Chapter 17

Baking Fudge

Potter Manor

10 hours after the raid

"Do you realize what a cock-up you have handed me" Madam Bones was not pleased. She had received an urgent 'invitation' to come to Potter Manor this afternoon. Normally this would not have been something to be displeased about, schmoozing with a friendly but powerful Wizengamot member could make for a very pleasant afternoon. What took this invitation from the ordinary to the extraordinary was the request to bring along two aurors and a vial of Veritaserum. Her suspicions raised, she had planned to take along extra aurors, perhaps having them apparate to the exterior of the mansion as a back up. The problem with this plan was Harry's home was under the Fidelus Charm and the portkey that he provided was good for three people. Period.

She and her aurors had portkeyed in on schedule to arrive in an entryway, then to be led by an enthusiastic house elf to a large drawing room. She briefly wondered what it was about Potter that affected house elves in such a way. The most staid house elf could be exposed to Harry for a few hours only to become as hyper as a sports cheerleader. At least she knew now that she was not landing in the middle of a group of Death Eaters. The drawing room was also a surprise, at least insofar as the inhabitants. Striding to meet her, hand outstretched, was, of course, Harry Potter-Black. Then came the people who were, at least behind their back at the Wizengamot, gaining the nickname of "Potter's Posse", those newly seated Wizengamot members that shared the center aisle with him. Next, seated in a stiff, high backed chair, was probably the only person who would be comfortable in such a piece of furniture, Minerva McGonagall.

What she did not realize was that the people in the room were only a few of the ones watching this scene. Besides the unknown to anyone inclusion of the Gringotts goblins, via their bugging devices, were Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Mad-Eye Moody, Aberforth Dumbledore, and our favorite muckraker, Rita Skeeter. In an upstairs room were Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom, both of whom were standing watch over Violet Dumbledore while Madam Pomfrey fussed over her, trying to undo some of the damage done to her the past few weeks. Everyone except Rita Skeeter had their wands at hand, ready to take down any threat to either Violet or Harry. The hardest person to convince was Aberforth Dumbledore. He, along with Violet, did not believe that Albus' journals were authentic. It had taken a wizard's oath to finally convince the two of them that Harry was not lying about the things written in the journal and that he had no animus toward the Dumbledore family. Had it been up to him, the punishment handed down to Albus that day would have been much different. Harry had only wanted to be left alone. He thought that he had shown that by restoring the Dumbledore vault and family ring, but suspicions die hard.

Back to the drawing room, in the center of the room was a pensieve. After greeting Amelia Bones, Harry got right to the point. "Madam Bones, what we are here to do is give you testimony that you can take in front of the Wizengamot to correct an injustice." Seeing her puzzled look, Harry continued. "Everyone associated with this will take a wizarding oath that all of their pensieve memories are accurate. The Veritaserum is for someone else. I, Harry James Potter-Black, swear upon my magic that all of the pensieve testimony that I shall give is true to the best of my knowledge."

Seeing Amelia's acceptance of the oath, Harry continued. "I would like to start by telling you that we had figured out Voldemort's location and that we had our belief that the Dumbledores were innocent of the crimes of which they had been charged." Taking in Amelia's gob-smacked expression, Harry shook his head. "Madam Bones, if anyone should know this, it should be you. How many ways does our world have to make one person look like another? The breakout from Azkaban would have taken a person of high magical power and ability, as would many of the other crimes that Violet Dumbledore has been charged with. The fact is that Ms. Dumbledore was almost a squib in her abilities. She has powerful forebears, and powerful children, but she did not share in that power." Harry then handed Madam Bones Violet's transcripts and test scores. "Following that path, we then attempted to carry out a rescue 'by the book'. Minerva, would you please show what happened when you approached Minister Fudge?"

"Gladly, Mr. Potter." Minerva took the memory thread of her meeting with Cornelius Fudge and placed it into the pensieve for Amelia to view. After Amelia watched the memory, Minerva drew it back into her wand, then placed it back into her head. She then picked up the narrative. "It was at that point that we decided to go over the head of the Minister in the pursuit of justice."

One at a time the people associated with the raid, other than Mad-Eye and Violet, came forward and gave their testimony in the pensieve. When all of that was finished, Amelia looked at Harry. "I notice that the actual subject of this raid is not in the room. Am I to believe that she is here somewhere?"

"Yes, that is who the Veritaserum is intended for. We wanted you to have the full story first. If you will please follow me." Harry led the way out of the drawing room and up the stairs to Violet's room. Once there, an auror administered the Veritaserum to Violet and Madam Bones began the questioning.

"Please state your full name."

"Violet Morgana Dumbledore."

"Did you free your great uncle Albus Dumbledore from Azkaban Prison?"

"No I did not."

"Did you ever accompany the wizard known as Lord Voldemort on any raids or robberies?"

"No I have not"

"Have you ever killed anyone"

"No I have not"

"Have you ever cast an Unforgivable curse?"

"No I have not."

"Where have you been the last four weeks and what were your circumstances?"

"I was shopping in Diagon Alley at Madam Maukin's when I was kidnapped by Bellatrix Lestrange and taken to a cellar and tied up. The next day You-Know-Who and Bellatrix appeared with Uncle Albus. He was unconscious and also tied up. We were tortured daily for the next four weeks by Bellatrix Lestrange. We were fed and watered every few days, not even allowed to use the bathroom. We soiled ourselves and were cleaned magically by a Death Eater. Last night I was rescued. Uncle Albus was untied, then threw himself in front of a killing curse meant for Draco Malfoy. The next thing I knew, I was waking up here."

Madam Bones nodded at the auror who had administered the Veritaserum and he administered the antidote. Once Violet had come out from under the influence of the serum, Amelia turned to Harry and delivered the line about what a cock-up he had handed her. "I suppose that I will have to now take her into custody in preparation for her trial."

"Madam Bones, I am afraid that I cannot allow that. If I did, Cornelius Fudge would figure some way to pay off the reward money and make her disappear. I also have, in MY basement, the Death Eater who killed Albus Dumbledore. He should have to face charges of attempted murder against Draco Malfoy and using the killing curse. If I turn them over now, Fudge would give the Death Eater the reward for Albus' body and probably have Violet kissed before she could be cleared. He has a past history of doing that, just ask Barty Crouch Junior."

"Well then, Lord Potter-Black, what do you propose? Right now you are harboring a fugitive. Actually three if you count Albus Dumbledore's body and a marked Death Eater who cast a killing curse."

"I am going to turn this on its head and nail Fudge. First I would like you to meet a couple of people. Madam Bones, I am sure that you know Rita Skeeter?" At Amelia's sour look, Harry grinned. "Rita has graciously agreed to write a story on these proceedings for The Daily Prophet, which, by the way, I and my colleagues with me from the Wizengamot happen to own 78 percent of. The other person that I would like you to meet is Miss Luna Lovegood." Luna stepped up. "I am sure that you remember Miss Lovegood from the fiasco at the Department of Mysteries. She also does free lance reporting for her father, the owner of The Quibbler. Luna, did you get Violet's testimony under Veritaserum?"

"Every word, Harry."

"Amelia, what I propose is to call a special session of the Wizengamot to give Violet a fair and impartial trial. We can blindside Fudge that way. I will also at that time produce Albus' body and the Death Eater who killed him. We will all undergo testimony under Veritaserum if necessary. Until that time, I will hold onto Violet so that no accident will befall her. After she is cleared, I plan to call a no confidence vote on Fudge. Had he given a couple of aurors, this could have been bloodless. Cornelius Fudge has much to answer for and I plan to collect."

Amelia Bones nodded. "I suppose that I have no real choice. Very well, I will keep quiet and so will these men with me. Will the trial be soon?"

"Tomorrow. Don't make any plans." Harry escorted Madam Bones and the aurors back to the entryway so that they could portkey back to the DMLE office. "How does 10 am sound to you?"

"10:00 am is fine. I will see you then." With that, Amelia and the two aurors took hold of the portkey and it activated, leaving Harry alone in the entryway. Calling the others, Harry went back into the drawing room. "There is one more piece of business that we need to discuss. I need to speak to just the Wizengamot members here and Neville Longbottom." After the others had left, Harry sat down with the Posse. "Ok, this part may be the hardest to carry out. Neville, we need to speak with your Grandmother……"

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Ministry of Magic

Courtroom 10

"Oyez, Oyez! This special session of the Wizengamot, called by Lady Longbottom, is now in session .Grand Warlock Zabini presiding. Those with business before this body may now make your petitions!"

Lady Augusta Longbottom stood up from her seat. "Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, I have come to the time in my life that I have decided to retire from this body. I have waited this long in order to groom my successor. This last spring, my grandson, Neville Longbottom, proved his courage and maturity in assisting Harry Potter in foiling a plot by You-Know-Who in the Department of Mysteries. I now feel confident in granting Neville Longbottom his emancipation and naming him as my successor to my seat, the one that his father would have held. Neville," Mrs Longbottom looked fondly at her Grandson. "I am proud of you, and I know that your father and mother would also be very proud of you. Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, I ask you to recognize the emancipation of Neville Longbottom today. I also ask you to accept my retirement from this body and confirm my successor."

"Well spoken, Lady Longbottom. Is there any one among us with a comment or objection to granting Lady Longbottom's request?"

From the left side of the aisle, Daphne Greengrass stood. "Grand Warlock, I have a comment. I would like to thank Lady Longbottom for her honorable and faithful service to this body and to our people and wish her a long life and joyous retirement. I would also like to bridge any gap in this body and offer my support and comradeship to her chosen successor, Neville Longbottom."

Zabini beamed with pride at Daphne. "Well spoken, Lady Greengrass! Are there any other comments?"

One by one the Posse stood and reinforced the sentiments given by Daphne Greengrass. At the end, Zabini called for a vote on the motions, which passed by acclaim. Neville then took the oath of membership and took the seat vacated by Lady Longbottom. Cornelius Fudge looked very satisfied that Longbottom had not moved his seat to join the rest of the Posse. If there was any friction between the Posse and the new Lord, he might be able to exploit it. Grand Warlock Zabini looked around and cleared his throat. "Is there any other business to be conducted in front of this body?"

Madam Bones stood. "Grand Warlock, there has been much in the media lately concerning alleged crimes concerning Violet Dumbledore and Albus Dumbledore. These crimes are so heinous that the Ministry has offered rewards of 100,000 galleons for the capture of Albus Dumbledore, dead or alive, and 10,000 galleons for the capture of Violet Dumbledore. I am pleased to announce that Violet Dumbledore is to face immediate trial in these matters. Albus Dumbledore, unfortunately, was killed before he could face trial."

Fudge could hardly contain himself. This was like Christmas come early! He had no idea how the Dumbledores were captured, but then again, he didn't much care. He stood. "Madam Bones, I believe that the testimony that we have received against Violet Dumbledore is so strong that we can dispense with a trial and send her straight to Azkaban. All I need to know is who to make the reward payable to."

Amelia Bones fixed a deadly look at Fudge. "Not so fast, Cornelius. Have you so soon forgotten the injustice carried out against Sirius Black? Violet and Albus Dumbledore are and were Purebloods with certain unalienable rights. EVERY criminal defendant has the right to hear the state's case against them and the opportunity to mount a defense against that case. In this case, all of the witnesses have agreed to be examined under the influence of Veritaserum and take wizards oaths as to the veracity of their testimony. We will NOT, as long as I hold office, sweep anyone under the rug because their defense might cause discomfort among the powers that be. I would also like to inform the Minister and this court that all the circumstances are known to the press, and that representatives from both The Daily Prophet and The Quibbler are in this courtroom now to cover the trial under the Open Trial Information Act."

Fudge sat down heavily. He had not counted on this. If it was clear that Violet and Albus were innocent, he could lose a lot due to his inaction and stirring up of the lynch mob mentality. He crossed his fingers and hoped for the best. Grand Warlock Zabini nodded his approval at Bones and motioned for her to continue. She pointed her wand at the floor of the courtroom and the defendant's chair with its chains appeared. "Let the defendant, Violet Dumbledore, be brought in to face the charges before her!"

Violet Dumbledore appeared on the floor, her arm supported by Harry's solicitor, George Steinman. He gently walked her over to the chair and instructed her to sit in it. Due to the severity of the charges, the chains bound her to the chair. Steinman then spoke. "Grand Warlock, members of the Wizengamot, I am George Steinman, counsel for Miss Dumbledore."

Zabini nodded in approval. "Welcome, Mr. Steinman. Madam bones, will you begin your questions?"

"Grand Warlock, I have a statement from Mr. Steinman that the defense is willing to stipulate to the testimony of the prosecution witnesses. The defense believes that they were, in their own minds, truthful when they testified that they saw Violet Dumbledore and Albus Dumbledore committing the crimes of which they have been charged. The defense in this case is that Violet Dumbledore and Albus Dumbledore were not involved with the crimes, that they had, in fact, been committed by persons affiliated with You-Know-Who polyjuiced to appear to be the Dumbledores. In light of this stipulation, the Prosecution rests."

"Very well, Mr. Steinman, you may begin your defense and call your first witness."

"I call Violet Dumbledore and request that she be placed under Veritaserum as well as she take a wizards oath as to the truthfulness of her testimony." The auror acting as bailiff came forward, administered the oath, then gave Violet Veritaserum. When the potion took effect, Steinman asked her the same questions that had been asked by Madam Bones, and received the same answers. Following the testimony of Violet, Steinman then called, in order, Minerva McGonagall, Harry, Jonathon Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy, Mad-Eye Moody, Fred and George Weasley to testify of the plea to Fudge and the raid. Madam Bones then pointed her wand at the floor and a second chained chair appeared. An auror led in the Death Eater who killed Albus and strapped him into the chair.

"Permission to treat this witness as hostile and administer Veritaserum against the witnesses will?"

"Granted. Auror, please administer Veritaserum to the witness." After the auror did so, Steinman questioned the Death Eater, a Durmstrang recruit named Jazom Czeky. Czeky confirmed that he was a marked Death Eater, something proven true by exposing his arm. He also confirmed Violet's testimony that she had been a captive, along with Albus, to provide genetic material for Voldemort's polyjuice frame up of the Dumbledores. His testimony finished with him admitting to shooting the killing curse at Draco Malfoy and hitting Albus Dumbledore. After a few questions by Madam Bones, the Defense rested.

Zabini sat back in his chair, stunned by the proceedings. This had been the most dramatic trial he had ever witnessed. Fudge was also gob-smacked. It would be a miracle if he came out of this unscathed by McGonagall's testimony and his attempts to send Violet to Azkaban without a trial. Rita Skeeter was gleefully writing every word down, knowing that she was about to witness the end of an era in the Ministry. She would get not only the front page of the Prophet, she could write her own ticket after this.

"Well, I suppose that it is time to call for a vote. All in favor of conviction?" No one raised their hands. "All in favor of acquittal?" The vote was unanimous. Miss Dumbledore, you have been judged to be not guilty of the charges. You are free to go with our blessings and our condolences for the loss of your uncle. Madam Bones, Do you have any other business?"

"Yes, Grand Warlock, the DMLE charges Jazom Czeky with the following crimes. Count one, membership in an illegal terrorist organization. Count two, attempted murder of Wizengamot member Lord Draco Malfoy. Count three, that the defendant did use the Unforgivable killing curse in the attempt to kill Lord Malfoy. Count four, that the defendant did kill Albus Dumbledore, a hostage of his terrorist organization during his attempt to kill Lord Malfoy. I ask that a trial date be set in order to allow the defendant to obtain counsel and mount a defense. The law is not just for our powerful families after all."

"Well spoken, Madam Bones. Trial for this defendant is set for two weeks from today at 10:00 am in this courtroom. Aurors, take the defendant away. Is there anyone here with more business to conduct?"

Harry stood up. "Grand Warlock, Albus Dumbledore, in his trial, was given the most severe, non capital sentence ever handed down by this court. He was sentenced to multiple life terms with a soul tracker put on him to assure that he would serve them all. In that his offenses were against myself and my line, I would like to state that the punishment handed down was cruel and unusual in its severity. The criminal known as Voldemort stripped the soul tracker from Albus in order to keep him hidden as a hostage, so the added life sentences are a moot point. In light of these facts, and because of the self sacrifice that Albus Dumbledore committed in saving the life of a member of this very body, Lord Malfoy, I hereby petition this body to vacate the unfulfilled sentence against Albus Dumbledore and issue a posthumous pardon for all crimes committed against myself or my family lines. As sole survivor of Albus' transgressions, I believe that I have that right under our laws."

"Albus Dumbledore, whatever his faults, was a hero to the wizarding world. He vanquished a Dark Lord and was firmly on the side of light. In his later life, he lost his way and paid for it with shame. It is time to call a halt to any further division. Albus once told me that there would come a time that I would have to decide what I would do, that which is easy or that which is right. It would have been easy to let my vengeance overrule my compassion, but it would not be right. The right thing to do is to forgive his transgressions. Let him rest in peace."

One at a time, Wizengamot members stood and began clapping. Jonathon Dumbledore, having no idea that this would happen, was sitting stunned, tears running down his cheeks. He finally realized what was happening, stood and joined the applause. Zabini motioned for the members to retake their seats.

"It appears that we have another unanimous decision. I declare that Lord Potter-Black's motion to vacate the balance of the sentence against Albus Dumbledore is confirmed, as well as a posthumous pardon granted under sole survivor laws. It is the decision of this court that all honors be posthumously returned to Albus Dumbledore and his conviction be expunged from the records of the Wizengamot. Finally, is there any other business to be conducted?" Zabini groaned to himself when Neville Longbottom stood. "Yes, Lord Longbottom?"

"Grand Warlock, members of the Wizengamot. I am the newest member of this august body, however I must break tradition and bring up a matter that affects us all." He fixed a malevolent eye on Cornelius Fudge. "We have been shamed by the illegal dealings and poor judgment of our present Minister of Magic. I have turned over pensieve memories given from several members of this body testifying to bribes accepted by Minister Fudge. These were bribes given by the fathers of current members. They have also given me certified audits of their family finances showing the details of these bribes. For a year, Minister Fudge denied the return of You-Know-Who, and had the Dementor's Kiss administered to the Death Eater, Barty Crouch, Junior, the man who could have proven those charges. He also ordered the Kiss to be administered to Sirius Black, an innocent man sent to Azkaban without a trial. Only the intervention of Lord Potter-Black and a friend, Miss Hermione Granger, averted this added injustice."

"For years, Minister Fudge has lied, taken bribes, and weakened the defenses of Magical Britain. And for what? He did it all to protect his political career. He also allowed a sociopath maniac, his assistant, to take over Hogwarts, weaken the students defenses and commit crimes against students. His chosen 'High Inquisitor', Delores Umbridge, used illegal blood quills on students in detention, attempted use of Veritaserum on an underage wizard, set two Dementors on an underage wizard and his muggle relative, and lastly, attempted to cast an Unforgivable against a student under her control. I will also be speaking with the DMLE regarding bringing up charges against Madam Umbridge in the near future. The important thing is that not only did Cornelius Fudge allow these things on his watch, he encouraged them. The question that we have before us today is this; is our current Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, a criminal or just incompetent? Either way bodes ill for our society and demands a vote of no confidence against the Minister."

Draco Malfoy stood. "Grand Warlock, it is to my family's shame that I confess that my father, Lucius Malfoy, was one of the people giving bribes to the Minister to overlook shady dealings. I would like to bring my family back into honor, and the best way that I can think of to do that is to repudiate the illegal dealings of my father. I second Lord Longbottom's call for a vote of "No Confidence".

Again, one at a time, the members of 'Potter's Posse' stood up to denounce Cornelius Fudge. Then older members, seeing which way the tide was turning, also stood to attack Fudge. This was a case of Neville starting a march and everyone joining him to make a parade. In this case, the lynch mob mentality worked to do something constructive. Zabini finally called a halt to the march.

"A motion is on the floor and has been seconded. Will the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, be removed from office by a vote of No Confidence?"

"Wait a minute! Don't I get to say anything in my defense?" Fudge was nearly foaming at the mouth in anger and panic. Should he lose this vote, he would lose everything, including his fat pension.

"Hmm… I suppose that we should give you a chance to state your case. Go ahead Cornelius."

Fudge looked around at the members of the Wizengamot. He saw no friendly faces, and frankly, he could not think of anything that would persuade a majority to vote to retain him. He quickly took out a piece of parchment, scribbled on it and handed it to Chief Warlock Zabini. Zabini took a look and raised his eyebrows, then snorted.

"Our Minister of Magic has just handed me his resignation, effective immediately. This makes the vote of No Confidence a moot point. I am urging the members to accept Mr. Fudge's resignation and name a member here as Minister pro tem until an election can be held. All in favor of accepting Minister Fudge's resignation?" Almost every member raised their hands. "All opposed?" The members who raised their hands were not doing it in support of Fudge, they wanted him stripped of his perks and pension. They were, however, outvoted. Zabini turned to glare at Fudge.

"Cornelius, your resignation is accepted. I wouldn't be in a hurry to make plans to spend your retirement on some nice beach however. Madam Bones, Please take Former Minister Fudge into custody while you investigate these very serious crimes that he has been charged with today. I am also directing you to arrest Delores Umbridge and investigate the charges that have been leveled by Lord Longbottom. Cornelius, if convicted of these charges, you will lose your pension and be a guest of the penal system for the foreseeable future. And I don't need to have the gift of Second Sight to make that prediction."

Madam Bones stood. "Aurors, do your duty." Kingsley Shacklebolt and Tonks came forward and braced Fudge. "Cornelius Fudge, you are under arrest for bribery and malfeasance in an office of trust." Tonks removed his wand and Shacklebolt placed him in magical handcuffs. Both shot Harry a look of triumph. This would be the most enjoyable trip to the holding cells that they had ever made.

"Until we can have an election, I would like to nominate Lady Griselda Marchbanks to act as Minister Pro Tem until an election can be held." Madam Marchbanks nodded her acceptance.

"I second the nomination," this from Harry.

"All in favor? Opposed? Lady Marchbanks, you have been approved by acclimation to serve as Minister Pro Tempore. An election for Minister shall be held sixty days from today. Your term of office shall expire fourteen days after that. Thank you for your service. Is there any more business to be conducted? Seeing none, I will entertain a motion to adjourn. Motion by Lord Avery, second by Lady Parkinson. All in favor? Opposed? This meeting of the Wizengamot is finally adjourned! Thank you for coming today."

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A/N: Next…. Dumbledore's funeral and the fallout from this chapter!