(a/n): Well, unsurprisingly, Hedwig's killing got some negatives. That's ok. As I see it, it's slightly kinder than how she died in canon. As soon as I read it I wondered why Harry hadn't just let her fly on her own. Here, it's completely someone else's action. No Harry blaming himself.
With Hermione, actually I'm rather overplaying her faith in authority. Which makes things all the worse as those same authorities put such faith in her. She didn't betray Harry, as such, she told the truth as she saw it (more on the Mudblood remark later).
Harry's wand doesn't help his case. What does it show? The Killing Curse. Well everyone saw that. The devil is in the details.
For Remus...well, same as I'd said about Ginny in NTOR, I like him too. Though there's the nagging question of where he was for 12 years of his best friend's son's life. But in this case he's cast as far more the betrayer than Hermione. A true villian here is, natually Amos Diggory. I really don't like the character. Watch him at the beginning of the Maze in GOF. One of those parents trying to get famous off the kids.
Most of this installment is about Susan. A bit about what Harry is going through (much more on him next time)
This chapter dedicated to the reviewer who begged me to... STOP WRITING! Haha not happening
4 – Susan Bones PI
Of course, after July 4, Susan never saw Harry Potter again. And for much of the summer she forced herself to forget what she witnessed. Her friends allowed her stance at the end of school to fall aside.
Shopping for school supplies brought that day rushing back when she saw Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley snogging outside Quality Quidditch. Given her last encounter with the pair, it was a surprise. A month of bathing in bikinis and hanging with Hannah put some much needed distance between her and the trial. She could finally think again.
"Finished shopping already?" Madam Bones inquired of her niece as her office door opened.
Susan sat, less casually than she would at home and frowned "Learn anything?"
"It's been over a month. You haven't said a word" Amelia commented. She didn't have to guess the subject of her niece's question "What brought this on?"
Susan shrugged "Nothing really. Please Auntie."
"I'm not sure, but I'm following a hunch." Amelia replied "I have a few volunteers really studying the pensieve memories. Just the three minutes after the Goblet returned them. It's a long process, though. I want fresh eyes so I only allow ten memories a session."
Susan didn't like that "Two thousand memories!" she complained "It'll take months!"
"I thought of asking you." The MLE Director said "But, you were so shaken by the trial. Seeing the crime, even second hand..."
Susan shook her head "No, Auntie, I want to help. And I have more time than Aurors do. At least until school starts.
"If I allow this, you'll follow my limits." Amelia said firmly "You are restricted to ten a day. No rushing back saying you want more. I will decide if you can handle it. I want to touch your mind with the Legilimency spell every day. And if I see signs of stress you're out."
Susan nodded sullenly and agreed "Yes, ma'am."
x x x x x x x x x x x
"I can't believe she let you have all this!" a deeply awed Hannah Abbott exclaimed, when she visited two days later.
Susan pinched the bridge of her nose and rubbed her temples "It's not a game." She grumbled, sounding very adult "I really thought Aunt Ami was just being a ninny. But today's a day off. I need a break. Let's get out of these clothes and into bikinis."
"Thought you were getting naughty on me for a sec." the blond girl teased.
Susan's blush matched, and exceeded, her hair. She forced it down and countered "Oh…swinging for the other team?"
For the next couple of hours, the girls splashed around. Wrestling, tossing each other across the pool and racing its length. It didn't matter that Hannah was always the faster swimmer. As soon as she caught her breath, Susan was demanding a rematch. Late afternoon found both girls waking up on pool chairs, heavily sunburned. They both made their painful way into the house.
Many looked down on Susan Bones, most Purebloods of Draco Malfoy's ilk. She did not fit their definition of beauty. It was her family tree, of course. Red hair and freckles everywhere. She was closely related to both Arthur and Molly (nee Prewitt) Weasley. She had a memory of sitting in a teenage Bill's lap and being told that she was his Aunt. That was the most ridiculous thing a four year old ever heard. She was also descended from a red-haired Muggleborn wizard. Never mind it was three generations ago, or that his name was Armando Dippet. In many circles, she was no "better" than Hermione Granger. Susan freely agreed with the appellation 'silly schoolgirl' Professor Lupin, who she respected greatly, at least until Harry's trial had written on her final report "Miss Bones could easily sit in her Aunt's seat at the MLE someday, except for the minor problem of never being able to be an Auror." All her grades showed it; great theory, weak in practicals. But, law and investigation were exactly where that type of mind could excel.
"The two of you! Honestly!" Amelia scolded the friends as they 'oohed' and 'ouched' their way to the cupboard "Second shelf, third from the right. Got half a mind to let you suffer through it."
Hannah grimaced as Susan ran ointment down her shoulders "Thanks, Madam Bones."
"And school tomorrow!" Amelia continued to rant "You're both so fair-skinned! Might do you good to have a night or two. If it wasn't for school I imagine Mrs. Abbott would agree." After all that, she uncorked two small vials, handed them to the girls and said "Swallow this. It will prevent headache and fever."
Sheepishly Susan accepted it, drank and said "Thank you, Auntie."
"After you get dressed, home with you Hannah." Madam Bones ordered "Something light tonight, Sue. Taffy! Soup? Bread, cheese?"
In response to the call, a House Elf popped in and bowed "Yes Mistress. Taffy will care for Little Miss. Today's mail, Mistress."
"You're getting reports from Azkaban." Susan saw "Harry?"
Amelia frowned at the obvious request "First, these are confidential, Ministry property. Second, you know very well Azkaban is not a nice place."
"Would Harry's defender have access?" asked Susan. Then added sarcastically "Assuming he had one?"
That rated a dirty look, but Amelia nodded and leafed through the package "C… G… K… M… P… Potter. I'll just go through it first."
"N-no." Susan insisted, though with some hesitation.
Hannah put up her hands and said "No thanks. Sue, see ya on the Train. G'nite Madam Bones."
Susan ate with the sheaf of parchment beside her. She sliced off a chunk of cheese, put it between two slices of bread and added some mayonnaise. After Taffy brought soup, she alternately slurped from a spoon and took a bite of the sandwich. Little more than halfway done, she stopped and began reading.
Date 15 August 1995
Period Covered: 4 July 1995 – 31 July 1995
Prisoner Report: Potter, Harry J.
Age 16
Primary Crime: Murder
Secondary Crime: Unforgivable, Use of
Sentence: 50 years to Life
Parole Possibility: Yes, after minimum time served xxxxxxxxxx
Initial Status: Prisoner brought in unconscious. Additional symptoms, Broken Jaw, Cuts on wrists, ankles and neck.
Medical Treatment: Confined to Hospital Wing, recommendation bed rest for 7 -14 days
15 July 1995
Prisoner released from Hospital Wing. Court report states assaulted victim's father. Indicates extreme violence. Recommendation, Solitary confinement for 90 days
17 July 1995 – 23 July 1995
Prisoner xxxxxxxxxx refused food during entire period. Readmitted to Hospital Wing, force fed.
25 July 1995
Prisoner returned to cell.
31 July 1995
Prisoner xxxxxxxxxx speaking rationally for first time since arrival. xxxxxxxxxx Mental re-education recommended. Prisoner insisting on innocence. Further updates in next reporting cycle.
x x x x x x x x x x x
The cell door slammed open and in came an Auror. The prisoner was thrown across the cell and kicked in the stomach. "Amos Diggory has a lot of friends, Potter." The harsh voice taunted "And even more since he's so generous with your money. One of us will be visiting from time to time. More serious education will be …heh heh … later. For now, something to read. Gift from a friend. Oh, and I wouldn't suggest throwing it away. Might be a while before a meal makes its way here."
"Pettigrew …killed Cedric." Harry wheezed.
The Auror tsked and shook his head "You will learn. Read page four."
"Remus Lupin, honored!" Harry spat after his tormentor departed "Minister's personal guard!" The passing of a Dementor robbed him of consciousness.
x x x x x x x x x x x
"Morning dear." Amelia greeted her niece on September 1, 1996. "You're up early. Ready to start your Fifth Year?"
Hair a frizzy mess, shirt misbuttoned and tie completely undone, Susan grunted in acknowledgement "I don't get all these cross outs." She complained "Is it normal? Think they're covering up?"
"You did not spend all night with that report?" Amelia asked, sharply.
Susan shook her head "Course not, Auntie. Think some of that sunburn still got me. Anyway, time for the train?" She returned the Prisoner Report with a sheet of her own concerns.
"In a bit. I'll take a look at this later." Amelia promised "Now, if I was a mean Aunt, I'd just let you go out as you are. I seriously suggest checking yourself in the mirror." The girl frowned at her and stomped back up the stairs. Amelia giggled in a way that few people saw as a scream filtered its way around the house.
x x x x x x x x x x x
Aboard the Hogwarts Express some four hours later, Susan was peaking in the various cars looking for Ron and Hermione. Interrupting her search was a confrontation between Cho Chang, two of her friends and Ginny Weasley.
"Still a slag for Potter?" the Asian girl asked.
In classic form, Ginny's temper went from zero to high in nothing flat. She felt sympathy for the girl who lost her boyfriend. But no one talked to her like that, she didn't really mean it but out it came "Quit acting like a widow! Not like you were married!"
The two Ravenclaws grabbed Ginny's arms and held her. Cho slapped the younger Gryffindor, hard "Bitch!"
"Lemme go!" shouted Ginny "Make it a fair fight Chang! Heard Cedric was gonna dump you anyway!"
That was a low blow in Susan's view (Untrue as far as she knew), but three on one wasn't fair either. She heard rather than saw another crack that signaled a slap. That was when she intervened "Enough! Let her go!"
"Ced was a Hufflepuff." One of Ginny's captors pointed out "Where's your loyalty?"
Susan shot back "Same place as my sense of fair play. Takes two Sixths and a Seventh to handle a Fourth!"
"That's a detention as soon as we get to school, Bones." Cho ruled.
Before the other girls even thought to, Susan pulled her wand and cast "Frigio!" at the floor.
The Ravenclaw trio immediately lost their footing on the frozen floor. Cho was a little more reactive and regained hers enough to punch Ginny right in the mouth. Ginny grabbed the Asian girl's shirt, spun her around, and spit blood in her face. Cho shrieked in disgust and fled.
Susan caught Ginny as the younger redhead slipped on the ice. Concerned that she was crying Susan asked "You alright?"
"Heehee." Ginny started giggling then broke out in a full-blown belly laugh. She slid to the floor under rubbery legs and just laughed herself out.
Susan stared down at her for maybe a minute. Then shrugged and joined in. After recovering, she asked again "Are you alright?"
"Oh please." Ginny scoffed it off "Remember I grew up with six brothers. This doesn't even rate an episky. What it does rate is payback. And not just a little stain either."
Susan smirked at her and offered "Dunno, you shoulda seen her face. That pile of fluff doesn't know a thing."
"Thank you, Susan." Said Ginny in a serious tone.
Susan replied "You're welcome. Besides what are Aunts for?"
"Still holding that over Bill, are you?" Ginny joked.
After an amused nod, Susan said "That doesn't mean I won't ask for a favor. I was looking for Ron. I'd like information about Harry Potter."
"Anything but that, Bones." Ginny's demeanor changed in an instant "Harry's been hurt entirely too much. I'm sorry about Cedric. But I KNOW him. I don't care what people say, what happened in court, pensieve memories-"
Susan held up her hands, placatingly and said "No …no… no! I've spent most of summer thinking and working on this. My gut tells me he didn't kill Ced. But I can't prove it."
"Hmmm…" Ginny thought, mistrust evident in her expression "I don't know… What do you want? What EXACTLY do you want?"
Susan sighed before answering "Simple…everything. I want to know everything you, your brother and his girlfriend know about him. I don't mean those kiddie books that gave every girl in Britain prince Potter fantasies. I doubt he lived on some island in the Med or Hawaii. He certainly doesn't act all snobby like Draco. But I don't want to guess. And there must be something in one of your heads that'll help."
"I'll check with Ron." Offered Ginny, then soured "But, Granger? Forget it. Can't even understand how they can date. She's convinced Harry's guilty."
Susan wasn't surprised. She was at the trial "I worked with her on a couple of projects. Potions, History, Defense… it doesn't really surprise me. She believes the written word and anyone in charge. I'll approach her another way."
"Good luck with that." Ginny grumbled "Though now that I think about it… Don't take this wrong, but I'm loyal to Harry. I'll always love him. Even if I don't marry him. Even if he marries you…. Heheh don't take that wrong either. I want your word that you're only working for Harry's interest. That you won't do anything to make it worse."
Susan was about to agree, thought for a moment then said "No. I can't promise that. My Aunt Amelia pointed out that I could be wrong. If you tell me something that somehow proves it all the more, I'll promise not to tell anyone. But, if I find something outside that, I will."
"I can live with that, I guess."Ginny agreed, and offered a hand to seal the bargain, but she withdrew it and added "Wait! One more thing."
This time, the older girl frowned and asked "What?"
"Me agreeing doesn't bind anyone else. And I can't be bound by anyone else's decision." Added Ginny "Agreed?"
Susan nodded, extended her hand and said "So mote it be."
"So mote it be." Replied Ginny, sealing the bargain. And she honored her part fully. Ginny talked for most of the rest of the trip. She talked through the embarrassment of the summer before her First Year. Harry might not have done anything to ease it, but he hadn't teased her either. She explained about Tom Riddle's diary and the Chamber of Secrets. Including her opinion that Harry had told her to leave only to save her from watching him die. Ginny admitted to having a problem interacting with Harry that summer and most of her Second Year. This past year had been the best, for her, at least until the outcome of the Third Task.
A voice echoed through the Train declaring "Hogsmeade in ten minutes!"
x x x x x x x x x x x
"Miss Bones, do you know why you are here?" a coldly formal Deputy Headmistress queried.
At least I had dinner before they brought in the executioners, she thought. Susan was facing three Heads of House "If I were to guess…" she began nervously "That is…what I mean to say… it must have something to do with what …err…the Train I suppose." It was one thing to face down three fellow students, but quite another to face this.
"I have quite a damning report against you from my Seventh Year Prefect, Miss Chang." Professor Flitwick stated "Taken at face value, it could lead you to considerable trouble."
Professor Sprout was not really any more sympathetic. Cedric Diggory had always been one of her favorites. She'd cried nearly as much at his funeral as Mrs. Diggory. "And we do wonder at your sudden interest in the Potter case." The normally jolly witch demanded.
"With all due respect, Professor, what does my interest in law have to do with what happened on the Train?" Susan asked in a carefully neutral tone. "My Aunt thinks I'd make a good Wizenga-"
Professor Flitwick cut her off "Harrr—umpf… As you say, Miss Bones, we are discussing one thing. Career counseling is for another day. We have one question, is it true or false? Did you assault Miss Chang from behind?"
"No, I never cast a single spell at her." Answered Susan. She had an understanding of interrogations. And wouldn't give them anything to twist.
The Charms Professor said "That does not disagree with Miss Chang's report. Or Miss Zellerbee's, or that of Miss Midwich." Then she waited, glaring at Susan. When there was just silence, he demanded "Well, Miss Bones!"
"Sorry, Professor," she replied "but were you asking a question?"
McGonagall glared at her colleague, but addressed the student "Miss Bones, we are trying to determine facts. Please rest assured this is not a criminal investigation of any kind. Nor are we trying to interrogate you."
"Sorry Professor, but it does not feel that way." She replied "Nor do I feel that I have anyone willing to support my side. Is that not a job of a Head of House, Professor Sprout?"
The Head of Hufflepuff had the decency to flinch, but kept quiet.
"Be that as it may, Miss Bones, it would be unfortunate for us to act on the assumptions from Miss Chang's report without giving you the opportunity to refute or mitigate it." said McGonagall.
"May I read the report?" Susan asked, then after reading it, and noting an omission added "Have you also discussed this with Ginny Weasley?"
Sprout asked "What involvement would she have?"
Well it's an improvement, Susan thought cynically. Out loud, she said "It was Ginny who Zellerbee, Chang and Midwich were attacking on the Train."
"Then you did curse Miss Chang?" Flitwick queried.
Susan shook her head "No, Professor. I did not. I used a freezing spell on the floor. This caused Zellerbee and Midwich to fall. They were holding Ginny, to let Chang hit her."
"And how do you explain the blood on Miss Chang?" Flitwick asked, less sure of himself.
At first, she wasn't sure, but then Susan remembered "Chang bloodied Ginny's lip. And she spit in her face. Pretty deserved too."
"Miss Bones, please confine yourself to facts." Professor McGonagall more than requested.
Somewhat chastised, Susan replied "Yes, ma'am. Err… one more fact. One lone Hufflepuff got the drop on three older Ravenclaws."
"That will be ten points for your cheek." Flitwick declared.
Sprout countered "And twenty points will be awarded for a job well done." And the two Heads glared at each other.
"Enough of that!" scolded McGonagall, highly displeased that professors were arguing in front of a student "The both of you! Miss Bones, you may go. However, be aware this matter is not closed."
Susan hadn't liked what she saw from either Head. She acknowledged the dismissal "Yes, Professor McGonagall."
The little Charms Professor declared "Arrogant girl!"
"But, she had a point." Sprout defended "And Miss Bones is one of my Fifth Years."
Flitwick wasn't above pettiness "Yes, we noted how eager you were to claim her at the beginning of our little chat."
"Pomona! Filius!" snapped McGonagall "Keep it up and I will give you both detention! I would assume you both agree the next logical step would be to speak with Miss Weasley. Can I trust you to behave yourselves while I summon her?"
Susan ended up being awarded an additional fifty points by the Deputy Headmistress. And while the scoreboard could never display negative numbers, it was October 23rd before Ravenclaw got on the board. Three girls from there constantly glared at her during meals. That day, at lunch, when Ravenclaw registered six points, Susan winked at Cho and gave her a sarcastic three claps.
x x x x x x x x x x x
The Ministry made no acknowledgement of Harry's claim that Voldemort was back. Only a handful of people ever heard his claim, and it was easy for Minister Fudge to suppress it. Halloween was celebrated as usual. The major change was the lack of reference to The Boy Who Lived. Lily and James Potter weren't heroes anymore. The Daily Prophet was making an effort to replace them with Frank and Alice Longbottom.
x x x x x x x x x x x
Ron had given Susan information about Harry as easily as Ginny. She realized that he was a weak witness, though. One he was too emotional. But, mostly, the trial showed her holes in his credibility. He hadn't believed that his friend did not put his name into The Goblet at the beginning of the TriWizard Tournament. And been very vocal about it. What that led to was a very useful thought, Harry Potter did not like publicity. Yet what had he yelled just after returning to the stadium? Eternal Glory… did not fit at all.
It was easy for Susan to arrange a History of Magic project with Hermione Granger. When turning in her homework, she noticed that Professor Binns was assigning pairs for a paper due by Christmas. She was partnered with Greg Goyle, while Ron also naturally was with Hermione. Flicking out her wand, she transfigured the ink reversing the assignments. It was with a light sense of mischief that she whispered "Sorry, Ron."
x x x x x x x x x x x
"Well, is this not convenient?" a suspicious Hermione commented as she parked herself across from the Hufflepuff girl.
The ever-present, never happy, librarian hushed her.
Susan replied with an innocent bounce of her shoulders "I find trials to be historically fascinating. Don't you?"
"Not especially." Hermione countered in a harsh whisper "Particularly ones where I have personal involvement. You just don't take No for an answer, do you?"
Susan reached into her bookbag and withdrew three folders "Then transcripts of Death Eater trials wouldn't interest you?" she offered "Lucius Malfoy's is most interesting. More by what it doesn't say. Bellatrix Lestrange's trial was almost as well attended as a certain recent one I won't name. Then, there's her brother Sirius Black. His is nearly as thin as Mr. Malfoy's. But he was carted off."
"OH!" gasped Hermione. She didn't think the other girl had any way of knowing she'd met the infamous Sirius Black, or that he was really innocent of betraying her former friend's parents. Or killing a dozen Muggles. But the opportunity to see things like this was too tempting to pass up. Finally, she nodded "Alright, we'll do this report. But, I'm warning you, not a word about Him."
Deliberately baiting her, Susan said "I'm sure He-Who-must-Not-Be-Named is bound to be a part of-"
"NO!" yelled Hermione, drawing another death-glare "I don't want to discuss Harry Potter! That's it!"
The librarian had quite enough "Out! Miss Granger!" she ordered "And you are banned tomorrow as well!"
"When did Harry Potter reach the level of The Dark Lord?" Susan wondered quietly. Her face didn't change when Hermione flinched.
x x x x x x x x x x x
At lunch that day, Hannah Abbott leaned over her friend's shoulder and whispered "Just what did you do to our resident read-it-all?"
"Read-it-all?" asked a confused Susan.
The blond girl shrugged and explained "Kinder than Snape's nickname. And don't change the subject. Also, why are you hanging out with her instead of exploring the attentions of one Eddie Carmichael?"
"Just gave her a little project." Susan replied, enigmatically "And since it's in the form of homework…she can't possibly refuse."
At that moment, owls arrived. A weighty package for Susan carried by two official Ministry owls set Hannah off. "Bloody! Hell!" she exclaimed, then immediately dropped to a whisper "I don't believe you! Merlin! Sue! It's one thing for you to involve them! (she flicked her head in the direction of Ron) They think he didn't do it! She helped convict him!"
"Miss Abbott" Professor Sprout cut in "That will be a detention. With me. Now. An hour of lines might clear up a few things."
Hannah sighed "Yes Professor." Rolled her eyes and followed their Head of House.
Susan's package was, as her friend knew, yet another bunch of pensieve memories. As usual a letter was included.
Dear Susan,
As usual, a batch of 70 for the week. Please remember our agreement, no more than 10 a day. I am pleased to see you maintaining your grades. Professor Moody, an old friend, indicated a marked improvement in your classwork. We both know practical Defense has never been your strong suit. Well, we'll chat about that and your observations of the memories. I've arranged my schedule to visit Hogwarts next Sunday. I will leave it to you to inform the Headmaster as it is a strictly personal visit.
Love
Aunt Ami
Susan was pleased at seeing her Aunt again. She held out treats for the two owls and requested "Will one of you please stay while I send a reply?"
The owls hooted at each other, then one flew away.
Dear Auntie,
Looking forward to seeing you. Yes, of course, I remember our agreement. And the bloody headaches when I didn't follow it. About that, I have noticed that viewing them is getting easier to handle. Maybe I'm building up a toleration. Two other things I'd like. Wouldn't there be another of those Prisoner Reports by now? And, second, we've been pretty alphabetical about memories. Could you bring Hermione Granger's, Fleur Delacour's, Headmaster Karkaroff's and Headmistress Maxine's? And I'm curious, why is there none from Professor Moody?
See you soon
Love
Susan