CHAPTER 30: ECHOES IN THE COURTROOM
"That," exclaimed Harry, his eyes lighting up with excitement, "was absolutely extraordinary!"
Seated in the Ministry cafeteria were Harry, Sirius, Joshua, and Daphne, indulging in the delightful flavors of their chosen meals. While Harry and Sirius savored steak sandwiches, Daphne opted for the sophistication of sushi, and her father contentedly sipped on a mug of hot cocoa, revealing himself as a self-proclaimed cocoa addict.
Daphne shot Harry a triumphant look. "I told you, Potter. My father is unparalleled in his expertise."
Harry returned her grin and turned his attention to Daphne's father. "Did you foresee Marchbanks supporting us? Was that what you meant by understanding the judge?"
Joshua took another sip of his cocoa, a man seemingly enamored with the warmth it provided. "Partially," he replied. "Marchbanks is rigid and a dedicated traditionalist, but she's just. Your opening statements showcased humility—a trait often absent in the younger generation—"
Daphne playfully stuck her tongue out, earning a chuckle from her father.
"—and your demonstration of Family Magic, along with your claim as a Vessel, portrayed you as a devoted adherent of the Old ways, rendering you more esteemed in her eyes. I had faith that Albus Dumbledore would do the right thing. Everything else seamlessly fell into place."
"You were aware of the DMLE statement," Sirius chimed in, taking a hearty bite of his sandwich.
Joshua nonchalantly shrugged. "Amelia Bones is stern but fair. She calls it as she sees it. If she believed Harry was guilty, there wouldn't have been a trial; she'd have had him arrested on the spot."
Harry, curious, pressed on. "And the countersuit?"
Joshua quirked an eyebrow. "What about it?"
"You inquired about the past incidents at Hogwarts. Did you anticipate Umbridge interpreting them the way she did?"
A sly smile played on Joshua's lips. "Good attorneys focus on facts, but exceptional ones focus on their adversaries. Fudge is arrogant and cunning. I knew he, or his representative, would adopt a similar strategy. I just needed to play the person— or, in this case, the woman."
Harry furrowed his brow. "I don't follow."
Joshua sighed. "The DMLE lacked any substantial evidence against you. The trial was solely based on Amos Diggory's murder charge. The 505 accusation was as flimsy as the paper it was written on. If I had filed a defamation charge earlier, it would have seemed like I was battling a grieving father— a father whose son was an exemplary student, a Hufflepuff prefect, a potential Head Boy candidate, and the legitimate Triwizard Champion for Hogwarts. No matter how you spin it, we would have started with half the jury against us. So, I opted for a different approach. The Peverell claim immediately swayed the jury in your favor, as did Dumbledore awarding you the Warlock title. Suddenly, you're prestigious and esteemed in their eyes. Dumbledore testifying on your behalf speaks volumes."
"So you let Umbridge degrade him first," Sirius deduced. "You made her the villain."
"Exactly," Joshua affirmed with a laugh. "Every story needs an antagonist. I needed Umbridge to be seen in a different light than Amos Diggory." Placing his cocoa on the table, he continued, "Team Fudge now understands what's on the line. They've already stumbled with the opening statement. They'll be cautious now. And Harry," he locked eyes with him, "Umbridge is going to play dirty. She'll summon your friends and acquaintances, twisting their words against you. Ensure you provide her with no further ammunition. The less you speak, the less she gets. And no matter what happens, don't let anger consume you."
Harry nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of Joshua's advice. "Great," the man declared. "You do that, and I'll take care of the rest.
"The Prosecution is in disarray," initiated Joshua Greengrass. "Madam Umbridge depicts my client as delusional on one hand, yet accuses him of murder for burning Professor Quirinus Quirrel to death on the other. Mr. Harry Potter has submitted his memories, labeled Evidence 3A, to the DMLE. Furthermore, I present a statement from a private individual affirming the authenticity of the memory."
"Of course," Umbridge sneered. "No doubt offered out of their extensive experience."
Amelia Bones rose from her seat, her eyes flashing with anger at Umbridge's disrespectful tone. "It is the professional opinion of Emmeline Vance, Head Obliviator for the Ministry of Magic, Madam Umbridge." Her cutting tone caused the woman to flinch. "I remind you that your own Boss, the Minister of Magic himself, appointed Miss Vance to the position. Unless it has faded into a blur of senility."
"Of course," Umbridge repeated. "I ask for your forgiveness, Madam Bones. And to Miss Vance, if she's present here. My choice of words was less polite than it could have been. Please do not take it as a slight upon your performance. I was just… a little shaken at seeing injustice happen in this hallowed chamber of law."
A cunning serpent, expertly establishing herself as reasonable and understanding with the Ministry members. This woman, it seemed, would be a formidable adversary.
Joshua pressed on. "The Prosecution characterizes my client as a dark wizard due to his Parseltongue ability. According to the Charter of the now-extinct House of Gaunt, Parseltongue is a trait closely associated with its Family Magic. Every member of that family was a Parselmouth. Unless Madam Umbridge intends to paint the entire House of Gaunt as dark wizards, it is a clear case of character defamation."
This time, silence greeted his statement. Joshua turned to face Harry.
"Mr. Harry Potter, please recount the events related to the Chamber of Secrets at the end of your second year."
Harry swallowed nervously. "Uh, my second year. I… I kept hearing voices in the walls, whispers about killing someone. It claimed to be hungry and wanted food. Later, I found out it was a colossal basilisk traveling through the pipes."
"Preposterous!" objected Umbridge.
"Evidence 3B. Verified by Miss Vance," Joshua calmly responded.
Snorts of disbelief echoed from several jury members.
"We are wasting valuable time with these discussions," Lord Nott asserted. "This is hardly relevant to the trial."
"Then perhaps the prosecution should not have introduced it," retorted an ancient crone on the opposite side, her large, stuffed vulture hat giving her an oddly ominous appearance. Harry didn't recognize her, but her presence demanded attention.
"Regent Longbottom, Lord Nott," interjected Marchbanks. "Kindly allow the trial to proceed uninterrupted."
"Yes, yes, interrupt me, why don't you!" grumbled the greying matriarch. "It is alright when our fool of a Minister harasses a boy my Neville's age, but you're all so offended when he calls him out on it."
Harry blinked twice, registering the unexpected presence of Neville's grandmother. This stern woman was Augusta Longbottom? Marchbanks affirmed with a jerky nod, and Harry composed himself to continue.
"I sought Gilderoy Lockhart's assistance, accompanied by my friend Ronald Weasley, only to find him shirking his responsibilities as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Instead of helping save Ron's sister, who had fallen victim to the events that year, Lockhart was preparing to leave Hogwarts. Numerous students were petrified, and had it not been for my intervention, Ginny Weasley might have lost her life. And what did Mr. Fudge do? He proceeded to imprison Hagrid, merely for the optics of the Ministry taking action."
Fudge growled in frustration.
"Chief Warlock," Umbridge interjected sharply. "The accused is openly defaming the Minister in this court. That alone warrants a minimum six-month sentence in Azkaban."
"Then subject me to Veritaserum," Harry retorted defiantly.
Umbridge smiled sweetly, deliberately ignoring his challenge as she turned to Marchbanks. "The Prosecution requests the presence of Percival Weasley, Junior Undersecretary to the Minister."
"Allowed," Marchbanks declared.
"The Court summons Percival Weasley to the Witness Box!" announced the Reporter.
Percy entered and took his place.
"Mr. Weasley," Umbridge began, "do you consent willingly to a Veritaserum questioning?"
"On what grounds?" Percy responded obnoxiously.
"You have been a part of the DMLE Interrogation team that questioned Mr. Potter," Umbridge stated, "and you are, forgive me, Arthur Weasley's son. Mr. Potter's amicable relationship with your family is well-known. One might suspect that you would have a vested interest in protecting him, given that he's a friend of your brother."
Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes at the notion of Percy coming to his aid. The very idea seemed ludicrous. Observing Percy's look of intense loathing, he awaited the Veritaserum administration. Dawlish stepped forward, expertly administering two drops onto Percy's tongue, rendering his features blank in an instant.
"Mr. Weasley," Umbridge began her questioning, "you were part of the team sent to Hogwarts to interrogate Mr. Potter over the events of the night of the Third Task. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"How would you describe Mr. Potter's behavior during the interrogation?"
"He was unruly and expressed scathing views about the Ministry."
"Even under Veritaserum?"
"Yes."
"Fully aware that this was an official interrogation?"
"Yes."
"Fully aware that he faced multiple murder charges?"
"Yes."
"And did he show any remorse for possibly casting an Unforgivable Curse?"
"No."
"And he displayed such insolence while under Veritaserum?"
"Yes."
"What other draughts or potions did he receive?"
"Calming draught."
"Is it possible that someone had given him the antidote before the session?"
Percy shook his head.
"Could someone have given him the wrong draughts?"
Another shake. "I administered them myself."
"And what draughts or potions did you give Mr. Potter?"
"Two drops of Veritaserum and a vial of calming draught."
"As I understand, Harry Potter is a friend of your brother, Ronald Weasley. Perhaps, you did not administer the draughts correctly?"
Another shake. "I believe Potter is guilty."
At Umbridge's signal, Dawlish stepped forward to administer the antidote.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley. You may leave."
Percy bowed at Marchbanks, sneered at Harry, and returned to his position.
"Point to be noted," declared Umbridge. "Not only did Mr. Potter openly resent the Ministry, but he did so under the influence of both calming draughts and Veritaserum. Being under the influence of either one is sufficient to induce an emotionless trance. I believe this alone proves that Mr. Potter, in addition to his other remarkable qualities, possesses an unusual immunity to Veritaserum. I contend that Mr. Potter exploited this immunity to lie about the events of the night of the Third Task."
She grinned at Harry triumphantly. "Am I correct, Mr. Potter?"
Harry felt a sickening twist in his stomach. The realization hit him with force – the Peverell Family Magic rendered him immune to external magical influences. Fleur's potions hadn't affected him, nor had the dark curses during the Diagon Alley skirmish. Now, Umbridge was exploiting this fact to cast doubt on his veritaserum testimony.
"Chief Warlock," Joshua pleaded, "while it's conceivable that my client might display unusual behavior during a veritaserum interrogation, it does not prove he is immune to the serum or that he lied."
"True, but it also raises doubt on the definitive lack of evidence, as the DMLE statement asserted. In fact, it gives us grounds to demand a reexamination of everything Mr. Potter has claimed under Veritaserum during his interrogation."
Damn it.
Joshua forced a smile, though the strain was visible at the edges of his lips. Umbridge had scored a point against him.
"Fine," he conceded. "If we cannot trust my client's statements, let us consider the other witnesses. Unless, Madam Umbridge wishes to cast doubt on their testimonies?"
Umbridge emitted another girlish laugh but remained silent.
"I call upon my first witness," declared Joshua. "Miss Fleur Delacour."
Harry turned to see Fleur calmly emerge from the right, where witnesses awaited their turn. She positioned herself in the witness box, prepared to testify.
"Miss Delacour," Joshua began, "you were the Triwizard Champion for Beauxbatons. Correct?"
Fleur nodded.
"Can you describe the events of the night of the Third Task?"
Fleur cast a glance at Harry before speaking. "We participants entered the maze at different times. Harry and Cedric were leading, so they started together. Then Krum. Finally, it was my turn. I had to navigate through the maze, facing various challenges. Eventually, I encountered Cedric Diggory, and he attacked me."
"Excuse me?"
"He attacked me," Fleur emphasized. "It wasn't unexpected, given the competition. I fought back, and I believe we were evenly matched when Diggory used the Cruciatus Curse on me."
"Preposterous!" objected Amos Diggory from the Prosecution bench.
"Silence!" Marchbanks ordered. "I want to hear this."
Fleur directed her attention towards Umbridge. "Madame, he used ze Cruciatus. I tried to fight it, but the pain was too great. I fell, and he kicked my wand away and left. If not for 'Arry..." she trailed off, casting another glance at Harry, "'Arry Potter came and saved me. 'E cast the Patronus to protect me, got me out of the vines, gave my wand back. I couldn't fight, so he cast red sparks for me and continued on his way."
"And are you willing to verify this under Veritaserum?"
"Oui."
She smiled at Harry, who nodded in acknowledgment.
Joshua then turned to Umbridge. "Perhaps the Prosecution would like to ask the witness anything?"
"Yes..." said Umbridge, a sneer forming on her lips as she approached Fleur. "Miss… Delacour, you are a Veela, are you not?"
"OBJECTION!" roared Joshua. "That has nothing to do with this trial and only serves to expose Madam Umbridge's bigotry and discredit Miss Delacour."
"Madam Umbridge," snapped Marchbanks. "Do not go there."
However, it was too late. The damage was done. Harry was well aware of the prejudice against Veela and other magical creatures. Some would doubt Fleur's testimony simply because of her heritage. He heard Joshua swearing under his breath, but to his surprise, it was someone else who responded.
"Oui," said Fleur politely, perhaps a bit too politely. "I am Fleur Isabelle Delacour. My father is Giuseppe Zabini, the Italian ambassador to France, and my mother is Apolline Delacour. You are familiar with the name, oui? After all, your father, Orford Umbridge, served as my Maman's footman for years before she took pity on him and found him a job in Département de Maintenance Magique."
Umbridge went red. "How dare you, wench? My father was an esteemed member of the Wizengamot—"
"Your father was a floor-mopper," Fleur snapped. "Your mother was Ellen Cracknell, a non-magique. You should look at yourself before spitting on others, Madam Umbridge. I am a Veela, but at least, my parents are le magique. You? You're the child of a squib and someone who can't spell."
The woman looked ready to curse, her face contorted with anger.
Fleur turned to face Marchbanks. "I am an employee at Gringotts, and Vault Registration Verification is my task. Zat's how I know. As for my mother, veela stop aging after a certain number of years. My Maman recently celebrated 'er hundred and forty-sixth birthday."
That revelation explained a lot.
"I've already submitted my memories to Monsieur Sirius Black, to be forwarded to Monsieur Greengrass. As 'as Victor Krum."
"Evidences 4A through C, Chief Warlock," Joshua clarified. "And no more questions. Unless the prosecution?"
Umbridge was visibly shaking in fury, too flustered to even cross-question Fleur.
Harry couldn't help but clap, carried away by the impressive defense. However, the odd glances from Joshua and everyone else made him stop abruptly and look away. Fleur giggled and gracefully exited the witness box.
"Chief Warlock," said Joshua, regaining his focus. "Both Mr. Krum and Miss Delacour's memories showcase a single common factor: Cedric Diggory attacking them. For Miss Delacour, it was the Cruciatus, an Unforgivable Curse. For Mr. Krum, it was the Fulminis spell, a lethal curse. Bulgarians consider this spell an attempt to murder. Miss Delacour's father is the Italian Ambassador to France, highly respected in both nations. The use of the Cruciatus alone qualifies for lifelong imprisonment."
Joshua took a breath. "I'm not claiming that Cedric Diggory acted independently. He's dead, and the dead tell no tales. However, if both Miss Delacour and Mr. Krum testify that something was wrong with Cedric, my client's claim about Cedric attacking him, petrifying him, and portkeying him out of the maze feels more authentic. I use the word 'feel' because, as Madam Umbridge has stated, she will fight tooth and nail to disavow any statements my client makes due to his... unnatural reaction to Veritaserum."
Umbridge could only glower, and it was evident that Fleur's words had inflicted more lasting damage than anything Joshua had thrown at her throughout the entire trial. Harry made a mental note to congratulate Fleur later.
"Now," continued Joshua, "let us, for a moment, consider that my client, Mr. Harry Potter, is indeed the delusional and power-hungry man that the Prosecution is portraying him to be. Maybe he has a dark past, possesses sinister powers that rival a dark wizard who cannot possibly be resurrected. Perhaps he is some kind of monster who burned a professor, used Parseltongue in public, obliterated a professor, and inflated a Muggle."
He turned to face Umbridge.
"Say, how did those pure-bloods end up in that cemetery? Perhaps my client is so extraordinarily powerful that he can magically transport people there from the safety of their homes—people he had never even seen before? People he could manipulate into dressing up in Death Eater robes and then stage a fake resurrection event?"
Umbridge's expression darkened. "If you are suggesting that a Dark Lord known to be dead for over fourteen years—"
"Please answer the question," Joshua interrupted. "This trial is about the death of thirteen pure-bloods by my client's hand. How did he do it?"
"We will never know the answer to that," Umbridge tried to counter. "Like you said, dead men tell no tales, after all."
"It is the reverse in this case. In my humble experience, the only one that speaks the truth in the crime scene is the body. And guess what we found on the bodies?"
Joshua strode up, eyeing the entire court.
"Death Eater Regalia. All of them were wearing it."
"Yet none of them tested positive for the Dark Marks upon forensic testing!"
"A trivial non-issue," Amelia Bones intervened. "I have it cleared from the Department of Mysteries, the Forensics wing of the DMLE, and an independent forensics expert, that there was absolutely no trace of magic on their bodies. Whatever transpired in the graveyard, it leached out every single bit of magic from their bodies. They were, in fact, no different from a Muggle corpse."
She let that statement hang in the air for a moment.
"Hang on," Umbridge interrupted, "who's the independent expert?"
"Classified," Amelia snapped coldly.
Joshua stood his tallest. "Chief Warlock, Lords and Ladies, and the honored Jury, we have discussed several aspects of this case. We have seen how the Prosecution did not have a leg to rest this case, so she defamed my client in front of the entire Wizengamot. We heard Miss Delacour's testimony, proved that Cedric Diggory was acting oddly, and have submitted evidence to that, evidence that individual professionals and the DMLE have validated. We have proof that the dead people found in the cemetery were indeed wearing Death-Eater regalia, again verified by the DMLE. The last piece to this puzzle is centered around my client's forceful removal from the Maze in Hogwarts to this cemetery grounds, and so, I call my third, and possibly last witness—"
Albus Dumbledore stood up.
"Amos Diggory."
There was a brief pause.
It was expected. No one would ever expect Amos on the list. Even Harry had to keep himself from gaping in surprise.
"Amos Diggory?" Fudge cried out in surprise, which was a surprise in itself. Throughout the trial, the man had kept mightily quiet, content to let Umbridge run the show. If this wasn't proof that the trial going southward was getting to him, Harry didn't know what was.
"Chief Warlock, that man has lost his son to Mr. Potter's actions. He was not even present at the site, so I cannot classify his statements as proper testimony. Mr. Greengrass is simply fishing for weaknesses. I humbly beseech this body to consider the man's feelings and let him—"
"Please!" Sirius scoffed from the jury. "You don't give a rat's arse about the man's feelings." He paused, raising his arms in surrender. "Apologies, that's actually an insult to rat's arses."
The jury chuckled.
"My Lord, the disparagement from Lord Black lacks substance within the framework of the rule of law," argued Joshua vehemently.
"Granted, but the essence of significance lies in conducting an investigation of this nature devoid of any external pressure," Joshua retorted with a discerning gaze.
"And what, may I ask, is your point?" Marchbanks inquired, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.
"Since the occurrence in question, my client has endured unwarranted persecution and overt bias emanating from the Ministry. Mr. Weasley himself, under the influence of Veritaserum no less, declared Harry Potter guilty. It is noteworthy that Mr. Weasley wasn't even present during the Third Task, yet he harbors a pronounced hostility toward my client. The Ministry's prejudiced stance is further evidenced by Madam Umbridge's callous and misguided perspectives on my client. Notably, both Madam Dolores Umbridge and Percy Weasley hold positions as Senior and Junior Undersecretaries under Minister Fudge, who leads our bureaucratic system. My client has been unfairly labeled with terms such as 'guilty' and 'murderer,' when the proper and just terms should be 'Accused' and 'Suspect.' My client seeks justice, yet the highest-ranking officials in our legal system are spearheading the case against him. Chief Warlock, this situation undeniably amounts to duress," asserted Joshua with conviction.
Fudge narrowed his eyes, his expression turning hostile. "Are you insinuating something, Mr. Greengrass?"
Joshua smirked, a calculated glint in his eyes. "Merely requesting the opportunity to question the witness I have summoned."
A heavy silence enveloped the room, each person seemingly needing a moment to absorb the gravity of Joshua's words. Fudge shot a murderous glare at Joshua. It was evident that the Minister had additional tactics up his sleeve, but Joshua's strategic move had effectively shifted the perception, casting Fudge as the antagonist. Pressing further would be akin to casting a blasting curse upon oneself, a dangerous gamble that would only serve to backfire on Harry.
"As for the summoning of Mr. Diggory," Joshua continued, his tone measured and deliberate, "I am not calling him forth merely as the plaintiff but rather in his capacity as the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures."
The court reporter, Dullard or something of the sort, rose from their seat. "This Court summons Amos Diggory. Please approach the Witness Box."
Harry couldn't help but clench his jaw as Amos Diggory trudged out of the crowd and made his way to the witness box. The man he remembered, once boisterous and jolly, had been replaced by a grieving, broken figure seeking solace in whatever small measure he could find. While still irritated at the reminder of his only Quidditch defeat, it was a peculiar experience to be discussed in terms other than the usual Boy-Who-Lived narrative.
The man in the witness box bore little resemblance to the proud father Harry had encountered before. The joy and pride were gone, replaced by a man overwhelmed with grief, fiercely protective of his son's memory. Harry's assertion that Cedric had attacked, kidnapped, and Portkeyed him out of Hogwarts was an affront to the memory of Amos Diggory's son.
"Mr. Diggory," Joshua began, his voice steady, "Is it accurate that, in your role as the Head of the RCOMC Department, you were actively involved in the procurement of magical creatures, both large and small, for the Triwizard Tasks?"
Amos let out a sound that hovered between a cough and a whimper. "I was."
"Could you briefly describe your role in this regard?" Joshua pressed on.
Umbridge interrupted, her impatience apparent. "Why waste time on such trivialities?"
Joshua shot her a disdainful look. "You presented a character sketch of my client as a strategic defamation tactic in this courtroom, deeming it necessary. I rise above such methods. I aim to present a more accurate portrayal of the events that transpired that night."
"And how does Amos Diggory's role contribute to that?" Marchbanks inquired.
"Chief Warlock, the Third Task was an international event that required the involvement of numerous influential individuals. I am merely attempting to shed light on the comprehensive series of events that led to the tragedy at the cemetery, an incident the Prosecution—correction, was attempting to pin on Mr. Potter."
"I assumed as much." Griselda Marchbanks jotted down notes, making her own deductions. "And do you intend to question other Department Heads for their testimonies?"
"If necessary."
Umbridge objected, "Department Heads can't be summoned at a mere whim. They have their own responsibilities to attend to."
Joshua, wearing a smirk, responded, "Sometimes, to uncover the truth, one must move mountains. Weren't you presenting yourself as the champion of justice not too long ago?"
Whispers rippled through the courtroom, and many eyes turned to Harry, their expressions a mix of emotions and curiosity. Fudge remained remarkably silent, perhaps contemplating the shifting dynamics within the courtroom.
"Mr. Diggory, as you were about to elucidate, kindly describe the specific task assigned to you as part of your responsibilities for the Third Task," Joshua inquired.
Amos appeared uncertain. "I—I oversaw my Department's handling of various magical creatures, all Threat Rank XXX and below, except for a Sphinx, which is an XXXX-ranked beast, specifically designated for the Third Task."
"And did you supervise the transportation of these creatures within the maze prepared for the Champions' Task?" Joshua probed.
"Yes," Amos responded.
"What about protective measures? I assume the DRCOMC had contingencies in place in case any of the creatures attempted to escape. Considering the proximity of the Forbidden Forest and the fact that the event took place post-sunset," Joshua pressed for details.
"...Yes," Amos replied hesitantly.
"Could you elaborate on that, particularly the nature of the protections?" Joshua continued.
"This is a waste of time," Umbridge interjected with a sneer.
"Mr. Greengrass, get to the point quickly," urged Chief Warlock Marchbanks.
"...Certainly, Chief Warlock," Joshua responded casually. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes, the protections. What form did they take? Wards? Bounded fields? Security personnel?"
Amos's lips trembled as he replied, "Wards. And security personnel were on standby in case the wards failed."
"So the wards were susceptible to failure?" Joshua questioned.
"What are you insinuating?" Umbridge snapped.
"Just stating the facts," Joshua continued, a smile playing on his lips. "Are you suggesting that the DRCOMC implemented wards they knew could fail?"
Amos slowly shook his head.
"Then why the hesitation? Mr. Diggory, being a Department Head doesn't exempt you from a Veritaserum testimony," Joshua pointed out, the room falling into silence.
"Mr. Diggory," Marchbanks demanded, "answer the question."
Amos resembled a deer caught in headlights. "The wards were as prescribed by the Regulatory Board, with one addition."
"And what was that addition?" Joshua inquired.
"We—we had to allow for Portkeys to function through the wards," Amos admitted.
The room fell into a heavy, condemning silence.
"Why?" queried Marchbanks, breaking the quiet with a pointed question.
"It's common sense," Fudge erupted, his agitation escalating with each passing moment. Harry couldn't help but wonder why the Minister was so vehemently opposed to this line of questioning. Personally intrigued, he pondered Joshua's unspoken strategy; the man hadn't shared this particular aspect with him.
"The winner was supposed to touch the Triwizard Cup and be Portkeyed to the central dais," Fudge explained.
Joshua chuckled. "Not quite, but let's not rely solely on my word. Mr. Diggory, could you please inform the Court whether it would be feasible for the Champion to be transported to the central dais without allowing for Portkey functions within the wards designed to contain the creatures?"
Amos remained silent.
"Mr. Diggory, I've already submitted an exact blueprint of the ward schema used for the Third Task. It has been scrutinized and verified by the DMLE and an independent ward master. I know the truth, and so do you. If you lie, you'll be committing a serious offense," Joshua warned.
Amos shuddered.
"Answer the question, Mr. Diggory," demanded Marchbanks.
"...Yes," Amos admitted reluctantly.
"Why did you have them, then?" Joshua probed.
"Objection! Badgering!" Umbridge interjected.
"Overruled! I want to hear this," Marchbanks declared.
Joshua persisted. "Mr. Diggory, what prompted you to incorporate Portkey functions within the wards?"
Amos trembled visibly. "I received a missive. From the Department of Magical Transportation, instructing me to do that."
"The Department of Magical Transportation, led by Cameron Yaxley?" Joshua clarified.
"...Yes," Amos replied.
"The same Cameron Yaxley found dead at the cemetery, wearing Death Eater regalia?" Joshua continued.
"...Yes," Amos confirmed.
Harry blinked in surprise; this revelation had caught him off guard.
Joshua turned toward the Jury. "Cameron Yaxley, Head of the Department of Magical Transportation. The Head of RCOMC receives a missive to add Portkey functions to wards intended to contain creatures. Later, Cedric Diggory Portkeys my client to a different location, where Cameron Yaxley was also present, donned in Death Eater robes. Unfortunately, I can't question Mr. Yaxley further because, as the saying goes, dead men tell no tales."
Murmurs and whispers swept through the courtroom. The unexpected turn of events had stirred a new level of intrigue among those in attendance.
"But it seems there's someone here who can shed light on these questions," Joshua persisted, locking eyes with Amos. "Mr. Diggory, I need you to answer one more question."
Harry noticed Sirius sitting up straighter, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
"I'm no expert," Joshua continued, "but as the Head of the RCOMC, you're not obligated to comply with missives or demands from other departments, correct?"
Amos stayed silent momentarily before giving a small nod.
"Unless... was there a particular reason you agreed to it?" Joshua probed further.
Amos began to shake visibly.
"I... I don't—"
"You don't know?" Joshua hissed. "Allow me to refresh your memory. Evidence 4D, as submitted to Madam Bones, contains a memo from the Department of Magical Transportation, citing a note of 'permission' from the Office of the Minister of Magic, seeking allowance for Portkey travel between wards. Evidence 4E is another signed note, 'authorizing' the formal request made by the Department of Magical Transportation in the interests of 'efficacy' and 'ease of management.'"
"I object!" Fudge interjected. "Amos Diggory isn't on trial. Harry Potter is. This is a vile attempt at trying to divert the court's attention."
"Overruled," Marchbanks snapped. "I want to see where this goes."
Fudge's breathing quickened.
Harry exchanged a smile with Madam Bones, who had personally collected the evidence. Sirius had visited her and returned with the specific information. Ordinarily, this would require the Minister's explicit permission, but Bones had found a clever way around it, citing an investigation into the individuals involved in the Triwizard.
If this trial concluded the way Harry anticipated, it would be a victory on multiple fronts. Amelia Bones had taken significant risks for this trial, and it was now up to Joshua to ensure she got what she had paid for.
"This is probably the best situation you have here, Harry," Sirius whispered.
Joshua returned to the center of the stage. "Evidence 4F contains a memo addressed to Mr. Amos Diggory from the Office of the Minister of Magic, offering him a fully paid vacation to Greece for being a hardworking member of the Ministry. Once again, signed from the Office of the Minister of Magic. The date on the memo is, interestingly, June 21st. The memo also references his diligent work assisting the Department of Magical Transportation."
Harry bit down on his lips, determined not to burst into laughter at Fudge's comical imitation of a tomato. He shook his head, internally repeating, "Nope, nope, nope."
Amos Diggory stammered, "What— No, I got that as recognition for my own hard work during my Ministry career!"
Joshua smiled at him with a predatory gleam. "Of course, which is why you've received none of these 'paid vacations' in your entire forty-four years of Ministry service. Isn't that right, Mr. Diggory?"
The portly man wisely fell silent.
"Objection! Leading!" Fudge protested.
"It's not leading if I have proof!" Joshua countered. "Evidence 4J, a copy of Mr. Diggory's records from the Ministry Treasury and the Department of Employees' Records. Mr. Diggory has submitted eight requests in the past, citing presumptuous reasons for tax exemption, demands for bonuses, and a pay raise in the last two years. The Minister's office rejected every single one of them."
Joshua turned to Chief Warlock Marchbanks. "We all understand what this looks like. Who is responsible for this mess, and how all of this was twisted to frame Harry Potter?"
Fudge stared at Joshua, his face pale with fear. Even Lucius Malfoy and others near him glared daggers at Joshua. For a moment, Harry wondered if Daphne's words were coming true—had Joshua, in desperation, unwittingly made himself an enemy of the Dark Lord?
"A very sophisticated plot," said Joshua. "But we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We can finally see who orchestrated all of this. Someone whose authority reaches the high echelons of the Ministry of Magic. Someone who had both the motive, opportunity, and the means to aid Cameron Yaxley. Someone who openly expressed his dislike of Harry Potter in court."
Harry's eyes widened. Did that mean—
Joshua turned to meet Fudge's gaze. Fudge hesitated.
"That's all well and good, Mr. Greengrass," said Marchbanks, "but who was the one responsible for all of this?"
Joshua looked at the Chief Warlock, feigning surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought that was obvious. It was Percival Weasley!"
Harry had to clamp down on his mouth hard to avoid yelling in surprise. Visible shock, relief, and confusion played across Fudge's face for a full second before he regained control. Dumbledore glanced sharply at Joshua and then at Harry himself.
He shrugged.
"It was… Weasley?" asked Marchbanks, looking at the young man who stared in abject terror.
"Obviously," said Joshua, "I mean, he confessed, under Veritaserum no less, about his obvious dislike for Mr. Potter. Evidences 4D to F all have Mr. Percival Weasley's signature on them. I think that falls under conclusive evidence, unless, of course," he met Fudge's eyes, "we want Mr. Weasley questioned under Veritaserum?"
"NO!" Fudge stood up. "No, I mean, that is conclusive evidence, and we have heard enough. This farce of a trial has gone on for too long, and the Ministry has unduly harassed Mr. Potter." Fudge did not, not once, look at the betrayed look Percy was giving him.
"I mean, certainly we did not know that it was Weasley that was responsible; his family is very close to Harry from what I know." Fudge inhaled sharply and snarled. "AURORS! ARREST THIS MAN RIGHT NOW!"
Harry gawked as Aurors Dawlish and Shacklebolt grabbed Percy by his shoulders and dragged him out of the court. It made no sense. None. Percy was a bootlicking douchebag, but he wasn't evil. And he had worked for Fudge weeks before the Third Task. So why was he saying anything? Even more surprising was that the young man never once tried to claim his innocence. Instead, he gave a betrayed look at Fudge and then hung his head low, allowing himself to be dragged out. Harry wanted to demand an answer, but a stern look from Joshua shut him up.
"Now that the nastiness is over," Fudge exhaled, stumbling to the center of the dais. "Chief Warlock, please proceed with the voting."
"Those in favor of Harry Potter's conviction?" asked Marchbanks.
Harry felt something cold climb down his spine. This was the moment that would decide it all. He had given his best, and now it was time to see the reaction. His eyes met Sirius's and found a strange, relaxing calmness in them, despite seeing several hands slowly rise. Lucius Malfoy was the first, followed by Nott, Parkinson, and Avery. Oddly, the group sitting behind Malfoy looked strangely hesitant to act.
A thin sliver of hope rose in Harry's throat, but he mercilessly crushed it. Just because these people hadn't voted against him didn't mean they'd vote in his favor.
"Twenty-eight votes," Marchbanks counted. "Those in favor of acquittal?"
This time, Madam Bones raised her hand, as did Sirius, Daphne, Neville's grandmother, and several more from the other sides. Dirk Cresswell and Arthur Weasley raised their hands, both looking shell-shocked, along with Kingsley Shacklebolt. There was a lot of muttering and grunts among the audience, but the number of hands this time easily eclipsed the former.
"One hundred and four votes," Marchbanks declared. "Harry Potter is acquitted of all charges."
Harry felt like he could breathe again. It was over. He was free. He could finally—
"Actually," Lucius Malfoy spoke up. "There is something I'd like to verify before Mr. Potter walks out of this august hall as a free person."
"Harry is already free. You can conduct your verifications at your leisure, Lord Malfoy," Sirius responded testily. "It doesn't need to involve the Wizengamot."
Then Lucius Malfoy smiled.
Harry felt a shiver down his spine. What was the man planning now?
"Actually, it does," said Parkinson. "It is about the people he killed."
"My point exactly!" Lucius replied. The slippery snake that he was. "The Wizengamot has voted on whether he should be imprisoned or not, and yes, I have felt that given the circumstances, we should offer him a... second chance, as Albus Dumbledore would say. But that does not absolve us of considering the threat he represents."
Griselda looked annoyed. "Mr. Potter has already proven to be a Vessel. It is part of his Family Magic. To call his powers a danger would mean raising the same accusation against every single Noble family that wields Family Magic."
"I agree," said the Malfoy patriarch, looking unfazed. "And I apologize if I was unclear. I do not doubt the ethnicity of Mr. Potter's source of power, nor the legitimacy of its nobility. My only concern is about the threat it represents to our world."
"Really now, Lucius," Sirius snapped, giving a look of intense disdain to the Malfoy Lord. "You're debating on the dangers of Family Magic? You're practically Muggle-born compared to truly ancient houses."
"I concur," agreed Benjamin Nott with a contemplative tone, his gaze unwavering as he spoke, "While the House of Malfoy may not be traditionally categorized within the Nobility, the Nott Clan undoubtedly holds that esteemed position. I find myself keenly interested in hearing Lord Lucius Malfoy's perspective on this matter."
A visible tension crackled in the air as Joshua interjected, his voice laced with thinly veiled disdain, "Your philosophical discussions, Lord Nott, are best suited for private gatherings. Our time here is precious, and it should not be squandered on such matters."
Harry's frustration grew, manifesting in the clenching of his hands into tight fists. The proceedings seemed to be spiraling into a chaotic spectacle of endless disputes. Why was Malfoy instigating this post-trial turmoil? What did he hope to achieve beyond keeping Harry away from...
A sudden realization struck Harry, freezing him in place. No, he couldn't let this happen.
As Harry's face paled, he grappled with the impending threat. Griselda, attempting to restore order, slammed her gavel down forcefully, demanding attention. "ORDER! ORDER! In the interest of expediency, I will grant Lord Malfoy an opportunity to address the assembly. However, be forewarned, any irrelevant discourse will result in fines for House Malfoy for contempt of this court."
Malfoy, adopting an air of false humility, executed a portly bow before making his way to the center of the hall. His contemptuous sneer aimed at Harry didn't go unnoticed. Turning his attention to the assembly, Malfoy began weaving a narrative that sent shivers through Harry.
"Lords and Ladies, we must acknowledge that Harry Potter utilized his Family Magic against the thirteen purebloods who met their demise on that fateful Summer Solstice night. While I concede that his actions may have been in self-defense, it doesn't negate the fact that he possesses the capability to strip away their magic, and perhaps, even their souls."
Whispers and murmurs permeated the Wizengamot as Malfoy continued his narrative, injecting an ominous tone into the proceedings. "Whatever Potter did to them, it drained every last bit of their magic."
A chill ran down Harry's spine. Glancing at Sirius, he saw a pallor spread across his godfather's face. Malfoy, having bided his time, revealed a dangerous edge that lingered beneath his composed demeanor. The revelation had the potential to reshape the entire narrative of the trial.
Lucius extended his arms theatrically, a masterful orator seizing the moment. "This esteemed body is not merely absolving Harry Potter of his actions but releasing him to join Hogwarts, our revered institution, come September. A sanctuary where our scions, the torchbearers of our legacy, converge to learn and grow—a place that should epitomize safety."
Surveying the assembly with a penetrating gaze, he continued, "Brothers. Sisters. Can we genuinely consider Hogwarts secure with an individual capable of devouring magic? With a Headmaster who has, time and again, displayed favoritism toward him at the expense of the safety of the students under his charge? Come the first of September, Harry Potter will be there, potentially seated alongside one of our own wards. Will it be young Susan, Madam Bones? Or maybe your daughter Pansy, Quintus? While my son may not have forged camaraderie with Potter over the years, what happens when a mere schoolyard skirmish escalates beyond his tolerance? Will my son endure it? Will Joshua's daughter bear the brunt of it? Must our children face peril or, worse yet, be condemned to a life as Muggles because they dared to oppose the Boy-Who-Lived? Can any member of this esteemed body look a grieving parent in the eye and confess, 'We could have saved your child, but on principle, we could not deny the Boy-Who-Lived?'"
A hushed silence engulfed the entire hall, as Lucius, his expression a blend of triumph and calculation, reveled in the impact of his words. "Yes," he declared, a wolfish smile playing on his lips, "I thought so too."
...
...
Leaning against the accused box, Harry closed his eyes, grappling with an unsettling fear. It wasn't the kind of fear fueled by adrenaline, but a quiet, rational dread—one akin to the anticipation of news about someone's demise. It settled into his thoughts like a lawn chair and brought along a tray of chilling drinks.
Worse still, he found an unsettling agreement with Lucius's words. Deep down, in the recesses of his darkest thoughts, Harry had harbored a fear of the power he wielded, of what he was evolving into and what he might become. Despite Sirius's efforts to conceal it, Harry hadn't missed the look of terror on his godfather's face whenever the world around him faded into a desaturated grayscale. Lucius might be a contemptible figure, but the truth in his words resonated. The same unwavering conviction that Kreacher held when branding him a demon. The very reason the Black Manor regarded him with disdain. And if he were to attend Hogwarts...
A coldness settled over his chest, and Harry couldn't shake off the ominous foreboding that loomed on the horizon.
The uncertainty gripped Harry—would Hogwarts, the only true haven he had ever known, turn against him too? Could the castle that had sheltered him and nurtured his magical abilities harbor resentment and demand his downfall? As he pondered these unsettling thoughts, a sudden round of applause pierced through the tense atmosphere, drawing his attention.
To his surprise, the source of the applause was none other than Albus Dumbledore.
"Yes, Headmaster?" Malfoy responded, his teeth audibly clenched in frustration.
"I applaud you, Lucius," Dumbledore declared, a tinge of approval in his voice. "Applauding you for achieving what not even I have managed. Even during the darkest days of the last war, I could not silence the Wizengamot, despite presenting evidence of that man's heinous acts. Despite the countless magical and Muggle lives lost daily, the Wizengamot hesitated in acknowledging the true threat he posed."
Harry blinked, absorbing Dumbledore's unexpected words.
"Yet, here you stand," Dumbledore continued, "arousing suspicion and instilling doubt and fear within the hearts of this esteemed body. What you present is not a plea for help or a request for justice; it's fear-mongering at its worst, directed towards a young boy who only sought to live his life. A boy of your son's age who has endured more than anyone should, and certainly not deserving of the chaos your words seek to unleash."
Lucius chuckled arrogantly. "You give me too much credit, Headmaster. But I don't fault you for your limitations. Only a parent can truly grasp my perspective."
Augusta Longbottom interjected sternly, "Lucius Malfoy, while no one dismisses your concerns as irrelevant, passing judgments based on hypotheticals is a slippery slope. If we're to act on what could happen, then I demand the removal of all heirs to suspected Death Eaters, fearing the biased and corruptive views they might impart. Perhaps we should reconsider their membership in the Wizengamot."
Lucius raised an eyebrow, dismissing her suggestion. "There's a difference between being proven as a Death Eater and merely being suspected of it, Madam Longbottom."
"Really?" retorted Madam Bones unexpectedly, "Because it seems we're being asked to pass judgment on potential future events rather than past deeds. Let me remind you of what has happened. That young man right there," she pointed at Harry, "is the Boy-Who-Lived. He is the reason we can leave our homes without the fear of returning to a Dark Mark in the sky. He is the linchpin that prevented our nation from descending into civil war in the seventies. He was kidnapped and targeted for murder by Death Eaters. Yet, here you are, Lucius Malfoy, an Imperiused Death Eater, claiming that, amidst all of this, Harry Potter is the dangerous one. Spare me the absurdity!"
Harry gaped at the unexpected turn of events. The intensity of the verbal sparring in the Wizengamot left even Lucius Malfoy visibly taken aback, a testament to the unexpected opposition he faced.
In the aftermath of the heated exchanges, Joshua Greengrass seized the floor with a measured tone. "Lord Malfoy, Family Magic, by its very nature, transcends the norms governing standard wizardry and witchcraft. This is precisely why Hogwarts focuses on standardized magical education, reserving the teaching of proprietary magic for the Nobility to impart to their heirs. To exclude Mr. Harry Potter from magical education based on the unique nature of his abilities would set a perilous precedent. Following that logic, one could argue for the exclusion of all scions of Ancient and Noble Houses, advocating for their private education instead."
Nott interjected with a gravelly retort, "Not all scions of Ancient and Noble Houses exhibit magical disturbances, Greengrass, nor do they find themselves in peculiar accidents involving Dark Lords long deceased."
Sirius, swift in his response, directed a pointed remark at Nott. "Is that why your younger brother was discovered dead, donned in Death Eater regalia, commemorating the ten-year anniversary?"
The retort silenced Nott, and Marchbanks, seizing control with a resounding gavel strike, asserted, "The authority to expel a student lies with the Headmaster of Hogwarts, not the Wizengamot. Lord Malfoy, you are found in contempt of this court and shall pay a fine of five hundred and sixty galleons, with a formal prohibition from attending the next two sessions."
Lucius, despite the setback, curled his lips in a manner suggesting a twisted satisfaction. Harry couldn't quite fathom how, but an unsettling feeling lingered—the slippery aristocrat had likely achieved his clandestine objectives. "Of course, and my apologies for the interruption," he conceded with deceptive politeness.
However, Joshua Greengrass seized the moment, asserting, "Chief Warlock, with my client's acquittal, it is evident he has been subjected to unjust defamation tactics orchestrated by the Ministry. I implore this court to rule in my client's favor against the Ministry's unfair methods and coercion."
Umbridge, attempting to divert blame, interjected with a squeaky laugh, "There seems to be a confusion, Regent Greengrass. Percival Weasley has been identified as the one responsible for sabotaging the tournament and attempting murder—"
"For those charges, yes," Joshua clarified, cutting her off. "But he had no involvement in the defamation you inflicted upon him, Madam Umbridge."
Umbridge sputtered in response, "I'm just the Prosecutor. You cannot expect me to be held accountable."
The air in the courtroom crackled with tension as the legal proceedings took an unexpected turn, leaving everyone on edge.
Joshua's grin widened as he addressed Umbridge, "I expect nothing less than fairness from the representative of the Minister himself. Naturally, Cornelius Fudge should be the one to bear the consequences of whatever relief this court deems appropriate." Pausing, he added, "Unless, of course, you wish to delve into the intricacies of the matter? We could always request a veritaserum testimony from Mr. Weasley."
"NO!" Cornelius exclaimed, looking as though he had just consumed a rotten egg. "I... I accept. A grave injustice has been done to Mr. Potter. Regardless of my unintentional involvement, I have treated him unfairly. It's only right that I pay the price."
Both lawyers turned their attention to Griselda Marchbanks, who observed the proceedings with an amused expression.
"Fine," the old crone pronounced, her voice cutting through the tension. "The defamation case filed by Lord Harry James Potter against the Ministry is hereby ruled in Mr. Potter's favor. Cornelius Fudge is ordered to submit a Gringotts draft of a sum of twenty-thousand galleons to the Potter Vault, or face medium-security imprisonment in Azkaban for a period of one year and three months."
The Minister whimpered, clearly distressed. "It's... It's a bit harsh, but I'll pay the amount, Chief Warlock."
"Acceptable," Marchbanks declared with authority. "I order the Goblin Liaison Office to witness this transaction and submit a formal acknowledgment to the Chief Warlock's office." With a decisive strike of her gavel, she concluded, "With that, I declare this session over!"
The courtroom buzzed with a mixture of relief and tension as the weight of the verdict settled in. The unexpected turn of events had reshaped the outcome of the trial, leaving Harry to grapple with the aftermath of both victory and the unsettling revelations about his own abilities.
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