Chapter 14: The Trial

Disclaimer: Still don't own anything

When Harry and Hermione entered the Round Table room. The tension that filled the room could be cut with a knife. Not one of the members of the council looked pleased about the news that had been delivered on what should have been an evening filled with happiness. No instead they were meeting to discuss a thorn which had been in the side of Avalon for a long time.

" Your Majesty I think it is safe to say that you have nothing to fear legally regarding these charges. As King you hold diplomatic immunity. I don't even see a reason to legitimize these allegations by even appearing" Grangor said

" I have to agree your majesty it would serve no purpose for you to appear before that body." Darius agreed

"I on the other hand do see a reason to appear before the Wizegamot. It will allow me to not only place the Ministry on notice that Avalon has a new King and we will operating differently. It will also give the people a another side to look at this issue with Voldemort. If it comes to open warfare I want them to know that power of Avalon is on the side of the light." Harry said

" Then I believe it is settled we will make the necessary arrangements." Darius said.

With that Harry and Hermione both stood up from their seats and walked out of the chamber leaving the rest of the council to prepare for the coming event.

"I think you are right Harry. If you are going to make a change you must do it in a very public way. You know you could always contact Mr. Lovegood I am sure he would be willing to help you." Hermione said

"Thanks…To be honest I am a little nervous about all of this. But together I think you and I will be able to do it." Harry said as intertwined his fingers in hers.

With that the two young royals walked hand in hand tell they reached their bedchambers. Harry with a little bit more confidence kissed Hermione good night and watched as she disappeared into her bedchamber. With that Harry also retired into his room.

The morning came much quicker than he had hoped. Like most mornings he was awakened by the gruff voice of Gladius at his bedside.

"Good Morning your Majesty I think you have had enough of a lie in time to get to training." Gladius said

With much of a word Harry got out of bed and prepared for what would be one of the most intense days of training he had experienced yet The pair made it out to the royal training grounds were Gladius had Harry go through his normal routine of warm up exercises. Then Harry watched as Gladius picked up his usual sword and unlike normal Gladius lunged for Harry who at that moment was unarmed. With a flick of his wrist Harry summoned a practice blade from the stand. Harry's block only just stopped Gladius practice blade striking Harry in the head with a blow that would have certainly crushed his skull.

"Cheap shot" Harry said taken back by the brutality of the sudden attack.

Without saying a word Gladius continued his assault upon Harry. Blow after blow he sent towards Harry who blocked.

"Is this how you will protect Hermione. Perhaps I should just go and kill her in her sleep and save Voldemort the effort." Gladius said

If Gladius had been hoping to stimulate some kind of response he was not disappointed. Where Harry had been on the defense it was now Gladius who was blocking for his very life. Every strike that Harry sent was more powerful than the last. Harry was relentless he was no longer thinking he was acting on instinct. His only goal was to send his enemy into the next life. By Merlin Harry wasn't going to let anyone harm Hermione.

Gladius was surprised at the amount of strength that Harry had in his attacks. After his initial onslaught Harry should have been tired. He wanted to see how far he could push the young man. IN that moment Gladius got his answer. This young man was a true warrior. Then with a swift flick of his wrists Harry sent the sword in Gladius hand flying into the air and brought his own blade against Gladius's throat.

"Good show your Majesty." Gladius said looking into the glowing eyes of his King. Gladius watched as Harry shook his head causing his eyes to fade back to their emerald green.

"Gladius why would you say something like that" Harry asked somewhat scared of what had just transpired.

"Because I needed you to understand fully why it is you fight. You are a good student, but I could always tell that you were holding back when we fought. I saw it that day in Diagon Alley. You could have killed that assassin, but you spared his life. In war you cannot afford such luxuries." Gladius said

Harry simply nodded his head realizing that Gladius was right. He would have to fight every battle like that last one. He could not afford to let his enemies get an advantage over him. With that Harry returned to his bedchamber and prepared for the rest of the day.

The next several days went by very quickly for Harry and Hermione. Harry of course spent most of his time training and in an assortment of meetings with different members of the council discussing the day to day running of his small government. Hermione on the other hand had begun her own form of training with Sorian focusing more on the Mage arts. Of course both Harry and Hermione had managed to spend some time together exploring their budding relationship. The two began to almost forget what was awaiting them on the fifth. Then quicker than either wanted it the fifth game upon them.

It was decided that Hermione would apperate to the ministry before the hearings and attempt to speak with Madame Bones who she would hope be able to at least get the ridiculous kidnapping charges dropped. She of course would have her own contingency of royal guards who would keep her safe. Hermione had decided that having constant shadows would take more getting used too.

"Your Majesty Lady Hermione has already left for the Ministry we should be leaving soon as well." Darius said to Harry who was looking out to the sea

"Sorry, I guess I'm a little nervous. This is the second time I have stood trial before the Wizegamot you would think I would be used to it by now." Harry said without looking at whom he was speaking.

"It is my fault you have had to endure so much your Majesty. I can only hope you can forgive me one day. If I had only found you sooner…." Darius began.

"This isn't your fault this is Dumbledore's fault. One day he too will have a reckoning. Well lets get on our way." Harry said as he put on the ceremonial over robe.

Harry looked around to find himself accompanied by a group of 12. He of course recognized Gladius, Darius, and Sorian. The others were members of the Royal Guard. The overall feeling was that if someone was going to make a move for Harry it would be either before or after the hearing. Nobody wanted to take a chance. So the extra security was quite welcomed.

Upon entering Gringotts Harry was of course met by Lord Grangor and the other members of the Gringotts upper echelon. Harry was then escorted to what Harry could only describe as a Tube station much like the one's he had seen in London with the Dursley's. Instead of the usual train was a mining cart much like the ones that he would use to go his own vault deep within Gringotts.

"This will take us to the Ministry your Majesty. It is secure and we can all travel in this method without fear of being separated." Lord Grangor said.

With that the group climbed aboard two carts and prepared for the journey that all knew would be jarring. Without fail the trip to the Ministry was as unpleasant as always. Although Harry would still prefer to travel in this method rather than have to deal with port keys. Once Harry and company arrived to what Harry assumed was the Ministry they were lead through a series of doors and found themselves in the Atrium. Harry who had pulled a hood over his head to conceal his identity noticed that all of the movement in the Ministry had stopped upon the arrival of the large group of people many carrying weapons. It was then that Harry saw a group of Aurors and other members of security approaching with varying looks of concern and several of the security staff had a sense of horror.

"I'll deal with this your Majesty" Lord Grangor said pulling out a set of papers with the groups diplomatic credentials.

After several minutes and the Aurors and security staff began to walk away from the party. However, It was plain on all of their faces that they were not happy about the situation. It was then that Darius suggested that they make their way towards the lift he was sure that the hearing had already began. As the group walked towards the lift bank they cleared a path as they walked. No one wanting to come to close to the large imposing force which had descended upon the ministry. As the group made their way into the lift to go to the hearings. What no one knew was that the hearing had been moved up ahead of schedule and was being concluded.

" My Lords and Ladies of the Wizegamot it is clear to anyone just from the lack of his presence. That young Harry Potter cares nothing for the laws of our society. He would willfully and defiantly ignore an official summons brought forth by this great body to answer charges most serious. I am the first to admit that the defeat of You-Know-Who was a great service he did for us, but just how far are we willing to let him go. Should we stand idly by and allow him not only to blatantly use magic in front of Muggles. Are we also going to allow him to kidnap a poor defenseless young woman. I think not it is time that Harry Potter learns that he is not above the law. It is time that we make him see that we are in control." Percy Weasley who had been selected by Minister Fudge to represent the Ministry of Magic at the trial said.

With a quick series of nods and whispers the members of the Wizegamot began to speak to each other. It was an almost organized chaos. Each member of the ancient council who because of the lack of Harry's appearance had little choice, but to conclude that what the Ministry had presented was true. What none of them knew was that once again Minister Fudge had changed the time of the Hearing much like he had done in Harry's fifth year. Knowing that Potter would not be present and would not be able to put on any kind of defense he hoped that he would be able to gain control over Potter with this maneuver. Dumbledore of course saw that by Harry not showing to the hearing he would be in the perfect position to reestablish control over the wayward teenager.

" Then it is decided. While it is of the opinion of this body that Harry Potter did not kidnap Hermione Granger. It does non the less present the argument that perhaps a muggle family is not the best place to leave Harry Potter. It then decided that a magical guardian will be appointed to Mr. Potter to ensure that he his brought up in a manor that will ensure that he becomes a law abiding citizen. It is further believed that because of Harry's special situation and position in wizarding society that Headmaster Dumbledore will be placed as Harry's Legal Guardian. It is further decided that Harry is to be placed on Probation to further insure that no further incidents occur. So if there is no further discussion on the matter this pre….." Dumbledore began to say, but what interrupted by a large series of noises coming from outside of the hearing room. It sounded almost as if a series of explosions were going off inside of the ministry. Then as soon as the noise had started it had ended. The room sat in silence as a small portly man came into the room almost shaking with fear. The portly man ran, as best as one can considering his size, up to Minister Fudge and whispered something into his year. Something that while they could not hear what it was anyone watching could plainly see it was not something that the minister liked. The only thing they could hear him say was "preposterous"

It was then that the portly man waddled his way to the entrance once again and with a loud voice which many were surprised he possessed he called out a name that would change the way they look at the world they lived in forever.

"Mr. Minister, I give to you His Royal Majesty Harold the First, King of Avalon, Defender of the Commonwealth, Guardian of the Faith."

The room erupted into chaos many of the nobles of the Wizegamot rising to their feet out of respect most out of shock and disbelief. With the Nobles and ministry official yelling at each other most just in an effort to be heard over the chaos that had erupted within the ancient governing body. As the chaos was about to break into pandemonium. A loud voice was heard

"SILENCE!" The Headmaster cried out with the aid of a Sonorous charm placed upon himself.

"We will have order" Dumbledore finally stated. With that the large oak doors opened and entered the young man who was the center of all of today's attention.

When Harry entered Dumbledore noticed the large group that accompanied him. He had hoped that Harry would have came only with himself and maybe one or two bodyguards. It was clear to him that he had underestimated the importance that Avalon had placed upon their young monarch. Dumbledore immediately noticed that Harry had undergone several large changes to his body. This drastic changes could only mean one thing. It was then that Dumbledore spied resting on his right hip the unmistakable hilt of Excalibur. As Harry walked he noticed something. Harry was walking with an air of confidence that he had hoped would not be there. Dumbledore had hoped that with the death of Sirius that Harry would be a shambles and would be much easier to get back to Hogwarts., Instead he saw a young man who was coming into his own. It was when Harry reached the podium in the center of the room that finally Minister Fudge regained some of his composure.

"What is the meaning of this Potter. You dare to show up to your own trial and spread more lies. Have you no shame. Is your respect for this mighty council so little that you would tell such bold face lies." Fudge said

"Mr. Minister, I believe that Headmaster Dumbledore can fill you in on the particulars of my heritage at a later date. I believe that today is about charges that have been brought before me unjustly by the Ministry of Magic." Harry said.

"Nonsense, The Wizegamot has already pronounced sentence on this matter. I can see any reason to further delay these proceedings." Fudge said not wanting Harry to be able to speak before the council.

It was then that a series of grumblings could be heard throughout the Wizegamot. The loudest voices were those who's curiosity had been peaked by the young man who was now claiming that he was King of Avalon.

"Mr. Potter will be allowed to speak." Dumbledore said with a look of agitation on his face.

With that Harry went on to describe the events that had transpired regarding the charges brought against. Him. Several gasps were heard throughout the Wizegamot as Harry recounted his story. As Harry spoke he captivated most of the people listening to him. The young man before them truly was an amazing individual.

"What an amazing miracle that you are even standing here before us able to tell us the tale. However, I am afraid that despite all of this you are still in need of a new magical guardian and that the Probation is also a necessary part of keeping you….." Dumbledore started to say only to be cut off by Harry.

"I am afraid that I do not understand what are you talking about when you say magical guardian and probation." Harry said knowing where this was going to lead.

"It is the decision of the Wizegamot that you are in need of a magical guardian who can hopeful guide, and the probation is in lieu of a prison sentence. Even if you had not kidnapped Ms. Granger you are still responsible for harboring a run away." Dumbledore said in an almost condescending tone.

"Who would this magical guarding be?" Harry asked already sure of the answer.

"The Wizegamot believes that you would be best suited if I were to act in this capacity." Dumbledore said

"I am afraid that while I do respect the Wizegamot I can not and will not abide by any decision that they make towards me. As King of Avalon I am immune to the laws of the Magical Britain. I hold diplomatic immunity within this land. That is unless the Ministry of Magic wishes to withdraw diplomatic relations Avalon and withdraw from the commonwealth. That of course would negate any titles that the nobles of this governing body hold. Since the Nobles of Britain receive their titles from the Royal House of Pendragon. If that is your wish Minister then perhaps you should explain it to the Wizegamot."

At this the entire Wizegamot broke out into a series of arguments. It was Harry this time that brought the body back into focus.

" This is something that I do not wish to transpire. Avalon and the Wizegamot has always had a strong bond of friendship."

"These bold lies Potter even for you. What proof do you have of this. I for one am not about to believe that you…." Fudge would not be able to finish that statement. For as soon as he had began Harry brought out the one symbol that everyone in that room would be able to recognize.

" By Excalibur…. I prove my claim to the throne. By the powers of Avalon I assert my claim." Harry said and burst of energy was felt though out the room. Causing even Dumbledore to be taken aback.

"I am sure that everyone in here understands that your birthright does entitle you to certain privileges. However, Ms. Granger does not share the same so I must insist that you return her to us. I also believe that you would be better served if I take control as your guardian." Dumbledore said hoping to be able to salvage this situation.

"I am afraid that Lady Hermione is free to do as she pleases. Isn't that right my dear." As Harry said that a new figure arose out of the gallery flanked by two men who now upon closer inspection were Royal Avalonian Guards.

"Lady Hermione is a member of the House of Pendragon and as such Avalon extends to her the rights of Diplomatic Immunity. As far as my best interest it is for me to decide what is best for me and my nation. This body should know that you not only placed me in a abusive home for my own good. You purposely hid me from my only blood relation the late King Arturias. You then paid a family of Muggle's to raise me and in doing so placed me in an abusive home. I spent 10 years living in cupboard. Count yourself lucky that Avalon still wishes to have any kind of relation with the British Magical community. I promise you this things will change on who we business with the Ministry." Harry said in a tone that left no compromise in what he said.

Without saying a word Harry left the center of the podium began to walk towards the exit with Hermione who had by now joined Harry on the Wizegamot floor and were now walking hand in hand out of the hearing room.

"Harry wait." A voice cried out.

Harry quickly turned recognizing the voice calling out to him. Harry immediately nodded t the two guards who had stopped the shabby looking man dead in his tracks as he tried to approach.

"Professor Lupin! You came to the hearing." Harry said happy that he was there

"I knew Fudge would try something so somebody had to try and defend you. Is it true. I mean everything you said." Remus said unsure as to what to do next to the man standing before him.

"Yes….Lets not discuss it here. Lets go home." Harry said with a smile.

As the group was making their way out the door. A hidden figure came out from behind one of the columns. The lone figure fired a reductor curse at the ceiling above the group moving for the exit. Lupin was the first to see the inbound curse pushing both Harry and Hermione forward in an attempt to protect them. The explosion caused Harry's security to react fast. Several members of the guard took Harry and Hermione off of their feet and in a feet of almost super speed ran for the doors to the chamber. The remaining guards saw on the ground Remus Lupin who had only moment before tried to save their King. The remaining guards quickly picked up Lupin who's breathing was very labored and rushed out.

Albus Dumbledore quickly ordered everyone out of the hearing room and unnoticed to anyone apparrated away to #12 Grimmauld place. Sitting in the kitchen he saw the familiar figure of Severus Snape.

"I am afraid Severus that our plan did not work as hoped. We will have to bide our time and wait again, but do not worry Harry will work with us willingly or we will simply use other methods to achieve our goal." Dumbledore said with a look of determination.

A/N: I want to thank everyone who has been so kind in their reviews. You guys really make writing this enjoyable. Having said that I have received a couple of less than positive reviews. While I respect everybody's if you don't like my story or you have problems with it ( Like you don't like the way Harry looks, or you don't like the way Hermione looks in the words of one reviewer like a playboy model.) Please just don't review. I have already sent that person a PM that basically said if you don't like it don't read it. I also know my grammar is horrible, but like so many other writers on this site have said most of us are not closet English Majors. We write for the joy of writing. While I will always try my best not to butcher the English language I can not make any promises. I hope everybody still enjoys reading my fic after this little rant. I will try not to have any more rants in Author Notes. Thank you all for reading.

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