CHAPTER 29: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

If there was one glaring constant within the intricate tapestry of the Wizarding World and the Wizengamot, it was their uncanny ability to squander an exorbitant amount of time embellishing the art of doing nothing and dressing it up as something of monumental importance.

A staggering two hours—no less than a small eternity—had evaporated into the void of bureaucratic discourse. The entire span was devoted to dissecting the minute intricacies surrounding Nobility, the ascent from an Ancient House, and the intricate web of connections between a Vessel and its implications in such cases. The discussion navigated the labyrinth of associated rights, duties, and regulations applicable to the newly minted Harry Potter, now rechristened as Harry James Peverell. The ambiance was thick with tension as they delved into the labyrinth of potential pitfalls that could thwart the seamless transition from House Potter to House Peverell.

Lucius Malfoy, with a venomous tenacity, vehemently argued against Potter's elevation to a noble position, dismissing the prospect with unrelenting hostility. Sirius Black, never one to shy away from a verbal duel, retorted with a sardonic inquiry about the acceptability of a lineage rooted in French pig-farming. This exchange, instead of quelling the storm, only fueled the tempest, provoking an eruption of further heated exchanges and gavel-banging from an irate Chief Warlock.

Umbridge, ever the thorn in everyone's side, contributed her own brand of obstructionism. She raised clause after clause, each meticulously honed to target the revered 'Sacred Twenty-Eight,' contending that the Wizengamot stood 'above' such apparent power-grabbing attempts. It took the intervention of Lord Burke, a respected voice of reason, to rebuke her assertions. He denounced the 'Sacred Twenty-Eight' as a mere fancy title derived from a biased tome called the Pureblood Directory, penned by Cantankerus Nott in 1958. Using it as a basis to challenge the rights of Nobility was not just laughable but amounted to a direct assault on the sanctity of the Wizengamot's Charter.

Had Dumbledore, Fudge, and the overseeing members adhered to a more expedient scrutiny of the pertinent documents, the bitter taste in Harry's mouth might have been more palatable. Alas, they opted for an exhaustive three-hour exposition on the legality of obscure magical laws, each minutiae dissected and scrutinized with the fervor reserved for the most critical matters of state. The ensuing discussion, though seemingly meaningless to Harry, captivated the attention of the others, who scribbled furiously in their notebooks as if transcribing the sacred verses of some arcane scripture.

Nevertheless, a palpable unease lingered in the air, a conspicuous avoidance of a particular subject—the haunting incident at the cemetery during the fateful night of the Third Task. It was as if an unspoken pact had been forged among the jurors to sidestep any mention of that ominous night. There were instances when the conversation seemed poised to naturally gravitate towards that crucial point, only to be skillfully diverted, as if the participants were reluctant to traverse the uncomfortable territory surrounding the Dark Lord's origins. Perhaps, the prospect of treading lightly with the last scion and Lord of the notorious Peverell line dissuaded them from delving into such a delicate matter—at least for the time being.

Harry found himself conflicted about this conspicuous omission. On one hand, it was convenient, sparing him the discomfiture of revisiting the traumatic events of that night. Yet, on the other hand, the silence was irksome and carried a somber undertone. It left him in a state of uncertainty about how to navigate the delicate terrain of the trial, where pivotal moments hung in the balance.

The trial progressed with the weight of unspoken truths, akin to a charging bull fixated on a red cape, oblivious to the looming threat. The contentious deliberations persisted, with Harry feeling as though time itself had grown lethargic in its march. Finally, the tumultuous sea of discourse subsided, punctuated by Dumbledore's theatrically conjured fireworks, a flamboyant display to reclaim the attention of the assembly.

"Now that I have everyone's attention," Dumbledore announced with mild authority, "I would like to bring to a close what has undeniably been the most protracted notice declaration period in recent Wizengamot history. All minor allegations regarding House Potter's ascension to House Peverell and its subsequent elevation to Nobility are hereby dismissed."

The resounding echo of Dumbledore's gavel reverberated through the vast chamber, a calculated orchestration enhanced, no doubt, by the application of a well-timed sonorous charm. The Headmaster continued, "Before we delve into the primary case and its accompanying accusations, allow me to summarize these deliberations in three concise points."

Harry met Dumbledore's gaze, acknowledging the gravity of the impending pronouncements.

"First," the Chief Warlock declared, "as per the submitted documents and the existing legalities outlined in the Wizengamot Charter, I find no precedent for any House, Ancient or otherwise, ascending to Nobility through a Vessel. The likelihood of a Vessel for a Noble House, whether extinct, dormant, or active, is so minimal that the specific clause addressing it was removed in 1768. The Wizengamot Charter remains silent on the topic of the Ascension of Houses, Ancient or otherwise, to Nobility status."

Harry's heart quickened its pace, thudding against his ribs like a caged bird desperate for release. Dumbledore's measured words held the weight of the impending verdict, each syllable echoing through the chamber, leaving Harry on tenterhooks.

"Second," Dumbledore continued, his voice cutting through the tense silence, "the name 'Peverell' is not a mere 'name-change.' It represents an entirely distinct House, complete with its own history and magical traits. The sole connection it shares with House Potter is the documented union between Iolanthe Peverell and Hardwin Potter. The Wizengamot's Directory of Inheritance Records reveals that twenty-six members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight can assert similar claims. It is evident that House Potter lacks the requisite special relationship with House Peverell to justify its assimilation. As a recent addition to the Wizengamot, fines under Clause 21A are applicable."

A feral glint danced in Umbridge's eyes at this revelation.

"Third," Dumbledore proceeded, "House Potter is entitled to rights, privileges, and obligations under Article 11C. It is obligated to pay appropriate taxes to the Wizengamot to uphold its standing as an Ancient House and a member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. All current businesses and contracts bear House Potter's insignia and are unrelated to House Peverell. Forcing them under the banner of House Peverell would nullify any existing agreements under Article 11B. Therefore, the assimilation of House Potter into House Peverell is rejected."

An uneasy tension coiled within Harry as discomfort seeped through his abdomen and ascended to his chest. The foundation of their defense rested heavily on his acknowledgment as a Noble, and if Dumbledore were to dismiss it openly in court...

"However," Dumbledore interjected, disrupting the foreboding atmosphere, "since House Peverell went extinct before the establishment of the Wizengamot, there is no foolproof method to confirm this as the original Peverell Family Magic. Nevertheless, there is no disputing that Harry Potter is a Vessel, and by the Wizengamot Charter, he is eligible to claim Noble status for the House of Potter."

Harry's eyes widened with a mixture of disbelief and hope. Did Dumbledore truly mean what it sounded like?

"To conclude," the Chief Warlock declared, his gaze fixed on Harry, "I hereby recognize House Potter as a Noble and Most Ancient House in accordance with the laws of the Wizengamot, granting all rights and duties commensurate with such status. Congratulations, Mr. Harry Potter. It has been quite some time since someone has earned the distinction of being called a 'Warlock.'"

Outrage erupted from Lord Nott, his protest echoing through the chamber. "This boy has murdered respectable members of society, Wizengamot members, using his dark magic! He deserves Azkaban, not accolades and titles!"

Dumbledore, unfazed, responded casually, as if discussing the weather. "I am well aware of the accusations against him. However, our duty is to evaluate potential claimants for the title of Warlock. Regardless of Harry Potter's actions, the uniqueness of his Family Magic cannot be ignored and must be acknowledged by this body. Whether Mr. Potter walks free or faces a lifetime of imprisonment is irrelevant to this particular consideration."

A brisk gust of air swept through the room, causing a shiver to dance down Harry's spine. A subtle, enigmatic smile graced Dumbledore's features as the venerable wizard regarded him over the rims of his half-moon glasses.

"Now then, I believe we have reached a consensus regarding Mr. Harry Potter's notice. Lord Potter, is there anything else you wish to share with this esteemed assembly?" Dumbledore inquired, his tone carrying a hint of anticipation.

Suppressing the burgeoning smile within him, Harry responded, "No, Chief Warlock. I am most obliged. I yield the floor to the Minister to commence the Trial and bring it to its conclusion."

A profound silence descended upon the room, hanging in the air like a heavy curtain.

"Very well," Dumbledore declared, his voice resonating with authority. "Let us begin."

The courtroom underwent a transfiguration of its own, configuring itself into a space with a designated witness box on the left and another for the accused—Harry himself—on the right. The setting briefly evoked memories of the legal dramas Aunt Petunia used to indulge in on the television.

Harry, now a legal adult, was entitled to represent himself in the trial and counter the accusations lodged against him. He was not just any adult, though; he was the renowned Boy-Who-Lived, Lord Peverell, the head of a Noble House, and a scion of House Black. Each of these facets carried its own significance on the political spectrum, and as Daphne had sagely advised, navigating the intricacies of the Wizengamot required a level of wordplay beyond his current expertise. Thus, it seemed prudent to heed her counsel and let Joshua, the seasoned solicitor, take the lead in this legal symphony.

Albus Dumbledore's gavel echoed through the chamber. "As a primary witness in this case, I willingly step down from my position as Chief Warlock for the duration of the Trial, citing a conflict of interest. I request Madam Griselda Marchbanks to preside over the Trial in my stead."

Harry focused his gaze anywhere but on Joshua, attempting to maintain an air of nonchalance.

"Albus," spoke a wizened old lady with brown hair going white and frizzling at the edges—undoubtedly Griselda Marchbanks, "that is hardly necessary."

Dumbledore demurely smiled at Harry. "It is. Many of my public actions align with Harry Potter's statements. Not to mention, I was the one who retrieved Mr. Potter's unconscious form from that cemetery on the night of the Third Task. It is obvious there is a conflict of interest."

With those words, Dumbledore raised his wand, sending fireworks into the air, a symbolic departure from the plump chair he had occupied. He strolled down the chamber and conjured a cozy armchair near the end of the Jury Box. Simultaneously, Marchbanks rose and assumed the Chief Warlock's chair.

"Wizengamot Hearing on the thirtieth of July," declared the Court Clerk in a ringing voice, prompting Percy to briskly begin taking notes. "Of Harry James Potter, currently residing at the Black Manor, London, for offenses committed under Culpable Homicide, listed in Section 299, and offenses committed under public mischief listed in Section 505 of the Wizengamot Penal Code."

The Clerk continued seamlessly, "Prosecutors: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister of Magic, and Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. Court Scribe, Percy Ignatius Weasley—"

He cast a wide-eyed gaze in Harry's direction.

"Witness for the Defence: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore," Dumbledore announced in a quiet tone that caught Harry off guard. He had not anticipated the Headmaster to publicly declare his support in such a manner.

Murmurs erupted among the Jury at Dumbledore's revelation. All eyes were now fixed on the wizened Headmaster, who remained seated with a perfectly calm expression. Some members of the Jury looked irritated, while others appeared slightly apprehensive.

The air in the courtroom crackled with tension as Dumbledore asserted his decision to step down due to a conflict of interest. The jury, however, seemed far from impartial, with preconceived notions coloring their perceptions. Harry understood the need to sway the majority in his favor.

"Just making it clear where I stand," Dumbledore remarked amiably, "Conflict of interest."

Fudge's expression soured, as if he had bitten into a particularly sour lemon. Griselda Marchbanks banged the gavel and fixed a stern gaze on Fudge.

"Minister Fudge, I should remind you that the reputation of an Ancient—forgive me, Noble and Most Ancient House—and a well-known celebrity is at risk due to your actions. Already, we have witnessed major upheavals in today's session. Should things go south, you and your clients risk facing an extreme defamation case. I hope you understand that."

Fudge's face turned an alarming shade of blue. "Crystal," he croaked.

Marchbanks turned her attention to Harry. "I understand, Mr. Potter, that you're now registered as a Lord and member of a Noble House, but not even Nobility gets to skirt justice. I hope you understand that."

Harry nodded in acknowledgment. Marchbanks continued, "Do you have an attorney to represent you?"

"Joshua Greengrass," Harry responded, and Joshua stepped forward. "Defence for the accused."

Fudge scowled, clearly displeased.

Griselda cleared her throat. "With that in mind, I'd advise both parties to plead for more time and try to reach an out-of-court settlement before things get more complex and a lot more expensive."

Fudge stood up, hatless now. "Words are wasted on such an atrocity. I am only interested in serving the court of Law and ensuring that justice prevails."

Harry refrained from commenting on Lucius Malfoy's knitting habits.

"Very well," Marchbanks declared, "Defence Counsel, please proceed."

"Chief Warlock," began Joshua in his opening statement, "there is no case. The trial is baseless, a publicity stunt by people with bruised egos. There is no evidence, and frankly, I feel we're wasting everyone's time here. I'd request this case be rejected, and my client released, acquitted of all charges."

"Prosecution?" Marchbanks prompted.

Umbridge stood up, emitting a girlish laugh. "Chief Warlock, the evidence lies in the recollection of the events that transpired that night, which we'll portray in court. We already have Harry Potter's statement, verified under veritaserum, on his use of the killing curse—"

"He also stated that he couldn't cast the curse!" Joshua interjected.

"Which only points at his less-than-savoury character," Umbridge retorted. "Merlin knows, there is absolutely no authentic way to determine whether Harry Potter successfully cast the curse. The memories obtained during his DMLE Trial, submitted as Evidence 2B through E, reflect a most emotional state during the event. I have a statement from the Department of Mysteries, submitted as Evidence 2F, suggesting that his memory is too distorted to be given any value in court."

"Distorted?" Marchbanks raised a brow. "Are you suggesting that Mr. Potter fabricated his memories before presenting them to the interrogators?"

Umbridge responded with a sickeningly sweet smile. "Suggestions are baseless in court. I prefer facts. And the facts are these—the accused is notorious for his connection with the darker shades of magic. We have an incident of him burning a Hogwarts professor to death, public practice of Parseltongue, an art associated with the darkest of wizards in broad daylight and in front of an inappropriate audience, open hostility against his classmates and even a Hogwarts Professor, and a known proclivity towards breaking rules. In fact, I have several statements from his schoolmates, reflecting on how Gilderoy Lockhart, former acclaimed member of the Dark Force Defense League and the DADA Professor at Hogwarts during the 1992 School Term, had been seen admonishing young Harry Potter about the perils of letting fame go to one's head. Let the court reflect that Professor Lockhart was found obliviated and brought him to the Hospital Wing, with the accused claiming a most fantastic story about the mythical Chamber of Secrets and the Professor attacking them out of nowhere and the wand exploding in his face. Preposterous! We again have an incident where he performed a wandless engorging charm on his own aunt, a muggle named Marge Dursley, and his entry into the Triwizard the following year, breaking the tournament's rules."

Umbridge deliberately built up suspense, drawing out her statements for dramatic effect. The courtroom was held captive, hanging on to each word. It was evident that she relished the attention and the chance to showcase her accusations.

"Chief Warlock," Harry interrupted coldly, unable to endure her theatrics any longer. "I must ask if this is going anywhere? Unless… Madam Umbridge is only interested in trying to scare me by revealing private information to the gossiping masses?"

Umbridge's smirk revealed her satisfaction, as if she had unearthed a significant revelation. "Is that an admission that what I've said is correct, Mr. Potter?"

Harry's response was measured. "... The events happened, yes, but the way you're interpreting it—"

"We will let the court decide how to interpret the events," she interjected with a venomous smile, "but regardless of interpretations, we can summarize them into one of two things. First, that the accused is a wielder of a luck so byzantine that it allows the existence of dead-for-a-decade Dark Lords to rise and pose as a stuttering professor for at least a year just to make an attempt at killing him and failing to do so, in a place where Mr. Potter shouldn't even have entered. The same luck that allows the sudden discovery of the mythical Chamber of Secrets by a twelve-year-old parselmouth when generations of Hogwarts professors and headmasters have been unsuccessful in doing so. The list goes on and on."

Umbridge paused for dramatic effect, then delivered her alternative perspective. "Or," she continued with a malicious gleam, "we can choose to believe that all of this is nothing but the silly ramblings and lies spread by a mentally unstable, albeit precocious, child that also shares traits of the Darkest Lord in recent history. A child with a history of acting out and breaking laws—the third-floor corridor, the Chamber of Secrets, the hunting for the then-thought mass murderer Sirius Black, and forcing entry into a World Tournament made for adults—all of this paints a picture of dire obsession with grandeur and staying in the limelight."

Umbridge gave Harry a condescending sneer before turning to Marchbanks. "Chief Warlock, the Prosecution has no doubt that we'll prove that Harry Potter is a power-hungry young man, suffering from delusions and unstable magical potential at best, and a notorious murderer at worst."

Harry felt a surge of frustration. This was precisely why Joshua had warned him against speaking during the trial. Umbridge was adept at twisting words to present the worst possible narrative. Allowing her to continue along this line would be akin to inviting a death by a thousand cuts.

He glanced at Joshua, who surprisingly wore a smile.

Harry blinked, thoroughly confused by the unexpected turn of events. What was Joshua playing at?

As if to unravel the mystery within Harry's mind, Joshua stood up confidently. "Chief Warlock, the Defence wishes to countersue."

Umbridge, looking perplexed, inquired, "On—on what grounds?"

"I believe that's my line, Prosecutor," Marchbanks interjected.

"Defamation of character," declared Joshua, catching everyone off guard. "The Prosecution is heavily attempting to smear my client's reputation to influence the Jury's opinion. She used words such as 'mentally unstable,' 'power-hungry,' and 'notorious murderer' to describe my client without presenting a shred of evidence against him. The case history she presented spans events from the past four years, with the majority occurring at Hogwarts. These events' details were submitted to the DMLE from the office of the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Chief Warlock, the Prosecution, in her fear-mongering and abject bigotry, has labeled the Hogwarts staff, its Headmaster, and the DMLE of the Ministry of Magic as 'incompetent' at best and 'corrupt' at worst. Additionally, her words are aimed at a boy who single-handedly ended a decade-long war as a baby, earning him an Order of Merlin, First Class." He chuckled. "Honestly, I think the Prosecution is one step away from claiming that Harry Potter is just another orphan and the Boy-Who-Lived moniker is another of his delusions."

Laughter rippled through the audience at Joshua's witty remarks, leaving Umbridge seething with fury. "Chief Warlock, for a case of defamation to be allowed, it would mean that the statements made would have to be false, which is hardly the case here."

Joshua swiftly countered, "Then you shouldn't have any problem proving them in court."

"Mr. Potter himself admitted that my statements were true," Umbridge retorted.

"Mr. Potter only admitted that the events happened, not your interpretation," Joshua shot back.

Marchbanks, seizing control of the situation, banged the gavel. "Countersuit is allowed."

Umbridge, seeking support from Fudge and finding none, turned incredulously to Marchbanks. "Chief…are you serious?"

Marchbanks, with a raised eyebrow, challenged, "Would you like to approach the bench and find out how serious I am?"

Umbridge approached Marchbanks slowly, her agitation evident. "Chief Warlock, any counterclaims must have been filed before the Trial even began."

"It should have," Marchbanks acknowledged, "but the Defence has sued you based on your statements after the Trial has begun."

"But—"

"Madam Umbridge," the crone interjected, "Albus Dumbledore had the foresight to send me a courtesy copy of the DMLE interrogation results of the event because he held a conflict of interest as a prime defense witness. In a criminal trial, the Burden of Proof falls on the Prosecution, and I have here with me a statement from the DMLE, concluding that there is absolutely no evidence that Mr. Potter cast the killing curse successfully or that he was responsible for the deaths. The only reason we have this Trial is because Amos Diggory filed a murder charge under Section 299 on Mr. Harry Potter, claiming him responsible for the death of his son Cedric Diggory. The charges registered under Section 505 were later added by the Prosecution before the Trial began. In a similar vein, the Defence is charging the Prosecution and the plaintiffs they are representing for defamation of character. So yes, I am going to allow it. This is now a defamation trial."

Marchbanks banged the gavel decisively. "The criminal case of Harry Potter prosecuted by the Ministry is dropped! Court adjourns for an hour. I told you before. Both parties should consider an out-of-court settlement before things become more complicated and more expensive."

Umbridge, caught off guard and unable to respond, opened her mouth but remained silent. Harry couldn't help but burst into laughter at the turn of events.

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