NINE
Potter Island
British Indian Ocean Territory
The final week before the hearing passed by without that much incident.
After he gave his promise that he would tell his story to everyone after the hearing, no one bothered Al about his past. Everyone in the family, as Harry now refers to Hermione, Dan, Emma, Sirius, and Remus, accepted the compromise that Al had engineered for them.
On their third day on the island, two days after their tour, Tonks regained consciousness enough to wonder where she is. Fortunately, Remus was there on her bedside when she did, and he was able to tell her all about the incident that saw the two of them shot, before she slipped back into sleep. The doctor in charge of the infirmary, whom Harry and Hermione had witnessed, being harassed by Sirius more than once, had assured everyone that this is normal and that Tonks is on her way to a full recovery.
On the fourth day, Harry and Hermione, as well as Dan and Emma, were able to introduce themselves to the downed auror, who was happy to meet Harry Potter, though her eyes did not automatically shoot up to the famed lightning bolt scar on Harry's forehead. Harry suspected that Sirius and Remus had also informed Tonks that they are withdrawing from the Order, since the auror had informed them that she would be withdrawing as well.
For the most part, training continued for Harry and Hermione. Only this time, instead of running ten kilometers every day with Al, they are running five with Hec. It might seem to be a boon, but the truth is, Al had allowed Hec to shorten the route because Hec had insisted that Harry and Hermione run with full packs.
As Al had promised before, however, the battle wizard did teach them some new tricks with their wands, as well as how to use firearms and fencing, which Harry and Hermione found that they are adept at, though neither Harry nor Hermione would want to spar with him, even if they are together against him. Both had witnessed the sound trashing that Al had handed to fifteen men on their second day when the battle wizard dueled with them on one go.
Dan had taken to reviewing and re-familiarizing himself with the various firearms in the island. He had been witnessed training with the new recruits on the range.
Emma, on the other hand, had taken to reading. The library in the island manor house was considerably bigger than the one at Germany. She, however, was seen accompanying her husband one time at the range and was known to have fired a few rounds herself. Apparently, Dan had insisted that she learn as well.
Sirius and Remus also taught Harry and Hermione whenever they are available. Sirius taught transfiguration, showing both Harry and Hermione some OWL standard spells, as well as NEWT standard spells. The same was true for Remus, though in his case, he was teaching charms. Both men had expressed confidence that Harry and Hermione would get perfect, or at least, near perfect, marks for their OWL's in the subjects that they taught.
Finally, the day of the hearing arrived.
"Are you sure that you won't need me there" Sirius said as Al joined Harry, Hermione, Hec and two men and a woman, those that have been chosen by Al to join them for this mission, in the living room.
Harry looked hopeful that Sirius would be able to join them for this one, it was obvious that his godfather wanted to come, even if only in his dog form.
Al shook his head, "I'm sorry Sirius" Al said, he placed his right hand on the right shoulder of Sirius before adding, "You know very well what would happen should those idiots discover you" he smiled, "I promise that I would humiliate Fudge and the rest of his cronies though, not to mention Lemon-Drop"
Sirius nodded, "Give them hell" he said, he then gave both Harry and Hermione a wink before he wished everyone in the mission luck.
A few moments later, the party of seven found themselves in the living room of Potter Manor in Britain. "Okay, listen up" Al said as soon as he was sure that everyone has their bearings straight, he glanced at his wristwatch, which automatically adjusted to London time, and said, "This may not be a firing mission, but this is an operation nonetheless, I expect nothing less but perfect performance for my people" Hec, and the other bodyguards that Al had brought along stiffened at that remark, but the battle wizard ignored them and turned towards his two charges, he spoke first with Hermione, "Hermione" he said, "you know that I did not want you to accompany us for this one, and your parents agreed with me, but we cannot stop you"
Hermione nodded, Al sighed, "I want you to stay with Francesca at all times" he motioned to the only other female in the group, "She would be your bodyguard for this op, along with Marcus here" Al motioned to one of the guys.
Hermione nodded, "I also know not to accept anything that anyone save for the two of them would offer me" she added, "And I have a sidearm with me, though I hope that I would not have to use it"
"Good" Al nodded, the smile on his face was an indication that he was pleased with the initiative that Hermione was showing. When the battle wizard turned towards Harry, his smile broadened as he saw that his primary charge was also showing the initiative that he had expected.
"Harry" Al said, "I would be your bodyguard, lawyer and counsel for the day" he grinned, "I would, of course, be Anton Rosseu, but its fine to call me Al" Harry nodded, "Also the same reminders for you, do not, I say again, do not, accept anything that does not come from me or from anyone in our group," he sighed, before he turned his attention to both Harry and Hermione, "We know that Lemon-Drop is planning on dousing both of you with his love potions, our intelligence had confirmed as much, so we cannot be too careful"
Both Harry and Hermione nodded. Al turned towards Hec and the other man who have not been given a specific objective, "Hec and Andrew" Al said, "You are with our audience, since I am sure that there would be many of them, charged with trying to find anyone who might take a potshot at us" both men nodded, "Non-lethal confrontation only, use your imagination" again both men nodded, before Harry turned his attention back towards Harry, "I expect that there would be a lot of media there, mostly international" at the dejected look on the face of Harry, Al said, "Don't worry, most of them would be more interested in me than you, this is the first time that Anton Rosseu is in Britain, after all, and we could use them to our advantage"
Harry nodded, but he had a question, "What about the representative from the Daily Prophet?" he asked, "I know that they've been taking potshots at me"
Al smiled, "Sure, the people in Britain are inclined to believe that dishrag, but most people outside Britain would believe their own papers, and if we are extremely lucky, which I think we are, we would be graced with the presence of a representative from the Magical Time Magazine, which the delegates in the ICW believe more than their own mothers"
Harry looked unconvinced, and no one among the party would blame him. After all, he had never had pleasant experiences with the media before.
Al glanced at his wristwatch once more before he turned his attention back towards his party, "In two minutes, Harry and I would floo to the ministry, no sense in using the visitors entrance, five minutes later, Hermione, Francesca, and Marcus would floo in, followed a minute later by Hec and Andrew"
Ten minutes later, Harry found himself together with Al in a very long and splendid hall with a highly polished, dark wood floor. Halfway down the hall was a fountain. A group of golden statues, larger than life-size, stood in the middle of a circular pool. Tallest among the statues was a noble-looking wizard, his wand pointed straight into the air. Grouped around him were a beautiful witch, a centaur a goblin, and a house-elf. The last three all looked adoringly up at the witch and wizard. Glittering jets of water were flying from the tips of the wands, and the arrow of the centaur among others, adding the hiss of the falling water to the pops and cracks of Apparators and the clatter of footsteps as hundreds of witches and wizards, most of whom wearing glum looks, as they strode towards a set of golden gates at the far end of the hall.
"This way" Al said.
Al and Harry joined the throng. As they passed by the fountain, Harry saw silver Sickles and Bronze Knuts glinting from the bottom of the pool.
"Over here" Al said. They stepped out of the stream of Ministry employees headed for the golden gates. They headed towards a desk on the left of the gates, over which, hung a sign which read 'security'. A badly shaven wizard in peacock-blue robes looked up as they approached and put down his Daily Prophet.
"Good morning" Al said pleasantly, "We are here for a hearing"
The bored looking wizard nodded, "Step over here" he said in a bored voice.
Al decided to let Harry go first as he looked back at the throng. He was able to identify Hermione, Francesca and Marcus as they floo into the hall, but he did not acknowledged them. There would be ample time for that later. He just wished that Francesca and Marcus would be able to control Hermione from running towards them, for the sake of the plan; no one must know that Harry and Hermione are legally married this early.
The bored looking wizard in charge of the desk looked Harry up and down; fortunately, he completely missed the tell-tale lightning bolt scar on Harry's forehead. Once he was satisfied with how Harry looked, the guard stretched his right hand towards him, "Wand" he said.
Harry produced his wand. The wizard dropped it onto a strange brass instrument which began to vibrate. After a few moments, a narrow strip of parchment came speeding out of it. The wizard tore the parchment off and read the writing upon it, "Eleven inches, phoenix–feather core, been in use, four years, that correct?" he asked.
"Yes" Harry replied.
"I keep this" the wizard said, he impaled the slip of parchment on a small brass spike, "you get this back" he added, returning the wand to Harry, before motioning for Al to enter.
Al was carrying a briefcase, which meant that his look-see was considerably longer. Harry was able to see what was inside the silver briefcase that Al was carrying, and his eyes bulged when he saw that his counsel has a submachine gun in his briefcase, but the confused guard just looked it over, produced some sort of instrument that looked like a car antenna, and used said instrument to scan the weapon.
Harry guessed that the instrument is used to detect magic, since it did not go off when it touched the small submachine gun that Harry recognized as an MP-5K. The wizard guard looked at Al as he motioned towards the weapon, "Water container" Al said with a straight face, he smiled and leaned in closer to the guard, as if he does not want anyone to know what he was about to say, "Latest craze in the mainland, man, every kid wants one, and my mama says that I am a kid at heart, so to irritate her, I brought myself one"
The guard took Al's word for it, Harry guessed that the bored wizard had never heard, let alone seen, a gun before, "I wish I could buy one for my kid then" the guard said. He looked at the case once more and then closed it himself before he demanded Al's wand.
Al handed him his fifteen inch wand, which surprised the guard, but nonetheless, took the said wand and dropped it into the same instrument that tested Harry's wand. A few moments later, another piece of parchment came out at the base of the instrument and the guard read from it.
"Fifteen and three quarter inches, nine-tailed fox hair core, been in use for about five years?" the guard asked, he looked at Al, who nodded, before adding, "Guess that you are Anton Rosseu then?" and when Al nodded again, the guard continued, "You have press contingents from Europe and America asking for you, Mr. Rosseu"
Al smiled, he glanced at his charge and then back at the guard, "Can we go now?"
"Sure" the guard smiled, he carefully, almost reverently, returned Al his wand.
Al led Harry into a lift, which was filled with people. Every time the lift would stop at a particular floor, a pleasant sounding female voice would announce the floor number and what one can find in the said floor. Al and Harry, they were the only ones left in the lift, left the lift at the second floor, but they had barely taken a step out when a large, black man with an intimidating gaze handed Al a piece of paper.
Al took the paper, read from it, and Harry watched as his eyes widened. Al looked at the man who gave him the paper, a question evident on his face, but before he can ask the question, the black man nodded, and Al turned around and led Harry back to the lift.
"What was that about?" Harry asked as soon as the doors of the lift were close and the lift was moving again.
"That was our spy inside the Ministry and one of ours inside the Order" Al replied, he cursed before adding, "Fudge is playing us for a fool," he handed Harry the paper that the spy had handed him, but before Harry can read it, Al said, "Rescheduling the hearing so that you would arrive late? Asking for a full trail for a simple case of underage magic? I've never seen anyone as incompetent as this bastard before" he shook his head angrily and then he smiled, "No matter, he just made a big mistake," he looked at Harry and smiled, "We have the international press with us, and that incompetent bastard has no choice but to let them see this"
Harry nodded, but did not say anything. They found themselves a few moments later at a dungeon like place that reminded Harry of the Hogwarts dungeon. They entered a room and Harry's eyes widened once more as he recognized the place where he would be having his hearing. He has been here before.
A cold male voice rang across the courtroom, "You're late"
"Sorry" Harry said.
Harry sat at a chair located on the middle of the hall. He had watched as the chains on the chair bind people during the time that he had spent in the pensieve, but the chains did not move. He looked at the people seated at the bench above while Al took a seat beside him in a much more normal looking chair.
The first group of people that he noticed was a group wearing plum-colored robes with an elaborately worked silver W on the left-hand side of the chest and all of them staring down their noses t him, some with very austere expressions, others, looks of frank curiosity.
Among these group, Harry recognized Cornelius Fudge, the minister of Magic. A portly man who often sported a lime-green bowler hat, he also sprouts nonsense on his mouth and, as Sirius had said, is the worst minister of magic that world has ever seen.
The second group, Harry noted included Hermione. She was sited in the middle of her two bodyguards, the man called Marcus on her left, while Francesca on her right. Harry also noted that both Marcus and Francesca were carrying the same briefcases as Al, and he guessed that the two are also packing.
He noted with extreme pleasure that the Weasley's are with this group, but that they are unable to even move towards Hermione since both Marcus and Francesca are shooting them with undisguised hostile looks.
The third group that he noticed made Harry's heart sunk. As he observed them, however, he noted that, as Al had said, most of the attention of the international press was at Al himself, or, in this case, Anton.
Harry did not notice where Hec and his partner, Andrew, are. He guessed that they are doing their job and observing, so he did not look for them anymore.
"Very well" Fudge said, "the accused being present – finally – let us begin. Are you ready?" he called down the row.
"Yes, sir" said an eager voice that Harry knew. Percy Weasley was sitting at the very end of the front bench, a quill poised in his hand and a parchment in front of him.
"Disciplinary hearing, of the twelfth of August" Fudge said in a ringing voice, as Percy began taking down notes, "into offenses committed under the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and the International Statute of Secrecy by Harry James Potter, resident at number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey."
"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, Court Scribe, Percival Ignatius Weasley"
"Representing the Defense, Your Honors" Al said, he stood up from his seat beside Harry, "Anton William Rosseu, late of Bavaria, recognized by the International Confederation of Wizards"
Fudge nodded, and Harry noted that he looked afraid for a few moments. He wondered whether it was because of who Al is, or if it was because of the fact that right after Al introduced himself as Anton Rosseu, every newspaperman in the galley stood up and began taking pictures.
"Yes" Fudge said after a few moments, he shuffled his notes and said, "Well, then. So. The charges. Yes"
He extricated a piece of parchment from the pile before him, took a deep breath, and read, "The charges against the accused are as follows: that he did knowingly, deliberately, and in full awareness of the illegality of his actions, having received a previous written warning from the Minister of Magic on a similar charge, produced a Patronus Charm in a muggle-inhabited area, in the presence of a Muggle…." Fudge drowned on and Harry noted with glee that some of the newspapermen in the benches tried, and failed, to stifle yawns.
"You are Harry James Potter, of number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey?" Fudge asked.
"Yes, but -" Harry replied after Al nudged him.
"You received an official warning from the Ministry for using illegal magic three years ago, did you not?"
"Yes, but -" Harry replied.
"And yet, you conjured a patronus on the night in question?"
"Your Honors" Al suddenly said, "I would like to ask how we are going to find out the facts if the honorable" and he said that with sarcasm, though very few can hear it, "minister of magic is not going to allow my client to fully explain his actions in this court"
"Mr. Rosseu, you are not of this court, so please do not interrupt the Minister" a fake sweet voice, Harry noted that it came from a toad, said.
"Madam Undersecretary" Al said, again, he was faintly sarcastic when he said that, "I am the counsel chosen by my client to represent him for this hearing, I am fully entitled by law, both British and International, to protect the legal rights of my client. Minister Fudge's failure to hear the full story from my client is an indication of the fact that he had already decided to declare him guilty, my client wishes to tell this honorable court what happened the night in question in his own words, yet, the honorable Minister Fudge refuses" he turned towards the head of the DMLE, and asked, "Has the right to be presumed innocent till proven guilty been repealed in the British Isles, Madam Bones?
Harry saw that Umbridge was about to say something, but then thought better of it when she noticed the reports taking down notes.
"No it has not" Madam Bones replied, she glared at Minister Fudge and then turned towards Harry and, in a gentle tone that reminded Harry of a mother trying to coax a kid to tell his story, Madam Bones said, "Please tell us the full story Harry"
Harry nodded and he narrated what happened the night in question. He noted that while Madam Bones was interested, very few in the assembly were. When he got to the Dementors attacking him, Harry noted the silent fury written in the face of the Head of the DMLE, but before she can say anything, Fudge said, "You are a liar aren't you boy?"
"Objection" Al said, standing up.
"Sustained" Madam Bones replied, she glared once more at Minister Fudge, before stating, "Minister, remember yourself" and she purposely failed to disguise inclining her head towards the media.
Harry nearly laughed when he saw the color drain from Fudge's face. Al, on the other hand, remained impassive as he watched the same thing. He knew that Fudge had just made a grave mistake and he would be seeing his ratings going down in the next few weeks.
Fudge nodded, but he still glared at Harry as he said, "A well rehearsed story like that would not fly in this court, Mr. Potter"
Al stood up again, Harry noted that Fudge actually looked afraid as Al said, "Madam Bones, may we introduce evidence to this court that would confirm the claim of my client?"
Madam Bones nodded, "Please" she replied.
Fudge nodded. He was so sure that Harry was guilty that when the memory of Harry of that night was shown, he was as pale as the ghosts of Hogwarts.
"But…" Fudge began.
"If I may" a voice from the back said. Everyone turned their attention towards the source of the voice and found Dumbledore standing up, "I would like to know what Dementors are doing there?"
Madam Bones shook her head, "I do not know" she admitted.
"Then perhaps…" Dumbledore began, but Al cut him off, "Professor Dumbledore" Al said, "While I respect your intelligence and your knowledge, I have to say that I do not respect your personality, this is my case and you are not a party to this"
"Mr. Rosseu is right Professor" Madam Bones said, "Please sit down"
A defeated Dumbledore did so, but not before he glared at Al, who just smirked at the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Unknown to Dumbledore, a picture of him sulking after being told, basically, to shut up, was taken by one of the reporters in the benches.
"Minister Fudge" Madam Bones said, "Do you have any questions?"
"Hem, hem" the same sickly sweet, and obviously faked, voice said, "Excuse me, Madam Bones, I have a question for the defendant"
Madam Bones nodded, and the toad, whom Harry learned was named Dolores Umbridge, said, "Mister Potter, are you perhaps suggesting that the Ministry has ordered an attack on your person?"
Al, who was drinking, Harry suspected that it was on purpose, laughed, spewing water all over the ground in front of him. A few moments later, most of the people, including Umbridge's own colleagues, joined in the mirth.
"Madam Undersecretary" Al said after he finished wiping his face with his handkerchief, "With all due respect, madam, are you stupid?" Harry watched as Umbridge reddened, but before she can say anything, Al continued, "We've already shown this honorable court what happened that day, now you are asking us if we are implying that the Ministry has ordered the attack? Who else can order those Dementors around? Voldemort perhaps?" Al ignored the shudder of most of the assembled people, "but according to your government, he is dead, killed, by my client here when he was but a babe, and Professor Dumbledore, misguided as he is when it comes to child welfare, has a well-documented hatred of these creatures" Dumbledore reddened as well, but again, before he can say anything, Al continued, "By process of elimination, who else do you think is left? I would like to say Voldemort, I have seen the memories of my client of that event after all, in fact, I saw several of Minister Fudge's friends in there as well, but since your government is denying that he has returned, then it means that we have no choice but to believe that your government ordered the attack"
"Mr. Rosseu" Madam Bones warned.
"I apologize for my outburst, Madam Bones" Al replied, he looked at the head of the DMLE and replied, "I did not mean to insult the British Ministry of Magic as a while, only those who apparently, are unqualified to sit"
"Excuse me" Dumbledore suddenly said, he stood up as well, "I would like for you to retract your earlier statements in regards to myself and my actions" he looked at Harry and then back at Al, before he said, "You and I are on the same side here, we both want to protect Harry"
Al shook his head, "You misunderstood me then, professor, but then again, we actually haven't filed the action yet" he said, he looked at Harry, who nodded, before he looked at Madam Bones, "Madam Bones" Al said, "Mr. Potter is going to file a child abuse case against his legal guardians in the muggle world this week," Dumbledore paled, "and at the same time, we are going to file an action for gross negligence and willful disregard of law against one Albus Dumbledore for placing him with said relatives, thus, subjecting my client to more than ten years of abuse"
"Mr. Rosseu…" Dumbledore began.
"Professor Dumbledore" Madam Bones said, "Please sit down, or I would have my aurors remove you from this court" Dumbledore did so.
Madam Bones looked at her fellow officers of the court. She noted that the Minister and his Undersecretary were both as white as the ghosts of Hogwarts and she does not envy their position at all.
Anton Rosseu had made them chose between declaring Your-Know-Who is alive or admitting that they tried to frame the Boy-Who-Lived. Looking at the media, some of whom came from outside the country, and at least one who is reporting live, she sighed again.
"Honorable Members of the Wizengamot" Madam Bones said, "I think that we have heard enough" wisely, no one decided to disagree, "I would now call for a vote, those who believe that Harry James Potter is guilty?" a few hands, including that of Minister Fudge, his undersecretary and Percy Weasley, shot up, "and those who say that he is not guilty?" this time, almost everyone's hand shot up.
"Excellent" Madam Bones said, she turned towards Harry, she smiled at him before saying, "Harry James Potter, you are declared not guilty of the charges against you brought before this court, you are free to go." She sighed and quickly added, "On a more personal note, I would like to apologize for my failure to investigate this case more thoroughly" she glared at Fudge, leaving little to the imagination as to who prevented her from a much more through investigation, "rest assured that I would investigate why two Dementors are in Surrey at that time, and I wish you luck in your coming actions and your OWL's later this school year"
"Thank you, Madam Bones" Harry replied.
Madam Bones nodded, "This case is dismissed and the defendant is free to go, court is adjourned"