A/N: Hello everybody, short note this time. If you didn't already know, this story will now be third person. And as always favorites, follows and reviews are always appreciated. Now without further ado, on with the story!
"Can anybody tell me why the hell we are at court one week before the Wizengamot?" Neville hissed at the person on his left.
"Because Harry has crap patience." Hermione remarked, causing Neville to snicker.
"I call this session of Elite Court to order. The first case please." The judge banged his gavel before reaching down and grabbing the offered file and opening it "Alright, Harry Potter vs Draco Malfoy on account of attempted line theft. Please bring the defendant to the stand." The judge called.
72 Hours Earlier
"All I'm saying is that he should be punished." Harry defended.
"On what grounds?" Daphne exclaimed. "Trust me love, I want to see him punished as much as you but right now I don't think that's possible. Wizengamot is in ten days and we have enough to worry about." She finished trying to be the voice of reason.
"I know, but..." Harry sighed before grabbing her hand. "I can't let him get away with it. We've been playing their games for the past month and I'm done with it."
"Look, it went farther than it should've but what can we get him on without revealing us." She reasoned.
"That's it." He paused and looked at her. "That's it, we reveal us."
"How in the world does that seem like a good idea to you?" She asked incredulously, eyes wide.
"We reveal what we really are."
"Yeah your gonna have elaborate on that."
"Betroths." He said as if it was the most obvious thing ever.
Daphne's eyes widened and her eyebrow shot up to her hair line while her jaw dropped. "Um when did that happen?" She exclaimed.
"It didn't."
"Then what- wait what?" She stammered.
"We make them think it did." He smirked. "Make it look like it was happening, negotiations were happening and Malfoy stepped in and all over it."
"Meaning if he stepped in, that would've screwed up the plans. That way, we aren't really saying we're dating now only that we were planing on merging before and he stole your shot." She put together.
"Exactly. He took my 'fiance' just before negotiations were finished. This forced it into a stand still and drop, causing me to lose my possible future wife." He concluded.
"Clever, but we have to talk it through with father. Everybody has to be on the same page for this to work."
"And this can't be done at the December Wizengamot. It has to be done before, during elite court. That way the old fool won't be there."
Two Hours Later
"Father thank you for meeting with us on such short notice." Daphne greeted Cyrus with a hug and he shook Harry's hand after they walked through the floo and into the study in Greengrass manor.
"Well you said it was urgent so… what is it?" Cyrus inquired, causing Daphne and Harry to share a glance.
"How about we sit?" Harry suggested and sat once Cyrus nodded. He was following by the other two sitting beside and across from him at the table.
"We have an idea, that we want to run by you. Well Harry has an idea."
"Alright kid, whatcha got?" Cyrus prompted.
"I want Malfoy out. We can't keep playing their game. If we do then they hold the power."
"Alright and how do you propose we do that?" Cyrus asked curiously.
"We change the game, the rules, everything. I'm taking him down and I'm going to court to do it."
Shocked Cyrus glanced at Daphne and then back at Harry. "What would you even charge him with?"
"Line theft."
"Excuse me? How are to charge him with line theft without revealing the true nature of your relationship?" He exclaimed.
"Oh I intend to reveal it. I'm going reveal something so grand that even Malfoy can't buy his way out of."
"Oh this is gonna be interesting." Cyrus muttered.
"Cyrus, hypothetically speaking, what would happen if say someone was in the middle of betrothal negotiations and then they were, oh I don't know, disrupted by an outside party?"
"Well, said outside party could be charged with attempted or full line thef-." He stopped and leaned back in his seat. "Ha, that would, hypothetically speaking of course, that would ruin that outside party. I don't think anybody could get out of that accusation once it was proved, especially if they ruined something between two Ancient and Noble Houses. That would definitely create some waves. Of course as long as it could be proved." He finished in a questioning tone.
"Oh yes, I believe any good healer keeps records of previous medical extremities. And I would say that a mind altering substance could be classified as an emergency, and if not one definitely two. Wouldn't you agree?" Harry questioned.
"Ah yes, especially if there was say a victim testimony?" Cyrus finished looking at Daphne.
"Oh yes, I would imagine that would do the trick." Daphne joined in.
"Alright, so enough of that. How do you plan enacting that?" Cyrus questioned leaning forward on the chair.
"That's where I need your help. I need it to look like we really were undergoing negotiations. That way, we can charge him even if the circumstances of why aren't exactly true."
"If the court were to find out that it was all a set up-." Cyrus began warning.
"They won't. Because it's not. Everything will look like it was really going to happen."
"What about Dumbledore?" Daphne interjected.
"What about him?"
"What do you plan to do about him?" She clarified.
"Nothing." He paused and continued at there confused and shocked looks. "Look, this court session is just going to be about getting Malfoy out of the way. The Wizengamot is when he begins having problems. If there are any before that, I'll handle it." Harry ended.
"Very well, I'll draw up the paper work and backdate it. I'll also talk to the elite court and have your case thrown in. You'll have three days until elite court takes place. Be ready." Once he finished, everyone stood and bid their goodbyes before Harry and Daphne went back through the floo to Three Broomsticks, as it was a Hogsmeade weekend. Harry pulled his cloak out of his pocket and put it over them to avoid being seen. Before they made there way back to the castle.
At the entrance to the castle they shared a quick kiss goodbye before Daphne stepped out from under the cloak and made her way to the Slytherin common room while Harry made his way to Gryffindor.
After getting to the common room, Harry made his way up to his dorm to put his cloak away but stopped at the sight of two people sitting on his bed. Two people that kept popping up no matter how much he didn't want the to.
"Harry." Ginny stood once she saw him coming.
"Yes Ginerva?" He stopped short and stood in front of them, eyebrow raised waiting.
"Well we were talking and we thought that your behavior is a little reckless. You shouldn't mingle with strangers. Listen we just want to keep you safe and so does Dumbledore." She explained.
Nodding Harry began "Okay, you know what I've been playing along or just straight up avoiding you two but I don't think your getting the message. No let me correct that I know your not getting the message. So I'll say it straight out. We are not friends, or together or anything. I don't care about what either of you or Dumbledore thinks. It doesn't matter to me. As for being kept safe, I'm perfectly capable on my own so I don't really need help especially not from any of you."
"Mate, what are you talking about we are friends, we always have been." Ron jumped in.
"No, no we're not because I'm done playing the idiot. I know about the potions and the plan with Dumbledore, oh and the best part our 'friendship' it's not real and it never was. Okay? So get that through your thick skulls before you regret it." Harry didn't yell, he didn't need to, his words carried weight just by talking normal.
"I'm sorry Harry but it's for the greater good." Ginny reached into her pocket and pulled out her wand and point it at Harry. Before she could get a spell off, Harry grabbed her wand arm and twisted it behind her back placing her in an armlock. At some point Ron at stood and pulled out his wand but didn't get far as Harry tripped up Ginny then grabbed Ron's arm and twisted into him before flipping the Weasley over onto his back on the ground.
"Mister Potter!" Came a voice from the doorway. Sighing Harry looked up to see Professor McGonagall standing in the doorway wearing a shocked expression. A student flipping another student onto the ground was probably not on the list of things she expected to see walking into the room.
"Yes Professor?"
"Come with me Mister Potter." She ordered before turning and walking out of the doorway and back to her office.
Once they made it to her office and sat down Harry began "Professor you realize you left them there… on the floor right?"
"Why yes Mister Potter, I am fully aware. If they were injured I'm sure they can find their way to the hospital wing. I believe handling a reckless or dangerous student takes priority."
"Professor, I was just defending myself. Ginerva, she had her wand pointed at me ready to cast a spell." He tried.
"I'm quite aware Potter. I did not only see your actions but the actions the of Weasley's as well. I just happened to be outside the door."
"You heard everything, didn't you?" realized Harry.
"I did, and I believe while there probably weren't school policy I understand your actions. Though I do commend your magical restraint, I do have to punish you as it would look odd if I didn't." She paused and once Harry nodded showing he understood she continued "You have one day of detention with me tonight, understood Potter?"
"Understood." Harry stood and walked to the door but turned back to face her with his hand on the handle. "Professor, why are you doing this?"
"I believe it is time I stood up for my student. Your parents wouldn't settle for it and it is time I didn't as well. I know something more is happening, your conversation with the Weasley's just proves that but I believe it is time I opened my eyes and see what is really afoot. I will see you after dinner Mister Potter." After she finished she looked down at her desk and began reading papers. Knowing a dismissal when he heard one, Harry turned and left the office.
Muttering the password to the portrait, Harry entered the common room and was instantly flocked by both Hermione and Neville.
"What happened?" Hermione demanded.
"With what? Me flipping Weasley on his arse or my meeting with Cyrus?" Harry retorted, smirking.
"You met with Cyrus?" Hermione questioned.
"Are we totally ignoring the fact that he said he flipped Ron on his arse?" Neville exclaimed, looking between the two of them.
"Oh honestly Neville, it's not like we didn't expect it sooner or latter. Something was bound to happen eventually. It's Harry."
"Hey!" exclaimed Harry.
"Can you really deny that?" Hermione stated in a matter of fact tone.
"Well uh not exactly but still!" sputtered Harry in response.
"Alright you two, let's move out of the way." Neville stated as he grabbed one of each of their arms and pulled them from the portrait hole over to the sofa in front of the fire.
"Explain now." demanded Hermione as she pulled out her wand and cast a series of spells to ensure nobody listened in.
"Yes we met with Cyrus earlier today." He began but was cut off by Neville.
"We?"
"Yes we, Daphne went with me. We made a plan. I'm taking Malfoy down, before Wizengamot. There's a session of elite court in three days. Talking with Cyrus, we discussed it and we're adding a case to its roster. Harry Potter versus Draco Malfoy on charge of attempted line theft against House Potter." explained Harry.
"Um hold up, you can't charge him on line theft unless you reveal your relationship with Daphne." Hermione interjected.
"That's exactly what I'm going to do. Here's what going to happen. House Greengrass and House Potter were in serious betrothal negotiations and Malfoy stepped in by dating Daphne. Doing so he effectively cost me my possible future wife. Which is attempted or even full line theft, depending on how far it went."
"Ha, wow Harry. Your definitely digging Malfoy's trench for him. Ha." Neville laughed.
"Wait, I don't get how that going to work, when it's not true." Hermione cut in.
"Doesn't matter whether it is or not. If they have the right support and 'evidence' on their side then it will go through. Interrupting negotiations between two ancient and noble houses is not stood for. And I can assume you have Lord Greengrasses backing in this?" Neville questioned.
"Yup, he's the one taking care of the setup and papers." confirmed Harry.
"Alright now what's this about you flipping Weasley?"
"Alright Mister Potter, before you start your detention I would like to speak to you." McGonagall called from her office.
Walking into her office, Harry took a seat across from her and waited for her to say something.
"Now Mister Potter, I know there is something more going on. I'd be blind to not see it, granted I may not be as young as you but do well to remember I am not that old. So, would you prefer I shoot blindly or would you like to inform me of what's really going on."
Grinning Harry responded "Well I believe you deserve to know. Technically speaking you probably should've known a while ago. If you couldn't already tell, Dumbledore and I have not been getting along."
"Yes which I'm certainly confused by, you always looked up to him and now it's seems you don't trust him." She revealed.
"Yes, well it seems like that because it is that. Over the summer and the very end of last year I found out some interesting information. Information the causes me to distrust him, and will always cause me to." He paused until she gestured him to continue. "Over the course of my entire life, he's been there, manipulating it. First thing he did was convince my parents to go into hiding. When they were perfectly safe at Potter Manor. Once they passed, he placed me in the care of people that I was in no way supposed to go to."
"I know he shouldn't have put you there. I tried to stop him." The professor cut in.
"I know and I thank you for trying. He put me there not to keep me safe. It was to keep me ignorant. He wanted me to have no idea of who I really was or what I could do."
"Why would he do that?" questioned McGonagall.
"So that when he 'saved' me, I would look up to him. I would go to him and he would guide me. Guide me to be exactly how he wanted me, weak, ignorant, reckless. And I was that person… until I found out the truth. I saw a penisive memory. It showed me that people I viewed as family, weren't really family. That I was being lied to and manipulated. That's why I'm not on speaking terms with most of the Weasley's. There's more but all it has ended to exactly where we are now."
Standing the professor went over to the window and looked out at the horizon. "It's a lot to take in. But from what I've seen, entirely possible." She paused before turning to face Harry from her position in front of the window. "From what I've seen Mister Potter, the person you've become this past semester is the person I believe your parents and godfather would want you to be, someone they'd be proud of. You've certainly changed but from what I can tell, it was certainly for the better Mister Potter. And whatever you have planning, I expect interesting things as I will support you. I always should've, and for that I am sorry. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I want to fix things and I hope I'll have the chance to." She finished.
"Of course professor. I know even in your own way, that you always cared. I forgive you. And thank you, it means a lot to have your support."
"Always Mister Potter, now I do believe you've served your detention. Off with you. Goodnight Mister Potter."
"Night Professor." He replied. Standing, he turned and exited the classroom before making his way through the halls.
"Potter! Just what do you think your doing?" Came a voice from behind Harry. Stopping in his tracks and mentally preparing himself, Harry turned and faced the voice.
"Good evening Professor. I am making my way to my common room."
"From where?" demanded Snape.
"Detention with Professor McGonagall." Harry answered, keeping his emotions in check.
"Ah yes, for the incident with the Weasley's I presume." Snape looked to Harry expecting an answer, one that Harry didn't give.
"It seems that it didn't deter you arrogance, headmasters office, now!" He demanded practically dragging Harry along to Dumbledore's office.
"Enter." Came a voice from the other side of the door. "Hello Severus, Mister Potter, what do I owe this pleasure?"
"I want this brat be punished for his arrogance." The potions master demanded.
"If he's going to try and punish me, I want my head of house here!" Harry butt in.
Looking between the two of them, Dumbledore appeared to make a decision. "Very well Mister Potter." As soon as Snape opened his mouth to object he was cut off. "It is only right if she is here, as I'm sure you would want to be here if the roles were reversed." When Snape didn't reply Dumbledore nodded and sent for McGonagall.
About ten minutes later the door opened to reveal McGonagall. Walking in she addressed the headmaster. "What's this urgent matter?"
"Mister Potter requested you be here as you are his head of house." Snaps drawled clearing annoyed.
"Severus, if you please explain why you turned up with Mister Potter to begin with?" Dumbledore suggested.
"This insufferable brat was walking the corridors after his detention. I don't believe the one detention he served is enough, I want him punished."
"For what?" exclaimed McGonagall.
"Oh I don't know, I'm sure fighting with another student is worth more than one detention." Snake retorted.
"It was self defense." remarked McGonagall.
"Oh I'm sure that what Potter would want you to believe." snarled Snape.
"Are you suggesting I can't tell if a student is lying?" McGonagall ground out, clearing annoyed.
"ENOUGH!" Came a shout causing everyone's heads to whip in the direction it came from. "We will discuss this like civilized people. Minerva, I believe Severus is right, Mister Potter deserves more than just one detention. Severus, I suggest you do not imply things like that."
"Mister Potter only acted in self defense!"
"Oh and how would you know that? Were you there?" Snape antagonized.
"As a matter-of-fact, I was. I was going to speak to Mister Potter and heard the conversation taking place as well as saw the outcome. Misses Weasley pulled a wand on Mister Potter with the intention of casting a spell on him. Mister Potter stopped her and when he did Mister Weasley was about to join in before Mister Potter stopped him. And he did all while not using magic!" explained McGonagall.
"He could've had the decently to fight the right way, not the pathetic muggle way!" Snape began."
"You only say that because if you didn't have you magic you'd be useless." fired McGonagall.
"How dare you?!" exclaimed Snape but before it could go any further there was a bang, everyone whipped there heads in the direction of it only to see Dumbledore standing. "Enough, now Mister Potter. What is your version of events?" He questioned.
"It's exactly as Professor McGonagall said." Harry confirmed.
"Very well, and while it may have been an act of self defense, Professor Snape is correct. One detention is not enough. That is why you will serve two more."
"With me!" Snape jumped in.
"No Severus. He is not your student, nor did he wrong you in anyway. He will serve them with his head of house. Now end of discussion, have a goodnight everyone." dismissed Dumbledore, causing Snape to storm out clearly unhappy. McGonagall and Harry left right after him.
"I'm sorry I could not do more Mister Potter."
"It's okay Professor, I know you tried. I don't think much could've been done."
"Alright well, goodnight Potter."
"Night Professor." He replied before they turned separation ways and Harry went into the common room.
Two Days Later
Early in the morning, Harry, Hermione, and Neville were all walking through the fireplace in Three Broomsticks and arriving in the Ministry. After going through security they made their way to the floor where Elite court was held.
It was 8:20 and the Potter and Malfoy case was at 8:30. Entering the courtroom, Harry spotted Cyrus so while Hermione and Neville went to take their seats, Harry went over and spoke with Cyrus.
"Anyway this could go sideways?" questioned Harry.
"Not with false proof." reassured Cyrus.
"Good, I have to take my seat now but I just wanted to say thanks."
"Don't thank me till it's over." Nodding, Harry turned and went to his seat and waiting for it to begin.
About ten minutes later, the judge came in and sat down. Once everyone saw him, all heads turned to him.
"Can anybody tell me why the hell we are at court one week before the Wizengamot?" Neville hissed at the person on his left.
"Because Harry has crap patience." Hermione remarked, causing Neville to snicker.
"I call this session of Elite Court to order. The first case please." The judge banged his gavel before reaching down and grabbing the offered file and opening it "Alright, Harry Potter vs Draco Malfoy on account of attempted line theft. Please bring the defendant to the stand." The judge called.
After opening statements the judge continued "Now, prosecution please begin questioning." Ordered the judge.
"Thank you, Mister Malfoy what do you plead?" Questioned the Head of the DMLE, official prosecutor for the case.
"Not Guilty." The person in question called.
"Noted." And that began the long stream of questions and before long the it was time to cross.
"Defense, you may now question." The judge called and the questioning began again. Once they were done, the judge called witnesses to the stand. First was Harry Potter, it went the same way, prosecution and then defense. Next witness was Cyrus, again came the questions by both sides. After him, Daphne was called to stand for testimony. Giving her testimony and question the judge then called for Madam Pomfrey, who confirmed the use of potions. At that point, everyone in the courtroom knew exactly who was winning this case. It was open and shut the evidence was to much to deny. After everybody was questioned and evidence was brought to the courts attention, the judge called for recess.
Harry met with his friends and they spoke quietly amongst themselves while Cyrus and Daphne spoke down on the court floor and the jury talked and debated the evidence.
Once the jury came to a decision, the judge ended the break and resumed session, before grabbing the piece of paper from the jury and began aloud.
"As judge of this session of Elite court in the case of Harry Potter versus Draco Malfoy, I pronounce the Draco Malfoy-
A/N: Hey everybody, hope this chapter was better than the last couple. I know the court scene wasn't as detailed as some may have liked but I decided to just write the condensed version of it. If anyone of you out there work in the courts or law and I got any of it seriously wrong, I apologize. That's one of the reasons I wrote a condensed version, I didn't want to leave to much opportunity to make it too much of a mess. Hope you enjoyed, and Happy Reading! -DS