Chapter 20

"Ok if I'm going to be able to do this I'm going to need some questions answered first. Dobby you should be able to answer most of these for me. Would you mind helping me out?" Hermione asked sitting in the Room of Requirement.

"Yes mistress Mione, Dobby will be pleased to answer any questions that you may be having"

"Ok first things first. Why in heavens name is Dumbledore being tried in the wizengamot? He was arrested by Goblins surely that means that he should be tried under Goblin law?" Hermione began.

"Dobby went to the goblins and asked about this; it seems that the Goblins are not allowed to try people under their laws as part of the treaty which was established to secure the relationship between Goblins and Humans. They can act on your behalf but they cannot try you under Goblin law mistress Mione"

Hermione sat down making a mental note to ask Dobby about that treaty later on.

"Dobby you don't have to call me mistress considering you cannot say my name you can just call me Mione. Now second question. How can I persuade the wizengamot to allow me to question Dumbledore?"

In Hermione's mind this was her biggest problem it's all well and good trying to outsmart someone but it's irrelevant if you do not get the option to ask any questions.

"Dobby has asked other elves about this and Dobby may have the solution for you. A witness is allowed to call on the right of re-question. This means that they are given the option to ask no more than 7 questions to the defendant whilst under the influence of veritaserum" the little elf explained

"7 Questions? How am I going to outsmart Dumbledore in 7 questions?" She said exasperated by how much more difficult her task had become. Harry went over to calm her down

"By asking questions that aren't complicated and complex and are relatively simple. If we can work out the right questions that we can prove that Dumbledore is lying and this will give us the break we need don't worry I'm sure between the 3 of us we can work this out" Harry said as he kissed her forehead.

"Ok were going about this the complete wrong way. Think for a minute what is the most fatal flaw that Dumbledore has other than his desire for his so called 'greater good'?" Hermione asked

"What's the fatal flaw of most people who believe that everything they do is for the best? Their ego."

Hermione's face lit up "I know how to outsmart him. Dobby I'm going to need your help and Harry I'm going to need you to find Luna"

The day of the trial arrived and after being escorted to the minstry with Tonks and Lupin there were taken to the courtroom where harry was tried last year. Tonks and Lupin were given permission to stay as they were the representation for harry and hermione who were both still considered minors.

Amelia Bones was handling this trial and as she walked up to the podium harry and hermione smiled at each other.

After Harry and Hermione had both given their witness statements Dumbledore was brought into the courtroom whilst being escorted by two Aurors. The potion was administered and Dumbledore took the facade of being under its effects.

"What is your name?"

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Order of Merlin first class, head of the wizengamot supreme mugwump and head of the international confederation of wizards"

"Are you guilty of any of the charges which you are being tried against?"

"No"

"Have you at any point throughout your life been guilty of the charges which you are being tried for?"

"No"

The questioning went as expected and as Director Bones was about to order the antidote be given Hermione stood up.

"Under the rules of the wizengamot I invoke the right of re-questioning by a witness as stated by the wizengamot statures of 325 B.C." She said loudly and confidently. The wizengamot went into a much a whispers that right hadn't been invoked for nearly 500 years

"You realise that this right gives you only 7 questions and should they prove useless to the proceedings you may face charges of obstruction? Do you still wish to proceed?" She asked

"I understand the terms and wish to continue"

Director Bones nodded "Very well Miss Granger you have 7 questions. Use them wisely. Every member of this court shall be silent until the questioning is over" She said as Hermione walked towards where Dumbledore was sat.

"Question 1. Were you aware that along with myself Harry Potter and his familiar had been hexed into not receiving any mail which was rightfully theirs?"

"I am not aware of any such hexes" Dumbledore said maintaining his composure.

" Question 2. Do you have monitoring devices in your office which keep track of all of Harry Potter's movements?"

"I do not possess any such devices"

"Question 3. Have you ever made a withdrawal from Harry Potter's vaults at Gringotts bank?"

"Not that Harry was not already aware of" Dumbledore replied. He was starting to panic. They were on to him

"Can you please confirm your reasons for placing Harry into the care of Vernon and Petunia Dursley?"

"I was doing what I believed was in Harry's best interest. Lily and her sister have always had a good relationship and so by placing him there I knew he would be raised well by his family" Dumbledore replied. This would work if he could just get an emphatic response he would be home and dry and could help make the necessary choices for the greater good.

"Question 5. Do you know what a wrack spurt is?" Hermione asked getting some questionable looks from everyone in the room minus Harry who had a big grin on his face.

"No I have never heard of such a thing"

"Question 6. Have you ever placed any compulsions on myself or Harry Potter?"

"No I have not" Dumbledore could see he was going to be cleared. After all who else would help on Harry into accepting his destiny?

"Final question. Did you know that recent reports have shown that Nargles are now most commonly found within mistletoe and have been found within Hogwarts itself?"

Dumbledore hesitated before answering. "Yes of course I am aware of all things in regards to Hogwarts after all it is my job to know"

Hermione smiled and turned to Director Bones

"Director Bones I have just successfully proven that Albus Dumbledore has the ability to resist the effects of Veritaserum"

The wizengamot went into outrage it took a few seconds for order to be maintained.

"This is a very serious claim Miss Granger can you prove this?"

"I can and would be happy to do so. However I must request that Harry Potter join me as he is a part of my explanation" Director Bones nodded and Harry walked towards Hermione. She began her explanation.

"The first question asked if Dumbledore was aware that myself and Harry along with his familiar had been hexed. Dumbledore responded very quickly that he did not. However we can now show here that it was Dumbledore who placed the hex onto myself and Hermione. The goblins at Gringotts can confirm this with the evidence now shown before you which clearly shows that Dumbledore's magical signature was found in the many number of hexes and compulsions shown. Question 2 asked if Dumbledore had any monitoring devices for Harry. Again his answer was no but after gaining permission to search the office Harry's house elf Dobby found several different devices all tuned into Harry and his magical core. Question 3 asked if Dumbledore had ever made withdrawals from Harry's vault. He openly admitted that he had but not without Harry's knowledge. This in itself is another as Harry was not made aware of his financial standings until 6 months ago. He had never been in possession of his vault key and new blood warded keys were created for Harry. Question 4 asked Dumbledore's reasons for placing Harry in the care of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. The answer is as complete hogwash. Upon the death of Lily and James Potter the last will and testament clearly stated that Harry was never to go into the care of his sister as the entire Dursley family is anti magic they despised anything to do with magic and as such lily and her sister did not speak for many years. Harry was not loved and he raised himself. Question 5 asked if Dumbledore knew what a wrack spurt was. It is true that hardly anyone knows what they are but I know for fact that Dumbledore does because he has read about them in the monthly addition of the Quibbler which Xenophillius Lovegood confirmed he has a subscription of. Question 6 asked if he had ever placed compulsions on myself or Harry. This has already been proven to be a lie based on the explanation of Question 2. My final question was simply asked to see if Dumbledore would let his ego control him and thankfully it did. As you all know no findings have ever been found which successfully prove the existence of such creatures and furthermore where they are commonly found. As Dumbledore was able to lie on these questions which I have asked it seems abundantly clear that he is able to resist the effects of Veritaserum"

Hermione finished and Director Bones ordered Dumbledore restrained.

"Albus Dumbledore for misleading this wizengamot you shall be sentenced without trial. Auror's remained him into custody until a just sentence can be reached. Miss Granger I would like to thank you for your services to the ministry. I must say it takes an incredibly bright witch to be able to outsmart Albus Dumbledore" She said as Dumbledore was taken away

"I had my friends to help my Director. If there is nothing else Harry and I should really be returning to Hogwarts" Hermione said eager to leave the ministry

"Of course we shall be in touch soon regarding your services"

With that both Harry and Hermione left the court room with Tonks and Lupin shortly behind them

All were quiet until they reached the atrium. Lupin was the first to make a comment

"That Hermione was impressive even by your standards" He said smiling

"I agree pure genius that was" Tonks said as she hugged Hermione.

"Genius doesn't quite cover it when it comes to Hermione" Harry commented embracing her in a bone crushing hug

"It wasn't all me remember. Dobby can expect a thousand pairs of socks coming his way soon!" The four of them left the ministry and went back to Hogwarts.

At least that's one load of their minds. Now for everything else.

Authors Note: Hey guys I thought I would upload this now as I don't know when my internet is coming back hopefully I should be reaching climax and don't worry I haven't forgotten about Malfoy. In fact I've got some plans for him in the next few chapters. Keep up the reviews and ill update when my internet returns