Chapter 23: More Surprises
After the battle of Diagon Alley, things around the castle settled back down into a normal routine once again. It was now 3rd of August, only a few days away from the Potter and Weasley weddings and Molly Weasley was going out of her mind.
Harry, in a moment of true brilliance, had Dobby and Winky work directly with Molly to finish the wedding plans. This led to the New Marauders working undisturbed on the studying for their NEWTs. After a rather intense meeting with the Ministry's Department of Magical Education, Harry informed the New Marauders that since Hogwarts was now registered with the ICW as an independent school, they could take their OWLs & NEWTs whenever they wanted. They planned on finishing their subjects and take their exams before school started.
However, the biggest news for everyone in the castle however was the fate of the Dursleys. As Albus had promised, he forwarded all of the evidence he had collected to the Department of Child Protective Services, which Arthur Weasley oversaw. After weeks of compiling information, they were ready to act. The Department of Child Protective Services was the only department in the ministry that had a component that worked directly with the Muggle government. This was a change that Arthur had quickly put in place, mainly because of what had happened to Harry. Since muggleborns and halfbloods normally lived in the muggle world, they were not monitored by the ministry.
The trial for Vernon, Petunia and Dudley Dursley was scheduled to take place with Queen Elizabeth presiding on August 4th. The reason why her royal majesty was presiding over the trial was because of happened on Harry's 16th birthday, which happened a few days previous
Flashback
Everyone had decided that Harry needed a huge birthday party. Harry was a very popular person nowadays. Because of this, it was decided that Harry's birthday party would take place at Hogwarts. Ginny made up the guest list and put Albus, Ron, and Hermione in charge of notifying and arranging travel plans for the guests. This list would also double as the part of the invitation for the wedding.
Of course the first people invited were the entire Weasley Clan. After trying to figure out a nice way of grouping them together, Ginny told them that were now a clan. If made things much simpler. The clan included: Arthur, Molly, Bill, his fiancée Fleur Delacour, Charlie, Percy with is new fiancée Penelope Clearwater, Fred with Angelina Johnson, George with Alicia Spinet, Ron with his fiancée Hermione of course, Remus who was now officially dating and living with Dora Tonks, her mother Andromeda Black-Tonks, and her husband Theodore "Ted" Tonks.
Ginny also made sure all the Hogwarts Staff and Ghosts, including Peeves were invited as well. Ginny then invited all the DA members, including Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecombe, the Hogwarts Quidditch team members, and all of Gryffindor Tower. Ginny then invited people from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff houses 4th year and above as well as all of their parents. As Ginny was rounding out the list, she realized she forgot some very important people, or goblins in their case. She sent an invitation to Mackrack, Griphook and their families. No one was worried about spies entering the castle because of the goblin guards. Albus also sent out a very secret and very special portkey that no one knew about.
The morning of Harry's birthday, Harry, Albus, Neville, and Arthur were summoned to the Ministry of Magic for an emergency session of the Wizengamot. Albus was of course Chief of the Wizengamot, Arthur of course was the Head of the Weasley Family, and Neville would be taking his rightful place as the Head of the Longbottom Family. Harry held eight seats on the Wizengamot, the three seats from Black Family, the Gryffindor/Potter Family seat, the Ravenclaw seat, the Hufflepuff seat, Slytherin seat, and the Hogwarts seat. This seat had been contested because Hogwarts was no longer a part of the Ministry. It had taken a clerk from the Ministry Archives to explain what the Hogwarts seat on the Ministry actually was.
"…According to the ancient texts, when the predecessor of the Ministry of Magic
was founded, it established a permanent seat for the school, even though it was
independent of the Ministry at the time. It was only in the last 500 years that the
Ministry took command of Hogwarts thru the Board of Governors. Since Lord
Gryffindor's claim has been validated, the seat is his."
As always, Neville and Harry always carried their swords with them at all times. Many years ago, both the heads of both their families were declared Lords of the Realm. Since then, the head of the Potter and Longbottom families were permitted to carry a sword on them in public. Harry carried Gryffindor's Sword, and Neville carried an old family heirloom called "Sting" which had been used by Longbottom men for over 400 years.
The official reason for this meeting was to debate and officially declare war on Tom Marvolo Riddle a.k.a. Lord Voldemort and his legions of followers called Death Eaters. After two hours of debate and a quick vote, the measure passed. The Ministry of Magic was now at war against Voldemort.
The reason this particular vote was scheduled for today was because everyone needed Harry out of the castle to decorate for his party. After begging nicely to the minister, Ginny was given the opportunity to decorate the school. The only major problem they had with arranging this surprise party was trying to explain to Hogwarts herself that she couldn't tell her master what was happening. It took a little 'girl talk' from her Mistress, but Hogwarts eventually agreed to keep this secret.
Lunch time rolled around and Harry and the others from the Ministry returned. Minister Bones asked to join them due to the fact that Susan was at the castle today. As they entered the Great Hall, everyone inside "SURPRISE!" Harry was astonished that they wee ale to pull one over on him. Ginny and Albus explained that it had taken quite a bit of work to pull this off.
Over the next few hours, Harry made his was around the room, thanking everyone who came and making small talk. Ginny, as the Lady of the Castle, was playing her role as the gracious perfectly by guiding Harry around from one person to another, making sure Harry saw everyone. The real reason why she was doing this was because she wanted everyone to understand that Harry was hers and hers alone. Ginny had to explain this through whatever language females used when they didn't want their men to understand what they were talking about. Cho Chang had to be reminded that Harry was married repeatedly.
Just as the party was dying down, the doors to the hall opened and a large contingent of people entered.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland." As a trumpeter sounded, everyone bowed as Elizabeth Windsor entered Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Minister Bones rose and stepped forward, "Your Majesty, I am Madam Amelia Bones, Minster of Magic for Great Britain and this is…"
"Albus Percival Wulfric Brain Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." "Yes Minster, I know who you both are. I am here today to bestow a high honor on a member of my family." The Queen made her way towards the staff table and turned around to address the room.
"As many of you know, in 967 A.D. the international statue of secrecy was put into effect. From that day on, the royal family placed governorship of the magical population in Great Britain under the control of the Minister of Magic. One condition of this split was that those members of the royal family who were magical were to be included in both worlds.
"Today, there is only one magical branch of the royal family, that of the Gryffindor line. Today, I have come to congratulate my dear cousin on his 16th birthday and bestow upon him his last birthright. Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts, please step forth and kneel before me."
Harry stepped forward and knelt in front of her majesty, "Harry James Potter, it is my honor as the Queen of the England, due hereby knight you as a protectorate of the realm, rise Lord Gryffindor, Harry James Potter, High Lord of Hogwarts."
After a loud of applause, Harry led the Queen out of the Hall and into the antechamber behind the staff table. Ginny, Minister Bones, Albus, Minerva, Mackrack, Griphook, and the queen's entourage followed her. As soon as the door was closed, the Queen removed her crown and smiled at Harry.
"Harry, you look so much like you Grandfather Charles. We played when we were children. That black messy hair and glasses give you away as a Potter every single time."
"Thank you your majesty…"
"Harry, when we are in private, you may call me Elizabeth, or Cousin Liz, we are family after all. So, I understand that you have been a very busy young man over the last few weeks. Inheriting Hogwarts, and then dueling Lord Voldemort, I must say I am impressed. Harry, we have a number of items to discuss, is there anyone in this room whom you do not wish to be here?" Harry looked around the room for a moment.
"No Elizabeth, I trust everyone in this room. I'm sorry I am have so rude, Elizabeth, may I present my soulmate and wife, Lady Gryffindor, Ginevra Molly Potter, High Lady of Hogwarts, Ginny, this is my cousin Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."
Both women shook hands. "You know, you look very similar to young master James' wife Lily. Except for your eyes, her eyes were like Harry's, yours are like James'.
"Harry, the main reason I am here today is to explain what is to be expected of you as a protectorate of the realm. Your title in the muggle world will be Lord Gryffindor like it is here. Your official residence will be #15 Nottingham Court, London; it is the muggle address for the Ministry of Magic Building. You have a number of accounts and investments that will be handled by Gringotts Bank, correct Master Mackrack?"
The goblin in question stepped forward, "Of course your majesty. Harry your grandfather, like the rest of your family, has allowed Gringotts to handle your affairs in this matter." Harry nodded and Elizabeth continued.
"Now Harry, your biggest responsibility is to serve as proctor on the Wizengamot and in the Ministry of Magic. This means that you speak for the royal family in all matters. I will require you to keep me informed on the comings and goings of the magical world. Minister Bones does an excellent job with my Prime Minster, much better then that pompous fool whom she replaced. Do you understand all of this Harry?"
Harry nodded, "Yes ma'am thank you Cousin Liz."
"Excellent, now, I have been told that your mother's sister and brother in law abused you when you growing up. Is this correct? Well, as you are a member of the Royal Family, I have decided to use my right and will sit in and hear this case myself. As you are aware, as the sovereign, I have a right to oversee any trial in my empire, or common wealth. My Prime Minster has already made the arrangements with the proper departments, correct Minister Bones?"
"Yes you majesty, we are all set. It will be a closed session and we will memory charm everyone who is in the room."
"Excellent. The trial will commence on August 4th at 9am in Buckingham Palace. I shall see you then." With a bow to everyone, the Queen and her entourage left the castle.
End Flashback
Because of that revelation; Harry, Ginny, Albus, Minerva, and the rest of the Weasley Clan along with Poppy Pomfrey were all in the Queen's Throne Room in Buckingham Palace, waiting for the trial to begin. Because this trial involved an under age member of the royal family, and Queen Elizabeth was actually sitting in on the trial, the palace was sealed off to all guests.
The only people in the palace were those directly involved with the trial. The trial commenced with the opening arguments from the prosecution, the Ministry of Magic. Over the course of the opening arguments, their Attorney, Jonathan T. Tonks, Ted Tonks' brother, explained that due to Harry's unique situation regarding his defeat of Voldemort, the blood protection provided by Petunia Dursley was the safest place for Harry Potter. When Petunia brought Harry into the house, not only did it seal the charm the Dumbledore had placed on Harry, but it also sealed a magically binding contract between the Dursley Family and Albus Dumbledore as a representative of the Ministry of Magic.
The contract stated that the Dursleys would love, care for, and provide for Harry Potter. When he was old enough, he would be told about the magical world. In return, there would be no contact from the wizarding world until he was ten years old.
The defense, funded by Vernon's sister Marjorie Dursley, tried to explain that every bump and bruise he had was from playing with the neighborhood kids and getting into trouble. The prosecution called Madam Pomfrey first, who had brought Harry's medical file. She explained every one of his injuries that he sustained while attending Hogwarts. Molly Weasley then testified about how malnourished he looked whenever he came back from his relatives.
The twins, Arthur, Ron, and Hermione all talked about his attitude and their observations. Ginny then took the stand and retold in detail every single story that Harry had ever told her about how he was beaten, hit, yelled at, insulted, and made to slave away on household chores, everything. During the lunch break, Harry and Ginny secluded themselves from everyone in the Queen's office, where they just held each other and cried.
After lunch the last three witnesses were set to testify, Dobby Potter, Albus P.W.B. Dumbledore, and then the star witness, Harry J. Potter. Dobby testified about the locks on the cupboard door and the cat flap on the small bedroom upstairs. Albus' testimony went into detail about the contract and how he constructed the wards to protect him from anyone magical who wished to do Harry harm. Albus then told the court, quite flatly, that the wards did not directly provide the same protections in regards to muggles, Albus didn't think that his own family would beat him and so didn't worry about it.
He explained that because of the ancient magic that was used, Harry was given some basic protection from against his relatives; he believed that these wards were the only reason why Harry had not been beaten to death by the Dursleys.
That had gotten the attention of the entire court. For the first time, Petunia Dursley looked sick. She realized what she had allowed to let happen.
When Harry finally took the stand, he spoke in a flat monotone voice. He spoke about thinking his name was boy or freak, then about having to cook and clean and work as a slave while the Dursleys didn't do a damn thing. He spoke in detail about the beatings and then he spoke about something that no one else knew about, the repeated rape by Vernon and Dudley Dursley.
Harry told them about each time in graphic detail. The first time when he was six years old, Harry had been out front pruning the rose bushes when Vernon came home drunk. He pulled Harry inside and dropped Harry's pants and shoved his hard penis up inside of Harry's butt; Harry theorized that it was his magic that had been healing him every time this happened; making Vernon and Dudley even angrier.
After Harry stepped down from the stand, Harry sat down and remained stone still, just facing straight ahead, he even shut down the mental link to Ginny. Ginny and Albus were both very, very worried about what they heard. Albus and Minerva had to cast petrifaction charms on the entire Weasley Clan to make sure that they would not kill Vernon Dursley.
Albus then cast the same curse on Minerva too, 'I would rather be safe then sorry.'
At the end of a brief conference, the queen rose up from her throne to address the judges. "What we have seen and heard today is barbaric. A family abuses their nephew who has done nothing wrong, and actually saved this world. They did not like him because they are prejudiced. They are did not like him because he has a gift, his gift is magic. They tried to BEAT it out of him. When they couldn't do that, they tried to break his spirit and break him physically.
"The Ministry of Magic, in this case also failed in their responsibility to protect this child. Once he began school, there should have been regular check-ups on his home life. I find it hard to believe that the school headmaster, his head of house, or any other teacher or staff member did not recognize the signs of abuse."
The lead Judge then stood, and spoke in a deep baritone voice "Due to this, we find the defendants Vernon Douglass Dursley, Petunia Michelle Evans-Dursley, and Dudley Daniel Dursley guilty of all charges. We also find Vernon Douglass Dursley and Dudley Daniel Dursley guilty of additional charges: seven charges of rape, three charges of statutory rape, four charges of assault with the intent to kill and two counts of attempted murder of Mr. H.J. Potter. Do you have anything to say before sentencing?"
Vernon Dursley stood up and faced the bench. His face was deep crimson, "THAT BOY SHOULD JUST DIE!!!!" Then he dove for Harry. Everyone reacted at the same time. The Weasley Clan all pulled their wands at the same time, breaking the petrifaction curses on them the same time Albus and Minerva did the same thing.
However before anyone could utter a curse, Vernon Dursley was frozen in place. Ginny looked up as Severus Snape, the hated potions master, removed his disillusionment charm as he conjured a huge shield and stood between Vernon Dursley and Harry. At the same time, over twenty curses hit Vernon and Dudley who had jumped up to defend his father throwing them back with a variety of curses.
The exploding hex from Tonks, her mum, Bill and Fleur; the cutting hex from Molly and Arthur which hit each man in the chest, bludgeoning hexes from Percy, Penny and Charlie; Remus, Ron and Hermione launched flames hexes while Ted launched a bone removal curse. Fred, George, Angelina, and Alicia all launched a new modified stunner call the freight train. Albus and Minerva each launched some sort of orange hexes caused them both to develop boils. Madam Pomfrey even threw in the strongest Expelliarmus she had ever sent out. Ginny, using no wand at all, just her hands, launched two sets of her Bat-Bogey-Hex. As everyone heard the sickening thud of the male Dursleys hitting the wall, they saw Snape was standing over Harry, protecting him like a Lion protecting his young.
The Queen's guard had moved to cover the queen. Elizabeth stood up and looked at the scene in front of her; Twenty one witches and wizards pointing wands at two blood stains on the wall, a woman shrieking and panicking, and the entire room in disarray. She then spoke in a loud voice, "Madam Pomfrey, can you please check on Mr. and Mr. Dursley. Can someone please shut Mrs. Dursley up?"
Suddenly twenty red jets of light hit her and knocked her straight to the ground. The main judge, who had been tackled as well, stood up straight with fire in his eyes and spoke, "Thank you, Vernon Douglass Dursley, Petunia Michelle Evans-Dursley, and Dudley Daniel Dursley are hereby forced to sign over all money, property, stocks, bonds, and all heirlooms. This court is adjourned. Madam Pomfrey, how are they?"
Pomfrey shook her head, "They'll live. I can heal them, not that they deserve it, but I can have them ready to go in a few minutes."
The judge nodded and watched as Poppy cleaned up and patched up Vernon and Dudley while Albus and Ginny tried to talk to Harry. Severus still stood over Harry protecting him. "Albus, he's almost catatonic. We need to get him out of here. I would rather not take him to Grimmauld Place. Is there anywhere else we can take him?" Albus looked into Ginny's eyes thinking. Suddenly the idea popped into his head.
"James' father owned a penthouse that was here near Buckingham Palace. Remus!!"
Remus came running over to Albus and Ginny, "Yes Albus, how is Harry?"
"He's not doing to well, Remus do you remember if James kept his father's penthouse here in London?"
Remus thought for a moment, "It was Charles' place where he would entertain muggle businessmen. Yes, I can make a portkey."
"Do it, we'll all head there. I'll speak to the Queen and inform her of our imminent departure." Albus moved to speak the Queen, then bowed deeply. A moment later everyone but Minerva and Albus were gone. With a few swishes of their wands, the damage was repaired and they were gone.