I'm not JKR, if I was I wouldn't have spent a couple of weeks under canvas being rained on.

Chapter 15

Wizengamot

"You're right you know," Harry said staring at the twinkling stars above him while swinging in the two man hammock he was sharing with Ginny.

"I always am," Ginny answered her head lying on Harry's bare chest her eyes closed as she listened to his heart beat. "What am I right about this time?"

"That coming back here would be a good idea."

"Oh that and you didn't."

"No of course I wanted to return here. After over three months in a cold and draughty castle who wouldn't. I just thought we should stay home in case the Ministry tried something else."

"I told you Harry the Ministry doesn't do anything over the Christmas, New Year period." Harry was having trouble concentrating as her fingers were making circular motions across his chest.

"Well that's why we're here lapping up some winter sun, instead of freezing to death back home" Harry said his hand rubbing his nails along the back of her neck.

"We really should name this island, calling it the Island all the time just seems messy to me."

"Well Hermione told me that's it's near the three Cayman islands."

"What are they called then?" Ginny asked a shiver running up her spine from his touch.

"Grand Cayman, and then there's Brac and Little."

"What's a Brac?"

"I've no idea."

"What about calling it Tiny Cayman then?"

"Yea we could I suppose, but if we started calling it that, and people overheard us, someone may try and start looking for it in this area."

"You're a little paranoid aren't you?"

"I assume by that, that you think, I think someone is out to get me."

"Do I?"

"Yes I think you do, and since the moment when Trelawney uttered that first Prophecy I'll remind you that someone was actual out to get me for real. So in answer to your question no I am not paranoid." Ginny lifted her head of his chest and looked at the man she loved with a wry look on her face. Harry though was still star gazing and didn't notice.

"Alright then we won't call this island anything with Cayman in the title. How about we name it Norbert?"

"You want to name it after Hagrid's pet Dragon!"

"Why not?"

"It'll just be confusing. You know, you're probably not the right person to name anything."

"Oi!"

"Well I mean Pig and Arnold, come on," Harry said.

"First of all it's Pigwidegon…"

"And that's better is it?"

"And what's wrong with Arnold?"

"It just doesn't suit a Pygmy Puff, that's what's wrong with it."

"Well tough, how about Haven?"

"You want to call Arnold Haven. Now I think you've cracked."

"Not Arnold, the island. We call the island Haven. That way if anybody hears us talking about it they have no real idea what we're talking about."

"Yea I like it. It can have more than one meaning. Alright then Haven it is."

"So I am capable of naming things then?"

"It's a wonderful name, you're right as usual."

"Damn right I am. I'm glad we got that straight." Ginny shifted causing the hammock to swing and snuggled closer into Harry.

"Do you think its midnight back home yet?" Harry said.

"Probably, why do you ask?"

"It's New Years Eve."

"So."

"I've never been to a New Years Eve party before."

"Well maybe we'll hold one next year, and invite everybody."

"Blast, I just remembered that I told Neville I would invite him to one this year."

"Don't worry about it. He's busy harvesting some weird plant, and it can only be done at midnight on the full moon."

"Well I suppose that's not too bad then, but I can't believe I forgot that till now." Harry sat up and swung his legs over the side of the hammock resting his feet on the sand underneath. Ginny stayed lying down rubbing Harry's back.

"I have to confess Harry that I didn't want you to be round any people tonight."

"Really, why?"

"I didn't want you getting hurt like last year," Harry looked at her in surprise. "I know it's irrational, and doesn't make any sense but…"

"I understand, sort of," Harry said placing a finger on her lips. "I don't think a News Years Eve party is quite as dangerous as sneaking around a powerful Wizards house, in the middle of the night."

"He nearly killed you Harry. I saw inside your head Harry, literally," Ginny shuddered at the memory.

"It was as much my fault as his. I caused so much damage in that room that the ceiling fell on my head. I owe Neville big time for getting me out so quickly."

"What was his name again?"

"What the man I killed?" Harry said realising how final that sounded to him. "Santangelo I can't remember his Christian name." What sort of person was he that he could forget the man's name? He shook his head in disgust and let out a deep sigh. Ginny immediately manoeuvred herself so that she was sitting beside him.

"Hey it's alright love, you had to do it. You tried to reason with him and he chose to fight," she said wrapping her arms around him. "You needn't feel guilty about it"

"That's the trouble Gin I don't feel guilty about it. That's what worry's me. Surely I should feel something, but I don't." Harry wasn't surprised when Ginny didn't say anything at first, after all what could you say to that.

The sun had set which meant the only illumination came from the house three hundred yards away. The surf wasn't very high at the moment, but the waves gentle lapping at on the beach relaxed Harry as they suited his mood. Usual he enjoyed watching them crashing in with a roar of unbridled power.

"I don't think you should worry about it Harry, your heart is clean and pure, and I love you more now than ever. I'm feeling chilled I think I want to go in," Ginny said standing up.

"Ok, it's not as hot as it was in July," Harry answered grabbing her offered hand to help him out of the hammock.

"That was too hot!"

"Well if you wore a little more clothing you wouldn't feel the chill so much."

"You can talk, besides are you complaining," she said as though looking over none existent glasses.

"Absolutely not," Harry said with a wide grin, as he pulled her towards him wrapping his arms around her.

"My great friend Harry Potter and Mistress Ginny your supper is ready," a small voice said. Harry looked over and could see the outline of Dobby in the open doorway, silhouetted against the house lights. The eccentric Elf was still wearing several woolly hats on his head. He had worn more earlier on, but even Dobby had found it too warm. He was only wearing three pairs of socks today.

"If you ask nicely I'm sure Dobby would lend you a hat and some non matching socks." Harry received a sharp elbow in his ribs for his cheek, but the image of Ginny wearing them stuck in his head making him laugh. He was forced to run back to the house to avoid anymore pointy elbows.

After a more than splendid meal Harry sat back in his chair and looked across at the woman he loved and smiled at his good fortune. They had both got dressed before the meal, Harry sticking with slacks and a black t-shirt. It may have been the Caribbean but the evenings chilled down rapidly. Ginny though had decided to slip into a turquoise satin nightdress that displayed her curves to their best advantage. Her mum and dad had bought it for Christmas for her.

"What are you thinking about, I'm getting some strange feelings from you," Ginny asked from the other side of the table.

"One half of me was thinking I should thank your mum and dad for buying that nightdress you're wearing. It makes you… desirable." Harry said suppressing a growl. "The other half of me was discovering how weird thanking them for that would be."

"Yea that would explain what I was feeling. Do them and us both a favour, and don't tell them that."

"Excuse me Mistress could you move that bowl so I can put the tea tray down," Dobby asked with a tray so big that he was hidden under it.

"There you go Dobby," Ginny said moving the offending bowl and helping him put the tray down.

"Thank you Mistress."

"Dobby there are only two cups again. I thought I told you that we wanted you to drink with us in the evening," Harry said.

"And Dobby has told my great friend Harry Potter that he must be asked each evening."

"Fine have it you way. Dobby please join us for a cup of tea." Dobby clicked his fingers twice and a stool and a cup appeared for him to sit on and drink from.

"So Dobby," Ginny asked once the tea had been poured, "can we persuade you to go swimming with us tomorrow."

"Dobby has decided that House Elves do not belong in the water. That big creature in the water looked at Dobby in a way he does not like."

"Alright Dobby we won't force you to come with us," Harry said hiding his amusement.

"Cans Dobby asks the great Potters something? It is not worthy of their time, but Dobby does not know where else to turn. Dobby will understand if it is too much trouble, as the great Potters have plenty of troubles of their own. Dobby has said too much and he will…"

"Dobby," Harry barked, "tell us what the problem is and we will take it from there."

"Sorry Master Dobby will punish…"

"Dobby enough, how many times have I told you not to punish yourself or call me Master?" Dobby looked as though he was working out in his head how many times Harry had said that. "Don't answer that? What's the problem?" Dobby's mouth opened and closed as he struggled with what to say next, until he finally came to an internal decision.

"The death of the wicked and bad Wizard has left many House Elves without a home and work. Many of theirs Masters and Mistresses have died, been imprisoned or fled. The Ministry has taken the houses, and told the Elves to leave and not return. They cannot find work as no Wizard wants to take on an Elf who has served such dark Masters."

"And you want us to find some work for them," Harry said. Dobby nodded his head in enthusiasm. "How many are we talking about?"

"Dobby does not know. Dobby does not know his numbers." He said bowing his head in shame.

"More elves or less than there are at Hogwarts?" Ginny asked.

"Dobby thinks about the same, but Dobby is not sure."

"Is there not enough work at Hogwarts for them?" Harry asked.

"I is afraid not, but we is letting them stay there all the same."

"Well that's something," Ginny said.

"But it is very crowded," Dobby added.

"Ok Dobby these Elves need a place to stay and work right." Dobby nodded again. "Well I think I'm right in thinking that the Shrieking shack is part of Hogwarts, as it was built for Remus to transform in. Why not get them to fix the place up, I know it needs a lot of work, and when it's habitable they can stay there until more work can be found for them."

"I knew that the great Potters would find an answer," Dobby's face cracked in a broad grin.

"We'll think about what other work they can do."

"Perhaps one of the other Elves can teach Dobby to read and do maths. You might be able to pay them for it Dobby," Ginny suggested.

"It is an idea Mistress, and Dobby will think about it. Dobby will clear up now, and lets you loves each other." With a series of clicks the table was cleared and the stool he had been sitting on vanished, leaving Harry and Ginny alone. For several minutes they just looked at each other not needing to say anything, feeling the love they had for the other.

"So Mistress is you going to lets me love you," Harry said breaking the silence, and making Ginny giggle.

"Oh yes, it has been prophesised," she answered her eyes sparkling in the candle light. Harry came round to her side of the table, and lifted her out of her chair. Cradled in his arms he carried her back to their bedroom.

"Why Mr Potter you're so strong and masterful I think I might faint," she said laughing and fluttering her eyelashes at him.

"You're impossible sometimes," Harry said turning to one side so he didn't crack her head on the door jam, although he was tempted for just a moment.

"I'm sorry did I ruin your romantic gesture," she answered attempting to pout and failing.

"Oh I'm not making a romantic gesture. I just wanted some pay back for those pointy elbows you gave me earlier." Harry then swung his arms, and flung her onto the bed where she landed in a heap of arms and legs.

"Oh I'm going to get you for that."

"You and who's army," Harry retorted leaping at her. Ginny rolled away and he missed giving her the chance to pin him down on his back.

"I don't need an army," she said leaning over him. "Do you want to surrender now, or suffer the consequences?"

"I think I'll take both options. By the way have I said how beautiful and sexy you are today?"

"And you called me impossible. How am I supposed to torture you now?" Ginny said in mock disgust and rolled off Harry lying next to him. "How did I get so lucky?"

"How did we get so lucky," Harry corrected, "and the answer is that we deserve each other, especially after what we've both been through."

"It looks like we going to have to go through it again, when we get back," Ginny said the playful atmosphere changing instantly to a more serious one.

"Well the Wizengamot can go and hang itself. What have they ever done for me, for us?"

"They're the Government Harry we can't ignore them completely."

"Just watch me. What gives these people the right to demand answers from us. They're a self elected body, a little club that scratches each others backs."

"They're not all like that Harry, after all Dumbledore and Madame Bones were members."

"They're both dead Ginny. Riddle made sure that any competent competition was eliminated. He was a sick evil man, but he understood power, and how to wield it. What we're left with is the rump of a bunch of time servers, and those wanting power for their own glory, not for the benefit of others."

Harry was surprised at his own depth of feeling on the matter. Politics had never interested him, but he realised that he hated the fact that others could have power over him without him being able to have any form of recourse. The Dursley's had taught him that. It had been a hard lesson, but one he was grateful for. He turned on his side so he was facing Ginny. She was deep in thought, and after seven years of being friends with Hermione he knew not to interrupt that look.

"I'm not sure that anybody does something for the greater good Harry."

"Dumbledore did. He wasn't always right, and made mistakes, but when he did he was man enough to admit them, and his motives were always to do the right thing."

"I don't know love, maybe you're right. What would you do if you had the power?" The question took Harry by surprise. What would he do if he had the power, he thought?

"I'd get rid of the Wizengamot to start with."

"And what would you replace it with?" Ginny asked.

"I don't know. I know nothing about politics, except that Uncle Vernon always complained about it." Harry was taken by surprise again. "I can't believe I've actual agreed with Uncle Vernon."

"I'll ask Hermione she's bound to have an opinion on it," Ginny said with finality.

"Oh she'll have an opinion. You don't need to worry about that. In fact I'd be amazed if there was anything she didn't have an opinion on," Harry said raising his eyebrows.

"Leave it with me Harry I'll sort it out. If you just give someone enough rope, they'll hang themselves with it."

"What's to sort out it's not like we can change anything. We don't have the power." Ginny just smiled at him, leant over, and placed her fingers over his mouth. Her flowery smell wafted over him and all thoughts of politics and court appearances left his mind.

"Maybe not at the moment, in the mean time how about you letting me love you."

XXXXX

"Mr Potter can we ask you a few questions before you met the Wizengamot?" a reporter shouted at Harry as he was getting his wand registered.

Harry ignored the voice, retrieved his wand and followed Mr Widdick, and Ginny through the golden gates towards the lifts. For the second time in his life Harry was making his way down to Courtroom ten, granted this was meant to be a friendly chat as oppose to a full blooded trial like last time, but he couldn't really see the difference. The first time he been confused and terrified of being expelled and having his wand snapped.

"You alright love?" Harry said feeling Ginny's nervousness.

"I'm with you, what could go wrong?" Usually plenty Harry thought, but said nothing, knowing Ginny was joking. He was comforted that this time he wasn't alone. He was also not going to be bullied by these people. When they arrived outside the door of Courtroom number ten Harry gave Ginny's hand an encouraging squeeze. They had a plan.

They had discussed what they were going to do today for hours, along with Hermione and Ron. Now they had to go through with it. Nervousness and excitement were competing against each other, but Harry was sure about one thing he wasn't going to take anything lying down anymore.

Harry opened the door and entered the dungeon that was Courtroom number ten. The chair placed on a central podium, and covered with chains and manacles was the first thing that Harry saw in the gloomily lit room. He had expected to see it, and dismissed it. What really made his blood boil was what was in front of it. A pair of the ricketiest wooden chairs, which Harry had ever seen in his life, told him all he needed to know about how they were going to be treated. There was nothing for Mr Widdick to sit on.

"You were supposed to be here ten minutes ago," a voice said from the dark.

"Who said that?" Harry asked. He drew his wand and wordlessly cast his most powerful Lumos spell. The bight light forced the fifty or so people in the room to shield their eyes as they temporary lost their sight. "Oh it's Wriggleswort."

"Answer the Minister of Magic," said Cresswell who sitting right beside him.

"I had to buy a Recording Quill before I came here, and there was a queue in the shop," Harry lied. He had bought the Recording Quill before Christmas. They were late on purpose, Harry wanted to make the point that he wasn't at these peoples beck and call.

"Being late does not help your case Mr Potter," Cresswell said with a sneer.

"I'm sorry," Harry said "I didn't realise there was a case. That rather nasty letter you sent me gave me the impression that this was a question and answer session. Am I to understand that we are here under false pretensions?"

"No, no of course not," Wriggleswort said quickly. "There is no need to think that Mr Potter, and there really isn't any need for your Recording Quill. My assistant Weasley will be writing a full report on what is said here." The Minister pointed over to the far corner of the room where Harry could see Percy sitting behind a desk, quill in hand. "He will send a copy of today's events to everybody here."

"I wouldn't trust a word that idiot says or writes. We'll keep our own records thank you," Harry said disgust rolling of every word. His face showed utter contempt, but inside he was triumphant that Percy was positioned amongst his enemies. He glanced at Ginny who was giving Percy a look that could curdle milk. Percy was saving all his glares for Harry ignoring Ginny. Harry turned his back on the Wizengamot and walked back over to the wooden chairs. "I'm not sitting on those."

"Why don't we transfigure them," Ginny said beside him.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Well my first thought is to turn them into golden thrones to get up their noses, but that's probably going over the top."

"Well I rather like the idea of those leather swivel chairs that Muggles use in their offices."

"I can manage the chair part easily enough, but the swivel part maybe a little harder. Let me have a go while you set up that Recording Quill," Ginny said.

"Mr Potter we must get on," Wriggleswort said from the top bench.

"We're not ready," he said without turning round, and ignoring the outraged gasps of other members of the Wizengamot. "Mr Widdick are you up to conjuring yourself a chair?"

"Don't worry about me," he said waving his wand and conjuring a simple table and chair. Ginny though was having a little more trouble, and soon the three of them are in a deep discussion about the best way to make the chairs swivel. Mr Widdick's sudden enthusiasm for the task made Harry realise where his twin daughters got their insatiable curiosity from. Both Mr Widdick and Ginny seemed to have forgotten the fifty odd people behind them.

"Mr Potter you cannot continue treating the Wizengamot with such contempt," a large witch, unknown to Harry, said.

"The people of this room were the first to show contempt Madame. Did you really expect us to sit on those things you put here?" Cresswell he noticed had disappeared, and Harry thought that probably meant trouble.

"What do you reckon Harry," Ginny said. One of the wooden chairs had been transfigured, and when nudged span around.

"That's cool, McGonagall would be proud."

"I'm going to have to get one for my office," Mr Widdick said, but added in a lower voice. "Harry do you really think you should be antagonising them like this."

"Probably not, but I'm not going to let them push me around. You said I didn't have to answer any of their questions?"

"Well yes."

"So I didn't really need to come here if I didn't want to?"

"Well in theory yes, but if you didn't come they would have found some way to force you. They're are the Wizengamot, and it would be better if everything was done on a more friendly level."

"Oh they clearly showed how friendly they were going to be with those chairs. I'm not going to take their bullshit any longer. Besides if I did Ginny would hex me two ways to Sunday."

"Damn right I would, after I'd hexed them first of course," Ginny said as she stepped back to admire her handiwork. The murmuring behind them had increased and Harry could tell that they had pushed as far as he dared for the moment.

"We'd better sit down," Harry said. Once they were settled he noticed that Cresswell had returned with two Aurors in tow, and the one person, still alive, that Harry really hated, Delores Umbridge. His anger, fuelled by Ginny's who had also seen her, burned through him and only fierce self control stopped him from blasting her out of the room again. Getting his emotions under control took him a few moments, but once he had, he stood up and walked over followed by Ginny. Ignoring Umbridge completely he offered his hand towards the two Aurors.

"Good morning," Harry said. "I think I saw you both at the Battle of Hogsmeade."

"You did indeed Mr Potter, Mrs Potter," the first one said.

"Call me Harry."

"Stop this now," Umbridge shrieked. "Get to your posts." Both Aurors gave her an undisguised look of disgust, but moved anyway. They took up position either side of the central podium.

"Why is this woman here?" Harry demanded of the Wizengamot while still ignoring her presence. "I was under the impression she was banned from the Ministry."

"Bans can be lifted Potter," Umbridge said. "I am now Head of the Aurors."

"Which idiot did that then?" Ginny said.

"I resent your tone young lady, Miss Umbridge works for me, anymore of this nonsense and I will be forced to have you both arrested for breach of the peace," Cresswell said.

"What breach of the peace would that be?" Mr Widdick asked.

"Disrespect of the authority of the Wizengamot is a clear breach of the peace."

"I think you'll find it's not," Mr Widdick answered.

"It will be once Ministerial Decree number fourteen is passed," Umbridge said.

"Is that right, well it hasn't been passed yet so it doesn't mean anything then," Widdick replied.

"Who are you and what are you doing here," Cresswell was starting to lose what little composure he had left.

"He's my lawyer," Harry said.

"You don't need a lawyer. This is just a hearing."

"I'll decide whether I need a lawyer or not," Harry said. "You've already tried to arrest me on a non existent law, and I've had a taste of Wizengamot justice before. I don't intend to take any chances."

"He is not allowed to address the Court," Cresswell said bristling with anger.

"I thought we weren't on trial?" Ginny said quickly.

"You're not."

"Then why did you mention Court?"

"It's just a figure of speech. Now we need to get on."

"Well go ahead," Ginny said, "but I think we all know you want this to be a trial." Cresswell looked as though he was going to say something, but found just enough control not to.

"Is your name Harry James Potter?" he said eventually.

"That sounds a little formal for just a hearing?" Harry said.

"It is the way things are done. Now answer the question."

"In that case you should address me as Harry James Potter, Order of Merlin First Class. Harry then reached into his pocket and hung the award round his neck. It had taken Dobby and him half an hour to find it that morning. It was still in the pocket of the dress robes he had been wearing when he had received it all those months ago.

"And you are Ginerva Molly Potter?" Cresswell said ignoring what Harry had said. Harry though made a loud coughing sound. "Order of Merlin Second class," Cresswell added through gritted teeth.

"Yes I am."

"You're not second class to me though," Harry said invoking a loud groan or was it a grunt from Percy. Harry wasn't sure whether it was part of his act, or whether he was having a Ron moment, which in hindsight seemed more likely. Which ever it was Cresswell turned on him.

"Be quiet Weasley. You should leave your family matters outside the Courtroom."
"Again you're calling this a Court," Ginny said, but only received a glare for her efforts.

"The Wizengamot wishes to find out the truth about a number of…" Cresswell began.

"What is Cuffe doing here," Harry said interrupting him. He had only just noticed him sitting in one of the gloomier parts of the dungeon.

"Mr Cuffe is a full member of the Wizengamot, and has every right to be here."

"Really he's a member of the Wizengamot," Ginny said. "Isn't that a conflict of interest?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I mean how can he report on the rights and wrongs of the Wizengamot when he's a member. How can his reporting be objective?" Ginny said as though talking to a small child.

"How dare you talk to me like that" This has nothing to do with the matter at hand. All these interruptions are stopping us getting on with what's important," Cresswell said turning red in anger.

"I think knowing who owns the Daily Prophet is a very important matter. Would Mr Cuffe like to inform everybody here who owns what it still the main source of daily news for the Wizarding World?" Harry said. Mr Cuffe though didn't move from his seat.

"Yet again you are trying to divert us from the real reason for all of us being here. This must stop," Cresswell said. Throughout all this Harry was surprised at how quiet the Minister for Magic Wriggleswort had been. Percy had said that he was weak and lazy, but just how weak was still a surprise to him.

"So I take it that nobody on what was once an august and noble body cares that an unknown person or persons can influence the editor of the paper," Harry said.

"How dare you insinuate that I can be influenced?" Cuffe shouted.

"Oh come on now Cuffe, we not going to have this argument again are we? I forced you, against your will, to publish an article about Voldemort only last year." Harry's anger flared up again when many of the members gasped at the use of Voldemort's name.

"This is all irrelevant," Cresswell snapped.

"So nobody here cares that the Prophet could be owned by a foreign power or Dark Wizard, with an Editor that has probably been bought and paid for."

"How dare you accuse me of taking bribes?" Cuffe yelled. "Withdraw that statement immediately, or I'll see you in Court."

"Go ahead I dare you," Harry retorted in a cold voice. "That way we'll find out who the owners really are, and any other financial irregularities that have been going on."

"Enough," Wriggleswort suddenly said taking Harry by surprise as he had completely written the man off. Harry had a sudden panic attack and checked that the Recording Quill was working. Otherwise this whole charade was a waste of time. To his relief it seemed to be Word Perfect. When he had bought it, and it wasn't cheap unlike the Quick Quote Quill that Rita Skeeter had used, the salesman warned him that sometimes it made strange spelling Miss Steaks.

"I'm disappointed in all of you," Harry said. "Voldemort was a good judge of character it seems, and murdered anybody on the Wizengamot who had half a back bone. You people can't even stand to hear his name, and he's dead." This time Harry wasn't sure whether the gasp was caused by the name or the insult he had thrown at them.

"Mr Potter will you stop using that name, and sit down," Harry hadn't realised that he was on his feet and pacing the floor, "and answer the questions that we want to put to you," Wriggleswort said.

"I'll sit down, but I make no promises on anything else." Turning his back on them again he caught Ginny's eye and winked. Mr Widdick was doing his best to show a neutral expression, but he was clearly confused with how things had gone. Perhaps they should have told him what he Ginny, Hermione and Ron had cooked up beforehand. It was too late now.

There was a pause in proceedings while Wriggleswort and Cresswell had a quiet conversation, and Cresswell was not enjoying it Harry was glad to see. Maybe Wriggleswort the worm was turning.

"Mr Potter perhaps you would like to explain why you allowed Draco Malfoy, a Death Eater, a sentence considerably less than the life time in Azkaban he deserved for the murder of Albus Dumbledore," Cresswell asked.

"Albus Dumbledore was murdered on the orders of Voldemort." Harry was going to use his name at every opportunity. "Draco Malfoy was given the task with the intention that he would fail and be killed. It was punishment for his father's previous failure. When it came to the act of casting the killing curse Malfoy was unable to do it. He was no killer. However the traitor Snape had no such qualms, and killed the man who had saved him from Azkaban after the first war."

"He was still there, and it was his plan that succeeded. Seven years is hardly sufficient." Cresswell said. It appeared that no one else was going to speak.

"He was still sixteen at the time, and had been brainwashed in the Death Eater cause since birth. He also provided vital information in insuring that Voldemort stayed dead when he was killed again."

"What was this information?"

"I'm not telling you. It was vital though."

"Mr Potter could you tell us why you got to decide Malfoys sentence?"

"Minister Scrimgeour asked me to."

"Do you know why?"

"Because I was the only one who knew how helpful Malfoy had been, I think it was also a matter of placing our trust in each other. You could of course ask him yourself, but it appears that he has disappeared, maybe even murdered."

"Are you trying to tell me that the Minister didn't know what the information was, and he trusted your judgement?"

"Yep," Harry said.

"Would you like to add anything to that answer?" Cresswell said.

"Nope, come on move on. I'm bored of this subject."

"It is not for you to chose the questions," Cresswell said some of his old arrogance reappearing. "Why won't you tell us what this information was, or are you trying to protect an old school friend." Harry couldn't stop himself and roared out laughing at the idea. Ginny just looked at the man in disgust.

"Mr Potter please answer the question," Wriggleswort said.

"No." There was a pause as they waited for Harry to say something further, but all Harry did was look at the gold watch on his wrist that Ginny had given him for Christmas.

"We'll be reviewing Mr Malfoy's sentence with a possible recommendation to increasing it," Cresswell said. Harry looked up from his watch, and noticed that Mr Widdick was whispering in Ginny's ear.

"You'll do no such thing," she said. "Once given sentences can only be reduced not increased. You'll have to convict him on another charge to do that."

"Not once Ministerial Decree number sixteen is passed," Umbridge said with a sickly smile. Harry wanted to shout in her face, but instead looked at the ceiling. "Minister I would like to ask Mr Potter some questions regarding the arrest of a witch, in Diagon Alley before Christmas." Again Mr Widdick was whispering in Ginny's ear.

"This has nothing to do with the current hearing, as that event transpired after the summons you sent us," Ginny said.

"I wasn't asking you girl," Umbridge snapped.

"I wasn't talking to you toad face," Ginny said back.

"How dare you!"

"Excuse me is this woman a member of the Wizengamot as well?" Harry asked.

"Now please everyone calm down," Wriggleswort said. "This is meant to be a friendly meeting. Miss Umbridge is not a member of the Wizengamot, but I see no reason why…"

"Then what is she doing here?"

"Mr Potter please don't interrupt. I was going to say I can see no reason why she shouldn't ask any questions about the incident at Diagon Alley."

"I'll give you several reasons why. Umbridge is guilty of using Veritaserum illegally. She is also guilty of wanting to use the Cruciatus curse, and luckily for her she was tricked out of that by her own greed. Then of course she's guilty of using an illegal blood quill to torture students, and finally, although I'm sure there are more crimes she has committed that I am unaware of, she is guilty of attempted murder."

"He's lying," Umbridge screeched. Her face looked as though it had puffed up into a mutant beetroot.

"Yea you've accused me of that before. You were wrong then, and you're wrong now," Harry said calmly. "I'll tell you what why don't you prove your innocence. Take some Veritaserum voluntarily, and we'll ask you if the reasons you were sacked from the Ministry in the first place were true or not." There was complete quiet in the dungeon, and when Harry looked around he saw shock on many of the faces of the Wizengamot.

"Too much of a coward aren't you," Harry said as Umbridge stood there speechless. It didn't matter what she said she would condemn herself one way or another.

"Madame Umbridge you are dismissed," Wriggleswort said suddenly. Cresswell had been whispering in her ear. Umbridge vanished from the dungeon with surprising speed, and Harry was gratified to hear one of the Aurors snort in disgust.

"It must be inconvenient to have one of your inner circle guilty of serious crimes," Ginny said in derision.

"Madame Umbridge is guilty of nothing these are wild accusations made without any form of proof," Cresswell said.

"Well we wouldn't want any of those then would we," Ginny replied.

"I don't suppose you have any intention of investigating these crimes?" Harry asked.

"What we do is no concern of yours. Do you have anything to add to the Diagon Alley incident?" Cresswell asked.

"I'll take that as a no then," Harry said ignoring Cresswell's question.

"Do you have anything else to add," Cresswell said again.

"No I made a full statement at the time."

"If that's the way you want it, so be it. What can you tell us about this bombing campaign that's been going on?"

"Nothing," Harry said. He was trying to remain calm but he was finding it harder and harder. If it wasn't for the plan he would have stormed out of here already.

"Nothing, all you can say is nothing. Hundreds of thousands of galleons worth of damage done, many businesses forced to close, a witch dead and all you can say is nothing."

"I'm a student at Hogwarts, what has any of this to do with me."

"You're a rich man Mr Potter. Many of the properties in Diagon Alley and in Hogsmeade belong to you. I'm I right?"

"Some yes," Harry answered.

"And yet none of these has suffered any damage. Why is that?"

"I've no idea, but I'm sure you're going to make some wild accusation without any form of proof."

"Mr Potter your lack of respect for this body is bordering on contempt," Wriggleswort said.

"You're right Minister I do find this body contemptible. By what right do any of you sit here and judge others. By what right do you sit here and pass Ministerial Decrees over Wizards and Witches who have no right of reply. This body has sent people to jail without a trial in the past. The Muggles passed a law forbidding this nearly eight hundred years ago."

"We are again straying from the point," Wriggleswort said.

"I'm sorry Minister," Cresswell said, although his face showed nothing of the sort. "Mr Potter you were raised a Muggle were you not?"

"Yes till I was eleven," Harry wondered where this was going.

"The Department of Magical Law Enforcement has discovered that all the bombings have been caused by Muggle explosives."

"What's your point?" Harry asked bewildered.

"My point is that you have means and motives. By destroying your competition you can buy them out cheaply, and with your background you know all about Muggle explosives." Harry had heard some dumb things said about him in his life but this beat them all. He turned and looked at Ginny to check if he had heard correctly, but her face was as stunned as his must have looked.

"You were muggleborn yourself and you know that Muggle children are not taught how to use explosives at school? I'm sorry we've been patient enough this is obviously a kangaroo court. I think it's time we left. I really can't afford the waste of time this has been. I could have been finishing off my Potions essay." Harry stood up as though to go and Ginny followed suit.

"Mr Potter we have yet to ask you about your confrontation with you-know-who," Wriggleswort said.

"Do you mean Voldemort, because if you do say so," Harry snapped. "We've said all we are going to say on that matter."

"Did you use the killing curse?" Cresswell shouted. Harry didn't really want to answer the question, but with the Recording Quill still working flat out he knew he had to say something.

"For the last time Snape was killed by Voldemort using the killing curse. Voldemort was killed by his own killing curse rebounding off the arms of Mrs Potter and myself."

"Do you really expect anybody to believe that?" Cresswell said.

"I don't care what you believe. A mind as closed and dense as yours is impossible to change, but why is it so impossible to believe when it happened to me as a baby. Or are you accusing me of casting an Unforgivable when I was a year old."

"If you don't stay Mr Potter charges will be brought against you," Cresswell said.

"So bring them. You were always going to, no matter what was said here."

"We're not finished with you Mr Potter." Harry though didn't bother to acknowledge the implied threat, but ushered Mr Widdick and Ginny out of the dungeon. He was quite sure they weren't finished with him, but he wasn't finished with them either.

XXXXX

I feel that I should apologies to the character of Cresswell after the publication of the Deathly Hallows. I know he's fictional, but I've certainly libelled him in this story.