A/N: Harry Potter AU. In this story, many who JKR killed (Bad author! Bad!) live, including Albus and Cedric. Even better, some of the dishy ones are gay. Although not intended to be a big part of this story, except perhaps incidentally, Harry killed Voldemort in the graveyard, simply by casting a Bombarda at Wormtail and knocking him into the cauldron headfirst and catching the homunculus Voldemort in the blast. (I guess that makes his unknown power 'sheer dumb luck', after all.) You'll see what was done about any horcruxes in a flashback later on. The Hall of Government is my solution to a greater body of governance, in which once quarterly, all of the members of the Wizengamot and all of the Lords of the House of Lords meet and have essentially absolute authority. They usually address matters of import to the whole of Wizarding Great Britain (not just Wizarding England), but have the ability to address everything and anything, although they don't generally waste anyone's time with pissy little personal issues. A 'High Lord' is one who is Paterfamilias of a Noble House, although they are generally addressed simply as 'Lord'. Happy Reading!

CHAPTER TWO: Why Are You Here?

Lord Harrison Potter, Lord Lucius Malfoy and Lord Gabriel Zabini, seated together in the third tier of the Western bank of the Hall of Government, presented an excellent opportunity for observers to contemplate the different ways the description "handsome and powerful" could be applied. Each of the three wizards had an almost palpable aura of power: magical, political and financial. The combined estates of these three very wealthy men, whether part of the estates was currently a secret or not, equated to roughly 80% of the total wealth in magical Europe. Of the three, Lord Zabini was perhaps the most conventionally handsome, his bronze hair, classic Italian good looks and ready smile won him as many allies as did his political maneuverings and personal charm. Next to him, Lord Lucius Malfoy's moonlight hair and silver eyes struck many as somewhat otherworldly, and it was not unusual for suitably inclined men and women to fantasize about him as the hero of a magical creature romance, generally casting him in the role of a Veela , Light Elf, or Fae. The third of the trio, Lord Harrison Potter, was new to the political scene and, at least in terms of being a mature and eligible bachelor, new to the hungry eyes and imaginations of the panting public. His ebon-dark hair and brilliant green eyes, set within a strongly handsome face, were enough to ensure that he would feature prominently in the social pages and the imaginations of the wizarding world.

Fully aware of the image they presented, the three men focused their attention on the front of the massive hall as the venerable Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and First Lord in the House of Lords, seated himself next to the Council Leaders of the Hall of Government. Perusing the seated Lords and High Lords with a genial expression, he tapped the council table sharply with his forefinger, sending out the traditional shower of sparks and hollow knocking that signaled a Call to Order. Continuing his perusal as the Lords and gallery settled in, his gaze paused and sharpened on the gentleman seated to the left of Lucius Malfoy. For a moment, he thought he'd been looking at Lord Charlus Potter, but the wizard had been dead and gone for nearly twenty-five years now. With a growing sense of dread, his mind caught up with his eye and he realized that he was looking at Harry Potter. With a frown of consternation, he directed a practiced look of disappointment at Harry and was taken aback at the expressionless face and cold gaze of his student. What the devil was going on? Glancing at Malfoy, his eyes narrowed as the man's expression mirrored Harry's. Continuing to Malfoy's right, he saw Lord Zabini, surprisingly wearing his own expressionless mask. Lost in thought, he started a bit when Council Leader Bones waved an irritated hand in front of his face.

"Dumbledore, are you going to open the meeting, or are we all just meant to watch you contemplate great thoughts all damn night?" the harridan sharply questioned.

Expertly hiding his irritation behind his mask of affability, Dumbledore smiled ruefully and directed his gaze to Bones and sweeping it across the assembled personages. "Forgive me, my friends, I fear the increasing years occasionally make me take more time than your youthful impatience will allow."

Snorting scornfully at the jab, Bones commented, "Most of us haven't been "youths" for several decades now, Dumbledore, as you well know. But if you feel your years are beginning to affect your ability to carry out your duties, do consider the alternatives, hmm?"

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled madly at her, causing her to sneer slightly. "Now, now, Amelia, no need to fret. I can reassure you that I will be around for many years to come." Amelia's dry "I'm ever so relieved!" was met with muffled laughter from the watching Lords. The rocky relationship between these two was well-known.

Dumbledore turned his attention to business, putting aside his concern over Harry's presence to consider later. "Well, my dear friends, here we are again. I always do look forward to these joint sessions of the Wizengamot and the House of Lords; we always have such interesting debates! Now, we have before us the agenda set forth at last quarter's session, but before we begin, I will ask if anyone has any new topics to discuss?"

Pausing briefly as tradition dictated, he said, "No? Fine, then, let us….," only to stop speaking abruptly as Bones interrupted. "Honestly, Dumbledore, are you even paying attention at all? You asked for new business, and before the Lord Potter can even finish getting to his feet, you're moving on. Do focus, won't you?"

Startled, Dumbledore looked over at Harry, and sure enough the young man was on his feet, leg's spread apart and arms folded across his chest in an arrogant pose. Displeased at the interruption, Dumbledore nevertheless smiled genially again and said jovially, "Harry, my boy, I'm surprised to see you here. I will assume you have your guardians' permission to be out. What can I do for you? And please do speak quickly, we have much to discuss and need to get to official business."

One could almost shiver from the increasing drop in temperature as the cold, green stare became glacial. Acknowledging with a glance the looks of slight shock on the faces of many at Dumbledore's cavalier and dismissive greeting, the listeners were glad for the Hall's standard wide-cast sonorous as Potter began to speak in a controlled, measured baritone. "Of first importance, then, is to correct the behavior of our respected First Lord, "he began scathingly. The sarcasm as he said 'respected' was brutally evident. "I am not mistaken in believing this is an official meeting of the Hall of Government; therefore, protocol should be placed before well-crafted personal images, should it not? Therefore, as your memory appears to be slipping alongside your admitted inability to focus, allow me to refresh it for you. I am High Lord Harrison Potter. You will address me as High Lord Potter or Lord Potter. The latter option is as casual as it will get. My personal life is of no import to you; however, for the record, I am an adult and have no need for anyone's permission to conduct my life. Neither would I insult my fellows nor this institution by conducting private business in a political forum. Understood?"

Seated next to Harrison, Lucius Malfoy was having difficulty maintaining his stoic mask. Five minutes into the session and already he was enjoying himself more than the sum total of all other sessions in the past several years! The expression on Dumbledore's face was priceless and he dearly hoped that the members of the press seated in the gallery were taking pictures.

Dumbledore's twinkle had faded to a cool, blue stare, but his mask of affability remained firmly in place. With a small laugh, he offered, "I do apologize, my boy. I had not realized you were of age yet. It seems just yesterday I was teaching you, all wide-eyes and knobbly knees."

Council Leader Bones slapped a hand upon the table. "Enough, Dumbledore! What is wrong with you? The Lord Potter just clearly provided you with a lesson about protocol and, hell, simple manners that you certainly should have known, and your answer is to continue to try to condescend to him as if he's a child. This is not Hogwart's, you are not particularly beloved here, and I will stand as Second to remind you to address our Lords and members by their proper titles and with full respect." Pausing to huff exasperatedly, she added, "Besides which, I very much doubt you were ever actually one of Lord Potter's professors. As I recall, you became Headmaster about seven decades ago!"

A smattering of laughter from the avid observers managed to distract the annoyed old man from his immediate response. Gathering his dignity about him like a cloak, he nodded regally and stated, "Again, I am rightfully rebuked. Sentimentality has no place in governance. Therefore, let us simply return to business. Lord Potter, say what have you?" Dumbledore chose to return to the traditional phrases and manners of a proper lord during a public meeting, knowing that it was important for him to fully regain his audience's reverence before the meeting closed, or be ridiculed in the morning's newspapers.

Lord Potter's look sharpened to that of a predator, and an aura of power and danger seemed to pulse around him. Unfolding his arms, he placed them on the table before him and leaned forward a bit to pierce Dumbledore with a fierce glare. "My new business to put before the Judgment of the Hall of Government is this. I put this question to you, 'Chief Warlock', 'First Lord'… why are you here?"

Silence fell across the Lords and gallery as looks of confusion and irritation passed throughout the Hall. Thinking back to the conversational bombarda that Zabini had cast at the end of his summary of events, Lucius drew in a sharp breath. Zabini had said that Potter could vote Dumbledore's seat. But Dumbledore was the Paterfamilias of the Dumbledore line, and the only other living member of that line was Aberforth. The only way that Potter could vote Dumbledore's seat was if he were, in fact, Lord Dumbledore. And, if that were indeed the case, then who was Albus Dumbledore?

Council Leader Amelia Bones watched Lord Potter carefully. It had been evident to her from the moment he had entered the Hall that something big was on the agenda for tonight, but she was beginning to get the sense that her initial idea of "big" was a severe underestimate. As Dumbledore's response to the bizarre question seemed to be somewhat fishlike, Amelia spoke up. "Lord Potter, could you please clarify or elaborate upon your question? It is evident that you have something of great import to share with us, as you have asked the Hall of Government not just for consideration but for Judgment. "

Nodding to her in full respect, Harrison stood upright again. "I will be happy to. I will, however, offer the 'First Lord', " again said mockingly, "an opportunity to present the information to this Body himself. Were I in his place, not that my honor would ever permit such a thing, I would be doing my best to present myself in the best light possible."

No one was particularly surprised that Dumbledore's response was to spread his arms disarmingly, twinkle madly, and say in a charmingly elderly tone, "My dear Lord Potter, I confess I have no true idea of what you wish to know. This does, however, sound like more of a philosophical discussion than a governmental one. Why don't we meet after this session, perhaps in my Headmaster's office, and then we can chat all you like. I know that Fawkes has missed you greatly, and I have a lovely new batch of lemon drops for you to try." Taking assent for granted, Dumbledore tried to move the session back where he wanted it. "Now, to the existing agenda…."

"No, I don't think so," Lord Zabini said with a sneer, speaking over the dozens of other protests being uttered around him. "Apart from the fact that Lord Potter doubtless has little interest in compulsion potion-laced lemon drops, an issue of Judgment has been placed before the Hall; we will hear it."

"Seconded!" Malfoy stated in a firm, carrying tone. This was most amusing; there was no possible way in which Dumbledore was going to sweep this – whatever this actually was – away, but it was entertaining to watch him try.

"A motion has been made to hear the issue for Judgment, specifically "Why is Dumbledore here?". How many say ye 'aye'?" Glowing blue lights shone over most of the Lord's seats throughout the majestic Hall. "And 'nay'?" A red light glowed here and there, and those paying attention took careful note of the fact that each of these naysayers appeared to be Dumbledore's closest allies. "Motion for Judgment carries; the issue will be heard in full immediately. Let it be known that no one shall enter or leave this Hall until the Conclusion is heard…. And, for the record, please note that the issue would have been heard regardless of the vote, as an issue for Judgment placed by a Lord is never to be contested or denied," Bones added with a reproving look at the worried Headmaster. 'Hmmm, interesting. Not once has Potter referred to the old goat as 'Dumbledore' – only by title, and that was said with sarcasm. I wonder what that means.' Catching the eye of Rodney Skeeter, political columnist for The Prophet with columns in syndication throughout most of the other notable newspapers, they exchanged brief nods of amused acknowledgment. Not a week ago, she and Rodney had enjoyed dinner together while laughing about his sister Rita's refusal to be bothered with "boring governmental meetings." It seemed the pestiferous gossip reporter would be regretting her words sooner rather than later. Turning back to the Lords' seating, Council Leader Bones spoke to the body at large.

"It is clear that the issue of Judgment before us involves Lord Albus Dumbledore. Lord Potter, is that correct?" She paused briefly to wonder at his affirmative but qualified, "It involves the man seated next to you, who is presently the Headmaster of Hogwarts." With raised eyebrows, she continued, "Therefore, it is the duty of this Council to suspend Lord Dumbledore's role in these proceedings until such time as the Judgment is issued and further direction is given by the Lords of the Hall. Dumbledore, if you will?"

Gazing sorrowfully at Amelia as she gestured for him to move from his seat at the Council Leader's table to the Witness Box - which was a large, comfortable leather chair on a platform set off to the side of the leader's table and surrounded by a mahogany railing – Dumbledore tried very hard to look as if rising and walking was painful to the aged man, while playing up his sheer presence and dignity. With a deep, mournful sigh, he re-seated himself heavily and turned a bravely resigned face toward the cameras.

Potter snorted in derision, causing the Headmaster's expression to briefly morph into irritation, and then began to present his case. "Lords of the Hall, I will state upfront that I could have chosen to simply bring this case directly to Madame Bones in her role as Head of the Office of Magical Enforcement, and the evidence available to me would have immediately brought this case to the Wizengamot for trial. I chose this venue instead, partly because my own experiences and that of my godfather regarding trial by Wizengamot gave me excellent reason to believe the case would not be fairly heard and prosecuted," at that, many of those attending winced or nodded in understanding, "My primary motivation in waiting for this Session, however, is the knowledge that the scope of the Issue for Judgment and all of its ramifications can only be adequately addressed by this combined Body of Government. Only here can we Judge criminal, civil, financial and private or personal injury matters and order sentences and restitution adequate to the scope of the Issue and appropriate for each aspect of the Issue. I am sure that, once you have heard the case, you will understand and forgive me for dropping this on you unannounced. With that said, allow me to begin."

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Harrison stood tall and proud as he turned to look directly at the man known to be revered and beloved in the wizarding world, and stated in a cold, carrying voice, "I, High Lord Harrison Potter, High Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter, Lord of the Venerable House of Chaparral, High Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Dumbledore, do hereby charge the man seated before you, known to you as Lord Albus Dumbledore, known to me as Albus Percy, vassal to the House of Dumbledore, with Line Theft, Murder, Kidnapping, Conspiracy, Grand Theft, Political Piracy, Child Abuse, and Treason. I allow for the eventuality that the details of the case I here present will expand upon those charges greatly. I Demand Justice."

With the magical demand, a magnificent glow flared and swirled around the powerful lord, whipping tendrils of his long hair loose and rippling the fabric of his distinctive cloak. Newspapers the next day would have on their front page a gripping photo of a stern Lord Harrison Potter, emerald eyes glowing, aura visible, hair and clothing moving in the unseen breezes of a powerful magical vow, an enigmatic Lord Lucius Malfoy leaning back and looking up at him with his own silver eyes shining and reflecting the swirling magics before him. The newspapers would be sold out within one hour.

A/N So, there it is. Can you hear the clash of musical chords in the background? I want to give my heartfelt thanks to those who have reviewed and who have added my story to their update lists. As my first official story, your response means the world. Please, if you have a moment, let me know what you think.

I offer a very special thanks, with hugs and chocolate, to Pikachumomma, a wonderful fanfiction author known to many of us, for her cheerful encouragement and for luring me out of the world of "I want to do that someday" to the world of "I did it!" Pikachumomma and I are currently co-writing an HP/LOTR crossover called "Demon, Angel and Devils", which is posted for now under her name, but which she has generously offered to move to my name to help me get some publications under my belt. Please visit that story, too, and let either of us know what you think.

Thanks again.