Chapter 17: The Trial of Delores Umbridge and Cornelius Fudge

As he sat in the courtroom surrounded by his family, waiting for everyone to enter Harry could not help but think about the last two weeks.

Carlisle had wanted to know what testimony they could want from Harry, as he had been in America before things got bad in England. With the prodding of his siblings he had told the story of his fifth year and his detentions with Umbridge. By the time they finished explaining the blood quill and that Umbridge had used it on students as young as eleven. It had taken Emmett and Ron to restrain Rosalie, and Carlisle was having a hard time keeping hold of Esme, as both wanted to go to England and rip the woman apart. When Harry had finally dropped his glamour that hid the scar on his hand and the one on his forehead it had taken all of them to restrain the Cullens.

Rosalie had decided that she should not hear anymore and that she would say with her nephews during the trial. "I had her in my hands and didn't know. I would have torn her apart. I am not sure that if I hear more I can restrain myself. Courtroom or not I would take her out."

They had packed and been gone in a week. Harry had offered Potter Hall for them to stay at. He had found it among his families holdings, it was very old, unplotable and had not been used in so long that no one remembered it. They had some time to settle in after Luna, of course, had taken them shopping. Just a couple of quick stops in Milan and Paris at the most fashionable wizarding shops, and they were all sporting a new wardrobe. Carlisle had protested about getting muggle money changed into wizarding money, only to be told that it didn't matter as Harry and Draco were two of the richest wizards in the world. That of course put Edward and Jacob into shock, which resulted in them each getting a pat on the shoulder and told that they should close their mouth before they caught a fly.

Looking to his side at his fiancé Harry could not help but admire the way Edward looked. His camel colored cashmere robes accented his hair and spreads across his broad chest making him look quite formidable.

They were set in the first two rows, as they had arrived early. Neville sat at the isle then, Luna, Harry, Edward, Cedric, Ron, Oliver and Marcus at the other isle. The row behind them had Carlisle and Esme in the middle with Emmett, Jasper and Alice on one side and Jacob and Draco on the other.

They all noticed when Ron tensed, but were not sure what was happening. Then the Evan's siblings noticed that approach of Ron's parents Molly and Arthur Weasley.

Speaking loud enough for those around to hear Mrs. Weasley said, "Oh Ron dear you're here and safe."

She opened her arms as if expecting a hug from her youngest son. Those gathered in the room looked on as Ron made no effort to move.

Noticing that people were watching Mr. Weasley asked, "Aren't you going to hug your mother? You haven't seen her in a while."

The people in the gallery started whispering as Ron finally turned to look at them and calmly said, "No, I don't think I will."

Turning red Mrs. Weasley hissed at him through clenched teeth, "My son does not behave like this. You were taught manners young man."

Ron stood at this and Cedric grabbed his hand, he looked down at him and nodded before he spoke. "Then it is a good thing I am not your son, since you disowned me." This drew a gasp all those in hearing range, to disown a child was a huge thing in the wizarding world. "But you are correct that I do have manners. Allow me to make the introductions. I am not sure if your remember everyone. This is my brother Neville and his girlfriend Luna, my brother Harry and his fiancé Edward, my fiancé Cedric and my brother Oliver and his husband Marcus. Behind us are my brother Emmett his wife is with my nephews and not able to be here, then my brother Jasper and his wife Alice, my mother Esme and my father Carilse and lastly my brother Draco and his fiancé Jacob." Ron then turned to his family and pointed at his parents. "Those were my parents before I discovered that family means you stand together no matter what."

Any further response was cut short when the Elvin guard called the courtroom to order as he announced. "All rise for the Honorable Justices of the High Court of Magic. The Honorable Wizard Justice Susan Bones; the Honorable Vampire Justice Duncan McCloud of the Clan McCloud; the Honorable Elvin Justice Peter Blood; the Honorable Fae Justice John Morgan; the Honorable Centaur Justice Bane; the Honorable Dwarf Justice Warwick Davis; the Honorable Werewolf Justice John Beaumont; the Honorable Goblin Justice Irongrip; the Honorable Leprechaun Justice Jimmy O'Dea; the Honorable Selkie Justice Rico; the Honorable Veela Justice Armand St. Just and the Honorable Squib Justice Sir Percy Blakley."

Everyone took their seats as the thirteen Justices were seated. Carlisle noted that there were only eleven Justices on the Courts in North America, as the Leprechauns and Centaurs had never immigrated.

Justice Bones banged a heavy wooden ball on the desk before placing it back and its holder and speaking, "This Court is now in session. Bring in the accused."

A door opened on the side of the courtroom and Delores Umbridge was escorted through. Luna made gagging noises at her pink suit as she was set into the chair for the accused and strapped in.

Justice McCloud spoke next, "Let the Law-Wizards state their appearance for the record."

A heavy set graying man at the table nearest to Harry stood and addressed the Court, "If it pleases the Court? Perry Mason appearing for the Magical Races Britain."

An older wizard that was slender and very distinguished looking then stood from the table near Umbridge and said, "If it pleases the Court? Hamilton Burger appearing for the Defendant."

Turning to Umbridge Justice Blood said, "Will the accused please state your name?"

With as much of a superior tone that she could must she answered, "Delores Jane Umbridge, Deputy Minister of Magic."

Interrupting Justice Bones said, "Not anymore you're not."

Nodding Justice Morgan spoke, "Will the Clerk please read the charges."

The Clerk stood and read, "The Witch Delores Umbridge is hereby charged with the following:

Count I: That you did commit crimes against Magical Races of Britain.

Count II: That you did authorize the executions of the two hundred Magical Beings that were killed or destroyed at the Ministry's Detention Camp.

Count III: That you did authorize the abuse, torture and rape of the four hundred men, women and children detained in the Ministry's Camp for the purpose of interrogation.

Count IV: That you did conspire to remove the lawful democratic voice of the people by dissolving the Wizengamot.

Count V: That while you were a Professor at Hogwarts you did bring an illegal dark arts object into the school in the form of a Blood Quill.

Count VI: That you did use said Blood Quill on over fifty students during their detentions.

Count VII: That while you were a Professor at Hogwarts you did illegally use Veritaserum on students.

Count VIII: That while you were a Professor at Hogwarts you did attempt to perform an unforgivable curse on a student.

Count IIX: That you did purposely spread slanderous stories regarding the Savior of the Wizarding World for the purpose of concealing the return of the Dark Lord V—Voldermont.

Count IX: That while you were Deputy Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic you did set two of the Dementors of Azkaban upon a student during the summer break.

Count X: That you did then influence the prosecution of that student for violating the Underage Use of Magic law, for the purpose of having that student expelled."

After the charges were read the courtroom was drowning in whispers. Once the courtroom was returned to order Justice Beaumont asked, "How does that accused plead?"

In her squeaky voice Umbridge shouted, "I am innocent I have done nothing wrong!"

Justice St. Just leaned forward and addressed the courtroom, "I must remind everyone present that a conviction on counts II or III constitutes a conviction on count I. Is the prosecution prepared to open its case?"

Mr. Mason bowing slightly to the Court saying, "If it pleases the Court I am ready."

Nodding and leaning back in her chair Justice Bones said, "Call your first witness."

In a loud and clear voice Mr. Mason announced, "I call his Grace the Marque of Greenford, Duke of Camelot, Lord Harry James Potter, Head of Houses Potter, Black, Gryffindor and Pendragon, currently known as Harry James Evans."

Harry stood straightening his robes and moved to the witness chair. Once he was seated Justice McCloud asked, "Will the witness consent to the use of Veritaserum for his testimony?"

With a shrug Harry replied, "I have no problem agreeing to take Veritaserum as I have nothing to hide. But I would advise the Court that I can throw off the Imperious Curse and may not be subject to Veritaserum."

Chuckling Justice Thewlis stated, "This is an improved formula that cannot be overcome; it will not only force you to answer truthfully but fully. Are you still willing to submit to Veritaserum for your testimony?"

Harry shrugged again and answered, "I still have nothing to hide so yes I will."

The serum was administered and after it took affect the Prosecutor came forward to begin his questioning. "Your Grace will you state your name for the record?"

Harry answered, "Harry James Evans, formerly Harry James Potter and soon to be Harry James Cullen."

Looking at his notes Mr. Mason then asked, "Why are you going to change your name again?"

Smiling and looking at Edward Harry announced, "I am getting married to Edward Anthony Mason Cullen."

Looking shocked and pleased Mr. Mason bowed slightly saying, "May I offer my congratulations to you both?"

Harry said, "Thank you."

Returning to his questioning Mr. Mason asked, "Your Grace…"

Only to be interrupted by Harry, "Harry."

Mr. Mason looked up from his notes and asked, "I beg your pardon?"

Harry shrugged and said, "My name is Harry. I finally get to be just Harry."

Nodding Mr. Mason continued, "Harry then…can you tell me what I am holding in my hand?"

Looking over Harry answered, "A Gryffindor scarf."

Mr. Mason questioned, "Have you owned a scarf like this?"

Nodding Harry answered, "Two actually."

Appearing to be surprised Mr. Mason asked, "Why would you have bought two, I was under the impression that Hogwarts students kept their house scarf all the way through school? Or that was the custom when I attended."

Nodding Harry answered, "That's true. But, after my fourth year I couldn't find mine and had to buy another, got a lot of strange looks for it too."

Stepping forward and handing the scarf to him Mr. Mason asked, "Harry can you tell me who name appears on the tag of this scarf?"

Looking at the scarf then looking up Harry said, "Mine."

Mr. Mason turned and addressed the Court, "If it pleases the Court I would like to enter this scarf into evidence as the State's Exhibit 1. I would also like to enter this Affidavit from the Warden of Azkaban stating that this scarf was found in the wardroom of Azkaban Prison on the day two Dementors left the prison in the summer between what would have been Mr. Evans' fourth and fifth years. Now, Harry did you have an incident in the summer between your fourth and fifth years with two Dementors…"

And so Harry's testimony went on; he told of the attack on him and Dudley. Remembering being tried before the full Wizengamot for violating the Underage Use of Magic, even though the Muggle he did it in front of was is cousin who knew about magic and was being attacked by Demontors. He told about school and being silenced and called a liar for saying that Voldermont had returned. That he was given many detentions with Umbridge and her blood quill, showing the scar on his hand. Basically he told everything he knew about her up and including her attempting to cast an unforgivable curse on him. After three hours of testifying Harry finally stepped down from the Witness stand and rejoined his family.

Ten additional former students were called and all told of serving dentition with Umbridge and her blood quill. Before the tenth student stepped down one of the Justices, Justice McCloud asked the question they had all been thinking. "Why did no one report this? Why was this allowed to be happening?

The answer they got shocked them all as the former student answered, "She was sent by the Ministry who would we report it to? I was a third year Hufflepuff they were letting this happen to Harry Potter and no one stopped it. Who was going to stop it for me?"

Vincent Crabbe was called to verify the attempt to cast the Cruciatus Curse on Harry Potter. He told them everything he knew and told Harry that he was sorry. He now lived in Australia teaching an introductory program for children entering the magical world about different races and cultures. He told the Court, "I don't want my son to grow up like I did. I don't want him to have and face prejudice. So I help children understand about the magical world, different races and their cultures."

The worst testimony against her can when the Administrator of the Detention Camp was called to testify. It had been on her orders that ovens were installed. She had ordered the execution of ten vampires to test them. She was present when they were magically bound and put in the oven before it was light. It was under her orders, in her presence and with her participation that the torture had started in the interrogations…and so it went on.

It was late in the day when the prosecution rested and those in attendance were horrified at what they had heard. Several women had to be carried out of the courtroom after fainting.

After the returned from a dinner recess Unbridge was called to testify for her Defense. Before she was given Veritaserum Justice Blakley asked, "Does the Defense have no other witnesses?"

Mr. Burger shook his head and answered, "I could find no one that would speak in her defense."

Umbridge testified that she had in fact used Potter's scarf so the Dementors had his scent to track when she sent them after him. That when he escaped the Dementors she pushed Minister Fudge for a full criminal trial, regardless of the fact that in a matter of self-defense magic use by a minor is acceptable. She testified that she had brought the quills and used them on all of those students. Yes, she did use Veritaserum on students and she was going to perform the Cruciatus Curse on Harry Potter. Then she told them that all of these things were necessary, that she needed the information and that Potter had to be silenced. "The Ministry must be seen to maintain order".

The most horrifying part of her testimony was in regard to resent events. She had prodded the Minister that rounding up dark creatures would show the public that he was taking action. The Ministry was preventing the rise of another Dark Lord by removing the dark influences. Yes, she had approved the placement of the ovens in the camp, "Those filthy half-bloods had to be destroyed." She knew that they had not all turned themselves in for registration, and had encouraged the use of torture to gain the information on where the others were hiding.

The worst came when she told about her interrogation of a witch who was mated to a Veela. She had questioned the witch who would not talk, even under the Cruciatus Curse. So she had her family brought in and personally cast the Imperious Curse on the husband. The witch still would not talk even as she forced the husband to rape and kill their children in front of her. When she finally released the curse the and the Veela realized what he had been forced to do he had transformed and in his rage ripped his own heart from his chest killing himself and his mate through their bond. She had shown no remorse for the "Filthy beasts".

When the testimony had finished it took the Court five minute to render its decision. Justice Bones was very somber when she addressed those still present, as many had not been able to stay because of the horrific testimony. She spoke in a voice with deep regret for what had happened saying, "It is the unanimous decision of this Court that the Witch Delores Jane Umbridge is Guilty on all Counts. All monies, possessions and properties are hereby forfeit to the Ministry to be used to aid those that survived the camp. It is further Order that the Witch Delores Jane Umbridge be taken from this place and in two days shall be brought to a place of public execution, and that she there be burned at the stake.

It was a very solemn Cullen family that returned to Potter Hall that night. After the testimony that day everyone was on edge and everyone was on guard. Then Teddy and Freddie were put to bed that night for the first time in quite awhile their fathers stood guard, two on either side of the crib. Esme who was working on blueprints for a new larger home to be built in magical community outside Seattle, had moved her drafting table to set in the hallway between the nursery and the room across the hall that Draco and Jacob occupied. Jacob would only sleep if Draco stayed with him, his arm protectively on the small bump that held their child. Neville and Emmett spent the night patrolling around the house as Jasper mentally went over defenses of the manner. The rest of the Cullens sat like statues, on guard and listening for any threat. Even Kreacher had come from Grimmauld Place to join Dobby in standing guard over Cullen.

Next Chapter 18: The Trials of Cornelius Fudge and Hermione Granger

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