[a/n]I mention, without detailing, an ad for something illegal was posted as a review. It was anonymous, so I removed it as soon as I saw. At the time it was up 5 hours. Had it been signed I would have reported it. A couple reviewer ideas will be next.

Harry Does Different DIII

Underage Wizardry

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore For the defense" arguably the most powerful wizard in Britain announced his presence, surprising all.

This was most especially true of his chief rival for power, who was presiding over the trial. Minister for Magic Fudge coughed nervously "Indeed, Dumbledore, I see you successfully received our notice of change." His body language virtually screamed it was the last thing he'd wanted.

"Actually no, Cornelius." Answered the new arrival, quite loudly "Not at all. I was merely in the Ministry three hours prior to the original time for another governmental matter."

Fudge's expression was clearly unhappy "As may be. Let us resume."

"Indeed, this body does have other things to do." Dumbledore commented, "Such a trivial thing as a bit of underage magic is more properly handled through Amelia's office. And not even her directly. A junior Auror, like Nymphadora, or some similar would be sufficient."

There was a high-pitched cough, then the source spoke "I believe we were considering the sentence, Minister. Teehee."

"Sentence first, verdict after." Harry sneered at her.

The deeply offended witch shouted back "I AM DELORES UMBRIDGE! UNDERSECRETARY TO THE MINISTER FOR MAGIC!"

"I was complimenting your literary knowledge ma'am." Countered Harry "The Three Little Pigs, wasn't it?"

Her expression became one of loathing "Sounds like muggle trash."

"Let us continue." Dumbledore inserted himself back into the proceedings "With Harry's kind permission I am sure I can help us reach a satisfactory conclusion before the end of the day."

Having just gained a fascinating insight, Harry interrupted him "Actually, Professor, I got this. Though I am glad your arrival gave me the opportunity to speak. I was, at first, trying to explain what happened. But then I realized …and just to confirm… I am being charged with use of underage magic before a muggle? Correct?"

"A most serious breach of the Statute of Secrecy, boy." The Minister spoke harshly "A capital offense, should it reach that level."

Harry shrugged "Think I've faced death a few times. We're old friends." The reactions of the Wizengamot were something he'd have to share with those in Grimmauld "Well I can clear this up with a couple points. Either of which clear me, so take your pick. First, the muggle in question was my cousin Dudley. And he's known about magic just as long as me. Second, I recently participated in a contest that …as Mr. Bagman expressed it… and I'm sure Hermione knows the exact quote… could only have ADULT participants. Our own games master ordered me to participate. Then, Minister Fudge himself, awarded me the promised prize money as the TRIWIZARD CHAMPION. The other two schools accepted me as a competitor. So, ipso facto and de facto I am an adult, in fact ex post facto back to Halloween last year. Wow! Most Latin I've used outside Hogwarts. Think I'll learn to speak it properly."

"I find Mr. Potter's logic creative, but unassailable." a new voice from the Wizengamot said. It was all business, but there was an undertone of pleasure in the witch's voice "All those in favor of clearing the accused of all charges?" the indication of how to vote was clear. The room filled with blinding White light. And when the guilty votes were tallied, it was very sparse indeed.

Abcij

"Well?" "Well?" "Well?" "Well?" "Well?" everyone demanded, quite monosyllabically as soon as the pair returned to Grimmauld.

Mr. Weasley was silent. Harry just looked down at his feet, finally flinching, muttered "Well what?"

"Harry no way!" exclaimed Hermione "You simply could NOT have been found guilty!"

The boy snorted in what might have been a sob, but he was suddenly bouncing on his toes. Glancing from one confused face to another, he finally broke up "That face! Too funny Mione! Just can't take it! Haha! A hundred and fifty percent cleared. All charges dismissed. With prejudice I think Fudge said."

"You unbelievable….OHH!" the young witch went into a flurry of slaps, none of which connected. And when she realized she was being laughed at, simply hugged her friend. And once that was done commanded "Tell us everything."

Mrs. Weasley was quick with an assumption "Professor Dumbledore saved the day, then." It was not a question.

"Other than to get everyone to shut up and listen to me, I did it all myself. Bonus included." He affected rubbing his fingernails on his robes. "Perhaps I should explain?"

Mrs. Weasley showed much disdain "And correct your attitude toward the Headmaster."

"That deserves another teaser, don'cha think Sirius?" quipped Harry "Remember that little bonus I mentioned? Fred, George? That new little trick you can do? Mind showing me over the summer?"

Everyone blinked at him, then the twins, and each other unclear as to what was meant. Hermione got there quickest "Harry, only adults can apparate."

"And THAT is how I did NOT get convicted for use of underage magic. I am legally of age." He said, and paused in contemplation "This what it feels like in class? Always hand up first. Huh Mione? I get it now. So here's the connection I made; last year three schools participated in an international sports competition. We all remember? The British Ministry of Magic, through its Department of Magical Games and Sports and the related Foreign Affairs and Sports Department declared that only ADULT students may participate. Endorsed by The Department of International Magical Co-operation and The International Confederation of Wizards. Sorry if I'm going on; but the point is, by making me participate in a competition that everyone in the world agreed was for adults only; then …pick your Latin… ipso facto and de facto I am an adult, in fact ex post facto back to Halloween last year. Gee that was as fun as first time." Harry clasped his hands and bounced on his toes in delight at the conclusion of his speech.

Sirius burst into laughter and clapped his godson on the back, almost knocking him over. But it was worth it.

"So you're an adult because they implied you're one because of the TriWizard?" Hermione looked highly skeptical. And Ron was frowning. She added "Your reasoning is circular."

In twinspeak, the pair were delighted "Hoist on their own petard! We approve! Will pass on our expertise! Sorry there kidlets." Smirking at the non-adults in the room.

"Poor Dumbledore. Head Warlock of the wat-cha-callit. Think I got a new friend in court. Amelia Bones seemed to enjoy talking circles around him." Harry added, More than a hint of glee was in that remark.

Mrs. Weasley did not approve "You should have more respect for the Headmaster, young man. As for Madam Bones, she should as well. He is as much her headmaster as yours. I think I will drop her an owl on the subject."

"I wouldn't recommend a howler, ma'am. Don't think she'd like it." Harry issued the warning with some amusement in his voice. Before Mrs. Weasley could retort, he snapped his fingers "Oh that reminds me; I don't know how it's going to work out, but we might have a Hufflepuff join us on the train. Madam Bones thought I didn't quite match what Susan and her friends said during a party."

Ron gave a disapproving grunt "I wouldn't let the bint within ten feet of me."

"I said I don't know how it's going to work out." Harry suddenly got irritated "Nothing wrong with an open mind. And I seem to remember a little disloyalty from someone else not long ago."

Everyone knew about the first part of the last school year, but no one spoke openly about it. The room froze. Ron too. Then, ears pinking, he punched the wall and stormed out.

"I thought you had put it past you, Harry. Both of you." Said Hermione without taking sides in the abrupt flare-up.

Appreciating his godfather's supportive hand, Harry shrugged "It was three pretty rotten months for me. Guess maybe it …well… I dunno."

"I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to, Harry." Said Sirius with a shrug "Kind of couldn't anyway. But why don't we …you tell me, in depth, about last year. Also, whatever you know of this niece of Amelia's. I remember her as an ambitious Auror. Looks like she made it to the top."

Mrs. Weasley interjected "I want to discuss Harry's casual dismissal of Albus. Wholly disrespectful."

"Yes. You've made your point, Molly." Sirius' tone was rapid-fire "Right Harry. Off we go then. Have someone tap on my door when dinner's ready? Thanks." And he ushered his godson from the kitchen.