Disclaimer: I still do not own Harry Potter.
Hey all, and thanks for the reviews! To my one reviewer, I do realize there were a couple of issues in the last chapter. Your questions will be answered, the questions you asked about why the dementors were sent to Hogsmeade when there could have been so many witnesses, and the other question about how they knew it was him casting the spell, since he was with an underaged witch. One of those will be answered in this chapter, and the other one will be answered in a much later installment.
To my other reviewer, I'm glad you find Cho more likable in this story. A lot of people in the fandom hated her after how she behaved in OotP, and it sometimes feels to me like I'm the only one who still had sympathy for her. I think she behaved badly because she didn't have any closure for a lot of the book, and hardly had any support. Until that Rita Skeeter article came out, she didn't know all the details of what had happened to Cedric. We know Dumbledore gave that speech at the end of GoF, but he didn't give all the details, like whether Cedric had suffered before he died or anything like that. I think Cho was just looking for answers and went about it the wrong way. But many people who are grieving act badly. It's the nature of it, really.
As for Luna, I will definitely include her in this story. I found her fascinating in canon.
Also, thanks for saying you liked how I portrayed Lily and James in the Priori Incantatem scene. That's the one thing I didn't like about the scene in the real canon. I know they didn't have long, that Harry was trying to get out of an awful situation, but I would have liked them to tell him at least once that they loved him. At least in the movie, Lily called him "sweetheart," and I teared up a little. But thanks for saying you enjoyed how I wrote it! Believe me, though, I'm not trying to say I know better than JKR. After all, she gave us this world to play in!
Okay, here's the next chapter!
Chapter 47: Back to Court
When Sirius and Remus were finished talking with Dumbledore and wandered back into the kitchen, Harry was still sitting with his head in his hands. "I guess I'm done with Hogwarts, then," he said miserably as they sat down at the table with him. "And I guess I'm no longer a proper wizard, right?"
"No, cub," Remus said gently. "Dumbledore's trying to sort it all out. No one's coming to collect your wand. I don't think they're going to expel you from Hogwarts, but I'm afraid you're going to have to go back to court."
Harry looked horrified. "Back to court?" he squeaked. "Why?"
"A hearing," said Sirius disgustedly. "But don't worry, they're going to keep it quiet like Vernon's trial in December. You'll get a chance to explain your side of the story, but I think it's terrible that they don't believe you."
"How did the Ministry know it was me that cast the spell?" Harry asked, biting his lip.
"You're the only underaged wizard they know of that can cast the Patronus Charm, cub," Remus replied. "And your form is a stag, and the Ministry knows that too. You see, when that particular charm is cast, the magical detectors can tell them what form it took."
"And all they do is assume," Sirius said with a scowl. "After all, if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have spent twelve years in Azkaban, would I?"
Harry looked at Sirius with sadness. "You're right," he sighed resignedly. "When's the hearing?" he mumbled.
"A week's time," Remus replied. "Dumbledore is also going to talk to the Weasleys. It may be possible for Ginny to come as well to support you and tell the Wizengamot what she witnessed."
"Okay," said Harry. "Fine. But why doesn't Fudge believe me? I had to watch my best friend die last month, and now, me and another of my friend's souls almost get sucked out and he still doesn't believe Voldemort's back!"
"As you've heard before, kiddo, he's just afraid to face the truth," said Sirius. "Unfortunately, Dumbledore's been voted off as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. There was even a question of whether he'd be allowed back as Headmaster, because of Cedric's death."
"They're blaming him for that?" Harry said angrily. "That's ridiculous!"
xxx
That night, as Harry slept, he dreamed of the two dementors sneaking up on him and Ginny. But this time, one of them succeeded in sucking out Ginny's soul. The girl lay limply on the ground, still breathing but unresponsive. He woke up in a cold sweat, not being able to stop the tears that streamed down his face. That dream had come so close to being reality.
Meanwhile, as he lay awake rehashing the awful events in his mind, other occurrences were happening. In Riddle Manor, Lord Voldemort sat on a throne in the master bedroom, with Bellatrix, Peter, and many other Death Eaters on their knees before him. Severus Snape was also among them, trying his hardest to keep a straight face behind his mask.
Throughout the past month, he'd begun to grow accustomed to life with the Dark Lord. At least he was away from those brats the Headmaster called children, but at the same time, being stuck with a group of sociopaths wasn't exactly the most wonderful thing in the world. Not only that, but Bellatrix Lestrange was also trying at every opportunity to get at him, because she did not trust him. Every day Snape was there, he was reminded constantly of the terrible mistake he'd made in his youth: joining the Death Eaters in the first place.
He also felt lucky to be alive, because he had been extremely ill the night of the Dark Lord's return. He'd been so weak that even when he felt his dark mark burn, he couldn't Apparate. When he was finally better and went to Voldemort's side, he was tortured to within an inch of his life. He was finally able to persuade the monster in front of him that he could be useful once again. He thought he was dead for sure, but Lord Voldemort had finally been persuaded that there wasn't a better Potions Master in all of Britain. It had taken all Snape's strength to return to Hogwarts after that meeting, and it was due to the efficiency of Madame Pomfrey that he was still here today.
"Rise, my faithful brethren," said Voldemort quietly, his voice holding a note of menace. Obediently, the Death Eaters rose as one. "SNAPE!" he roared.
"Yes, my Lord?" said Snape, stepping forward so he was inches away from Voldemort.
"You know that I have wished for you to contact Dumbledore at opportune times," hissed Voldemort. "What does the old fool say about young Mr. Potter?"
Snape braced himself to say what he had to. He and Dumbledore had talked just this evening, and the Headmaster had told him of the dementor attack that had taken place in Hogsmeade. Thinking that the Dark Lord must have sent the beasts, he asked Severus to give him the news that Harry had not been harmed.
"My Lord," said Snape silkily, "that was a most fabulous idea for you to send the dementors to Hogsmeade tonight during his pathetic little birthday party."
Voldemort was taken aback for a moment, and it was almost humorous to see the confusion on his face. Then the confusion changed to a look of complete mirth. Voldemort let out a high, cold laugh, followed by the shrieking laughter of the Death Eaters.
"Ah, Severus," he purred. "That was most ingenious of you and that pitiable Headmaster to think that I was the one to send them. I only wish I had been."
"You mean," said Snape, "you did not?"
"That is correct, Severus," said Voldemort. "Somebody else obviously has it in for Mr. Potter as well."
Bellatrix crowed in triumph. When Voldemort looked at her to give her the signal that she could speak, she screeched, "My Lord, who do you think it could be? You know that idiot Fudge is refusing to believe of your magnificent return to us. Do you think someone in his Ministry is trying to get Potter killed or expelled?"
"It is possible, Bella," smirked Voldemort. "Is Potter now ... soulless?"
"I am afraid not, my Lord," said Snape. "He cast the Patronus Charm. I told you before that that mongrel Lupin taught it to him in his third year, am I correct?"
Voldemort's face grew red with fury. "That you did. Why does that boy keep eluding fate?" he snarled. "He needs to die, and as soon as possible!"
Wormtail chuckled. Voldemort looked at him, and he said, "Lily and James were just the same, my Lord. But f-fate got them in the end, d-didn't it? You are the most powerful wizard in the world, y-you were the one to end their p-pathetic lives."
Voldemort's face broke out into a twisted smile. "Indeed, Wormtail," he said. "Snape! Any news on the prophecy?"
"Black and the others are taking turns guarding it every night," said Snape, getting ready for a punishment.
Sure enough, Voldemort pointed his wand at the Potions Master, shouting sinisterly, "Crucio!" Snape fell to the ground, writhing in agony. But he did not scream out. He had taught himself to keep in control while his dose of punishments were being given; his Occlumency skills had made that easier.
"Ah, you still do not scream for me Severus," Voldemort said in a disappointed tone once he lifted the curse. "I do hope you have better news for me next time. Malfoy!"
Lucius Malfoy bowed to his Lord and rose, waiting for the other man to go on.
"You will watch over your son, will you not?" Voldemort said softly. "You will make sure he teaches the Slytherins next year that Dumbledore's side is the wrong side to pick in this war. Since Snape is now here full-time, I will need someone else to take on that job."
"He is glad to do that for you, my Lord," said Lucius. "He cannot wait to join you."
"That is good, my slippery friend," said Voldemort. "As for when this war starts, we will not bring ourselves out in the open yet. My plans are going better than even I expected. Has the Potter boy been expelled from Hogwarts?"
"That old fool talked the Minister into allowing him a trial," Snape sneered.
Voldemort let out a roar of anger. He crucioed Snape again, the curse more intense than ever, but still the other man did not scream.
Once Voldemort had calmed down a little and released him from the curse, he went on, "But oh, it will be sweet to hear of the flak he gets from his little friend Diggory's death. Yes, Bella?"
"Exactly, my Lord!" shrieked Bellatrix. "It will be delicious to hear of his weakness. He is known for his heroics in all circles, he will do anything to save the life of another, even sacrifice his own."
"I am sure we can use that to our advantage," whispered Voldemort. "DISMISSED!" he barked. "Get out of my sight!"
As everyone left, the Dark Lord made himself comfortable on his throne, sipping a glass of wine. Things were more brilliant than he'd imagined. Cornelius Fudge and the Ministry were playing right into his hands, and Albus Dumbledore was a weak, sentimental fool, as always. But the fury he felt was unimaginable as he thought of Harry Potter. But as Wormtail had said, fate would get him in the end, and Voldemort himself would bring him down.
xxx
The next week passed slowly and agonizingly for Harry. He was talked through what he should say at the hearing by Sirius and Remus, and he was also told that Ginny would be allowed to talk since she was a witness to the event. They would also be allowed to show their memories, even though Harry's guardians told him that many might think they were falsified.
On the day of the hearing, Harry portkeyed to the Ministry just as he had done for Vernon's trial. He closed his eyes as the portkey whizzed him along, feeling sick as he remembered the last time he'd used one. Cedric... he missed him terribly.
When the three of them arrived, they went into the elevator and down to Courtroom Ten. Harry felt butterflies in his stomach as he remembered the chained chair Vernon had sat in, and knew this time he was going to be the one to bear that burden.
When they walked into the room, he saw Ginny and her father sitting in chairs. Fudge was also there, along with Kingsley Shacklebolt, a woman Sirius told him was Amelia Bones, and another squat woman who looked exactly like a toad. She was wearing a frilly pink cardigan and had bows in her hair. "Who is that?" Harry whispered to his guardians.
Sirius's face was stony with anger. "Dolores Umbridge," he growled. "She used to work for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Made some very strict anti-werewolf laws back in the day. Now she's the undersecretary to Fudge."
Also sitting in a chair, looking important and smug, was Percy Weasley. Harry felt slightly ill as he looked at him. Percy, who'd gone to the Quidditch World Cup last year and seemed friendly enough, even though he was very strict and no-nonsense, was now against him.
Twelve Jurors were also there, looking important. Harry hoped with all his heart that more of them than not would believe his story.
Sirius and Remus squeezed Harry's hands in comfort as he slowly walked over to the chained chair. Harry glanced at Albus Dumbledore as he sat in it; the other man was looking somber. The chains bound his wrists and ankles, and Harry felt like a criminal.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the hearing of Harry James Potter," Cornelius Fudge started. He introduced Percy, Amelia, Kingsley, and Umbridge, and then gave a summary of what the hearing was about. Harry knew that Sirius and Remus would be talking today as well; they were going to inform the Wizengamot about how shaken Harry looked when he arrived home.
"So, Harry Potter," said Fudge, looking smugly at the teenager. "Would you please explain to us what happened on July 31, which also happened to be your fifteenth birthday?"
"Yes, sir," said Harry. "Ginny Weasley and I were taking a walk, and suddenly, it went all cold, and everything grew dark. We started ... hearing things ... in our heads."
"Hearing things in your head?" Fudge interrupted.
"Yes, sir," said Harry uncomfortably. "Then two shadowy figures snuck up on us, and one of them bent down over Ginny."
"Is it true that you used magic outside of school grounds?"
"Yes, but ..."
"And you're absolutely sure you were in danger?"
"Yes, sir, the dementor was about to finish off Ginny."
"Are you positive that that's what you saw, Harry?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said between clenched teeth.
"Excuse me, Mr. Potter," said the toadlike woman in a sweet, sugary, syrupy voice, "but why, do you think, that two dementors managed to sneak up on you in the middle of Hogsmeade? Every single dementor is in the Ministry's control."
"Excuse me, but if I may intervene," spoke Dumbledore in an authoritative tone, "but if this does not make it obvious that Lord Voldemort is back ..."
Dumbledore had not heard from Snape for over a week, so didn't know whether it had really been Voldemort who'd sent the dementors, but he was going to try his damned hardest to get the Ministry to understand the danger that was currently in their world.
"Excuse me, Dumbledore, but HE IS NOT BACK!" shouted Fudge. "It's impossible!"
Harry felt anger bubbling up inside him. "Pardon me, Minister, but I saw him murder Cedric Diggory in cold blood," he snarled. "Who do you think killed him if it wasn't Voldemort?" Every time the name was mentioned, there was a shudder that went through the courtroom.
"Do not speak back to me, young man," Fudge spat. "A Death Eater may have killed him, but it can't have been You-Know-Who."
Harry glowered at Fudge, knowing he'd say something he'd regret if he opened his mouth again.
"No more questions," said Fudge tersely. "I will, however, ask you to supply the memory." Shacklebolt walked over to him and handed him his wand, which he had taken when Harry got to the courtroom. Unbeinding his hands from the chair for just a second, he allowed Harry to put it to his temple and withdraw the memory of the dementor attack.
Fudge put it into a Pensieve which was sitting on the prosecution table, and allowed it to play for everyone to see. There was a way you could show a memory without actually diving into the Pensieve itself; this method was like watching something on a Muggle TV screen. Once everyone had seen it, Fudge looked livid. He then called Ginny to the stand, asking her all kinds of probing questions. He even asked her what memory she had relived if indeed these dementors had come near, and Shacklebolt bellowed, "Objection!" Amelia Bones sustained it, so thankfully, Ginny didn't have to answer. She also supplied the memory of the event, which was shown through the Pensieve as well.
After this, Sirius and Remus were next, both of them explaining how the couple had arrived back at home looking totally shaken up. Ginny had thrown up, and Harry had looked dizzy. "I gave him some chocolate," Remus informed everyone. "That always helps to reverse the effects of dementors."
After it was over, Fudge asked the members of the jury whether they thought Harry should be cleared of all charges. As Harry looked at everyone's faces, he felt a surge of hope. Most people were gazing sympathetically at him, but there were still a few who looked doubtful. Fortunately, there were less of the doubters, so Harry hoped like hell that he wouldn't be expelled. If he was, what would he do? That would be asking for Voldemort to attack if he had his wand taken away from him. He'd be vulnerable and die immediately, and then the wizarding world would have no hope. Harry still couldn't believe he was the only human being on the entire planet who could beat him.
"Everyone who believes Harry should be convicted," said Fudge, "should raise their hands now." His hand went up, along with the toadlike woman's and a few other members of the jury. "Who says he should be cleared?" he asked, his face turning red with anger as many hands went up.
"Cleared of all charges," he said furiously, and Amelia Bones banged her gavel. Harry felt a surge of relief sweep through him. He hadn't been expelled from Hogwarts! He felt the restraining binds loosen, and he got up out of the chained chair, Sirius and Remus hurrying to his side. Ginny also came over and hugged him, looking mightily relieved herself. "Thank Merlin," she whispered. "Thank Merlin. You got off."
"Yeah," said Harry as Sirius ruffled his hair and Remus patted him on the back.
"You did a great job holding it together in there," Sirius said once they had left the courtroom. "I've never known such an obnoxious Minister of Magic. And that Umbridge woman, I loathe her," he griped, looking at Remus, who gave him a gentle smile.
xxx
Ginny came back to 804, Lawdershod Avenue, with the two Marauders and their pup. The rest of the Weasleys and Hermione arrived by floo a minute later. When Harry told them what had happened at the hearing, they all swept him into hugs, and Fred and George pounded him on the back. "He got off! He got off! He got off! He got off!" they chanted.
"Fred! George! Leave the poor boy alone, he's exhausted!" scolded Mrs. Weasley. "We're only staying for a little while, children. Harry needs his rest."
They all had lunch together, and then the Weasleys left, leaving Harry with his guardians for the rest of the day. He couldn't express in words how completely relieved he was. He was grateful that Dumbledore had stuck up for him, and he was also thankful that he'd had Ginny there to give the story as well; he knew how much she hated dementors, so it had been a big step on her part to be brave enough to go through with reliving the ordeal.
As Harry went to sleep that night, he thought of the school year that was ahead of him. It was less than a month away now, and needless to say, he felt as though every bug imaginable was crawling around in his stomach. After how those Hufflepuffs had acted at Cedric's funeral, he shuddered to think how others in the school would react to his presence. He didn't want to think about going on living without Cedric and his friendship, but that was unfortunately what he was facing. But he knew he had the others, and Sirius and Remus were being as helpful as ever. He couldn't help but think about what Voldemort was up to, and still felt anger whenever he thought about Snape. But he knew, as his eyes closed, that what would come would come, and he'd have to face the obstacles as they arose. Even if Voldemort attacked him tomorrow, he'd try to live his life to the fullest.