(a/n): Thanx for the reviews, folks. First thing that caught my eye was Susan remarking that Harry was mean at the Ball. Certainly not intentionally. But, the Patils did not have a good time with their dates. And given his Dursley upbringing, he can't be considered a typical 14 year old. That, Susan wouldn't know about. All she'd have would be whatever she saw at the Ball, and the 3rd hand stories that would be floating around.
Hermione? Still wide open. She could stick by her testimony. Apologize... Harry does/doesn't forgive.
Jr. would have a problem, his memories might not be recognized as Moody's. He will still be DADA teacher for 5th Year.
Humane treatment for prisoners? Not in this story. Nor does canon show any sign of offering any.
Luna... following the canon timeline, hasn't appeared in Harry's life yet. And won't until after his prison stay. But, I'm fond of the Loony POV so she'll be here. But another canon character pops in.
Kitsune said: "At this point in the timeline, Harry hasn't done much of anything to earn the Ministry's ire" (referring to canon) AS I see it, This is exactly the kind of show trial that Fudge wanted in canon as a result of the Patronus incident with Dudley. Harry convicted and carted off, plus there's a much more severe crime. For now, some of the motivations aren't visible. But the ones I believe were present in canon are here.
The Ministry giving Remus an important job? Not really, just a high profille token thing. Good PR. Nothing more. How did he get to the front? We were watching the trial from Susan's eyes, she wasn't paying attention to him. He's just a former professor.
I want to greet, by name BJH, sparky40sw , Cateagle , Wolfric , Wonderbee31 , Miz636 , Mionefan , slashslut , who were regular reviewers of Not the Only Redhead
To little-bast I offer the Emmy for the longest, most impassioned review here to date. Earfuls for everyone.
WARNING: Reader discretion advised
5 – Unexpected Revelations
Interlude with Harry
Five months in Azkaban had cost the convicted Boy-Who-Lived severely. He gained five inches in hair length, which had gone from cutely uncontrollable, as many young witches described, to a scraggily mess. He'd lost at least that much in waist size; and for an already thin person five inches could only be described as unhealthy. He would have a substantial beard, if he were old enough. To ancient Dursley-caused injuries, he added a broken ankle, a sprained wrist and three bruised ribs.
All told, he spent an additional three weeks in the prison's hospital ward healing various injuries. In fact the sprained wrist was caused there. But, trips to the hospital were the best thing about Harry's new life. They gave his mind a chance to recover from the damage caused by frequent Dementor visits.
"Harry, I'm opening the door." A female voice announced "I've brought some good healthy food for you. Harry?" When there was no response, she entered, approached the unmoving form on the narrow shelf. And was immediately assaulted.
A prisoner quickly comes to know every square inch of their little corner of hell. "YAHHH!" he screamed in fury. He threw himself off his bed and into her, swinging wildly. This was his first encounter with Nymphadora Tonks.
"That'll be enough of that!" the young Auror commanded after a brief struggle. The only real casualty of the whole incident was the tray of food and her hat.
Harry stood braced against a stone corner and snarled at her accusingly "Bitch! Another of Diggory's goons!"
"Your Godfather sent me." She countered "You know? Sirius Black."
Harry charged again, screaming "LIAR!"
"If I was here to hurt you!" grunted Tonks as she tightened a hammer-lock on him "You'd be a lot worse off!"
Harry twisted futilely and growled "Prove it bitch!"
"He told me to say I solemnly swear I am up to no good." She answered, harshly "And call me bitch again and I'll slam you all over this cell!"
He was thrown onto his threadbare bed and lay there "How is he?" he asked, with a hint of a smile.
"No apology for mussing my hair?" she asked, coldly.
Harry shrugged "If you're really from Sirius, you'll understand. If you're one of Diggory's goons it doesn't matter."
"Diggory?" she queried, then changed her mind "We'll get back to that later. I arranged to get transferred here to help you. But it depends on you answering one question. I promise you I'll know the truth-"
Harry snorted "Spare me the threats. Been beat up too many times to be scared."
"Right." Acknowledged Tonks "Yes or no… Did you kill Cedric Diggory?"
All the tension flowed out of his scrawny body as he answered "No."
"I'll bring another tray." Tonks promised, completely satisfied.
He was believed. For the first time in months Harry broke down and cried.
Tonks briefly considered comforting him, but his attack was a little too fresh in her mind. She left. When she returned later he was fitfully asleep. She wondered, idly, what had happened to the remnants of the first ruined tray.
x x x x x
Hufflepuff was currently in last place in the Quidditch Cup race. By mid November, each House had played two games and they were 0-2. Today was a rematch against Gryffindor. Their first game was relatively close. Well within the Snitch value. Susan was naturally cheering her team. Eddie Carmichael was a pleasant enough boy, except when it came to a Quidditch win. She dumped him, quite publicly, after explaining the difference between a little teasing and just plain arrogance.
The Gryffindor team this year was Weasley dominated. It was only the third time in Hogwarts history that four members of the same family played with a House Team. Ron stepped up to fill the Keeper position. And Ginny replaced Harry as Seeker. The team was rather unpopular for exactly that reason.
"WEEEEEYYUUUUU!" Susan had her fingers in her mouth and emitted a piercing whistle as Hufflepuff took the lead. A couple of her nearest fellows pinched their ears. What it was going to come down to was a duel between two rookie Seekers. An hour later Hufflepuff was ahead 150 – 90. Since she knew where the game would be decided, Susan focused on Cadwallader their new Seeker. She followed him closely, so she saw the little gold ball almost as quickly as he did. The Snitch appeared much closer to him than to Ginny. As endings go, the outcome was a bit anti-climatic. Ginny was just out of place. The final score was 320 – 130.
Justin Finch-Fletchley taunted the trio of Gryffindor Chasers "Comes from having all those Potter-lovers on your team."
"What's the matter, Finchy?" sneered Fred Weasley
George carried through "Mummy didn't know which father to name you after?"
Even for the twin trouble-makers, that was over the top. Jaws dropped on both sides.
Justin was too angry to be worried about consequences. His wand came out and he fired "Reducto!" into the crowd of Gryffindors.
The area behind the Quidditch Pitch abruptly became a battlefield. It was an angry recreation of the playful fight that had occurred while awaiting the outcome of the Third Task just months before.
"WANDS DOWWNNNNN!" roared over the noise. Compliance was automatic. It was the Headmaster. His hair waved in a wind that seemed to have no source "Everyone will return to their Common Rooms. We will just say we were celebrating an excellent game."
From a group of Slytherins, Draco Malfoy complained "But it was all the Gryffindors' fault!" Dumbledore's head turned perhaps an inch in the direction of the blond boy, still radiating power. Showing remarkable brains, Crabbe and Goyle each slid away from their leader.
x x x x x
"I did not come here in any official capacity, this day." Amelia Bones announced to the assembled Hufflepuffs "My only desire was to enjoy a visit with my niece. Let me just say that had anyone been seriously hurt, all of you would be facing the possibility of charges."
A Fourth Year protested "You heard what they said about Justin!"
"Irrelevant!" countered Amelia. "And the first barb came from Mr. Finch-Fletchley! No, I repeat NO verbal provocation justifies violence!"
Professor Sprout interjected herself "I will not have guests argued with in my Common Room!"
"Why not?" the instigator of the whole mess demanded "No one talks about my Mum like that! And you're on Potter's side anyway!"
Amelia's glare was ugly "My job is to enforce laws and investigate crime."
Justin wilted.
A Seventh Year girl stepped into the breach, asking "If Potter was found guilty, then why is your niece still 'investigating'? We all know she is."
"When, Miss…" began Amelia
"Sacks"
She continued "… Sacks did questioning, or researching a notable event become a crime? If it did, I am sorely behind in my duties."
"We all know Potter did it!" the Senior student declared.
Amelia inclined her head in agreement "Yes, he was found guilty. And it is my Department's responsibility to imprison him. Perhaps I could create some sympathy by showing you some of the Prisoner reports I have with me. Azkaban, to put it mildly, deserves its reputation. But, I doubt your parents would approve. So a simple question – Do any of you believe in the possibility that Harry Potter might not have killed Cedric Diggory?"
Susan, who'd kept quiet until then, raised her hand and said "I do."
"No shit!" the current spokeswoman sneered.
"That is a detention Miss Sacks." Professor Sprout declared.
A few of the First Years had raised their hands. Numbers emboldened a few others. Certainly no majority, not even a significant minority. Harsh looks were exchanged. Hannah was among those whose hands stayed down.
Having, rather unintentionally silenced Miss Sacks, the Head of House had to break the silence "And what, Madam Bones, is your point?"
"Simply to show there is some difference of opinion." Amelia replied "And that there is nothing wrong with that. Let me ask … no, disregard that… As the Director of Magical Law Enforcement, let me tell you, none of your Housemates have broken the law by holding, or expressing an opinion."
Feeling the need to reassert herself, Sprout said "Thank you for your assistance with today's excitement, Madam Bones. I'm sure you would like to continue your visit. Susan, feel free to show your Aunt around the grounds."
Amelia blinked, then answered coolly "Of course, Professor. Wonderful to see the old Common Room again. Susan."
"Yes, ma'am…err ma'am" answered Susan, eyes flitting from one witch to the other. She gathered up her outside robes, just so she could NOT look at either. Gave Hannah a worried look and followed her Aunt, muttering "Harry Potter you bloody better be bloody innocent. And you bloody better be bloody grateful when I bloody prove it."
In the castle courtyard, Amelia directed her niece to an isolated corner and cast a Repelling Charm. "I brought two reports with me. I read them on the way here." She said.
Susan glanced at the package her Aunt held.
"This time, no." she said with great authority. "It is not something I would wish a child to read."
Susan glared at her and retorted "I am not a child any more."
"You are MY child!" Amelia snapped.
Susan flinched at the sudden rebuke "I can't read about what someone my age is going through?" she fired back.
"No, Suzie" replied Amelia, much more softly "I would rather you did not. I will tell you he was hospitalized four times for a total of eleven days in the last two months. Once for pneumonia, three times for injuries reportedly accidental."
Susan snorted in disgust and cursed "My arse."
"I am quite capable of reading between the lines, young lady." Amelia scolded her "And I have also been reading what you have been telling me in your letters. There is still nothing to prove his innocence, but I think I am beginning to see what you mean. When you add the abuse."
Susan was still annoyed with her over the Prisoner Reports, but pleased by the shift she said "Thanks. How about the memories I asked for?"
"I did." Answered Madam Bones "Why those particular individuals?"
Susan replied "The last batch. I noticed that they were looking exactly at the spot where Ced and Harry appeared. Everything happened so fast. A lot of the memories barely show them before the Killing Curse. Some are even later. Watching Amos kick Harry is totally useless."
"Good point. Well done, in fact." Amelia praised. She brought out her wand and said "We'll look at them together, but first, I think a test is in order. Legilimens!"
Susan flinched a bit then relaxed her mind. She felt her aunt probe the surface, pushing here and there. After a minute or so, the presence withdrew and she opened her eyes "Well?"
"I believe you are right, Dear." Amelia said "Back in September and October there was considerable erosion in your natural shielding. Now, nothing at all. In fact, I'd say you're a low-moderate Occlumens now. We might have accidentally stumbled on a new way to teach the art."
Susan flushed slightly at the compliment and said "Thanks Auntie. If you've got the memories, can we see them now?"
"You think I have a pensieve handy?" asked Amelia. At the twisted expression, she shrugged and pulled exactly that from her bag, then set it on the stone bench between them. She pulled several phials and opened one.
Susan requested "Granger's first."
"In we go then." Amelia announced.
x x x x x
The Bones pair were standing exactly where Hermione was that tragic day. Susan felt a wave of attraction at a male scent. Then cringed that it was Ron. They were just too closely related.
"THERE!" came a loud voice. And cheery music came from the band.
Out of the corner of what was Hermione's awareness, the pair glimpsed the Gryffindor's hand push Ron's face.
There was the flash of an incoming portkey. It was, by far, the clearest image Susan had yet seen. And it was an excellent view of the returning pair. The sequence ran through rapidly. Harry screaming the Unforgivable and the green light fading. Amos Diggory charged and was kicking Harry.
"Stop!" ordered Amelia "Reverse!"
The memory obeyed and everything ran backwards. From Harry "arvadeK adavA! YROLG LANRETE!"
"Stop!" Amelia said again "Forward! Half speed!"
Susan left Hermione's position and walked through the memory until she was in front of Harry "Beginning!" she commanded "And… play! Half speed!" Again, it ran. This time something attracted Susan's attention.
"What is it?" Amelia wanted to know.
Susan jumped… backed away… ended up stumbling into her, and squealed "Auntie!"
Uninstructed, the memory ran its course and stopped at the end.
"Again!" she ordered, looked at Amelia and said "Come here."
The memory continued around them. Viktor Krum was being helped by two Durmstrang students. One of them walked through Susan.
"Pause!" said Susan. To Amelia added, "Don't look at anything but Ced." She pushed her into the spot she had just been in and ordered "Resume! Half speed!"
Amelia glanced at her in confusion. Her niece's expression startled her. Memory Harry and Cedric appeared again after the portkey flash. Harry yelled the Killing Curse and there was the green flash. Amelia was shocked by what she'd seen. She hissed "Noooo!"
"You saw it. Didn't you?" asked Susan.
Amelia ignored her and ordered "Rewind!" … "Stop!" … "Forward!" The Head of the MLE watched that thirty seconds of Hermione's memory until she lost count.
"Harry didn't kill Ced." Said Susan, quietly. They were now out of the pensieve, sitting on the stone bench. She had a considerable headache. In one go, she had been in there for longer than she had spent watching her daily dose of memories.
Amelia nodded "Apparently not. You, missy, need a potion. Let's get to the Hospital Wing."
"But Harry!" exclaimed Susan "He—"
Amelia cut her off "Is in a bad situation. I know. But, if we act too fast it could backfire. I need time to think. Someone planned this. That someone can twist even this. Harry Potter is a survivor. He'll just have to hold on a little longer."
"Don't sound like justice to me." Susan grumbled.
x x x x x
After the appearance of Tonks, Harry's situation improved. Though the young Auror could do nothing to prevent the abuse, she had made sure Harry was no longer starved. He was still underweight, but at least she couldn't count ribs by sight. She wasn't looking forward to giving him today's news, but it was unavoidable. She opened the cell to find him bleeding from his nose and sporting a swollen, blackened eye. "Oh, Harry" she said sympathetically.
"Thanks Tonks" he groaned, as she stopped the bleeding and partially healed his eye.
She frowned, and said "I just wish I could do more."
"I know you're doing all you can." He said gratefully. Then, quite abruptly, his attitude changed. He angrily threw a copy of The Daily Prophet across the cell. "Arthur Weasley thinks he should be paid for 'opening his home' to me!"
Tonks blinked in shock. "There must be some mistake!" she exclaimed, appalled "No one at HQ said anything about this."
"Then explain that!" snarled Harry. "Better make sure Snuffles knows who's messing up his doghouse."
Weasley Joins Diggory
By Rita Skeeter
In a rather stunning move, The Boy Who Murdered has lost one of his staunchest supporters. Much of the Weasley clan have been very vocal in their support of Harry Potter. During trial, both Ronald and Virginia Weasley spoke forcefully in support. That, despite the overwhelming evidence and inevitable guilty verdict.
Receiving the filing, Senior Undersecretary Delores Umbridge had this to say "The Ancient and Noble House of Weasley has always stood firmly for justice. I can assure you The Ministry will be giving this claim our full attention."
"Thank you, Madam Umbridge. My family is, naturally, concerned about our reputation. But, any generosity from The Wizengamot would help us tremendously." Was Mr. Weasley's humble reply.
The Weasleys were among the wealthiest of families. But fell on hard times some two hundred years ago. This reporter hopes that the Family's change in direction translates to a change in fortune.
Amos Diggory, father of Potter's victim, the heroic Cedric was awarded trustee status over the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. This was a temporary measure issued shortly after the murder trial until the Wizengamot could come to a consensus. With the addition of House Weasley's voice, the outcome seems certain. Whether House Diggory is promoted to Ancient and Noble status is…
"Oh Harry." Tonks groaned "Look don't do anything …what am I saying? Stupid… How about, don't jump to any conclusions. I promise I'll find out the truth of this."
Harry shrugged listlessly "Doesn't matter. Gonna die in here anyway."
"Don't talk like that!" she scolded him "Next time I'm… OH! Damn! …Harry that's the other thing I have to tell you. All the top Aurors got Christmas off. I'm at the bottom of the list, so I have to use up my vacation time this week. I'll be back on the 22nd."
Harry got a far away look and sighed "Christmas. I remember my first one at Hogwarts. First happy one ever. Got Dad's Invisibility Cloak. Think it smelled like him at first."
"That sounds nice." She said, kindly and let him ramble on. When he stopped talking she just sat next to him for a while. Duty required her to depart. She gave his shoulder a squeeze and departed. "Not a bad place to be, I suppose."
Firmly in his happy memory, Harry was unaware of her departure. And later, when he woke actually in a pleasant mood he muttered "Tonks is a good friend." And, unfortunately for Harry, one of Amos' helpers was in the corridor just outside his cell.
x x x x x
"Junior Auror Nymphadora Tonks reporting as ordered, Ma'am." She said, stiffly. She was edgy for a lot of reasons. Using her full name irritated her, but it was regulation. She was standing in the office of the Director of the MLE. And she had no idea what she could have done wrong. It was her first day back since vacation. Her other, highly unofficial, concern was the condition of Harry Potter. She had done her best to help stock the poor boy's cell with provisions for her week off, but they would be running low by now.
Madam Bones looked up, nodded perfunctorily, and opened a folder "You have been serving under Pius Thicknesse, correct?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Answered Tonks "My watch commander." She glanced at the other occupant of the room. It was irregular for children to be at Auror Headquarters. But, who was she to question the Boss?
Amelia noted the change in expression and introduced her "My niece, Susan. She is a Fifth Year."
"Ma'am." Tonks acknowledged, somewhat embarrassed at being caught out. She looked squarely at her superior. "Ma'am, may I inquire? I was due to start my shift at Azkaban."
Amelia's mouth twitched in some amusement "Eager to go to prison, my dear?" she asked.
"Auntie, that's mean." Susan scolded her.
Only Tonks' metamorphagus abilities managed to keep her face blush-free.
"Quite right, dear." Amelia acknowledged "Let's proceed. You've received glowing reports in your brief time there. In fact, Commander Thicknesse has recommended you for early promotion. You may now drop Junior from your rank." She held out a decorated parchment.
Tonks' face changed expression a dozen times. Shock, delight, confusion each had their moment. About two minutes passed before she accepted the proffered parchment. "Err… uhhh … thank you, Ma'am."
"My pleasure, Nymphadora." Said Amelia with a widening grin "And thank you for helping me to show my niece some of the more delightful duties of administration. Patrolling a desk can get boring."
"Don't often see a speechless Auror." Susan giggled. A glance from her Aunt turned her expression stern and she formally added "Congratulations Auror Tonks."
The delighted young woman gleefully grabbed her boss's hand and violently shook it. She bashfully withdrew and crossed her hands behind her back "Sorry, Ma'am. Thank you, Ma'am."
"Well, I won't tell anyone if you don't." Amelia quipped "What do you think of Azkaban?"
Tonks blinked in surprise. Gauged the situation as best she could and answered "At best, a necessary evil."
"An honest answer." Amelia approved "Auror Thicknesse said as much in his reports. As you might imagine, I have some pull in assignments. So, I thought you might like a new posting to go along with your new rank. Effective immediately, you will be on the Hogsmeade Patrol. Third shift, unfortunately, but well these things take time."
Tonks was torn. She was thrilled with the promotion, which was usually a year or more away at this point in her career. Getting off an Azkaban tour was something most Aurors started looking for as soon as they started one. And, she would have been the first to join the list… except for Harry. "Director, I still have five months on my tour there."
"Sounds like a Christmas present to me." Susan commented.
Tonks had little choice but to agree "Yes, thank you again, Director. But I was just thinking of H… the others who were there longer than me. There'll be some jealousy."
"I did my tour there, as well, Nymphadora." Said Madam Bones "I dare say your colleagues will survive it. And you will survive theirs."
It was the third time her first name had been used in the conversation. It irked her, no end. But you don't correct someone as high up as Amelia. Especially considering she was using it correctly. She cheered herself with the thought of Fudge shouting Weatherby all through the Ministry. "Yes, Director. And, again, I want to thank you."
"My pleasure. You should catch a few hours of sleep." The Director replied "Dismissed."
Before she could leave, Susan spoke up "Auror can I ask you about something? Have you …that is… did you see Harry Potter while you were there?"
Tonks glanced at her superior.
To which Amelia replied "My niece has something of an interest in the case. Answer freely. But, remember, she's not an adult."
"Understood, Ma'am." Acknowledged Tonks. Then she addressed the girl "Yes, Susan, I saw him a few times. I would say that Azkaban has been hard on him. Probably harder than most, since he must be the youngest prisoner there ever. Fully trained witches and wizards have gone mad there."
Susan looked at her and sighed "I know that. Cedric Diggory was like my brother. But, I also know Harry didn't kill him. I just want to know he'll be alright until I can help."
"He's had his ups and downs since I was posted there." Tonks replied "But last time I saw him, he'd actually put on a bit of weight. And it had been some weeks since the last time he was injured. Does that help?" Tonks' mind was mainly focused on how she could begin to arrange some type of visits to Azkaban. That, without affecting her new posting, or annoying the Director that had gone through some considerable mountains of paperwork to get her a major promotion.