Ok sorry this has been so long, I had trouble writing some of this down.
Before you read I should tell you that despite what other writers do this story is not going to contain many things. Some of the things not included are the following:
Betrothal Contracts, Marriage Contracts (if there is a difference), Soul-Bonds, Non-canon properties owned by Harry other than his Grandparents house, House-Elves in the Potter inheritance, Goblin armour, Goblins weapons (with the possible exception of Gryffindor's sword), Diary's belonging to his parents, photographs that no one has seen for 14 years, Harry discovering/inheriting/creating a source of power that inconceivably dwarfs Dumbledore and Voldemort in terms of Power, Daphne Greengrass.
This story is mainly going to be about courage and at worst heroism. Anyway enjoy, if you can I think this chapter is proof that my education has screwed me up. But as always:
Please review.
Chapter 5: Meeting Madam Bones
It was the morning after his talk with Neville, and Harry had just received a letter from Gringotts when the Hospital Wing doors opened.
In came Alastor Moody, Albus Dumbledore and middle-aged woman with fair blond hair that was beginning to grey.
"Albus, I told you not to come into my domain again this term." Came Pomfrey's voice "Get out right now."
Before Dumbledore could make his general plea for information to Harry the new person cut across "I am here on official Magical Law Enforcement business." She said "I am here to question Mr Potter in regards to recent events and a complaint made by him and several others."
"I don't care that man is not allowed back in my domain." Said Pomfrey angrily "Mr Potter is my patient and I will not release him from my care. You may ask questions so long as Mr Potter is agreeable but that man is barred from my domain."
"Poppy please!" said Dumbledore "I have questions that need to be answered and Mr Potter cannot enter into discussions with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement without guidance."
"I'm sure Professor Moody has got this covered Headmaster." Said Harry "I have nothing to say to you so you have no reason to be here."
"Harry please I have your best interests in mind it would be wise for you to…"
"No you're just being nosy Headmaster." Said Harry
"Mr Potter…" said Dumbledore firmly
But he was cut off by the new woman "As I've already told you Albus, you may be the Headmaster but you cannot stop me from conducting this interview. So long as Madam Pomfrey does not object I will be holding a private discussion with Mr Potter and Professor Moody. Now I suggest you leave, before I ask Madam Pomfrey what you did to earn her contempt."
Dumbledore sighed "Alastor could you please come and…"
"Can't do that Albus… Attorney Client privilege, I can't discuss anything without Mr Potter's permission or a Court Order." Said Professor Moody "It's the law."
Dumbledore looked highly irritated, Harry had to admit that it was an odd look for the old man. He left the hospital wing. Moody closed the door behind him. Pomfrey retreated to her office.
"Well Mr Potter, I think we should get started. I am Madam Amelia Bones head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I am here to ask questions in relation to your letter. I should also inform you that despite its nature remaining out of the public sphere, you complaint has already started causing a stir at the ministry. I have already arrested one ministry worker for attempting to intercept the letter before it reached me."
"What?" said Harry, then he noticed Both Madam Bones and Professor Moody were still standing. "Um Sorry, please sit down."
Madam Bones nodded in appreciation and took a seat, as did Mad-Eye.
"Well it seems that a clerk at the front desk was on the lookout for "Harry Potter's owl" and attempted to shoot her out of the sky. It seems he was paid by an unknown source to do so. Unfortunately this source communicated using a post office owl and we have no idea who sent it in the first place."
"Hedwig wasn't hit I take it?" Harry asked before thinking.
"No. Your owl was fine, as you now doubt saw. Mr Potter, you should be aware that I have been conducting investigations into the Office of the Minister for Magic for over a year now, unfortunately my investigation has been held up by legal barriers. I have been unable to get sufficient evidence to get legal warrants approved. However if half your allegations are true it would be make my investigation easier."
"What sort of things are you investigating?" Harry asked
"Mainly bribery, corruption, fraud, inappropriate conduct. However your complaints all dwarf those. I am aware that you complained particularly about the illegal use of a Dementor by the minister and the prevention of a mandatory investigation into the Death of Cedric Diggory, however I would like to cover what happened after you took the Triwizard Cup."
Harry nodded "Alright." He gave Madam Bones an edited rundown of what happened: "Cedric and I decided to get the cup together. It was a portkey. It took us to this Graveyard. I don't know where it is but apparently Voldemort's father and paternal grandparents are buried there. I found the Gravestone for Tom Riddle senior anyway."
"Senior?" said Madam Bones
"Oh sorry…" said Harry "That was Voldemort's father. Voldemort's real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, or Tom Riddle Junior."
"Where did you get this information from?" asked Madam Bones "It's not something I have heard before."
"I'm not surprised, it's not very common knowledge. You can confirm it with Professor Dumbledore but he and I are currently not the best of friends at the moment. The closest I can give you right now is this."
Harry pulled a sheet of parchment and demonstrated how I am Lord Voldemort was an anagram for Tom Marvolo Riddle.
"I can't exactly prove that they are one in the same but I can prove that Tom Riddle Junior existed. His name is on the list of prefects here and the list of Order of Merits. There was also an award for special services to the school in the trophy room, but it might have been removed by now."
Harry explained what happened during the chamber of secrets incident in his second year, however he did not tell Madam Bones about his suspicions regarding the soul fragments.
"Ginny Weasley will be able to confirm this?" asked Madam Bones
"Yes." Said Harry "Her brother Ron and their parents were also around when Dumbledore explained about Tom Riddle and having taught him."
Madam Bones was running out of note paper to write on so Harry gave her all his spare parchment.
"Thank you Mr Potter." She said "Sorry I seem to have gotten off track."
"That's alright Mam." Said Harry "I found the idea that Voldemort was a child here once a bit disturbing too. Anyway Cedric and I had just agreed to draw our wands…" Harry explained how Cedric was murdered and how he was tied up. "Then his hood fell down and I recognised him as Wormtail."
"Wormtail?"
"Peter Pettigrew." Harry spat the name "I don't expect you to believe this but he framed Sirius Black for betraying my parents to Voldemort and also for killing those muggles. He faked his own death by leaving behind his finger."
"Mr Potter have you been in contact with Sirius Black at any point since he escaped?" said Madam Bones dangerously.
"Of course, didn't Fudge tell you?" said Harry "I encountered him at Hogwarts last year. At first I thought he was trying to kill me but…"
"What do you mean Fudge. Has he kept this from me to?" Her eyes narrowed in a manner that would make many brave men and women shiver in fear "Black escaped from here last year. Fudge told me he escaped before the aurors could be called, he never mentioned your involvement."
"Aurors?" said Harry "Fudge never made any attempt to call the aurors. He just sent McNair to fetch a Dementor to perform the kiss."
Madam Bones looked positively furious. "Mr Potter this is a great distraction from events of the other night but…"
"No it's alright." Said Harry "Sirius is my Godfather. I love him. If I tell you all this, there is a chance he could get his name cleared."
"What makes you so sure that your Godfather is innocent or that this man you saw in the Graveyard is indeed Peter Pettigrew."
"My Father, Sirius and Pettigrew were part of a group of four friends at school. The other was a werewolf. Before the Wolfsbane Potion was invented the process of transformation was horribly painful. Werewolves in their beast form don't like being bored. They like to bite, if there is nothing for them to bite they bite themselves, which only adds to their suffering. His three friends were not arrogant or bigoted. They realised he was a werewolf and decided to help him." Said Harry "I guess I can tell you this now. They became Anamagi."
"What?" said Madam Bones, even Moody looked shocked.
"Unregistered, even to this day." Said Harry "My father was a stag, Sirius was a dog. Pettigrew was a rat."
"What has this got to do with my original question. How can you be sure that the man you saw was Pettigrew?"
"When Wormtail murdered those muggles and escaped Sirius, he did so by turning himself into a rat. That rat was adopted by as a pet by the Weasley family. Ron, there youngest son is… my best friend… he owned the rat when Sirius confronted us. It turned out to be the reason he escaped from Azkaban was because he learnt the Pettigrew was living with the Weasleys and by extension he was dangerously close to me. Sirius transformed the rat before our eyes. He admitted to being Peter Pettigrew and he admitted that he was a spy for Voldemort for a year before my parents were killed and that he framed Sirius for both betraying them and murdering those muggles."
"Sirius Black broke out of prison to get revenge on Pettigrew." Said Madam Bones, "We locked up an innocent man." She looked thoughtful for a minute "Harry… Mr Potter, Sirius was not given a trial was he?"
"No. Crouch used emergency powers to lock him up. Sirius wasn't even questioned." Said Harry, he chose to tread carefully, Madam Bones looked more and more troubled "I hate to point this out but since he never had a trial, the order to have the Dementor's Kiss him on sight is illegal."
Madam Bones looked at Harry in frustration. "Why do I get the feeling that you have more and news that I am not going to like?"
"I'm guessing because you have much more common sense than the twit that is your boss?"
Madam Bones frowned at Harry but he could tell it was rather forced and a small smile was threatening to show itself.
"I should probably admit I've been in regular contact with my Godfather for the last year and that I met him in person twice since the New Year."
"If what you say is true Mr Potter, then I don't think you have anything to worry about. It is clear that the injustice of the situation has forced your hand. You have no proof of what has happened but given accusations against the Minister made by you and your associates, I am willing to consider you testimony credible. Is there any proof that you can provide at this time?"
"Not that I can think of." Said Harry "Ron and Hermione, my friends, will be able to confirm what they saw with me last year. If you pump Malfoy and the other Death Eaters full of truth serum then they might admit to Wormtail being alive."
"What do you mean Malfoy and the other Death Eaters?"
"Oh sorry I'm a bit ahead of myself. Back to the Graveyard." Harry described the rebirthing ritual, and how Voldemort summoned his followers.
"You managed to identify Malfoy?" said Madam Bones excitedly
"Yes I'd recognise that…" Harry coughed "… individual anytime. Vodemort identified several others as well: Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, Avery, McNair. There were actually several others there but I couldn't see their faces and none of them spoke. I'm guessing they weren't considered as important to him."
Madam Bones nodded "Please continue."
"Well, after scolding them and accusing them of abandoning the cause he made a poor show of modesty and rambled on about how great he thought he was and declared his plans for taking over. He mentioned breaking the Lestranges out of Azkaban and forming alliances with Dementors and Giants. He also claimed that my role in his defeats was all luck. We then duelled, looks like I got lucky again."
"Are you saying you won your duel against Voldemort?"
"Well I'm not sure if I should say that." Said Harry "Whatever way you look at it, I ran away and whatever way you look at it I stole the Bastards wand. So…"
"His wand?" said Madam Bones, her stern mask completely gone wiped from her face. She had look of incredibility.
"Before you ask I can't show you." Said Harry "Professor Dumbledore for reasons I can only guess, seems intent on having Snape return the wand."
"Snape?" said Bones "Was he in the Graveyard?"
"No." said Harry "He went back later. Probably so that he could continue his role here for Voldemort. I have no proof but despite the animosity between us I think his loyalties lie with Dumbledore, but as I say, no proof. He could be working for Voldemort or he could be keeping his options open."
"In regards to the wand Mr Potter?" said Madam Bones "What are you planning to do with it?"
"In all honesty I don't know." Harry admitted "Events after the Graveyard showed me that I could use a spare wand but… I can't help but think what that wand has done. The fact that my own wand is related to it is one thing but, that wand killed my parents. Right now I'm torn between somehow using it against Voldemort or just burning it. Maybe both, I would like to see his face when I destroy it in front of him."
"As you won the wand it is yours by right of the duel." Said Madam Bones "However. If it can be showed to witnesses…"
"You want me to hand the wand over?" said Harry
"No. You will inevitably have to stop by my office several times over the coming months. Could you bring the wand with you? I'm afraid I can't risk the wand being in the DMLE's possession, there are too many people who would want to get a hold of that wand and I'm not sure I can keep all of them from it." Said Madam Bones.
Harry nodded "You want me to show it to an expert you trust?"
"Yes, in front of the Wizengamot."
"That I can do." Said Harry
"I think we should now move on to what happened after you got back." Said Madam Bones
"Alright." Said Harry. "I managed to gain the upper hand on Voldemort for a few seconds and I used that to get a hold of Cedric's Body and summoned the portkey. When I got back, the duel and the Third Task caught up with me and I collapsed in pain. Somehow I even forgot about the Acromantula bite on my leg. Anyway while everyone was distracted by the chaos of Cedric's Death I got dragged up by someone I thought was Professor Moody here but…"
Professor Moody growled. It was the one of the few recognisable thing he had done since the interview started.
"He dragged me into the office and locked the door behind him. He knocked my wand from my hand and got as far as telling me I would not live much longer before I used Voldemort's wand to stun him. I hid that wand, retrieved mine and then shot red sparks out of the office window to try and get some help. That help came in the form of Professors Dumbledore, Snape and McGonagall."
Harry proceeded to explain how they discovered Crouch Junior and what they learnt from him by filling him full of truth serum.
"So Dumbledore question him?" said Madam Bones
"Yes." Said Harry "Is that relevant?"
"Yes it tells me how seriously he is taking this Voldemort threat." Said Madam Bones "Mr Potter what do you know of the Order of the Phoenix?"
"Come again?" said Harry
"The Order of the Phoenix was an organization Dumbledore formed during the First War." Said Moody "It was made of those opposed to Voldemort. I was a member. The Order was disbanded about a year after Voldemort was defeated."
"Was it some kind of special forces group?" Harry asked
"That is one way of describing it." Said Madam Bones "They specialized in operating a secret war against Voldemort. The group was independent of the Ministry but several of the Order members did work for the Ministry. Their main responsibility was intelligence gathering and carrying out secret operations."
"You mean assassinating?" said Harry
"If the situation called for it." Said Moody "Most of the time we relayed information to the Ministry and aided Aurors in operations. We also provided sanctuary for those who got targeted by Voldemorts followers."
"My Parents?" said Harry
"Your parents were members." Said Moody "We got word that they were being targeted so Dumbledore arranged for your sanctuary."
"So my Dad's friends, they were all members too?" said Harry
"That's correct." Said Moody "But the point is that the Order will now be reformed."
"In the First War, help from Dumbledore was welcomed with open arms." Said Madam Bones "This time round he will probably face some stagnation because of the Minister. In the last few days he has become inexplicably hostile to the Headmaster. Yesterday he proposed a motion to expel him from the Wizengamot. There are also rumours that the Department of International Cooperation is looking at potential candidates for a new Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards under Fudges orders."
"Madam Bones, as of last Saturday I don't trust Dumbledore. I can't tell you why but I need you to understand that. Despite that, I think he will be needed in this war. Especially if the government is as weak and incompetent as we all seem to conclude it is." Said Harry
"What did Dumbledore do to you?" said Madam Bones "From what I understand he's protected you for years from Voldemort's supporters."
"There is something that happened in the Graveyard I left out." Said Harry "I'm still coming to terms with it, but I learnt something. Something that has made me very angry and very pissed off with Voldemort. When I spoke to the Headmaster last night, it became apparent that he is aware of this… thing I discovered. This is something so incredible that there are still things I'm still trying to understand, it is also something that I should have been told as soon as possible. The Headmaster already knew about this on Saturday and he never told me."
"He has kept something important from you, something you should have known about long ago?" said Madam Bones
"Yes." Said Harry "He still doesn't know what I know. I think he's been manipulating me during my time here. He told me he believed me last year when I said Sirius was innocent but he also told me he had no power to overrule the Minster."
Madam Bones raised an eyebrow.
"Professor Moody already explained. He must have known Sirius never received a trial yet he never objected when the Ministry ordered a Dementor's Kiss on site for him. Madam Bones, my issues with Professor Dumbledore are my own, I don't expect your department to get involved. But you need to know that right now I'm trying to determine who I can trust. I've already caused two of my friends to cry by doing so, I hope they'll come round but this isn't the time to be nice or cautious."
Madam Bones gave a sigh "It seems you've had to make decisions someone your age should never have to do. Is there anything else you wish to add at this time?"
"Only that Fudge refused to believe Voldemort was back and that he went so far as to ignore every bit of evidence we gave him in order to force that refusal." Said Harry
"I think you've told me enough." Said Madam Bones "I have already reviewed some of the evidence in question, including the medical reports on Crouch Junior. They confirm who he is and how he ended up in his current state. That combined with everything else you've told me is enough. There is a Wizengamot meeting on Friday, I feel I should inform you that I will be using this meeting to enact some legislation designed to investigate and prosecute Ministerial corruption and incompetence."
"I understand." Said Harry "If there is anything I can do to help in this, let me know. I think this is the beginning of a long hard fight."
"Thank you Mr Potter, I will probably take you up on that offer. I will also be talking to your Professors regarding this matter. Until I understand things better though I shall avoid asking Snape questions, I don't want to compromise one of our spies or give one of theirs information.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Dear Mr Potter
In order to ensure maximum protection of your property, we recommend that you install one of our newest and, without a doubt, most sophisticated security system at your property. It is a modified variant of the Fidelius Charm. The Fidelius Charm requires that a Secret Keeper is someone who does not consider the property to be there home, therefore unless you have another place in mind as your home, you will not be able to be the Secret Keeper. We suggest you get someone you trust to be the Secret Keeper and arrange for them to be at Gringott's on 1st July. The added benefit of our modified Fidelius Charm though is that only you would be able to identify who the Secret Keeper was and the Secret Keeper would only be able to identify themselves to another person with your permission. This can be installed along with our Deluxe Set of defensive wards for the agreed upon price in our last letter.
Additionally we have processed your requests. The House in Cumberland is now yours in name, and shall be released from Gringotts preservation once the wards are raised. The accounts of your Parents and Grandparents have also been unfrozen and are have been added to your vault. In order to avoid breaching our treaties with the Wizarding government we have to inform them of this matter, however the message will take at least a fortnight to pass through our system before being posted to the Ministry.
Please make your arrangements and get back to us post-haste as this will take time to organize.
Yours Faithfully
Argrap
Assistant Advisor to Gringotts Security Enterprises
Harry read over the letter from Gringotts. The wards sounded perfect. He now just had to arrange a time, which wasn't going to be easy. The other issue was that he needed a Secret Keeper. The Goblin method was perfect because it not only protected Harry from being betrayed but it also protected the Secret Keeper from being identified. Even if he accidentally let a spy in, they wouldn't be able to tell Dumbledore, Voldemort or the Ministry who he or she was. But Harry still had to choose one.
Ron and Hermione were out, as much as it pained Harry. Professor Moody might be trustworthy but Harry barely knew him. Sirius or Lupin might have been options but he couldn't risk contacting them. If this Order of the Phoenix was being recalled they both would be in Dumbledore's web of supporters and out of reach. The Weasley's all seemed intent on following Dumbledore except the twins and Ginny.
Harry stopped to consider Ginny. He felt that at this moment she was the person he trusted the most. But could Harry really ask this of her?
"We're going to war soon." Harry said out loud "I'm going to have to ask her and other to do a lot of difficult things. Maybe now is a good time to start."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Neville came by and Harry told him everything he'd discussed with Madam Bones, including the Wizengamot meeting tomorrow.
"Thanks Harry." Said Neville. "I'll go and write to Gran now."
"No problem." Said Harry "By the way could you have Ginny swing by here, as soon as possible?"
"No problem." Said Neville.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Less than an hour later Ginny showed up in the Hospital Wing.
"Hey Harry." She said Happily "Do you know that Snape's lurking outside the Hospital Wing?"
"Yeah! He and Dumbledore have both been keeping an eye, to make sure I don't leave the Hospital Wing. They either think that the wand is in here or that I've hidden it somewhere and will try to collect it, I'm not entirely sure." Said Harry
"I take it you have a plan to sort all this out?"
Harry tapped his nose "I do. But that's not why I asked you here. I'm going to need a favour, a really big one."
Ginny looked at him quizzically. Harry told her about the Gringotts offer for wards.
"You want me to be your Secret Keeper?" Ginny asked, Harry was trusting her that much?
"Yes. Only I'll be able to tell people you're the Secret Keeper, you won't be able to tell people without my prior consent. At least that's what the Goblins say." Said Harry
"I'll do it." Said Ginny
"You can't just say that, you need to think about it." Said Harry
"Why? I told you, you can count on me. Let me do this for you." Said Ginny "I'm the perfect choice, no one else you can ask knows Occlumency and like you said, I'll be protected from others discovering."
Harry sighed "I guess you're right, I'm just not comfortable with asking you to put yourself at risk like this."
"Don't worry Harry I know what I'm getting into. There is one thing though, I won't be able to escape Mum that evening and go to Gringotts. With us having been away so long she'll want to have us all within her eyesight."
"I have a House-Elf that can teleport you away for only a few moments. Could you arrange for a specific time." Said Harry
"I don't think so but… We could teleport whilst we're on the train. Then you could have me teleported back, and you won't be seen leaving 9¾ without the Dursley's." said Ginny
Harry looked at her "That's brilliant." Said Harry "Dobby?"
The House-Elf appeared "Harry Potter calls Dobby sir?"
"Yes change of plans." Said Harry, he filled Dobby in.
"Dobby can do that sir?" said the House-Elf "Dobby can help Harry Potter and his friend."
"The question is though." Said Harry "How do we do this? Particularly without getting noticed."
"I might have an Idea." Said Ginny "If we wait until the last hour or even the last half hour before we arrive in London, people will know you spent the journey back with me and if anyone asks later on I can just say that you left the train in a hurry, that you were out of the compartment before we even arrived at the Platform."
"That's good." Said Harry "But what if someone sits with us. It will be difficult if it's just the two of us in one compartment. We could probably ask Neville joins but…"
"I may have someone else in mind." Said Ginny "There is a girl in my year called Luna, she's very sweet and kind but people avoid her because she's… a little… well very strange… but she's my oldest friend and I trust her. If she sat with us, and Neville too, it would deter others from joining us."
Harry thought carefully "Are you absolutely sure this Luna can be trusted?"
"Yes." Said Ginny "In fact I think you should meet her sometime. We're heading into difficult times here and in my experience Luna can be a great help in a difficult situation."
Harry nodded "Alright. I'll ask Neville if he's alright with this." Said Harry "I just hope Ron and Hermione don't try and interfere."
"Don't you worry about my brother and his yet-to-be girlfriend." Said Ginny
Harry smirked "So you noticed. I think the two of them are the only ones who haven't." said Harry
"You know that one day you're going to have to sit them down and explain the way of the world to them, right?" said Ginny
"In a way I already have." Said Harry "But I don't think they were sitting down."
Ginny giggled.
"I think round three might be the charm." Said Harry
"Round three, what about round two?"
"I'm inevitably going to see them again and have another fall out, probably before we all go home." Said Harry "They have far too many issues. Their feelings for me, their feelings for each other, their loyalties to both me and Dumbledore. I have faith in them but they need to think about certain things. I may give them one or two more things to think about in round two."
"I wish I could say that Ron might come around before the holidays but we both know my brother is to stubborn for that." Said Ginny "Percy is the same in many ways. He'll believe what suits him best, even if it's not necessarily the truth. You saw how he sucked up to Mr Crouch, despite the fact that no one else liked him."
"With all the chaos that's happening at the ministry I wonder what he'll choose to believe." Said Harry
"Only time will tell." Said Ginny "By the way is there anything else I can do?"
"Possibly do you know where I can get a Dictation Quill?"
"Uhh no."
"Sir I might be able to help." Said Dobby "I can charm a regular Quill to do what you need."
Harry smiled.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
It was a few hours after curfew when Dobby materialized with Hedwig and a School Barn Owl into the Hospital Wing.
"Dobby has brought you some owls sir?" said the Elf
"Thanks." Said Harry. Much to Hedwig's irritation he took the school owl first and gave it a letter.
"Please take that to Gringotts." Said Harry
Dobby teleported the owl outside of the castle so it could fly off, then came back.
"Right Hedwig I've got a very important and highly unethical task I want you to perform. Can you help me?"
The looked at Harry quizzically and blinked, which Harry took to mean 'go on, I'm listening'.
"I want you to deliver this package and wait for a reply." said Harry showing a rather large envelope package. "The return envelope will not be addressed to me it should be addressed to Albus Dumbledore, however no matter what you should return the package to me, no one else. Do you understand?"
Hedwig nodded.
Harry smiled "Girl I love you, you and I are going to have a great summer." Said Harry enthusiastically.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Gringotts agreed a time with Harry, Neville and Ginny both came back with good news.
"I'll help you Harry." Said Neville "If anyone asks I'll stick to the story."
"Luna said she'll be most keen to help. I think you'll like her." Said Ginny
"Thanks guys." Said Harry "Both of you."
Neville gave Harry a significant look and said "I'll leave you two alone." And wandered off.
"What did he mean by that?" Ginny asked Harry
Harry blushed. This shouldn't be so hard, Ginny already likes him. He had half a mind to put this off… probably indefinitely but that would make him no better than Ron and Hermione.
"Um well this is a little awkward… While I was in the Realm… My parents… well my Dad mainly but also my Mum… we got talking about my personal life and stuff and…."
"Harry you're rambling, out and say it." Said Ginny, in a voice remarkably like that of her mother's.
"I like you!"
There followed complete and utter silence. The only sound one could here was the back noise of a school full of students.
"What?" said Ginny after a few seconds of almost silence.
"I like you. Amongst the many things I epiphanized in the realm is that I like you. I may have admitted it to Neville the other day but… I'm sorry."
"Harry." Said Ginny silently, her face was now redder than his. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"I'm… I guess what I'm trying to say is that… I can't asked Ron and Hermione to confront their own feelings for each other without doing the same for myself. I have feelings for you that extend further than you being Ron's little sister."
"How strong are these feelings?" asked Ginny
Harry thought for a second "At least as strong as my feelings for Cho were in December."
"December?" said Ginny "Do you feel differently?"
"Well since my catastrophic date at the Yule Ball, which I full take the blame for, and the fact that Cho and Cedric were so close; My feelings for her have died down quite a bit. But if I'm honest since the Yule Ball, Ron and I have become a little hostile to the notion of dating. It's a little childish but…"
"So you don't have any feelings for Cho anymore?" asked Ginny
"I wouldn't say that." Said Harry "She is pretty, but ever since my brain started working better in the Graveyard, I've been viewing the world differently. In a few short days I've become closer to you and Neville than I have Ron and Hermione. In relation to Cho? Well I still think she's pretty but I can think up over a 100 reasons not to have a relationship with her for every reason to pursue one."
"What reasons?" said Ginny
Harry sighed, if he and Ginny were going to overcome this he needed to go through everything. "Well we've got virtually nothing in common. Well there is Quidditch, but over the last few days her personality has become less and less appealing. I have these horrible visions that if I pursue a relationship with her she'll have me writing soppy love letters and taking regular trips to the hairdressers in order to make it work."
Ginny looked sick "You're right. She probably would. In fact there is this horrible teashop in Hogsmeade which aims at promoting love in a really sappy manner. It's called Madam Puddifoots. I've seen Cho and Cedric go in there at least once, it's mainly made up tables for couples to snog over, not that I'm opposed to such activities but that shop looks like the inside of a five-year-old's doll house. Everything is pink, frilly and there are love hearts on the walls." Ginny stopped when she realised she was rambling.
"Well the point is I want a relationship where I have something in common with who I'm with, someone who can also be like my best friend." Said Harry "Maybe have a little soppy love stuff every so often, my point is that Cho is not that person. Not to mention I don't think the Diggory's would be happy if I started dating their daed Son's girlfriend, and I need their support in this little legal war I'm starting to wage."
"So if you and I had a relationship… Cho would not be an issue?" said Ginny
"Ginny." Said Harry "I don't know if we should pursue a relationship now. We're about to go to war. I'm not telling you this because I want sweep you off your feet here and now. We need to sort out our feelings. I know you had a crush on me when you were young, despite the fact that we never met. Maybe we can have a relationship. But we both need to consider our feelings for each other. I may feel less for Cho than I did a few months ago but as you rightly pointed out, it's still there."
Ginny's expression was hard to read. "Ok. Then let's say nothing more about this for now. We can talk about some more after the Holidays, or if we see each other during the summer."
"Ok." Said Harry "I'm sorry I brought this up."
"No you were right to…" said Ginny "I have feelings for you too that I need to sort out before we jump in, with a war on right now could be disastrous."
Harry and Ginny were saved the trouble of trying to come up with a new line of conversation by Hedwig flying in.
She landed on Harry's bed tray with the large envelope Harry had in empty with package he'd sent off. Harry took the envelope and opened it.
"Oh you clever, clever girl Hedwig. You can consider all our ties to that place gone from now on." Said Harry
"Success?" asked Ginny smiling
"Oh yes." Said Harry, he emptied the contents of the package and showed her.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Harry's time was running out and soon the Hospital wing would no longer be a sanctuary. The day before the leaving feast Harry had Dobby come and transfer his Cloak, the Marauders Map, his Firebolt, the stuff he'd received in the mail and all the stuff he'd copied in the school archives back to his trunk. Ginny and Neville came and escorted him outside the Hosptial Wing. But the second they left the door they encountered Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore.
"Potter this has gone on long enough." Said Snape "Hand it over."
"Hand what over Professor?" said Harry
"Harry this is no time to play games." Said Dumbledore "You must hand over Lord Voldemort's wand."
"Not going to happen." Said Harry "I don't have it."
"Mr Potter if you do not hand it over, I will need to conduct a search of your person." Said Dumbledore
"Then I guess you'll have to do that." Said Harry opening his arms up airport style.
Dumbledore frowned, but pointed his wand at Harry performing a Summoning Charm. Harry's Holly wand flew out but Albus was surprised to find that it was the only wand. Then noticing his companions, Neville and Ginny, He summoned there wands. None of them were the Yew wand.
"If you're quite finished can we have our wands back?" asked Ginny "And don't think I won't tell my Mother you did this. You didn't get my consent to do that to me."
Snape glared at Ginny "Don't you dare talk to us like that you insolent little…"
"Severus." Said Dumbledore calmly. He handed back there wands though he seemed to hesitate with Harry's, perhaps weighing up the consequences of holding it ransom, but he nonetheless handed it over.
The three of them continued to walk towards Gryffindor Tower.
"That brat must have hidden it in the Hospital Wing." Said Snape
"That is the only logical place he could have hidden it." Agreed Dumbledore "Let us search."
The two professors proceeded to enter the Infirmery.
"ALBUS! WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT RE-ENTERING MY INFIRERY! FODIO!"
Snape and Dumbledore for the second time in a week found out just how angry a pissed of matron with stinging hexes could truly be.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
As the day progressed, Harry found he was the subject of a lot of stares and questioning looks.
"Dumbledore asked everyone not to bother you with questions." Said Ginny
"Well a lot of their questions will probably answered in the Prophet tomorrow." Said Harry "Madam Bones should be turning Fudge's world upside down. Professor Moody and the Diggory's will be there, Moody and I worked on a statement the other day."
"What do you think Dumbledore will say at the leaving feast?" asked Neville
"Don't know." Said Harry "He might tell us certain things, but then again he might not."
"We might not have to wait until tomorrow." Said Neville "Papers aren't the only form of news. I just remembered the Wizengamot sessions on Fridays are broadcast live."
"Well let's go check it out." Said Harry
The three of them approached the wireless in the Gryffindor Common Room, which was not in use. Neville switched it to the correct channel, the news network.
"Aw you're not listening to the news are you?" said Seamus
"Sorry Seamus but this is important." Said Harry "It's about what happened last week."
Seamus' eyes widened "What's happening?"
"Hopefully progress." Said Harry and that was all he said.
A few others in the Common Room heard what Harry said. By the time the news came on 10 minutes later more than half the house was listening in anticipation. They were not alone. The portraits in Gryffindor Tower spread the news and in every Common Room students were gathering round the wirelesses; in the Hufflepuff Common Room not a single student of that house was absent.
"The time is now 3 o'clock and you are now listening live to the Wizengamot Session for Friday 30th June." Came the announcer.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Albus Dumbledore was wondering if he would still have his position by the end of today's session. He was more than aware that Fudge wanted him out of as many offices of influence as possible. Dumbledore believed that he had enough influence to hang on another two weeks but his confidence in himself was more than a little shaken by Harry's sudden and inexplicable mistrust in him.
Dumbledore knew that something must have happened in the Graveyard and he was pushing Sanpe to find out the details. But all Voldemort and the other Death Eaters had uttered was that Harry had won the Yew wand. All the Death Eaters were scared, they were already in deep trouble for having deserted him for so long and now that Harry had upset Voldemort in such a way he had lost all rational control of his anger.
Everyone took their seats in the chamber, Dumbledore was distinctly aware of the block surrounding the Minster for Magic was sending him sneering and scathing looks. The Minister's Senior Undersecretary, Delores Umbridge, was smiling sweetly at Dumbledore. He knew what that meant, she was a vile woman at the best of times but she was heavily sadistic and Dumbledore suspected she could be an incredibly dangerous person given the chance.
"Well best get this over with." He thought
He took his seat as the Head of the Wizengamot and tapped his wand against a bell which chimed "Order, Order! Today is Friday the Thirtieth day of June in the year One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Five Anno Domini. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot I hereby call to order the Twenty-Sixth session in this year of the court of the Magical realms of Great Britain and Ireland.
"Now does anyone within the Wizengamot have any urgent business before we begin?"
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Cornelius Fudge was feeling pretty good. The notion that Voldemort was back was completely ludicrous. Lucius had assured him this was undeniable proof that Dumbledore had lost it. He had also dropped more than a few hints that the Headmaster was poisoning the mind of the Boy-Who-Lived to use as his own personal political tool to gain power, perhaps even launch a coup against the ministry. The fact that Dumbledore was already in charge of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump and had turned down the job for Minister countless times had completely been overlooked by Fudge.
No today Fudge was going to ruin Dumbledore's plans once and for all. He would denounce him in front of the Wizengamot live on radio and he would do it in the opening of the session, so anything he tried to say to save his bearded bacon would be rendered ineffective.
Here came his moment, Dumbledore had opened the session.
"Now does anyone within the Wizengamot have any urgent business before we begin?"
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Before Fudge could declare himself, Madam Bones beat him to it.
"I do Chief Warlock." She declared, to the surprise of everyone present, except Augusta Longbottom who'd been expecting something like this since she received a message from her Grandson. No one had declared urgent business since Barty Crouch Senior was forced to announce that his only son had been caught and arrested alongside three highly prolific Death Eaters.
Dumbledore regarded Amelia Bones for just under a second then said "Very well." As Amelia Bones walked towards the stand he continued "The Wizengamot recognizes: Madam Amelia Susan Bones, Order of Merlin Second Class, Vice Chairman of the Wizengamot and Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Dumbledore nodded to her, allowing her to start her proceedings.
"Honourable members of the Wizengamot. It is my duty to inform you that I, in my capacity as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, from this moment forth am enacting Section 3 of the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices (Ministry of Magic) Act, which states that the Department of Magical Law Enforcement is authorised to investigate any Department or Office of the Ministry of Magic, barring the Department of Mysteries and its sub offices, for any acts illegal or otherwise outside their realms of the Responsibility or Code of Practice of that Department or Departments."
There were looks of shock and fear amongst many of those assembled, quite rightly, corruption had become widespread at the Ministry and if Madam Bones had sufficient evidence to launch an unrestricted investigation many of them were screwed.
"In my capacity, as Head of the DMLE, I am forcing through this course of action in response to a very serious complaint against the Office of the Minister for Magic and specifically the Minister himself."
There were widespread gasps as many eyes turned to look at Fudge. The Minister was only now registering the extent of Harry Potter's threat against him.
"This complaint specified against the Minister includes, but is not limited to, the following: obstructing attempts to investigate the Murder of Cedric Amos Diggory, deliberately and wilfully ignoring warnings of a threat to the national security and wellbeing of both the Magical and Non-Magical societies of our realms and extra-judicially ordering the use of a Dementor's Kiss on Bartemius Crouch Junior."
This set several people off. Some started protesting these accusations, others demanded wanting answers. Some began calling for the Minister's head, but some were also calling for Amelia's.
A series of Bangs from Dumbledore's wand got everyone to quiet down.
"Order." Said Professor Dumbledore "Madam Bones, I do not need to tell you that these are most serious accusations. I take it you have evidence to support these claims?"
"I do. As head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I was initially given information categorising Cedric Diggory's death as, and I quote, a tragic accident. This information was supposedly verified by Cornelius Fudge as indicated by his signature on these papers."
She hand a sheet over to Dumbledore who looked it over before passing it to senior members of the Wizengamot, of those who saw it were Lucius Malfoy and Augusta Longbottom.
"The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, acting on a request from the victim's parents conducted an examination of the body and discovered that Mr Diggory died of a sudden shut down of all bodily functions, sighting an 86% medical probability that the cause of death was a Killing Curse. That declaration alone would demand a mandatory investigation by my department. Added to that I have a witness Harry Potter, who claims to have seen the murder, he is amongst the complaining party that approached me and has volunteered himself for more information should I or the Wizengamot ask it of him."
Dumbledore nodded in acknowledgement but he was very tense, Harry Potter had clearly been working to bring down the Minister while his headmaster was harassing him for the Yew Wand.
"This is an outrage." Shouted Fudge "I object to this nonsense…"
"The Wizengamot does not recognise the Minister for Magic at this time." Said Dumbledore sternly "Cornelius there is a proper procedure to which Madam Bones is following. Please continue Madam Bones."
Amelia nodded at the Headmaster.
"The second issue, ignoring threats that affect the security and wellbeing of both the magical and non-magical realms comes directly from Harry Potter." Said Madam Bones
"Objection." Shouted Fudge "The boy is delusional and is not a credible witness."
There were several shouts of support. Dumbledore caused a series of bangs from his wand again, he was about to say something but was interrupted by Amelia.
"In regards to recent allegations made by the Minister I can find no credible evidence to support the notion that Mr Potter is delusional. Medical and psychological examinations have been carried out in the last few days by a trained healer. The results reveal that Mr Potter is not suffering from delusions or any medical or psychological issues that could affect his judgement. Furthermore there is additional evidence to back up claims by Mr Potter that he had an encounter of an aggressive nature by the being that has identified himself as Lord Voldemort."
This caused gasps all around. Many of the Wizengamot had heard rumours of Harry Potters claims but none had believed them. If both Dumbledore and Madam Bones were suggesting that these were true… then as much as many of them want to continue to deny it, and some of them still would, the bulk of those assembled would have to admit Voldemort had returned.
"Amongst the further evidence are two separate examinations by myself and Amos Diggory of Mr Potters wand both showing evidence of a duel taking place immediately after the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament, spells that I should add at this stage to avoid any unnecessary rumour to the contrary that could not have contributed to the Death of Cedric Diggory. Furthermore, as I understand it you Chief Warlock should also be able to attest to this, a Death Eater who was recorded as dead 11 years ago, was found alive and impersonating the Hogwarts Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor through means of Polyjuice Potion. Through means of the powerful Truth Serum, Veritaserum, it is my understanding that you questioned Fudge while Mr Potter and two of your Professors were present. I have testimony from both Mr Potter and your Deputy Professor McGonagall it would help if you could provide details right now."
Albus Dumbledore looked surprised at the question. He was not sure it was wise to reveal what Crouch had uttered against his will, as it might cause intelligence on Voldemort to become compromised. However, he had to conceded having the world at large aware of Voldemort's return was far more important than safeguarding this piece of intelligence.
"Very well then." Said Dumbledore. He recounted everything Crouch Junior had confessed including that Peter Pettigrew was working alongside him, which cause outrage and shock.
"For the record." Said Madam Bone "My department in response to this new information has rescinded the order for the Dementor's Kiss to be administered to Sirius Black on site, as not only is the order illegal it is now apparent that Sirius Black's guilt is in doubt, however these matters are part of a different issue. Mr Potter gave me names of people he identified in the Graveyard."
"Preposterous." Shouted Fudge "I heard those names, all of them were cleared. Potter is delusional…"
This time Augusta Longbottom stood up "Minister you keep repeating that claim against Mr Potter despite the lack of evidence to support it and the wealth of evidence disproving it. Might I ask you what evidence you have that Mr Potter is delusional? And before you say anything, might I confirm with Madam Bones that falling asleep and having nightmares in a classroom and the uneducated conclusions drawn from a gossip columnist are not considered reliable information?"
Madam Bones nodded "You are correct. I should state in the defence of Mr Potter that the reporter that is the subject of your query is not considered a reliable witness due to multiple cases of exaggerating the truth and I should also point out that despite her article claiming to have consulted specialists at St Mungos Hospital, the hospital has voluntarily come forward and declared that they gave no such consult and that they would not have been able to draw professionally reliable conclusions from observations made by the reporter in question."
Fudge was not feeling so good, he sat down and did not say anything more. Things were not looking good for him. He was not use to dealing with such a logically rational attack on his person. Wizards just generally don't understand logic very well and don't apply it very often in even the most serious of situations.
"As I was saying." Said Madam Bones "Potter Identified several people by name, two of which are in this chamber."
There were several more gasps.
"Therefore would sitting members Lucius Malfoy and Thornton Nott please present themselves to the DMLE officers and surrender their wands at the end of this session as you are both now under arrest."
Malfoy and Nott both felt eyes from all around stare at them. They were now beginning to regret returning to their master. Both had led relatively comfortable lives and while they supported the views Voldemort did, they did not support them at the expense of their luxuries in life.
"Other members were also identified and my Law Officers, with the assistance of Hit Wizards, are seeking them as we speak." Said Madam Bones
"This is an outrage, those members are upstanding citzens of our society." Screeched one of the most unpleasant people in the Ministry. Delores Umbridge.
"No member of our society is above the Law." Said Madam Bones "That includes those who work in the Office of the Minister. The third item in question is the Extra-Judicial use of a Dementor by the Minister himself. We have testimony from Professor McGonagall stating that:
"I witnessed the foul thing, the Dementor, being brought in by the Minister. They came into the office where we were holding the prisoner, Crouch's son, and without another word ordered the thing to sap his soul. It was horrible…"
Professor McGonagall goes onto describe the Dementors Kiss. We also have testimony from – as well as Professor McGonagall – Professor Moody, Madam Pomfrey and Harry Potter who all testify that when the Minister was challenged by Professor Dumbledore regarding the necessity of the act. The Minister replied:
"He is clearly no loss. From my understanding he is responsible for several deaths tonight."
There was a round of gasps from many members of the Wizengamot, but wizard stood up and stated.
"Surely you do not think that this criminal was undeserving of punishment? The minister was right, he deserved his punishment."
Madam Bones glared down at the wizard and he sat down looking fearful.
"It is not the Minister's job to judge on a whim who should be punished. It is the responsibility of my department to investigate crimes committed by citizens of our world, the Wizengamot's responsibility to grant those accused of committing the crime the right to a trial and the appropriate sentence if found guilty. The use of a Dementor's Kiss is controlled by a strict legal procedure, which the minister ignored. For the record we also have further evidence on this matter, medical reports on the subject Batemius Crouch Junior confirm that he has been the victim of a Dementors kiss and they also confirm the timings indicated by the witness testimony. In my capacity as Head of the DMLE I hereby am ordering the suspension of the Minister from the Wizengamot, the suspension of any staff in the office for the Minster of Magic from the Wizengamot. I am hereby putting the following under legal scrutiny: all on going legislation involving the office currently under consideration and all legislation passed inside the last 36 months. As my investigation continues that timeframe may be extended."
Dumbledore nodded "Very well. The Wizengamot acknowledges the investigation into the Office of the Minster for Magic. All members of the office are suspended from the Wizengamot and all ministry duties effective immediately are to be put under strict probationary status and subject to scrutiny of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement until further notice. Madam Bones will be given two months to investigate the Minister for Magic and the Office for the Minister of Magic at which point the Wizengamot shall meet and discuss whether any action should be taken against the accused or whether more time is required for the investigation. In addition sitting members Lucius Malfoy and Thornton Nott are to be suspended from the Wizengamot and their continued status as sitting members shall be determined following any criminal proceedings against them. Madam Bones do you have anything further to add?"
"Yes. In response to threats to our national security I request the Wizengamot declare a state of emergency and call for an immediate meeting formation of war council."
"Seconded." Shouted Augusta Longbottom. Several other members stood up shouting their support. Others were sweating. It was more than likely Madam Bones investigation would extend to other departments and many people would find themselves either sacked or in Azkaban.
"In my capacity as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot I am hereby declaring a state of emergency. All department heads are to meet in the Wizengamot administration office, bar those who have been suspended." Said Dumbledore. He was going to miss the leaving feast.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Lucius Malfoy noticed the Law Officers beckoning him over from his seat. He also noticed Nott had surrendered himself. Malfoy knew that any salvation he hoped to have resided with the Dark Lord. Without the Minster to protect him Bones would force him to take Veritaserum. He himself might face a Dementor's Kiss if certain facts became known. Unlike Nott though he was not going to come quietly… or at all.
There was a loud crack as Malfoy surreptitiously turned his own belt into a Portkey and escaped Ministry custody. By the end of the day Aurors searching for Sirius Black would be out searching for Lucius Malfoy.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Bloody Hell Harry." Said Seamus "You just brought down the government."
"Not yet I haven't." said Harry "Give it another 2 months."
"But war's started." Said Lavender in shock "How are we going to handle a war without a Minister?"
"According to Madam Bones the war council will run the government until the war is over." Said Harry
"Not a minister?" said Ginny
"The minister normally runs the war council." Said Harry "According to Moody the big 4 positions, that is the Minister, the Head of the DMLE, The Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation and the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot form the council alongside trusted advisors."
"The only thing is." Said Neville "They haven't replaced Crouch Senior and Fudge has been suspended so it's now all on Bones and Dumbledore. When a new Minister is chosen, he or she will run the council. Same when they choose a new Department Head to replace Crouch."
Ginny paled "Does all this mean that Percy is now on this war council?"
"I doubt it." Said Neville "He is just a personal assistant, quite a good one from what I understand but he is not yet ready to be a Department Head. No they'll probably replace Crouch with some guy who doesn't get caught up in Madam Bones's investigation."
"How do you know all this stuff?" Harry asked Neville
"Gran talks me through it all the time at home." Neville smiled "Some of its bound to get through."
All throughout the Wireless broadcast, Ron and Hermione sat where they could see and hear Harry but they did not draw attention to themselves, despite the fact that Hermione had a ton of questions. Even Ron had more than a couple he'd like to ask but he remained silent. The two of them were going to have to talk with Harry.
"We are now live in the press area where Alastor Moody has a statement to make in response to today's drama in the Wizengamot." Said the announcer on the Wireless.
Right I don't care if I have to write 30,000 words in order to make it work, Harry is definitely leaving Hogwarts for the Summer Holidays.
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