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Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
Chapter 20: Show Trial
Ginny and Harry had ferried the Weasleys, Hermione, Sirius, Remus, and Tonks to Potter Manor on the morning of Christmas Eve. After a brief tour Mrs. Weasley disappeared to the kitchen to start on what would no doubt be a gargantuan dinner. Harry briefly wondered how she would manage to convince the house elves to allow her to do the cooking.
Sirius, Remus, and Bill had disappeared somewhere on the Manor's grounds, while the twins were busy "decorating." This left Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione alone.
"I'm going to go back to the library, okay?" said Hermione. It had taken all her self-restraint not to explore each tome in the library when the tour had stopped there.
"We've got a better idea," Ginny said smiling mischievously.
"Would you like to open your Christmas present early?" added Harry.
Hermione was clearly torn, "I can wait 'til morning." She took a step in the library's direction before Harry's hand stopped her.
"But the present can't," said Harry trying to be as mysterious as possible.
"He's right – we might not get a chance to give it to you tomorrow," prodded Ginny.
"Okay…" Hermione said suspiciously. Ron was looking on in bewilderment. It was not until they had reached the potions lab in the basement that he realized what Harry and Ginny were going to give Hermione.
"Wow…this lab is amazing. No wonder your potion marks are so good," commented Hermione.
"We've got a special potion for you – if you want it," Ginny said while holding a vile of green liquid before the suspicions Hermione.
"What is it?" she asked. She looked at the three standing before her. Harry and Ginny had smirks on their faces, while Ron was beaming at her. Then she made a leap of logic that so typified Hermione, "Is this the Animagus potion? Oh! Thank you, thank you!" She hugged Harry first and then almost toppled Ginny with her hug.
"Careful! This is the only vial!" came Ginny's muffled warning.
"Sorry, I…when did you make this?" she asked, recovering her composure.
"It's the other half to the potion we made for Ron. If you want to try it though, you need to take it soon. The potion will go bad in another month," explained Harry.
Hermione did not say anything, only smiled, and then downed the potion in one swallow. Harry and Ginny both tried to stop her, but were too late. Ron was barely able to catch her before she fell to the cold concrete.
"That was quick," he muttered as he dragged her over to the wall and balled up his outer-cloak so that her head could lie on it. After thirty minutes they were starting to get worried. After forty-five minutes, Ginny left to find Sirius or Remus. Ten minutes later she returned with Sirius.
"What happened?" Sirius asked as he leaned over the still unconscious Hermione.
"She took the Animagus Revealer Potion," supplied Ron who was dangerously close to exploding with worry.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry.
Sirius shushed them and continued to examine Hermione, "She's fine. This happened to Peter – how long has she been like this?"
"About an hour now," said Ginny from Sirius' left.
"She should wake up soon," Sirius sat down beside the unconscious girl.
Ron slid down the wall, which his back had been leaning against, so that he was seated at Hermione's feet, "What happened?"
Sirius smiled at the redhead's worry, "Nothing bad. She just probably can't find her form – some people don't have them."
"But Wormtail…"
Sirius face darkened at the mention of Peter, "Yes, we found a way for him to become an Animagus. There's another potion that can be made. It's more specific to the drinker and takes a long time to brew."
"What takes a long time to brew?" asked a groggy Hermione.
"You're awake!" announced a jubilant Ron.
The statement seemed to bring Hermione to full consciousness, "Oh no! I didn't see a form!" Hermione's eyes misted in disappointment. "I should have expected this; I mean having an Animagus form is rare," attempts to interrupt Hermione were ignored. "Of those, very few can actually perform the transformation since it requires immense concentration, force of will, and wandless magic."
"HERMIONE!" screamed several voices. She stopped talking and blinked at them. Her mouth was still open and it gave her a goldfish appearance. Harry and Ginny laughed. Sirius smirked.
"There's another potion," said Ron.
Hermione's head swiveled to face Ron, "What? I haven't read about any other potion."
"That's because it's very rare," said Sirius, his smirk becoming a grin.
"How do you know?" Hermione seemed to be taking it personally that she did not know about the potion. Given the fact that she had probably read every book in the Hogwarts Library on the topic, Harry could understand this.
Sirius chuckled before responding, "What books have you read?"
"Everything in the Hogwarts Library and the book McGonagall just published," responded Hermione, her lips pursing at the end as if trying to remember anything that those books might have mentioned about an alternative potion.
"First, the book isn't in the Hogwarts Library and McGonagall would not have put it into her book. The potion is considered extremely dangerous, but personally I think the Ministry just doesn't want the information out in the public domain – a lot more wizards could become Animagi if it became widely known," Sirius explained.
"How did you find out about it?" queried Hermione.
"Peter," the name was almost spat, "didn't have a form with the normal potion. James was certain he had read about another potion. We spent the entire term before Christmas rereading every book Hogwarts had. It wasn't until we got back here that we found the book."
Hermione looked upwards in the library's direction as if imagining what other secrets it held. She looked back to Sirius, "I do have a form then?" there was a slight tone of pleading in her voice.
"If Peter has a form, I'm sure you do," answered Sirius.
………………………………………….
Christmas was unlike anything Harry had ever experienced. Ginny had warned him what to expect and he had seen both Ginny's and Ron's enthusiasm at Hogwarts, but having almost the entire Weasley clan (minus Percy and Charlie) along with Sirius, Remus, and Tonks was a bit overwhelming.
As far as gifts went, Christmas was rather bare since most of the people present did not have the time or the money for them. Sirius, while having both time and money, had not been allowed out of Grimmauld Place. Remus did not have the money for extravagant gifts. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had been very busy, although there was plenty of homemade fudge and sweaters. Tonks had not even been expecting to be there. Finally, Bill, while being paid well by Gringotts, was suspiciously poor. The twins kept needling him about the 'French lessons' he was taking.
Mrs. Weasley had settled into an odd relationship with the house elves. It turned out that neither had been able to kick the other out of the kitchen. Though not for lack of trying. Dinny and Bonny had remained in the kitchen and both house elves seemed to have tried to compete with Mrs. Weasley's own cooking ability. The result had been meals with giant sized portions. Corfy and Ding had served the meal.
Besides Sirius, no one present was used to being served by house elves. Hermione had been the most difficult. Much to the twins' amusement, she had kept trying to help the house elves serve everyone even after Mrs. Weasley had given up. Unintentionally, she had nearly brought the young Ding to tears. Corfy had intervened at this point.
"Miss, please stop!" Corfy's voice had taken on a slightly commanding tone that seemed out of place coming from a house elf. Hermione gaped at the elf. "You are insulting us. We have lived in this house for over a decade without any master to serve. We are happy to serve; it brings us honor and pride!"
Hermione was not going to give in easily, "But you shouldn't have to –"
"Enough," Corfy was obviously irritated. "Do you not understand how house elves come into existence? Why we serve?" Hermione shook her head. "House elves are born of the house they serve – by the house's very magic! This is the reason why we only exist in the oldest of Wizarding households." Everyone was listening intently to Corfy's explanation and Harry thought he now understood why there were so many house elves at Hogwarts. "If we are set free, we will die unless we find some other household to draw magic from."
Hermione sat in discomfort until it was alleviated about halfway through dinner. Sirius was telling a story about one of the Marauders' many pranks at Hogwarts when Corfy interrupted him by chiding, "Elbows off the table, Mr. Black." Even more amusing to seeing a house elf giving an order was seeing Sirius absently follow it.
"What?" he asked as several people snickered. He looked around at the amused faces and explained, "Corfy was responsible for most of James and, when I think about it, my training in manners, etiquette, and such."
"Some are harder to teach than others," muttered Corfy as he removed several dishes. Sirius glowered.
…………………………………………..
Harry sighed as he got dressed in his best black robes. Ginny brushed her hands over his shoulders and down his back trying to get out any errant creases. She did not even bother trying to get his hair to lie flat, she knew better. The sun still had not risen, but that was as it should be. The trial was due to start at eight. Harry would be going to the Ministry escorted by Mr. Weasley. Dumbledore had been by the day before to reassure everyone that he had things under control, but had not stayed long. Harry looked around the room; he really did not like being back at Grimmauld Place after returning from Potter Manor. While Dobby and Winky had achieved major improvements and, wonders of wonders, Kreacher seemed to be making slow progress himself, Grimmauld Place still had a dreary and very depressing atmosphere.
Walking downstairs, he found that Mrs. Weasley had several dishes already prepared. Mr. Weasley was eating some eggs, while Sirius had a little bit of everything on his plate. Ginny shoved him into a chair and grabbed a piece of toast. Harry followed her example; their nerves preventing them from eating anything more substantial.
"I think we should be going – Dumbledore said to make sure we arrived early. We're also going the muggle way!" Mr. Weasley could not hide the excitement in his voice at the prospect.
By the time they exited the Underground Harry's nerves had reached unparalleled heights. Ginny kept trying to reassure him, but it did not help – she was more nervous than he was! When Mr. Weasley and he had stopped walking outside an out-of-order phone booth, Harry had taken to repeating Dumbledore's words in his head like a mantra. It's going to be fine.
Harry was barely amused when Mr. Weasley punched 62442 into the telephone's keypad. He shook his head when he realized that the numbers stood for 'Magic.' His slightly better mood was ruined when he looked at the badge the telephone had spat out. It read: Harry Potter, Standing Trial.
Although Harry had been to the Ministry before with Dumbledore, it was the first time he had been to the Ministry on a busy day. The fireplaces on either side of the Atrium would flare green and a wizard or witch would appear, most of them walking out of the fireplaces in much better form than Harry would have.
Mr. Weasley led him to the familiar desk with a guard, who this time did not look bored.
"Wand please," the guard said addressing Harry. Harry handed his wand over. After performing the same check the other guard had when Dumbledore was with him, he handed Harry back his wand and kept the receipt. Mr. Weasley rushed him past the guard when the man started asking if he really was the Harry Potter.
As the elevator descended, Harry made a guess as to where the courtroom was located, "We're going to the Department of Mysteries?"
Mr. Weasley frowned, "No, but nearby. Remember Dumbledore said that this was going to be more of a show than a trial?" Harry nodded, "Only Courtroom 10 is large enough to hold the majority of the Wizengamot and it is located at the lowest level of the Ministry." Mr. Weasley's tone has clipped and Harry could detect the man's nerves underneath it.
That's the same tone Dad uses when he doesn't want to tell us something, worried Ginny.
Courtroom 10 was down the same corridor he and Dumbledore had taken to the Department of Mysteries, but then they took a flight of stairs down another level. Harry shivered slightly; this was not a courtroom, but a dungeon. A door, not dissimilar to the one that opened into Snape's potions lab, was where Mr. Weasley stopped, "Harry, I can't follow you in. I'm sure Dumbledore will be inside waiting." Mr. Weasley gave him a weak smile as Harry disappeared into the room.
The walls were dark stone and the room was dimly lit by torches. In the back were benches Harry assumed were for spectators. There were a few present already, from the parchment and quills they had at the ready, Harry guessed they were reporters. In the center of the room was a chair with chains on its arms on legs. Despite the horror this chair invoked, Harry felt immensely relieved at the sight since just to the right of the chair was another chair, a plush, red armchair. In this armchair Albus Dumbledore was sitting serenely.
Beyond the intimidating chair and Dumbledore was the judges' balcony. It was huge. Harry guessed it could seat at least fifty.
"Ah, Harry, you're here," said Dumbledore with a comforting smile. He cast a glace at the chained chair and spoke again, "Would you like to sit here or shall I draw a chair for you as well?" Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling madly.
Harry gave him a small smile, "That would be great." The relief in his voice was evident. The chair Dumbledore conjured landed on the floor with a soft 'thud' and Harry sat in the comfortable furniture. The members of the Wizengamot were starting to file in. They each wore a plum cloak with an intricate "W" stenciled on the left breast.
In the center sat Fudge, looking confident and arrogant. To his right sat a witch Harry knew all to well. Harry could not believe it, even dressed in formal robes she still looked like a toad….a purple toad.
I wish I had some of that powder now…
That would be nice – I can see the headlines now: Undersecretary Becomes Toad, No One Notices for Hours!
Harry stifled a laugh with difficulty and returned to scrutinizing the other witches and wizards. To Fudge's left sat another witch. She looked very stern and had a monocle. As the balcony filled with plum colored cloaks, Fudge stirred.
"It is time to begin, are you ready?" Fudge turned his head and spoke.
A voice Harry knew well answered, "Yes, Sir." Percy Weasley was at the end of the row with a quill and parchment.
"Very well," Fudge's voice took on a pompous, self-assured tone. "Disciplinary hearing of the twelfth of August into offenses committed under the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, the International Statute of Secrecy, and General Statutes 9013 and 132 by Harry James Potter, resident of number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey."
Several of the Wizengamot members began leafing through a large book each had before them at the mention of the last statutes. Fudge waited for the rustle of papers to stop before continuing, "Interrogators: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic; Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister and Hogwarts High Inquisitor; and Court Scribe, Percy Ignatius Weasley…."
"And, advocate and witness for the defense, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore." Harry was not sure how, but Dumbledore's voice managed to be penetrating and quiet at the same time. He thought that he could detect just a hint of challenge in the voice.
Fudge frowned, but did not comment immediately. He shifted some parchment in front of him and then puffed himself up, "The charges then – the charges against the accused, Harry James Potter, are two. First, he knowingly and in full knowledge of the respective statues, used magic while at Privet Drive thereby breaking both the International Statue of Secrecy and the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery. Further, the manner in which this offense was committed strongly suggests the violation of Statute 9013 – intent to harm a muggle or muggles through the use of magic. Second, the accused is charged with two violation of Statute 132."
Several members of the Wizengamot were murmuring now, "Yes, violation of Statute 132." There were several coughs and Amelia Bones, who's face looked like it had been set in stone, leaned over and whispered to Fudge who then said, "Ah, yes, of course. Statute 132 states that no wizard or witch shall deprive a noble family of property or slander their good name."
Dumbledore looked bored with Fudge's speech. Harry was trying to figure out exactly what he had done. He could not remember ever violating any of those statutes. As far as Harry or Ginny could remember the only time he had ever violated the Decree for Underage Sorcery was when he had been blamed for Dobby's hover charm.
Fudge was not finished and, now that he had announced the charges, his attention shifted to Harry, "Harry James Potter, you are charged with performing magic between the months of June and September to create potions that were then used to deliberately harm a muggle who lives at number 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, by the name of Dudley Daniel Dursley." Harry felt his jaw drop. First, he had no idea what Fudge was talking about. Second, he had not known Dudley's middle name was Daniel and he wondered briefly if the Dursleys had really liked the letter "D" for some reason.
Albus Dumbledore rose from his chair. His figure was impressive and several of the Wizengamot members leaned back in their chairs. Dumbledore was positively radiating power. As Harry watched Dumbledore, he wondered if the Headmaster was intentionally allowing everyone to feel his power.
"Minister Fudge, I am afraid that you will have to explain the charges in more detail and be more precise in the dates. Harry Potter spent very little time at Privet Drive this summer," Dumbledore said.
Dolores Umbridge put a pudgy hand on top of Fudge's, signaling that she would take over, "You do not command this court! Now sit down, we must now interrogate Mr. Potter!" Harry could not believe the gall of the toad-like woman. From the looks of the other wizards in the room, he was not alone in this sentiment.
"Madam Umbridge, you are mistaken," Dumbledore's tone was dangerously low. "As the advocate of the accused I have every right to demand that the charges be explained in detail!" The sounds of chairs scratching along the floor as their owners reflexively pushed away from Dumbledore. For the first time Harry could clearly understand why Voldemort feared Dumbledore. This man standing before him was not an aged and sometimes senile headmaster, but the man who had faced Grindelwald and won; the man who had stood against Voldemort in his first rise; and, above all, an extremely powerful wizard.
Umbridge paled, but answered, "On July the sixteenth, members from the Accidental Magical Reversal Squad responded to a magical spike in the vicinity of number 4, Privet Drive. They found one Dudley Dursley had consumed a potion that had caused him to transform into a pig," Dumbledore's beard twitched, "Further investigation discovered two other vials of potion that would have resulted in transformations of two other animal forms – a giraffe and a hippo, I believe."
Harry was careful to maintain his confused look, but inside he was groaning. I forgot about those – it must the potions the twins gave me.
They chose the forms well…said Ginny, I think each vile was meant for one of those horrid muggles!
Harry had to cough to stop the snicker that threatened. His Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon would have made an excellent giraffe and hippo. His mind quickly returned to the seriousness of his current predicament, But why would Dudley drink one?
"Analysis of these potions revealed that they had been altered so that they would not only taste like a sugary liquid, but also would emit a highly intoxicating scent to a muggle," continued Umbridge answering Harry's silent question.
Harry shook his head; the twins had thought of everything. He had not been around Privet Drive that much, but he had discovered that Dudley was on a strict diet. It's a wonder Dudley didn't down all three of them before the first even took effect.
Dumbledore sat back down in his chair before speaking again, "I move that the charges of violating the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and the International Statute of Secrecy be dismissed immediately."
"On what basis?" exclaimed a confused Fudge.
Dumbledore gave the court a small, but confident smile, "You seem to have forgotten some of the central characteristics of the previously stated laws, I'm sure it was only in your zeal to enforce them that you forgot that the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery does not apply to potions or their resulting effects." Dumbledore's beard twitched again, "No matter how interesting their effects are." Several of the Wizengamot members were nodding their heads affirming Dumbledore's words. "Further, the International Statute of Secrecy does not apply to muggles who already know magic exists and the Dursleys, despite their antipathy to magic, I assure you, have known before Harry's birth of magic's existence." Harry noticed Madam Bones give Fudge and Umbridge a withering look.
The monocled women turned away from Fudge and Umbridge, "Am I correct in interpreting that ALL the residents of number 4, Privet Drive, know of magic's existence and that Mr. Potter is a wizard and hence any items found within his room would possibly be magical?"
"That is correct, madam," answered Dumbledore. Again, anger passed over Madam Bones' face.
"Are there any here who dispute this statement?" Madam Bones said in a loud, clear voice. No one said a word, "Very well. Then I move that the stated charges, along with General Statue 9013 be dismissed." Fudge and Umbridge, along with a few other members of the court, looked appalled.
"I must protest! The muggles were clearly targeted by these potions! They could have been seriously hurt," said Umbridge, her voice falsely sweet.
"Be that as it may, Undersecretary Umbridge, the muggles residing at the house knew full well that anything found in Mr. Potter's room was potentially magical nor can it be proved that the potions were intended to do harm, which despite the charges read by the Minister, caused no permanent injury to Mr. Dudley Dursley," Harry chanced a glance at Professor Dumbledore. The professor's eyes were twinkling madly. "Further, as head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement I find it highly repugnant that these charges were even made. The transformation of Mr. Dursley is not something completely extraordinary. I have it on good authority that the Accidental Magical Reversal Squad makes at least three visits a month to muggle households where an underage wizard has transformed, accidentally or not, a sibling into some creature."
Umbridge deflated and Fudge hung his head in frustration as Bones called for a vote. It was overwhelming in favor of dismissing the charges. Despite the turnaround, Fudge did not look defeated.
"Very well, the previous mentioned charges are dismissed. This proceeding will now move on to the charge of violating General Statute 132!" Harry noticed that Madam Bones' face was now stern and he felt his hopes plummet. He had been hoping that she would move against that charge as well.
Fudge smiled at the lack of comment and then continued, "Mr. Potter, on May thirtieth in the year 1993 did you or did you not trick the noble Lord Lucius Malfoy into setting his house elf free?"
This is about Dobby? Asked Harry perplexed.
Ginny, however, wanted to know something else, When did Malfoy become a "Lord"?
Harry looked to Dumbledore for guidance, unsure if he should answer. Dumbledore met his eyes and inclined his head. There was something about Dumbledore's gaze that gave him confidence. Indeed, if Harry did not know better he would have said Dumbledore was enjoying himself. "Yes, sir."
"As is easily established through bloodlines and family history, the Malfoy family as one of the oldest and purest lines in the wizarding world and is hence considered a noble wizarding family. Lord Malfoy has requested that this court charge Mr. Potter with the crime of depriving him and his family of a valued piece of property and servant. Further, Lord Malfoy asserts that Mr. Potter has made allegations – slander, since the end of last school term, that Lord Malfoy is a Death Eater. Have you done this Mr. Potter?"
Again, Dumbledore gave him the go ahead, "Yes, sir. It is…" Harry was going to say "the truth," but he did not get the chance.
"SEE, the boy admits to both violations of the statute. It is now up to this court to decide the monetary penalty that should be applied to Mr. Potter and transferred to Lord Malfoy!" Fudge said exultingly. Harry found the idea of him paying money to the Malfoy's nauseating.
The court erupted as the members began talking to each other. Finally, Madam Bones silenced them, "ORDER! I call this court to order! General Statute 132 is very old," she looked down and consulted a book, "But, Minister Fudge has described it adequately and it does still seem to be in force."
Dumbledore stood. If Harry had thought Dumbledore had radiated a vast amount of power before, it was nothing compared to the power Dumbledore radiated now.
How powerful is Dumbledore? He wondered in awe.
"Madam Bones," Harry was impressed the woman did not flinch from Dumbledore's voice, "Is it true that the Statute 132 can also be solved with a duel?" The woman looked down at the book again and nodded. "When was the last time the Wizengamot has dealt with his particular statute?"
Madam Bones swallowed, "The year 1787."
"Am I also correct in asserting that any noblewizard may challenge another to a duel when he interprets that his honor has been slandered?" questioned Dumbledore.
"That is correct," said Madam Bones, her monocle was in danger of disappearing as she looked penetratingly at Dumbledore. Recognition then dawned on her face and the corners of her mouth twitch so briefly that Harry thought he must have been mistaken.
"Very good," said Dumbledore and, somehow, he seemed to grow taller and even more intimidating. Most of the Wizengamot had now pushed their chairs back as far as they would go and the reporters in the viewing stand had all vacated the closest rows to those in the far back. "CORNELIUS FUDGE!" The very air vibrated as Dumbledore spoke the minister's name. "You have slandered my name and accused me of lying! I challenge you to a duel!"
All blood drained from Fudge's face and his head turned from left to right looking for help. The man's expression reminded Harry of how Wormtail had looked when he had first confronted Sirius and Remus – he was completely and utterly terrified.
"I DEMAND you rise now Fudge!" roared Dumbledore, who now seemed to glow with power.
Minutes seemed to pass as Fudge visibly gulped for air and confidence. He did try to stand, but his knees refused to support his weight. "D-Dumbledore su-sur-surely we-we don't have to d-d-due-duel?" he pleaded.
"For months you have insisted that Lord Voldemort…" Almost everyone in the room flinched at the name, "has not returned effectively calling both myself and Harry Potter liars. You have made insinuations that I am unstable for trusting Mr. Potter's word, insulting me. Why should I not challenge you to a duel? This statute is in effect, is it not?"
Harry watched as the words sunk in. Fudge squirmed and his eyes were wide; he was close to panicking. "In effect?" the question came out as a squeak.
"Yes, Minister Fudge. Due to the statute's…" Madam Bones paused briefly, "…antiquity and lack of application for over 200 years it is possible for the current Minister of Magic to declare it void and have it stricken from the record." Madam Bones said formally; Harry got the distinct impression she was enjoying Fudge's predicament.
Dumbledore allowed his cloak to part so that his wand was visible. Fudge's eyes locked onto it. As Dumbledore's hand began to lower toward the wand, Fudge's eyes grew wider with every inch Dumbledore's hand lowered. "STOP!" screamed Fudge his voice very high. "I-I-I declare the statue, I mean the statute stricken!"
"Then the charge against Harry…" Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and did not finish his sentence; he waited calmly for Fudge to finish it before him.
"…is dismissed of course," said Fudge.
"NO!" cried Dolores Umbridge, who had at long last found her voice. "I propose the court consider statute 1034! The boy is trying to cause a panic with his continued assertion that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned!"
"The statute clearly states that, while it is illegal to cause a panic, the accused must have the intention of causing a panic. Mr. Potter and I have no such intentions; we only seek to see the Wizarding World prepare itself – for Lord Voldemort has returned!" retorted Dumbledore.
Perhaps misinterpreting the Wizengamot members' horror struck faces Umbridge said, "I call for an immediate vote."
Relief flooded Harry as only five members raised their hands in favor of conviction. He knew he should not have been worried, but he could not help it.
Madam Bones then called for silence, "Mr. Harry Potter, this session of the Wizengamot herby finds you innocent and asks your forgiveness for wasting your time. You are free to go."
The Wizengamot members began filing out, a few nodded to Dumbledore as they passed. Umbridge sneered as she walked by muttering about, "This isn't the end." Finally, Fudge was walked out by Percy, who was supporting most of the Minister's weight.
Dumbledore chuckled and then said, "Good day Minister." Fudge jumped slightly, but continued walking.
Mr. Weasley met them at the door wringing his hands, "How'd it go?"
"I'm innocent!" proclaimed Harry.
"Yes, but let us leave – unless you want to answer questions from those reporters," Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling merrily. Harry looked behind him to find the reporters who had witnessed the trial starting to file out in his direction. Remembering Rita Skeeter, Harry began walking toward the elevator without saying a word, Mr. Weasley and Professor Dumbledore following in his wake.
Albus Dumbledore and Harry, Mr. Weasley had remained at his office, returned to Grimmauld Place to find a party already started – Ginny had informed everyone that Harry had gotten off. The twins had lit several fireworks of their own invention. Harry and Dumbledore entered at precisely the right moment to catch Mrs. Weasley pointing her wand at one and saying "Evanesco!"
Fred and George had both yelled at the same time, "NO!" but it was too late. Where there had been one large pinwheel, there were now two. Mrs. Weasley, who had not yet seen Harry, rounded on the twins. Fred, seeing his mother taking a deep breath before what would no doubt be a very long yelling, said loudly, "Hiya Harry!"
Mrs. Weasley turned her attention away from the very relieved twins to Harry. She enveloped him in a crushing hug, "Oh, Harry! We knew they couldn't convict you! How could they?" She let go of Harry and for one moment he thought she was going to hug Dumbledore too, but she settled for giving him a large smile, "Ginny said you were brilliant Albus!"
Dumbledore smiled, "It was rather fun too!" He made sure Harry and Ginny were within earshot before continuing, "But we all must remember, this is not the end. I believe Minister Fudge and…Madam Umbridge will attempt to exploit the situation."
His words cast a damper on the party and Hermione immediately asked, "How can they do that? They lost!"
Dumbledore's genial smile changed to an ironic smile, "Never underestimate the combined power of fools and the media."