[a/n0]Don't really have a followup in mind for #64. As always, not impossible. I plucked the 2 grunts' names from wiki's Slytherin list. The leader, though, was as implied the Seeker who was afraid of a potential rival. As for Snape, except for the matter of House culture, I'd hold him blameless for that one.

[a/n]Luiz4200 wondered …different ways Harry could've reacted to Fudge not believing Sirius' innocence?

Harry Does Different CDXLVIIa

Appeal to the Minister

"Yes indeed, Professor Snape. Most valuable." The Minister for Magic was effusive in his praise "I'll see to it you receive an Order of Merlin for your heroism this night. … Difficult to promise naturally, I will be lobbying for a 2nd class. Of course witness statements are important. Confundus you say, had not thought of that. Well, not to worry, the committee will not let that stand in the way then. Must be off, even us top folks have a boss to answer to. In this case, Mrs. Fudge. Goodnight."

Hermione about jumped out of her skin "Honestly Harry! Don't DO that!"

"Didn't bother you when I ambushed Malfoy and his goons near the Shrieking Shack. Right Ron?" he taunted her goodnaturedly, then more seriously "That greasy git! He lied through his teeth about Sirius. And worse, Fudge swallowed the whole story without batting an eye."

Ron snickered "Good job there mate. Ain't spied on him since Hagrid's hut. Anyway, tough luck there."

"Harry, the confundus charm has a very specific set of symptoms. Now as I read, the victim would not notice it in themselves, but anyone could readily identify it in another. And that is even if THEY are suffering from exposure." Neither boy was surprised at her detailed explanation. But Ron merely shrugged.

Harry on the other hand, slapped his forehead and marched off down the corridor explaining rapidly "Last year after Lockhart vanished my bones, Madam Pomfrey complained how she could've healed me in a flash. If she can confirm that maybe I can still help Sirius. Come on!"

Abcij

"That completes you Mr. Weasley." declared the Mediwitch less than an hour later. A bluish glow identical to the one all but gone from the others began fading "This spell would identify any compulsion hex, charm or spell that could possibly be affecting your behavior. Understand, I could not detect any magic more than three days old. After a day errors can creep into the results."

Ron couldn't help a sigh of relief; while Hermione, you could almost see the quill in her head making notes about another bit of magic she hadn't previously known. For Harry it only confirmed what he knew, his half-formed plan began to solidify, he asked "You would be willing to say that officially? That none of us were under a confundus? In court if necessary?"

"I do not doubt my findings, Potter." Her tone became cold "I would say so under oath."

Hermione's nimble mind was leaping ahead "Harry is not questioning your ability, Madam Pomfrey. Remember you regrew his bones. Just the opposite. Proving we're not confunded …is that the right word?... might, will, affect the case of Mr. and Mrs. Potter's murder. We don't want there to be any doubt."

"In that case, I think a couple of second opinions would be in order." Her demeanor shifted completely "People often forget in celebrating that Halloween night, a crime was committed. If anyone deserves the truth, it is you. I'm unclear with the connection; that said three healing professionals certifying that you are free of any magical compulsion would be unquestionable proof. In any court on Earth."

Hermione looked about to say something, but looks from both wizards stopped her. Harry asked "Please Madam Pomfrey, summon who you think best."

"I was going to mention that it was Professor Snape who- -" the young witch began to protest as the Mediwitch departed.

Ron completed the sentence "…claims we were confunded." Then went on "Not something she needs to know. You saw how much he hates Mr. Black. Professor Lupin too for that matter. I'm half surprised he didn't side with my ex-rat. And we know Snape will be happy as a pigmypuff missing out on an Order of Merlin."

"Yes, my dear, you are that predictable." Harry's tone was condescending, but a grin took away the sting "Look, we'll tell the whole story …at the right time."

Abcij

The right time was when Minister for Magic Fudge, Cornelius Fudge, in the company of three Aurors who were controlling a Dementor arrived "There is every reason, and precedent, Amelia, to immediately carry out the Kiss on Black. I see no need to visit the infirmary."

"Minister, Madam Bones" the Mediwitch bowed by way of greeting "I have three children in my care who are witnesses to the case I understand you are here regarding. Miss Granger! Boys!"

This was Harry's first encounter with arguably the most powerful witch in Britain. She introduced herself very personably "Though we've not met, I feel I know you, Mr. Potter, from some interesting tales my niece has told me. And I have a sneaking suspicion if I were to triple what she knows, I would still not be halfway to the full story."

"Err…sure." Muttered Harry, looking down bashfully "Then …uhh… you must be Susan's aunt."

She grinned at him "How very refreshing- - -"

"Enough of this! I have better things to do." Growled Fudge and commanded "Get on with it Aurors."

A bit of accidental apparating put Harry right in their path to the doors. He appealed his case loudly "Stop! No! Minister Fudge, Snape was lying! We weren't under the confundus and Madam Pomfrey has proof."

"Now I understand the silences." Poppy looked at the students with displeasure, then "I always act on the side of truth, Mr. Potter. Madam Bones, Minister, these children have been tested by three fully certified healing professionals as free of any magical influences for the previous full 72 hours. Especially Including the confundus. This scroll contains all three of our signatures attesting to the fact. Exactly why this is important, they have not seen fit to inform me."

That was when the Headmaster appeared, wand drawn and battle ready "Cornelius, Amelia, it should not be possible for anyone to breach Hogwarts' wards." His tone was severe, almost accusatory.

"Apparently young Harry did not know that." Madam Bones offered dryly "Be that as it may, we are here to see justice done. But these children have additional information to offer. It seems a miscarriage of justice may have been committed. Minister, in light of Madam Pomfrey's statement, I see every reason to hear what they have to say with open minds."

Minister for Magic Fudge frowned at his, officially underling, but since he couldn't afford her active disfavor, nodded his permission. He listened with reluctance, then nervousness, displeasure at the students, considerably more and actual anger at the Headmaster once the implications were spelled out. Summarizing he asked "So the only male heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black has spent a dozen years in Azkaban wrongfully conv- - I beg your pardon- -not even tried for a crime he didn't commit? More! It was proven by the actions of a group of children? Never mind the only survivor of said crime?"

"Something else you haven't thought of, I think, sir." Said Harry, carefully hiding his pleasure, pointing out "You were told by Professor Snape that we were imperiused or confunded. And you were ready to have Sirius Black Kissed based on what he told you. Not something to get out. As it is, you can proudly reunite The-Boy-Who-Lived with his Godfather. With my thanks. And that of …what was it you called him… something House Black?"

Amelia gave the boy a critical look and commented "I think you know perfectly well exactly what title the Minister used."

"Now now, my dear." Cornelius waved at her with an air of annoyance, then glared at the Headmaster "What of that, Dumbledore? Seems to me one of your Heads lied to the Minister for Magic. And at that, during the course of an official criminal investigation. With the likely outcome a Kiss, we are possibly looking at attempted murder."

Stroking his beard, thoughtfully Albus finally chose a different tack "Harry you really should have discussed this matter with me first. Professor Snape has my utmost trust. Also, he cannot do his job effectively without the respect of students. And being called a liar makes that quite difficult."

"Oh. I see." Harry acknowledged with a nod "Well, to tell you the truth, a lot happened this night. I don't think I can confirm his accusation of Professor Lupin being a werewolf. He's such a nice guy. Well, for a teacher anyway. Y'know us kids, don't trust anyone over thirty. Nope, not the type. Right Ron? Hermione?"

This was, at best, a loose interpretation of the events of the evening. With Ron's long exposure to his brothers, he had no difficulty in simply nodding. Hermione hemmed and hawed indecisively for a long moment, ultimately opting for "Thanks to Madam Pomfrey confirming our mental state, I am certain Mr. Black is innocent. Peter Pettigrew WAS there and Professor Snape saw him."

"Something else highly relevant, don't you think, Dumbledore?" asked the Minister, accusingly "Amelia, if it weren't for my sense of justice, I might be inclined to sic our dementor on someone who so busily obstructed justice."

The Headmaster began "I assure you Cornelius- -"

Amelia signaled to the Aurors "You two, return the dementor to Azkaban. You, with me and we will speak to both Misters Snape and Black. Yes, Mr. Potter, I have no objection to you accompanying me, at least for one questioning."

"Yes ma'am!" Harry didn't hesitate.