(a/n): First off, a thanx for the reviews. A couple warned against no 'over the top angry' while others mentioned 'no free rides'. Ain't it fun? My little review of reviews. Not negative, just an observation. And the fun 'Harry goes the other way'? No he's not going to declare eternal friendship with Draco.

Dumbledore is used to be in charge. And that's I believe, because everyone lets him. Everyone's half his age or less. Same can be said for Voldemort, even if he wants him dead.

I know everyone's antsy about Sirius, especially after I had Remus turn during the trial. But the action has been Susan-centric, and she doesn't know about him. Meanwhile, he couldn't just go visit Harry.

IN response to ch#6's review, I was asked Why would he try to avenge his parents if he never knew them?Sasparilla89
One thing I'm stuck on regarding that is what Harry saw in the Mirror of Erised. Maybe if the Dursleys treated him better, he'd care less, but it's Voldemort's fault he got landed there. And even the Dursleys' mostly lies probably built up a fantasy life in his mind. And another one (unsigned) suggested that Lily and James were soldiers in a war. Not, I think, in the sense of Country A attacks Country B. Frontlines, borders, etc. Seems to me more like a Godfather/Mafia war.

There was actually a TV show that covered a person going after a soldier. It went like this-Iraqi woman living in NY, brother dies in prison there, soldier returns home, also NY, soldier is murdered. Fiction sure. Possible? Judge for yourself.

How did Ron and Hermione end up dating over the summer? Especially with them on different sides of the Harry debate? It happens, after all a Kennedy married a Republican. 5 House Points for an American who gets that without looking it up. 10 to Non-Americans.

The Potter Family ring appearing, don't know if I figured out where it came from yet. The most important thing about it is that whoever may have had it no longer has any power over Harry. Amelia is in charge now, legally.

I think, like many, that a basilisk would be quite valuable for potions. But I'm a bit stumped for how much the one in COS weighs. I'm thinking of comparing anaconda or dinosaur weights to come up with something. If anyone has a better premise let me know.

Main people involved here are the Weasleys and Amos

7 - The Wizengamot

"Oy yay! Oy yay!" the Crier called ceremoniously "The 502nd Session of the Wizengamot of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is now convened!"

Dumbledore sat, then the assembled members. "Thank you all." He said formally.

"Chief Warlock." Amos Diggory said with a bow. He was standing in the center of the room with all the members sitting in a semi-circle. "This Gracious Assembly has my petition for membership and inclusion in the ranks of Ancient and Noble Families. I now request a vote."

With her flair for the dramatic, Amelia kicked open the double doors behind Dumbledore and declared "House Potter objects and protests this entire procedure!"

"Amelia, it is customary for members to be present prior to the opening of a session." The Chief Warlock lectured.

Lucius Malfoy rose and said "Chief Warlock, I do not believe a mere schoolgirl scolding is adequate. House Bones should be censured."

"It was perhaps unclear to the Honourable representative of House Malfoy." Amelia addressed him, coldly "I did not identify myself with House Bones. I am here today as Regent Potter. My House demands the return of wealth stolen by the minor House of Diggory. Once enacted, House Diggory will not possess the minimum requisite wealth to be considered."

Amos Diggory protested angrily "I lost my son! You already ruled! Potter assets have already been turned over!"

"That is incorrect." Augusta Longbottom countered "House Diggory was assigned custodial control, pending a final decision. Such rulings must be considered with great care. Stripping an Ancient and Noble Family has so few precedents. My one objection to this is the irregularity of this body not being informed of Madam Bones' appointment as regent."

Malfoy added "I do not believe there is any precedent for two Houses to be represented by the same person."

"If I may briefly address the Wizengamot." Harry Potter's voice came from the hall. He entered in a floating chair, unable to stand freely "Please forgive me Chief Warlock, I am too weak from my ordeal in Azkaban. But, since whoever may previously have been Regent for House Potter has never seen fit to contact me, or indeed made any effort on my behalf prior to … or since… my trial, Madam Bones has consented to take the post. Wizengamot rules do not state that a House must seek approval."

Chancellor Longbottom ruled "Mr. Potter is quite correct. He is the sole heir of an Ancient and Noble Family, since he cannot act on his own he may appoint anyone he wishes as regent. Let us move on. Regent Potter."

"Thank you, Chancellor." Said Amelia "From Gringotts, I obtained a statement of House Potter's wealth prior to Mr. Diggory assuming control. That value, for the sake of rounding, came to just over two hundred million Galleons. The past year has seen strong growth, adding about ten percent to the market. House Potter demands payment of two hundred twenty million Galleons from House Diggory."

Amos knew full well he could not cover that sum. Yes, the market had a good year. That just meant spending for bribes to get this hearing was all the easier. Besides cash, he offered shares in various companies (Muggle and Magical) to his newfound allies. "I object to that valuation!" he protested "First of all, the Wizengamot assigned five million Galleons to House Weasley. I cannot be held responsible for that!"

"Amos does make a valid point, Amelia." Dumbledore acknowledged.

She accepted that with a nod "House Potter will address that separately with House Weasley at another time. Very well, two hundred fifteen million Galleons."

"That… umm…amount is not …err… available." Amos admitted.

Amelia glared down at him and demanded "Just how much is … as you say… available?"

"Chief Warlock, I object to being questioned in this manner." He appealed to Dumbledore.

Chancellor Longbottom put in "I consider the question entirely valid. In fact, even a mediocre investor should have made money this past year. If anything Regent Potter is too low in her estimates. Longbottom income was in excess of fifteen percent."

"We are, I think, working blind here." Said Dumbledore in a patient tone "Let us recess, briefly. An hour should do. Meanwhile Gringotts will be contacted to obtain the value of the Potter account. I would like to see Regent Potter and her principal, privately."

x x x x x

Amelia was pushing Harry's floating chair down the corridor "I know it was difficult, Harry." She said "You did well."

"All I did was sit there!" he grumbled "Looked like a lump. All I wanted was to throttle him like he did Hedwig."

She patted him on the shoulder and said "Then it is probably a good thing. About now, Susan's pigmy puff could probably take you. Now I know you are displeased with the Chief Warlock, but keep a cool head. Clear?"

"Judge Dumbledore." Harry said emotionlessly as they entered. He deliberately ignored the others in the room.

The old wizard looked confused but said, brightly "I am pleased to see you freed and recovering, Harry."

"I don't believe we are friendly enough to be on a first name basis, judge." Harry answered. His tone was cold enough to drop the temperature in the large, ornate room.

From Molly Weasley came "Harry, you really should show more respect to the Headmaster."

"Ron, Ginny" he said, ignoring her "good to see you two. Not much good happened at the trial, but you were great. Thanks."

Ron smiled broadly and said "Great to see ya, mate. Glad to have you back. Hermione can't wait to see-"

"Tell her to keep her distance from me." Harry growled.

Ron looked down and said "Gonna be a bit hard, mate. We… that is me and her… Hermione … we've been dating. Since about June. Harry, I really like her. Plus, she helps me with homework."

"Well I won't be needing… or wanting…. her help." argued Harry. "If she asks why, ask her why she didn't see the truth like you did."

Ginny, sensing rising tension, cut in "I'm happy for you, too, Harry. I knew you were innocent. But, there's nothing like getting them to admit it." She leaned in and hugged him.

"Loved hearing you give that asshole prosecutor what for." He chuckled "Hehheh Virginia!"

Ginny swatted at him, playfully. But the reaction was completely out of proportion. She was thrown to the floor. She bounced up angrily, then saw in his emaciated arm the heart-wrenching price of the miscarriage of justice. "Sorry, Harry" she said softly "I meant no harm, really."

"Azkaban makes you jumpy." He said, apologetically.

Dumbledore looked greatly disturbed. "If at all possible, Harry" he requested "would you please stand up?"

"Wanna see your handiwork? Yours and Diggory's." Harry said, bitterly "Well, why not?" He undid the clasp to his dress robes and stood. Left in a substantially oversized t-shirt and pants, both of which belong to Susan, who was several inches shorter. He spun around once very slowly and painfully before collapsing back in his floating chair.

Molly sobbed in distress and said "This is no good. We'll get you clothes that fit-"

"You mean with my money!" Harry snarled. Combine his weariness, with his sudden irritation with Dumbledore and it just came out. Everything stopped, everyone held their breath. The accusation hung there for a solid minute. It was all the more devastating because it was completely accurate.

Amelia, who had kept her silence allowing the youngsters an enjoyable reunion, now had to kill any last remaining warmth "House Potter recognizes the clear friendship among its Head and certain members of House Weasley." She challenged "However, Arthur Weasley, as Regent of House Potter it is my duty to inform you that five million Galleons of Potter wealth was illegally taken by your House. You are to return it forthwith. Failure to comply will result in action before the Wizengamot, or bloodshed. Your answer, sir?"

"You shall not harm my husband!" Mrs. Weasley screeched, going for her wand.

Amelia was considerably faster. She disarmed all four Weasleys in self-defense before anyone, except Dumbledore, could even register a fight was going on.

"Stop! Molly!" Mr. Weasley commanded harshly "I can understand how the situation may look. Let me explain."

Harry looked highly skeptical and wheezed out "They made sure I read every one of your quotes. What could you possibly say?"

"Ron came to me." Mr. Weasley replied "After the trial. He was convinced of your innocence. The Wizengamot was going to rule that all Potter assets were going to Amos. If that happened, and you were later freed. We felt if we had a piece of it, we could get you on your feet when you were freed. This wasn't really the way we expected it to come out. What I said … was a necessary evil. I never thought it would get to you. Harry, I'm sorry."

Harry was torn and couldn't speak. He'd gotten quite used to bitterness and anger.

"As a practical matter, it would be difficult for House Potter to appear harsh with the Diggories, but go easy on the Weasleys." Said Amelia.

Dumbledore offered "Very wise, Regent Potter. Harry, surely you could see your way clear to make peace with Amos. He did, after all, lose his only son."

"And I deserved all the shit he put me through in Azkaban?" asked Harry. "I'd love to see him go through even half what I did!"

Amelia cut in "Perhaps a starting point would be how well Mr. Weasley's custodianship of the funds in his care performed."

"Ah!" Arthur said, brightly "Much of it… well, my Molly has always been able to make a Galleon go further than it should. We applied much of it in the Muggle stock market, fascinating people really. We've done quite well. Gained nearly a million Galleons. It's hard to convert sometimes. We can get the exact figures. We did have to spend a little. If not, it would have raised questions."

The looks on the faces of Ginny and Ron were ones of shock and awe. Other than the result of the hearing, which was public anyway, their parents had told them nothing.

Amelia thought for a while, then decided "House Potter is inclined to accept this, pending review of the actual accounts. We would like a quick summary prior to the Wizengamot returning to session. It could prove useful."

"At once." Arthur said with a bow "I can be to my house and back in a few minutes."

x x x x x

The bell chimed and the Crier announced "The 502nd Session is hereby resumed!"

"House Malfoy finds this infighting beneath the dignity of the Wizengamot." Said Lucius. He had spent the recess lobbying for support for what he'd hoped would be a brilliant coup "The Houses of Potter and Diggory are involving us in a feud that is unimportant in the grand scheme. However, the shifting around of the considerable wealth of House Potter is potentially destabilizing to our entire society. I would suggest that a neutral party assume control of the finances of both Houses."

On cue, Alecto Carrow stood and said "I believe House Malfoy is impartial with regard to either House. As such, would be the perfect candidate."

"House Crabbe votes aye!" said the well-known ally. But, few others.

"I see no majority in favor of this." Chancellor Longbottom ruled "In fact, there has not even been a proper vote called. Nor is such appropriate at this time. The matter is tabled."

Dumbledore took over and said "At this time, we resume discussion on the inclusion of House Diggory in the Wizengamot. Amos, we have a report from Gringotts regarding the vaults in your care. The matter is, frankly, appalling. As Regent Potter reported the worth of House Potter was approximately two hundred million Galleons just one year ago. Estimates from the Goblins today come in at one hundred forty eight million Galleons."

"What!" Amelia was on her feet full of righteous indignation "This is not merely incompetence! Criminal plunder-"

Chancellor Longbottom's wand burst with blinding light and she said "You are out of order Regent Potter! Be seated!"

"I will not be silenced!" shouted Amelia, defiantly "What did this idiot do to my House?"

From the floor, Amos shouted up at her "How dare you? What I do with my money is my affair!"

"This is why admission to the Wizengamot requires two such votes in consecutive sessions." Lucius declared "Diggory is clearly irresponsible. I doubt, given another year, he would qualify regardless of how much money he started with."

Shock and betrayal appeared on Mr. Diggory's face "After all I gave you! Backstabber!"

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Diggory." Lucius rejoined, coldly "Losing in a year the accumulated wealth of centuries from an Ancient and Noble House. My Lords and Ladies, let us vote. I say no to any inclusion of House Diggory."

Harry grabbed Amelia's hand and shot her a look of distrust. She nodded, but whispered "I know, but what else can I do at this point? House Potter concurs with House Malfoy." With that, the Wizengamot defeated Diggory's petition unanimously. After the vote, she added "Now, House Potter demands the return of all property and funds under Diggory control."

"That would leave me with nothing!" Amos protested.

Harry pushed himself forward and, hoping for a powerful voice, but not getting one said "Like you left me." He nearly fell out of his chair, but Ginny and Ron were there to force him back.

Their presence was noted by everyone in the courtroom, especially Amos "And what!" he shouted "I deserve no more consideration than the Weasleys! They took money too! Everyone always cries about the poor Weasleys!"

"House Potter and the House Weasley have settled their differences with a private agreement." Amelia answered.

Dumbledore intervened saying "Under the circumstances, Amelia, I believe you should detail that agreement. After all, we cannot be seen treating House Diggory unfairly."

"As unfair as he did, paying goons to beat up on me in Azkaban!" Harry accused.

Amos screamed "LIES!" and charged for the spot where he was sitting. Ginny and Ron, blocked him from climbing onto the dais. Ginny went so far as to bite the man's hand. He fell back into the waiting arms of two Aurors.

"That issue is for another time." Said Dumbledore "Will House Potter accept the current value as settlement of the issue before us?"

Amelia shook her head and said "Absolutely not. As proof, we disclose that yes House Weasley did receive five million Galleons as is known. Current value of investments made is six million four hundred thousand Galleons. This value represents a return even higher than that quoted by Chancellor Longbottom. Why, House Potter asks, did House Diggory lose over fifty million Galleons? And, with all due respect Chief Warlock, House Potter considers the repeated assaults on its heir an integral part of the case."

"With all due respect to my Regent," Harry interrupted "Why does that matter? If the funds are missing from the Potter account then, he can repay it himself."

That was quite a bombshell. Some glared in disapproval, objecting to the statement since it came from an underage wizard. In the case of Amos Diggory it was one of alarm "Would you have a child dictate to you?"

"We would see you return something to a child that you never should have received." Replied Lucius "Perhaps this body acted in error regarding the Potter Estate. However, you cannot blame anyone but yourself for your current problems. House Malfoy proposes that, if dear Amos cannot repay his debt, House Potter be awarded all assets of House Diggory."

Harry was less than thrilled at agreeing with someone who was both his enemy and the father of another enemy. He couldn't begin to imagine what he was up to. Harry could only nod at Amelia's questioning glance. At this point he didn't know who was worse, Malfoy or Diggory.

While he'd been thinking, the conversation had carried on without him. Mr. Diggory was saying "… don't have my house. I sold it."

"Where, Amos" asked Dumbledore "have you and your family been living?"

The Wizengamot had been getting more hostile, so Mr. Diggory appealed directly to Dumbledore "Well, after your ruling, we saw no reason to not move up. We named it Cedric's Grove."

"You've been living in MY HOUSE?" a furious Harry snarled, he saw red "Using MY STUFF! Sleeping in MY BEDS! I want him OUT! NOWWW!" He showed remarkable strength for someone in his condition.

Ever the peacekeeper, Dumbledore suggested "Come, Harry, be reasonable. Before you could even see it, you need to recover from your ordeal-"

"That he caused!" Harry snapped "And you have some explain-" he sagged back wearily and joked "Nice catch Gin."

Amelia briefly looked him over then addressed the court "House Potter does not believe it is in our best interest to allow that. You have one hour to vacate Potter lands. As Director of the MLE, I will be enforcing this. As Regent Potter, I ask this body to issue an order to return all vaults to Potter control. Further, that as sufficient funds are not available House Diggory will forfeit -"

"Dobby!" Amos called out, sharply and when the elf appeared with a pop "Worthless creature! You have work to do! Empty the house! Everything goes to Mrs. Diggory's mother's! GO!"

Amelia jumped in with a harsh command "STOP! Nothing should be removed from the Potter home until it can be proven as Diggory property."

"Dobby?" Harry said rather weakly "Come here my friend."

Suddenly excited, the elf squealed "Harry Potter! Great and noble Harry Potter! Dobby was knowing yous was innocent!" A puff of smoke from floor was followed almost instantaneously by one next to Harry. "Harry Potter looks awful! Dobby must help!"

"Slow down, Dobby." Harry complained, pinching his nose "You're giving me a headache. And never mind me. What happened to you?"

The elf put his head in his hands and wailed "Dobby is a bad elf! BWAHOOHOOHOO! Dobby's master punishes him! Dobby never does good!" He flinched when Harry touched his head.

"What happened to you?" Harry was appalled at what he saw. The distressed creature's right ear was a blackened stump and he could see bruises on every exposed inch of the little body.

Ginny explained, with a sarcastic tone "The great Wizengamot decreed that he controlled everything belonging to you. Including, your House Elf."

"Hermione's gonna be pissed." Chuckled Ron.

Harry glared at him and said "You know where I rate her about now." To Ginny, he smiled faintly and requested "Help me up."

"No, Harry" she argued "You're weak. You need to rest."

He pulled himself up, anyway, slammed his fist on the table in front of him and yelled "YOU'RE A REAL BASTARD DIGGORY! FIRST YOU MURDERED HEDWIG! TORTURED ME IN AZKABAN! AND WHAT YOU DID TO DOBBY!" He fell into his chair again, drained.

"Right, Dobby was it?" Said Amelia "If you are Harry's Elf, will you accept orders from me? I am the Potter regent."

Dobby nodded eagerly "Yes ma'am."

"Harry will be returning to St. Mungo's presently" she said "You are to go there. The Healers are to supply you with a decent outfit instead of this filthy rag. They are to treat your injuries and set up a place for you in Harry's room. After that, I order you to rest until Harry gives you something to do."

Dobby looked back and forth between Amelia and Harry and began "But, Ma'am regent Dob-"

"Is that clear?" she asked in her command tone.

Dobby bowed deeply, staggered, then popped away.

"On behalf of House Potter, I wish to apologize for the interruptions and irregularities of this session." Said Amelia "Our heir has been through a very trying time. I request he be excused and be returned to St. Mungo's.

x x x x x

A few hours later, Harry was finishing a meal. He'd slept from the moment of leaving The Ministry to getting woken by very pleasant aromas of food. It wasn't much, a poached egg, bacon, toast and tea. But he found himself unable to finish the third piece of toast. He pushed the tray quietly aside, not wanting to awaken Dobby.

"Still not hungry?" asked Susan as she walked in.

Harry made hushing gestures, and waved her closer "If you wake him, I'll sic him on you." He quipped "Didn't know he actually knew how to be still. What I still don't get is how the Wizengamot decided he belonged to Diggory."

"You are in ahhh…well" Susan began, hesitantly "You wouldn't have known. Dobby there popped himself into the Ministry yelling that "My Master Harry Potter would never do that" Aurors took him and, rumor has it, Minister Fudge after a chat with your new friend Lucius, ruled that since Dobby acknowledged you as master he was part of the Wizengamot decision.

Harry's face twisted in a snarl "I wanna throw both of them in my old cell, personally!"

"House Malfoy has done a fine job a shifting its public face." Said Amelia who arrived just in time to hear that part "It would be …impolitic… to turn your back on an …ally."

Harry rolled his eyes "Remember the part about Voldemort? And Lucius… he used an Unforgivable on me!"

"I do" Amelia replied patiently "But, for you to accuse him after he offered such strong support. And in front of the entire Wizengamot. The way things are right now, not a word Harry, as Head of your Family I order it."

Susan, looking nervous, said "Harry there's something else. Do you consider me a friend?"

"After everything you did for me?" he replied "Absolutely. And then some. Why?"

She smiled softly and answered "Thanks. Listen to me, please. Dobby there, your owl, you, were all innocent victims of what Amos took to be some kind of justice. What he did was wrong and -"

"You're babbling dear." Amelia said, kindly. To which Harry sniggered.

Susan glared at her, then giggled herself "Yes, Auntie. Harry do you know, Ced had two sisters…twins? They're three years old."

"What does that have to do with me?" asked Harry.

Susan's courage failed her, Amelia took over "House Diggory has ceased to exist. Amos still works for The Ministry, but his career is basically over. He'll be in the same job until he retires."

"More than he deserves." Harry snapped.

Both Bones women could only agree "And what about Stacy and Melissa?" Susan found her voice "I'm not saying you were wrong in bankrupting Amos, but it also took away their education. He'll never save up enough to put them through Hogwarts."

"I won't give him a Knut!" he growled then softened "But, I don't want to hurt two little girls either. This sucks."

Amelia nodded and patted his hand "Welcome to life, Harry. You've had it worse than most. In an ideal world your parents would still be alive and so would Cedric. He was a good boy. To tell the truth, that was the only thing to do under the circumstances. One alternative, under the law, is marriage."

"To a three year old!" exclaimed Harry.

Susan let out a barking laugh and added, teasingly "Actually, both."

"NOT HAPPENING!" he yelled.

This, of course, woke up Dobby who immediately jumped out of his bed and onto his "Does Harry Potter be needing anything? Dobby gets!"

"Get glasses of water for all of us, please." Harry said in a defeated tone "Then you can rest again Dobby."

Susan was shaking her heading giggling "Whatever would SPEW girl say about it?"

"I can't wait to tell her, to be honest." Harry countered, rather crossly. He immediately apologized, though "Sorry, Susan. I didn't mean it like that. I can't help thinking Ron and Ginny believed in me, she didn't. And you, we weren't even really friends - before. Dobby, he would've bounced around, gotten himself worse. This way he did something, he's happy. About the other, do you two have a solution?"

Susan shook her head sadly, then looked at her Aunt. Amelia said "No, not yet. And, in this, I think I'll tell you the good in doing it is that you're showing compassion. At worst, it's good publicity. Some will think you weak as a result. If you don't, which is just as valid, I'm sure most people would understand. Me among them. In my job I've had to do things I don't like, and live with it."

"You are my Regent." Harry pointed out. "But I am not marrying anyone, let alone babies. Marriage, bloody hell! Not even kissed anyone yet."

Amelia shook her head "No. Not this one. I'll implement whatever decision you say. There is really no right or wrong. And, this is not a decision that needs to be made today. Now, I have to get to my real job. Come on, Sue, I'll take you back to Hogwarts."

"I can get back on my own, Auntie." She replied.

Amelia nodded "You young lady had best not be late getting back to school. Afternoon Potions, I believe."

"Heh… lucky you." Harry quipped, sarcastically.

Susan grumbled at him "It's really all your fault, Potter. I got stuck sitting next to your best friend. Greasy haired git, never liked me since day one."

"Thought only Gryffindors called him that." Harry laughed. It quickly degenerated into a coughing fit. He had a way to go before he was truly healthy. He let her help him, and after the coughing ended he found the closeness a bit too personal and nervously said "Thanks."

Susan, one arm around his shoulders, the other hand on his chest felt blood rush to her cheeks. "Never been kissed, huh?" she asked, huskily "Need to do something about that." So she kissed him.

"Thought the guy was supposed to start the kiss." Harry said with a silly grin exactly twenty-four seconds later.

To which she retorted "Don't really matter, does it?" And she kissed him again.

Arroooooooooooo! Came the howl of a dog.

Harry laughed as he recognized the sound of his Godfather's animagus. He was quite reluctant to break the kiss, though. When he did he was decidedly displeased to see the two who had accompanied him. At first, he ignored them, looking at Susan he quipped "Some people have bad timing. Think we can talk again tomorrow? I should be getting outta here."

"You don't want me to stay?" asked Susan, looking a bit disappointed.

Torn between wanting her to stay and wanting to talk to Sirius, he sighed "For a lot of reasons, yeah. But … uhmm … please. I have a trick or two for him."

"Alright, Harry." She said. Susan interlocked her fingers with his for a moment, then headed out. On her way, she paused and looked at the pair. To the man she said "You better remember who my Aunt is."

Harry grinned at her retreating back. He licked his lips, contemplating the kiss. His eyes found her rear rather fascinating as well. But as soon as she disappeared through the door, his expression turned ice cold "Well thanks for bringing Sirius. You two can leave. Now."