Chapter Seventeen:

The Trial

A/N: Please read, Review, and enjoy! No Chapter song. Please enjoy!

Dedicated to Kyte Pheonix.

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He couldn't have asked for more. When he went to Durmstrang, Harry hadn't expected to fall head over heels for Draco, or to be sharing his bed every night. That was until December twentieth. Two days before the trial, the blonde had gone quite literally missing. Harry frantically searched for him about the Castle, asking everybody he was on neutral terms with if they had seen him.

They had gotten so close and dependent upon the others company, that for those two days Harry had never been more confused and distraught. Now it was the morning of the trial, and Harry's nerves were on end and Draco was still nowhere to be found. He had confronted Headteacher Karkaroff in the corridor and his only response was that he had been summouned home for the holidays. Harry attempted to send a letter to Dumbledore, Sirius and Hermione asking if they knew of his whereabouts or any suspicious Death Eater activity that could relate to it.

The Draco he knew wouldn't just leave him like that, without explanation, saying goodbye, or even wishing him luck for the trial. It just made no sense, and the only thing Harry could think of was that Draco had left not of his own accord.

"I have known Draco for quite sometime and this is not usual of him, however I have confidence he can take care of himself," Chester tried to monotonely comfort Harry as he was finishing up packing his bags, about to catch the carriages and train back home for the holidays.

"Maybe you should talk to his cousins, mate," Migel spoke up from his bed. Him and Quinton weren't going home for the holidays, but instead were spending it studying there.

"Yeah, he's got two here..One in Seventh Year, one in Third. Their brothers. What're their names again?"

"Marcus and Bryce?"

"Yeah, yeah, that's them!"

"How're they related to Draco exactly?" Harry asked slowly, anybody apart of the Malfoy bloodline he knew he had to be wary of. His boyfriend had pointed them out to him during the first Feast in September, but never spoke anymore of it so Harry didn't push. They had the same striking platinum hair as Draco, but much longer. Their features were dull and plain, eyes thin and a deep blue. They were apart of the _ House.

"I think it's his Mother's nephews,"

"His Mother has a sister?" Harry asked curiously, not knowing much of his boyfriend's family history.

"Mhm, two actually. Most only think just the one, Bellatrix Lestrange, but it's actually two. There was Felicia Black as well, but she had turned out a Squib and after giving birth to two sons, her pureblooded husband saw it fit to rid of her yet keep her family name, which was better than his,"

"You see, Marcus and Bryce aren't particularly proud of their Mother, so if I were you I would be careful,"

Harry nodded slowly at the twins, "Thanks guys, I'm going to try and find them before they head off for the hols. And Chester, thanks for everything. Have a good holiday, and I hope not to see you in the new year," he joked softly.

Chester smirked over at him, momentarily pausing in his packing, "Happy Christmas to you too Potter. Good luck with the trial and make sure to keep Malfoy in line," he grinned.

"Oh, I would if I could find him," he sighed, and turned to begin to descend from the Aequor Dormitories to the Second Floor where the _ House was located.

Harry had never been to any of the other House dormitories, for he never really saw the need to. Actually, now that he thought about it he had only ever been into Gryffindor and Slytherin back at Hogwarts, too. Shrugging it off, he waited patiently on the outside of the _ portal to their Common Room. He knew he would be magically rejected if he entered, so he would wait until somebody was going in or coming out.

Finally, what looked like a First Year boy came out of the Dormitory looking rather glum. "Er, hi," Harry said, getting his attention.

"Potter," spat the boy, with more venom Harry thought any eleven year-old could have.

"Uh, could you please get me Marcus and Bryce Black? I-I need to ask them a question, if they're in there..." he trailed off, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck nervously.

The boy eyed him suspciously before grunting and turning back through the arch and into his Common Room. Harry waited a good five minutes before the First Year came out again and swept past him without a glance, following the boy were two others. The first was the Third Year, Bryce, short and scrawny with palid features. Then was Marcus, much more defined but with a nasty scowl on his face. His arms were crossed as he addressed Harry.

"What do you want?" he hissed.

"You've demolished the Malfoy family name, now you wish to come after ours too, is that it?" Bryce snapped.

Harry wasn't in the least bit surprised at the immediate hostility he was recieving, so he straightened himself up and cleared his throat. "Where is Draco?"

"Draconis?" Marcus corrected, "How are we supposed to know. You're his Keeper,"

"I am not hi-"

"Right, and I'm not a pureblood," Bryce rolled his eyes.

"Yes but you're Mother's a Squib - that's good enough to be called a Half, isn't it?" Harry snapped back, not knowing where that had come from him. It must have been from all his time he had been spending with their cousin.

Both of the boys got a murderous look in their eyes, and Bryce looked about to retort but Marcus shot him a glance before speaking to Harry in a low tone, "He is helping Lucius prepare for their Annual Yuletide Ball. He's been at the Manor for two days now. Didn't he tell you?"

Harry opened and closed his mouth for a moment. Was it true? Did Draco just go home for the holidays without even informing Harry...why would he do that? Or were these two lying to him.

"Being so close to his family, I've learned never to trust a Malfoy, they always have another scheme up their sleeves that is all for the betterment of their name," Marcus explained haughtily.

Bryce nodded in agreement before adding, "And considering the abysmal mess you've made of their name, it'll take more tricks to get it back than their used to,"

Harry shot him a scowl. "Now if that's everything, we have better things to do than associate with a Half-Blood,"

Harry pursed his lips and without responding he turned and left. Why did all of those related to Draco have to be so intolerable? 'Probably because Draco is so intolerable himself, the only reason you tolerate him is becausem youm love him,' Harry thought to himself before storming back up to his Dormitory.

He had only a miniscule amount of time to prepare for the Trial, Dumbledore should be arriving in Igor's office any moment now.

XXXX

The time had come, and Harry could not have been more nervous. He knew the circumstances would be ultimately different if Draco were at his side. Even though they would have to maintain an image when at the Ministry of Magic, at least he would still have his silent support. But as he stood in his dormitory doorway, saying his goodbye's to Migel and Quinton, he could not have felt more doubtful of the outcome.

"Cheer up mate,"

"Malfoy'll come 'round...I mean, it could be his Father's fault why he left so fast,"

"Yeah, knowing Mr Malfoy the way we do..." the twins trailed off, sending Harry supportive smiles which he returned.

"Thanks guys, for everything this term. Come visit at Hogwarts, won't you?" Harry asked hopefully, he did feel as though he had made some good friends.

"Course! Good luck at the Ministry," Migel smiled again.

"Cya in the New Year," Harry then turned to leave the dormitory, in slight dismay of saying goodbye to his new mates. He hadn't heard Quinton mumble in response, "You'll be seeing us sooner than that,"

The journey from the Aequor Common room to Igor Karkaroff's loomy office was too short in Harry's opinion, as he was greeted there by Dumbledore smiling softly, wearing his light blue robes. Headteacher Karkaroff was sitting behind his desk leaning his chin on the palm of his hands, a hint of malice in his brown eyes as he watched Harry greet his old Headmaster.

"We will be travelling by Floo, Harry. Do you remember the procedures from last time when we arrive at the Ministry?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yessir," Harry nodded, making it prudent not to greet Karkaroff for hopefully it would be the last time he'd be seeing him.

"There is quite the crowd there to support you today, and also vouch for your character," Dumbledore said, and Harry could only think of the Weasley's and Hermione who would be in attendance, though he wasn't sure who was all going to be making a testimony.

So he and Dumbledore said their short, empty so long to Karkaroff and then disappeared in a flash of green flames via the Headteacher's fireplace, and appeared in the busied foyer of the Ministry of Magic. People were popping in and out of all the seemingly endless Floo Networks as mail owls whizzed overhead, reporters and newspaper stands screamed out their headlines as the Ministry employee's and visitor's walked by in the expansive hall. Harry stuck close to Dumbledore as they made their way to the front desk, checking in with the secretary who looked Harry up and down with shock, amazed at meeting the infamous boy. He blushed usual but said nothing as they then made their way to the elevator, requesting the Department of Mysteries where the court was located.

As soon as Harry stepped off of the elevator, feeling queezy as always, he was greeted by six enthusiastic redheads and Hermione. They all hugged him tightly and gave him the usual good luck, but he still was nerve-wrecked even with his greatest friends and indirect family around. Draco was still absent and it wasn't doing him well.

"You alright, mate? You seem a little off," Ron commented as the large group began to head into the court room.

"It's D-" Harry stopped himself, realizing now was not the best time to remind Ron of his romantic involvement so he just shook his head mumbling, "It's nothing,"

The court room was just as it was in the summer time, but instead of Fudge sitting atop the Judge's chair, it was Kingsley Shacklebot. For appearances, Harry smiled up at him and all around at the Ministry officials who would be acting jury for him that day. There were only few familiar faces from last time. On the sides were where the Weasley's, Hermione and Professor Dumbledore were seated, Harry got the defendant's chair in the middle of the room. It was rather intimidating, but having been in this position once before with more support than last time did make it much easier on him.

The Trial began the same as the other one, with a recount of the events during the summer when Harry defended him and Dudley from the Dementor's in Little Whinging. Then came the time for each of the Weasley's to stand up and defend Harry's character, explaining how through all the years of knowing him he would not break a law if not necessary or in a life threatning situation. Hermione and Professor Dumbledore gave their testimonies afterwards. It was just about time for Harry to do his personal recount of the events and his explanation of his actions when the court room door burst open, everybody jumped and looked over.

A Ministry worker hurried in with a flushed expression, he clambered up past the jury stands to where Kingsley patiently sat and leaned in to whisper in his ear. His eyes went wide as he spoke, "Who? Ah, unexpected...very well, bring him in," he ordered softly, and the Ministry worker ran off and out the door again. "Our last testimony on Harry Potter's behalf belongs to-"

'Last testimony? Didn't we already do that?' Harry thought confusedly to himself, and he turned around to face Draco who was just walking in through the door. The blonde avoided any kind of direct eye contact with Harry very slyly. He was wearing his most expensive robes, clasped together with a gleaming silver Malfoy emblem. Behind Draco walked in Lucius, who shocked those who still were not by the Malfoy's presence. Even the Weasley's seemed befuddled at this.

Father and Son stood a few feet away from Harry, neither looking in his direction although he strived for his boyfriend to return his gaze. Something about the way the two looked together and carried themselves emenating power and authority.

"Under the Wizarding Decree, originally forged by Merlin himself, one is allowed to break any law under the Wizarding Decree if it means to save their own or others lives. If one Witch or Wizard is put into extreme circumstances, they may cast whatever charm, hex, or spell they must to bring themselves to safety. It is easily agreeable that being faced with three Dementor's in a Muggle town with no other protection than your wand is an extreme situation in which a fast reaction must be made.

The laws in which Harry Potter broke on that night are nothing compared to the life threatning situation he and his Muggle cousin were in. He cast the Patronus Charm to protect him and his family, and sure it was Underage by the first Law overrides the rest. He performed this Charm in the presence of a Muggle, but this is highly irrelevant considering that this particular Muggle already was fully aware of our existance and also the existance of Magic.

Ontop of that, I would be fully willing to go under Veritaserum and oath that Harry James Potter would never do harm or break the law without it being absolutely vital," Draco paused and took in the jury who were still shocked by a Malfoy defending Harry Potter, "Some of you may be questioning the circumstances of what happened in Little Whinging that evening. Why were there Dementor's there in the first place? Could Harry just be lying about the entirety of it all? I can prove that there were Dementor's there that evening who came to collect Harry Potter and bring him to their Master who is none other than Lord Voldemort," now the court room was gasping, hissing in disbelief and fear of the name he spoke so calmly. Harry was taken aback with how forward the blonde was being - what was he getting at? Where was this all going to? He was risking the pride of his family's name and honour by being here and saying these things...not to mention their lives.

"I have proof that the Dark Lord has risen once again into power and that he is very much alive. He is beginning his pursuit of Harry Potter at full speed, wishing to rid himself of a nuisance from the past. Is it not the Ministry's obligation to keep innocents safe from harm? If the expulsion and charges on Harry remain past today, the threat on his life will only increase tenfold. I attended Durmstrang Instituition with Harry for the past term and saw his life in constant danger by those around him, almost all the students willing to sell their classmate to their own parents for reasons I know I do not have to mention for you to grasp. In the series of events and attacks that followed, it became obvious that the only place Harry Potter was safe was under Albus Dumbledore's protection. So I suggest you all start doing your jobs and protect the innocent people of our Wizardind World," he finished authoritatively.

Everybody was staring at the Malfoy duo, their straight calm faces, piercing silver eyes, matching expensive robes. Kingsley was considering all that Draco had said, "Where is your proof of the Dark Lord's return?" he asked wearily.

"Ah, I do believe by proof Draconis is referring to me. I am willing to provide all the information I have on Death Eater activities and several Headquarters to the Ministry in a Trial of my own," Lucius spoke up in a cool drawl, "I can ensure you that it will be well worth your time,"

Harry couldn't believe it. Was Lucius actually going to confess to the Ministry? That was most certainly risking his life and his entire Estate! He knew it all couldn't be just for him, but still...Lucius could end up in Azkaban for life or with the Dementor's Kiss.

"Due to new circumstances, the jury calls for an immediate ten minute recess," the jury representative said.

As the jury members and Kinglsey all stood up to leave, Harry jumped from his seat and ran over to the Malfoy's. He was tempted to throw his arms around Draco but then remembered where they were and smiled sheepishly, more than glad he got a smirk in response. "Thank you Draco...thank you...but why?"

"Do you honestly think I could sit here while there was still a chance you would be sent back to Durmstrang?" he drawled.

"But this is so risky-"

"We both understand the risks, and they are ones we have been willing to take as a family for years. These are our decisions and might I also add that mine have nothing to do with you," Lucius hissed in interuption.

Harry straightened up and regarded the older Malfoy slowly nodding, "Well thank you both of you anyway, saving my life again," he grinned. "But why did you leave Durmstrang without telling me?"

Draco's smirk fell, "I had to leave immediately with Father. He had showed up unannounced. I hope I didn't worry you too much, but we had much preparation in case today did not go as planned," he explained.

"I was worried out of my gasket, but you're here now and okay and that's all that mattered," Harry smiled, "Your cousins are terribly mannered though, have I ever told you that?"

"My cousins?" Draco rasied an eyebrow, a small cold laugh escpaing him as he shook his head, "Nevermind, I do not believe I wish to know if it involves Bryce and Marcus,"

"Please, all be seated. The jury has made their decision," Kingsley Shacklebot had arrived back in the center of the courtroom, his jury looking pleased flanked on either side back in their seats. Harry hurried over from Draco and sat down where he was before.

"The case regarding Harry James Potter's expulsion from Hogwarts has come to a unanimous decision. You are freed of all charges, your record cleared, and you may begin to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the beginning of the upcoming term. In reference to Lucuis Malfoy's evidence of the Dark Lord, a second Trial will be held tomorrow at 11:00 o'clock. Case closed, the jury is adjorned," Kingsley finished.

The Weasley's erupted into cheers and Harry got up happily from his chair to beam a smile over at Draco, enthusiastically returned. He was distracted by Hermione throwing her arms around Harry in congratulations, and by two faces appearing at the entrance to the court room.

The newcomers walked over to the crowd now congratulating Harry on his charges being dropped, and smirked identically with their arms crossed. They came to stand beside Draco who rolled his eyes at their mere presence.

"Oy-a Harry, told yah he'd come around!" Quinton jabbed a thumb in Draco's direction with a snicker.

"Guess we won't be seeing your sorry arse next term, not that we mind," Migel winked. Harry grinned widely and ignored the Weasley's and Hermione's confused look at who were seemingly strangers.

For once, he felt his future was something to be looked forward to. For as long as he had company like this, there was a War that was worth giving his life for.