Chapter 6
The Hearing
Author's Note: A few reviewers seem to believe that Ron and Hermione have become the main focus on the story instead of Harry and Ginny. That is not true. Obviously since this small storyline centers around them, they have come into focus. After this chapter, Harry and Ginny will become the main focus again. However, that does not mean they will always be the central characters in this story. I will be trying to focus on several characters as the story goes on, in order to move the story along.
This is a very long chapter. I did not want to split it up again! Seriously, the first half is one long scene, and seems to go on forever but I didn't want to cut any of it out! Enjoy!
Edit: Corrected a Brit-pick.
Saturday July 1st, 1995
Though the summer sun was making its descent toward the horizon, the air over the Burrow was still hot and muggy. None of the teens inside the Burrow wanted to do anything outside. Even swimming in the lake had been an unwelcome idea, because the heat had probably warmed up the lake a bit.
So it was that near six-o-clock that evening, Hermione, Ron, Harry, Ginny, Fred and George were hanging out in the Burrow's sitting room. Music played on the wizarding wireless, which sat on the fireplace's mantel. Ron, Harry, Ginny, Fred and George were all playing Exploding Snap. Hermione was lounging on the couch next to her boyfriend. A sheaf of parchment sat in her lap, and a ink-filled quill rested between her fingers, though she was writing nothing at the moment.
Mostly she was trying to distract herself, without making it appear that way. If her friends found out what she was doing they would only worry. They were worried enough about her as it was, and she was trying to get them to stop.
Soon, Sirius would come to the Burrow, and he would escort Hermione and Ron to her house in Oxfordshire for the last time. She promised herself she would only be there for a few minutes. She would pack her belongings – at least all of the stuff she didn't want thrown into a storage facility – and then she would leave the house forever. She dare not return after that.
True, she could have lived in that house after she finished with her education at Hogwarts. That seemed like a smart thing to do. After all, no one else was living there. The house belonged to her, ready for when she wanted to move back in. But she would not do that. She would put the house up for sale, or rather let the adults handle that, and that would be it. Out of sight, out of mind.
"Hey," Ron said, breaking Hermione from her reverie; he took her free hand in his, and Hermione looked down at it, then up at Ron. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Hermione said.
Ron moved his hand to cup her face, and she felt him brush away a tear she wasn't aware had come to rest on her cheek.
"We don't have to go to that house tonight, love," Ron said.
"I need to," Hermione said. "I need my clothes, my books -"
"Sirius can get all that for you," Ron said.
"I need to do this, Ron," Hermione said, "Tonight. Then I can be done with it."
Ron's lips turned down in a frown. His eyes found hers and for a few moments they didn't leave. Then he sighed and nodded.
"Alright," Ron said. "I'll be there for you, every step of the way."
"When did you become so sweet?" Hermione asked, with a soft chuckle.
"Yeah, Ronnie," Fred said, "You're so sweet, it is giving me cavities!"
"Piss off," Ron scowled in a low voice so his mother didn't hear him, "You don't have to listen in."
"Believe us when we say we don't want to," George said, "But it is your turn."
Bill chose that moment to walk into the sitting room, making everyone look up at him. He was wearing a buttoned-down shirt, and tan slacks. His hair was pulled back in its usual ponytail, looking sleek, and he was wearing a loop in one ear.
"What are you so dressed up for?" Ron asked.
"I am going on a date tonight," Bill said.
"A date?" George asked.
"With who?" Fred asked.
"Fleur Delacour," Bill said.
Fred and George both made choking sounds.
"Fleur Delacour?" Fred echoed.
"Well, she must have a thing for gingers!" George said, "You should have held on to that one, Fred."
Bill stopped en route to the fireplace and turned toward Fred and George.
"Say that again?" he asked.
"You didn't know?" George asked, "Fred took your date to the Yule Ball. But if she accepted a date with you, I guess she's moved on from Fred quite quickly."
"It was one date," Fred said, "That is all. There was nothing to move on from. Nice choice, Billy. What did you think of her mad questions?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Bill said.
"You know," Fred asked, "'Can you think of the names of three other girls?'"
"She didn't ask me any questions like that," Bill said.
Fred sputtered. "You did ask her out on a date, yes?"
"Yeah," Bill said, "I am pretty sure it is a date."
"You're sure she said yes?" Fred asked.
"Yeah," Bill said, before throwing Floo Powder into the fire which turned it green, "And I am going to be late if I don't get a move on. I'll see you later."
He grabbed some more Floo Powder, walked into the fireplace, said "Diagon Alley!" and disappeared in a ball of flame. Fred stared at the fireplace for a few moments, before turning back around. He looked rather confused.
"I don't know what to say," Fred said.
"What were these questions you were talking about?" Ginny asked.
"When I asked Fleur to go to the Ball with me," Fred said, "She asked me three questions: if I could remember the names of other girls, if I was her first choice for a date, and if I wanted to have a long-term relationship with her. Really, I thought she was going to decline, but she seemed okay with my answers. How I understand it, she asked those same three questions to every man who asked her on a date."
"Probably has to do with the fact that she is part-Veela," Hermione said.
Fred and George looked at Hermione, sharing the same expressions of shock.
"She's a Veela?" Fred asked.
"Part-Veela, but yes," Hermione said, "Which would make her insecure around men who might be interested in her – are they just looking to be friends, or something more?"
"So," Fred said, "Because she didn't ask those questions to Bill...?"
"I would say she is quite smitten with your brother," Hermione said.
"Oh," Fred said.
George placed a comforting hand on his twin's shoulder. "Fred, my brother, you can't win them all."
Then with his free hand, George placed an Exploding Snap card on top of another. The card shook, and fell, making the whole pyramid tumble, causing smoke and ash to blow up in George's face.
"George, my brother," Fred said, "Neither can you."
Everyone in the room except George burst into laughter. George followed soon after. Then a sharp-sounding crack that usually followed Apparation was heard in the distance.
"Hermione, Ron!" Mrs. Weasley called from the kitchen, "Sirius is here!"
"Do you want us to come with you?" Ginny asked Hermione.
"Ron will be there with me," Hermione said, "I'll be fine."
"Good luck," Ginny said, and Harry nodded.
"Thanks," Hermione muttered, "We'll be back soon."
She stood and followed Ron into the kitchen, and arrived just as Sirius walked through the door.
"Ready for the off?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah," Hermione said; then turned to Mrs. Weasley, "We shouldn't be very long."
"Take all the time you need," Mrs. Weasley said. "Dinner will be ready when you return. Will you be staying for dinner, Sirius?"
"I promised Amy I wouldn't be gone too long," Sirius said, "Other than the babies, and the house-elves, she's alone in the house."
"I understand," Mrs. Weasley said.
Ron and Hermione said their temporary farewells to Mrs. Weasley, then followed Sirius back up the driveway toward the beginning of the driveway.
"It appears you have already had an interesting day, Hermione," Sirius said, as they walked, "We received your letter about your request to represent yourself and Ron at the hearing on Monday."
"It was only an idea," Hermione said, "I understand if it isn't allowed for whatever reason."
"On the contrary!" Sirius said, "Amelia accepted your request of self-representation."
Hermione looked toward Sirius with wide eyes and a smile. "She did?"
"Yes," Sirius said, "She is very curious, and may I say excited to see how well you handle yourself. I am most curious myself. Though I need to warn you now, Hermione. Dolores Umbridge will be in that courtroom on Monday."
Hermione's expression turned to shock. "Amelia's allowing her to be there?"
"In Amelia's words, keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Sirius said, "Let's just say, if everything goes well, Umbridge will be the one in shackles when all is said and done."
"Really?" Ron asked, "Is that possible?"
"I believe so," Sirius said, "We'll have to wait and see. Just so you know, Amelia believes one-hundred percent that you'll be cleared of all charges."
Hermione smiled. "Tell her thanks."
"I'll pass along the message," Sirius said, "Here we are. Take my hands, you two."
Hermione and Ron each took one of Sirius' hands, and soon they were standing in front of the Granger residence after a quick trip of Side-Along Apparation. Hermione felt a shortness of breath, as she stared at the house. She inhaled and exhaled, trying her best not to hyperventilate. It had been less than twenty-four hours since she was standing in this same spot which started her down this path she was on.
Then she felt a comforting warm hand grip one of hers, and she looked away from the house and saw Ron next to her. She smiled as she looked at their entwined hands.
"I'm fine, Ron," Hermione said, "Let's just get this over with."
Still gripping Ron's hand, Hermione made her way down the sidewalk toward the front door of her house. Sirius summoned his wand from his holster, and waved it at the door, which made a mechanical unlocking sound, and opened by itself.
"The Aurors who were here locked it magically to keep ne'er-do-wells out," Sirius explained.
Hermione nodded, almost mechanically, and walked into the house with Ron. She avoided looking toward the direction of the sitting room, training her eyesight on anywhere else she could.
"Ron and I will go upstairs and pack my stuff up there," she said.
"Alright," Sirius said, with a soft smile; he seemed to realize she wanted to avoid certain sections of the house, "Is there anything you want downstairs?"
"Photo albums on the bookshelf in the s-sitting room," Hermione said, stammering out the last words. "And any other picture frames you find. Everything else can go into a storage facility."
"Amelia and I hired a few Ministry workers to come by in the next week," Sirius said, "and move everything to a storage facility. Don't worry, they are very trustworthy. We have everything taken care of."
Hermione nodded once again, not knowing how to reply to that. Instead she forced herself to walk up the stairs. When she arrived at her room, she opened the door, then froze in the doorway. There was nothing wrong with her bedroom. It was just how she had left it. Even the clothes she had on the day before were thrown on the bed carelessly, as she had left them before taking a shower and preparing herself for her date with Ron. Her parents had been downstairs, alive and healthy, all the while...
Hermione shook her head, clearing these thoughts from her mind.
"Do you need me to do anything?" Ron asked.
"Closet at the end of the hallway," Hermione said, trying to get control of the situation, "There should be two large suitcases. Can you get them?"
"Yeah," Ron said.
Hermione walked into the room and immediately began removing clothes from her dresser, piling them all onto her bed. Just as she emptied out her dresser of all the clothes she wanted to bring, she heard a small meow coming from under the bed.
She gasped and turned around. She had distracted herself so much by focusing on working on her notes for the hearing, that she had forgotten there was still one living being in her house.
"Crookshanks?" she called out.
Then there was another meow, as a ball of orange fluff raced out from under the bed and jumped into Hermione's arms.
"Crookshanks!" Hermione cried out, "I am so sorry I forgot you! I've been so distracted and – oh, Crookshanks!"
She fell back on the one part of her bed which wasn't covered in clothes. Crookshanks purred, rubbing his head and body against her. She felt tears leaking from her eyes, but she hardly cared at the moment. She cuddled her cat against her and cried into him.
"I don't know what to do, Crookshanks," she said, sniffling against him, "I'm in trouble and Mum and Daddy are gone and – you were here when it happened, weren't you?"
Crookshanks mewed in affirmative response, a soft kittenish meow.
"You must have been so frightened," Hermione said, sniffling again. "Even for such a brave kitty."
"Hermione, I'm here – sorry, it took forever to find your luggage," Ron said, as he walked into the room, "Oh, there's the little beast. I was wondering where he went to."
Crookshanks hissed at Ron, jumped out of Hermione's arms and pranced out of the room with his tail raised stiffly.
"Was it something I said?" Ron asked, looking from the cat's retreating figure to Hermione.
Hermione rolled her eyes, let out a wet chuckle and wiped her face dry.
"Let's just get this over with," she said.
"Right," Ron said, "what do you want me to do?"
"Put all of my books in my school trunk," Hermione said.
"Er – will they fit in there along with everything else?" Ron asked.
"They'll fit in my brand new one," Hermione said, indicating a large wooden trunk sitting next to her bookshelf. "It has a built in Extension charm. It was a home-coming gift from my..." she swallowed. "my parents."
The last thing they ever bought me, Hermione thought. Went through all that trouble to go into Diagon Alley without me just to buy me a nice gift. I'm not sure I even said a meaningful thanks to them for it.
She shook her head, stopping herself from thinking such things. Ron looked as if he wanted to comfort her, so she put on a brave face, and started putting her clothes into one of the suitcases. Soon, all of her clothes were packed in both of the suitcases. Ron was still packing Hermione's books.
"Good Merlin, Hermione," Ron said, "You have more books than clothes, don't you?"
"I refuse to answer that question, Ron," Hermione said, with a small smile; she realized what he was doing; making a little joke because he had obviously seen her looking sad; she loved him for it. "I'll be right back. I need to check the other rooms and see if there's anything I should get. Finish up there."
She grabbed her empty laundry basket from the closet. She took her pillow, and her few stuffed animals she adored, and placed them in the laundry basket. She then placed a few other items – make-up, and other small trinkets she couldn't leave behind – and headed out of the room. She walked toward the bathroom, where she grabbed her toothbrush, and a few other essential feminine health items. She left the bathroom and stared down the hall toward her parents' bedroom, then forced herself to walk toward it.
She slowly opened the door, and paused in the doorway, all while inhaling and exhaling. This wasn't the room her parents were in when they died, but it was just as bad. She had many memories of this room. Most of them having to do with snuggling up in between her parents when she was little, when it was storming outside. Up until she was about seven, she had been terrified of thunder and lightning. It was thunderstorms which had scared her, and not monsters under her bed, or hiding in the closet. As a little kid, she was smart enough to know monsters didn't exist, not yet knowing of the monsters - beast, human and sub-human – she would meet and/or learn about a few years later...
She blinked, stepping out of her memories, and forced herself to walk into her parents' bedroom. There was only one thing she was looking for here. She set the box down on the bed, walked over to the closet, opened it, then parted the clothing with two hands, pushing them to either side of the wall. She then pushed her hand against the wall on the back of the closet, and a small section of the wall opened – a secret door, revealing an iron safe built into the back wall of the closet. Only herself and her parents knew about the safe. She also knew the locker combination, Five silver numbered-wheels were built into the safe's door. She just had to turn it to the right combination. She lined the numbers up in the right order – 1-9-9-7-9: her date of birth. A mechanical unlocking sound was heard, and she pulled the door open.
Inside were a couple of cream-colored folders, as well a small money-purse which held emergency money inside: not too much but enough which she could exchange for wizarding money to last until she could get around to changing her parents' bank account to her name. She knew that inside the folder, was her parents' Final Will and Testament, which they had written shortly after Hermione was born, and then they continued adding more to it. Her father was rather paranoid when it came to solicitors and lawyers. He didn't believe keeping such things like this in banks or government buildings. Placing money in a bank was usually a hard chore for him.
Hermione took the contents of the safe, closed it, then put the contents into the box, and left the bedroom. She took one final glance at the bedroom, before returning to her own room, where Ron was now sitting on her bed. Hermione paused in the doorway and stared at Ron for a moment.
How many times over the past couple of years, had she dreamed of seeing him sitting or laying on that bed with her, snogging her and sometimes doing a bit more? Before she could lose herself in her fantasies, she felt something between her legs, and saw Crookshanks running into the room. Hermione chuckled softly and shook her head, thanking Crookshanks from snapping her out of her reverie. It wasn't the time to be thinking of such things.
"Are you finished?" she asked Ron.
"Shouldn't I ask you that?" Ron asked.
Hermione smiled and walked over to Ron, who stood up. She leaned toward him and pecked him on the lips.
"Thank you," she said, "for being here with me."
"I'm always here for you," Ron said.
"You should really stop being so sweet or I am going to expect more of that from you," Hermione said, with a light giggle.
She pecked him on the lips again, however, before Ron could return the kiss, they heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. Hermione gasped softly and turned around. She sighed in a mixture of relief and annoyance when she saw Sirius standing there with a box filled with books and portraits.
"Am I interrupting something?" Sirius asked, with a grin.
"No!" Hermione said, hastily; Ron shook his head rather violently.
"I didn't think so," Sirius said, still grinning. "Are you finished here?"
"Yeah," Hermione said, "Everything is packed."
"Very well," Sirius said, "I will transport your things to the Burrow."
As her belongings vanished with soft pops, Hermione placed Crookshanks in his carrier and shut the little door. When she backed away from it, Sirius also transported the carrier to the Burrow. Then the three of them walked out of the room. Hermione turned and took a final glance at her bedroom, saying a silent goodbye to the room that had been hers all of her life.
After a moment, she followed Sirius and Ron down the stairs and back outside. Sirius locked the front door of the house, and led Hermione and Ron back down the sidewalk. When they reached the sidewalk, Hermione turned around and took Sirius' hand. She took one last glance at her house, saying another silent goodbye. She then looked next door at Mr. Neiman's house, and mentally made a promise to write a letter to him trying to explain in some feasible way what had happened. He would worry about her if she didn't.
Hermione then nodded to Sirius, saying she was ready to leave. A moment later, she left her house for the final time.
Monday, July 3rd, 1995
Hermione stared at her reflection in the brass walls of one of the lifts, as it traveled down into the depths of the Ministry of Magic. Crowded into the lifts were Harry, Ginny, Ron, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Kingsley Shacklebolt. However, nobody was speaking. The only sounds Hermione could hear were the rickety machines that made the lifts work, her breathing, and her own heart beating. She was dressed in a simple formal outfit, hoping she looked professional and respectable.
In one hand, she held her purse, which held – along with many of her personal items – scrolls of parchment where her notes for the Hearing were written. Her other hand was holding one of Ron's. She hadn't let go of either since she had stepped foot inside the Ministry.
"Hermione?" Ron whispered.
"Hmm?" Hermione asked, still staring at her reflection.
"The lifts stopped," Ron said.
Hermione looked around and saw that Ron was right. Everyone except her and Ron had stepped out of the lifts. Hermione cleared her throat, blushed lightly in embarrassment and stepped out of the lifts with Ron.
"Sorry," she said, apologizing to the group, "Distracted."
"No need to apologize, dear," Mrs. Weasley said, "Anyone in your position would feel the same way."
Hermione raised her lips in what she hoped was a smile. She and Ron followed the group toward level ten of the Ministry, and toward the Courtrooms. When they arrived at the doors outside Courtroom Nine, they found the area was mostly empty. Only Remus and Tonks stood there waiting for them.
I could only think of one witness, Hermione thought, and he wasn't even at the scene. I do hope it is enough. I thought Sirius would be here.
Remus seemed to be under the same impression.
"Sirius isn't with you?" he asked, as he searched for his fellow Marauder and best friend.
"He said he had something to do," Harry said, "But he would try to make it here in time."
"Alright," Remus said, "Well, everyone is inside and waiting for you."
"Are we late?" Hermione asked; hoping she was wrong – being tardy would be a horrible way to start.
"No, you're right on time," Remus said.
Hermione sighed in relief, and followed Remus and Tonks into the courtroom. Hermione half-expected the room to be filled with people, but other than the dozen-plus members of the Wizengamot, there were only a few others. Seated in the back row of chairs were six people. From their sheafs of parchment, quills, and cameras, Hermione knew them to be reporters.
The members of the Wizengamot, most of whom had been in random conversations with each other, before Hermione and Ron's arrival, now sat down in their chairs in rows high above the courtroom floor.
Hermione saw a table positioned at the front of the row of chairs, and led Ron to it. They both sat down in the two chairs at the table, while their family and well-wishers sat behind them.
"Now that we are all present," Amelia, who was seated in the direct center of the first row of the Wizengamot, said, "I believe we can begin. Disciplinary hearing of the third of July, into offences committed under the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and the International Statute of Secrecy by Ronald Billius Weasley and Hermione Jean Granger, both current residents at the Burrow in Ottery St. Catchpole.
"Interrogators: Amelia Black, Minister of Magic," Amelia continued.
Hermione mindlessly listened as Amelia continued to announce names, as she placed the necessary items on the table in front of her.
"... Special Guest Councilwoman and Interrogator," Amelia continued, "Dolores Umbridge."
Hermione looked up toward Amelia so fast that she felt a spinning sensation. Or perhaps that was because of the name she had just heard. She had to have been hearing things... right? Hermione searched through the members of the Wizengamot trying to find Umbridge.
"Madam Umbridge is here today," Amelia said, "under the Wizengamot Official Decree of 1841. She is temporarily replacing Arthur Weasley as a member of the council, since he is unable to be a part of today's events as a member of the Wizengamot."
Hermione scowled silently. Of course, as Ron's father, Mr. Weasley had emotional connections. The decree gave any present or former Wizengamot council member the choice to volunteer. Obviously Umbridge volunteered for it. She remembered Sirius saying that Umbridge would be there at the hearing, but she did not remember him saying anything her being a part of the Wizengamot, or an interrogator!
"Miss Granger," Amelia said, "Mr. Weasley. Do you have somebody to represent you in today's hearing?"
"No, Madam Minister," Hermione said, "I will be representing myself and Ron today."
"Hem, hem!" a shrill voice said.
The Wizengamot members turned their heads in the direction of a woman who was wearing a bright pink cardigan and hat, which was obviously not the usual wear for a Wizengamot member. Amelia looked rather annoyed.
"Yes, Madam Umbridge?" Amelia asked.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at the woman in pink. So... this was Umbridge, was it?
"Surely, young lady," Umbridge said, standing up looking directly at Hermione, "I must have heard you wrong. Did you say you are representing yourself and Mr. Weasley?"
"Yes, I did," Hermione said. "You seem to know your way around Ministry decrees and laws, Madam Umbridge. So I am sure you know that any defendant can choose to represent themselves, even if they are underage?"
"How preposterous!" Umbridge scowled, "Members of the Wizengamot, you cannot expect someone like – someone like her -"
"Miss Granger is correct, Madam Umbridge," Amelia interrupted, "She has legal right to represent herself and Mr. Weasley. Please sit down, so we can begin. Unless you have anything else to say?"
Umbridge narrowed her eyes toward Hermione, and sat down. "Not yet, Madam Minister."
"Miss Granger," Amelia said, "I am sorry for such a rude interruption. As I have stated, it is within your legal right to represent yourself. However, you do know that there can be no appeal at a future date, correct?"
"Yes, ma'am," Hermione said.
"Very well," Amelia said, "Scribe, take note that Hermione Granger is representing herself and Ron Weasley today. Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, the charges are as follows. That on the evening of June 30th, at thirty-six minutes past nine, the both of you knowingly and deliberately each cast a Patronus Charm in the town of Oxfordshire, an area where Muggles were nearby at the time. You were aware of the illegality of your crimes, yes?"
"Yes, ma'am," Hermione said, "We both were completely aware."
She knew Amelia wasn't finished, and even though she wanted to say more, she knew she needed to wait.
Amelia continued. "This constitutes an offence under Paragraph C of the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, 1875, and also under Section 13 of the International Confederation of Warlocks' Statute of Secrecy.
"Miss Granger, we will now allow you to explain your actions and those actions of Ron Weasley that led to the events in which this crime took place. Begin."
Hermione cleared her throat. "Ron and I were on a date in Oxfordshire, my hometown. We had just finished seeing a movie, at a theater -"
She paused when several of the Wizengamot members started speaking, looking rather confused. Amelia raised her hand to stop them.
"I apologize, Miss Granger," Amelia said, "I am afraid there are very few members of the Wizengamot who took Muggle Studies in their years of education. Please continue. No need to explain these Muggle terms."
"Thank you, ma'am," Hermione said, "Ron and I were at a diner, having dinner. Frost and ice began to form on the window near our table. I assure you, it was a very warm night that evening, so we thought that seeing frost and ice were a bit odd. However, we are well aware that the cold temperatures that could create frost and ice on such a warm day could be created by Dementors -"
"Hem, hem!" Umbridge said, again, in her shrill voice.
"Yes, Madam Umbridge?" Amelia asked in a dull tone, obviously trying hard not to sound annoyed.
"Miss Granger's defensive strategy is quite convenient," Umbridge said, "I think it is obvious that these two children were foolishly playing around with magic! Dementors, I ask you. What would Dementors, who have graciously returned to Azkaban, be in Oxfordshire for, many, many miles from Azkaban prison?"
Hermione glared at Umbridge. You know exactly why they were there!
"She's not lying!" Ron said, loudly.
Hermione took Ron's hand in her own, silencing him. "I will handle this."
Ron nodded silently, then glared in Umbridge's direction.
"As Ron said," Hermione said, "I'm not lying. We saw frost and ice."
"A sudden chill in the area is not impossible," Umbridge said, "Or it may be possible that you were hallucinating? Young teenagers experimenting with drugs. High on hallucinogens, waving your wands around producing magic like criminal children!"
"Sit down, Madam Umbridge," Amelia said, "Or you will be taken from this court. Continue, Miss Granger."
Hermione was having quite a bit of trouble concentrating. In between gripping Ron's hand to keep him from jumping up, and glaring at Umbridge, she was losing focus. She inhaled and exhaled, trying to regain her composure.
"We knew it had to be Dementors causing the frost and ice," Hermione said, ignoring Umbridge's hmmph of disbelief, "So we paid for our meal, and left the diner. We followed the cool air, and found a Dementor floating in an alleyway. Ron produced his Patronus Charm, which chased off the Dementor. Then another Dementor came from behind us, and I produced my own Patronus Charm, which chased off that Dementor as well."
One of the elderly Wizengamot wizards raised his hand, and Amelia nodded toward him to speak up.
"Are you trying to tell us, young lady," the wizard said, "that you and Mr. Weasley produced such Patroni that you were able to defend yourself against two Dementors? Pardon me, but I find that quite disbelieving that students so young could produce such strong Patroni in order to frighten away Dementors."
In her chair, Umbridge smiled widely, obviously thinking Hermione was trapped.
"I call my first witness, Remus Lupin," Hermione said.
Remus stood up from his chair, and walked over to the Hermione and Ron's table.
"In mine and Ron's third year at Hogwarts," Hermione said, "Remus Lupin was the Defense Professor."
"Outrageous!" Umbridge scowled.
Hermione thought Amelia would step in, and indeed she looked as if she wanted to. However Remus put up a hand to stop Amelia.
"Pardon me, ma'am?" Remus asked Umbridge.
"How could someone like you be allowed to teach such a position?" Umbridge asked.
"I'd ask you to bring that up with Albus Dumbledore," Remus said, "But unfortunately, he has passed away."
"Remus Lupin has every right to be a Hogwarts Professor," Amelia said, "It is my understanding he is returning to his former post this following term."
Ignoring Umbridge's shriek of disbelief, Hermione looked up at Remus, who smiled softly. She wanted to congratulate him, before she remembered where she was.
"Continue, Miss Granger," Amelia said.
"While he was our Professor," Hermione said, "he taught myself, Ron, and a group of our friends the Patronus Charm in private lessons. This began around the time the Dementors were placed around the castle, and myself and my friends knew that Dementors were dangerous. We wanted to protect ourselves."
"Is this true, Mr. Lupin?" Amelia asked.
"Indeed it is," Remus said.
"And how would you say Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley performed in your lessons?" Amelia asked.
"Quite admirably, I will say," Remus said, "Especially for being such young students. Near the end of the second term of that year, as most of you know, Dementors invaded Hogwarts grounds. Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley were on the grounds, and found themselves having to defend themselves against the creatures. They defended themselves very well."
The same wizard who spoke up earlier, raised his hand again. "As much as your story is interesting, sir, it is only a story. We have no proof."
"If the court may allow," Hermione said, "I ask that Ron and I be allowed to produce our Patroni to show that we are capable of such magic."
Amelia smiled. "You may."
Hermione smiled at Ron, and he nodded. The two of them stood up and summoned their wands from their holsters.
"Expecto Patronum!" they said in unison.
At once, Hermione's silver otter, and Ron's large, silver, majestic lion emerged from their wands and landed on the floor in front of the Wizengamot. Hermione's otter pranced around the lion, who sat there looking rather amused at his companion. The many members of the Wizengamot looked quite amazed.
"Corporeal Patroni from two students so young?" a Wizengamot witch said. "Impressive."
"It does not matter how impressive it is!" Umbridge said, as the two Patroni vanished, "In fact, the more impressive it is, the worse it should be, given that there were Muggles around! I may also add – or rather, repeat – why on Earth would two Dementors show up in Oxfordshire so many miles from Azkaban?"
"Two Dementors were in Oxfordshire, Madam Umbridge," Amelia said, "We already know that. The Auror Department and the Department of Magical Law Enforcement confirmed their presence. They were responsible for giving the Kiss to Miss Granger's parents, who also lived in Oxfordshire, but a few miles away from where Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley were reported to have produced the Patroni. Therefore, I believe we have enough proof that two Dementors were in the area, and Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley did in fact defend themselves.
"Witches and wizards of the Wizengamot. I believe we can come to a conclusion. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley have presented evidence that they had indeed encountered Dementors – and there is evidence to back up the presence of Dementors – and defended themselves admirably, which as we all are well aware of, self-defense is a legal reason to break the Decree in question. I think we can put this to a vote. All those in favor of clearing the accused of all charges?"
She raised her hand, as did many other members of the Wizengamot. Hermione did her best to count – over half of those present raised their hands!
"All those against?" Amelia asked.
Umbridge raised her hand quickly. She was the only one.
"The rest are undecided," Amelia said, "No matter. The majority has decided. The accused is cleared of all charges."
Hermione grinned and gave an uncharacteristic squeal. Ron jumped up, just as she did and hugged her tightly then pecked her on the lips. As congratulations were heard behind them, Amelia raised her wand and summoned sparks, which silenced everyone, and made Hermione and Ron look back up at her.
"Madam Umbridge, however," Amelia said, "does bring up a fine point. What exactly were the Dementors doing in Oxfordshire that evening?"
Nobody seemed to have any answers. Hermione glared at Umbridge who was apparently doing her best to keep a straight face. Then, the courtroom doors opened and Hermione turned, as did everyone else. Sirius appeared there, and next to him was a weedy-looking man in his early forties.
"Pardon the interruption," Sirius said, "I was told I could find Dolores Umbridge here. She is under arrest for the murder of Richard and Helen Granger, and the attempted murder of Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley."
Several people in the courtroom gasped, including Ron's parents. Umbridge stood, looking furious.
"How dare you?!" Umbridge growled, "Outrageous accusations – no proof -"
"Incarcerous!" Kingsley Shacklebolt's booming voice said behind Hermione.
Chains wrapped around Umbridge, pinning her to her chair.
"I demand you release me this instance!" Umbridge growled.
"Auror Black," Amelia said, her lips twitching, obviously doing her best not to grin, "May I ask what evidence you have against Dolores Umbridge?"
"You may, and I will answer, Madam Minister," Sirius said, "This man beside me is Milton Fume. He formerly worked at Gringott's, and was recently fired for stealing from the bank. I apprehended this man just a couple hours ago, and he admitted to his crimes. He stole certain documents, including a form pertaining to magical protections around the Granger residence. Such information, if in the wrong hands, could be used to lift such protections for evil deeds. Mr. Fume confessed that he had stolen these documents to give to someone he was working for."
"Who would that be, Mr. Fume?" Amelia asked.
"Dolores Umbridge," Fume said, "The woman who is currently bound in chains up there."
"Madam Umbridge?" Amelia asked, "How do you plead to these charges?"
"I am innocent!" Umbridge growled, "How dare you? Do you know who I am?"
"If you are innocent," Amelia asked, "Would you be willing to submit to questions under Veritaserum?"
"Ha!" Umbridge laughed, "Veritaserum is illegal to use in the court of law!"
"It is not," Amelia said, "A motion was passed a couple years ago – after you were cast out of the Ministry – to allow such use for Veritaserum in the courtroom. In fact, I believe we have some on hand."
Amelia motioned to an Auror who was standing near Hermione and Ron, who nodded. He walked up the stairs and into the seats toward Umbridge, and escorted her down the stairs. Hermione, and the rest of the people in the room, watched as the Auror summoned a chair, and placed Umbridge in it. Then he forced her drink the Veritaserum.
"Madam," Amelia said, "Is your name Dolores Jane Umbridge?"
"Yes, it is," Umbridge said, sweetly.
"Do you have any connections to Milton Fume?" Amelia asked.
"I met Fume in Gringotts in the middle of May of this year," Umbridge said, "I offered him a thousand Galleons if he could give me some information which was inside Gringotts. He brought me the information."
"What information is that?" Amelia asked.
"Documents regarding magical wards around Richard and Helen Granger's house in Oxfordshire," Umbridge said.
"What did you do with the information?" Amelia asked.
"I waited until the right time when the Granger's daughter was home," Umbridge said, "then I brought down the wards around the house, and set the Dementors on the house."
Hermione gripped Ron's hand rather hard. Here was the admission. She had been correct.
"How were you able to control the Dementors?" Amelia asked.
"Promise hungry Dementors some food and they will follow your orders," Umbridge said.
"Did you also set the Dementors on Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley?" Amelia asked.
"I discovered the Granger's daughter was not at home," Umbridge said, "So I searched for her in the town, and found her and her boyfriend walking into a diner. Then I made my move and set the Dementors on them."
"Why did you chose to attack Hermione, and her parents?" Amelia asked.
"Miss Granger was not my original target," Umbridge said, "Harry Potter was my original target. I wanted to punish Harry Potter for his nasty lies. Everyone knows Voldemort is dead! He could not have returned! And even if he did, Harry Potter, a young boy, could not have defeated him! Filthy liar seeking attention! He had to pay for that. But I could not find him. So I targeted his friend. After she was dead, his other friends would be next until he decided to confess his lies!"
"I think we've heard enough," Amelia said, sounding quite disgusted. "Take her away, Auror Black. We will set an official hearing in the next few days. Until then, she is to be placed in a holding cell with secure spells and Aurors on her every night and day."
"Yes, ma'am," Sirius said, "Come on, Umbridge!"
"How dare you?!" Umbridge yelled; the Veritaserum seemed to have worn off, "Get your hand off me, criminal!"
Her screaming was still heard as Sirius marched her out of the courtroom. As Hermione and Ron both celebrated this second victory in as many minutes, neither immediately saw Harry leaving the courtroom.
Harry hurried out of the courtroom, and found Sirius and Dolores Umbridge walking down the corridor.
"Stop for just a moment, Sirius," Harry said, jogging toward Sirius and Umbridge.
Sirius forced Umbridge to turn around and she narrowed her eyes, in a malevolent glare when she saw Harry.
"You, Mr. Potter," she said, her voice no longer sickly sweet as Harry was so used to, "should be ashamed of yourself. Lying to everyone all because you want to be famous. You should be in these shackles instead of me. You are as filthy as your Mudblood Mother –"
Umbridge stopped, gasping in fright when Harry stepped closer to her.
"You should consider yourself lucky," he snarled, "I think it is already obvious what your punishment is. Even then, I want you to pray that you are allowed to serve time in Azkaban before your execution. You threatened my best friends, Dolores. Your actions could have killed two of the best people I will ever know. Your actions did kill the parents of one of my best friends. Two people who were leagues better than you will ever be."
"Disgusting filth they were!" Umbridge growled. "I did this world a service – aah!"
Umbridge shrieked. Harry had summoned his wand from his holster and was now pointing it right into Umbridge's face.
"I should kill you right here, right now," Harry snarled.
"Are you hearing this, Auror Black?!" Umbridge cried, "Are you seeing this?! He's threatening me!"
"I'm afraid I've gone temporarily deaf and blind, Dolores," Sirius said, "I'm sure it will clear itself very soon."
"You don't have what it takes to kill somebody, Potter," Umbridge growled.
"Voldemort thought so too," Harry said, "His Death Eaters who decided they wanted to try to kill me thought that as well. They were very wrong. And so are you. But I will not kill you. I want you to rot in Azkaban, where you will think about how you have spent your life. How you have ruined the lives of many. Perhaps when it is time for you to be executed, the Dementors will be back in the control of the Ministry. I would find such an execution to be a just punishment."
Umbridge growled. Harry growled even louder, jabbing his wand closer to Umbridge's face, so it was less than an inch from her nose. Dolores went cross-eyed. A sudden pungent odor filled Harry's nostrils.
"I do believe you have wet yourself, Dolores," Harry said. "You surpassed my expectations. I wasn't sure I could find you anymore disgusting. I'll see you soon, Sirius."
Without another glance at Umbridge, Harry turned and walked back toward the courtrooms. Ginny was waiting for him with his friends and family at the doors, outside the courtrooms. When he neared her, she leaped into his arms and kissed him.
That was amazing, Harry, she said, as she continued to kiss him.
I thought so too, Harry said.
The sound of Ron clearing his throat made Harry and Ginny back away. They were blushing profusely when they noticed Ginny's parents looking at them with amused, and somewhat embarrassed expressions.
"I do believe we should go home," Mr. Weasley said, "We have some family members who are probably eager to find out what happened."
Harry and Ginny agreed, and followed their friends and family through the corridors.
Well, now that this is all said and done, Ginny said, You realize what we need to do soon, right?
Tell your family about our big secrets,Harry said, Are you ready for it?
Not yet. But hopefully by next weekend I will be.
Harry smiled, and fondly grasped Ginny's hand, happy for surpassing yet another obstacle. He too hoped he ready for the next one. It was only a few days away.
Chapter finally finished! Wow this chapter went extremely long. The first half just wouldn't seem to end!
So there you have it! Dolores has gotten what has coming to her, as well as a bit of embarrassment along the way! Also, just so you know, Dolores Umbridge is NOT the "old enemy" from the summary, as many of you have assumed. The "old enemy" will not come until much later in the story. There is other things to deal with first.
I do hope you found the hearing scene to be believable. It was the best I could come up with. Basically Amelia knew immediately that they were innocent, already obviously knowing about the Dementors in the area. But she needed to make a show of it, so nobody would think she was biased – which, well, she might have been.
Next chapter: What everyone has been waiting for – Harry and Ginny reveal their big secrets to their family and other friends who do not know it. But how will they do it, and what will come from it? Hopefully I won't have to split this one up. We'll see!
Hope you liked this chapter!