I do not own Harry Potter, But I do still own a subscription to the WWE Network

Chapter 37

The days passed by quickly for Harry and Hermione. The burden of their school work, Harry's growing political responsibilities as well as the extra training with Pritchard had caused a little bit of distance between the couple and this had not sat well with Harry. To remedy this Harry arranged a surprise one evening. Hermione arrived back at their shared common room laden with text books, her trademark bushy hair pulled back into a messy bun, she had a quill behind her left ear and her nose was smudged with ink.

Harry was sat on a sofa reading over some papers Remus had given him earlier that day and looked up as Hermione entered the room. His breath caught in his chest. To his eyes she was the most beautiful woman in the world. He couldn't take his eyes off her as she unburdened herself of her books on an end table. Harry stood up and crossed the distance between them without her even seeing him. He gently wrapped her arms around her waist, pulled himself close to her and buried his face in her neck.

"Harry!" she called out in shock. "I didn't even know you were here."

"I've been waiting for you." Harry told her. She turned round and they shared a quick kiss.

"Why have you been waiting for me?" Hermione asked.

"Because I have a surprise for you," he told her. He waved his wand and a small intimate dining table set for two appeared in the middle of the room. "We've both been so busy lately I feel like we've barely been able to spend any time together . So I arranged for us to have a special dinner together. Just the two of us."

"Oh Harry, that's so romantic." Then she realised Harry had dressed for the occasion. He wore a simple white shirt and black dress trousers. "And you've dressed for the occasion. Look at me! I'm a fright. Let me change."

"Hermione, you look wonderful just as you are." Harry told her, giving her a deeper lingering kiss.

"Really? My hair is a complete mess, I'm in my school uniform and if I'm not very much mistaken I have ink on my forehead."

"Nose actually." Harry laughed. "And if you want to get changed that is fine with me, but I think you look ravishing."

"Well if you insist." Hermione smiled coyly and deepend their kiss.

Harry arranged for all of Hermione's favourite foods. For their appetisers they had pan seared scallops, their mains a beef wellington served with parsnip mash and a red wine jus and finally for pudding they enjoyed a cheesecake.

"How ever did you arrange all of this Harry?" Hermione asked as she finished her dessert.

"I paid Dobby to do it." Harry told her. "I expressly told him not to use any Hogwarts elves so they wouldn't have any extra work." Even though Hermione had allowed S.P.E.W to fall by the wayside to make way for the more pressing matter of the rise of Voldemort, she still held very strong views on their enslavement.

When they were both finished Harry banished the table wandlessly and wordlessly before leading Hermione over to the sofa where they snuggled up together watching the fire. Harry told Hermione about how things were going on his Somerset estate, Whilst Hermione told Harry of her research into giving him a new arm and hand.

"I think I have narrowed it down to one of three rituals." she told him. "But I have no idea which one is the right one."

"Pass your research on to Dumbledore." Harry suggested. "He may have some insight, or at least may be able to point us in the right direction."

"That was what I was thinking." Hermione told him. "I think whatever it is we do, it should be done at the Tor."

They continued to talk into the night.

Voldemort called his inner circle to a small island in the Irish sea. They stood in a circle dressed in their Death Eater regalia as Voldemort stood in the centre. This was the first time he had left his lair since his recovery. He had been sending orders via intermediaries. His silver leg gleaned in the moonlight.

"Brothers and Sisters. I have been remiss in keeping myself separate from your company. I confess myself to have been wary of venturing out of my chambers whilst I convalesced from injuries sustained during my duel with Potter I was vulnerable, and we have been betrayed by Severus Snape, who murdered our Sister Bellatrix Lestrange. Rodolphus, I swear to you now on the spirit of your dearly departed wife we shall have our vengeance upon Snape for his villainous treachery. But we must also acknowledge another of our fallen brethren. Peter Pettigrew. He gave his life to protect me. His noble sacrifice must be honoured. In death Peter gained a level of greatness he had never achieved in life." Voldemort spoke to his followers spinning in place so he could address each of the ten in his inner circle. "But even as we must honour our fallen we must begin to prepare for the next phase of our plans. Each of you has been given a task. I would hear how you progress. Lucius, what do your spies in the castle tell you?"

Lucius Malfoy removed his mask and knelt before his master.

"My Lord," Malfoy began, being very careful to not meet his master's eyes. "As you know I have cultivated a small spy network within the castle and also Hogsmeade, and in recent weeks I believe we have ironed the kinks out of our communication network."

"This pleases me Brother Lucius." Voldemort waived for him to continue.

"First of all, my informants in Hogsmeade have reported an enhanced Ministry presence on the streets. Hit Wizards, as opposed to Aurors but still the Ministry should be able to bring several dozen wands to bear in the village in an instant and with just several minutes to defend Hogwarts."

"This is not all that surprising." Voldemort mused. "Have your little birds monitor this situation. I would be particularly interested in exact numbers, and if you could manage actual defensive plans."

"I will have them redouble their efforts." Malfoy agreed. "I also have news from within the Castle My Lord. It appears that the traitor Snape has returned to teaching. I have also heard that Potter, as yet, has not received treatment for his lost arm."

"That is interesting news indeed." Voldemort nodded. "You will have your eyes inside the castle monitor this situation carefully. I want to know of any changes."

"And the traitor Snape My Lord." Malfoy asked.

"He will keep." Voldemort smiled. "I plan on extracting exquisite revenge upon my old friend Severus Snape. If you have nothing else to report you may retire."

Malfoy kissed Voldemort's silver foot, replaced his mask and stepped back into the circle as Voldamort continued to move around the circle.

"Yaxley." Voldemort stopped. "Tell us about the dealings in the Wizengamot Chamber."

Yaxley a brutish looking man knelt before Voldemort.

"My Lord, the Chamber is more divided than I have ever known it to be." Yaxley reported. "There is a mood from all sides of the Chamber towards so-called 'Modernisation'" He spat the word. "Myself and Lucius are banding together with those of the Purest of Blood to stall things. But I fear we may only be delaying the inevitable."

"You will keep on delaying it." Voldemort snapped. "Our day is coming, Yaxley. You need only hold out a little while longer. Use whatever means you must to keep the status quo within the Wizengamot and within the Ministry."

"Yes My Lord." Yaxley said as he bowed his head and returned to his place.

"And you Macnair. What have you to report?"

"My Lord. My pet has reported that the muggle queen is most insistent on visiting the Ministry. As you know Fudges Ministry is hanging on by a thread. The Ministry faces expulsion from the ICW if he does not step down. I believe Madam Umbridge may be positioning herself as the natural successor to Fudge."

"That is interesting." Voldemort nodded. "Do you believe Madam Umbridge would be a benefit to our cause?"

"I do not know My Lord." Macnair shrugged. "But even if she would align with us, under magical influence she could never command the votes necessary."

"Pity." Voldemort shrugged. "Indeed then Madam Umbridge may be called to aid our cause in other ways. It would be best to preserve your cover Macnair. When it is time to make our move it will be Madam Umbridge who will wield the wand."

"As my Lord commands." Macnair nodded, kissing the silver foot.

"My brothers, our time is at hand. First the Ministry will fall then we shall step into the breach and remove the muggle government. Very soon we will take our stand and bring the entire country, Magical and Muggle to heel." He raised his staff " Morsmordre " and fired a large Dark Mark into the nights sky.

As Voldemort addressed his Inner circle, Minister Fudge called for a meeting between himself, Dolores Umbridge and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot Bones. These meetings between Chief Warlock, the Minister and the Undersecretary where not out of the ordinary, indeed they were crucial for the smooth running of the Wizengamot and the Ministry of Magic both. However, in matters of the Wizengamot the Minister would usually go to the Chief Warlocks office out of respect for both the office in and of itself and the Wizengamots supposed independence of the Minister and his Ministry. This evening the Minister and his Undersecretary had summoned Madam Bones to the Ministers office.

"Good evening Minister." Bones said as she entered the office. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this unprecedented invitation up stairs as it were?"

"Ah yes Amelia." Fudge stood and walked around his large desk. "I would offer you a drink, or even a seat, but this won't take too long."

"I see." Bones said wryly. "What can I do for you?"

"I wish to appoint Dolores Umbridge to the Bench." Fudge told her. "I do believe it is within the Minister's Gift to make such appointments."

"It is of course Minister." Bones acknowledged. "However these appointments by tradition are made in the Chamber."

"Hem Hem…" Umbridge coughed. "Not all traditions are worthy of safeguarding Amelia."

"No." Bones agreed. "I quite agree with you their Dolores. But who are we to decide which is worthy of preservation and which is not."

"Well as Cornelius is the Minister of Magic I suggest Amelia he is." Umbridge snapped.

"Very well." Bones sighed in resignation. "Shall we get it over with? Dolores, I trust you have the relevant qualifications and have passed the relevant screenings?"

"Of course I have. I have already sat on disciplinary boards and tribunals."

"Ah yes. I remember. Please raise your right hand." Bones ordered. Umbridge stood and held her hand facing outwards to Bones.

"You will repeat after me." Bones said, raising her own right hand. "I Dolores Jane Umbridge solemnly swear to uphold the Laws and Ordinances of the British Ministry of Magic so mote it be."

Umbridge repeated the oath.

"Then by the power invested in me by the Wizengamot and Her Majesty the Queen I do hereby raise you to the Bench of Justice of the British Ministry of Magic." Bones said, lowering her hand.

"Thank you Amelia," Fudge smiled. "That will be all."

Bones knew a dismissal when it was so rudely delivered. The remaining pair waited for Bones to leave before Fudge retook his seat.

"Now that I have officially been appointed to the Bench I will have that jumped up muggle born in Azkaban by the end of the week." Umbridge bragged.

"I hope so." Fudge smiled. "It would be nice to take Potter and his bitch down a peg or two before it's all over."

The following Morning Hermione woke up in Harry's arms feeling his morning wood pressing between her buttocks. This morning however it felt different. This morning Hermione was very aware that neither Harry or herself were wearing any night clothes. She snuggled back into Harry so she could feel his erection poking her very pleasantly. She knew they didn't have time this morning to do anything about their arousal as it was a school day, and she was, after all, still Hermione Granger. She lingered in his arms for a few moments more before she gently disentangled herself from him and retreated to her own room to shower and dress for the day. Harry met her in the common room. He had a sheepish smile on his face. While it was not unusual for them to share a bed they very rarely actually slept together. Usually their trysts were accidental and they just sort of happened, but last night Hermione could tell that Harry had planned her seduction down to the last detail. After their meal together and snuggling on the couch, which had soon turned into a snogging session, Harry had very deliberately led her to his bedroom, where she found his bed covered in rose petals. He shyly asked her if she would like to spend the night with him. She had of course readily accepted. He kissed her deeply and passionately, perhaps a bit tentatively at first. This was the first time Harry had initiated the deed himself. Hermione was very receptive to his advances. They took their time exploring each other's bodies before finally Harry rolled on top of her and gently, at first, made love to her.

The thought of the previous evening's activities would be enough to carry her through the remainder of the day until she could once again snuggle up with the wizard she loved.

They shared a quick, but not quite so chaste, kiss and left the head suite for the Great Hall and breakfast. On arrival they filled their plates with their breakfasts, Harry choosing a full English breakfast and a glass of orange juice to wash it down, Hermione preferring a lighter affair of toast and jam and a cup of strong coffee. They chatted easily with their housemates either side of them, staunchly ignoring Ron and Ginny who sat opposite them. For forty five blissful minutes they forgot about their extra responsibilities and focused on just been school kids. But then the post owls came. Rather unusually Harry didn't receive a single piece of mail today, but Hermione received a letter with the seal of the Ministry of Magic embossed on the back.

She opened the letter carefully, not fully trusting the Ministry, with good reason.

Dear Miss Hermione Jean Granger

I am writing to inform you that you are ordered to present yourself to the Ministry of magic tomorrow at nine am for trial in the matter of Hermione Granger vs the Ministry of Magic in the matter of the murder of Peter Pettigrew.

I must remind you that should you fail to attend then Justice Umbridge will have no choice but to issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Hoping you receive this letter in good health

Andrew Andreas
Court Clark

"Fuck me!" Hermione exclaimed as he handed Harry the letter.

"This fucking Umbridge definitely has a hard on for you doesn't she?" Harry asked. "Let's go talk to Dumbledore."

They moved quickly to the staff table, Dumbledore raised his eyebrow at them and nodded to a door to the anti chamber and he followed behind them. Harry simply handed the aged headmaster the letter.

"This is somewhat unexpected development." Dumbledore admitted, "I recommend that you contact Mister Tonks forthwith Miss Granger. I will of course release you from your classes today so that you may put together your defence. Lord Potter I would ask that you not interfere at this time as that may cause Miss Granger more strife in the coming days."

"Is there any way to get Umbridge off the bench?" Harry asked

"Probably not." Dumbledore shook his head, "Although I do think Mister Tonks will move to do so. Miss Granger you may use the floo in my office whenever you are ready."

"Thank you Headmaster. " Hermione said. "I will go and change then join you directly."

"Very well. I will go to my office." They all left the chamber.

The following morning Hermione found herself in Ted Tonks office dressed in her finest Hogwarts robes, with Ted dressed in black pin striped robes his Wig on a stand on his desk.

"Thank you for arriving so promptly, Miss Granger." Ted greeted her. "I think it would be useful to go over the form of a wizarding trial as it does differ somewhat from a muggle law court."

"Yes, that may be useful." Hermione agreed. "I have of course read about it, but some first hand knowledge may be appropriate given the circumstance."

"First of all this will differ greatly from the Tribunal Mister Potter was subject to. There will not be three justices, but just one. Madam Umbridge in this case. Unlike a muggle court of law where the Judge sits on the Bench and presides over the trial that is argued between lawyers and barristers, in a wizarding trial the Justice acts as inquisitor from the bench, meaning they are the prosecution and also the arbiter of the case."

"That doesn't seem right." Hermione exclaimed. "How can they remain impartial?"

"They are not impartial." Ted shrugged. "Unfortunately these proceedings often resemble somewhat of a kangaroo court. There is no jury per say." He continued. "The verdict will be decided by members of the Wizengamot. In a trial of this magnitude I would expect there to be quite a lot of members in their places. It is up to them to weigh the evidence provided by the Judge Inquisitor and the defence to render a verdict."

"So I am more or less screwed then?" Hermione asked

"Not necessarily." Ted remarked. "Sometimes these trials can be as political as legal. Obviously the Minister and Madam Umbridge have a vested interest in this trial, so I would expect a large part of the Ministry members, if they are in attendance to vote in their favour, as will the pure bloods, but there is a large caucus of left leaning members who will have sympathy to your cause. If Lord Black can whip enough votes in your favour you will have a decent chance. And even if you are convicted, I think we will have incredibly strong grounds for appeal or even mistrial given Madam Umbridge's unhealthy obsession with you."

There was a knock at the door behind Hermione and Ted's personal assistant Troy entered the room carrying a robe bag.

"Thank you Troy." Ted said standing to take the bag. "Now Miss Granger, while your school robes are a nice and sympathetic touch I do believe that these would be more appropriate." Ted opened the bag to reveal the dress robes of House Potter. "These are the robes of a protectorate of House Potter. Harry sent word by Remus Lupin that he would like you to wear these. It makes a statement that Harry has faith in your innocence and also it sends a message to the Wizengamot that you are under The Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter's protection. It may help persuade undecided members to our cause."

Hermione nodded and excused herself to the bathroom to change. When she returned Ted motioned her towards his fireplace.

"If you're ready Miss Granger, it is time for us to present ourselves to the Ministry."

"Lets go then." Hermione said determinedly as Ted led the way.

Authers notes:

It is that time again, you know after you read my ramblings you then read yet more of my ramblings.

This story is winding to a close, it wont be long now, probably.

this chapter was a bit of a pain in the butt to write, it was like dragging teeth, but the next one is allready written and awaiting being snt to my Beta.

Thank you to my Beta Keven.

Once again apolgies for the slowness of updates. this is simply because i have so many demands on my time and not enugh time to meet the demands. i'm posting this at work on a nightshift because i want it out so i can get the next chapter out too.

N. A. Wennerholm: Sir. Calm down! It is unconstitutional for the Monnarch to issue an exicution warrent. The death penalty is illigal in the UK. The late Queen may have been a crack shot but she wont be shooting any cracks hear... probably... were still negotiating.

Hudy Lady613: Just for you my lady hear it is the next installment.

EndingF4te: Im English. we dont do guns. Why would their not be a saftey catch?

Yaw6113: Their you go. sorry for the delay.

Malamber: I dont really know anything about Eddings. I stumbled accross the Pawn of Profacey in my youth in a charity shop and the Belgariad and the Mellariad have been with me ever since.

jkarr: Thank you for sticking with me all this time

Midnightscar17: that they are. Fudges bumbelling is partly inspired by terrible british primeminister Borris Johnson, and partily my my old year 9 geography teacher.

Nightsonge: I was poeking fun at the rediculusness of a country that allows people to waunder around with automatic weppons, where, in the rest of hte world the frequent spree shootings and school shootings hardly even make the evening news any more for the rest of the world. But sure you could say i should learn more about guns... why wouldnt a gun have a saftey catch to prevent a missfire, or god forbid a child to pick one up out of their parnts underware draw or from under their pillow, or from where ever else Lill' Jimmy picked up his dads gun and accadently shot his best freind?

Not sure if this will be my last update before Christmas, but if it is Merry Christmas to you all. and to all a good night!

PS: This chapter has been betad and reposted.