(a/n): Learned something about wordcounts. Started with noticing that a string of the same letter as scene separator resulted in FF leaving 1 letter when you saved. A while ago that occured with multiple character strings, too (ababab). And I just don't like the bar, only use it for separating my note from the chapter. What seems to work is using (x x x). My most recent discovery is that FF counts each as a word. Great if you want to drive up your word count, but bit of a cheat in my opinion. Not knowing this, I used to use 20, now I'm limiting that to 5, it should be enough to know that the scene has changed.

There's one thing I don't like about the 'Harry abandons England' concept, though some of the stories are quite good. He's leaving his parents' murders unavenged. If you knew exactly who murdered a loved one, could you? Not necessarily going after the person yourself.

Welcome baack to Pixel, I recommend his work to all-Harry Potter True Friends- is my fav of his. But, no, no murder trial for Hedwig. Not after the way Lucius treats Dobby, without a blip from the Leader of the Light. About Albus, I wrote Harry's situation to closely resemble what I've learned, or inferred, of Sirius' The Headmaster wasn't willing to do for Sirius, or Harry, what he did for Snape (in a word, trust them) But he did obey the law.

I "...raised the bar for all Harry azkaban fics..." thx locolycan777 Wow!

If there's any doubt as to Harry/Amos, the opening scene should do it. Ced's birthday, couldn't find a reference. If there's a canon one pleeeeeeeassssseeeee don't report me to the canoncops. As this chapter opens, Harry's been imprisoned 7 months.

6 - Freedom

Living at the Dursleys' had been excellent practice for surviving Azkaban. Random lockups in the Cupboard Under the Stairs had taught Harry to squirrel away all kinds of foods. He'd once gotten through being locked up for a full week. Unfortunately, the last time he had seen Tonks was December 16th. Today was January 31th. Harry had no real way to know that, but what he knew was that the food she had smuggled in had run out. And, once he'd gone through about half of it, he'd cut his rations in half. It was keeping him alive, but his weight was dangerously low. He was starting to develop the bulge in his stomach that was a sign of the body consuming itself. If he tugged on his hair, it would come out effortlessly, even for him. His cell stunk, but he was long used to it. His other way of marking time had been that his only friend would visit him about twice as often as Amos Diggory's hirelings, she was no more.

"Hello, Harry." A voice said in mild, friendly, tones.

The last half hour had been brutal. Fists and feet, but mostly spells, had assaulted Harry. He had a broken arm. His leg was twisted the wrong way, his knee entirely shattered. He had three or four broken ribs. One eye was swollen shut. The torture had stopped to allow him to recover. Panting, he asked "Who're you?"

"Someone who cares a great deal about your future, Harry." replied Amos Diggory "I've spent a great deal of money to ensure you enjoy your time here. Over 70,000 Galleons. It's very much against the rules for prisoners to have visitors inside cells, but money does wonders. Today alone cost 5,000 Galleons, but today is a very special day. Tomorrow is Cedric's 19th birthday. And since I can't share it with him I thought I would share it with you." He slapped the prisoner's wounded leg in what would normally be a friendly gesture.

Agony shot through Harry. He grimaced and repressed a scream. It came out as an intense growl. "I didn't kill him you bastard!" he exclaimed.

"Pius, I do believe he threatened me." Amos said lightly "I'm frightened. Please protect me."

Azkaban's watch commander sneered and said "With pleasure, sir. Prisoners do not threaten visitors." He landed several heavy blows on the emaciated body.

"He still denies his crime, I noticed." Amos commented as he enjoyed the suffering "I had thought your education helped him with that."

Thicknesse shrugged casually and replied "Sorry, sir. The prisoner just has not been cooperative in that regard. But, I'm sure today will be helpful. We do have a special guest teacher today."

"Ah, yes" said Diggory, evilly "Why don't you go get him. I'll just have a little chat with my young friend, here. Tell him a few anecdotes about his victim."

The assault on his torso left Harry barely able to breathe, let alone talk. So he could do nothing but listen as Amos Diggory told various tales of his son. Harry was genuinely sorry that Cedric was dead. But the last months of torture he did not deserve. He actively hated Cedric's father. It only multiplied his fury that, as his tormentors kept reminding him, it was Potter money that they were being paid bribes with.

In the distance other prisoners could be heard to be moaning. The temperature dropped at the rate of a degree a second. A horrid smell of death seeped in everywhere.

"Dementors, foul creatures." Amos Diggory said. He reached into his cloak, pulled out a silken handkerchief and covered his mouth.

Harry suffered greatly as the Dementor entered his cell. His most recent good memory was related to his only lifeline. He moaned "Tonks."

"Oh yes, your former friend." Diggory said with a nod "What happened to her, Pius?"

The Auror chuckled and replied "You didn't even have to pay her, sir. All we did is arrange for an early promotion and transfer. Tough for a young girl to be here. Got a nice comfortable job patrolling Hogsmeade. Keep the students in line… arrest the occasional shoplifter. She's got it pretty easy."

"Bitch!" Harry wheezed out. The effect of the Dementor seeping away all his positive emotions, combined with the explanation which certainly fit all the facts instantly turned him against Tonks.

Behind his silk mask, Diggory grinned nastily "That's right, Potter, everyone's abandoned you. No one believes your lies." He slapped Harry once across the face and walked out "Don't forget, Pius, he still survives. One day, he'll die. But not this day."

"Yes, sir, Mr. Diggory" Thicknesse acknowledged "I'll be able to control it enough."

Diggory clapped him on the shoulder "And earn every bit of today's bonus. A pleasant evening, Potter. We'll see each other again. Hopefully on Cedric's 20th."

The Dementor went to work, sucking on its victim's lifeforce. Horrible memories surfaced. Including one surprising sequence (if Harry could spare enough to be surprised) September 1991 was not the first time he had encountered Severus Snape. And while Harry was reliving the worst of his life, something good was actually happening.

x x x x x

In the office of The Minister of Magic, a meeting of the highest levels of Wizarding government was convened. Cornelius Fudge himself presiding. Standing behind his chair was an arrogant man with long blond hair. The Chief Warlock was in attendance, as was the Director of the MLE. The final primary participant was the Chancellor of the Wizengamot. "As I understand it, young Miss Bones has something interesting for us. Please, proceed." She said.

"I was interested in the case for a History of Magic project, Madam." Susan Bones explained "I'd planned to examine the records from Harry Potter's trial and compare them to one in 1895. The purpose being to see how much court procedure had changed in the last century."

Madam Longbottom nodded "An interesting project. I must admit, I would like to see what you finally concluded."

"The project did make good reading, Augusta." offered Dumbledore.

Lucius Malfoy, the father of Susan's yearmate, complained "Minister Fudge, I cannot see where a school project could possibly warrant our attention. Let alone that of the full Wizengamot."

"I must respectfully disagree with, Mr. Malfoy." Amelia said "As I provided my niece with the materials for her project, naturally, she kept me informed of her findings. Her research led to a, well to put it mildly, an inflammatory conclusion."

Dumbledore stroked his beard and asked "What might that be? After all it was not part of your report, Miss Bones."

"I apologize for that, Professor." Said Susan, with a blush "My Aunt suggested I withhold that until today's meeting. In short, Harry Potter did not kill Cedric Diggory."

The Minister of Magic turned a bright shade of red and yelled "RUBISH!"

"My niece is not given to flights of fancy, Minister." Amelia said tonelessly "Need I remind that they are members of the same House? And more to the point, quite close before his death."

Mr. Malfoy spoke again, sarcastically "It is a well known fact, that an exceedingly large number of our youngsters. Particularly… I believe… young females, have fallen prey to the cult Potter built around himself. There is no such evidence. Minister Fudge, I move that we discontinue this meeting forthwith."

Susan knew that he had aimed that particular jab at her.

"I do not believe Madam Bones would have called us together with unfounded statements." declared Madam Longbottom "I would disagree with ending this meeting before we hear what the girl has to say. What have we to lose?"

Lucius sniffed "A great deal of valuable time."

"I am considerably older than you, puppy." Neville's Grandmother scolded him "And I have much less time than you. If nothing else, we should not discourage honest inquiry. In all fairness, Minister."

Stuck between his financial supporter and the formidable Lady Longbottom, Fudge looked to Dumbledore.

"I find myself fascinated with young people, Cornelius." Said Dumbledore "They question everything that us older, wiser people know are facts. Please, proceed, Miss Bones."

Not wanting to give anyone the chance to stop her, Susan plowed ahead "My Aunt allowed me to view pensieve memories and I found something that everyone missed. Cedric was already dead when the Cup portkey brought them back. Also, even if he was alive, Harry would not have been responsible. He was clearly Imperioused."

"Potter is known for his ability to break that spell." Malfoy pointed out.

Amelia's face twitched mockingly and she said "Remarkable that a student can do something certain adults cannot."

"Now, now, Amelia" Dumbledore reproved "Let us not quarrel. That a member of Mr. Diggory's own House has located evidence of Mr. Potter's innocence argues powerfully in favor of it. I should like to see this aired publicly. And as rapidly as possible."

Malfoy leaned over and whispered in the Minister's ear "Amos has been most supportive of late."

"I'm sorry, Amelia" said Fudge "But, given the volatile nature of those events, and as you yourself indicated, your niece's inflammatory conclusion, I must refuse."

Susan was aghast that her proof wouldn't even get a hearing, she protested "But! You CAN'T!"

"Silence girl!" commanded Malfoy in a growl.

Augusta Longbottom, steel in her voice, declared "As Chancellor I control the agenda. Owls will be sent tonight. There shall be a special session of the Wizengamot tomorrow 10AM. If we have ruled incorrectly, justice must be done. Neville kept insisting young Potter could not have committed such a heinous act."

"That Squib grandson of yours barely knows which end of a wand to hold." Malfoy said, insultingly.

She fired back "Gossip has it that is more true of you, Lucius. A wonder that bullying brat of yours was even conceived."

Sexual innuendo, coming from someone so old - and that was Lucius (by Susan's standards) Augusta, when was she even born? simply cracked all restraint. A laugh broke out. The hostile glare from Mr. Malfoy silenced her in seconds. "I beg your pardon." She said, pretending to a cough "Err… one more thing… if Harry is innocent, shouldn't he get out of Azkaban?"

"It is appropriate for the accused to attend any hearings regarding his case." Dumbledore acknowledged.

x x x x x

Harry was physically incapable of attending the session of the Wizengamot. He was, instead, apparated by an Auror directly to St. Mungo's. He missed the hearing that cleared him of all charges. He missed Minister Fudge reading a formal letter of apology into the record. Lastly, Harry missed the expression on the face of Amos Diggory when he came out of the memory record that Susan presented. It was a full 24 hours later that he awoke.

"Considering his condition, it is amazing he recovered at all Director." The Healer said "I have never seen a spell that could replace flesh with metal. In his state, though, if not for that… his leg would have been infected."

Susan restrained a gag "But, he'll be alright?"

"Answer the question, please, Healer Yevlin." Requested Amelia.

Yevlin looked concerned "Forgive me, Director. I really should only discuss the patient's health with…"

"You know who he is?" Amelia said with a frown "Would you suggest a painting, perhaps?"

He looked away, embarrassed, then directed himself to Susan "Yes, Miss, he will be fine. Likely, awaken at any time. I do insist that any visit be kept short. And that he be kept calm." The patient groaned just then, and he excused himself.

"Susan, I am concerned about you." Said Amelia "You invested quite a lot of yourself in this. I imagine Mr. Potter will be grateful to you. But, you should not expect too much."

Pink colored the teen's cheeks as she replied "I didn't do it for that. I did it because it was the right thing to do."

"DEMENTOR!" screamed Harry in a panicked voice. He was thrashing about wildly.

The Bones women rushed in at the disturbance. Between the three of them, he was quickly subdued. "There are no Dementors here, Mr. Potter!" Amelia said in commanding tones.

"More of Diggory's goons then!" Harry growled, accusingly. He squinted, attempting to resolve the fuzzy images into people.

Susan gasped, Amelia's in charge face dropped in "Mr. Potter, you are in no danger whatsoever. You are in the hospital. In fact you are not in Azkaban at all. You are at St. Mungo's. Do you understand me?"

"Uh-huh." Harry grunted "What's going on? Who's that? I can't hardly see. Too small to be Mrs. Weasley."

Susan frowned at his lack of recognition. Then, realized he wasn't wearing his glasses. "I think your eyes are worse than any of us think, Harry." She joked "Susan Bones."

"Oohh, yeah." Harry nodded after some thought "Sorry, fuzzy eyes, fuzzy brain too."

Susan reached out, patted his hand and said "It's good to see you out of prison Harry." She recoiled when he flinched. "What did I do?"

"I think, Mr. Potter, you and I have a great deal to discuss." Said Amelia, softly "But that can wait until you are properly rested. And I will see to it that we take care of your eyes. I think, Susan, that you can give your friend the good news. You earned the right. I'll return later."

Harry heard some parchment crinkle, then departing footsteps. His eyebrows knitted together in curiosity and trained on the red blob in front of him. He asked "What did she mean?"

"You're freed Harry." Said Susan without preamble "All of the charges have been dropped. As soon as you're healthy, you'll be able to return to school."

Instead of cheering, as she might expect, Harry frowned at her and demanded "Is this some kind of trick?"

"Of course not." Susan argued, appalled at the thought "Please believe me. The day you were hurt, the Wizengamot met. This parchment is your release from Azkaban. Minister Fudge read an apology in court. It was in The Prophet and The Quibbler. Harry, what happened to you in there?"

Harry sighed, he hadn't meant to upset a friendly voice "It's not important." He said evasively "What did your Aunt mean? Earned the right to tell me?"

"That's a long story." Susan replied.

Though he couldn't see properly, Harry basked in the clean smells. The bright light and Dementor-free atmosphere. He tucked his hands behind his head and said "I appear to have plenty of time. And, listening to your voice seems a good way to spend it."

"I'm flattered, kind sir." Susan answered with a giggle "Well, naturally, it started that night. Though maybe I should begin by saying that Cedric and I were very close."

Harry's eyes about popped out of his head "You and he…but I thought Cho Chang. None of my business, of course, sorry."

"Ahh… no" she said with a violent blush "Ced was like my big brother. He looked out for me. He showed me around when I first got to Hogwarts. So, when he was murdered, I wanted his killer dead. Then you were arrested, and put on trial."

Harry snorted bitterly "I barely remember it. Except for Granger stabbing me in the back."

"Maybe after I finish you might change your mind some." Susan offered "Anyway, even before the trial I started wondering. Things didn't make sense. You and Ced helped each other with Tasks, against the rules. The shock on your face when your name came out of The Goblet and you yelling 'Eternal Glory' like a madman. I still want Ced's killer dead, but once I thought about it, I knew it could not have been you. Do you know who?"

Harry was amazed at this. He couldn't believe someone he didn't really know could have such faith in him when people he'd known for years didn't. It was his turn to blush and mutter an embarrassed "Thank you. And yeah I saw it. A man by the name of Peter Pettigrew killed him."

"That name sounds familiar. I'll look it up" Susan commented "Anyway, Auntie told me not to ask any more about that. She said she wants to hear it fresh from you. I started with all the trial testimony. None of that helped. Then … you've heard of pensieves? … Right, I looked at hundreds of them. And I'll tell you, it does cause a headache. They all showed basically the same thing. You, casting the Killing Curse at Ced."

Harry had been in Dumbledore's pensieve, he knew what a jarring experience it was. He wondered what could have made her go through that so many times. "It wasn't me, Susan!" he said desperately "I swear it! I was under an Imperio! Voldemort's!"

"I knew you were, but not by who." Said Susan, earnestly, though she cringed at the Dark Lord's name, "But I didn't know it until I watched your friend, Hermione Granger's, memory. She's got a great eye for detail even if she missed the clue. Cedric was already dead when the portkey brought you back. And your eyes were all glazed over, sure sign of the Imperious. Once I saw that, Auntie pulled all the ones that had her point of view. The rest fell into place from there."

Harry pushed himself toward the red topped blob and said "Thank you, I can't imagine why you would do all that for me, but …thank you. I wish I had something to give you. But, last I heard I was penniless."

"You don't owe me anything, Harry." She replied "Except maybe cross those House lines and sit with me. A trip to Hogsmeade, perhaps, my treat."

Harry found her hand, clasped it awkwardly and said "Sure, sounds good." Then he yawned.

"Boring you, am I?" she joked.

Laughing for the first time in months, which seemed like years, Harry retorted "Yeah, that must be it." His laughter echoed around for a bit before it became too much for his recovering body. He fell back in bed asleep.

Healer Yevlin rushed back in, waved his wand over Harry for a couple of minutes and said "He'll likely sleep for several hours. I think, whatever you two talked about, did him a world of good."

"I guess I'll leave, then, Healer." Said Susan, she wanted to show some form of affection, in fact a little kiss seemed like a darned good idea, but didn't dare to in front of someone else. All she did was say "Sleep well, Harry."

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

The red-head Hufflepuff's return to her House was less than glorious. Seventh Year girls, who had been Cedric's fangirl harem the previous year surrounded and glared at her. The black girl, who was the Prefect, shoved and sneered at her "Happy with yourself, Bones?"

"Whatever are you talking about, Baker?" Susan countered, as she steadied herself. She refused to be intimidated.

Out of nowhere, Sprout appeared and said "Good afternoon girls. Anything we need to discuss?"

"Not at all Professor." One of the brunettes replied, politely "Just a tutoring for the little underclassman."

The Head of House frowned and observed "Yes, in my day it usually took six students to tutor one. Now, off you go, the lot of you. Supper should be served shortly."

"On my side?" grumbled Susan.

Sprout scolded her "Don't be impertinent, child. On this occasion, I'll overlook it. Your …err report… has rather created some controversy."

"And everyone has conveniently forgotten that Cedric and I were as good as brother and sister." Susan complained. "I want his killer punished, too. But, Harry didn't do it. And I proved it. Frankly, I feel rather a sense of accomplishment." Without being dismissed, she made her way out of the Common Room, intent on the Great Hall and a rather large meal.

The usual cacophony of pre-meal noise came from the Great Hall abruptly stopped. All eyes followed the petite redhead as she made her way to the Hufflepuff Table. The majority of the looks were hostile. In fact, it was over two-thirds and from all four Tables. Probably all of Slytherin, overwhelming majorities of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Susan Bones, Gryffindor, she tried it on for size

"Ah, yes, Miss Bones." Said the Headmaster "A good evening to you. For your tireless efforts in clearing an incorrectly convicted person, I award fifty points."

Hufflepuff erupted in cheers. Hannah Abbott leaned over and hugged her friend. They'd shot from last to second!

Dumbledore held up his hands, seeking quiet, which took a solid two minutes. "Something I have always sought to encourage, is unity among the Houses. Well, except Quidditch. Miss Bones has further acted to assist a member of another House, even in the face of resistance from her own. For that, please take another fifty points."

Slytherin, which was a favorite for the Cup this year, glared as one in silence. It was just enough to knock them out of the lead. A runaway win was now a tight race. Gryffindors weren't pleased about being knocked out of their spot as distant second, but rather liked the displeasure coming from their rival. Plus one of their own was coming back. They clapped.

"In a final note." Dumbledore concluded "Rumor has it that Harry Potter will be returning to school soon, I can confirm those reports. As soon as Mr. Potter is released from St. Mungo's he will indeed return. When he does, I strongly request that he be given some space. Azkaban is a difficult experience and he may not desire to discuss it."

Cheering from Gryffindor punctuated the conclusion of the Headmaster's announcement. There was some celebrating from other Tables too.

x x x x x

"Good morning, Mr. Potter." Said Amelia Bones.

Harry reluctantly opened his eyes. The quite pleasant dream of being out of prison and having a normal conversation was something he didn't want to let go of.

As if reading his thoughts, she added "Yes you are out of Azkaban. And cleared of all charges. I even have a new set of glasses for you, compliments of The Ministry. A sort of apology for our rush to judgment."

"A lot of people owe me one." Harry said, bitterly. Though his attitude brightened as he donned the replacement glasses and the world came into focus. "Thank you, Madam Bones."

Amelia nodded and said "You're quite welcome. If you weren't famous before, you certainly are now. Second wizard to leave Azkaban in a year."

"And The Ministry never makes mistakes." Harry countered, coldly.

The Head of the MLE accepted the rebuke with a nod and said "There are a number of things we need to talk about. If you get tired please tell me. I'm honestly rather surprised that you know so much about what is going on. As a general rule Azkaban is kept quite isolated."

"Thicknesse enjoyed telling me how much Diggory paid him to beat me." Replied Harry.

Shock rippled through Amelia, only her lifetime of training and experience kept her feelings off her face "That, Mr. Potter, is quite a statement. We need to pull it apart. I've known Pius Thicknesse for many years. Not the nicest guy in the world, but not generally known for assaulting prisoners. He lost his soul."

"Had a pretty good time putting me in the hospital." Harry grumbled, uncaringly "No loss to me."

Amelia let it pass, saying "It will be looked into. The other part, I assume you are referring to Amos Diggory."

"He got all my family money and has been using it to pay off Thicknesse." explained a nodding Harry. "I think I am… or was… a lot richer than I thought. They talked about thousands of Galleons. Like a hundred."

That pulled the rug out from under Amelia, apparently Harry did not know at all of centuries of friendship between the Diggorys and the Potters. Or, obviously, the close personal ties between her niece and Cedric. He knew clearly of the Wizengamot ruling that turned the entire Potter fortune over to the Diggorys. "Forgive the understatement." She offered "But, this is bad. Amos has been spending considerable sums to swing Wizengamot votes to promote his family to Ancient and Noble status. No way to know exactly, but more than House Diggory is worth."

"I'm sorry about Cedric, really." Harry replied, sincerely "But, I hate that bastard. Him and Thicknesse both. He paid him to make me suffer. They don't deserve one Knut of my money. Madam Bones, can you help me?"

Amelia gaped at him, genuinely surprised. Part of her mind began churning through just what would be needed for such a case, and then political fallout that could come from it. Both were alarming. She temporized by suggesting "I understand you are close to Headmaster Dumbledore. Would he not be the appropriate -?"

"Judge Dumbledore" Harry spat "sentenced me to fifty to life. He didn't believe in me. Only one person did, at least enough to do anything about it. And I didn't even really know her all that well."

The first part of his speech alarmed Amelia, but the last part brought a smile to her face. "Well, no doubt about it" she replied "You were wronged. Getting back what belongs to you is only right. If you want me to represent your interests, we need the approval of your regent."

"My what?" asked Harry.

If anything Amelia looked even more perplexed than he did. She explained "You are the hereditary Head of an Ancient and Noble Family. Because you are not yet of age, House Potter would have a regent to look out for yourself and your Family's interests."

"Should I not, then, know who that is?" asked Harry in an irritated tone "Better yet. Forget him! Would you be willing?"

That about stopped Amelia's heart. "That, Harry," she explained "would be highly irregular. I currently already fill that role for my niece, Susan. Your Family's interests could easily conflict with the Bones."

"Who should I trust, then?" Harry asked, sadly, which quickly turned bitter "Judge Dumbledore? Maybe Snape, who's always insulting my Dad? The Weasleys? They took their share too."

Amelia nodded "Point taken. I agree, on the condition that I not represent your interests against Bones' interests."

"Agreed." Harry confirmed, and magically, a ring appeared on the hospital bed between them. He studied the crest on it, and briefly put it on. The ring stayed on his finger for a moment then disappeared and returned to its previous location. "Guess it's not mine, yet. What do we do now?"

Amelia took the ring and said "Thank you for your trust, Harry. You still need to rest. I will need to go to Gringotts to obtain a statement of Potter holdings prior to Amos taking control. Then appear before the Wizengamot. In theory, it should be fairly simple."

"Nothing is simple in my life." Harry commented. "I want to be there."

Seeing his determination, she nodded "Healer Yevlin probably will not approve, but frankly it will probably help your claim, not being completely healed. Tomorrow, then, I think. The session starts at 9AM. I do not believe the agenda will be followed."