Chapter 5
Decisions and Decrees

Author's Note: This chapter begins a little while before the end of the previous chapter.

Edit: This site hates itallics. Fixed now.

Saturday July 1st, 1995

Half-an-hour after Harry and Ginny left for Diagon Alley with Bill, Hermione was lounging on the couch in the Burrow's sitting room. Ron had been sitting with her for a while, but he was now taking a shower, giving Hermione some time alone to herself and her thoughts. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were in the kitchen, talking in whispers. In a moment of paranoia, Hermione wondered if they were talking about her. She shook her head, dismissing these thoughts.

She had a sudden desire to find some way to distract herself. Usually, she would be reading one of her books in order to pass the time, or distract herself from thinking too much. But all of her books were at her home in Oxfordshire.

My former home, Hermione thought. It stopped being my home the moment those foul creatures took my parents from me. I am living here at the Burrow now. With Ron.

She blinked back tears, forcing herself not to cry again. She had cried way too much in the past twelve hours. While she knew everyone would tell her it was okay to grieve, she didn't want to. She couldn't think about it. If she did, she would never be able to return to the house with Sirius that evening as had been planned. Just one more trip. One more visit to collect her things, and then she would tell someone that they could take care of everything else, and place everything else that belonged to her parents in a storage facility. She would go to the funeral, whenever that would take place, and then she'd be done with it.

Out of sight, out of mind. She knew she would never be able to move on if she didn't do it soon.

Hermione forced these thoughts from her mind, trying to think of anything else.

The hearing. Yes, that would do. It was best to concentrate on that. Then, several thoughts wandered through her mind; a sudden brainstorm. She hopped up and walked toward the kitchen.

"Are you okay, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked, a worried expression crossing her features, "Do you need anything?"

"Mr. Weasley," Hermione said, "Do you know anything about Dolores Umbridge? Harry said her name last night, and I swear I've heard of her before. I just can't place it."

A grim smile crossed Mr. Weasley's face. "You probably have heard of her, Hermione. When Cornelius Fudge was the Minister of Magic, she was his Senior Undersecretary. She was forced out of the Ministry when Fudge resigned – or as the public believes – when he retired. I don't know what she is doing now."

"Was she on the Wizengamot?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, yeah," Mr. Weasley said, with a nod, "She was given a position by Fudge. Alas, she is no longer a member, thank goodness."

Hermione frowned. "Do you know anything about her? Her history? Her personality?"

Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. He took a sip from his cup of tea. "Only rumors and information I've seen in the Daily Prophet. She was known to ally herself with powerful people in the Ministry. There was Fudge, of course. Bartemius Crouch. Perhaps even Lucius Malfoy."

"She has connections to Malfoy?" Hermione asked, alarmed, "Is she a Death Eater? Why wasn't she arrested during the crackdown?"

"It was only a rumor that she was associated with him," Mr. Weasley said. "One thing I know is this: she is a smart woman, especially when it comes to politics. If she was accused of allying with Malfoy, all she had to say was that it was a crime of association. Fudge had known ties to Malfoy, and Umbridge had ties to Fudge. She could say that is her only connection. It could be a lie, but there is no proof."

"Harry said she has problems with... people like me," Hermione said, with a frown. "Muggleborn. Muggles. Half-breeds."

"Well," Mr. Weasley said. "I am rather curious as to how he would have learned about something like that."

Hermione mentally kicked herself. She knew he knew about it because he had dealt with her in the previous timeline. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley didn't know about that just yet.

"So is it true?" Hermione asked, hoping a minor change of subject would take his mind off such things.

Mr. Weasley exchanged a look with his wife, then looked back at Hermione and nodded.

"I'm afraid so," he said. "For a few years now, she has been quite vocal against Muggleborn and – ahem – half-breeds. She believes Muggleborn should not be allowed in the wizarding world. She doesn't support werewolves, even those who are able to be a part of everyday society – in other words, those who aren't dangerous. In fact, she believes all werewolves are dangerous, which is not true at all. She's led debates about whether or not Centaurs should be allowed in the Forbidden Forest at Hogwarts, so close to where children live and sleep for long periods of time."

Hermione frowned. "Be honest with me, Mr. Weasley. Is this a common belief in the wizarding world?"

Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. "I'm afraid there are many purebloods out there who feel the same way she does."

Hermione nodded. This admission brought the thoughts that were roaming through her head to the front of her mind.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Hermione said, "that is all I wanted to know."

"Hermione," Mrs. Weasley said, "Just so you know, Arthur and I are here for you if you need to talk about anything. However, if you are afraid to speak with adults about it, talk to Ron. He's here for you."

Hermione smiled, though she had to admit it was a bit fake. After all, Mrs. Weasley was only bringing up things she was trying to quell.

"I know he is," Hermione said, "Thank you."

"Well," Mr. Weasley said, "If I am to meet Amelia at noon, I best be off. I'll see you later."

He rose out of his chair, kissed his wife on the cheek then left the house. Hermione left the kitchen and walked up to Ginny's bedroom – or rather, her bedroom now, she realized, since Ginny was living at Potter Manor. She made her way over to Ginny's desk, and searched for parchment, quill and ink. She found some, then sat at the desk, and began jotting down some notes.

A few minutes later, she heard footsteps behind her, and looked over her shoulder momentarily. She smiled when she saw Ron.

"Feel better?" she asked, turning back to her notes.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that, love?" Ron asked.

"I'm perfectly fine, thank you," Hermione said.

"Are you?" Ron asked. "What are you working on?"

"Some ideas," Hermione said, "When I am finished, I will tell you."

She felt Ron's presence close behind her and she looked over her shoulder. Ron's eyes were on her notes. She covered her arms over the parchment to hide it.

"I said I would tell you later, Ron!" she growled.

"You're writing stuff about our hearing, Hermione," Ron said, "I think I have a right to know."

"Read it then!" she huffed in annoyance, as she stood up.

Ron frowned. "You're mad at me. I'm sorry. I'll let you finish."

"Read it now," Hermione said. "You want to know so badly."

Ron stared at Hermione for a moment, the frown still etched across his face. He then picked up the parchment and read over it.

"Decrees," Ron muttered, "Self-defense. Witnesses... Remus Lupin? Hermione, this is – what is this?"

"This is the beginning notes of our defense for our hearing," Hermione said.

"Er – I thought our solicitor was supposed to do this," Ron said.

"We're not having a solicitor," Hermione said, "I am representing us at the hearing."

Ron laughed out loud. "Nice joke, Hermione."

Hermione narrowed her eyes. A joke? Was this all it was to him? She harrumphed, grabbed the parchment from his hand and stormed off out of the room.

"Hermione!" Ron moaned. "Stop. I'm sorry."

"Obviously not!" Hermione growled, as she started off down the stairs toward the bottom level. "If you think I'm joking!"

"You don't have to do this, Hermione!" Ron said; from the sound of his footsteps, he was behind her, "Someone else can do it. Someone with experience. You're mental if you think you could pull it off."

"Well then maybe I am mental, Ron!" Hermione growled.

"Whoa!" a voice said, "What is going on?"

Hermione turned around and saw Harry and Ginny standing there, staring at them. Bill was behind them, looking rather amused.

"She's mental, that is what is going on!" Ron said, pointing to Hermione.

"I have come to a decision," Hermione said, crossing her arms over her chest. "I will be representing myself and Ron at the hearing on Monday."

Ron snorted softly behind her. Hermione glared at him, then walked over to one of the chairs and sat down.

"Er – I'm just going to leave myself out of this one," Bill said, "Perhaps I should go find Mum."

"She's in the garden," Ron said.

"I'll keep her distracted in case of loud voices," Bill said, with a wink, "Good luck."

He walked out of the sitting room, toward the kitchen, leaving the four teenagers staring at each other. Or rather, Harry, Ginny and Ron were trading looks around at everyone in the room. Hermione was staring at an empty space on the wall across the room, acting as if she was ignoring everyone. She wasn't exactly sure if it was an act or not.

"Well, come on, Harry, Ginny!" Ron said, "Tell her. She's mental! She would never be able to pull it off."

Hermione harrumphed. If she wasn't in trouble for performing underage magic outside Hogwarts, she'd hex Ron for continuing to call her mental.

"Okay," Harry said, "How about we all just settle down and talk about this?"

"Good idea," Ginny said, "Shall we sit down? It sounds as if we've missed quite the conversation!"

Harry and Ginny walked over to the sofa Hermione had been sitting on earlier, and sat down together. Hermione felt Ron's presence near her and she looked up at him. He seemed to be under the impression that he was going to sit with her.

"This chair is only big enough for one person," Hermione muttered.

"Unless someone is sitting on another person's lap," Harry said; Hermione glared at him. "Or not."

Ron mumbled something under his breath and walked over to another empty chair and sat down.

"Okay," Harry said, "I think we should begin with the obvious. Is it even possible for you to represent yourself and Ron at the hearing, Hermione?"

"I've read up on several magical court cases," Hermione said, "Mostly when I was curious about learning more on the Wizengamot. It is perfectly legal to represent yourself."

"Yeah, but it probably means someone of age can represent themselves," Ron said.

"Nowhere does it say that, Ron," Hermione said. "It does not specifically say that someone underage cannot represent themselves."

"Yeah, because it is probably thought to be common knowledge!" Ron retorted.

"Do you honestly think I couldn't handle doing this, Ron?" Hermione said, "Do you think I am not capable of representing us?"

"You're capable of anything you put your mind to," Ron said.

"Then give me one reason why I shouldn't do this," Hermione said.

"You'll get laughed right out of the courtroom," Ron said, "The Aurors will be laughing at us when they are placing shackles on us."

"Is that all?" Hermione asked. "You're afraid of getting laughed at?"

Ron frowned. "I can't help but wonder if you're doing this for other reasons than getting us both out of this mess. Be honest with me. Are you only wanting to do this to distract yourself from – well – you know."

"From the deaths of my parents?" Hermione asked; Ron winced. "You think I can't say it? I can say it, Ron."

"Well?" Ron asked, "Are you, then? Are you using this as a distraction?"

Hermione frowned. "Let me do this. If you really do love me, you'll let me do this."

"That's not fair, Hermione," Ron said.

"Fine!" Hermione said, "Do you want to know why I want to do this, Ron?"

"Yeah," Ron said, nodding, "I do."

"Because besides your father, and Sirius and Amelia," Hermione said, "There is literally nobody in the Ministry I can trust right now!"

Hermione blinked away the tears that were threatening to leak from her eyes.

"The woman who is likely responsible for the deaths of my parents," she said, "The woman likely responsible for sending those Dementors to attack us, she was a part of the Ministry for years. She is one of those blasted stuck-up, snotty purebloods that ally themselves with Voldemort and the Dark Arts!"

"I wouldn't exactly take it that far," Harry said, "The world isn't split between good people and Death Eaters, you know. She's not a Death Eater."

"Are you defending her?!" Hermione shrieked.

"No!" Harry said, hastily, "Of course not!"

"She may not be a Death Eater," Hermione growled, "But she is just as bad! And there are probably many just like her out there. People who are working in our courts, representing us in the Wizengamot. People who are bigots. Who hate people like me. Like my parents! And I will be damned if I am represented by someone like that in a court of law!"

"I doubt you will be, Hermione," Harry said.

"You're damned right!" Hermione said, "Because I will be representing myself and Ron. I'm not taking any chances!"

Hermione inhaled and exhaled, trying to catch her breath. Ron stood up from his chair and walked over to her. She allowed him to hug her and, even though she had done her best to avoid it, tears began to fall as she cried into his shirt.

"Shh," Ron said, soothingly, "It is okay. If you want to represent us at the hearing, you can."

Hermione sniffled and backed away, then smiled as she looked at him. "You mean it? You support this?"

"I'll support anything you do, Hermione," Ron said. "I may hate it. I may fight you for hours about it. But in the end, I'll probably support anything you do."

Hermione chuckled, a wet laugh as she choked back more tears. She kissed him soundly, passionately on the lips. She had momentarily forgotten she and Ron weren't alone, and when Ginny cleared her throat, she backed away from Ron hastily.

"Alright," Ron said, "It seems we're going to need a miracle to get through this. So we need to start on it now."

Hermione nodded. "First, I need to know something, and this is crucial. Have you used your wand again since we fought the Dementors?"

Ron raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "No, I haven't."

"Good," Hermione said, "Don't use your wand for anything until after the trial. Also, I need to borrow Pig. I need to write a couple of letters."

"Anything you need," Ron said.

Hermione smiled in thanks. "Just don't call me mental again."

"You agreed you were mental!" Ron said, chortling.

Hermione glared at him, and Ron put his hands up in surrender. Hermione rolled her eyes, and pecked him on the lips again. She then hopped up from the chair, and made her way back up to Ginny's room with Ron. He was right. As much as she wanted to do this, she knew it was going to take a miracle to pull it off.

A few minutes before noon, Amelia Black was in a room near the Minister's office. It was formerly a storage office for Ministerial documents. Now it was a small nursery for Melina and Eli whenever Amelia desired bringing the twins with her to the Ministry. It had been built overnight by the Magical Maintenance crew. The room was hidden with protective enchantments, and could only be seen by a few trusted people. Winky the house-elf, who had been summoned by Amelia, was in charge of baby-sitting the twins when Amelia couldn't be with them.

Amelia was currently sitting in a rocking chair in between a pair of cribs. The twins were both sleeping now after their most recent meal. She loved to watch them sleep. Over the past few weeks, when it was just her alone at the manor with the twins and the house-elves, she would spend hours in her bedroom doing nothing but watching her babies sleep. It was mesmerizing and she was always surprised to find that the time had passed by so quickly.

A quiet knock on the door broke the peaceful silence.

"Come in," Amelia said, softly.

The door opened and Sirius walked into the room.

"Arthur is waiting for us in your office, my dear," Sirius said.

"Is it noon already?" Amelia asked, "How time flies."

She stood and leaned into Marlene's crib, and kissed her gently on the back of her head (Marlene was laying on her tummy, as per usual), then she did the same with Eli.

"Sleep tight, my darlings," she said, "And sweet dreams." She walked toward Sirius, passing Winky, who was sitting obediently on the floor. "Tell me if they need anything, Winky. Don't hesitate to interrupt, no matter the circumstance."

"Yes, Madam," Winky said.

Amelia smiled and left the nursery with Sirius. As she approached the office, her secretary, Karl Stephens, met her near the door. He usually didn't come in on the weekends – and he had been on a bit of a holiday since Amelia was on maternal leave – but one letter to him from Amelia, and he was happy to come in on a Saturday.

"The only interruptions I want are if there are any letters from family," Amelia said, "Or anything that is unavoidable."

"Of course," Karl said.

Amelia smiled, and walked into her office with Sirius. Arthur Weasley was sitting on the nearest side of the desk.

"No need to get up, Arthur," Amelia said, when Arthur moved to do just that very thing; she walked around her desk and sat down in her comfortable leather chair. Sirius took the chair next to Arthur. "Thank you for coming in today."

"Anything to clear this mess up with my son and Hermione," Arthur said, "I'll be here as long as it takes in order to keep my son and his girlfriend out of trouble."

"I don't think we have to worry about that, Arthur," Amelia said, "As long as Ron and Hermione keep their testimonies honest and intact, they will be just fine. I received reports from Albert Runcorn in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement that Richard and Helen Granger were indeed given the Kiss by Dementors."

"How horrible," Arthur said.

"They died without knowing what was attacking them," Sirius said, "Muggles, even those of whom are parents of Muggleborn, and are able to see wizarding buildings, cannot see Dementors."

"Apparently they had been dead for nearly an hour before the Aurors discovered their bodies," Amelia said, "The attack could have taken place anywhere between an hour and two hours beforehand. It is hard to say how long Muggles live without their souls after being Kissed. They have no magical core at all, obviously."

"How long did Ron and Hermione say they had been out on a date?" Arthur asked.

"Nearly three hours," Sirius said.

"Dear Merlin," Arthur said, "The Dementors could have been at Hermione's house when she and Ron left for their date."

"We may never know if they were attacked by the same Dementors who killed Hermione's parents," Sirius said. "It is likely. Dementors can travel quite fast, and Ron and Hermione were only across town from her house."

"Could you perhaps clear up something I heard earlier today?" Arthur asked. "Hermione asked me about Dolores Umbridge. She says that Harry believed Umbridge is responsible for this?"

"He said it was quite likely," Sirius said.

"How could Harry possibly know that?" Arthur asked.

Amelia glanced at Sirius, who looked uncharacteristically nervous. They both were aware Harry and Ginny were going to reveal their big secrets to Arthur and the Weasley family in the near future, but until then, it was best that they didn't know anything about it.

"Harry's mentioned that his Bond with Ginny gives them the ability to have dreams that can predict the future," Sirius said; Amelia was quite proud of her husband for coming up with the lie, "It is possible that is how he knew."

"I see," Arthur said, "Well, unfortunately that can't be presented to the Wizengamot."

"No, it cannot," Sirius said.

"Do you think Harry's right?" Arthur asked, "Is Umbridge behind this?"

Before Amelia or Sirius could answer him, there was a knock on the door. However, before Amelia say anything, the door opened. Dolores Umbridge walked in, holding what appeared to be folders and parchment. Karl Stephens hurried in behind her, and Amelia's security hurried in behind him, pointing their wands at Umbridge.

"Minister, I am so very sorry," Karl said, "I couldn't stop her!"

"What is the meaning of this, Dolores?" Amelia asked. "You are not welcome on this premises."

"By the nature of your guests," Umbridge said, "I would assume you are talking about the upcoming hearing against Mr. Weasley's son?"

"How would you know that?" Sirius asked, "The media haven't even gotten wind of this yet!"

"I still have connections, Auror Black," Umbridge said.

"I bet you do," Sirius muttered.

"Well?" Umbridge asked, "Are you or are you not discussing the hearing?"

"We are," Amelia said, "But I don't see how that is any of your business."

Umbridge smiled, a horrible, lip-turning smile that probably gave children nightmares.

"If you will tell these barbarians behind me to back away from me," Umbridge said, "I would be welcome to present you the reason why I am here."

Amelia stared at Umbridge for ten seconds, before she nodded to the security wizards. The two men backed away, though they kept their wands pointed on her. Umbridge walked forward, and tossed the folder onto the desk. Amelia picked it up and opened it.

"Wizengamot Official Decree of 1841," Amelia read the large bold letters on the front slip of parchment.

"That decree," Umbridge said, "Has been in effect for over one-hundred and fifty years. Mind you, it has not been debated, argued upon, nor revoked in these many years. It states that if a member of the Wizengamot is deemed unfit for their duties, then another member of the council – present or former – may volunteer their duties if they so wish."

"I know what it says, Dolores, thank you very much," Amelia said.

"Well, then," Umbridge said. "You should know that Arthur Weasley is unfit for his duties as a part of the council on Monday."

"Pardon me?" Sirius said, "Where did you come up with that rubbish."

"Is Arthur Weasley the father of Ronald Weasley?" Umbridge asked, "Or has myself and the rest of the wizarding world been sadly mistaken in these... fifteen years?"

"Ron is my son," Arthur said.

"I thought so," Umbridge said, smiling that sickeningly sweet smile once again, "Therefore, you have an emotional connection to this hearing on Monday. As such, you are deemed unfit for your duties."

"I am afraid she's right, Arthur," Amelia said.

"Alright," Arthur said, "I will not be a part of the council on Monday."

"Then under the terms of the Wizengamot Official Decree of 1841," Umbridge said, "I, Dolores Jane Umbridge, hereby submit my name for temporary member of the Wizengamot for the hearing, as a replacement of Arthur Weasley."

Amelia looked at Sirius, who was staring at Umbridge quite coldly. If looks could kill, Umbridge would most certainly be dead. Unfortunately, looks could not kill and the woman was still standing there.

"I accept, Dolores," Amelia said, before Sirius could respond, "I will see you on Monday."

Sirius turned to Amelia, and looked at her with questioning eyebrows. He seemed quite confused as to why she had accepted this request.

"I was hoping to remain here," Umbridge said, "Perhaps I can be of some help. I can give some insight as to why these two miscreants should be considered guilty."

Arthur looked ready to retaliate, but Amelia held up a hand to stop him.

"Now, now, Dolores," she said, "Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. I am sure you can agree on that?"

Umbridge stared at Amelia, her eyebrows narrowed. She cleared her throat and nodded.

"As you wish, Minister," she said, "I will see you on Monday." She turned around and headed out of the office. "Move, barbarians!" she said, as she pushed past the security, which followed her out.

Karl looked at Amelia apologetically, then walked out of the office, leaving Amelia, Sirius and Arthur once again alone in the office.

"What are you thinking, Amy?" Sirius asked, "Allowing that woman to be a part of the council? We know she is probably guilty -"

"Exactly," Amelia said. "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, sweetheart. We need her in that courtroom when it is revealed who is responsible for what happened to Ron, Hermione, and her parents. I will even allow her to put in some questions during the hearing. Who knows? Perhaps she will slip up and reveal her true motives and in addition, her guilt."

Sirius' mouth opened and closed like a fish. Then he smiled widely.

"You, my dear," he said, "are a genius."

"I thought so too," Amelia said.

Once again, the door to Amelia's office opened, and Karl returned.

"Again, I am sorry for the intrusion, Minister," he said, "I just received a couple of letters. They seem to be quite important. One for you, Madam, and one for Auror Black."

He walked across the room, and gave one of the scrolls of parchment to Amelia, and one to Sirius.

"Thank you, Karl," Amelia said, "You may go. I trust this will be the last interruption for a while."

"Yes, Madam!" Karl said.

He turned and left the office. Amelia shook her head, annoyed and unrolled her scroll of parchment as Sirius unrolled his. She read through the letter, and found it was from Hermione Granger. Amelia blinked as she read through the letter again, thinking she had been hallucinating. She looked up at Sirius, who was looking at his letter with a big grin.

"Amy, my dear," Sirius said, "If this letter is correct, and I follow its leads, I may find the answers we need to finish Dolores Umbridge once and for all. What does your letter say?"

"Hermione has offered to represent herself and Ron during their hearing on Monday," Amelia said.

The looks on Arthur's and Sirius' faces were quite amusing.

"Can she do that?" Arthur asked.

"As she states in this letter," Amelia said, "There is no official law stating that an underage defendant cannot represent themselves in a court of law. It seems the lawmakers of old ignored that little tidbit. Perhaps they didn't think someone underage would choose to represent themselves."

"The lawmakers of old never met Hermione Granger," Sirius said, with a laugh.

"You're seriously going to allow her to do this?" Arthur asked. "This is her and Ron's future at stake!"

"Exactly," Amelia said, "Think of what she must be thinking. Her parents are dead. The one person she cares for most in this world now is Ron. Sure, she has her other friends and the rest of us, but none of us are your son, Ron."

"The young lady has been smitten with your son for years, Arthur," Sirius said, "I noticed it back when they were first years. I'm sure you did too."

Arthur chuckled and nodded. "It is true."

"If there is one person in this entire world she wants to see have a future," Amelia said, "More than herself – it is Ron. Yes, Arthur. I'm going to allow her to represent herself and Ron on Monday. I have a feeling she will impress us all."

Decided to end it there! I know! I could have added more into this chapter, including the hearing, but I have more planned before the hearing takes place and it would have made the chapter extremely long, which is rarely my thing! Plus I decided this is a good point to split it up.

Next chapter: Hermione visits her house, with Ron and Sirius, for what is probably the last time. Also... yes, finally, the hearing, and maybe some other stuff too. Expect the unexpected!

Hope you liked this chapter!