Chapter 62: The Trial

As the castle celebrated Gryffindor's victory, Harry turned his attention toward the upcoming trial. The day after the match, a black raven delivered a letter, something Harry had never seen before.

Hey Prongslet,

Forgive the raven. It is customary for the Black family to use ravens to deliver messages. Word to the wise: keep a hand over your goblet when it takes off. Either that or swap it with a Slytherin, your choice. Don't do anything I wouldn't.

First, I wanted to thank you and Hermione for everything you did for me, both this summer and on that night. I spent most of the nights the last 12 years worried about you, worried that you would be hurt or killed while I was locked up. James was counting on me to watch over you and raise you just in case anything happened to them and what did I do? I got myself locked up. I am so glad that you have found someone who unquestionably has your best interests at heart. I saw the way you looked at one another, the way you are with each other and it reminds me so much of James and Lily.

I watched James growing up and I knew long before he did that he was smitten with Lily. He acted like such a fool around her in third year, trying anything and everything to catch her attention. The girls flocked to James for his family, his wealth, or his magical power but James hated all that. He didn't want a fangirl, he wanted someone to love him for him; he wanted Lily.

The trouble was she hated his face. She was a studious student who was more interested in proving the purebloods wrong than being the arm candy to a stuck-up, scruffy-looking half-wit. That's an exact quote by the way and I'm not sure which part of that James hated the most, though my money is on the scruffy-looking part.

In fifth year, the war got worse and James became less Sirius and more serious (Lily hated that joke,) buckled down and got to work. He finished third in our year in O.W.L.s behind Lily and Alice who would later marry Frank Longbottom, not sure if you know their son, Neville. In sixth year, James finally caught Lily's eye and by the end of the year, you just knew they would be married. A few years later and you came along. I have never seen my brother happier than the day you arrived. The way he held you, it was like he was holding the world in his hands. I swear he whooped in joy when you opened your eyes and had Lily's eyes.

I know the trial is going to happen here shortly and I can't help but be nervous. Hopefully, this goes well and I can get to know you and start making up for lost time. I will wrap this up because my hand is cramping hardcore. Not using your hand for 12 years and then writing is a bitch, I tell you.

I love you and I hope to see more of you very, very soon.

Love,

Sirius Black

"I wanted to be angry at him," Harry said. "I mean his decisions did lead me to the Dursleys. However, seeing everything he did and learning why he did it, I can't help but be touched."

Across from him, Daphne sat down and started loading up a plate.

"Good morning, Miss Greengrass," Harry greeted the blonde Slytherin. "How are you this morning."

"Hungry," she said. "I am guessing from the raven, that is a letter from Sirius Black. They're the only ones who used ravens in the past."

"Yes it is," Harry said. "The trial is coming up and he wanted to write me a letter just in case."

"Well that is why I am sitting here," Daphne said. "I was told you wished to speak with me."

"That is correct," Harry nodded to Hermione who put up some privacy spells. "There will be two trials done that day. Everyone knows that Umbridge and Sirius will be tried but one thing that I am sure the defense for Umbridge is going to claim is a conflict of interest of Dumbledore being Chief Warlock, since he was there that night, and is a witness to the events of the Quidditch match."

"That makes sense," Daphne said. "Him holding that position would make be a clear conflict of interest. What do you intend to do about it?"

"We intend to have Dumbledore step aside willingly," Harry said. "We were hoping to have your father take up his position for the trials. He is the head of the neutral faction and neither side should object."

Daphne's eyes widened as Harry spoke their idea. She was used to the mistrust their position garnered, especially from the light faction. She knew it was only a matter of time before Harry reformed the Great Alliance. To have him show this level of trust was a new experience for her.

"You honor us," Daphne quickly regained her exposure. "I am sure my father would be amenable to this idea but I will write him forthwith. Thank you for your trust."

"Everything you have done the last three years has made your family worth it," Harry said.

"Thank you, heir Potter," Daphne bowed her head in respect. "My father would like to meet you face-to-face, to see if you're everything the legends say you are. Or at the very least, everything I say you are."

"Perhaps we could set something up for this summer," Harry said. "What does he think about your Patronus?"

"I, uh," Daphne tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Haven't told him, actually. I'd rather show him when I see him. I think he'd prefer that."

"Would love to be there to see his face," Harry laughed. Hermione lifted the privacy spell and they finished their breakfast in peace. Harry wished the time would go quicker, that the Easter Break would come as quickly as possible.

The train pulled into the station in London and before the train came to a complete stop, Hermione burst from the compartment, sprinting toward a pair of adults standing on the platform.

"Princess!" Richard held his baby girl tight as her legs left the ground. "I have missed you so much!"

Harry approached at a sedate pace, grabbing his and Hermione's bags. He was used to Hermione's reaction to seeing her parents. What he did not expect was Helen pulling him into a tight hug.

"Harry!" Helen smiled and kissed his cheek. "It is so good to see you."

Harry tensed a little at the greeting and then relaxed, closing his eyes to enjoy the feeling of being hugged by a mother.

"How's it going, kid?" Richard set his daughter down and joined Helen's hug.

"Good to see you," Harry smiled warmly. "Both of you."

"Come," Richard guided them toward the exit. "We have much to catch up on. To dinner!"

"Italian?" Hermione asked, hopefully.

"Of course," Helen replied with a laugh.

That night, the elder Grangers were enthralled by their tale of the Shrieking Shack.

"So your godfather can turn into a dog and your teacher is a werewolf?" Richard was torn between bemusement and terror. "Then you fought a pack of werewolves?"

"Yes," Harry said. "I hope you're not angry at me for leading your daughter into danger."

"We're not angry," Helen reached over to cover his hand with hers. "We're concerned. This the third year you two have been wrapped up in something like this."

"We know," Hermione said. "And it isn't likely to stop there."

"Please tell me you're joking, princess," Richard asked desperately.

"Afraid not," Hermione then repeated the prophecy they had heard. "That night, Peter Pettigrew escaped and Lucius Malfoy fled before the Aurors could capture him. We know Voldemort is still out there.

"He was always going to come back," Harry said. "And when he did, he'd come after me and resume his campaign of terror against muggles and first-generation witches and wizards. We're training hard to be ready."

"You're kids!" Richard exclaimed. "You should be worried about… school and… hormones! Not fighting a war."

"We're still focusing on school," Harry said. "And Professor Flitwick has said he will stop training us if we don't make time for, and I quote, 'fun.'"

"If we stop enjoying life," Hermione added. "He is going to stop teaching us. He told us, he's not turning us into weapons, rather he's teaching us so that we can live."

"Thank goodness for Professor Flitwick," Helen said. "Is Ron Weasley still an issue?"

"Only in his own mind," Harry said. "Since Christmas when our relationship came out in the open, he got upset, and said that Hermione was his."

Richard's face darkened at that and he gripped the table harder. Harry saw this and directed his next statement directly at him.

"I told him Hermione isn't some thing to own but rather her own person who makes her own decisions," Harry said directly into Richard's eyes which promptly softened into gracious appreciation and then hardened into pride.

"Well said, Harry," Helen said. "Hang on to this one, Hermione: he's a keeper."

Hermione grabbed onto Harry's elbow with both hands, light dancing in her eyes.

"I intend to," Hermione said just above a whisper. Harry returned her loving look with one of his own.

"Anyway," Harry turned back to the elder Grangers. "After that, Ron has just been brooding. He's struggling in classes and has failed to turn in no fewer than three homework assignments. He was doing better when Hermione was helping him but he's fallen off a cliff."

"Which is too bad," Hermione said. "He was doing rather well. If only his motivation wasn't to try and win my affections, he could have been better. Even after the interviews in which the DMLE told him what his rat really was, he's still just angry with both of us. First the Firebolt, then the kiss and finally Scabbers. He's just too angry to focus on anything but us at the moment."

"Well I'm just glad you've got other friends around you beside him," Richard said. "I certainly would not be as amenable to you dating him as I am you dating Harry."

"Yeah that's not happening," Harry and Hermione said at the same time.

At that moment, the waiter dropped off the tiramisu, ceasing any conversation. Richard paid the check and they piled into the Land Rover, headed for home. Hermione chose to use the middle seat so she could lay her head on Harry's shoulder. Before Richard could pull out onto the road toward home, Hermione was fast asleep. Harry slid his arm around her to bring her in closer. She cooed in the most adorable fashion and nuzzled in closer to him.

Helen watched the scene with rapt attention.

"You're so good for her," she said quietly, careful not to wake her daughter. "She has grown so much in the last three years and you are a big reason why."

"She has helped me too, all three of you have," Harry said, staring down at his girlfriend's dozing face. "That's what a real friendship, a real relationship does, right? You help one another to grow?"

"Well said, Harry," Richard said from the driver's seat. "Just don't forget that as you grow older."

"Spare the thought," Harry laughed. At his laugh, Hermione stirred. Harry rubbed her arm and she dropped back off to sleep.

The morning of the trial, Harry woke up in the soft bed of the Grangers' house and smiled. As much as he loved the castle, this place was home now. He knew that Potter Manor was finished and he did want to take a look but he wanted to wait until the summer to do that.

After a day of shopping and getting fit for formal robes, Harry and Hermione were ready for the trial which was to take place the next day. That next morning, Amelia came to fetch them bright and early, taking them directly to her office to avoid any crowds at the ministry.

Harry sat down in the gallery and looked around the courtroom. He saw the burgundy-robed Wizengamot members in the tiered seats around the room. On the floor sat two tables with two chairs. At the center of the elevated Wizengamot platform sat Dumbledore.

Looking around, Harry saw the gallery was filled. In particular, there was a blonde woman in a green dress with a lime green quill zooming across the parchment.

"If I could have your attention," Dumbledore's voice cut through the chatter of the room. "I call to order the Wizengamot spring meeting. Today we will be holding two trials. Any other business from the winter session will be pushed to the summer session.

"Without further ado, I turn the floor over to Madam Bones, head of the DMLE."

"Thank you Chief Warlock," Amelia stood from her seat and descended toward the table. "Bring in the defendant."

The doors to the left of the chamber opened and two purple-robed aurors escorted Delores Umbridge into the chamber with her barrister in tow. Sadly, for the trial, she was allowed to wear her usual garish pink robes, with her hair perfectly coiffed.

"We now call to order the Department of Magical Law Enforcement v. Delores Umbridge," Dumbledore took the packet from Madam Bones. Before he could open it, Umbridge's barrister stood.

"Objection," the man stood to his full height, his silver streaks adding definition to his black hair and beard. "George Selwyn of Selwyn, Rosier and Yaxley here. Albus Dumbledore is listed as a witness within the documents provided. He should have recused himself as Chief Warlock. I call for a mistrial."

"Well before Mssr Selwyn interrupted," Dumbledore smiled warmly. "I was going to say that I am recusing myself from the trials, due to a conflict of interest. I nominate Mattias Greengrass to serve as Chief Warlock in my stead. Any objections?"

As expected, no objection was raised. Dumbledore then stood from his position and took a seat next to McGonagall, Harry and Hermione in the gallery. Mattias, whose long blonde hair looked just like his daughter's, though he had Astoria's hazel eyes, took the center position and opened the packet.

"Delores Umbridge," he announced. "You are accused of seven counts of attempted murder, one count of conspiracy and one count of misuse of ministry equipment. How does the defendant plead?"

"Not guilty, of course," Umbridge declared in a haughty tone.

"The defendant will not speak unless instructed to," Greengrass said. "Unless you wish to represent yourself, that is."

"Defense pleads not guilty on all counts, Chief Warlock," Selwyn said. "My client is being railroaded for just doing her job."

"Leave any comments for your opening statement, barrister," Greengrass said. "Prosecution, you may make your opening statement."

"Thank you, Chief Warlock," Amelia stood and walked to the center of the room. "Witches and wizards of the Wizengamot. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement will prove today beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant, one Delores Jane Umbridge did willfully and knowingly conspire to capture Harry Potter, regardless of the methods or collateral damage therein.

"Madam Umbridge, then the undersecretary to the Minster of Magic, did use her position to redirect ministry assets to this end- Dementors specifically- and by doing so, put the lives of seven people at risk."

Madam Bones took the next 15 minutes to outline her case before sitting for Umbridge's defense to begin his opening statement.

"Witches and wizards of the Wizengamot," Selwyn said. "My client is the victim of a witch hunt, pardon my turn of phrase. She has been an upstanding citizen and a member of this body for many, many years, keeping our traditions and our institutions strong. She was simply carrying out the will of the Minister himself to protect our children and bring a mass murderer to justice. The fact that other parties got in the way is not her fault. The prosecution's case is based on nothing but hearsay and speculation, all built on the lies of the Boy-Who-Lived. That he has hoodwinked the professors of Hogwarts to believe them is concerning."

Harry was glad he had worked on his occlumency to hide his expression because the defense's opening statement was as laughable as it was nonsensical. After the defense resumed his seat.

"Madam Bones," the interim Chief Warlock addressed Amelia. "You may call your first witness."

"Prosecution calls Hermione Granger," Hermione stood after being called, trying to look as regal as possible, ignoring the cameras that were snapping her photograph. "Please state your name, house and year for the record."

"Hermione Granger, Gryffindor House, Third year, ma'am," Hermione said.

"You had a few run-ins with the Dementors this year, correct?"

"Yes, ma'am," Hermione nodded. "Three times in fact. Once on the train going toward Hogwarts, once at the first Quidditch match of the year and then in February."

"Can you tell us what happened on the train?"

"Objection!" Selwyn stood. "Relevance? My client was not on the train, nor has there been anything remotely connecting her to these other dates."

"Chief Warlock," Amelia addressed the Wizengamot. "There is a pattern to these attacks and only examining the last one removes the pattern that will become clear."

"Overruled," Greengrass said. "I will give you a little leeway but get to it quickly."

"Understood," Amelia turned back to Hermione. "Miss Granger if you would please tell us what happened on the train."

"We were heading to school when the train suddenly stopped and the lights went out. Professor Lupin told us he would investigate. Harry, that is to say, Mr. Potter floated a ball of light in the air so we could see. Next thing I know the door opens and there's this cloaked wraith. It reached out and froze the ball of light Mr. Potter cast. At that point, Mr. Potter collapsed under the exposure to the Dementor. I tried to set it on fire but the Dementor exhaled and froze it before it arrived.

"Did the Dementor do anything else?" Amelia asked.

"It," Hermione swallowed heavily and her eyes started to shine with tears. "It reached out for Mr. Potter. I… I kept trying to keep the Dementor from pulling him away but I was failing. It grabbed his arm. It was pulling him away from me. It wasn't until a couple of Patroni from Professor Lupin and Auror Tonks arrived that the Dementor released Mr. Potter."

Hermione paused and composed herself.

"You say the Dementor grabbed Mr. Potter," Amelia said.

"Yes," Hermione said. "He still has the mark."

"Now take me through the Quidditch match," Amelia said. "The Dementors showed up there, correct?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "They came to the match and once again targeted Mr. Potter. Mr. Potter slipped from his broom and, if it weren't for Cedric Diggory, he would have hit the ground at terminal velocity."

"Did Mr. Potter say anything after he woke?" Amelia asked.

"He said his arm was burning from where the Dementor touched him on the train," Hermione said.

"This brings us to February," Amelia moved on. Hermione was thoroughly interviewed regarding the night of the Dementor attack, specifically what Umbridge said as the Dementors descended.

"You specifically remember her saying all parties present, except Mr. Potter, would be kissed?" Amelia finished her questioning.

"Yes, Ma'am," Hermione said.

"That is all," Amelia said. "No further questions, Chief Warlock."

Selwyn stood and straightened his robes.

"Miss Granger," Selwyn began his line of questioning. "That is a name I am not familiar with it. I am afraid I've never heard of House Granger."

"I am a First-Generation witch, sir," Hermione answered.

"You're a muggleborn?" Selwyn said putting his hand over his chest in mock surprise.

"I am the first generation of witches in my family," Hermione stated. "My mother and father are muggles."

"So this all must be new to you," Selwyn didn't even look at Hermione; he was playing to the purebloods in the 'Gamot.

"I wouldn't say that," Hermione said. "I am new to the magical world, yes but I feel I have adjusted well, especially since my best friend is the heir to House Potter."

"Oh I'm sure you feel that way," Selwyn said, condescendingly. "Magic is complex and it takes time to find the nuance to it. I'm sure what was seen as an attack was merely a magical creature being a magical creature. Did you see my client threaten anyone before the alleged night in question?"

"No sir," Hermione stated simply. "I just heard her say we wouldn't be around to report her misdeeds after Headmaster Dumbledore and Madam Bones said the only other people to reassign Dementors were the Minister or his Undersecretary."

"So everything you testified to was influenced by Madam Bones, the prosecutor, or Dumbledore your headmaster. How do we know they didn't charm your memory to remember this as they instructed?"

"Objection," Madam Bones stood. "Speculation."

"Sustained," Greengrass said. "There is nothing in evidence to show memory charms."

"But there would be no evidence therein if memory charms were used," Selwyn said.

"In the packet, you will see the ministry healer's examination shows no evidence of memory charms," Amelia stated for the record.

"Wizengamot will be instructed to disregard the last question," Greengrass said.

"No further questions," Selwyn sat down, satisfied.

"Do you wish to redirect?" Greengrass asked.

"No, Chief Warlock," Madam Bones said.

"Miss Granger, you may step down."

Hermione stepped down, keeping her head held high as she walked past Selwyn and the toad bigot he was defending.

After Hermione, Tonks took the stand to give her testimony as an auror. Then, Dumbledore and McGonagall were called as witnesses, mostly confirming Hermione's viewpoint of the Quidditch game and the final attack. However, Madam Bones asked one question of Professor McGonagall she did not ask Dumbledore.

"You are the head of Gryffindor house, correct?" Amelia asked.

"I am the Tranfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor House."

"So you would have a lot of contact with Miss Granger and Mr. Potter?" Amelia asked. "Possibly the most of any professor at the school."

"Either myself or Professor Flitwick," McGonagall said. "We both have had extensive contact with both students."

"And what is your opinion of Miss Granger," Amelia said.

"She is one of the brightest students I ever met," Hermione blushed at McGonagall's compliments. "Her grasp of the theoretical basics of magic is second to none and she would have a decent chance at passing her O.W.L.s today."

"Even for a muggleborn-I'm sorry First-Generation Witch, as she called herself?"

"For any student. We will need to build a bigger library at the school before her seventh year," McGonagall smiled a small smile. "She's pretty well read through most of it already."

"So she knows spells," Amelia prodded.

"It is not just spells. She has researched history, potions, magical creatures and a lot of wizarding culture and customs. She probably knows things about our customs that I have even forgotten."

"Thank you, professor," Madam Bones ended her questioning. Selwyn's questioning offered little and a short while later McGonagall stepped down.

"Last, the DMLE calls Harry Potter to the stand," Madam Bones said. Harry stood and was immediately blinded by all the flash bulbs shooting off. "Please state your name, house and year for the record."

"I am Harry Potter, third-year Gryffindor house and the heir to House Potter," Harry threw in the last bit for the purebloods in the audience, as Daphne had told him he should.

Amelia then took Harry through the incidents previously described until they got the part of the Dementors marking him.

"Can you push back your sleeve for us?" Amelia asked. Harry pushed the cuff of his sleeve back until his forearm was present. The gallery gasped at the black handprint on his forearm. "Why have you not done anything to remove that mark?"

"Everything I had done only makes it fade but it never goes away completely," Harry said.

"Do you know what that is?" Amelia asked.

"Supposedly it is a mark the Dementors put on you to track you," Harry said.

"That is correct," Amelia turned to the gallery. "In your packet, you will see pictures of the mark and a sworn statement from someone in the Department of Mysteries regarding that mark and its significance. Dementors only do that when they wish to track an individual."

"Yes," Harry nodded. "I think I will have it for the rest of my life."

When she finished Selwyn stood up.

"Mr. Potter," Selwyn walked up with his hands behind his back. "We owe you all a debt of gratitude for what you did 12, almost 13, years ago. Defeating the Dark Lord? Such a noble origin."

"My mother," Harry said before he could stop himself.

"Pardon me?"

"It was my mother who you should be thanking," Harry said. "She developed the charm which saved my life and stopped Voldemort's (almost everyone in the courtroom flinched) reign of terror. All I did was soil my nappies."

Involuntary laughter rang from the gallery at Harry's last statement.

"In any case," Selwyn moved on. "Surviving such trauma at an early age had to leave a mark, right? And I don't necessarily mean the one on your head."

"I am not sure what you are suggesting."

"How can we know that your thinking is clear; that your perception of events isn't tainted by tragedy? After all, when you've been attacked at one year old, when you've seen your mother die, it has to make you a little paranoid, no?"

"Maybe if I am repressing the memory of that night, sure," Harry admitted. "But I've recently spent a lot of time accepting what happened that night."

"Oh, and why would that be?" Selwyn was smiling brightly.

"Because every time the Dementors get close, I relive it," Harry said, plainly. "I hear my mum's last moments; I relive Voldemort laughing as he killed her. That is why I collapse in the presence of the Dementors; why I pushed so hard to learn the Patronus Charm."

"So you believe that you, a 12-year-old-"

"I am 13, sir," Harry interjected.

"-Forgive me. A 13-year-old wizard has succeeded at advanced magic that most adult witches and wizards are incapable of?"

"I can cast the Patronus," Harry said, a little hotly. "As can Miss Granger and number of students at Hogwarts currently. That is why we are sitting here talking and not soulless husks awaiting death."

"My what an imagination you have," Selwyn said. "That you've got the other witnesses to confirm your lie is incredible. Your fame serves you well, I guess."

"It's just a shame you blocked the use of a Pensieve or veritaserum, then," Harry said, fiercely. "Then we'd know without a doubt where the truth is."

"There it is," Selwyn smiled. "Famous Boy-Who-Lived thinks he can do what he wants, say what he wants, disparage who he wants without any consequences."

"Objection!" Amelia stood.

"I rescind my statement," Selwyn walked away. "No further questions."

"Redirect?" Amelia asked. Greengrass gestured for her to continue. "Chief Warlock, may I give Mr. Potter permission to draw his wand for a single spell?"

"To what end?" Greengrass simply looked intrigued.

"To prove that he can cast the Patronus which saved his life," Amelia said.

"Proceed," Greengrass said. "Mr. Potter please stand and draw your wand slowly. aurors stand at the ready and please draw your wands as well."

Harry stood and pulled his wand from its holster. Imagining Paris with Hermione leaning in, he flicked his wand into the ready position.

"Expecto Patronum," Harry cast. His stag burst forth, galloping around the chamber.

"That will do," Amelia said. "As you all can see, Mr. Potter can indeed cast a Patronus, as can a number of students at the school currently, Miss Granger included. I can attest to that personally. Mr. Potter, you may step down."

As Harry was her last witness, Amelia turned the trial over to the defense whose only move was to call Umbridge to the stand.

"Tell me what happened on that February night, Madam Umbridge," Selwyn asked.

"On the night in question," Umbridge said. "I arrived with Madam Bones and Minister Fudge at Hogwarts School of Witcraft and Wizardry on a word that Sirius Black had been located. In preparation, I contacted the Dementors to apprehend the madman. He still had the Kiss on Sight order so they knew what they had to do."

"Well, then why would they allegedly attack Mr. Potter and his coterie?" Selwyn asked.

"They must have done something to be a threat to the creatures," she said. "Dementors only attack if they're given a reason to. I am sure Mr. Potter's paranoia probably convinced the others they were coming for him and his mu-girlfriend rallied to help using whatever means necessary."

"Thank you Madam Umbridge for your years of service," Selwyn said. "And for protecting us from the madman who was running amok on the streets. Your witness, prosecutor."

Amelia stood. This was the moment she had worked so hard to get; the reason she wanted to try the case.

"Madam Umbridge," Amelia walked up to the toad. "What was your relationship with Lily Potter, formerly Lily Evans."

"Objection!" Selwyn stood. "Relevance?"

"There is a point to this, Chief Warlock," Amelia turned to Greengrass.

"Proceed but proceed quickly," Greengrass said. "Answer the question."

"We were in school together," Umbridge said with a strained smile. "She was… talented for a mu-uggleborn."

Amelia smiled at the toad's near slip.

"Yes, she was," Amelia said. "Head girl, top of her class and a real prodigy at charms if my sources are correct. Outstandings on all her Owls. She even caught the eye of James Potter, the most eligible bachelor in his year."

"Oh, she was talented for sure," Umbridge simpered. "And very pretty."

"I heard you were rivals at Hogwarts," Amelia asked. "Is that correct?"

"We had some childish disagreements," Umbridge started to look uncomfortable. "Nothing too serious."

"So you are not bothered by her status as the mother of the Boy Who Lived?" Amelia asked. "The person who, if Mr. Potter is to be believed and I think he has proven to be truthful, was responsible for defeating You-Know-Who?"

"Why would anyone hate that?" Umbridge replied.

"That was not an answer," Amelia noted Umbridge's gray cheeks were turning red.

"Of course Lily Potter was special," Umbridge spat. "Always top in the class, turning James Potter with her loose muggle ways. Then they had a child, a filthy half-breed spawn who is a champion to mudbloods and blood traitors alike!"

Gasps rang through the gallery again. Selwyn tried to stop Umbridge from talking but Amelia was too quick.

"So you saw an opportunity to do something about it," Madam Bones was almost smiling.

"I'd have liked to!" Umbridge snapped but then recovered. "I would like to keep Potter from infecting us with his radical views, his scurrilous lies but I have a job to do and that comes first. Lucius Malfoy asked me to task the Dementors with grabbing him, kissing his girlfriend in the process. But I didn't. I don't know why those Dementors acted as they did, probably they were going after Sirius and their presence at the school made them rather desperate."

"So the item you had to control them, your statement that we wouldn't survive to tell anyone. That was, what, just a misunderstanding?"

"Of course," Umbridge said. "I take my job seriously and I'd rather like to get back to it once I am acquitted."

"No further questions," Amelia said, walking away trying to keep her smile from crawling over her face. Selwyn chose not to redirect.

"You may step down," Greengrass looked disgusted at the woman. "Defense it is to you for closing arguments."

Selwyn went about his, though the wind was definitely out of his sails. Madam Bones finished hers, tying her case together with a bow.

"Wizengamot will raise their wands, red for guilty, blue for not guilty," Greengrass said. Greengrass read through the charges to which an overwhelming majority voted for guilty.

"Madam Umbridge," Greengrass said. "You have been found guilty on all charges. You will spend the rest of your life in the maximum security ward of Azkaban."

Umbridge was escorted out of the courtroom. She passed close enough to give a murderous glare to Harry and Hermione. After that, the next case was called to order. The whole Wizengamot stood shell-shocked as Sirius Black walked in. Used to the way he looked on the wanted posters, they were not ready for how he looked today. He was wearing black robes of acromantulan silk. His hair was hanging in soft curls at his shoulder. His goatee was manicured and his teeth gleaming white. He was escorted by a portly balding man with a congenial smile. Harry knew that was Ted Tonks

Before Amelia could start her case, Ted Tonks stood.

"If it would please the court," Ted said. "My client has asked to be interrogated by veritaserum, to leave no doubt as to his innocence"

Sirius stood and took the stand. An auror came in to administer a clear liquid into his open mouth.

"Tell me what happened on Halloween, 1981," Ted asked.

"I was supposed to meet up with Peter, to deliver him some supplies but Peter did not turn up," Sirius said, his voice monotone. "Suddenly, I could remember the place where the Potters lived which meant the Fidelius had failed. I went to the house to find it in ruins. The door was blasted in and James was lying at the foot of the stairs. Up in the nursery, I saw Lily lying in front of Harry's crib. Meanwhile, Harry was crying and trying to reach for his mother. I gave Harry to Rubeus Hagrid to take him to Dumbledore. After that, I went to confront Peter. I knew Harry wouldn't be safe with the rat on the loose."

"So you went to kill Pettigrew?" Ted asked.

"I probably would have if I got the opportunity," Sirius said. "But he was too fast. I confronted him in front of his mum's flat. He blasted the street and disappeared. I now know he turned into his rat form- He, James and I all were illegal animagi- and slipped away."

"As you can see," Ted turned to the Wizengamot, a fair few were openly weeping at Sirius' story. "My client did not betray the Potters, nor did he kill Pettrigrew. The only thing my client is guilty of is becoming an animagus without a license which, considering the past 12 years, should be considered time served."

"Everyone raise their wands, red for guilty, blue for not guilty," Greengrass said. The wands were unanimous: not guilty.

"Defendant is found not guilty," Greengrass said. "You are free to go, Lord Black."

"Thank you, Lord Greengrass," Sirius stepped off the stand.

"That will do it for this Wizengamot session," Greengrass said. "We will meet again in the summer session."

At the bang of his gavel, Harry was out of his seat. Sirius met him halfway as Harry embraced his godfather for the first time.

"I'm so glad you're free," Harry said. "Thank you for trying to protect me, even though you went to prison trying to do so."

"I have so much to catch up on," Sirius held Harry's head in his hands. "Hopefully I can come by and meet the Grangers and give them my thanks."

"Sounds good, Mr. Black," Hermione had arrived then. "We would love to have you for dinner."

"None of this Mr. Black business," Hermione yelped as Sirius pulled her into a sudden hug. "You've been so good to my godson. It's Sirius to you."

"Okay, Sirius," Hermione's muffled voice rang out. Harry looked beyond the duo to see Minister Fudge walking up. Knowing what he had to do, Harry walked up with his hand extended.

"Minister Fudge," Harry said loud enough for the press to hear. "Thank you for all you did to ensure justice was served today."

"Mister Potter," Fudge shook his hand and smiled for the cameras. "How great it was to see this court right a wrong from our darkest days."

"Hopefully this is the beginning of a very bright future for Britain," Harry smiled as well, thankful for Daphne's coaching.

"Lord Greengrass," Harry called to the man behind the minister. "Thank you for your services today as Chief Warlock. You served with honor and integrity."

"Heir Potter," Greengrass shook his hand. "I have heard much about you from my daughter. I see she does you credit."

"As she does with you," Harry said. "You have raised her exceptionally well. She has been a great asset to our alliance."

"I look forward to furthering our alliance," Greengrass said. "You are going to the Quidditch World Cup, right?"

"Yes," Harry said. "I will be there with two booths for two companies to build clientele."

"I will have to stop by and see them for myself," Greengrass shook his hand again and moved away.

"Mister Potter," Harry turned to see a talk statuesque woman with dark hair and black eyes. "You've grown so much since the last time I saw you just after you were born."

"Harry," Sirius helped his godson out. "This is Andromeda Tonks."

"Miss Tonks," Harry smiled. "Your daughter speaks highly of you."

"Not as highly as she speaks of you," Tonks said warmly. "Mastering a Patronus at 13 is quite the feat."

"I could not do it alone," Harry turned toward Hermione who was beaming with pride and joy. "This is my girlfriend and dueling partner Hermione Granger."

"Ah the young woman everyone says is a rival for Lily Potter," Andromeda daintily shook Hermione's hand. "Hope you know what you're getting into. Loving a Potter is not for the faint of heart."

"Oh I think I can handle it," Hermione smirked at Harry. "It has its benefits."

As they moved toward the exits, the blonde woman in lime green robes stepped up.

"Mister Potter will not be giving a quote at this time, Miss Skeeter" Amelia Bones said, her eyes narrowed. She clasped Harry's shoulder and lead him from the chamber, back to the Granger household.

On the other side of the chamber, a blonde woman in black robes watched everything with interest. She walked briskly to the apparition point and arrived back at the gates to her home. Walking past the peacocks, Narcissa Malfoy threw open the doors and marched into the manor. Pausing to hang up her traveling cloak a voice called out to her as she turned toward the sitting room.

"Did the blood traitor go free?" Her son's voice sounded through the entryway. Narcissa looked up and saw him at the top of the stairs, leaning on the banister.

"Draco," Narcissa snapped. "Follow me."

Her hair whipped around her face as she spun to strut toward the sitting room. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that he was not budging.

"Now!" She shouted. Draco scoffed and started to walk back to his room. Growling, Narcissa drew her wand and summoned Draco to the sitting room. He came down the stairs backward, his butt hitting every step along the way, skidding across the entryway and into a chair in the sitting room.

"I know you have been raised on your father's knee but you are my son too," Narcissa said. "You are a Malfoy by birth but you are also a Black. You have heard a lot about blood purity, blood supremacy but you have heard nothing about family.

"We Blacks have held family above all others," Narcissa said. "That is why Sirius was kicked out of the house: he didn't follow his family. Now I'll admit the family went a little far; Bella and Regulus specifically. They became Death Eaters, actively serving another master. Were Arcturus not bedridden at the time, he would have dissuaded them. Sure there were parts of the Dark Lord's campaign he appreciated but no Black will ever submit to another."

"Even if some were kneeling at the feet of the Dark Lord, we still stuck together. Andi wasn't kicked out of the family because she married a muggleborn; she was kicked out because she was supposed to marry Rabstaban Lestrange. Sirius was supposed to become the head of the family but he ran away to live with the Potters."

"Is there a point to this?" Draco was leaning back in the chair Narcissa placed him in, his leg hanging off the side.

"Sirius was never officially banished," Narcissa said. "Arcturus never did it. To answer your previous question: Sirius is indeed free and he will soon be the head of the Black family. His godson is Harry Potter, who is a cousin to you. You see where I'm going?"

"So I have a few blood-traitor relatives, so what?" Draco flicked invisible dust off his black robes.

"So Sirius can cast you out of the family, the same that he can me," Narcissa pinched the bridge of her nose in irritation. "He is already planning to do the same with Bella, I am sure."

"Fine," Draco scoffed. "The Malfoy family is a wealthier, nobler family steeped in tradition and…."

"Do you even know where the Malfoy wealth comes from?" Narcissa cut him off. Draco finally looked interested. "Most of it came from the Black family; from my dowry. The Black family dates back to the time of Merlin, the same as the Potters, Longbottoms and Bones families. Insulting Harry Potter, the Tonks family or Sirius Black is a portkey to you being cast out."

"So that's it then?" Draco sneered. "You want me to be buddies with Potter now? With his mudblood?"

"I want you to act with more decorum," Narcissa said. "Things are already happening and anything you do could make it worse. Your father conspired to try and kidnap Harry Potter. He is now a wanted fugitive. The Malfoy accounts are under lockdown while Gringotts and the DMLE investigate him. You may not care for the Black family head but you have lived on their money. I'm not asking you to be friends with Harry Potter- I know that is unlikely to happen- but you will cease your incessant, inane antagonizing of Potter and his friends.

"It is time you rein in your ego, learn your place within this new family, hold your tongue and actually make something of yourself beyond running to your father."

Narcissa noticed she finally had his full attention.

"I know we never had much of a relationship before now but that changes now," Narcissa said. "You will learn as I have learned. Lucius always leaned on Snape to bump up your grades. That will no longer be the case. You will be a true Slytherin. You will learn, dedicate yourself to becoming the best version of yourself and be a credit to your family name. You could skate by on the Malfoy name but as a Black- and that is how you will act from now on- you will actually work to add to the Black legacy. No more free passes. Am I understood?"

"Yes mother," Draco looked both angry and disappointed. His eyes held a fire that Narcissa had never seen.

"Good," she relaxed. "You are my baby boy, the only thing I have loved from my marriage with Lucius. I do not want to see you go the same way as him.

"Yes mother," Draco repeated, emotionlessly.

"Excellent," Narcissa stood up straight. "Now head upstairs and review your studies. Tomorrow at 9 we start educating you on what it is to be a Black."

Narcissa watched her son sulk out. She knew he needed tough love but that did not mean she enjoyed dispensing it. She only hoped that she was not too late to change the course of his life.

Across town, while everyone was focused on the Ministry of Magic and the trials, two disillusioned figures stood on a street outside a London flat.

"Why are we here, again?" the taller one asked. "Thought you'd want to stay clear of this place considering you were the one who blew up the street last time you were here."

"It is a risk but I hid something here," the shorter one said. Carefully, he approached the flat and walked up to the stairs leading to the flat. Removing the notice-me-not and the muggle repelling charm to keep anyone from touching a specific brick, Pettigrew pulled said brick from the stairway. Reaching in, he pulled out a white wand, one Lucius had not seen in a decade in a half.

"That's why you came back here," Lucius said. "You weren't running; you were hiding his wand."

"Black almost caught me too," Wormtail said. "I just finished putting the notice-me-not on before he found me."

"Well now that we've got it, where do we go now?" Lucius asked, impatiently.

"The wand will tell us," Peter said. "Our master did a special ritual with his wand. It will point the way and heat up the closer we get to him. I think he's in Eastern Europe somewhere, though."

(A/N: Longer chapter than usual. One because it'll be a while until I can post again and two, I had a lot I wanted to do with it. Needed to get through the trial and the fallout therein. Malfoy is not going to become friends with Harry but rather he's about to be thrust from his sheltered existence into the real world where he'll actually have to work; where everything isn't handed to him. I have one more chapter for third year, four to five in the summer and then year four will be up next.

Sirius sending Harry a letter with a raven is a subtle Game of Thrones reference.

Happy Holidays to all. Wish health and happiness for all of you and your families into the new year.