Chapter 18: The Trials of Cornelius Fudge and Hermione Granger

It was a calmer though still tense Cullen family that arrived the next morning for the Minister's trial. Potter Hall had been unpalatable and hidden for two hundred years, but still when they left Kreatcher and Dobby had been on guard as Rosalie and Winky cared for the little ones. The Cullens moved together as a family as Carlisle led them to the lifts that would take them back to Courtroom number ten.

They were halfway thru the ministry atrium when they encountered the Weasley twins. Typical of the twins they greeted Ron, Harry and Luna with hugs and shook Oliver's hand. Harry then made the introductions to the rest of the family all of whom they greeted with enthusiastic handshakes. That is until it came to Esme, then both of them being the hams that they are made a dramatic show of bowing and kissing her hand.

After the introductions the twins who had always been tall stepped up to Cedric, towering over him they spoke in their own unique way. Fred started, "Nice to see you again Cedric". Followed by George saying, "We remember you well". Fred then said, "But just so there is no misunderstanding." George continued, "Regardless of what our parents say." Fred said pointing to Ron, "That is our baby brother," George said, "And if you hurt him." Fred said, "Tri-Wizard champion or not." George said, "Vampire or not." They then finished in unison, "You will answer to us; do we have an understanding?"

Receiving Cedric's shocked nod they moved over and took the same position in front of a smirking Edward. George said, "And just so you know." Fred said, "Harry is our brother". George said, "In all but blood." Fred said, "And our business partner". George said, "And if you hurt him." Fred said, "Or we have to rescue him again." They then finished in unison, "You will also answer to us." Receiving Edward's matching nod to the one Cedric had given they smiled. Then Fred said, "Shall we get moving we don't…"

The rest of what Fred was going to say was cut off by a shout of, "Harry Dear!" They all turned to see Molly and Arthur Weasley approaching with Molly's arms out stretched for a hug, even though she kept looking over her shoulder as she approached. Following her line of sight Harry notice the press core that had assembled for the trial. As she reached them Mrs. Weasley said, "Aren't you going to give us a hug dear? Been like a son to me since you were eleven."

Seeing that this was all a show for the press, Harry decided that it was time to have his say. He stepped back and in a clear voice that carried throughout the atrium said, "No I am not going to hug you. Like a son to you since I was eleven? Isn't that interesting considering all the interest and care that you showed me was really a cover to allow you to keep an eye on me. And report to Dumbledore about me. All of which you did at Dumbledore's request. Oh, and let us not forget to you were paid for doing it…with money stolen from my vault. But I guess that should not surprise anyone seeing that at Dumbledore's suggestion, that we must be going dark for disagreeing with him, you disown your youngest son and drop me as if we where the third rise of Voldermont." With that Harry spun around and led his family away from a gaping Molly Weasley, smirking at the nearly deafening sound of all the quills from the press core.

Shortly after the Cullens settled into their seats from the previous day the Elvin guard called the Court to rise. They stood as the Justices of the High Court entered. Once the Justices had been seated they called the Court to order and that the accused be brought forth. Harry noted that the same counsels were present for the prosecution and defense, as Fudge was nearly dragged into the Courtroom.

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

In his usual pompous manner he said, "Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic."

Interrupting Justice Bones said, "And I will remind you that you are no longer Minister of Magic."

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

The Clerk stood and read, "The Wizard Cornelius Fudge 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 you did unlawfully remove the citizenship of citizens of Magical Britain.

CountVI: That you did insight and promote racist slander and discrimination against Magical Races of Britain.

Count VII: That you did willingly take bribes and payoffs from known Deatheaters and supporters of the Dark Lord Voldermont.

Count VIII: That you did willingly withhold the knowledge of the return of the Dark Lord Voldermont for a year, and by doing so put the Magical population of Britain in peril.

Count IX: That you are an accessory to the deaths of all victims of the Dark Lord Voldermont's second war of terror, by your failure to inform, prepare or protect the public.

Count X: That you did willingly attempt to silence and discredit the Savior of the Wizarding World in an attempt to conceal the return of the Dark Lord Voldermont.

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

Blustering Fudge answered, "I have done nothing wrong!"

Justice St. Just leaned forward and addressed the courtroom, "I must again 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…soon to be Harry James Cullen."

After a reassuring squeeze of his hand from Edward, Harry once again took the witness stand. He testified that upon returning from the third task of the Tri-Wizard that he had informed the then Minister personally that "He is back". That his announcement of Voldermont's return was met with Ministry influenced articles in the press that he was, "An attention seeker and unstable." That prior to his fifth year at Hogwarts he was charged with violating the underage use of magic law and was brought before the Wizengamot for a full criminal trial. That Harry had seen the, at that time, Minister in a conversation with and accepting a pouch of money from the then Lord Malfoy. He also told the Court that his Criminal trial before the Wizengamot was moved to an earlier time with no notification, so as to prevent his timely appearance. And that the same trial was presided over by the former Minister of Magic personally.

Draco was next called to the witness stand, where he testified and produced ledger records of monies transferred from the Malfoy vaults to the former Minster Fudge.

Following Draco an account manager from Gringotts was called to testify. He produced internal records from the bank. He then not only showed transfers of monies from the former Lord Malfoy, a three time accused and twice convicted deatheather. He also produced records detailing the transfer of funds to the vault of the former Minster Fudge from a dozen others; all of whom were later convicted of being deatheathers.

Kingsley Shacklebolt was called next. Even though he himself was to stand trial later he had offered to testify in hopes of reducing his own verdict. He had been present in Dumbledore's office when Minister Fudge accused Lord Potter of lying about the return of Voldermont to build up an army to overthrow the Ministry. That he had personally been told to by Minister Fudge to round up "Dark Creatures" for registration with the Ministry. And that he had received orders signed by Minister Fudge to bring in "Dark Creatures" for detention.

The Administrator of the Detention Camp testified that he had never spoken with Minister Fudge. He had never received an order signed by Minister Fudge. And that Minister Fudge had never visited the Detention Camp.

The final witness for the prosecution was the Owner of the Dailey Prophet. He testified that the paper did write and print articles denying the return of "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named", and slandering Lord Potter. But, that he had no other choice. That he received a personal visit from Minister Fudge where he was told what the paper would be writing and printing. When he refused he was told by Minister Fudge, "It would be terrible if in these trying times a misunderstanding of responsibility and loyalty were to result in a delay of response by the Ministry should something happen here at the Prophet's offices…or your home." He asked the Court what they would have done. Here Harry Potter was clearly saying that the Dark Lord had returned, and the Minister was threatening to delay response if the Paper or his home was threatened. He told them that he had tried to send his family abroad only to have them stopped and returned with additional threats. Then he tried hiring private security only to have them quit after receiving "chats" from the Unspeakables. Finally he turned to look at Harry and said, "I am terribly sorry for the things I printed about Lord Potter, and I beg his forgiveness and understanding. But, I have a wife and three small children, I had to protect."

When the prosecution rested their case it was discovered that just as with Umbridge, no one would speak in Fudge's defense, so he was called to the stand.

After the Veritaserum was administered they began to question him.

Fudge testified that yes Potter told him that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had returned immediately following the third task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament. But that couldn't be true, he was gone. Then when Dumbledore agreed and encouraged what Potter was saying, it all became clear to him. At the time he thought that Potter was working with Dumbledore, because Dumbledore was jealous of his power as Minister and wanted to replace him. Later he figured out the Potter had tricked Dumbledore and that it was him that wanted to take over the Ministry.

Reluctantly he had admitted that he "encouraged" and then threatened the press and others to portray Potter as attention seeking and unstable. This was all necessary to protect his position as Minister. When people started disappearing and evidence was presented that the Dark Lord had returned he dismissed it as Potter's attempt to influence the public against him. When asked for his reaction to the face to face confrontation with the Dark Lord in what was Lord Potter's fifth year, he responded, "I knew that Potter was responsible for this…it was another attempt to sway public opinion against him."

He admitted to accepting financial support from those he believed to be of like minds. And that they were particularly supportive during difficult times. Like Potter's criminal trial for underage magic, but that this was necessary to show the world that Potter was a criminal and was seeking to usurp the power that was rightfully his as Minister. That is why Umbridge was sent to Hogwarts to silence him by any means necessary. Not that he cared how she did it, just that Potter was made to shut up.

The cleansing of dark influences in the Wizarding World was necessary to show the public that the Ministry was protecting them. Emphatically he stated, "The Ministry must be seen to take action, after the slander that Potter spread about the Ministry being ineffective for the first year after the Dark Lord's return. And besides, no one cared about a bunch of Dark Creatures". He told them that Dumbledore said Potter was going dark, and that he had become a Dark Creature. It was obvious that the Dark Creatures would support Potter so removing the citizenship of Dark Creatures was necessary to prevent them using the ballot box to remove him from power. Just as when the Wizengamot moved to block his reforms they had to be removed before they outright declared their allegiance to Potter instead of him.

As for what happened in the Detention Camp he had no involvement. Really he did not care what happened to those creatures as long as they received information on rounding up more so that the Ministry could be seen as taking action. They were out of sight and out of his hair and that was all that mattered.

At the conclusion of his testimony the High Court of Magic took twenty minutes to return their verdict.

After retaking their seats Madame Bones addressed the courtroom. "It is the unanimous decision of this Court that the Wizard Cornelius Fudge is guilty of Counts IV thru X. This Court further finds that the Wizard Cornelius Fudge is guilty as an accessory to Counts I thru III. It is therefore Ordered that the possessions, monies and properties of the said Wizard Fudge be forfeit to the Ministry to aid in assisting those victims of his actions that survived the Detention Camp. It is further Ordered that since his portrait frame at the ministry offices cannot be removed from the wall, that his portrait be cut from the frame and burned. We believe this to important so that he can never influence a future Minister. It is therefore Adjudged that Aurors shall take the Wizard Cornelius Fudge from this place to a specially warded cell in Azkaban prison where he shall remain until his death. Upon his death the cell shall be walled in, if he becomes a ghost the wards will prevent his spirit leaving the cell. We therefore Decree that the Wizard Cornelius Fudge is sentenced to Azkaban prison where he shall remain for eternity.

The same counsels were in place after a short recess when the Court was called to Order again. After the Justices were seated Hermione Granger was brought before the Court. She was charged with Crimes Against Magic and murder.

Justice McCloud asked, "Will the accused please state your name for the record?"

Granger answered, "Hermione Jane Granger."

Nodding Justice McCloud questioned, "How do you plead to the charges against you?"

"I have done nothing wrong…I was following orders." Granger answered.

Soon Harry was called to testify and he told the Court, how right after the final battle that the Ministry started assessing huge fines on families that meet the Ministries definition of "Dark". Even those families that did not participate in the war were being fined. And the Ministry started to restrict the rights of Magical Races that it viewed as "Dark". Professor Dumbledore had said at a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix that these measures were necessary for the "Greater Good". When he questioned why this was necessary, after all Vampires and Werewolves fought for the so called side of the "Light". Professor Dumbledore said that he did not understand because perhaps he had been exposed to too much dark magic by his connection to Voldermont. Well, that and the fact that he was now a "Dark Creature" himself. That from that moment on Granger had treated him and those who agreed with him as the next dark lord and his future inner circle.

After Harry, Ron and several others were called to testify before the prosecution rested its case. At which point Justice St. Just interrupted saying, "While it may be unorthodox the Court would like to call its own witness regarding an international incident. The Court calls Professor Dean Thomas."

Dean took the witness stand and was administered Veritaserum before Justice St. Just began to question him. "Professor Thomas I would like to first congratulate you on your appointment to Hogwarts as Transfiguration Professor." Dean nodded his thank you and there was clapping from those assembled in the courtroom. Then Justice St. Just continued, "Professor Thomas can you tell us about your wife?"

Smiling Dean replied, "I am married to Gabrielle Thomas nee Delacour and have been for a year."

"Is your wife of mixed Magical Race?" Justice St. Just inquired.

Nodding Dean answered, "Yes, she is part Witch and part Veela from her grandmother on her mother's side."

Justice McCloud then questioned, "Professor, can you tell us what lead to the scar along the side of your face?"

Unconsciously running his fingers over the scar Dean said, "I was concerned about the way things were heading in Britain. I mean when the Ministry and Dumbledore start to question that Harry has going dark. Then the registrations started and I knew it was no longer safe for Gabrielle here. I took her and fled to her family in France. I thought we would be safe there. She is still a French citizen. But I was wrong. The Order of the Phoenix came for her. I tried to protect her, her entire family fought to protect her. But the Order got her. I was hit with Sectumsempra it starts here above my eye and runs down my face to my neck, it hit the carotid artery. I nearly bleed to death, which was when they took her."

Justice St. Just questioned, "Where did they take her?"

Tears in his eyes Dean replied, "They took her to the 'Detention Camp'."

Justice Bones asked, "Professor, can you tell us how your wife is?"

Nodding Dean cleared his throat and wiped the tears from his eyes and replied, "She is in St. Mungos, with her sister and her brother in law. We are hoping that she can be released by the end of the month."

Justice Bones then asked, "Do you know who cast the curse that almost cost you your life?"

Glaring Dean said, "Yes…Hermione Granger."

Dean was allowed to return to his seat. Granger was called to testify after Veritaserum was administered. Mr. Burger questioned her for a while and to virtually every question he got the same answer. That she had been following orders.

When it was Mr. Mason's turn he asked, "Ms. Granger are you in the army?"

Shaking her head Granger answered, "No…I am in the Order of the Phoenix."

Nodding Mr. Mason continued, "And that is a civilian organization created to fight the Dark Lord Voldermont. Whom is dead thanks to Lord Potter. Then my next question is, are you an Auror?"

"No" Granger answered.

Nodding again Mr. Mason questioned, "So you are not in the army and not an Auror acting on signed or verbal orders from the Ministry. That leaves the question whose orders were you following?"

"Professor Dumbledore," Granger responded.

"Let me see if I understand correctly, when you say you were following orders, they were from the Headmaster of a school that you no longer attend. Is that correct?" Mr. Mason asked.

Nodding Granger said, "Yes".

Mr. Mason questioned, "Were you close with Dumbledore?"

Looking confused Granger shrugged her shoulders saying, "Not really…not anymore than anyone else."

Appearing to be confused Mr. Mason said, "Well I don't understand. We have heard testimony that you were very close to Lord Potter. That you had been his best friend since you were both eleven, that he in fact saved your life several times beginning in your first year of school when he saved you from a mountain troll. That you spent nearly every waking hour with Lord Potter and Mr. Weasley for seven years. You should have known them better that anyone. Would you say that was correct?"

"Yes" Granger said.

Triumphant Mr. Mason said, "So, your friends that you had know for nearly half your life. That you knew better than anyone. You turned on them as being dark because of the suggestion of a former school teacher. Is that what you're saying?"

"Well, I guess that it could be taken that way. But…" Granger said.

Interrupting Mr. Mason pressed on. "You put a great deal of faith in what Dumbledore says. It is a pity that you did not extend this to all of your teachers."

"I have always treated my teachers with the upmost respect," defended Granger.

Walking back to his table Mr. Mason questioned, "You meet Professor Lupin in your third year. He befriended you. He taught you, and trained you during the war. He was a member of the Order of the Phoenix with you. He fought next to you in battle. We have heard testimony that he was gravely injured by Fenrir Greyback before Professor Lupin killed him protecting you. Are these things correct?"

"Yes," Granger said.

Going thru his papers Mr. Mason asked, "Yet you lead the raid on his home, is that not correct?"

Granger replied, "Yes, Professor Dumbledore said it was imperative to drawing out the resistance that Remus…"

Before Granger could finish Harry was on his feet and shouted, "DON'T YOU DARE…DON'T YOU DARE USE IS NAME LIKE YOU WERE A FRIEND!"

Justice Bones banged on the dais saying, "I will have order in this courtroom!" When things calmed down she continued, "The accused will refrain from addressing Professor Lupin in the familiar."

Having found what he was looking for Mr. Mason questioned, "If it was imperative that Professor Lupin and his family be brought in they why fire on them?"

With a sigh Granger said, "Professor Lupin and his family opened fire on us. We were forced to return fire."

Picking up the parchment he had found Mr. Mason said, "And you returned fire of a similar manner?" Granger nodded and Mr. Mason continued. "You used equal force as to what you encountered, is that correct?" Again Granger nodded. Mr. Mason stepped forward as he accused, "That is not true is it." Waving the parchment in his hand he said, "This is a Priori Incantatem Maximusperformed on the wands to Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks and Andromeda Tonks nee Black showing all the spells they cast. Would you like to know what they were?" Wide eyed Granger nodded and Mr. Mason continued saying, "Protego, Stupefy and Petrificus Totalus yes Sir very dangerous stuff. What I don't understand is how returning like fire they ended up DEAD! So you ONLY fired shielding and disabling spells it that correct?" Again Granger nodded. "I see." Said Mr. Mason before he held up another parchment and announced, "Yet here I have a post-mortem report on Professor Lupin. According to this the cause of death was the killing curse. And how does the curse that killed Professor Lupin bare your magical signature?"

The entire courtroom gasped. But before Granger could answer Mr. Mason went on. "If you have such a great regard for teachers why did that not also pass along to Professor Snape? He taught you and trained you. He risked his life for nearly twenty years to spy on the Dark Lord Voldermont. He saved your life placing himself between you and a Werewolf in your third year. Why the man is war hero, the Wizengamot has in fact just awarded him the Order of Merlin First Class for his sacrifices during the wars. Was he not worthy of your respect as well?"

With a superior attitude Granger answered, "I am not sure that I believe all those things. Besides he had the Dark Mark, he certainly was not on the same level as Professor Dumbledore."

"So you led the team to bring him into custody?" Mr. Mason questioned.

Nodding Granger replied, "Yes it was necessary that he be brought it to draw out the resistance. Besides he was harboring Dark Creatures."

Picking up a stack of parchments Mr. Mason said, "He was harboring Dark Creatures? I believe you are referring to two of his former students that were turned in retaliation for the Ministries actions. Whom he treated and who represented no threat to anyone, and are in fact present in this courtroom today. So because this teacher was protecting former students you were justified in your action?" Granger nodded and Mr. Mason continued saying, "So protecting former students justified you leading and assault on him." Slamming the parchments on his table he said. "These are thirty sworn affidavits that you lead the team to detain him. And that you personally held your wand to his throat as he was forcibly dragged from his classroom to Azkaban prison. Where without the luxury of the trial you are getting he was sentenced to the Dementor's kiss causing his ultimate death. And his protecting former students and their child was your justification. I have no more questions of the accused."

Justice St. Just said, "I have one question. By what authority did you "detain" Gabrielle Thomas?"

Looking down Granger answered, "Professor Dumbledore said it was of great importance that she be detained, that it would draw out the resistance. That she was important to the resistance."

With five minutes deliberation Justice Bones delivered the verdict. "We find the accused Guilty of Crimes Against Magic and on the charge of Murder."

Justice St. Just interrupted, "It must be said before passing sentence that the French Ministry has contacted our government and informed them that they have charge you with illegally entering their country, committing an act of aggression against French citizens, illegally removing a French citizen from French soil and illegally holding that same citizen. You have been tried in Absentia and found guilty."

Justice Bones continued, "All possessions and monies are hereby forfeit to the Ministry. You shall be taken from this place and held in Azkaban prison for a period not to exceeding forty years."

Justice St. Just finished saying. "That is the shortest sentence we can give you; this is a concession to the French government. Upon your release from Azkaban you shall be extradited to France were your sentence there will be carried out. The French Court has sentenced you to death by Guillotine.

Next Chapter 19: The Trial of Albus Dumbledore

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