Chapter 9:
Hearing at the Ministry
As if matters couldn't get worse, the day before the hearing they learned the Ministry had rescheduled it for 8 a.m. instead of 9; and would be held in Courtroom Ten, instead of Amelia Bones's office. Oliver muttered a few curse words, while Cedric and Harry exchanged guesses as to why it was moved to an earlier time. They assumed it was to prevent Dumbledore from attending the hearing and thereby defending their actions. When the morning of the trial had arrived, Moody led Harry, Cedric and Oliver through the streets of London down a desolate street. As they walked, he pointed to an empty phone booth. When they reached it, Moody beckoned them to enter. The boys exchanged bemused looks, before doing as he requested. The auror then entered behind them and shut the door. After muttering something into the receiver, the booth began to spin; burrowing under the cement sidewalk. Once they were below the surface, the phone booth began to slowly descend like a lift, while the sidewalk above them immediately repaired itself.
As the booth descended, Harry saw they were now inside the Ministry of Magic. On their right was a vast array of windows covering a large wall. There had to be at least 200. On his left, he saw people using the Floo-Powder network; coming and going all at once. When they exited the booth, it started to ascend back to the surface. Harry then noticed a large banner of Fudge hanging in front of them; near the railing that overlooked the levels of floors below them. In the portrait, Fudge was sitting in a regal pose, wearing his overcoat and hat; bearing a very proud, smug expression. He looked as though he were trying to pass himself off as a god of some sort.
Moody then guided them through the main lobby towards a circular room, enclosed with eight elevators. Once they reached the lower level, where Courtroom Ten was located, he led them along a dimly lit corridor. Harry was in awe by the black marble tiles that covered both the door and the columns framing the hallway.
As the group reached the end of it, Harry saw another corridor, parallel to theirs, where Fudge was speaking with Caldora Wood. She was almost as tall as Katherine, but much thinner; almost anorexic. She wore a black robe, with a black pointed hat that covered most of her shoulder-length brown hair; and black heeled shoes. Her brown eyes were completely fixated on the Minister; who was also dressed completely in black, including his hat. Around his neck was a silver necklace, which had three silver crown shaped pendants, with three rubies set on the sides and top. Each one was engraved with an M, for Ministry. Two covered his shoulders, and the other lay over his chest.
Harry nervously stepped backwards, while Oliver gave the Minister an icy glare. Cedric took Harry's hand, pulling him away from their view; as Oliver started walking behind them.
He led them into an elevator and they descended to the floor below. After the doors opened, Moody ushered them towards Courtroom Ten. He stepped aside when they reached the doorway, motioning them to enter with his hand.
The boys sheepishly entered the oval shaped room. The black mahogany paneled seats for the members of the Wizengamot had several rows; which wrapped around the room, save for the narrow entry way in the back left corner. Above them, on the other side of the room was a brightly lit fire, covered by a stone wall with three open intervals; shaped like a half circle.
The marble floor was designed like a stained glass window; with two circles on either side; each with a small, round black platform in the middle. The one on their right had three chairs placed within it; while the other lay directly below the high perch, in the centre of the paneled seats; where Fudge would soon be sitting.
Harry felt as though he was going to faint, when the members began entering behind them. Some were dressed in black robes with matching black hats, while the rest were completely dressed in red. Those dressed in red sat on the lower levels, and the others sat above them. None of the boys could believe how many were there. It looked as though every member of the Wizengamot was in the courtroom. Cedric saw the younger boy's frightened gaze and gently took his hand, before guiding him towards the chairs.
Harry sat in the middle, with Cedric on his left and Oliver on his right.
After all the members were seated, Fudge soon entered the room and ascended the steps to his highly perched desk. Once he was seated, he struck the sound block with his gavel.
"Disciplinary hearing of the 12th of August, into offenses committed by Mr. Harry Potter, resident of No. 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey; and Mr. Cedric Mayfield-Diggory, resident of Broadway, Worcestershire; and Mr. Oliver Wood, resident of Culross, Fife. Interrogators, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of..."
"Witness for the defense!" Dumbledore shouted, interrupting Fudge; making him remove his glasses, while the boys turned to see the professor briskly walking towards them. "Albus Percival Wulfric...Brian Dumbledore," he finished, strolling past the back of their chairs, before standing next to Oliver.
Most the members seemed shocked by his sudden appearance, while the boys sighed in relief.
"You...you..." Fudge stuttered, "got our message that the time and place of the hearing has been changed, did you?" He asked, clearly nervous by the older man.
"I most have missed it," Dumbledore stated. "But, by happy mistake, I arrived at the Ministry three hours early."
Fudge silently scowled, glaring at the headmaster.
"Charges?"
"The charges," Fudge started, putting back on his glasses, "against the accused as are follows: that Mr. Mayfield Diggory and Mr. Wood willfully, and in full knowledge of the illegality if their actions allowed Mr. Potter to produce a Patronus Charm, in the presence of a muggle." He paused to glance down at Harry. "Do you deny that you produced said patronus?"
"No," Harry answered. "But, when we..."
"And the two of you were aware Mr. Potter was forbidden to use magic outside school, while under the age of seventeen?"
"Yes," Cedric replied, instantly being interrupted by Fudge.
"You also know that it is a criminal offense to expose our world?"
"We do, but..." Oliver tried to answer, but was immediately cutoff by Fudge.
"Witches and wizards of the Wizengamot..."
"We only did it because of the dementors!" Oliver exclaimed, making most the members raise their eyebrows.
"Dementors?" Amelia Bones questioned, giving them a quizzical stare. "In Little Whinging?"
The boys looked up at the black robed witch, as a few members made quiet remarks.
"That's very clever," Fudge sneered, pointing at her. "Muggles can't see dementors, can they? Highly convenient."
"We're not lying!" Harry bellowed. "There were two of them, and if we hadn't..."
"Enough," Fudge blurted, lifting his hand. "I'm sorry to interrupt what I'm sure would have been a very well rehearsed story, but since you can produce no witnesses of the event..."
"Pardon me, Minister," Dumbledore spoke. "But, it just so happens, we can," he affirmed, turning towards the entrance. He waved his hand, making the doors open, revealing Arabella Figg. With great trepidation, she entered into the room. She wore a pale blue peacoat, with a matching hat and set of gloves. The professor beckoned the boys to sit in the first row of empty seats on her right, while Arabella sat on Harry's chair.
"Please describe the attack," Amelia spoke, seeing Arabella's timid expression. "What did they look like?"
"Well..." she murmured, "two of them were tall and lean. The other was very large, and the other rather skinny."
The members exchanged befuddled looks, while Fudge rolled his eyes.
"Not the boys. The dementors," he corrected, his tone filled with annoyance.
"Oh, right, right," she uttered, clutching her black purse, quickly glancing at her tan shoes. "Ah, well...well big, cloaked; then...everything went cold," Arabella delineated, while Dumbledore gave her a quick glance, "as though all the happiness had gone from the world."
"Now, look here..." Fudge sputtered. "Dementors don't just wander into a muggle suburb and happen across wizards. The...the odds are astronomical."
"I don't think anyone would believe that dementors were there by coincidence, Minister," Dumbledore interjected, taking a couple of steps towards the Fudge's perch. Before he could say another word, he heard one of the members clearing her throat. He glanced at the round faced woman on his left.
The boys also gave her a quick glance and saw her turquoise eyes giving him an icy glare. Her face was covered in makeup with bright pink lipstick. She was dressed in black, with a few visible strands of brown hair under her hat. She also had a bright pink collar atop her dark her robe; with a white broach pinned in the centre.
"I'm sure I must have misunderstood you, Professor," she started. "Dementors are, after all, under the the control of the Ministry of Magic. So silly of me, but it sounded...for a moment that you were suggesting that the Ministry had ordered the attack on these boys."
"That would be disturbing, indeed, Madame Undersecretary," Dumbledore replied. "Which is why I'm sure the Ministry will be mounting a full scale inquiry into why the two dementors were so very far from Azkaban; and why they mounted an attack without authorisation."
As he finished, some of the members began whispering amongst themselves, while Fudge merely glared at him.
"Of course, there is someone who might be behind the attack," the professor added, once again pacing towards the perch. "Cornelius, I implore you to see reason. The evidence that the Dark Lord has returned is inconvertible."
"He's not back!" Fudge blurted, venomously.
Dumbledore solemnly lowered a his head, then turned to face the boys and Arabella. "In the matter of Harry Potter, the law clearly states that magic may be used before muggles in life-threatening situations."
"Laws can be changed if necessary, Dumbledore!" Fudge bellowed.
"Clearly! It's become practice to hold a full criminal trial to deal with a simple matter of underage magic," he quipped, placing his hands above his hips; as all the members started muttering loudly. The headmaster shrugged his hands, before placing them behind his back.
"Those," Amelia spoke, "in favour of conviction," she paused, waiting to see who raised their hand. Fudge and raised his hand immediately, then glanced at the members sitting behind him; seeing a few of them raising their hands as well. The woman who questioned Dumbledore quickly raised her hand; as did most the other members sitting next to her. "Those in favour of clearing the accused of all charges," se continued, as nearly every member raised their hand.
Arabella raised her hand as well, but immediately lowered it, knowing she wasn't a member and touched her cheek.
Cedric, Harry and Oliver held each other's hand tightly, as Amelia raised her hand.
Fudge turned to his right and saw a few members behind him raising their hands. Glaring icily at Dumbledore, he picked up his gavel she spoke, "Cleared of all charges," before striking it against the sound block.
Harry smiled, as the boys watched Dumbledore hurriedly leave the room. "Professor," he called, instantly standing, trying to get his attention. Yet, the msn kept walking. Harry immediately raced after him, continually calling his name. "Professor!" He shouted, following him down the corridor into the main room. When he reached it, he saw the professor had vanished into the large crowd. 'Why was he avoiding me?' Harry thought to himself, heading Cedric calling his name. Harry turned to see the older racing towards him, closet followed by Oliver.
"Why did you race off so quickly?" Cedric asked, hugging him.
"I...tried to catch up to him, but he was too fast," Harry sighed. "I get the weird feeling he's avoiding us."
"Why? After all he just did?"
"I'm not sure," the younger boy murmured, lowering his head, as Percy strolled alongside Oliver; who was also robed black.
"All I've got to say is you're bloody lucky," the red haired scoffed. "Not many can be immediately cleared of all charges."
"Sod off!" Oliver quipped, meeting the other boy's icy glare.
"That's enough, Weasley," Caldora huffed, standing behind Percy. "You're to go to your office now!"
Percy gave her an evil glare, before walking away.
"Oliver, how are you?" His mother asked, in a soft tone.
"Better, now that we're free," he replied. "Why weren't you there?"
She suspired heavily. "I was forbidden to take part in it. That's why Amelia Bones sat in my place. Oh, I wish you would have just stayed home for the summer. Why did you have to get involved?"
"Mum, they're my friends. Besides, we didn't do anything wrong!"
"Ms. Wood, it was my fault he was there," Harry interjected.
"Oh, I have no doubt of that," she coldly stated.
"Leave Harry out of it!" Oliver snarled. "For years I've known you've disapproved of my friendship with Cedric. I can accept you disliking him, but Harry isn't part of this."
"He's a well known trouble maker; "she snapped, turning her gaze towards Cedric, "and he's no better."
"That's enough from you!" Katherine hissed, making the boys turn to see her racing towards them. "You may think what you wish, but I'll be damned before I let you insult my son! He and Harry are no more trouble makers than you or I. What happened was out of their control! If you have any sense at all, you'll realise that," she retorted, forcing the other woman to scowl and walk away. "That's the most capricious woman I know."
"Mum, you came!"
"I'm sorry I couldn't be there, love. But, they felt it best that I arrive after you, and wait for the trial to end. Thank heaven you've been cleared," she remarked, stroking Cedric's hair. "Now, we best get you home for a proper meal. The three of you haven't had a bite since yesterday."
Once they arrived at No. 12, they saw Hermione sitting next to Sirius in the kitchen.
"You're back!" She smiled, watching the four of them enter the room.
"Thankfully, all charges were dismissed," Katherine sighed. "That's one load of our backs. I see the others are out and about."
Sirius nodded and stood. "Please. Have some food. Kreacher has been in a very foul mood today. Luckily, Mrs. Weasley made enough food to feed an army."
"That's Molly for you," Katherine laughed. "One would think she'd wear herself out the way she carries on. Cedric, once you're finished, head to you room and pack your things."
Cedric nodded, as Harry and Oliver sat by Hermione; while the food was magically placed on their plates.
After they finished their late breakfast, the boys headed upstairs to pack. Harry was almost sad to leave. Though he loved Cedric's home, he knew he'd miss Sirius. Would Cedric understand if he wanted to stay? He pondered that thought, watching the older boys hurriedly pack their suitcases.
Oliver was the first to finish. He gave them a quick wave then left the room.
Now that they were alone, Harry knew he had to ask him. "Ced?"
"Yeah?" He asked, without turning.
"I...I was wondering if you'd mind me staying here for the rest of the summer?"
Cedric stood upright and turned to face him. "With Sirius?"
"He's lonely, and I never get to see him or spend time with him. He's like the uncle I never had. I feel bad just leaving him alone."
"Harry, if you want to stay, it's fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," he assured, smiling, touching Harry's shoulders. "Why do you look surprised?"
Harry laughed, before staring into his grey eyes. "I don't know. It's just we've have such an amazing summer...the best summer of my life. I just don't want you to think I want it to end."
"Harry," Cedric started, gently kissing his forehead. "The summer is nearly over. We've done quite a lot over the past two and a half months. I don't mind if you spend the rest of it here. It's not like we won't see each other at school."
"True." The younger boy smiled. "And hopefully I can see you again next summer. If that's all right..."
Cedric laughed, placing his head on Harry's left shoulder, then lifted it to connect their lips. "Love, mum was going to let you stay there if you were expelled. Of course you're more than welcome."
Harry's lips curled. "I like her a lot. She's an amazing person. Not to mention she lets you fly everywhere."
Cedric felt his lips curl. "She was only a Captain at Puddlemore for fourteen years. She went there right after Hogwarts. Flying is a way of life to her."
"I'll miss you..." Harry murmured, stroking the older boy's hands with his thumbs.
"I'll miss you too," Cedric sighed, cupping his hands. "But, we'll see each other soon."
"Ced?" Oliver called, opening the door. "Katherine wants to leave in ten minutes."
"Damn. I'd better hurry. Wait. I'd better tell her Harry isn't coming with us," Cedric stated, walking past Oliver towards the staircase.
"You're staying?" Oliver asked, glancing at Harry.
"I...um...yeah. I just don't want to leave him alone. I'm sorry. I didn't want to miss your birthday. It's only ten days away."
"No worries." He smiled. "I'll just miss seeing you. It was fun to actually get to really know you."
"Likewise." Harry smiled. "You've been an amazing friend. I'm sorry I got you into all this."
"Forget it," Oliver muttered. "You didn't do anything. Ced and I took you there."
"I know..." Harry suspired. "I also sorry your mother got so upset."
"She's got some nerve! The way she acts, it's no wonder I rarely spend the summer holiday at home."
"At least you've got Ced."
"Aye. I couldn't ask for a truer friend. At least his house isn't made of marble. It's like living in a lavish tomb," he laughed.
"Can I write to you?" Harry asked.
"Sure. I'd love staying in touch."
"I'll send you that broom you had your eye on."
"Harry, it costs way too much."
"Who cares? I'm getting it for you," Harry retorted, making Oliver laugh.
"It's hard countering you."
"Oliver, you deserve it. Besides, what are friends for?"
"Thank you. It means a lot." The older boy smiled.
Cedric then walked back into the room. "Mum says she'll miss you, Harry. She loved having you."
Those words brought tears to Harry's eyes. For the first time in his life, he knew people who genuinely cared for him and enjoyed having him in their home. Not that Ron or his mother didn't care, but this just felt different. Maybe because he was able to spend so much time with them. He was able to connect with them on a deep level.
"Harry," Cedric softly spoke, seeing his tears.
"Oh. Sorry," Harry sniffled, taking off his glasses to wipe his eyes. "It's just nice knowing I'm actually going to be missed."
"And rightfully so," Cedric reaffirmed, as Oliver nodded. "You're an amazing person, Harry. Never think otherwise," he added, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Oli, join in."
Oliver smiled, wrapping his arms around both of them.
When they finally reached the main floor, they saw Katherine and Sirius standing in the parlour. I'm her hand was piece of parchment. Next to her was a brown, white spotted owl, perched on the table.
"Mum, what happened?" Cedric asked.
"Dumbledore sent me a letter," she replied, glancing at him.
The three of them quickly entered the parlour and read the letter.
My dear Katherine,
I apologise for giving you such short notice, but I hope you'll be able to accommodate us. One of the coaches at Puddlemore was injured and Rolanda has been asked to stand-in for him, while he recovers; leaving Hogwarts without a Quidditch instructor. That is why I write to you now, in hopes you will accept my request to substitute for the duration of her absence. I'm told it may only be for a few months. But, it could last the throughout the school year. With your vast talents and knowledge of the sport, I know the students will learn a great deal from you. If it is too inconvenient, I completely understand. Please send word the moment you receive this letter.
Sincerely yours,
Albus Dumbledore
"I can't believe it! You'll be able to teach at Hogwarts!" Cedric exclaimed, as she wrapped her arm around him.
"I don't know. This is a major undertaking."
"Mum, you taught me how to fly."
"That was just you, love. This will be every class in the school."
"You can do it," he assured.
"I..."
"Katherine, you are one of the best flyers I know," Sirius stated. "You must accept."
"Oh, very well," she sighed, laughingly, glancing at Harry. "It appears our goodbyes will be short lived. I'll be seeing you very soon. Besides, this gives me an excuse to spend time with my baby. See him through his final year at Hogwarts," she remarked, kissing his cheek. "Are you all packed now?"
Cedric felt his face turn red. "Yeah. We're ready to go."
"Then, we best be on our way. Thank you again, Sirius. For everything."
"My pleasure," he replied, watching the four of them left the room. A second later, the owl zoomed past them, flying through the open window by the front door.
Just as they reached it, they saw Hermione open it, entering the house, with Viktor behind her.
"I hope you don't mind. He asked to come," she explicated. "He wanted to help the Order."
"His help will be very welcome," Katherine affirmed, exiting the house with the two boys; while Harry stayed behind.
"It's nice to see you, Viktor," he spoke.
"I'm glad to see you again, Harry," the older boy replied.
"When did you tell him?" Harry asked, averting his gaze to Hermione.
"Two days ago. I asked Sirius and he said it was all right to inform him."
"I see he made it," Sirius interjected. "Would the two of you please come into the parlour. I'm sure Harry wants to say goodbye to Cedric, before he leaves."
The pair nodded and followed him into the other room. Harry then left the house and saw Ron and Ginny approaching it; carrying a few shopping bags.
"Looks like you've had a busy day," he laughed, as Ron scowled.
"She made me take her to every bloody store in town!" Ron whined.
"Ron, we rarely get to see the city. Besides, mum said it was okay for us to explore it," his sister countered, smiling at Harry.
"What did you buy?"
"Some new outfits and a few bracelets," Ginny answered, glancing at her small white bag. "There were so many stores, I just lost track of time."
"You may have, but I didn't," Ron scoffed. "Three and a half hours of going in and out of stores."
"Boutiques," she corrected, glancing at her brother.
"Sorry to cut you short, but I have to say goodbye," Harry stated, walking past them towards the street. He glanced down each side and saw it was completely deserted. Not a single soul was there. Could it be they had already disapparated? Well, it wasn't like he and Cedric didn't already say goodbye. He was just hoping he'd be able to see him off.
Sighing heavily, he slowly headed back to the house. As he started to open the front door, he heard, "You really thought I'd leave without one last goodbye?"
"Ced!" He shouted, turning to see the older boy standing behind him. Harry was so happy, he raced towards him, and threw his arms around the older boy; nearly knocking them over.
"Whoa!" Cedric exclaimed, trying to catch his balance; while the younger boy immediately connected their lips. When the pair finally drew apart, both were rendered breathless.
"I...thought you were gone," Harry panted.
Cedric smiled, as he caught his breath. "I wanted to surprise you. So, I had mum hold my things and hid behind the corner."
"You certainly surprised me," the younger boy declared, stroking Cedric's hair. "Damn. If being apart for just a few minutes does this, imagine what two and a half weeks will do?" Harry chuckled.
"I know. It'll be torture," the older boy groaned, slightly pouting.
"I'm so tempted to make you stay," Harry naughtily stated, smirking.
Cedric smirked as well. "I wouldn't object. But, I'd have no change of clothes. All my things are at home."
"I'd buy you a new wardrobe."
The older boy gave him a quizzical gaze, then smiled. "Hmm. I might just take you up on that. As long as you wouldn't regret spoiling me."
"Never!" Harry reassured, wrapping his arms around the older boy's waist.
"We'll sit together on the train," Cedric promised, pulling him into another kiss.
"I can't wait!" Harry replied, kissing his nose.
"See you soon," He softly murmured, as they slowly broke apart.
Harry watched him walk down to the end of the street and disapparate; leaving him alone by the door. "See you soon," he whispered, before going back into the house.