Chapter 19: The Trial of Albus Dumbledore

The following morning the Cullens arrived early for the trial and took their seats in the front. There were joined this morning by the Weasley twins, who had taken a like to the rest of the family. The twins had even promised a private tour of their Diagon Alley shop. None of them were bothered this morning by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, who had entered the courtroom quietly and taken seats at the back. Likely they were not to talkative after the scathing articles that appeared in the papers saying that they had turned on Harry Potter and their own son on Dumbledore's word alone.

Before long the entire courtroom was filled with spectators. Anyone that was anyone was present to see the downfall of the great Albus Dumbledore.

The Elvin guard again 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."

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 Albus Dumbledore was escorted through. Harry noted that Dumbledore's usual bright robes had been replaced with simple gray ones. And that the counsel tables at the front were occupied by the same Law-Wizards as the previous trials.

Justice Blood stated, "Will the accused please state your name for the record."

And with his normal grandfatherly tone Dumbledore answered, "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore Hogwarts Headmaster, founder of the Order of the Phoenix, Order of Merlin First Class, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot."

Justice Bones interrupted saying, "It must be pointed out you have in fact during the time of your incarceration been removed as Headmaster of Hogwarts by the Board of Governors. Further that both the Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Wizards have suspended you pending the outcome of this trial and their internal review. I have been asked to inform you that if you are found guilty, your removal from these organizations will be permanent, and the Wizengamot will rescind your Order of Merlin First Class. Will the Court Clerk please read the charges?"

The Clerk stood and read, "The Wizard Albus Dumbledore is hereby charged with the following:

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

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

Count III: That you conspired in 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 conspire to unlawfully remove the rights of Magical Citizens of Britain.

Count VI: That while you were Headmaster of Hogwarts you recklessly endangered the lives of all the students by allowing the Dementors of Azkaban entrance to the school.

Count VII: That while you were Headmaster of Hogwarts you recklessly endangered the lives of all the students by allowing the Dementors of Azkaban to board the Hogwarts Express.

Count VIII: That while you were Headmaster of Hogwarts you allowed students under your care to be tortured by the use of an illegal Blood Quill.

Count IX: That while you were Headmaster of Hogwarts you allowed students under your care to illegally be interrogated with the use of Veritaserum. Even thought the use of Veritaserum on a minor is forbidden.

Count X: That while you were Headmaster of Hogwarts you forced at least one student to return to an abusive home life, that you were aware of.

Count XI: That while you were Professor of Transfiguration you forced at least one student to return to an abusive home life, that you were aware of.

Count XII: That you abandoned a child on a doorstep in the middle of the night in late autumn.

Justice Irongrip spoke, "Before the Clerk reads the last charge Manager Griphook of Gringotts has some additional charges to be brought."

Manager Griphook stepped forward and read:

Count XIII: That you did present a false will for the Estate of the late James and Lily Potter, making yourself Magical Guardian of the Minor Harrison James Potter, heir of the Houses Potter, Gryffindor and Pendragon.

Count XIV: That you did while Magical Guardian of the Minor Harrison James Potter remove funds from your Charge's Trust Fund vault.

Manager Griphook returned to his seat and the Clerk continued,

Count XV: That you withheld information that would exonerate a man who was sentenced to life in Azkaban prison.

Count XVI: That while you were Headmaster of Hogwarts you intended to forcibly remove students of mixed Magical Race from the school.

When the Clerk had finished and sat down Justice McCloud asked, "How does the accused plead?"

With a smile and his twinkling eyes gazing over his half-moon glasses Dumbledore said, "I have only done what was necessary for the greater good."

Harry and several others were called to testify, and their testimonies all ran along the same lines. That Dumbledore had done things and always gave the rational that it was for the greater good or to draw out the resistance. Finally Professor McGonagall was called as the last prosecution witness.

After Minerva was seated Mr. Mason said, "Professor McGonagall may I offer you my congratulations on being appointed Headmistress of Hogwarts." After receiving a gracious nod, a thank you and applause from those in attendance; he asked, "Professor you and the other heads of house for the school were injured in the battle. Can you tell us how?"

Minerva answered, "We were injured when the main doors were blasted open, as we had been trying to keep them closed."

Mr. Mason questioned, "Why would the four of you be trying to keep the doors closed?"

Minerva replied, "We were trying to protect the students. Headmaster Dumbledore had informed me that he was aware of what the heads were up to and that it would not work."

Curiously Mr. Mason asked, "What were the heads up to?"

"We had been using Spells, Charms and Potions to hide that some of the students were of mixed Magical Race." Minerva answered.

Nodding Mr. Mason asked, "And what did Dumbledore intent to do about this?"

Minerva replied, "He told me that after the Centaurs were rounded up that he would be cleansing the school, that it would be sure to draw the resistance out."

Mr. Mason questioned, "Is that would lead to the battle inside the school. To staff, students, ghosts, house elves and even the suits of armor fighting against the Ministry forces?"

Smiling Minerva said, "I believe that when the older students banded together to protect the younger students, that it called to the magic of the school, the ghosts and the house elves to defend the students."

After Minerva returned to her set Mr. Burger questioned Dumbledore on each of the charges. Every question was answered with a cheery "It was for the greater good" or "It was to draw out the resistance."

Then it was Mr. Mason's turn to question Dumbledore. And he asked, "Mr. Dumbledore I believe that if you say a thing long enough you begin to believe it. Do you think that is true?"

Keeping the same demeanor that he had all threw his trial Dumbledore answered, "That may be possible yes."

Nodding Mr. Mason said, "For example I think that you have used the term resistance for so long that you believe it to be synonymous with what you really mean. Can you tell us Mr. Dumbledore who specifically is in the resistance?"

The smile that had been on his face vanished and the twinkle in his eyes stopped. And for the first time since the Veritaserum had been administered everyone could tell that he was fighting it. With great effort Dumbledore finally said, "Harry Potter."

The entire courtroom gasped and Edward pulled Harry closer to him as Esme and Carlisle placed comforting hands on his shoulders.

After everyone settled down Mr. Mason continued, "So let me see if I can put this into perspective. You initiated an attack on a foreign country to kidnap and detain a foreign citizen in order to draw Lord Potter out. Why do you think that would work?"

Grumbling Dumbledore finally answered, "It was logical. Potter had risked his life to save her in this fourth year at school. And she was now married to his friend and one of his biggest supporters, Dean Thomas."

Shaking his head Mr. Mason said, "That might have been more effective if the storey had been picked up by the international press. I doubt that Lord Potter heard about in America. Before I get to the charges against you I would like you to define for me, specifically, what it is you deem to be the greater good?"

After a great struggle threw gritted teeth Dumbledore said, "My best interest."

Walking over to counsel table and looking threw the parchments on it he asked, "So you intended to harm students in an effort to draw out Lord Potter?"

Dumbledore replied, "Yes."

Picking up a parchment that was yellowed with age Mr. Mason questioned, "Can you tell us how it benefited you to allow an innocent man to be sentenced to Azkaban for life? You see I hold here a copy of the Will of the late Lord and Lady Potter that has recently been found in the Longbottom family vault. This Will clearly says that you cast the Fidelius Charm on their residence in Godric's Hollow. This Will also states that Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper not Sirius Black. So obviously you knew that it was Pettigrew that betrayed the Potters and not Black why did you allow him to be taken to Azkaban?"

Dumbledore said, "I knew Voldermont was not completely gone, that he would be back. The boy had to forged into the weapon to destroy him for good. And I knew there was no way that Black would allow me to do what was necessary."

Nodding Mr. Mason continued, "I see, and was it also necessary that you steal monies from Lord Potter's Trust Fund vault while he was a minor?"

Dumbledore replies, "I needed money, both for myself and for those that I had watching Potter. Like Mrs. Weasley who was supposed to keep an eye on what he was doing and report to me. Besides all the money would have eventually come to my anyway, why should I be inconvenienced by having to wait?"

Holding the Will up Mr. Mason asked, "Is that why you produced a fake will to Gringotts. You clearly knew the contents of the true Will as you signed it along with Frank Longbottom as witnesses. Then you used this fake Will to get yourself put in place as Lord Potter's Magical Guardian when the true Will does not list you at all. In fact the true Will names Sirius Black, then Severus Snape, Remus Lupin and finally Frank Longbottom. Why was it necessary that you become his Magical Guardian?"

Grumbling Dumbledore responded, "Black and Lupin were James' best friends since they were eleven. The Longbottoms were very close to the Potters. And Snape was Lily's best friend, and believed her to be his sister in all but blood. There was nothing that they would not have done for the boy. Had they found out what I was doing to the boy they would have torn the castle down block by block with their bare hands to get to me."

Mr. Mason then questioned, "And would one of those things be that you left a fifteen month old infant on a doorstep in the wee hours of the morning on November 1st? And why was that necessary?"

Growling Dumbledore answered, "Yes, they would not have tolerated that I did that. But there could not be anyone around when the Dursley's found Potter or they would have refused to take him. This way they had no alternative."

Mr. Mason continued, "Why was it necessary that Lord Potter be raised by the Dursleys. You obviously knew something was not right in the household. Lord Potters Hogwarts letter was addressed to the "Cupboard Under the Stairs". I also have here a dozen reports from Madam Pomfrey that list injuries and past injuries that clearly show abuse. She states here regularly that Lord Potter was malnourished and that he had been during his formative years, resulting in his stunted growth. Yet you insisted that he return to the Dursleys every year. WHY?"

Hissing Dumbledore replied, "James Potter was arrogant and Lily Potter was stubborn. I needed those things beat out of the boy. Then when I introduced him to the Magical World he would see me as his savior and do what I wanted."

Mr. Mason said, "Perhaps it became easier to do this to a child the second time. I have here reports from a muggle orphanage as well as the school Medi-Witch that another child, a Thomas Marvolo Riddle, Jr., was also abused. In fact along with neglect these reports show that the abuse he suffered was virtually torture. Yet you forced him back into his situation every year. Why?"

With a roar Dumbledore said, "I was busy steadily rising in political and social circles; why should I have been bothered with what happened to that Filthy Half-Blood?"

Mr. Mason asked, "Can you tell us who Thomas Marvolo Riddle, Jr. became?"

Thru clenched teeth Dumbledore answered, "Voldermont."

Gasps from the entire courtroom were followed by fierce whispering, "Was Dumbledore responsible for Voldermont?"

When the courtroom settled back down Mr. Mason questioned, "You turned a blind eye to the torture of students in your school with a Blood Quill as well as Veritaserum being illegally administered to them. What purpose did this serve?"

Dumbledore replied, "Umbridge was sent by the Ministry. Her doing these things would make the students listen to me over the Ministry."

Shaking his head Mr. Mason said, "While you were Headmaster of Hogwarts you allowed the Dementors of Azkaban into the school and onto the train. For what purpose?"

Grumbling Dumbledore replied, "Partially to sway students and their families away from the Ministry. And to keep Black from getting to Potter."

Mr. Mason questioned, "So to maintain your control on Lord Potter and to sway others to follow you, you exposed the entire student population to the Dementors repeatedly?" At Dumbledore's nod Mr. Mason continued, "You collaborated with the Minister in removing the citizenship of "Dark Creatures", for what purpose?"

Dumbledore hissed his reply, "Like I care what happened to that filth, Potter would be easier to deal with having no rights to protect him."

Then Mr. Mason asked, "What was the purpose of removing the Wizengamot?"

Dumbledore replied, "They would have to be removed anyway, it looked better if Fudge did it than for me to."

Mr. Mason questioned, "Were you aware of what was happening in the Detention Camp?" At Dumbledore's nod Mr. Mason continued, "What purpose did it serve?"

Growling as Dumbledore answered, "I needed information to get Potter, and later Lupin's mongrel child. Then when I was finished with them the Camp would provide a means to get rid of them."

The courtroom exploded in angry whispers, "Dumbledore was scheming against a child not yet a year old?"

Turning to the Justices Mr. Mason said, "I believe we have proved our case, but if the Court will indulge me I have just a couple more questions I would like to ask." Receiving nodded from the stunned Justices Mr. Mason turned back to panting Dumbledore and asked, "Why did you need the child?"

Glaring at Harry Dumbledore answered, "Potter magically adopted the boy making him his heir, and so he had to be added to the ritual."

Running his hand over his face Mr. Mason spoke, "I fear that I know the answer but I must ask what was it that you intended to do to Lord Potter and his Heir?"

Gripping the chair and panting in an obvious effort to fight answering Dumbledore growled out, "I would have called the Dragon's Breath, and used it to transfer their magic and birth right to me."

Mr. Mason interrupted, "Let me see if I can put this all together. You would have stolen Lord Potter and his Heir's magic and birth right. Threw a ritual that legend says was banned by Merlin himself. That much magic would have made you invincible, no one could stand against you. With the Wizengamot gone, Fudge would have been easily removed, leaving the way for you to claim Lord Potter's birth right and make yourself King. Am I correct so far?" After a shaky nod from Dumbledore Mr. Mason when on, "Then with the help of the philosopher's stone, which you had retrieved for you by a group of first years, you could rule indefinably. Was that the plan?"

Dumbledore roared out, "YES! And if Potter had done what he was supposed to it would have worked."

The Justices deliberated for thirty minutes, during which time Harry and very elderly Fae were called in to be asked questions. When the Justices had returned it was Justice Blakley who addressed the courtroom, "To say that the information that has come to light is horrifying is an understatement. To find the all the deaths on both sides that resulted from Voldermont's two wars of terror can in fact be laid at the feet of the accused as his responsibility, is a discovery I do not have words to describe."

Justice McCloud spoke next, "It is therefore the unanimous decision of this court that the accused it guilty on all counts. And we shall be passing our recommendation to the Wizengamot that his Order of Merlin First Class be stripped from him immediately."

Justice Bones continued, "It is therefore Ordered that all monies, possessions and properties are forfeit to the Ministry to be used to aid those who survived the Ministries' Detention Camp. Lord Potter has waived his right to restitution and those monies stolen from him shall also be forfeit."

Justice Bane interrupted, "As Hogwarts castle has deemed to release his portrait from the walls of the Headmistress' office; it shall be placed with him."

Justice Morgan said, "The Aurors shall take the Wizard Albus Dumbledore from this place to the deepest darkest region of Azkaban prison, to the Dementor's nest. He shall there be encased in crystal by the Fae. He shall be neither dead not alive, but he shall be aware and subject to the influence of the Dementors. And there he shall remain to relive his horrific actions for all time."

After a now raging Dumbledore was dragged from the courtroom the Cullens exited to head home. Unfortunately they encountered the press core gathered in the atrium.

Lee Jordan shouted, "Your Grace…Lord Potter, can we get a statement? Is it true that you intend to run for Minister? Or is it true that you intend to reinstitute the Monarchy?"

Shaking his head Harry said, "I have no intention of seeking nor would I accept a nomination to run for Minister, which is not what I want. And while I believe that a Constitutional Monarchy can be of great service to its citizens, Britain has been to long without a Monarch to return to that now. And again that is not what I want."

"Your Grace may I ask a question?" A voice shouted. Harry turned to the voice that he would recognize anywhere. There stood Colin Creevey, with his camera still around his neck.

"It's good to see you Colin, go ahead ask your question," Harry said with a smile.

Colin asked, "Can you tell us what you do want?"

Nodding Harry spoke, "I want to spend time with my family. I want to be known as a good friend." He then shifted Teddy up so that his head was resting on his shoulder and his little hand clutched his robe. He continued, "I want to be a good father." Edward stepped up behind him and placed his arm around Harry's waist. Harry said, "I want to be a good husband. I want what we all want, to leave a better world for our children. I want for all the children of Magical Britain what I want for my son. I want him to grow up in a world where his chartered matters more that the fact that his biological father was a Werewolf. I want him to grow up in a world where he is not ostracized because his adopted fathers are Vampires. I want him to grow up in a world where he will not face discrimination because his grandfather was a Muggle. I want him inherit a world that judges his magic on his intent and not an arbitrary ranking by the Ministry. I want to leave a world where every Magical Race lives in peace and breaths the free air of England. I want him to grow up in a world free of prejudice that leads to maniacs waging war on civilians. I want him to grow up in a world where the voice of the people overshadows the ravings of a tyrant. I want him to grow up in a better world than the one we did. And I believe that if everyone stands together the way they have recently, we can give my son, my nephew and every other child that kind of world."

Colin then snapped a picture of the little family. That picture and Harry's statement were published in every paper around the world then next morning.

Next Chapter 20: The Walk Through the Past

A/N: I hope that Harry's statement was not too preachy.

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