All characters and concepts are the property of their respective creators. No copyright infringement is intended, or profit made, from this work of fiction.

Harry and the others were escorted through the large wooden doors at wand point into a large domed chamber with tiers of seats running round the wall and a handful of witches and wizards in fine robes seated at the dias.

The Wizengamot...

Minister Harris and the Aurors lined them up in front of the dias, placing their wands on the table behind them. Surreptitiously, Harry glanced at the others. Ron was glaring at Minister Harris, while Hermione was chewing her lip, nervously. Ginny was staring defiantly at the Aurors, while Neville stared down at his feet and Luna was looking around with her usual blissful curiousity.

'Minister Harris,' a stern faced witch with greying hair asked, rising from her seat in the middle of the dias . 'What is the meaning of this?'

'Forgive the intrusion, Madam Adjudicator ,' Harris said, striding past Harry to the centre of them room. 'My Aurors have apprehended the fugitive Potter and his accomplices' attempting to break into the Auror Office. As he is currently wanted for murder, I have brought him here for trial...'

'I didn't murder anyone,' Harry snarled and the grey-haired witch turned towards him.

'Restrain yourself, Mr Potter. My name is Madam Prendagast, High Adjudicator of the Wizengamot. I will come to you in a moment. Minister Harris,' she said, turning back to him. 'You know our laws. Unless the witness has an advocate to speak in his defence, we cannot convene a trial...'

'I'll speak in my own defence,' Harry said.

'Harry!' Hermione exclaimed, as Prendagast turned back towards him.

'That is your right, Mr Potter. If you are certain...'

'I am, Madam Adjudicator,' Harry said and Prendagast nodded.

'Very well. Minister Harris. Present your case...'

'Of course, Madam Adjudicator. Earlier this evening, Mr Potter was found next to the body of one Samuel Birkenshaw. When the Constabulary tried to question him, Mr Potter assaulted them and disapparated. The Constabularly later located him again, but he escaped with the aid of Auror Weasley. Now on the run, Potter later broke into the Auror Office and assaulted Charlesworth, who was on duty in the Atrium. It is clear that Potter's intention was to destroy the evidence pertaining to his guilt and avoid justice for his actions...'

'Thank you, Minister Harris,' Prendagast said, turning back to Harry.

'Mr Potter?'

'I didn't kill Samuel Birkenshaw,' Harry said. Minister Harris did...'

'That's preposterous. Madam Adjudicator, I object...'

'Mr Potter is within his rights to present his defence. Continue, Mr Potter...'

'Minister Harris killed Birkenshaw,' Harry repeated. 'And I can prove it. Aurors, even the Minister for Law Enforcement, needs to request authorisation from the Wizengamot before performing a memory charm. Has Minister Harris requested this in the last few days?'

'No...'

'In that case, the Minister should have no objection to the Wizengamot performing Priori Incantatum...'

'This is ridiculous,' Minister Harris said.

'If that is so, Minister, then you should have no objection. Your wand, please...'

Harris hesitated for a moment before taking out his wand. Time slowed as he aimed it at Harry. However, Harry had already thrown himself flat, the stunning spell blasting over his head. Scrambling forward, Harry grabbed his wand from the table and spun round in time to deflect another stunner.

'Expelliarmus!'

Harry's spell knocked his wand out of his hand, just as Prendagast came to her feet.

'Aurors,' she intoned. 'Place Minister Harris under arrest...'

The Aurors hesitated before drawing their own wands and advancing towards him, Prendagast turning towards Harry.

'Mr Potter, there will need to be an inquiry into this matter. However, for now, you are free to go...'

'Thank you, Madam Adjudicator...'

################

'Here we are,' Ginny said, as she returned to the table, carrying a tray of six butterbeers and plonking them down, dropping into her seat next to Hermione. They were sitting in the Three Broomsticks, which was a crowded as always.

'Cheers,' Ron said, grabbing one and taking a deep swig, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

'...don't mention it,' Ginny said, taking two more butterbeers and handing one to Hermione.

'What do you think'll happen...?' Neville asked and Harry shrugged.

'I don't know...'

'There'll have to be a full trial,' Hermione said. 'However, they'll probably prove Harry's innocence...'

'Thanks for the vote of confidence,' Harry said and Hermione's expression crumpled.

'I'm sorry. I didn't mean...'

'It's alright, Hermione,' Harry said. 'I know what you meant...'

He hesitated, glancing around at the others, before continuing.

'...seriously, thank you. All of you...

'No worries, mate,' Ron said, clapping him on the shoulder. 'It's just another day at the office.

'Yeah, Harry said, with a grin.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed it. Any reviews, comments or constructive criticisms are very welcome.