The Potter Timeline
Chapter 67 - Into the Wizengamot
Harry stared into a short corridor leading to a larger, perpendicular corridor at the center of which sat a pair of double doors, one of them open. Above the doors an imposing brass plaque hung.
DEPARTMENT OF MAGICAL LAW ENFORCEMENT
Scores of wizards and witches hurriedly passed into and out of the open door, crisscrossing one another, some scurrying to the left or right of the secondary corridor and disappearing out of sight. Others appeared from either side, rushing into the law enforcement office in turn. Everyone appeared frantic. The noisy clattering of footsteps, the shuffling of parchments, and tense conversation coming from these Ministry folk made it seem as though some dread emergency was in progress.
"It's been like this since yesterday," Tonks told the pair with a frown, "and it's driving me plum mad!"
She led Harry and Professor Lupin into the first corridor and Harry was astonished to see windows on either side revealing a blue sky with a few clouds and bright sunlight. Though he knew the lift had taken them upwards, this was still unexpected.
"Are we...back above ground?" he asked while staring at the windows.
"No, Harry," Remus answered, "we're still underground. These windows are enchanted to display weather of one kind or another. Helps lift the employees' moods so they don't go stir crazy or feel claustrophobic."
"Last week, Magical Maintenance, who determines what weather they display, went on strike again," Tonks added sourly, "we had to look at threatening cyclones and thunderstorms for several days until their demands were met."
Harry nodded.
The three reached the hectic secondary corridor which extended to both the left and right. On the left was another set of double doors above which hung another brass plaque.
AUROR HEADQUARTERS
IMPROPER USE OF MAGIC
MISUSE OF MUGGLE ARTEFACTS
And to the right was yet another pair of doors with a plaque above it.
WIZENGAMOT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
Just like the doors to the law enforcement offices, one was open on each side. The continuous shuffling of Ministry folks in between the departments made Harry wonder how they'd be able to enter the law enforcement offices without running into someone.
"Hang on," Tonks said.
She loudly cleared her throat.
"STEP ASIDE!" she yelled out fiercely, "WITNESSES COMING THROUGH!"
Several surprised employees halted immediately (one of them dropping an armful of parchments all over the floor), some ran into each other, and some threw the Auror-in-training an ugly look while continuing in one direction or another, defying her command. The witch grunted and stepped into the chaos, shoving several out of her way while allowing Harry and Remus to follow. This they did, and the three managed to get inside with barely a scrape.
The foyer of the department was squarish but not very large. A faded Persian rug covered the dark paneled floor. On top of this sat several rows of plastic chairs containing various wizards or witches with glum faces who seemed to be waiting to see someone. The foyer was as chaotic as the corridors outside - Ministry folk went to and fro, moving down one hall or another, several of them stopping and engaging in brief conversation before resuming their task.
Beyond the rug, against the far wall, stood an enormous oak counter which was rather tall - the height of it reached mere inches above Harry's head, in fact. Behind this counter sat an imposing wizard in royal blue robes with a shiny gold badge. The man had dark eyes, equally dark hair, and a pronounced nose on his squarish face. He was staring down at a small, thin wizard with grey hair who was arguing with the man while pointing repeatedly at a parchment in his hands.
"...But Director Hamme has already authorized their presence inside the courtroom!" the aged wizard uttered.
"I don't care what Director Hamme has authorized!" the officer snapped back, "Wizengamot statute allows only so many journalists inside! The Media Liaison Office is supposed to know this! I'm sorry, Mr. Greaves, but The Quibbler will have to get their information elsewhere! End of discussion!"
The thin little man turned in a huff, shaking his head while marching past Harry, Tonks, and Remus.
"Disagreeable man!" the wizard muttered as he marched out of the office.
Tonks frowned at Harry and Remus then led them up to the counter.
"Morning, Blightly," Tonks said.
The stern officer, who had begun shuffling through some parchments on the desk, stopped and glared down at the Auror.
"Late again, eh, Tonks?" he mouthed, "if I were Shacklebolt, I'd put you on suspension 'til you get your bedtime straightened out."
A perturbed look shot across the Auror's face. It was clear these two didn't get along.
"Yeah, well, you're not Shacklebolt," she told him. She quickly changed the subject.
"I found these two in the Atrium and brought them here. They're to see Amelia - witnesses for the Wizengamot."
The wizard gave Lupin and Harry a glance each then resumed shuffling the parchments.
"Be my guest," he replied rather flatly without looking at her, "if you can get in, that is. Director Bones is flush with visitors at the moment."
Tonks threw the man a sour look then steered the two to the left of the counter and down a corridor after. Several doors lined this hallway and a queue of Ministry employees stood on the left side, waiting to enter an office up ahead. When the three reached the office, Tonks stopped before the door. Above it, a brass plaque reading "Director" was fastened. Tonks, ignoring the stares and glares of those they bypassed in line, knocked on the door.
"I beg your pardon!" a squat wizard in a grey suit complained at the Auror while placing his arm in front of her. He was first in line and was rather put out that Tonks was cutting in.
Tonks' hair turned flaming red.
"Official Auror business!" she snapped at him, "stand back!"
The wizard did so quickly, his face full of fright.
The door opened of its own accord. The Auror-in-training motioned Harry and Lupin to follow her in.
For someone as important as the director, the office wasn't very large. But this was due in part to the furniture occupying the space. Center back of the room sat a large oak desk cluttered with parchments, a cauldron full of quills, candlesticks, several trinkets, and a few large books. The entire back wall was covered in bookshelves containing numerous volumes of varying sizes and colors. It was messy with parchments sticking out and several books placed in backwards. On both the left and right walls of the chamber hung portraits with moving images of wizards and witches. Harry guessed they were former directors of the department, similar to the former headmaster portraits in Dumbledore's office.
Amelia Bones sat at her desk conversing with two wizards sitting in chairs in front of the desk. The woman had a squarish face with a pronounced jaw line and hazel eyes. Her hair was short and grey, cut in a mushroom cap shape that fell just below her ears. She wore maroon robes which appeared more like an officer's uniform than the looser versions worn by the Aurors. The director held a firm expression on her face as she listened to the wizards and Harry's first impression of the woman was that she was a force to be reckoned with.
No sooner had the three entered than Director Bones gazed up at them. The two wizards in the chairs turned to view them as well. Harry lit up.
"James!" he uttered with a grin.
"Hello, Harry," James Purvis replied with a bright look, rising from his seat while joined by Kingsley Shacklebolt who did the same. Purvis shook Harry's hand first. Kingsley followed suit.
"Mr. Potter," he uttered with that deep, intimidating voice, though his expression was pleasant.
"Mr. Shacklebolt," Harry responded.
"Welcome to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement," James said, "allow me to introduce you to Director Bones."
The witch rose from her seat and moved around the desk to shake Harry's hand.
"Harry Potter," she said with a slight smile and warm expression, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Her change in demeanor seemed to reveal another side to the woman, one not so fierce.
"You too ma'am," Harry replied. Bones continued.
"Beyond your fame from what happened with He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, everyone in the department knows of your heroics last year during the Chamber of Secrets incident. Suffice it to say, Honorary Junior Auror, you've developed a bit of a reputation in the office here, and a good one at that."
Harry's cheeks burned as everyone gazed at him.
"Thank you...Miss Bones," he uttered shyly.
The director now turned to Professor Lupin.
"And you must be Remus Lupin."
The professor stepped forward.
"Yes, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you," he replied gentlemanlike again, shaking her hand.
"Same," she responded. The woman then motioned to the wizards on either side of her.
"Allow me, professor, to introduce you to my Director of Auror Operations, James Purvis..."
"Sir," James said while shaking Remus' hand.
"How do you do?" the professor replied. Bones continued.
"...and our Senior Investigative Auror, Mr. Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"We've met, actually," Remus told the woman though shaking Kingsley's hand, nevertheless. The formidable black wizard gave Remus a nod and smile.
"And you're no doubt familiar with our Auror-In-Training, Miss Tonks, who was supposed to have been here three quarters of an hour ago," the director said with a stern look at the young woman.
Everyone stared at Tonks whose hair turned pink while her cheeks burned the same color.
"Sorry," the young woman uttered meekly with an apologetic look while shrugging her shoulders.
James chuckled and Kingsley shook his head at her.
"Anyway," Director Bones stated while returning to her seat, "please, Harry, Mr. Lupin, have a seat."
She motioned them to the chairs and they both sat down. The Aurors remained standing off to either side. Amelia shifted forward with her chair, clasped her hands together on the desk and continued.
"We haven't much time before the interrogation, so I'll quickly explain what's going on and what's required of you, professor. As you no doubt witnessed on your way in, this business with Pettigrew and Black has created quite an uproar throughout the Ministry and quite a stir among the wizarding community at large. Everyone wants an eye or ear on the interrogations and the department is doing everything we can to keep order. As such, you'll notice a number of our Aurors inside the courtroom. They're being posted to prevent unauthorized access and provide general guard duty. Speaking of which, the pair of you will be accompanied by James who will not only escort you in but will be at your side during the proceedings."
She now looked at Remus.
"And you, professor, may be called before the interrogators for questioning if they feel it pertinent."
He nodded. Bones continued.
"As well, Mr. Black has the right, under the Wizengamot Charter of Rights, to call you as a witness, if he so chooses, as he informed us you were his schoolmate along with Harry's parents James and Lily Potter."
"That's correct, Miss Bones," he replied, something in his expression revealing he was eager to fulfill this role before the court.
"Excuse me, director," Harry piped up, "I was also called as a witness. What does the court expect from me exactly?"
"Nothing, Harry. Merely to observe the proceedings."
"Really?" he asked both puzzled and yet relieved too.
"Yes. Professor Dumbledore himself ordered your summons as he said you have the right to witness the examinations since they concern your parents' murders."
Harry nodded. Knowing this, he felt grateful again to the headmaster. The teenager's eagerness to learn more about his parents' deaths increased even more now.
"I believe that covers the essentials," the director said, "do either of you have any other questions?"
Harry and Remus exchanged a brief glance before shaking their heads at her.
"Very well. As we have only a half hour before the session, James will go ahead take the pair of you down to get situated."
Amelia rose from her chair, Harry and Remus rose after.
"Kingsley, Tonks, I need to speak with you before we go down ourselves."
The pair nodded.
"We'll see you in Courtroom 7, then," Bones said to Remus and Harry.
"Later Harry, professor," Tonks uttered with a smile at them while placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. They both smiled back.
James ushered the two out of the office, closing the door behind them. The folks still standing in queue, waiting to speak with the director, threw them angry looks. James chuckled as they headed back to the foyer.
"They're going to be even more put out when they learn Amelia won't be able to see them," the Auror muttered quietly enough for Remus and Harry to hear, "she's one of the interrogators, you know."
"Really?" Harry asked.
James nodded.
"Wizengamot procedure calls for three lead interrogators to oversee any examinations. The others, whom you will see on either side of those three, are allowed to question as well, if a majority of the leads agree. And in the end, a vote is cast among all the interrogators in session to settle any matter."
"I understand Professor Dumbledore will be presiding. Will he be one of the interrogators?" Lupin asked the wizard.
"Yes," James answered, "and the third will be Minister Fudge. You can imagine how eager he is to question the suspects, especially Black. The minister's reputation is on the line and if it turns out your godfather is truly innocent..." he spoke while looking at Harry, "...it could be a major embarrassment for the head office, what with all the resources spent to find him."
The three passed back into the foyer which oddly seemed almost deserted now, save for a couple of wizards still sitting in the chairs before the large desk. James led the pair out of the office in the direction of the lift. To Harry's surprise, the chaotic movement of Ministry employees between the departments had disappeared as well. Perhaps everyone had headed for the courtroom.
"If we had time, I'd give you both a proper tour of the department," he said while gazing at the double doors leading to Auror Headquarters, "but that will have to wait."
They stepped up to the lift at the far-right end and James pressed a button on the side panel. A few minutes later, the compartment arrived, and the doors rattled open. The three entered and the lift descended.
As they approached each floor, the female voice again uttered the description of departments on those floors and Harry chuckled to himself remembering Tonks' annoyance over it. But then, the lift reached the main floor.
"Level Eight, the Atrium."
Harry thought they might get off and started to move toward the doors.
"Not quite yet," James said with a hand out to stop him, "one more to go."
Harry nodded and stepped back. The lift passed the Atrium floor to the next.
"Level Nine, Department of Mysteries," the voice said.
Curious at this description, Harry intently gazed through the bars of the lift gate and saw a long dark corridor leading to a single, non-descript black door at its end. There was no plaque over this door. But other than the door, the corridor itself was empty, no windows or other doors appearing along either wall.
The lift door rattled open.
"Well, here we are," James told them, "we take the stairs just ahead."
He exited the lift, Harry and the professor followed.
"What's the Department of Mysteries?" Harry asked James while staring at the imposing door at the end as they moved toward it.
James gave Harry a hesitant look at first, as though weighing whether to tell him. But then after glancing at the black door himself, the Auror answered.
"It's the most secretive department in the Ministry, Harry. All I can tell you is that its personnel experiment with magical forces, some of which are presently beyond our power to control and some of which are extremely dangerous. But what precisely goes on in there is so highly classified that not even I could tell you what they do."
"Rumor has it," Lupin said while leaning slightly toward Harry, "there are objects inside that can foretell the future."
"Really?" Harry asked with heightened curiosity.
"Oh yes," the Auror added with a chuckle, "you wouldn't believe the conspiracy theories over what the Ministry hides behind that door. Law enforcement has had to arrest various cranks from time to time trying to break in to get a glimpse."
Harry nodded while gazing at the door once again, its presence in the corridor seeming even more mysterious.
The three arrived before the door, but then James steered them left down another corridor leading to a stairwell. They descended and as they approached the bottom of the stairs, Harry looked up at a brass plaque hanging above the lower corridor entrance, illuminated by torches on either side.
WIZENGAMOT COURTROOMS
ADMINISTRATION SERVICES ANNEX
SUSPECT HOLDING CELLS
DEPARTMENT OF MAGICAL MAINTENANCE
They left the stairs and entered this long corridor which was wider than the previous one they'd passed through. It appeared to be cut out of raw, black stone and briefly reminded Harry of the dungeons at Hogwarts. Torches on either side lit the corridor and the noise of a multitude of conversations inside it echoed off the ceiling eerily.
It seemed that the crowd of busy Ministry workers who had so chaotically filled the second floor had indeed moved to this corridor. Several of them stood in the midst of the hall in vigorous conversation. Several were rushing up and down the hall carrying bundles of parchments in their arms moving in and out of a chamber on the right side. As James, Harry, and Remus proceeded further, Harry got a brief glimpse inside this chamber, above which was a sign indicating it was the Wizengamot Administration Services Annex. Numerous employees and even a few goblins were shuffling and organizing parchments at several desks while being directed by a thin bearded wizard center of the room. What was all that about?
Continuing, Harry now noticed closed doors on both sides of the corridor opposite one another. They were shut with iron bolts, and each had a keyhole. The first one on the right had a golden "1" painted on it. The door opposite had the number "2". As they made their way further down the hall, the numbered doors continued in sequence, odd on the right, even on the left. Harry guessed these were the various courtrooms. Then, they arrived at number "7". The door was open and, on either side, an Auror was posted.
"Morning, Jenkins, Wright," James uttered to the fearsome looking warlocks.
"Morning, sir," they both replied.
Harry recognized the grey-haired Auror named Jenkins who had stood guard outside McGonagall's office the previous year. James continued.
"Everything in order?"
"Yes, sir. The Interrogators are filing in as we speak. The chairs have been set in place and several reporters as well as some Ministry staff are already inside."
James nodded.
"Good. Keep your eyes peeled and make sure no one gets inside without the proper credentials. Any problem with the suspects?"
The Auror named Wright frowned.
"Perkins had to separate them into different cells. Anytime they got within reach of one another, Black would try to attack Pettigrew."
Harry and Remus exchanged wide-eyed looks.
"I see," the Director responded, "I was hoping Sirius would be more civil, but it appears we'll have to chain them to their seats after all. I'll inform Shacklebolt."
"Yes, sir," the Aurors replied.
James motioned to Harry and Lupin and the pair followed him inside Courtoom 7. A short, cramped corridor preceeded the main room and when they exited it, Harry stopped and gazed around in awe.
The courtroom was large and circular. It, like the corridor before, was cut out of the same dark stone. Numerous stone columns stretched up to a high domed ceiling above. On each of these columns a dimly lit torch was hung, giving the space an eerie, foreboding quality. A circular wooden wall, as tall as Harry, separated the outer portion of the room which contained stepped benches reminiscent of coliseum seating - this was apparently where spectators sat.
Behind the circular wall on the right, was a small desk above which stood a tall wooden podium surrounded by more benches. Harry guessed that was where the Chief Warlock sat. Harry then noticed the two chairs dead center of the space, each facing the podium. A chill went down his spine at seeing manacles attached to the arms of these chairs. Recalling what the Aurors told James, he guessed that was where Sirius and Peter were to be held during the interrogation.
The seating on the left side was three-quarters full of various wizards and witches engaged in hushed conversation. And the benches either side of the podium were filling up with the Interrogators. Each wore blood-colored robes with a silver "W" stitched into them. They also wore strange, maroon hats whose four-sides rose from their heads like an inverted pyramid. These mostly older wizards and witches made an intimidating sight, especially as the dim light gave their faces a shadowy look. Indeed, Harry had the impression that everything inside the courtroom was intended to instill fear and awe into whomever sat in the center chairs. This was one place the Ministry of Magic could show forth its most serious and frightening dimensions.
As soon as James, Harry, and Remus entered, a witch with curly blond hair sitting on one of the benches across the room (sporting an overdone make-up job and rectangular spectacles hanging onto the end of her nose) locked eyes with Harry. Her own eyes grew large at recognizing him and she quickly leaned toward a wizard next to her, whispering in his ear. The man looked up and stared at Harry as well, then nodded at the woman. The curly-haired witch then snatched up a quill and began writing vigorously on a parchment in front of her.
"James," Harry said quietly while the Auror guided him and Lupin up a short set of steps into the spectator section, "who is that woman there across the room?"
Purvis glanced in the direction Harry pointed and a deep frown crested on his face.
"Rita Skeeter, so-called 'star' reporter for The Daily Prophet."
Harry's eyes went wide. That was the woman who wrote those scathing articles about him, Hagrid, and Dumbledore! James went on.
"She's one royal pain in the backside, always snooping around the department trying to find something spicy to write about. I couldn't tell you the number of times we've had to boot her out."
Harry nodded and frowned. Now having been seen by the woman in person, Harry didn't doubt he would wind up in one of Skeeter's articles on the interrogation. What spin would she put on the teen this time?
James led the pair to an empty section of benches.
"Right. Sit here and I'll rejoin you after I've handled some Auror business."
They both nodded and sat down. James descended the steps and disappeared back into the corridor. More people filed into the courtroom, slowly filling the benches around Harry and the professor. And more Interrogators followed. Harry now noticed that they seemed to appear from some entrance beneath or behind the podium which must conceal another chamber out of sight.
"I must confess myself a bit worried, Harry," Lupin uttered quietly to the teen, "after what Auror Purvis said about Sirius. While your godfather is of sound mind for the most part, ever since he showed up at my door a few months back, he's exhibited some rather...irrational behavior from time to time, no doubt due to his stint in Azkaban. You've noticed this, surely."
"Yes, I have," Harry replied quietly, a look of worry appearing on his own face. Remus continued.
"This business with Peter draws out this behavior even more for understandable reasons. Let's hope Sirius will be rational during the hearing. He certainly doesn't need to give the Wizengamot any cause to reimprison him."
Harry swallowed hard at these words and nodded. Very true indeed.
The courtroom suddenly went silent. It appeared that all the Interrogators had arrived except the leads - twenty-five of them on each side of the podium. Everyone now stared at the podium. A short wizard with light brown hair and oversized spectacles, wearing similar colored robes as the Interrogators (minus the hat), appeared from behind it. He carried a silver cauldron full of quills in one hand and a stack of parchments in his other. He moved ceremoniously to his right and stepped down the right side of the podium, sitting at the small desk beneath it, setting out the cauldron and parchments after.
Then, one of the leads appeared - Director Bones. She moved to the right of the podium and sat down behind it. After her, Minister Fudge arrived, moving to the left and sitting on that side. Both wore the same blood-colored outfits with those strange hats. But while Amelia held a serene expression on her face, Minister Fudge looked very unhappy.
Suddenly, all the Interrogators, except for Bones and Fudge, rose from their seats and turned to face the podium. Every spectator inside the room rose as well, all facing the podium in turn. Harry and Remus, seeing this, followed suit. Moments of silence passed before the final lead Interrogator appeared from beneath the podium.
Professor Dumbledore had arrived.
He wore a similar outfit and hat as the rest of the Interrogators. But his was midnight black. Along with those half-moon spectacles and that long white beard, the expression on his face was grave. His appearance and the aura surrounding the man gave one the impression of a fearsome wizard who carried the very power of life and death in his hands. Though Harry knew the headmaster was powerful, his display as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot seemed to augment that power to the nth degree.
Dumbledore, still standing, swept his gaze from one end of the room to the other as though searching for something untoward. No doubt everyone in the room felt as meek as Harry did under that gaze. But then, the headmaster's gaze stopped on him.
To Harry's surprise, Dumbledore gave him a slight smile and wink.
Harry smiled and nodded back.
"BE SEATED," the powerful voice of the warlock now echoed around the room. Everyone obeyed.
Dumbledore himself now sat down. He began shuffling some parchments in front of him. Director Bones and Minister Fudge on either side of him did the same, Amelia placing a monocle over her right eye. Dumbledore then glanced down at the wizard sitting beneath the podium.
"Mr. Tinsley, please begin," he ordered.
"Yes, sir," the man replied with a raspy voice. He picked up a parchment, cleared his throat, and began reading.
"The ninety-seventh Wizengamot is now in session. Interrogation case number two thousand forty-three, 18th of September. The examinees...Peter Jonas Pettigrew of Ratford, Wiltshire; Sirius Arcturus Black of Islington, London. Lead Interrogators...Amelia Susan Bones, Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Cornelius Oswald Fudge, current Minister of..."
The loud clearing of a throat interrupted the man. It was Fudge, who was gazing down at the wizard with a severe stare. The little man went wide-eyed while gazing up at the wizard.
"Sorry, Minister. I forgot," he uttered apologetically.
Harry wondered what the deal was until he recalled Dumbledore mentioning in his first year that Fudge disliked his own middle name. Harry chuckled. Fudge shook his head then resumed reading a parchment in his hands. The wizard continued.
"Presiding over this session...Chief Warlock, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Court Scribe, Frederick Baines Tinsley."
"Thank you, Mr. Tinsley," Dumbledore said before turning his gaze toward the entrance corridor, "bring in the examinees."
One of the two Aurors, who had been standing on either side of the entrance, disappeared inside it. Moments later he reemerged, taking his post once more. In came another Auror, one Harry recognized. It was the black-haired Auror Jones, the one who had been petrified by the Basilisk during their hunt for the monster last year. And behind him, another recognizable figure emerged from the corridor.
Peter Pettigrew was hunched over slightly, appearing frightened beyond measure. Surprisingly, he had been given a new set of clothes: a neat purple suit with a purple tie. But his bland head of unruly hair and that rat-like face still gave him a smarmy, pitiful look. Wide-eyed, the little man walked behind Jones who then directed him to the chair on the left. When Pettigrew sat in it, the manacles on either side instantly clasped over his arms, bolting him to the chair. He let out a shriek.
Then Sirius appeared, followed by Kingsley Shacklebolt. Black was calm and held a slight grin on his face as though he was accustomed to this procedure already. Shacklebolt directed him to the chair on the right and Sirius sat down, the manacles chaining his arms in place as well. But Harry's godfather didn't flinch in the slightest. He was indeed accustomed to it. Harry and Remus exchanged concerned looks, nevertheless. As Jones stood to Pettigrew's left, and Kingsley stood on Sirius' right, they both gazed up at Dumbledore.
"Chief Warlock, the examinees are present and ready for interrogation," the deep voice of the black Auror spoke, resonating powerfully off the walls and ceiling of the courtoom.
Every eye was now riveted on Dumbledore.
"Very well, Mr. Shacklebolt," he said while sending his fierce gaze down at Peter and Sirius.
"Let us begin."