The Scales of Justice

Albus had spent the last several days looking over the files which he found in his office. The reasoning that Wulfric employed often escaped him. Many decisions and policies were so highly irrational that he decided his alternate HAD been a bit senile.

The points book alone was a shock and revelation.

The memories he had found in the Pensieve cabinet were just as shocking. Contained therein were several as regards young Harry Potter, as well as Neville Longbottom, Sirius Black, Tom Riddle, and several others. Albus desperately wanted to change everything at once, but decided that this would be a labor of years.

His alternate grandsons and granddaughters were reduced to just three in the place. Harry, Neville, and Susan Bones were all that were present compared to the sixteen or so that he had in his own universe. He grieved for young Rose, Marius … he couldn't even complete the list without becoming maudlin. He only could mentally wish the ones from his past well, and hope to see them when they entered their own next adventure.

He did have some immediate plans.

It was 10:00 on 1 July and Albus Dumbledore made ready to open the floor of the Wizengamot. Unlike his own world, here he was Chief Warlock.

The Chief Warlock's position was very ceremonial. That figure only voted in the cases of a tie, kept order, and managed the agenda. Albus realized that in cases where he wanted to propose issues, he would have to use one of his (or Wulfric's) allies.

Such was the case today.

When the Wizengamot was open, several items were discussed. Finally he called for first item he was immediately interested in. "Next on the agenda is a motion to bring a matter before the assembly by Member Augusta Longbottom."

The Dowager Lady Longbottom rose. "Recently, I have been made aware of an issue that drives at the very heart of our legal system. A great injustice was visited upon a citizen of Magical Britain. Due to an accusation by a fellow student, a Hogwarts student was expelled and had his wand snapped with no trial and with no appeal. I would rectify this by granting a trial for this person."

Voices were heard in the background, most wondering whom was being discussed. Lucius Malfoy stood. "I would ask the name of the student. I was not aware of any student having their wand snapped recently."

Augusta answered, "The wizard in question is Rubeus Hagrid, Groundskeeper and Keeper of the Keys at Hogwarts."

Many voices were heard in the background. Finally, a woman with pink robes that looked like a toad, raised her voice. "Hmmm. Hmmm. Should we waste the Wizengamot's time with an issue that is so many years old? I should think that this motion should be …."

Augusta Longbottom yelled in outrage, "OBJECTION! I have not finished making the motion and it has not been presented! I still have the floor! And how could INJUSTICE be a waste of the Wizengamot's time? Is it not our job to ensure that the laws are applied? If the Minister's Undersecretary feels that the Wizengamot's business is a waste, she should refrain from attending!"

Dolores Umbridge was fuming. She was Senior Undersecretary. She had been appointed by Cornelius Fudge when he had been appointed Minister for Magic only the year before upon the retirement of Millicent Bagnold.

She had hoped to make a strong showing, but this certainly was not on her personal agenda. She was about to retort but saw the Minister looking at her with irritation.

Augusta finally continued, "As I was saying, Rubeus Hagrid received no trial. He was suspected of having a hand in the death of a fellow student. The DMLE decided not to prosecute and this was never proven, as was pointed out to me by the Chief Warlock. And yet, the shadow of accusation was never lifted. I move to direct the current Director of Law Enforcement ensure an investigation is completed within the month and a hearing held to either charge him or to exonerate him."

Albus nodded to Augusta, "A motion has been made, is there a second?"

Another Dumbledore ally stood. "I second the motion."

"The motion has been made and seconded. The motion is to direct the DMLE to investigate the administrative punishment of Rubeus Hagrid. The motion is open for debate."

After a brief debate, mostly incited by the traditionally dark faction and won by the other side, the motion was passed. Umbridge's face was pinched in disapproval.

After the day filled with motions and debates and insults, the end of the session was at hand.

"One other point of order before we recess. On 1 November 1981, under the authority of Chief Warlock, and in emergency action to prevent exploitation or attack, the wills of James and Lily Potter were ordered sealed. With their young son soon coming back to Wizarding Britain, on my authority as Chief Warlock the wills will be unsealed and read. This will be witnessed by myself, the Director of the Wizengamot Administrative Office, and I personally request the Head of Magical Law Enforcement to witness as well. Once we ensure that no issues which might create security concerns are present, the wills shall be made available to those named within."

Chatter increased even as Dumbledore dismissed the body for the day.

As he made his way to Wizangamot Administration, the Minister of Magic with his toady (really, that woman looked like a toad) approached.

"Albus! Albus! I wanted to consult with you on a few items!" Cornelius said loudly as he attempted to catch up to the Chief Warlock.

Albus paused in his stride. In the last week, he had taken steps to become fitter. It was difficult as his age, but he did have more energy. Obviously it was more energy than Cornelius Fudge. Fudge was puffing as he hurried up.

"Unsealing of the Potter will, is that really advisable? After all, the Potter boy hasn't actually appeared yet." Fudge asked with a bit of worry. His friend Lucius had expressed concerns at the announcement.

Albus continued on as he talked. "Yes, I am quite certain. The wills were sealed in a time of great confusion. However, the trials are over and Voldemort (the Minister shuddered) has not been sighted. There seems little reason to hold it off."

Fudge couldn't come up with a counter argument. "Well, I would like to witness the unsealing as well. To ensure things are handled correctly of course."

Albus stopped in his tracks. "Minister? Do you have so little confidence in the DMLE?" There were several DMLE employees in the area.

Fudge glanced around before he hedged, "No, No! Of course I am confident in the DMLE. I just wanted to ensure that the matter is given its correct importance."

From behind a voice interrupted their conversation. "I am glad to hear that, Minister. I would not want to think that I was not doing my job!" The two men turned and Amelia Bones made her way to their position. As she walked up, she nodded her head to Albus. "Chief Warlock. I agree to your request to witness."

Albus smiled at the new arrival. "Director Bones, I thank you. I was just going to the Administrative Office to have the file retrieved. Can you take the time now?"

Amelia Bones wondered when Albus Dumbledore had learned to actually refer to people properly. He had the annoying habit of using first names even in formal circumstances. Much was forgivable as he was well known to most as the Headmaster or teacher from their own time, but propriety should be respected.

Amelia nodded, "That will be fine. I am curious as to what we will find."

The group made their way to the Administrator. He was actually intimidated by the personages he was presented with.

"Minister, Chief Warlock, Director. How may I be of service?"

The Chief Warlock replied, "As Chief Warlock, I am countermanding an earlier order. I am authorizing the unsealing of the wills of James and Lily Potter. Please retrieve the file."

The Administrator ordered one of his people to retrieve the file. The three most powerful people in the Ministry talked briefly, if a little stiltedly on Fudge's part. Soon the file requested had been retrieved and he handed it to the Chief Warlock.

He drew his wand. "As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I hereby release My Seal. Let all present witness." He then made a few small motions with his wand and tapped the file. The magical seal was magically cut, allowing the contents to be removed for the first time in 10 years.

Albus opened the file, and perused its contents. So much stupidity on Wulfric's part was made obvious by what he read.

He turned toward Madam Bones. "Director Bones, this document contains evidence of a sensitive nature. I am officially handing it to you to use as a basis of investigation." He handed the file over to Madame Bones.

She took a moment and read over the will, and then the attached codicils. She understood Dumbledore's action of handing it to her.

The codicil was very indicative of the shite that was about to be turned over in the Ministry.

Amelia Bones returned the documents to the envelope and drew her wand. "Adminstrator, Chief Warlock, Minister: Witness. Under authority of the Director of Magical Law Enforcement, I hereby Seal these documents until they can be presented to the Wizengamot as a part of Investigative and Criminal Procedures now instituted under the authority of the Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." She performed a spell, and the envelope was now sealed with the Seal of the DMLE Director.

Fudge began to object. "Why was I not allowed to see it before it was resealed? As the Minister surely I should know the reason for that!"

Amelia turned her head toward the Minister. "The document shows corruption by the Minister's office during a previous administration. I am certain that you do not want to inherit that taint."

Fudge was relieved and a little apprehensive at the same time. "Well, if it was the previous administration's error, I cannot be held responsible." He waddled off to find Lucius for some advice. Umbridge followed along after, looking disagreeable.

Albus led Amelia to a more private location. "I assume you noticed the 'Oath-Bound Godfather' aspect?" Amelia nodded.

"I will leave this in your capable hands. There will be much fallout." Albus made his way to the floos and went back to Hogwarts.

Unlike Wulfric, Albus had a lot of faith in good people. He could not imagine Amelia as anything other than completely honest, regardless of universe.

He called Hagrid to his office to let him know about the investigation and why it was taking place. Hagrid was blubbering in joy as he left. He knew that clearing Hagrid wouldn't be easy under the current political landscape. But, it was right.

He also hoped Wulfric was suffering for what happened to Sirius Black.

Omake 1: The Codicel

This Codicil, dated 26 October 1981, amends the Last Will and Testament of James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Potter nee Evans, dated 15 August, 1980. It supersedes and replaces any and all Codicils, and alters the following sections of the Last Will and Testament:

Clause 2: The Executor

The Executor of this Last Will and Testament shall be Arthur Weasley, Friend. He shall receive a fee of 5000 Galleons for this service, in addition to any expenses. This fee shall be paid from the Potter Family Vault. He shall receive an additional 1000 Galleons per year until this will is certified as fully executed or until the surviving spouse or Heir or the Law deem his services are no longer required by the Estate.

Should Arthur Weasley be unable to perform as Executor, the Executor shall be assigned by the Administrator of Wizengamot Services. Any Executor so assigned be Oath-Bound to execute the Last Will and Testament and Codicils faithfully and without bias.

The Executor is directed to ensure that the affidavits attached to this Codicil are delivered to the Director of Magical Law Enforcement. If the affidavit gives evidence of any crime, a copy shall be delivered to the Head of the Auror Office as well.

Clause 3: Legal Guardianship of Minor Children, Harry James Potter, et. al.

In the event of the incapacitation or passing of one spouse but not the other, guardianship automatically remains with the remaining spouse. No other family members of any degree may take custody without a subsequent agreement by the remaining spouse with freely given consent. Any undue influence by other parties shall negate any such agreement made.

In the event both spouses pass or are incapacitated, guardianship shall devolve to the following parties in the order given below.

Sirius Black, House Black (or formerly of House Black – disinheritance by House Black shall not negate this line), Oath-Bonded Godfather of Harry James. Should Sirius be unmarried at the time of execution of this codicil, main guardianship shall devolve to the next option with the caveat that Sirius Black may not be denied visitation. Should the next option be unable, Sirius Black shall retain guardianship in full regardless of marital status.

Franklin and/or Alice Longbottom (Oath-Bonded Godmother), House Longbottom. Should guardianship not devolve, Alice Longbottom may not be denied visitation. Should either be unable to accept guardianship but the remaining be able, guardianship shall be given to the able spouse.

Andromeda and Ted Tonks, Friends. Should either be unable to accept guardianship but the remaining be able, guardianship shall be given to the able spouse.

Minerva McGonagall, Mentor and Friend. Should guardianship devolve to Minerva McGonagall and should she be available but unable, she shall have authority to choose a suitable guardian regardless of our stated preferences. Otherwise, guardianship shall devolve to the next choice.

Penunia Dursley nee Evans, Sister. Guardianship must be approved by Petunia Dursley before being granted and must be unforced. Vernon Dursley shall not be acceptable if Petunia Dursley is incapacitated or unable. Should guardianship devolve to Petunia Dursley, Petunia and Vernon must agree to treat minor children as they would their own children. Inspections by Children Services must occur and must be passed. Magical Guardianship shall devolve to any wizard or witch available from the list of our guardianship choices, in the order that they appear in this Clause. Should none be able to perform this, Peter Pettegrew shall be his magical guardian. If Peter Pettigrew is unable, magical guardianship shall be assigned to the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Any married couple or individual as chosen by Albus Dumbledore, Mentor, with married preference in the following order:

Couple with other children

Married Couple

Individual with other children

Individual

If Albus Dumbledore does not have capacity to decide, decision on Guardianship to devolve to Filius Flitwick, Mentor and Friend.

According to existing Law as it exists at the date of this codicil. If existing Law is changed in such a way that this Codicil is changed in meaning, this option shall be unenforceable.

Any Guardian as appointed by the Ministry of Magic according to Law but not the Office of the Minister. Any magical guardian appointed must be Oath-Bound to work in the best interest of the Minor Child(ren). Remus Lupin, Friend, must be allowed visitation. This may not be altered by laws regarding werewolves put into place after our passing or incapacitation.

Clause Six: Bequests

Any bequests listed in the Last Will and Testament that this Codicil modifies shall be granted as given, save for the following alterations:

The bequests for Edgar Bones, Marlene McKinnon, Fabian and Gideon Prewett, and any other who is deceased at the time of execution of this Codicil for Last Will and Testament of James Charlus Potter and Lily Marie Potter nee Evans shall devolve to the Heir of the named individual according to Law.

Sirius Black is hereby granted an additional bequest of one quarter of the contents of the Wine Cellar of the main Seat for House Potter in recognition of his bravery in providing decoy for the true Fidelius Secret Keeper for our location.

Peter Pettigrew is hereby granted an additional bequest of one quarter of the contents of the Wine Cellar of the main Seat for House Potter in recognition of his bravery in being the Fidelius Secret Keeper for our location.

The Executor is directed to deliver the final messages as attached to this Codicil to the named individual and in the time and circumstances as dictated for each. If named individual is unable to receive the message, the final message is to be retained with the Last Will and Testament as a record.

Set this date 26 October 1981

James Charlus Potter

Lily Marie Potter

Witnesses:

(Solicitor)

(Solicitor's Secretary)

OMAKE 2:

Albus Percivel Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, known to his audience at present only by "Wulfric" (or Bastard for those not speaking so politely) was strapped to a chair in front of a large screen.

Each time one of his many errors or stupid mistakes was uncovered and corrected, the souls around him praise his alternate, commenting on how much better the new Albus was. It was quite painful to hear the praise his alternate got and he was denied at every turn.

At the end of each day, the souls would go to wherever they normally resided (he gleaned it was a much more pleasant location than his current one) and he would be forced to watch how his alternate had taken on the problems of his former universe.

It was not a pleasant afterlife, and it didn't look like it would get any better anytime soon.

Next great adventure, his wrinkly old arse.

A/N: I couldn't be fussed to make up names for witnesses. According to law in many jurisdictions, witnesses for wills must be uninvolved third parties. In some jurisdictions, anyone who witnesses a last will gives up the right to any bequest in that will — one reason I find it unlikely that Albus Dumbledore witnessed their last will.

As a philosophical aside: Magical oaths might make people who are witnesses unable to talk about the will unless called upon to verify their contents according to Law. This would be a valid reason why the witnesses would not have been able to do anything about crap they knew about. Remember, witnesses must be uninvolved. Some bashing in fanfics is very unrealistic.

Also, wills are never one page. Even in any other fic I have done, the will would be so much longer and much more involved and legalese than I could do. Doesn't make for a good story, so most of us authors ignore those little details.

Wulfric, in my story, is Willfully Blind (an actual term) and tarnished by Deliberate Ignorance (an actual legal term), both due to his idealism. That's what makes him the bad guy. In canon, Dumbledore does things with the best intentions – he's almost as bad as Danzo in the Naruto-verse: Ultimately wanting to do good, just doing things that are in themselves horrible or deliberately ignorant.