for our school. While it is last minute it is important to the future of the Magical England. You , Lord Potter, will return in plenty of time for your third task. By the way, this is an ICW sponsored event. To aid in your departure, I have procured an international portkey. It will depart in two hours and take to other schools of witchcraft and wizardry in Cyprus, Rhodesia, and ..."
"No thank you, headmaster. Had you given us more time then perhaps we could accommodate you. Lord Potter and I have many responsibilities here. Magical England would be better served by someone with more international experience. You would be my primary choice. Being the Supreme Mugwump as well as the Chief Wizard."
"No, no, no," Dumbledore answered. "I'm just as busy as you."
This was being delivered in the middle of the dining hall. Harry wondered why Dumbledore always chose this venue for his confrontations. Especially since he seldom won any.
The exchange fooled almost no one. Only the youngest or truly innocent believed the discourse.
"Perhaps your ladies then. With their varied backgrounds and abilities they may be a better choice."
Harry and Neville looked at each other. This had never been about them, he wanted to get the girls under his control. "With regrets headmaster. Both Lord Potter's and my mates also have prior engagements.
"Perhaps Mr. Nott and Miss Patrice Boyle?" Harry interjected. "They have, excuse me, I used the wrong tense, they will serve your ends nicely. And would I'm sure, fit in with your plans well."
"Are you trying to be smart Mr. Potter?" His voice dropped an octave and he sounded dangerous.
Mr. Innocent answered. "Who me? As at least one of your professors has pointed out, that is something I could not be. I'm just sorry we couldn't visit those countries to properly greet the waiting people."
That had no ominous overtones at all, and the bright smile belied the deadly intent of the words.
Dumbledore smiled weakly, "Very well milords. I shall make some time this summer to properly instruct you. You are, after all going to be interacting with the other Wizengamot members. You'll need some hard instruction."
Even if some caught the implied threats, no one could be sure so the rest of the meal passed in relative silence. More than a couple of the instructors had planned on meeting following the confrontation. Just like the others, they had been freed of the effects of the Antipathy and were appalled at their and Dumbledore's actions.
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It had been a busy week. Sirius's trial was set for Friday. Although officially it was classified as a hearing, no one expected there to be just three judges. Amelia had sent an owl officially inviting all of the teens. They anticipated the missive would save them from another argument with Dumbledore.
They were each working hard on their homework and were all struggling to stay abreast of it. All week long witches and wizards would stop by to apologize individually. Overall a most depressing week.
Of course, the six thought that Thursday evening wasn't too bad. The girls had stopped telling the boys who exactly was coming over that evening. They heard but barely acknowledged the appointment. Noblesse Oblige dictated they had to acknowledge the various students as they tried to rebuild the Alliance. Not only was it socially mandated, but everyone could see the benefit of having acquaintances and hopefully at some point friends willingly follow their lead in the Wizengamot when the other gentlemen and ladies assumed their rightful places.
Susan was the easiest. She had actually come to see them three nights in a row. First by herself and then leading the others by twos and threes. It mollified the guy's attitude and the girls had the start of what everyone hoped was a good friendship.
Her first evening back she had looked everyone dead in the eye after again curtsying deeply. "I screwed up. I have no defense. While I knew that schooling was the primary place for forming friendships and building alliances, I never really looked beyond my house. I hadn't really given it any thought. I guess I imagined that sometime after Hogwarts we would automatically become friends. Of course,: she added pausing after a painful memory crossed her mind. "This was after I received the flushing potion."
"I understand that's really uncomfortable to go through." Hermione tried to commiserate.
"Yeah, it was. Both times."
"Both?"
"Auntie gave me a second dose after the first had run its course, just to make sure that, 'The shit between my ears had cleared out."
Thursday Susan was conspicuous by her absence. The last three had spoken to the girls and were due any moment.
The normally staid Daphne said it may be best to lighten up on these three. We all know how they drive you guys up the wall. But unless you want this to carry on and create some problems down the road..."
Harry normally didn't have much of an opinion when it came to these social situations. Relying heavily on Neville and the girls to keep him from any social gaffs. "That depends on their attitude. Their lords proscribed their punishment. No matter what, I will not interfere with that. Luna, when is the new moon anyway?"
In false anger she snapped, "Why are you asking me? Just because my name is Luna? That's..that's Luna abuse!"
Not fooled at all, he grabbed and nuzzled her underneath her left ear. It was much more sensitive than under the right. Another puzzle for another day. She started to giggle and squirm, "Well little moon. Do you know or not?"
"Of course I know Harry. My name is Luna after all. I wanted you to work for it is all. It's in three days time."
"Then it doesn't matter." He said once more turning serious. "I'll do my job, but we'll see how they act."
If they hadn't been expecting it, they might have missed the timid knock. Winky had answered the door and left them in the entranceway as she walked the four feet back towards the masters and mistresses to see if they were in. The six were dressed in their formal robes. The three young ladies came in their faces ashen tears standing in their eyes. They curtseyed to the two young lords who had stayed seated on the couch contrary to proper decorum. The ladies stood behind them and looked on silently.
Neville and Harry just watched the three who stayed in that uncomfortable position. They daren't even raise their eyes off the floor.
Unwilling to play this out any further, Neville commanded, "Rise and take a seat ladies."
Gratefully, they rose as a unit and sat as if it had been rehearsed to be simultaneous.
Harry hadn't planned on speaking, but he blurted, "Can you tell we're still angry at you?"
Lavender hadn't had much chance to speak. Especially since her friend had been forbidden to converse with her. The rest of the school hadn't been inclined to speak either. The Gryffindor's mostly in support but some being small minded and wanting to further her punishment. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw did not want to interfere in the punishment from two lords of Ancient and Noble houses, and the Slytherins because they enjoyed seeing anyone else suffer, especially if it was one of the hated house.
The professors found themselves asking her more and more questions partly so she could at least use her voice and partly to see if her enforced reticence would sharpen her mind.
"My lords. Your anger is justified. There is no excuse for my actions and my continued disobedience. My lord had commanded me to offer myself to you in any fashion you would want me."
"As our lord did us." Padma volunteered.
"There will be none of that," Neville answered nipping that in the bud. "We will correspond with your lords and inform them of your compliance with their directives. Lord Potter and I are quite content with the ladies that have consented to marry us. A refusal on our part is by no means an insult to you or your lords." Wanting to get this back on track, he continued, "Nor does your offer mitigate the harm you have done. Our furor has not decreased at all."
"What would you have us do?" Pavarati missed speaking to her friend. One more complaint from anyone would see her and her sister pulled from the school and returned to India for education. She and her twin interpreted that to mean forced marriage.
Harry shrugged. "I have no idea. Lord Longbottom and I are going to out for fifteen minutes. When we return we expect you and the ladies to have something worked out between yourselves."
They stood up to leave and walked to the door without even a "goodbye" to their mates. Neville turned around with one further message. "Harry has the right of it. We're fed up with the treatment of our ladies. There will be nothing but pain for whoever insults them next. Think on that until we return."
Fifteen minutes wasn't enough time to even get in trouble properly. The two took a trip to the kitchen and spied the growing bellies of the female elves. The elves had always been happy to see them. Now they were ecstatic. Even the few males they saw held wide smiles. With so many to cook and clean for, there were many elves present, even some sporting different liveries. They two were happy and pregnant.
"It's a good thing elves prefer to work out of sight. I'm not sure the headmaster would be happy to find the females with child."
"What's with that anyway? Dobby or the girls didn't know. He even asked Bossman."
Neville chuckled, "It's one of the few investments Albus has. Believe it or not he's in bed with Malfoy!"
"Huh?"
"Yeah, I don't know how or why either. Grandmother 'accidentally' overheard them one day after a Wizen meeting. They either forgot to put up the privacy charms or they failed, but either way, she overheard them discussing profits from the sale of elves from the continent. By refusing to let the elves procreate it set them up to make a killing once the elves needed to be replaced. It's a long-term plan but with a corner on the market they can charge whatever they want."
"He is going to be so angry when he finds out."
They had finished their hot chocolate after a friendly wave to the elves they were meandering their way back to the flat.
"Is Dobby still being abused as the elf-whore?"
Harry shook his head. "Not as much. I've seen every once in a while him flip a sickle to Misty or Winky, but it's much more manageable."
"Aren't the other male elves available?"
He shrugged, "Beats me. He only tells me it's she-elf business. I'm fairly certain some of this is repeat business too. Last week I saw a very pregnant she-elf hand him a couple of coins. He just shook his head and sighed before taking her hand and giving her his tagline."
The girls were a little confused as the chuckling guys walked in quoting, "Youse is so pretty..."
The seven girls had reached an understanding. Lavender was especially nervous that Harry or Neville would hex her and kick her out. Her father had been so incensed he had threatened to disown her. She had been sitting on the couch, one leg crossed over the other and the floating foot tapping up and down fast than hummingbird wings beat. When the two powerful young men entered she had jumped up like the couch was on fire.
The guys had forgotten about the three girls until they entered and saw Lavender jump for the ceiling followed quickly by the two Indian princesses. Seeing her fear sobered them. Enough for Harry to say, "Relax Lav. There will be no beatings today."
Hermione interrupted him before he could say something to exacerbate the situation. "We've reached an agreement, my lords."
Harry and Neville sat on the first couch squeezing in between their girls. They each wound up with one of their ladies on their laps. Harry was happy to pull Hermione over. He was careful to show affection to each of his mates. Just as they were to each other.
Neville waved to the girls to resume their seats. "And?"
"And we need help," Tracey volunteered. "You guys careen from one disaster to the next leaving us to pick up the pieces and keep track of everything else while you're saving the world."
It was Daphne's turn. Neville wondered if they practiced this stuff before hand. All four of them worked seamlessly with each other and where one stopped another picked up like it was planned. Knowing Hermione and Daphne, it probably was.
"We need help with not only school work, but people's attitudes and the current trends, and rumors. If something is happening in Hogwarts, these three will hear of it."
Luna quit her 1000 yard stare to join in. "Part of the troubles were our fault for not acting quicker."
"And letting the heirs know that their behavior would not be allowed." Hermione finished, "As well as advising us on some of the more feminine aspects of our education that are lacking. While we adore what the physical conditioning has done for us, there so much more we can learn about makeup, accessorizing, that kind of thing."
"You don't have to convince us," Harry started.
It was the guys turn to twin-speak. "If you think you need it, then we are all for it."
"See," Luna said to the visitors. "We told you they needed to recharge their nargle repellant system. Afterwards they would calm down and be fine."
"How did we do that?" Harry was afraid to ask.
"Well, the two most popular ways are either through orgasm or chocolate."
Neville quickly volunteered, "It was the chocolate. Definitely the chocolate!"
The trio had left feeling better than they had. There was hope for them now. And they had each promised to assist the Longbottoms and Potters instead of just co-existing. The door hadn't closed more than fifteen seconds when another knock disturbed them. Everyone had cursed either verbally or in the silence of their mind as Misty answered the door.
The ginger twins along with their baby sister had what could only be considered an avaricious smile.
"You know you have the whole school conditioned, that when you two smile the professors break out into a sweat."
"School is so much fun," one started.
"A couple of hours of teachers," the other continued.
"The rest of the day for fun and profit!" They concluded.
It was obviously rehearsed. "That was pretty lame you two. It's a good thing you've got me."
"What mischief are you three cooking up today?"
"Funny you should say cooking," a new round of twin speak started.
"We've got a new product for your pizza restaurant," Forge continued.
"Stop it you two. You're giving me a headache, and I'm used to you!" Ginny had really blossomed recently. She was a beautiful young lady who had the boys drooling over her. Each of the six had noticed she had gotten over her shyness with Harry as well as her infatuation. Because she was a Griff Neville and Harry had kept an eye on her. They watched for all of the students, but they felt a duty to protect all the girls in school especially the ones of their house.
She turned to her hosts. "The dual dodos here have come up with a new product. Rather than market it ourselves, we thought it a perfect fit for the pizza place."
"What is it?" Everyone was appropriately wary whenever one of the twins came in with "gifts".
Fred, at least some thought he was Fred. Had a small box reminiscent of a donut box. The twins waved their wands and a drumroll played. Another wave and it was accompanied by a fanfare. Growing impatient Tracey grabbed the box and opened it. "Cheese sticks?"
"Cheese wands," one of the monkeys corrected.
"Breaded cheese wands," the other overly playful, almost human added unnecessarily.
"Will you two shut up? This is what you pay me for." The twins had each grabbed a cheese wand and were waving it around. It actually left a trail in the air following the path.
Harry started to sniff the air, "Does anyone else smell peanut butter?"
Gred turned to Forge, "Peanut butter? Really? For a demonstration? Gin-Gin's right. I should never have dropped you on your head."
"As I remember it was me that dropped you, and I happen to like peanut butter. There's a jelly one in there somewhere as well."
The six for once were enjoying someone else's antics. The twins as always brought a smile to their faces.
"Sit!" Ginny commanded stabbing at the couch with her index finger. One started to speak, "Silence! The adults are talking!"
Instead of looking angry, or contrite, the tins each smirked. They knew what they were about.
"I swear they're worse every day. They've spent every free moment for the last three weeks in the kitchens with the elves. Then they finally came out with this and they haven't come down from their high yet." She turned back to one of them, "Peanut butter, really? Whoever heard of peanut butter and cheese?"
Forge was happily munching on the end of his cheese wand, he shrugged and rejoined, "Jelly and cheese are good too. Don't knock it until you've tried it."
She shuddered and rejoined the other conversation. "They're genius' but so hard to get too focused when they're like this. No wonder why Mum acts the way she does."
Gred stopped munching on his cheese wand to add, "It's a simple spell really and tied to the individual cheese wand. You can have your cheese wand plain."
"Plain is so boring. You haven't lived until; you've tried cheese stick and day-old sardines. It's to die for."
"Why would anyone," Hermione started. but shuddered as she thought of the combination. "You want us to sell these for you? Or sell the recipe to us?"
Ginny was in her element, "No we want to sell you the license. We believe in your pizza place and think it's going to be here a long time. We have the recipe and the specific spell that goes along with it. We want to license this with you for the standard 100 years with renewal options."
After the recent trouble they had with the allied families and the licenses and spell use contracts the Potters and Longbottom's held, they were all conversant with them. Maybe not so surprisingly the oldest two, the twins, were the least familiar, but Ginny proved their faith in her ably negotiating with the six. Finally agreeing to a seven percent share of profits from the sale of the cheese wands after a 30-day trial run for marketability and profitability.
"So you can preload any flavor into the cheese wand?"
The twins nodded in synchronicity while happily munching on still more cheese wands they pulled from somewhere within their robes. One stopped chewing long enough to say, "We call them Chwands. And with the spell we've come up with it's never failed to load the requested flavor."
Daphne interrupted, " Hmm. Need to make one change."
The twins suddenly looked apprehensive.
"You'll also need to develop cheese swords or cheese knives or something. No goblin will willingly hold a wand."
They each scratched their scraggly beard chin. "That's easy. But we'll have to change the spell a little for them. We'll call them..."
"Chwards!" They yelled in stereo.
They discussed whether the Chwards would be able to handle the flavors that goblins might like. They assured everyone it would.
"Better give baby barf a pass though. Didn't much care for that."
More than one lady exclaimed, "Ewww!"
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Sirius had spent a lot of time talking on the mirror in preparation for the trial. He could speak to Remus' face to face as he was shuttling between the Black Bastion and Potter's Retreat. Sirius still didn't quite trust Mooney fully. Remus said that he was on his side, but he would quickly change the subject whenever Dumbledore was mentioned. The few times they did talk about the old man, Lupin would make an excuse for him. As of right now, he would always be a friend, but unless things changed, not a close one.
The kids had come up with a strategy for getting him to the courtroom. Several were suggested, one even recommending he get there the night before, but everyone gave in to Sirius' sophomoric state of mind. Everyone had a good time putting this plan together, everyone contributed. Of course some more than others.
Part of Sirius strategy was to let the kids focus on getting him to the trial, while he, Ted Tonks, and Dan Granger focused on winning the trial. Even with the overwhelming evidence of truth serum, which could not be proscribed but only volunteered by a pureblood, they felt that several key people would be against his freedom.
The six had worked all week on the spell. It was a spell that both Filius and Minerva had strongly suggested they master. They all did it early in the year and Luna had already demonstrated a version of it, but detail, speed, and size were important to dueling. Dobby and his lady elves had also helped with an idea Sirius had.
"I know he's a Marauder, but I don't want him to know our plan. You can tell him about the one Dobby helped you with."
"I understand pup. That's exactly what I did. This will all work itself out one way or the other. We'll know something better after the trial tomorrow."
"Be there no later than 9:00."
"It starts at 10:00 am."
"You're right. We'll meet at the retreat at half eight. There's no way I'm letting this fall apart Padfoot."
"I know pup. Go hug those wonderful girls. I'll see you bright and early. Out," was the signal for the mirror to disconnect. Suddenly Harry was looking at a pair of green eyes while the girls distracted him by just loving him. He didn't tell them, never even allowed the thought to stay in his surface thoughts, but he was ready to take the relationships to the next level. Soon; very soon.
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Probationary Auror third class Charles Martin hated the visitor's desk. He wanted action but none of the senior agents would take him as a junior partner. They had each been asked by top cop Bones and a few were even ordered to partner with him. They did, but as soon as the particular mission was done, they dropped him like a hot rock. You don't partner with someone you can't trust. It wasn't just because of their love for Tonks either. No one loved her, but they respected her, and knew she had "the stuff". But combined with the loss of a talented rookie and Martin's abominable work ethic, he was universally detested by all of the cliques. There was even rumor of shipping him to Azkaban, but most thought that farfetched. Those men on the rock already had enough on their plates with the hours and the dementors. No one with intelligence would willingly add to their burden.
Martin was bored and tired. He had the mid-shift yesterday at the jail and now had the visitors desk first shift. He was talking to himself under his breath even as he greeted the visitors. "Tell me there's not enough aurors," he mumbled.
Then audibly, "Place your wand here."
He carried on this vein for some time getting more and more stares. Even the lords and ladies of the Wizengamot shook their heads at him. His was the first face of the ministry that visitors saw.
Finally, one person called him on it. "Hey Martin, still can't get anyone to partner with you?"
His face reddened, but he threw it back into her face. "Tonks. At least I'm still employed with the ministry. I didn't get fired."
If he was expecting her to get angry and trip, or for her hair to turn red or her face morph several times he was disappointed. "Ha! Best thing that ever happened to me. I'm working for this lot," pointing to the six dressed in their finest robes, "and made three times your salary last month. You keep your job Martin, as long as you can that is. Don't forget you're only probationary, if no one takes you after a year as their partner they can let you go and even your family won't save you from that."
His face paled and more than one ministry insider sniggered they had known all of this, apparently, he had forgotten. It didn't help matters that a smirking Sirius Black was adding to the commotion. Surrounded by the six, and the reporters that were taking pictures and even a few screams added to the mess. Every time someone would scream Sirius would wave and blow a kiss at them. When someone called for photos, Sirius would grab whoever was near and ham it up for the shot.
Martin cursed, which was heard by almost everyone. The orders had come from above, as long as Black took no offensive action, he was to be left alone. Meanwhile, the six made use of Tonk's distraction. While everyone was focusing on the exchange, one by one, the kids were ducking into the cupboard just around the corner where all of the cleaning supplies for the entire floor were kept. It wouldn't take them but thirty seconds each to disappear into the closet and then reappear. By the time all the wands had been weighed each of them had visited the closet.
"Don't forget Martin," Tonks yelled back over her shoulder, "Everything that happens up here is on you. This is your post and you are the ministry." Quoting one of the tenets of operation of the visitor's desk.
All of the attention was on the six and Sirius. No one saw her creep back around the corner after they left. There was still a line after the teens and Sirius had delayed everyone. Tonks pointed her wand at the door and opened it and then cast a second spell before quickly moving to catch up with the kids. (A/N: The first spell opened the door, the second spell removed the temporary silencing and imprisonment ward.)
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Spinnaker had confidence in himself. This job he was told came directly from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named himself. Avery told him so, and Avery wouldn't lie to him. Would he?. He stood disillusioned in an alcove shortly past the welcome desk, right before the elevators. It was the perfect spot especially since there was a floo 30' across from him. He stood waiting for the perfect shot. He had been in place almost an hour now. If this went well he would move up in Avery's eyes and even be mentioned to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
Edwin Q. Spinnaker has been in the dark lord's employ for his entire adult life. Avery had recruited him and introduced him many years ago. But he seldom worked with anyone outside Avery's cell. But that wasn't unusual. They did that intentionally. You couldn't give up what you didn't know. He had barely gotten away from the attack on the muggle PM. It was sheer happenstance that he had been assigned to the underground car park. That and one of the few things he was good at was working with the beasts. He understood them and he likened himself to them. Keep things simple for the beasties. Pleasure is good, pain is bad." He never did care about anyone else's pleasure or pain, and the dark lord was the quickest way to the most pleasure.
"There he is," he whispered to himself. No one was paying attention anyway. Too much confusion. he didn't really care if he missed and hit one of the others, in fact, he thought he might actually be rewarded extra for it. "Course, those witches are scary powerful, I'll wait until their back is to me."
Edwin never did get a good bead on Black. He watched as the eternal teen mock danced with the mudblood. Waltzing around the larger group. He was going to fire a wider area curse when a dozen dogs burst out of one cupboard. All of the dogs were huge black things and they were suddenly barking and bounding everywhere.
Ladies were screaming, men were yelling. People were calling for the aurors.
Martin stood up and exclaimed, "The aurors are here already!" He yelled. And in trying to take charge of the situation, started to fire stunners at the dogs that were literally running in a dozen different directions.
The spells flew, luckily they were only stunners, and not auror class either. Unluckily or perhaps it was the aforementioned laziness taking its toll, none of the stunners hit the dogs, but each of the stunners found their way to people near the dogs. Probationary Officer Third Class Martin cursed as four of the five spells he used dropped someone. The fifth spell he tried to shoot at the retreating animals. No one heard the sound of the fifth spell hitting the sad sack Spinnaker who dropped like his namesake as if the wind shifted from a different quarter on the bounding main.
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Albus remembered when the ministry was first moving in. It moved into its current location after the last big muggle war. There was a lot of building going on. The last ministry being hit by a muggle bomb. As the newer buildings went up that allowed the ministry to act. Allowing St. Mungo's to move into the defunct department store was a major coup for that administration and then moving underground to an abandoned railway hub followed it for the ministry.
Albus remembered those days fondly. Everything he said in those halcyon days was pure gold. Nothing he did was questioned, except by those few. "Fleamont!" He cursed in his thoughts. "The Longbottoms and Potters were thorns even then. I keep having to prune those thorns from my English Rose. And now I need to do it some more. More's the pity. We'll blame this on Tom and the girls and the leftover boy can expend all of their energy removing the death eater threat."
He continued reviewing his plan accidentally giggling as he did so. "Then everyone will be distressed to the damage done to all of the poor misunderstood pure-bloods." He cackled as he thought of the gold that was going to flow to his coffers. "We'll have to penalize the purebloods for following Tom and the Potters and Longbottoms for their viciousness and I'm afraid the last son of those two great houses will die also killing the whichever of those girls survive. Then there will be me. Only me. Victor of two wars, their savior. And they will call me Holy Albus."
He focused on the teens coming from the elevator. He didn't need to disillusion himself. He was Albus the Great. He knew where to stand, he knew where people would look, and where they wouldn't. He was going to strike, really he was. There were enough people around that he could instantly apparate behind someone else. You can't apparate into or out of the ministry, (except of course unless you knew where those special access points were.) But you could move short distances inside the ministry, if one was powerful enough. There weren't many alive that knew that though.
He was going to give power to his spell, and in fact had already spoken part of the spell silently, when the Black in front of him said, "And don't forget we'll need to thank Matron Longbottom following the trial."
He smiled, "Someone is quite the strategist. The real Sirius Black would not call her that. Not even while speaking formally to her grandson. He enjoys riling her up and calling her Gussie. No that is an imposter. A very good one but an imposter."
The dogs had been causing havoc in the ministry for several minutes. Three had been either corralled or hit by spell fire after which they had promptly disappeared.
"Brilliant! Very few indeed know that Sirius is a dog animagus. Hiding the original among the copies. That had to be the brilliant mudblood. Well, there a way past this hurdle as well."
Calling to the public, "Those dogs could be dangerous! There's a 20 galleon reward for every dog like that captured and given to the aurors!"
The aurors near him gave him well-deserved evil looks, but couldn't say anything because of his stature.
The masses were happy. Cries of delight sprung out as word spread like a snitch with its wings on fire. Suddenly spells were being thrown everywhere. And Albus was happily "assisting." He would quietly cast a confundus, so that people began to spell each other. As the fights began, he began to hunt the dogs. He wasn't using stunners either. With his experience and power he was able to predict where the dogs were programmed to go and moved himself to the proper corridor. It was only a matter of time until he was able to kill a dog or two.
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Spinnaker woke up with a massive headache. Actually, it was an auror that woke him up. He was going to curse the auror in reflex when he heard the calming voice.
"Easy mate. You must have been stunned when people started hunting the dogs."
"Dogs?"
"Ooo. You got hit bad, didn't you? I'm Officer Anderson and someone let a bunch of dogs loose and all of a sudden there's a bounty on them. With the trial the ministry is packed." He added, "I'm not surprised you don't remember. Confusion is normal for a time after being stunned."
His brain finally caught up with events. "Trial! It hasn't started yet, has it?"
Anderson chuckled, "No. You've got 15 minutes yet. Everyone wants a seat, so you'd best hurry up." The auror stood and offered his hand to Spinnaker to help him stand. Edwin never even gave a thought to the irony that they may soon be helping the other to lay down, permanently.
A quick thank you and Wizard Spinnaker used his best speed to make it down the steps. He knew the elevators would be packed. Besides, there was a small closet one could duck into on the tenth level to avoid everyone. The stairs would place him near enough to utilize it.
Huffing and puffing Spinnaker made it down the stairs just as the teens and a Foxtrotting Sirius were entering the courtroom. This was perfect. The stairs offered a narrow shot into the court. From the fourth step, there was just enough of a narrow angle. Spinnaker wondered why no one ever covered this spot, but he didn't have time to mull over any answer. He was still breathing hard from his exertions and had to hold his breath and incant the spell.
Avery had made him practice this spell over and over. Avery had given him an hour to memorize and master it. When the hour had passed he would whip his subordinate with a switch. This was followed up every hour until Spinnaker had memorized the spell. In no time at all the light blue reductor curse flew and impacted the back of Sirius' head.
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They were enjoying themselves. That is as far as one can while walking into the lion's den. They laughed as they saw the dogs running past. Each threw up a shield as the spells started to fly. Harry heard the announcement twenty galleons per dog. It only brought more laughter. They were happy. Today was the day that would see Sirius free!
They all piled into the same elevator. Sirius. What's with the dancing?"
His godfather only laughed and tousled his hair. Tracey answered, "Misty must have helped. She loves dancing, all types." She added to everyone, "She's very good."
"I wonder if Dobs dances."
"If he didn't before, he does now. Winky's no slouch either."
Curious he asked, "How do you know all of this?"
"Harry luv," she answered sweetly. "I notice things, then I ask. How does one learn anything?"
Further conversation on the topic ceased as Neville spoke after the lift door opened, "Okay, this is the final stretch. If anything is going to happen it will happen here. Keep your shields fore and aft," he commanded.
They each knew where to stand and who was to raise which shield. Sirius was dead center, but the kids had separated from him to either side leaving him alone in the middle, just as he had asked.
They had each thought they had made it through the gauntlet. There had been many witches and wizards on either side when the sickening thud of magic impacted with the back of Sirius skull. There was a moment of silence as the import of events hit home before everyone began screaming.
Tonks knew her task. They had planned for this. Sirius had stressed how important it was that none of them be caught casting anything greater than a lumos. She reversed course and traced the spell flight back. She hadn't seen it in flight, but she didn't need to. She knew the layout of the area and had trained with Madeye himself. With that type of impact there could only be one or two spots the spell came from.
Her searching eyes found him almost at once. She heard the screaming and even heard the doors of the chamber being shut, but that was background info. Her mutt was breathing hard and moving furtively.
She knew where he was going and saw some Aurors late to the party moving into the area. She knew the hand signals and even though she wasn't an auror they respected her enough when they realized she was on the scene and giving orders. It didn't take but a minute to isolate the closet. This wasn't the first time they had caught someone running into the cupboard. The aurors argued successfully to leave the unneeded cupboard alone. It drew the mutts as sure as a galleon drew a niffler.
Two minutes later and life as Edwin Spinnaker knew was over. They would drain every drop of information he had. Which wasn't much, a lot was covered by oaths and spells. Even trying to get the other cell members was problematic without risking brain damage. Tonks was willing to risk it and told everyone that vociferously.
Albus wasn't quite certain what was happening. He had right before the doors closed ensured the last dog was blasted, but it like all of its mates disappeared and turned back into the base materials it was spawned from. He began to doubt himself. Looking again at the body lying so ignobly on the floor, maybe it was his? Maybe this was the grand plan to provide distractions while the original would walk boldly down the center of the aisle? This too fit Sirius psychological makeup.
The doors closed and the teens stood around the body. Few noticed they didn't look as broke up as they should have.
Albus put on his best sorrowful face. "I regret we were unable to bring Sirius Black in safely. Despite the best efforts of the MLE. I for one was willing to listen to him. It was rumored there was a huge miscarriage of justice that I may have inadvertently had a hand in."
"Albus Dumbledore. If you ever yell for everyone to cast spells in Ministry again, I will have you in lockup for 30 days."
Madam Bones, my apologies. I should have consulted with you first."
She couldn't stand his smug expression and his eyes were twinkling merrily. She had her occulmancy fully in place. She wanted to remember his next expression for the rest of her life. "Very well. You've been warned and it's been witnessed by the members of the Wizengamot."
"Witnessed!" A voice called. He didn't see it but thought it might have been Lord Lovegood.
"Let's get this trial underway. Shall we?"
He was visibly nonplussed. "I don't see how that's possible madam. Sirius Black lies on the floor dead by an assassin's hand. I understand that he was going to volunteer for Veritaserum."
"That's true. Let's get this over with shall we?" She turned and addressed the gallery. Sirius Black? Are you there?"
While they had been conversing Sirius had made his way down through the mass of people. He knew that everyone would want to catch the interplay between those two. It was the perfect time to move.
"That's Lord Black," he said from in between the teens. "And I've been here all night." He removed Garry's invisibility cloak. Staying with the plan they had stayed in formation near the body. When he spoke the teens moved towards the hated "hot" seat. The chains rattled but stayed off of him.
"The goblins know that I had never had a trial. As soon as I was able to get to Gringott's I received my lordship."
To call the outbreak a tumult wouldn't do justice the noise and confusion. The cameras had already been flashing, focused on the body of the golem that no longer looked like Sirius. Many were speaking to their neighbor. There was outrage, mostly form the dark alliance, while Dumbledore's mouth opened and closed like as gasping fish. The natural acoustics and spells of the place magnifying the noise.
It took three cannon blasts from Bones' wand before silence was found.
"Lord Longbottom and Lord Potter, take your seats please."
"Fine. But personal guards are allowed for all lords while in the pit. Our ladies will function as Sirius guards."
More noise. This time, control was effected by Albus' hammer. "That's highly unusual, and an insult to the fine officers of the DMLE." He said trying to raise doubts while trying to think of his options.
"No insult intended, to the fine men and women of law enforcement. They have their hands full with this lot," Sirius said sweeping his hand across the expanse of lords and ladies which raised a titter among the packed gallery. He sat with slumped, one leg hung over the arm of the chair his leg swinging back and forth and he went back to examining his fingernails. The epitome of nonchalance. "These 'four witches of power' are more than capable of protecting me. You can see they're beautiful, and they have to be smart and powerful in order to keep their lords in line."
"They're schoolgirls!" Rolfe Sr. challenged.
Sirius laughed, "Fine. You challenge them. It's your life. By the way, the youngest just beat up a Durmstang seventh year. An alternate to their international team I understand. I'm told they're hopeful he'll even walk sometime this month." His voice dropped an octave, "and she was being merciful."
Most of this had been reported in the paper already, including the fact that he had been walking for awhile now. But the fickle public will believe almost anything and Sirius knew how to play them. Once more a gavel banging was heard once more silencing the crowd.
"Very well. Let's get this going?" Albus didn't want to focus on the girls. He had to obscure everything. On the exterior, he appeared calm and controlled, inside, however, "I hate those kids. Why do they have to interfere with every plan? I'll have to take more direct action if he's freed."
Fudge had been quiet. He was almost in awe of the teens, especially the girls. While he despised the teens for interfering with his plans, he respected them. And admired them... a lot.
"Cornelius," she whispered. "Dumbledore is not in control as he appears. It might be best if you pushed things along. Make it look like you are seeking justice."
He patted her hand, the plum color went better with her coloring than the pink, but what did he know. "Perhaps you're right. Thank you, Doris."
He stood and signaled to Dumbledore to be recognized.
He sighed and thought, "What now?" "Minister?"
"Yes. Thank you, Chief Wizard. I just wanted to reiterate, our primary function here must be justice. Never again must a member of our community be held in durance vile without cause. That this occurred not only to a wizard but to a scion of a most ancient and noble house is beyond the pale. It is our stern duty to ensure justice!"
Shouts of "Hear-hear!" Was heard from every quarter.
Doris smile showed she approved. Even Mrs. Clearwater smiled as she recorded everything. He made a mental note to speak to Doris about her looking too masculine. If he understood transitioning right, she at least should be trying to look more feminine. He looked back and forth between the four teen girls and Mrs. Clearwater and sighed.
Doris reading her boss' mood and watching his view shift back and forth once more read his mood. Don't worry about her. She'll never look as good as those girls. They're teens just awakening to their power after all, but I'll speak to her and her wife and get her moving in the right direction."
"I don't know what I would do without you, Doris. None of those girls can hold a candle to you. You're invaluable to me." He whispered. It was exactly the right thing to say.
The trial began with Dumbledore challenging Madam Bones neutrality. She could not act as Crown Prosecutor since she had a relationship with him long ago and it was rumored that there was an alliance between the Ancient and Noble House of Bones and the Ancient and Noble House of Black. Without argument, Amelia stepped aside and turned the prosecution over to Pius Thicknesse.
The trial progressed and in the early going looked bad for Sirius. Percy had the dictaquill running as well as recording his personal thoughts in case any area needed clarification. Everyone heard Sirius admission, "I as good as killed them," and his almost insane laughter when he was arrested by Aurors.
Ted Tonks didn't dispute anything of the crown's witnesses. He did clarify a couple of points though. When he was able to present his defense the Aurors had to physically silence more than one person. With contempt charges pending people finally got the message.
Combining both Veritserum and a solicitor's pensive the world finally saw from his memories the events of that horrid day.
Ted walked the court through Sirius thoughts and memories as they saw as he realized he could suddenly remember the Potter's address.
They watched as Sirius hopped off the motorbike and run inside only to see and hear his scream at the sight of James body.
They heard him cry, "No, no, no." As he ran upstairs only to see Lily dead on the floor. A wailing baby Harry. Crying, "Momma, momma," as his now famous scar bled freely leaving a trail of red down his face.
In his anger and agony, they saw him finally see the tattered remains of a robe where the backlash from the spell apparently destroy the unbeatable dark lord. They heard him tell baby Harry, "I've got you now. And I promise you I'll get that bastard Wormtail."
They watched as the crying Sirius gave the baby to Hagrid who just arrived. And heard him tell him to take Harry. "There is a rat that needs to die."
Ted asked all of the right questions. The court heard him declare his innocence and saw Sirius finally catch up to Pettigrew and ask him why.
They listened carefully for the answer, but Pettigrew didn't waste time. He cast two quick spells. A diffindo which severed his finger and then a bombarda to hit the gas main that came out of the ground blowing up the street and the watching the hapless muggles die in the explosion.
Dumbledore maintained his calm visage but inside seethed. He could see no way around Black gaining his freedom.
Ted Tonks sat and Pius asked a couple clarifying questions, more concerning his escape more than anything else. The pensive evidence was quite clear.
Once again Fudge needed to take charge. "I think the evidence is clear. A grave miscarriage of justice has occurred. Let us vote now to restore a lord to his rightful place in this august body."
Cornelius was out of order, but neither Bones nor Thicknesse was going to call him on it, and Dumbledore was helpless to stop it. The whole world, if they weren't listening on the wizarding radio, would find out about it in one of the papers. He realized he had lost the moment Sirius had shown himself. His occulmancy shields raised to full power in order for him to remain calm.
The vote was anticlimactic. Only four voted for guilty and four abstentions. All from the dark alliance, but they knew they lost today as well. Soon everyone would know they failed to kill him, someone was going to suffer at the babies' tiny hands.
Minister Fudge cast a sonorous on himself. "Lord Black. If you would meet with me we'll get your pardon before we meet with the press."
The crowd silenced again, as Sirius proclaimed, "I don't want a pardon!"
Now Fudge was confused. "Lord Black?"
"Minister. A pardon connotes that I was guilty and am now forgiven. I was exonerated. A completely different thing. The only crime I am guilty of is being an unregistered animagus as you discovered in the trial. And I cannot be considered guilty of breaking out of prison, because I was never sentenced there in the first place!"
Fudge nodded his head as he mulled it over and listened to Umbridge whisper in his ear. "He's right, and we need his good graces right now. "I don't like Black or Potter, but with the gold we owe and the power of the people they hold..."
"Quite right," he said to her.
Then he repeated the same to Sirius. "Quite right Lord Black. And I promise you we'll schedule a session with you and your barrister for recompense from your ordeal and then get it ratified by the Wizengamot."
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Fudge waited for everyone on the stage. Smiles were the order of the day and Cornelius was pleased with the way everything turned out. He briefly wondered why Potter and Longbottom had been so quiet as they followed Sirius up the stairs. But didn't give it any further thought as he once more caught the four teenaged ladies coming up the steps.
They had to raise the hem of their robes to prevent them from tripping and all thought left his head as he saw four well-formed sets of ankles. Doris, as was proper was already by his side and saw what he saw. The last up onto the stage to begin the question and answer session was Percy. It was only natural that his robes had to be lifted out of the way. But the minister was a little miffed when he saw a pair of green socks and above those a couple of hairy legs. Before the first question from the press was asked he turned to Mrs. Clearwater. He didn't sound happy either as he asked, "What are you French?"
Confused, he answered, "Umm, no minister."
Dependable Doris patted his arm. "I've got it, minister. It will be taken care of by next week. I'll floo call the lady tonight."
"Percy "gulped." He wasn't sure what was up but he knew enough to think," Sometimes I hate my life."
