Chapter 30: The Trial

We were all gathered around the dinner table, having a nice dinner. I sat next to Tonks who was making faces to entertain us. Aunt Ginny and I were laughing. I also had a seat next to my wife, Margo, and my girlfriend, Evelyne.

"Come on honey, eat your dinner," Becky said when she saw that my plate was almost full.

"Aw sis, let her be. She's having fun." Amelia said. We could hear Molly's voice in the background.

"This is very, very peculiar. It seems that your hearing at the Ministry is before the entire Wizegamot." Molly said.

"I don't understand. What has the Ministry of Magic got against me and Lana?" Harry asked.

"Show him. He'll find out soon enough." Professor Moody said. Kingsley handed Harry a newspaper. I stood up from the table to get a closer look. It wasn't easy to miss the big bold letters on the page that said: THE BOY AND HIS DAUGHTER WHO LIES?

"He's been attacking Dumbledore as well. Fudge is using all of his power, including his influence at the daily profit to... smear anyone who claims the Dark Lord." Sirus said.

"Why?" I asked.

"The Minister thinks Dumbledore is after his job." Uncle Remus answered who was sitting across from me.

"But that's insane- no one in their right mind could believe that Dumbledore..." Harry started but was cut off by Uncle Remus.

"Exactly the point. Fudge isn't in his right mind. It's been twisted and warped by fear. Now, fear makes people do terrible things, kids. The last time Voldemort gained power, he almost destroyed. Now he has returned and I'm afraid the Minister will do almost anything to avoid facing that terrible truth." Uncle Remus said.

"This is serious. They're attacking everyone." Miguel said.

"We think Voldemort wants to build up his army again. 14 years ago, he had huge numbers at his command, and not just witches and wizards, but all manner of dark creatures. He's been recruiting heavily, and we've been attempting to do the same but gathering followers isn't the only thing he is interested in." Sirius said. Professor Moody cleared his throat.

"We believe... Voldemort may be after something." Mufasa said.

"Mufasa..." Ahadi warned.

"Something he didn't have last time." Mufasa continued.

"You mean, like a weapon?" I asked. Molly quickly walked over to us, so did Jessica.

"No. That's enough. They're just kids!" Molly exclaimed.

"Lana has been going through a lot. We don't want to overwhelm her." Jessica said.

"You say much more than you might induct them into the Order straightaway," Molly said.

"Good, I want to join. If Voldemort's raising an army, then I want to fight." Harry said.

"I want to fight too," I said.

"No Lana," Ahadi said firmly.

"Because it is too dangerous. He is dangerous. You're not ready to fight something that big." Sarabi said.

"Come on! I'm Spider-Woman! I've been through worse! All you guys ever do is control my life!" I yelled.

"It's not your life! It's ours too!" Rio shouted back.

"Go easy on her, Mom," Miles said.

"And you, you're always going easy on her!" Jefferson shouted at Miles.

"I go easy on her because you guys were always too controlling of me!" Miles yelled back. Professor Moody slammed his staff on the floor.

"Enough!" Professor Moody's voice boomed through the walls. Everyone stayed quiet. "If we draw attention to ourselves now, then we're all in danger." Professor Moody said.

"Whatever. This is bullshit." I muttered under my breath, but unfortunately, people could hear me.

"Excuse me? What did you just say?" Rio demanded.

"I said THIS IS BULLSHIT!" I screamed.

"Lana, enough," Miguel warned me.

"That's it. You're grounded, young lady!" Jefferson boomed.

"You can't ground me! You're not my dad!" I yelled.

"I may not be your dad, Lana. But I am your grandfather who helped raise you and I'm also you're legal guardian as well as your grandmother. You're grounded for a month and that's final!" Jefferson yelled. I said nothing and stormed off to my room.

"Lana..." I heard Margo say worriedly as I made my way to my room. I looked at her for a second, wanting to say something but I was afraid I would get into more trouble. So, I continued walking away. When I got to my room, I slammed the door behind me, not caring that people would hear. Snowy squawked with startle. Shit, I forgot about my owl.

"I'm sorry, Snowy. I'm just stressed." I said. I picked Snowy up, holding her close to me and stroking her soft feathers which helped calm me down a bit. I laid down in my bed and got out my phone to play some Taylor Swift music. Taylor Swift always helps calm me down. I decided to play her song, Safe & Sound. It's a beautiful song about Katniss and Rue from The Hunger Games.

Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift:

I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said I'll never let you go.
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said don't leave me here alone
But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down.
You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now
Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound

Don't you dare look out your window, darling, everything's on fire.
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold onto this lullaby even when the music's gone, gone

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down.
You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now
Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound

Ooh (ooh)
Ooh (ooh)
Oh whoa (oh whoa)
Oh whoa (oh whoa)
Ooh (ooh)
Ooh (ooh)
Oh whoa
Oh whoa

Just close your eyes.
You'll be alright.
Come morning light.
You and I'll be safe and sound

Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh

As I was playing the song, I decided to play Animal Jam on my computer which was one of my favorite online games. I was enjoying the game until people were being assholes and not trading me fairly. I got pissed off and started cussing people out and I ended up getting suspended for a few days. I slammed my computer shut. I wanted to throw my computer across the room and scream but that would draw attention towards my family, and I would get into more trouble. I decided to work on some of my art projects while watching a movie. The movie I was watching was GOTG Vol 2.

I was really into my art project and my movie when suddenly the door opened. I got startled as I was in a deep state of mind. I looked to see it was my dad, Miles, my wives, Margo and Nala, as well as my Uncle Peter.

"Hey, Lana. Sorry, we didn't mean to startle you. We just wanted to check on you." Uncle Peter said.

"That's okay," I said, gloomily. Miles walked over to my desk and looked at my art project.

"You did all of this?" Miles said, picking up my project to admire it. Miles got me into art because he was into art too. My project I was working on was a diamond painting of a picture of flowers with a rainbow color. "That's really good," Miles said.

"Thanks, Dad," I said. Miles sat down next to me, giving me an apologetic look.

"I'm sorry I couldn't do more about my parents during the fight," Miles said sadly.

"It's not your fault they're controlling freaks," I said.

"For what it's worth, I ended up getting grounded for two months after I tried to convince them to lift your grounding," Miles said.

"Damn that sucks," I said.

"I'm sorry we couldn't do more too," Margo said.

"It's okay," I said.

"Lana. Just so you know, I won't try to control your life." Nala said.

"I know. I was talking about the people who control my life. I'm not mad at you guys." I said.

"I know you aren't. I just wanted to let you know that..." Nala started.

"We're here for you," Margo said.

"We will support you. Every step of the way. And the army you and Harry want to put together. I will be happy to join it." Uncle Peter said.

"Me too," Miles said.

"Thanks, guys. This means a lot to me." I said.

"We love you, babe. We will do anything for you." Margo said as she took my hands. I smiled and blushed.

"I love you guys too," I said. I kissed Margo, then I kissed Nala. We hung out and chatted for a bit then we finished the movie that I was watching. I enjoyed spending time with Margo, Nala, Miles, and Uncle Peter. I wanted Evelyne to join us too but they said Evelyne was busy doing stuff with the Aurors and figuring out ways to protect me. After the movie was over, my Husband, Miguel came into the room. By the look on his face, I could tell he was still upset from earlier.

"Lana. Miles. It's time for bed." Miguel said.

"Alright. We'll be there." Miles said.

"Goodnight, everyone," I said. After I got ready for bed and Nala gave me my bath, I crawled into bed with Miguel, Margo, Evelyne, and Miles. Miguel and I haven't spoken since the fight earlier. Everyone is stressed right now because of Voldemort and my and Harry's court day tomorrow.

I took a deep breath, then mustered up the courage to speak. "Miguel. I'm sorry about fighting with everyone earlier. Please don't be mad at me." I said, nervously.

Miguel sighed, then said, "I'm not mad at you, sweetheart. My anxiety's gone up ever since Voldemort returned and now, you're on the verge of getting expelled from school and possibly going to Azkaban."

"I know. Everyone is stressed right now. It's not just you. I'm stressed too." I said. Miguel kissed the top of my forehead.

"Get some sleep, baby. We'll figure out what to do tomorrow." Miguel said. I didn't have much energy to talk so I crawled into his arms and buried my face into his sweater. Evelyne and Margo scooted closer to me. They rubbed my back, whispering words of love while Miguel held me close. It wasn't long before I let the darkness of sleep take over me.

Today was the day of my and Harry's court day. I was very nervous. What if I get expelled? What if I get sent to Azkaban and never see my family ever again? I walked to the Ministry of Magic with my grandpa, Arthur, my dad, Harry, and my other dad Ahadi as well as my brothers, Mufasa and Scar. My husband and my wives went with me as well along with my girlfriend Evelyne and my sisters, Becky and Amelia.

I was dressed in my best dress. It was black and grey with sparkles all over it. Grandma Rio made me wear it as I had to dress nice for court. Harry was dressed in his best suit. We were in a muggle train station. The station was packed with muggles.

"Trains underground. Ingenious these muggles." Arthur said, amazed as we got off of the train. I took trains all the time when I lived in New York so I know how the train systems worked. I had to admit, it was funny watching my grandpa trying to tap the key card to get in. Harry showed him how to use it and we got in. Arthur was impressed.

"Ah." He said. Then we made our way to the telephone booth. "Here we are," Arthur announced when we got there.

"I've never used the visitor's entrance before. Should be fun." Arthur said. Arthur opened the door and we walked inside.

"Good, good. I'll just get my muggle money." Arthur said. I watched as he put the coins into the machines. We waited for a bit until the elevator jiggled and then made its way down. Arthur smiled. The bell dings, signaling that we have reached the bottom. This is my first time visiting the Ministry. I couldn't help but look around in awe as we walked around.

This place was amazing. "It's so big!" I shouted.

"Lana, stay focused," Mufasa said.

"You're no fun, Muffy," Scar said. As we continued walking, I saw people entering the place with the green fire.

"Wow, look at that!" I said.

"That's cool," Scar said.

"Come on, Lana," Ahadi said. Ahadi picked me up by the scruff of my neck and carried me the rest of the way. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Dad! Put me down! You're embarrassing me!" I hissed. Ahadi ignored me, continuing to carry me throughout the building. I got startled when I saw a bunch of paper birds fly across the place. We reached the elevators.

"Morning Arthur." The elevator man said.

"Morning Bob," Arthur said. I was confused when I saw a bunch of paper airplanes flying into the elevator. Harry looked confused too.

"Grandpa, what are those?" I asked.

"Interdepartmel memos. We used to use owls. Mess was unbelievable." Arthur said. We made room as Kingsley rushed in, whispering something into his ear.

"Merlin's beard. Thank you, Kingsley. They've changed the time of your hearing." Arthur informed us.

"When is it?" Miguel asked.

"In five minutes," Arthur said.

"Oh, shit," I said.

"Don't worry. We'll get there. I need to get there too since I'm part of the Auror." Evelyne said.

"So you're one of the judges?" I asked.

"Uh-huh. I'll help clear your name." Evelyne said.

"Thanks," I said. I was taken by surprise when the elevator went backward and then shot straight down. When we reached our destination, we heard a woman's voice speaking "Department of Ministries."

As we made our way to the courtroom I almost gasped when I saw Lucius having a conversation with a man. I couldn't make out what they were saying but the conversation did not sound good. We stared at them for a minute when my wife pushed me away from them.

"Just ignore them," Nala said. When we got to a secluded hallway Arthur whispered instructions in our ears.

"Remember during the hearing, speak only when spoken to. Keep calm. You've done nothing wrong. As the muggles say "Truth will out" I'm not allowed in, I'm afraid." Arthur said.

"I'm afraid we are not allowed in either," Ahadi said.

"What!? But Dad-" I started.

"Don't worry, babe. Everything will be fine. As long as you do everything we say." Miguel said. I nodded. Margo kissed me on the cheek.

"Good luck." She said. As they disappeared, Harry looked at me.

"Ready?" He asked.

I sighed. "Let's get this over with," I said. I gripped Harry's hand tightly as we walked over to the courtroom. Once inside the courtroom, Harry and I took our seats. The gravel pounded, meaning that the court had begun.

"Disciplinary hearing of the 12th of August into offense committed by Harry James Potter and Lana Potter, resident at number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surry. Interrogators Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister..."

"Witness for defense!" A voice interrupts the other end of the room. "Albus Percival... wolfrick. Brian Dumbledore." I was shocked when Professor Dumbledore walked into our courtroom. What was he doing here? My heart fluttered in my chest as I shifted uncomfortably in the chair.

"You- you got our message that the time and place had been changed, didn't you?" Fudge asked.

"I must have missed it. But by a happy mistake. I arrived at the Ministry three hours early. Charges?" Professor Dumbledore said. Fudge put on his glasses and began to speak.

"The charges are against the accused as follows: That they did knowingly and are in full awareness of the legality of his actions produce a Patronus Charm in the presence of a Muggle. Do you deny producing said patronus?"

"No, but..." Harry started.

"And you were aware that you guys were forbidden to use magic outside of school while under the age of 17?" Fudge questioned us.

"Yes we were but... Witches and Wizards of the Wizegnamont... Lana and I were only doing it because of the dementors." Harry explained. People muttered to one another when Dementors were mentioned.

"Dementors? In Little Whinging?" One of the ladies in the courtroom asked.

"That's quite clever. Muggles can't see Dementors, can they kids? Highly convenient." Fudge said.

"I'm not lying! There were two of them, and if I hadn't..." Fudge held up his hand.

"Enough. 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..." Fudge said.

"Pardon me, Minister. But as it happened we can." Professor Dumbledore said. Professor Dumbledore called out Miss. Figgs, the one who helped us on the night of the attacks. Miss. Figgs took our place in the chair.

"Please describe the attack. What did they look like?" The lady who spoke out before asks.

"Well, one of them was very large and the other was rather skinny." Miss. Figgs said.

"Not the boys. The Dementors." Fudge said.

"Right, right. Well, um, big. Cloaked. Then everything went cold... as though all the happiness had gone from the world." Miss. Figgs explained.

"Now, look here. The Dementors don't just wander into a Muggle's suburb and happen across a wizard's world. The odds are astronomical." Fudge said.

"I don't think that anyone would believe that the Dementors were there by coincidence, Minister." Professor Dumbledore said. My ears perked up when I heard a high-pitched sound. The sound came from one of the ladies in the courtroom. She had curly hair and looked about in her 60's. She wore a pink necklace with a golden charm. I got bad vibes from that woman right away.

"I'm sure I must have misunderstood you, Professor Dumbledore. Dementors are, after all, under the control of the Ministry of Magic. So silly of me but it sounded for a moment as though you were suggesting that the Ministry had ordered the attack on this boy and girl." The lady said. Anger surged through my body but I knew I had to stay calm if I wanted to make it out of this courtroom.

"That would be disturbing indeed, Madam Undersecretary, 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 authorization. Of course, there is someone who might be behind the attack. Cornelius. I implore you to see reason." Professor Dumbledore pleads softly while stepping close to Fudge. "The evidence that the Dark Lord has returned is incontrovertible."

"He's not back!" Fudge said angrily. I could tell that there was some fear behind his voice too. I began to feel angry again. I wanted to scream at him, to yell at everyone that the Dark Lord is back and that I was raped by him, held captive against my will, and tortured. Harry sensed my anger, so he took my hand to attempt to calm me down. Professor Dumbledore sighed. He began walking around the courtroom, speaking again.

"In the matter of Harry Potter and Lana Potter. The law clearly states that magic may be used before Muggles in life-threatening situations." Professor Dumbledore said.

"Laws can be changed if necessary, Dumbledore!" Fudge argued.

"Clearly. Has it become practical to hold a full criminal trial to deal with a simple matter of underaged magic?" Professor Dumbledore said. The courtroom went silent for a moment.

"Those in favor of conviction." The lady said, breaking the silence. Harry and I looked around to see only a few people had raised their hands, Fudge and the lady in pink included. "Those in favor of clearing the accused of all charges."

This time everyone, including Miss. Figgs and Evelyne raised their hands. Fudge seemed annoyed but he banged the gravel on the headstone. "Clear of all charges," Fudge said. Harry and I smiled. We had won the case. We can go back to school. Harry and I stood up quickly as Professor Dumbledore was about to leave the room.

"Professor?" Harry said, hoping to get his attention but he kept walking. When I saw Evelyne, I ran up to her. Evelyne pulled me into a big hug.

"You did it!" Evelyne cried.

"I got out!" I shouted happily.

"What do you say we go celebrate our victory?" Evelyne said.

"I would like that very much," I said. Evelyne and I kissed before leaving the courtroom. As we left, I felt triumph and victory. Nothing can get in my way now.

A/N: Hello everyone, sorry it took me longer than expected to get this chapter posted. A lot had been going on in my life the past week and recently I found out the most heartbreaking news that the company, Roosterteeth who has made my favorite shows from my childhood is shutting down permanently. The news hit me very hard and I know a lot of staff at Roosterteeth are being affected by this news too so please give me some time to grieve as I am going through a lot right now. I have been crying off and on the past 24 hours because of this news. I would like to take a moment to say thank you to Roosterteeth for giving me the opportunity to watch your content, and attending the RTX anime convention in 2022.

I am still holding onto hopes for a volume 10 greenlight but nothing has happened yet... We will see what the future holds us. Also again I ask if you guys follow and favorite my story to please leave a review and to any others reading out there please leave a review as well. I appreciate it.

Thank you and have a good day everyone.

- GalaxyQueen500