I can only apologise for the time it has taken for me to update, I lost someone who meant a great deal to me and while that isn't my attempt at an excuse it has been hard for me to get back into writing, but from now on their will be frequent updates as I am fully committed to this story.

Sorry again and I hope you all enjoy, if you can remember what's going on x

Previously: Fudge's trail started and Cassie moved in fully with Sirius, also Harry has been called as a witness.

Chapter Forty One

Harry paced nervously across the kitchen in Grimmauld Place every so often he would glance up at the clock displayed on the wall as it ticked closer to eight o'clock, he had been called to the trial of Fudge for early that morning to give evidence and it was easy to say he was nervous possibly just as nervous if not more than he had been for his hearing.

Sirius was somewhere in the house which for once was relatively empty so far. Across from him sitting at the kitchen table was Professor Lukyen who had his feet propped on the table and a newspaper propped against his legs idly flicking through it. Next to him was Teddy whose feet were swinging well above the floor while he chomped through a bowl of cereal his hair matching the bright green of his hoody.

Harry was dressed in his school uniform as according to Dumbledore it would make him look more victimised by Fudge, but forget looking it Harry certainly felt it sometimes.

'Calm down,' Anton said suddenly looking up from his paper 'Fudge has buried himself so far already it would take an act of god to clear his name, you can make one of the biggest mistakes in the history of the trial and he'll probably still go to Azkaban.'

'Only probably,' Harry replied glumly coming to a halt 'mind you there's not that much I can say, I didn't have a lot to do with him.'

'Well that'll be for the better then, and you'll get out of a day of school.'

'Hermione will have copied all the work down for me,' Harry gave a weak smile feeling slightly sick, 'will the press be there?'

'Most likely,' Anton nodded 'but they'll have to keep quiet.'

'Still it gives them a chance to get a glimpse of the boy-who-lived gone nuts.'

'As long as you don't drool or start talking to a wall I think they're limited on how much damage they can actually do.'

'Great,' Harry groaned flopping into a chair and dropping his head to the table.

The kitchen door opened and Sirius walked in holding Cassie in his arms, he deposited her in another empty chair and knocked Anton's feet off of the table.

'Didn't anybody ever tell you it's rude to put your feet on the table.'

Anton shot him a grin and crossed his booted feet on the floor 'you Sirius, are a hypocrite.'

'True, but it's my house.'

Harry raised his eyebrows and the banter, he was aware that both Lukyen and his Godfather got on quite well but it was always surprising that they sounded so comfortable with each other, but Harry supposed if Sirius had known Anton's father then it shouldn't really be that much of a shock, but there was still a slight suspicion in the back of his mind, they both knew each other a little too well for it just to be a recent friendship.

The kitchen door opened again and this time Rhoan Lukyen swept in, Harry hadn't actually seen much of him before other than his appearance and the drama in the great hall. He reminded Harry of someone but who exactly he couldn't quite tell, maybe it was more of the expressions he pulled and the way he held himself which seemed familiar but foreign at the same time. After all both brothers had the same wary stance and even now while they both appeared relaxed Rhoan's hand was placed on the hilt of his sword at his side while Anton had his own wand mere inches from his fingertips.

'Rhoan Lukyen.'

Harry was jerked from his thoughts as he stared at the outstretched hand of the very man he was contemplating noticing as well the now short hair.

'Sorry,' he said sitting up and shaking the hand 'I'm Harry Potter.'

'Nice to finally meet you,' Rhoan looked at him curiously for a few moments, it unnerved Harry slightly because it wasn't the usual eyes flickering to the scar instead the man kept eye contact the entire time, it was a look that made it seem like the elemental was reading his mind which was ridiculous because Harry hadn't felt even the slightest push of legilimancy, perhaps it was just those silvery eyes.

'Anyway,' Rhoan released his hand and looked to Anton 'have you got the day off?'

'Yeh, Severus and Fillius are covering my lessons, it should only be for today just in case they need any more information at the trial.'

'Well some news to brighten your day, Percy's been called.' Rhoan smirked 'I'm just looking forward to when the conviction comes in and then I'm going to ask that smarmy prick if we're still trying to discredit a noble man, and then I'm going to ask him if he's going to apologize to the Weasley's, honestly, and he's supposed to be bright.'

'Rhoan sees a lot of Percy Weasley at the Ministry,' Anton informed Harry not seeming at all surprised by the other mans tirade. But then Harry thought, nearly everyone liked the Weasley's, so it shouldn't be all that of a revelation to hear people defend them.

'Anyway,' Sirius interrupted 'since I'm giving evidence as well I think we need to head in early to get good seats, or at least as good as seats where children are allowed to sit.'

'You're bringing Teddy and Cassie?' Harry said surprised 'I wouldn't think they'd be allowed at all.'

'Rules are a bit looser for a trial like this one,' Sirius replied setting another bowl of cereal in front of Cassie 'have you eaten?' he asked Harry.

'Didn't fancy anything,'

Sirius reached back and got another bowl 'cornflakes, broomstick crispies or fruit and bran?'

Harry looked with trepidation at the healthy breakfast options even the broomstick crispies were low in sugar and salt but somehow pretending to still be a children's cereal.

'What happened to my real godfather, the one that didn't like healthy food?'

Sirius waved the bowl 'he's on holiday, so what'll it be?'

'Cornflakes. But seriously fruit and bran?'

'That you can blame on Moony,' Sirius placed the bowl in front of Harry 'I wouldn't touch the stuff myself.'

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Twenty minutes later they arrived at the Ministry, Sirius swept the kids away to find seats while Rhoan escorted Anton and Harry, in full ministry official capacity to the front, as first witness Harry needed to be close to the front to make sure things started quickly.

Harry gazed around the courtroom, it was much bigger even than the room in which he'd his hearing, although if the whole wizengamot, other ministry officials, witnesses and the general public were to be able to watch it needed to be so big with benches raised as high as the eves.

People were certainly staring, after all it wasn't often the saviour of the wizarding world and all of his reported neurosis was right in front of you Harry thought grimly.

Beside him Anton sat, Harry could practically hear his eyes moving in their sockets as they flicked quickly over the benches in what Harry could only assume was an attempt to log all the faces he could see.

Rhoan had muttered his own words of luck to Harry before he walked away to greet Mr Weasley who had just entered the courtroom.

Harry tapped his foot nervously as nine o'clock drew closer and when eventually the arrival of the wizengamot members signalled the start Harry was sure his breakfast was about to make a reappearance.

'You'll be fine, just no mistakes of biblical proportions and we'll be home safe.' Anton smiled turning his full attention to Harry.

'That's very reassuring thank you,' Harry chewed on his nail nervously.

'Tell them the truth and it'll be okay,' Anton squeezed Harry's shoulder as his name was called 'go and show them what you're made of.'

-=-=-==-=-=-=-

'Mr Potter you are of course aware that there has been speculation about your mental health,' Ms Martins the newly appointed defence lawyer said her voice silky with a dangerous edge to it.

'Objection,' Mrs Robson called loudly 'that is as you said simply speculation, all of Mr Potters supposed problems are tabloid gossip with no proof, Mr Potter has no mental health problems and I ask for Ms Martins comments to be disallowed.'

'Sustained,' Madam Bones agreed frowning 'Ms Martins I want facts please.'

Harry glared at her, he knew a lot of people believed what they read in the Prophet but he hadn't expected her to come out with it like that and now everyone would be buzzing with their own opinions of him. He looked to Anton who offered him an encouraging nod before looking back to Fudge's lawyer.

'Mr Potter would…'

She broke off, there as sudden motion seemed to affect small groups across the courtroom at every level it took a few moments for Anton to realise that they were in fact all pushing hoods back to reveal pearly white masks and drawing wands. The room exploded into panic, wizards flooded from the benches in their desperation to reach the entrance doors, they were halted in their surge as the doors were thrown open to reveal twenty or so other Death Eaters who immediately began firing off their own spells.

Their attack was met quickly by the aurors present in the courtroom. Anton ducked under a stunner and tried anxiously to find Harry but the chair in which he'd been sitting was empty.

A flash of light flickered in the corner of his eye and Anton threw himself to one side of the bench as a curse shot by his head just missing him, behind him a witch who was frozen to her seat, she was unable to move as the curse ploughed into her throwing her backwards where she slumped to a limp boneless on the floor. Tearing his gaze from her prone from Anton's eyes flicked across the room trying to pick out a glimpse of anything familiar.

And then he saw it.

Sirius lay half on a bench half off, his eyes were closed and Anton was unable to discern if his godfather was still breathing. His heart froze. Teddy and Cassie hands clamped together were crouched down by a wall were Sirius must have pushed them, Teddy had placed himself slightly in front of Cassie so if something were to happen the younger child would be protected. But they were in danger, curses were being sent with little regard from both sides for those that could not protect themselves.

In front of Sirius lay the bodies of two Death Eaters, at least some damage had been done by their side.

Anton jumped over the witch and dived over the next set of benches, a flash of white mask flickered in the corner of his eye, as he fell to the floor her twisted his body flicked his wand and blasted the wizard through the scrambling ministry officials who were frantically vying to get themselves out of the way as the more aurors teemed in bringing much needed firepower.

Anton flipped onto his haunches vaulted over another bench and barely ducked in time as another curse shot his way, he barely restrained himself from hexing the auror whose aim was so off. Anton cast searching glances around the chamber but was unable to spot his brother either among those standing and fighting or those prostrate on the floor.

A curse hit the floor by Teddy's feet and Cassie gave a small scream out.

'Kids Duck!' Anton yelled.

Instinctively they both dropped their heads and leaned into the wall, Anton practically flew over the last few benches and dropped to his knees in front of Sirius and pressed his fingers to his throat, blood was pooling out of his side where a dagger was buried and his skin was chalk white.

A pulse leapt against his fingers and Anton breathed out a breath of relief, looking up he signalled to the two children.

'Are you hurt?'

Cassie shook her head but Teddy stayed fear rooting him to the spot his eyes wide as he looked at a space just past Anton's head. Anton's own survival instincts had already kicked in, he dropped down slightly and slammed his elbow hard into the masked Death Eater's throat.

Looking around the chamber Anton hurriedly thought up a plan. They were stuck on the top level of the seats, the lower levels were crammed with people who were barely able to move less it bring them into the line of fire, the upper level was almost deserted, meaning they were the only visible targets up here, meaning he had to get them moving, and quickly. Anton muttered a quick spell to stem the flow of blood and another to make sure no more damage was caused, he didn't touch the knife however not wanting to risk his godfather bleeding out.

'Envenerate'

Sirius's eyes flickered open blearily, his pupils were dilated and his gaze unfocussed.

'You with me Sirius?'

'Harry?' Sirius croaked out blearily.

'Good enough,' Anton replied hauling Sirius to his feet and pulling his arm around his neck so the man didn't fall.

'Alright kids, keep close to me, stand behind me and keep holding hands.'

Teddy and Cassie nodded seriously in understanding and stepped away from the wall to stand close to Anton.

Anton made sure his grip was tight on his godfather before making his way down the benches, it was hard going, quite a few benches had been knocked over and the fallen bodies provided a hazardous assault course.

Anton threw up a shield with his wand as a trio of nasty curses hurtled his way, they rebounded off the defence and flew back to their castor who was forced to concentrate on the assault rather than his own attack.

Anton tripped over a bench and he stumbled forward his grip on Sirius nearly failing as the man lurched forwards propelled by his own weight. Hastily Anton pulled his back, the unprepared jarring movement had dislodged his pendant and it swung round his neck.

It was a pity, thought Anton, that he could not use its abilities. Or could he?

He touched the stone with his free hand and thought of what he wanted. A terrified scream told him that he at least was invisible, a look at his semi-conscious godfather confirmed that he was not the only one to be able to use the firestone's magic.

'Anton!'

Anton readily cancelled the magic and looked to the two children both terrified that during the midst of a battle they had been left alone.

'Listen carefully,' he instructed 'in a minute I'm going to hold out my wand arm to you and you're both going to hold onto it, under no circumstances are you to let go, do you understand?'

Brave nods answered him.

'Right then,' Anton muttered pushing the pendant under his shirt so it was in contact with his skin, he knew that by offering his only free arm to the children he was putting himself in a position he couldn't fight, but hopefully it would mean they would be safer overall as no one would be able to specifically target them.

Still holding his wand Anton offered his arm, gratefully both took a firm grip on his hand and within seconds they were invisible.

It was much harder going now, Anton had to work at manoeuvring everyone in the direction he wanted to go and cope with the extra drain on his magic. But eventually they came close to where he wanted to be.

In all courtrooms there was a small room hidden away designed for those who wished a few moments to themselves during the more taxing trials. It appeared though that in their rush to escape the chamber most had forgotten about the small room that may have offered them protection.

'Okay,' he said quietly 'Can one of you push that dark stone in the wall, but make sure you keep a hold of my hand.'

He felt one of them pull on his hand slightly as they leaned forward and for a second their grip became tenuous but luckily they managed to keep clutch.

The small opening swung open and Anton quickly pushed them into the small room along with himself and Sirius.

Slamming the door shut behind him Anton freed his hand of the two children and lay Sirius flat on the floor.

The mans eyes were half closed his face was etched with pain, Anton knew that he needed to get Sirius to a healer as soon as possible, his rough healing spell wasn't exactly designed to last.

'Sirius?'

'Padfoot?' Teddy chimed in nervously.

'Huh?'

'Sirius can you open your eyes for a minute?'

'Huh,' Sirius repeated prising his eyes open 'I should have realised,' he groaned 'he was right next to me.'

'Tell me all about it when we get to safety,' Anton hurried him 'but I need to go back out and I'm leaving you here with Cassie and Teddy, right?'

'Here, right, I understand,' Sirius nodded slightly before clenching his eyes shut.

'A'ton you can't go back out,' Teddy said panicked as he held on tightly to Cassie's hand.

'We practised this Tedds remember,' Anton said encouragingly 'as long as you stay in here you'll be fine, and I certainly don't want to get killed, so with any luck I'll be back soon.'

Teddy bit his lip unhappily but otherwise appeared to have accepted what was happening, Anton swiftly went to the door and summoning his invisibility he wedged it open and edged his head out slowly, only to pull it back just in time to narrowly avoid a curse that shot back, from the muffled shout that was issued it must have met its mark.

Anton stealthily eased his way through the door and after sparing one last look to its occupants he sealed it closed behind him.

The chamber was in chaos, the number of bodies strewn across benches had grown in number, sporting, Death Eater robes, Wizengamot dress and finally an array of regular garb that made it almost impossible to differentiate between those who had been killed and those that had only been knocked unconscious.

Near the base the majority of non-formal wizards with no real defence training were grouped together with their wands held hesitantly while aurors and other ministry workers fired the bulk of the spells to protect those that had no managed to escape before the doors had somehow been sealed.

All around were small fights and Anton scanned the room hastily, a flash of silver caught his eye but then was lost as the fighting masses obscured his vision. Anton jumped down a few levels getting closer to the real fighting.

A blast of cool air whipped around him and Anton hastily looked to its origin.

Rhoan was holding his own fairly well, but due to the risk of openly exposing Harry, he was unable to do much but defend against the sheer numbers of Death Eaters who were doing everything possible to break through Rhoan's powerful defences in their efforts to reach Harry who was partially shielded from sight by the larger man, but nevertheless was firing off his own spells with a fair degree of accuracy and efficiency.

A Death Eater about two metres away spun around to face him and snarled a curse, Anton quickly threw up a shield, the curse rocked powerfully against it before dissipating, Anton feinted left as the wizard primed for another attack before jumping forward and slamming his fist into the persons face, the nose gave with a satisfying crack they fell to the floor and didn't get back up.

Dodging right another curse sailed by, Anton summoned a fire ball and hurled it at another wizard, the wizard managed to get out of the way just in time and the fireball hit the stone wall of the chamber, Anton wasted no time in tossing another at him and with the wizards attention distracted to the previous ball he didn't register the fire's presence until it hit him sending his robes up in flames.

Anton ploughed into the midst of the attacking Death Eaters averting them from their primary focus of Harry, he smashed his fist into a mask before ducking low and sweeping the persons legs from beneath them with a roundhouse kick, they crashed to the floor, Anton leapt over them, he threw another couple of fireballs each hitting their respective targets, twisting his wand he blew another back and felt the burn as a hex bit into his own shoulder swinging round he sent off a stupefy before swerving back to snap the back of his wrist into the nose of a different Death Eater breaking it instantly, he kicked out with a side kick, sent stunners and hexes at speed and slowly seemed to be making headway through the ranks. He was tempted to go invisible once more but felt he would be better preserving his power to use later on.

A lick of wind flew past him hurling dark wizards away, Anton responded in kind and created a stream of fire that swirled around their attackers driving them backwards as Anton forced his way to Rhoan's side.

'How many?'

'Only about thirty I think,' Rhoan flung another spurt of wind, Anton pushed his own power into it heating the air to scorching temperatures making it harder for the Death Eaters to breath.

'We need to get Harry out of here,' Anton ducked a curse and pulled Harry out of its way at the same time 'he's a prime target.'

'You get him out of here, use your skills, I'll make sure these don't follow, but I reckon they'll leave as soon as they realise he's gone.' Rhoan hissed back.

'Sirius and the kids are in the hidden room, Sirius is hurt.'

'I'll get to them,' Rhoan acknowledged 'just get going.'

Anton dropped back to be by Harry, who at best looked incredibly pale.

'Follow my lead, when I say go stop firing spells and trust me.'

-

Harry glanced up at Anton, what the hell did he mean stop firing spells, was he mad?

Harry was in shock it had all kicked off in moments, one moment he was listening to Fudge's annoying lawyer and the next moment something had hit him really hard, it had taken him a few dazed seconds to realise that it was Rhoan that had slammed him off of his chair, then he was being dragged up with the sharp command to get his wand out, luckily Harry had been pulling it out at the time and was quickly able to block a few spells and cast a couple of his own.

Rhoan had kept himself in front of Harry the entire time and Harry had to admit watching the man fight was really amazing, he was fluid in his actions and appeared only slightly perturbed at the chaos that was unfolding.

He knew what the brothers were, but when Anton had arrived blasting fire, curses and punches to match with Rhoan's wind it was a sight to behold as their powers mixed and together they repelled Death Eaters as if they were nothing more than flies, they looked dangerous, and hell, they looked scary. Harry wouldn't be surprised if they could give Voldemort a run for his money.

'Go!' the command was sharp in his ear as he felt Anton latch on to his bare wrist and give him a sharp tug.

Startled Harry felt himself dragged practically at the Death Eaters who were all spinning their heads round as if looking for something, Harry's stomach gave a lurch as he realised he couldn't see either Anton or any part of his own body, they were invisible, okay, Harry thought I can cope with this.

Glancing back he saw Rhoan become practically engulfed in Death Eaters before he was yanked firmly towards the main doors and past fighting, hexes limp bodies. They still had to dodge the stray spells and Harry could feel Anton as he veered and ducked.

They broke out into the tightly packed hallway filled with more fighting, ran past them and along with other fleeing wizards and witches, Anton pulled him into a near empty corridor hurtled down it and came to sudden stop as they reached a door, Anton let go of his hand and they both came back into focus and knocked sharply on the door, their was a short wait and Harry tried to work on calming his breathing which sounded very loud and alarmed.

The door flew open and Kinglsey stood framed in it covered in soot.

'There you are! I just flooed in, you need to get Harry out of here, Dumbledore wants you to take him to Hogwarts.'

'Right, most of the fighting should be over soon, we just need to round up the Death Eaters.'

Anton tugged Harry to the fireplace and threw floo powder in.

'You go first I'll be right behind you, Dumbledore's Office, password's Sherbet Bertie Bots.'

Harry stepped into the grate and quickly reeled the address off the fire roared and beyond it he saw Anton's grave expression before he was whisked away, worry for Sirius and the others lying heavy in his heart.

Thanks again to those that reviewed, I really enjoy reading them x