Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.
That night, no one in the manor slept peacefully. The events of the evening had left a lasting impact on everyone, and the tension was palpable. As Ginny opened her eyes after drifting off to sleep, she found herself in their dreamland, a place where she and Harry could connect on a deeper level.
In the dreamland, Ginny saw Harry sitting nearby, his head in his knees, clearly embarrassed. The scenery around them was fuzzy, but Ginny could sense the emotions emanating from Harry. She felt a pang of concern and got up to sit beside him.
"Hey," Ginny said softly, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "What's wrong?"
Harry slowly lifted his head, his eyes avoiding Ginny's gaze. "I'm so sorry, Ginny," he whispered, his voice laced with shame. "I don't know what happened earlier. I just lost control."
Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry, holding him close as they sat together in their dreamland. "It's okay, Harry," she said softly, her voice filled with compassion. "How many times do I have to tell you that it's okay to lose control sometimes? It's what makes us human, to show emotions and be vulnerable. We're not machines, Harry. We're living, breathing people with feelings and emotions."
Harry looked up at her, his eyes still filled with shame and embarrassment. "But everyone saw me," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Sirius, Remus, Amelia, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, Dudley, Daisy, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker... what will they think?"
Ginny's expression was calm and reassuring as she stroked Harry's hair. "They'll only think one thing, Harry," she said. "That the Dursleys are pure evil. They'll see how much you've been hurting, and they'll be proud of you for facing your emotions and letting it all out. You're not weak, Harry. You're strong, and brave, and you're facing your demons head-on."
Harry took a deep breath, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders as Ginny's words sank in. He knew she was right. He wasn't weak for showing emotions. He was human.
The next day, Harry and Ginny walked into the breakfast room, where the rest of the family was already seated. Sirius, Remus, Amelia, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, Dudley, Daisy, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker all looked up, smiling, but none of them showed any recognition of the events of the previous day. It was as if they had a silent agreement not to mention it, knowing that Harry, being a 12-year-old boy, would be embarrassed despite understanding that it was normal.
Daisy, however, was back to her nervous self, fidgeting with her hands. Harry immediately went to comfort her, putting a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "Hey, it's okay, Daisy," he said softly. "What's wrong?"
Daisy looked up at him with her hazel eyes, so reminiscent of James Potter's. "I-I just had a bad dream," she stuttered.
Harry hugged her tightly. "It's okay, I'm here. You're safe now." Ginny smiled warmly at the two of them, happy to see Harry being so supportive of Daisy.
As they sat down to eat, the conversation turned to the upcoming trial. Sirius and Remus discussed the strategy they would use to ensure the Dursleys received the punishment they deserved. Amelia and Susan talked about the evidence they had gathered, while Ron, Percy, and the twins debated the best way to handle the media attention.
Harry listened intently, still feeling a bit raw from the previous day's events. But with his family around him, he felt a sense of comfort and support that he knew would get him through the tough times ahead.
As the morning wore on, Amelia and Mr. Weasley reminded everyone that they should leave for the Ministry soon. "The trial is at 2 pm in Trial Room 6," Amelia announced, checking her watch.
For the trial, the people present during the giving of accounts would be accompanying Harry to provide testimony. This group included Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Amelia, Remus, Charlie, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Madam Pomfrey, Pyre Jones, and Dudley. Patricia Moon, the head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse, would also be present.
Sirius, still under house arrest, would have to stay behind at the manor, along with the kids. He looked grumpy at the prospect, but Harry firmly warned him, "Sirius, you're still under arrest, so please don't do anything rash."
Ron, Daisy, the twins, Percy, and Susan had all wanted to come to the trial, but their respective guardians had firmly declined. Mrs. Weasley had vetoed the Weasley children's requests, while Harry had gently explained to Daisy that it wouldn't be a good idea for her to attend. Amelia had also put her foot down with Susan, citing the need for her to stay behind.
As the group prepared to leave, the tension in the air was palpable. Everyone knew how important this trial was, not just for Harry, but for the entire wizarding community.
Amelia and Mr. Weasley bid farewell to the group, explaining that they would meet them directly at the Ministry during the trial. They had to attend to their respective jobs before heading to the trial. Similarly, it was decided that Pyre Jones, Madam Pomfrey, Dumbledore, and Snape would also reach the trial directly from their workplaces.
Just then, Professor McGonagall, affectionately known as Gran Minnie by Harry, entered the Manor. She would accompany them to the trial, providing a reassuring presence.
"Alright, let's get moving," Gran Minnie said, checking her watch. "The trial is at 2 pm, so we should leave by 11 am to be safe. The Knight Bus will be the most suitable way to travel."
Ginny nodded in agreement. "I'll go get our things ready. Harry, are you ready for this?"
Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "I was born ready, Ginny."
By 11 am, the group had gathered outside Fawcett Manor, ready to depart. The twin elves, Dimpy and Twinky, were also part of the group, leaving a grumpy Sirius behind with Daisy, Ron, Susan, Percy, and the twins. Sirius's grumpiness was understandable, given that he was still under house arrest and couldn't attend the trial.
As they boarded the Knight Bus, Ginny sat beside Harry, holding his hand in a show of support. Dudley, who had never been on the Knight Bus before, looked around in awe, taking in the unusual decor and the eccentric driver, Ernie Prang.
"Blimey, this is amazing!" Dudley exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.
However, the ride wasn't much of a cheerful one. The group was subdued, each lost in their own thoughts as they contemplated the trial ahead. Soon, they reached London, and the group made their way to the Leaky Cauldron, from where they would Floo to the Ministry.
As they entered the Leaky Cauldron, the atmosphere was tense. The patrons were all talking in hushed tones, speculating about the trial. Tom, the bartender, nodded at the group as they made their way to the fireplace, ready to Floo to the Ministry.
The group flooed to the Ministry at 12:45, and Ginny and Dudley were amazed by the grandeur of the building. As they entered, a guard checked them and their wands, except for Ginny and Dudley, who didn't have wands yet, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who was a Squib.
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic," the guard said, nodding at them. "Please, proceed to the waiting room. Your trial is scheduled for 2 pm."
As they made their way to the waiting room, Ginny and Dudley couldn't help but stare at the intricate architecture and the bustling activity around them.
At 1 pm, Mr. Weasley arrived, looking a bit flustered. "Ah, sorry I'm late," he said, hugging his family members. "Traffic in the Ministry is always a nightmare."
Harry turned to Dudley and said, "Thanks, Dudley. I know it won't be easy for you to testify against your own parents and Aunt Marge."
Dudley nodded, looking determined. "I'm doing it for you, Harry. You're my cousin, and I couldn't just stand by and watch them hurt you anymore."
Harry smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Dudley. Their journey from being estranged cousins to becoming close friends had been a long and winding one, but Harry was glad that they had finally found common ground.
As they waited for the trial to begin, the group chatted quietly among themselves, trying to distract themselves from the anxiety that was building up inside them.
By 1:15, Healer Pyre Jones, Madam Pomfrey, and Professor Snape had also arrived, adding to the sense of anticipation and nervousness in the waiting room. Pyre, who was also Charlie's girlfriend, smiled warmly at the group, while Madam Pomfrey nodded in greeting. Snape, as usual, looked stern, but his eyes betrayed a deep concern for Harry's well-being.
"Ah, good, you're all here," Snape said, his voice a little softer than usual. "Dumbledore has also arrived, but he's already in the trial room, obviously. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, he needs to be there to oversee the proceedings."
Harry looked up at Mr. Weasley, his eyes filled with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity. "So, do the press know about my trial now?" he asked.
Mr. Weasley hesitated before answering. "Well, Patricia Moon promised that they wouldn't find out until the trial itself. But once we're in the trial room, I'm afraid it's going to be a different story. The press will be there, and once they hear that there's a trial for Harry Potter, it'll be all over the media."
Ginny's eyes widened in alarm, while Dudley looked concerned. Harry, however, just took a deep breath and nodded. He knew that this was something he had to face, and he was determined to do so with courage and dignity.
Dudley looked curious, and Harry could tell he was still trying to wrap his head around the wizarding world. "What's Wizengamot, Harry?" Dudley asked, his eyes wide with wonder.
Harry smiled, happy to explain. "The Wizengamot is like a high court in the wizarding world," he began. "It's made up of important wizards and witches who make laws and decide on punishments for crimes."
Ginny listened intently, her eyes shining with interest. Mr. Weasley, Pyre, and McGonagall occasionally chimed in to add more details.
"The Wizengamot has 42 core seats," Harry continued. "These seats are divided into three types: Wizarding Post Seats, Founder seats, and Ancient Noble Houses seats."
Pyre added, "The Wizarding Post Seats are held by important wizards and witches who hold high-ranking positions in the Ministry."
McGonagall explained, "The Founder seats are held by descendants of the founders of Hogwarts, while the Ancient Noble Houses seats are held by families who have been part of the wizarding world for centuries."
Mr. Weasley chimed in, "And then there's the Council of Magical Law, also known as the Council. It has 30 seats, and its members keep changing."
Harry nodded. "Unlike the core seats, which are fixed by post or family, the Council seats are not fixed. The members keep changing, which helps keep the wizarding government fresh and accountable."
The explanation continued, with Harry, Ginny, and Dudley listening intently. "The total capacity of the Wizengamot is 72 people," Harry said, "but only 50 seats are occupied as of now, including all 30 Council Seats and 20 out of the 42 Core seats, leaving a vacancy of 22 seats."
Mr. Weasley nodded, adding, "The Council Seats are divided into six groups. First, there are three Order of Merlin people. Then, there are seven young representatives between the ages of 17 and 25."
Pyre chimed in, "Next, there are various senior Ministry employees from different departments, totaling 15 members aged 25 to 80."
McGonagall continued, "After that, there are three elderly representatives above 80. And finally, there are two representatives, one from a sports background and the other from a medical, or healing, background."
Harry took a deep breath before explaining the Core seats. "There are 42 Core seats, divided into three types. The first type is the Wizarding Post Seats, which include the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, currently held by Professor Dumbledore."
Ginny's eyes widened as Harry listed the other Wizarding Post Seats, including the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, currently Amelia Bones, and the Minister of Magic, currently Cornelius Fudge.
Dudley looked confused, so Harry clarified, "These seats are held by important wizards and witches who have been appointed to these positions."
Mr. Weasley added, "And then there are the Founder Seats, which are currently vacant. If they were active, they would all belong to Harry, as the last living heir of the Hogwarts founders."
Harry's eyes sparkled with interest as he continued, "The Ancient Noble House seats are divided into active and dormant seats. The dormant seats, if active, would mostly belong to me, unless another person is mentioned."
As Harry listed the dormant seats, including the Abbott, Barold, and Fawcett families, Ginny's eyes grew wide with wonder.
Dudley looked overwhelmed, but Harry reassured him, "Don't worry, Dudley, it's a lot to take in. But basically, these seats represent the oldest and most noble pure-blood families in the wizarding world."
Mr. Weasley nodded, adding, "And then there are the active seats, which are currently occupied by various pure-blood families, including the Malfoys, the Blacks, and the Bones."
As the explanation came to an end, Harry, Ginny, and Dudley shared a look of understanding, each lost in their own thoughts about the complexities of the wizarding world.
Mr. Weasley looked at Harry with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Blimey, Harry! How did you know all that in such detail?" he asked. "I didn't think they covered that in your first year at Hogwarts, did they?"
Harry smiled, looking a bit proud of himself. "Since Sirius's trial, I've been studying a lot about the Wizengamot," he explained. "I wanted to understand how it all works, especially since Sirius was wrongly accused."
Just then, Mrs. Weasley stood up, glancing at her watch. "It's time for the trial," she announced, her voice firm but anxious. "Let's get going, everyone."
The group nodded, standing up and smoothing out their robes. Harry took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
The group entered the full court trial room, and Harry's eyes widened as he took in the grandeur of the space. The room was filled with a mixture of solemnity and anticipation. The walls were lined with rows of seats, divided into two sections: the Wizengamot seats and the audience section.
The audience section was filled with a mix of witches and wizards, all eager to witness the trial. Some of them were scribbling notes on parchment, while others were whispering to each other.
At the center of the room was an empty space, where witnesses and the accused would give their testimony. The space was surrounded by a semicircle of Wizengamot seats, a total of 72 seats, although only 50 were occupied. Harry noticed that some of the seats were owned by a single person, who seemed to be representing multiple families or interests.
Harry's eyes scanned the Wizengamot seats, and he spotted Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, sitting in her official capacity. He knew she would act professionally, unlike her warm demeanor at the manor.
Next, he saw Professor Dumbledore, resplendent in his long, silver beard and half-moon spectacles, sitting as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Minister Cornelius Fudge, Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge, Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour, Amos Diggory, and Barty Crouch Sr. were also seated, each representing their respective interests.
The rest of the seats were filled by the 30 Council of Magical Law members, as well as several pure-blood families, including Lucius Malfoy, Crabbe Sr., Nott Sr., Yaxley, Goyle Sr., Avery, Narcissa Malfoy, Mr. Greengrass, and Neville's Grandma Augusta Longbottom.
As Harry took his seat, he felt a sense of trepidation wash over him. He knew that the trial would be a challenging and potentially grueling experience, but he was determined to face it head-on.
The reporters and press, seated in their designated section, suddenly stirred to life as they noticed Harry Potter's presence in the trial room. Their eyes widened in surprise, and they began to whisper to each other, their hands scribbling furious notes on their parchments.
One of the reporters, a tall, thin man with a pointed nose, leaned over to his colleague and whispered, "What's the Boy Who Lived doing here? I thought this trial was supposed to be confidential!"
His colleague, a plump woman with a kind face, shook her head. "I don't know, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. And what a scoop! Harry Potter at trial - this is going to be huge!"
Fortunately for Harry, the reporters were not allowed to ask him any questions until the end of the trial. He practically hid behind Ginny, who sat tall and proud, her eyes flashing with determination.
The trial had yet to start, but the atmosphere in the room was electric. The Wizengamot members were shuffling their papers, and the audience was buzzing with anticipation. Harry, meanwhile, took a deep breath and steeled himself for what was to come.
Patricia Moon's voice echoed through the room, "Today, we are gathered here for a trial related to child abuse. The case before us is Victim Harry Potter against the accused Vernon Dursley, Marge Dursley, and Petunia Dursley, who will be brought here shortly."
The audience and press gasped in shock, their whispers and murmurs filling the room. "Harry Potter abused by his own relatives?" someone whispered. The reporters' eyes were wide with excitement, their hands scribbling furious notes on their parchments.
Harry groaned inwardly, not liking the attention his fame brought. He had hoped to keep this trial private, but now it seemed like the whole wizarding world would know about his abusive childhood. He felt a surge of anxiety and embarrassment, but Ginny's reassuring squeeze on his hand helped calm him down.
Dudley, sitting beside Harry, grew tense, knowing that soon he would have to give testimony against his parents and aunt. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that he was doing the right thing. He glanced at Harry, who gave him a nod of encouragement.
Ginny squeezed Harry's hand reassuringly, her eyes filled with concern. Remus, sitting on the other side of Harry, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley exchanged worried glances, while Charlie and Pyre looked on with determined expressions.
The room fell silent as Patricia Moon's voice rang out again, "The accused will be brought in now. Let us proceed with the trial."
The doors at the back of the room opened, and three figures were led in, their wrists bound by chains. Vernon, Marge, and Petunia Dursley looked defiant, their eyes scanning the room with contempt. But when they saw Harry, their expressions changed, and for a moment, Harry saw a glimmer of fear in their eyes.
Vernon's face reddened with anger, while Marge's eyes narrowed into slits. Petunia's expression turned pale, and she looked like she might faint. They were led to the front of the room, where a small table and chairs awaited them.
The room was electric with tension as the trial was about to begin. Harry steeled himself, knowing that the next few hours would be some of the most challenging of his life.
Petunia's eyes locked onto Dudley, a mixture of desperation and pleading in her gaze. "Dudley, dear, tell them it's all lies," she whispered urgently. "Tell them Harry's just making it all up."
Vernon and Marge nodded in agreement, their faces twisted with malice. They seemed convinced that Dudley was still on their side, that he would defend them against Harry's accusations.
But Dudley's expression told a different story. Harry could see the struggle in his eyes, the conflict between his loyalty to his family and his desire to do what was right.
Slowly, Dudley turned away from his parents, his eyes dropping to the floor. The movement was subtle, but it spoke volumes.
Petunia's face fell, her eyes widening in shock. Vernon's and Marge's expressions turned from confident to confused, their mouths hanging open in stunned silence.
It was clear that they had no idea that Dudley had been the one to call the Aurors, that he had been the one to turn them in. And now, as they realized their mistake, they looked like they had been punched in the gut.
The room was silent, the only sound the soft rustling of parchment and the quiet hum of tension. Harry felt a surge of gratitude towards Dudley, who had found the courage to stand up against his family's abuse.
Dumbledore's eyes, twinkling with wisdom, met Harry's, and he nodded subtly in approval. The trial was about to begin, and it was clear that it would be a battle for truth and justice.
Patricia Moon, the head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse, stood up to present the case. "Petunia and Vernon Dursley are Harry Potter's aunt and uncle, while Marge is Vernon's sister," she began. "They are still the legal guardians of Harry Potter. Harry Potter has been living with the Dursleys since November 1, 1981, until July 10, 1992."
The Wizengamot members, except for Dumbledore and Amelia, who already knew about the abuse, looked shocked and outraged. Minister Fudge's face turned red with anger, while Dolores Umbridge's eyes narrowed in disgust. Lucius Malfoy's expression turned calculating, as if he was thinking of how he could use this information to his advantage.
The audience and press gasped in horror, their eyes fixed on the Dursleys. The reporters' hands flew across their parchments, scribbling down notes.
The Dursleys, on the other hand, looked like they had been punched in the gut. Petunia's eyes widened in shock, while Vernon's face turned purple with rage. Marge looked like she was about to faint.
But then Patricia dropped the bombshell. "Harry Potter was found to be abused on July 10, 1992, when Dudley Dursley anonymously called the Aurors to arrest them."
The room erupted into chaos. The Wizengamot members gasped in shock, while the audience and press started buzzing with excitement. The Dursleys, on the other hand, looked like they had been betrayed.
Vernon's eyes locked onto Dudley, his face twisted with rage. "You!" he spat. "You're the one who called the Aurors?"
Marge looked like she was about to cry, while Petunia's eyes filled with hatred. "How could you, Dudley?" she hissed.
Dudley, however, stood tall, his eyes locked onto his parents. "I did it because it was the right thing to do," he said, his voice firm.
The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet hum of tension. Harry felt a surge of gratitude towards Dudley, who had found the courage to stand up against his family's abuse.
Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling with authority, and appealed to the Wizengamot members, the audience, and the press to silence the chaos. "Please, let us proceed with the trial in an orderly fashion," he said, his voice calm and soothing.
The room gradually fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Patricia Moon, who nodded and continued. "Harry Potter was sent to live with the Dursleys on November 1, 1981, after the death of his parents, Lily and James Potter," she began, her voice clear and concise. "At the time, they were his only living relatives."
She paused, glancing at Dumbledore, before continuing. "Sirius Black, Harry's appointed guardian, was accused of betraying the Potters to Voldemort and was sent to Azkaban. Although some of Sirius's innocence has since been proven, he remains under house arrest."
Dolores Umbridge, her eyes gleaming with malice, interrupted Patricia, her voice dripping with venom. "Perhaps we should arrest Dumbledore, too," she suggested, her eyes fixed on the Headmaster. "After all, he's the one who sent Harry to live with those...those...people."
Minister Fudge shook his head slightly, a warning glint in his eye, but Patricia intervened before Umbridge could continue. "Let me complete my statement, please," she said firmly. "Harry Potter has already given a statement, in which he makes it clear that he in no way blames Professor Dumbledore for his placement with the Dursleys."
The room fell silent once more, with all eyes fixed on Patricia, waiting for her to continue. Dumbledore's eyes met Harry's, and he nodded slightly, his expression reassuring.
Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, stood up and addressed the Dursleys. "Vernon Dursley, Petunia Dursley, and Marge Dursley, how do you plead to the charges of child abuse against Harry Potter?" she asked, her voice firm and authoritative.
The Dursleys, still reeling from the revelation that Dudley had turned them in, looked at each other nervously before responding. "We plead not guilty," Vernon spat, his face reddening with anger.
Petunia nodded vigorously, her eyes flashing with defiance. "We never abused Harry," she lied. "He's just making it all up for attention."
Marge, still looking stunned, nodded dumbly, her eyes fixed on Dudley, who was staring back at her with a mixture of guilt and determination.
The reporters in the audience were working furiously, scribbling down notes and whispering to each other. Ginny, seated beside Harry, glared at the Dursleys, her eyes blazing with anger.
Harry placed a calming hand on her arm, whispering, "It's okay, Ginny. They'll get what's coming to them."
Patricia Moon, still standing, smiled grimly. "Lies won't work, Dursleys," she said. "We have all the proof we need. The testimony of Dudley Dursley, the statements of the Aurors who arrested you, and the physical evidence of Harry's abuse...it's all here."
The Dursleys looked dumbfounded, their faces pale and sweaty. They knew they were beaten, but they refused to admit it.
Amelia Bones, still seething with anger, controlled her emotions, remembering to act professional. As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, she couldn't let her personal relationship with Harry cloud her judgment.
"Let us continue with the case," Amelia said, her voice firm but measured.
Patricia Moon nodded and motioned to an employee, who brought in a large, magical displayer. The device hummed to life, casting a bright, blue glow over the room.
"Now, we will present the evidence and testimonies against the Dursleys," Patricia announced, her eyes locked on the accused. "The Dursleys have the right to oppose and disprove the evidence if they can."
The Dursleys, still looking defiant, exchanged nervous glances. Vernon's face reddened with anger, while Petunia's eyes flashed with desperation. Marge, still looking stunned, seemed to be struggling to keep up with the proceedings.
The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the magical displayer. Harry, seated in the victim and witness section, felt a sense of trepidation wash over him. He knew that the evidence about to be presented would be painful and disturbing, but he also knew that it was necessary to bring the Dursleys to justice.
Patricia Moon presented the first piece of evidence, displaying a picture of Number Four, Privet Drive, from the outside. The audience and press leaned forward, intrigued. Next, she showed a picture of the cupboard under the stairs, and the Dursleys' faces paled.
Dudley, seated beside Harry, struggled to maintain his composure. Harry knew how difficult this must be for him, and he felt a surge of gratitude towards his cousin. Ginny, sensing Harry's tension, squeezed his hand reassuringly.
Patricia continued, her voice clear and concise. "This cupboard under the stairs was Harry Potter's room until July 31st, 1991, the day he received his Hogwarts letter."
Augusta Longbottom, Neville's grandmother, spoke up, her voice stern. "Why was the boy forced to live in such conditions? Was there no room available for him in the house?"
Vernon Dursley lied, of course. "No, there was no room available."
Augusta's eyes narrowed. "Then why did you not allow Harry to share a room with Dudley?"
Vernon paled, and Patricia intervened. "Because they did not want to," she said, her voice firm. "The house had four bedrooms: one for Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, one for Marge, one for Dudley, and another one, also for Dudley. It was only after Harry received his Hogwarts letter that he was given Dudley's second bedroom."
The audience and press murmured, shocked by the Dursleys' cruelty. The Wizengamot members exchanged outraged glances, and Amelia Bones's face darkened with anger.
Patricia Moon's expression turned grave as she continued. "Not only was Harry forced to live in the cupboard under the stairs, but our investigation has also revealed blood stains in the cupboard, indicating that he was physically harmed on multiple occasions."
She paused, surveying the room before continuing. "Furthermore, we have found other stains that clearly indicate he was locked in the cupboard for extended periods, denied even the basic human dignity of using the restroom. The odour in the cupboard was overwhelming, a testament to the inhumane conditions in which Harry was forced to live."
Greengrass, a member of the Wizengamot, spoke up, his voice laced with concern. "Can you tell us, Miss Moon, how often Harry was locked in the cupboard, and for how long?"
Patricia consulted her notes before responding. "Our investigation suggests that Harry was locked in the cupboard for extended periods, sometimes for days on end. The exact frequency and duration are difficult to determine, but it is clear that this was a regular occurrence."
Lucius Malfoy, seated in the Wizengamot section, attempted to manipulate the situation, his voice dripping with condescension. "I think we can all agree that the Dursleys may have been...overzealous in their treatment of Harry, but surely we cannot condone the notion that they are inherently cruel?"
However, his attempt at manipulation fell flat. Amelia Bones's expression turned icy, and she countered, "The evidence speaks for itself, Lucius. The Dursleys' actions were not merely 'overzealous' but constituted a clear and egregious pattern of abuse."
The room fell silent, the weight of the evidence settling heavily on the Dursleys. Harry's eyes met Dudley's, and he saw a glimmer of understanding there, a sense that they were both on the same side, against the cruelty and abuse they had suffered at the hands of their relatives.
Patricia Moon continued, her voice firm and authoritative. "The Dursleys, you have heard the evidence presented against you. I now invite you to respond to these allegations and present your side of the matter."
Vernon Dursley, his face reddening with anger, stood up. "This is all a fabrication," he spat. "Harry was a difficult child, always getting into trouble. We did what we had to do to discipline him."
Amelia Bones, her eyes narrowing, asked pointed questions. "Mr. Dursley, can you explain why you forced Harry to live in the cupboard under the stairs? And why you denied him basic human dignity, such as access to the restroom?"
Vernon Dursley shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I...I don't see what that has to do with anything," he muttered.
Amelia's expression turned icy. "I think it has everything to do with this case, Mr. Dursley. Your treatment of Harry Potter constitutes a clear and egregious pattern of abuse."
Petunia Dursley, her eyes flashing with defiance, stood up. "We were just trying to protect Dudley from Harry's influence," she said. "Harry was a bad influence on our son."
Amelia's eyes locked onto Petunia's. "And yet, Dudley Dursley himself has testified against you, stating that he witnessed the abuse and was complicit in it. How do you explain that, Mrs. Dursley?"
Dolores Umbridge, her voice dripping with malice, attempted to shift the blame onto Harry. "Perhaps, Mr. Potter's behavior was the catalyst for the Dursleys' actions," she suggested.
Amelia Bones's expression turned incredulous. "That's absurd, Umbridge," she argued. "The evidence clearly shows a pattern of abuse and neglect by the Dursleys."
Harry and his supporters protested loudly, their voices echoing through the chamber. Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling with authority. "Silence, please," he requested, his voice calm but firm.
Patricia Moon nodded, her expression composed. "Let us proceed. Next, we have evidence that Harry was never given his own clothes or personal items. While it's acceptable to have second-hand items, they should at least be of his size."
Barty Crouch Sr. turned to the Dursleys. "What do you have to say for yourselves, Dursleys?" he asked, his voice firm.
Augusta Longbottom, her eyes narrowing, asked pointed questions. "Can you explain, Dursleys, why Harry was forced to wear clothes that were several sizes too big? And why he was denied even the most basic personal items, such as a toothbrush or a hairbrush?"
Vernon and Marge Dursley protested loudly, their faces reddening with indignation, but Patricia Moon's voice rose above theirs, calm and authoritative. "I would like to call our first witness, Mrs. Tucker," she announced, nodding to the elderly woman.
Grandma Mrs. Tucker, a kind-faced woman with silver hair and warm, brown eyes, stood up, her eyes shining with warmth and concern. She adjusted her glasses and began to speak in a gentle, measured tone. "Though I didn't know about the abuse until recently, I always wondered why Harry had such ill-fitting clothes and why he looked so miserable," she said, her voice filled with compassion.
"As a librarian, I had the pleasure of watching Harry grow and develop a love for reading. He would often come to the library, eager to learn and explore the world of books. He's a very bright boy, but I always sensed that he was holding back, that there was something troubling him. Now, I understand why."
Augusta Longbottom, her eyes narrowing, turned to the Dursleys, her voice firm and commanding. "Can you explain, Dursleys, why you denied Harry the basic necessities of life, including proper clothing and care?" she asked, her eyes flashing with indignation.
Vernon Dursley's face reddened with anger, his eyes bulging with resentment. "We did our best with what we had," he growled, his voice defensive and aggressive.
Marge Dursley nodded vigorously, her eyes flashing with malice. "Yes, and Harry was always an ungrateful child. He never appreciated what we did for him."
The audience murmured in disgust, their faces filled with shock and outrage. Harry's supporters shook their heads in dismay, their eyes filled with sadness and compassion. Dumbledore's eyes, however, remained fixed on the Dursleys, his expression unreadable, his eyes gleaming with a deep understanding of the situation.
Patricia Moon's expression turned stern as she continued. "On that note, it has been noted that the Dursleys received a monthly stipend of 500 pounds in Muggle money from the Potter vault, sanctioned by Chief Warlock Minister Dumbledore himself."
She paused, nodding to an assistant, who produced a stack of documents. "We have obtained the Gringotts statements, which clearly show the transactions."
Patricia's eyes locked onto the Dursleys. "Care to explain why this stipend, intended for Harry's care and well-being, was not spent on him?" she asked, her voice firm and accusatory.
The Dursleys exchanged nervous glances, their faces paling. Vernon Dursley cleared his throat, attempting to speak, but Patricia's gaze silenced him.
The audience leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the Dursleys, eager to hear their response. Dumbledore's eyes, however, remained fixed on Patricia, a hint of sadness in his expression.
Patricia Moon nodded, her expression composed. "Next, I call Ginevra Weasley, Harry's girlfriend, for testimony."
Ginny stood up, her eyes locked onto Patricia's. "Harry had told me that his relatives were not good to him, but I didn't realize the extent of it until July 10, just two weeks ago."
She paused, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've seen a few scars on Harry's body, but most of them were hidden."
Lucius Malfoy sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Hidden scars? How convenient. How do we know these scars even exist?"
However, before Lucius could continue, Severus Snape rose from his seat, his eyes flashing with intensity. "The hidden scars, Malfoy, are a result of Harry's accidental magic creating a powerful glamour charm to hide them. The Dursleys, in their infinite cruelty, did not want the world to see the evidence of their abuse. Harry's subconscious mind, therefore, created this charm to protect himself."
The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Snape. Madam Pomfrey, the Hogwarts nurse, stood up, her face somber. "I have brought pictures of Harry's battered body, taken on July 10. I must warn you, they are disturbing."
She presented the pictures, and the room erupted into gasps and shocked whispers. The pictures showed Harry's body covered in bruises, scars, and burns. It was a horrific sight, and many in the audience looked away, tears streaming down their faces.
Patricia Moon's expression remained stern as she continued. "Furthermore, it has been established that Harry was forced to do all household chores from the age of four. This is a clear case of exploitation and abuse."
Avery, a Death Eater and supporter of the Malfoy family, attempted to manipulate the situation. "How can we be certain of this?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
Patricia's response was immediate. "We have a witness who can testify to Harry's unusual abilities as a young boy. I call Molly Weasley to the stand."
Mrs. Weasley stood up, her eyes shining with warmth and concern. "When I first met Harry, he was just eleven years old," she began. "I was shocked to discover that he was able to do all the household chores with ease. He was an exceptionally capable young boy, and it was clear that he had been forced to take on far too much responsibility at a very young age."
Mrs. Weasley's testimony continued, providing further evidence of the Dursleys' abuse and neglect of Harry. The audience listened intently, their faces filled with shock and outrage.
Patricia Moon's expression turned grave as she continued. "On top of the physical and emotional abuse, Harry was also lied to about his parents' death. The Dursleys deliberately withheld the truth from him, leaving him to believe that his parents had abandoned him."
Goyle Sr., a Death Eater and supporter of the Malfoy family, sneered. "How can we be certain of this?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.
Patricia's response was immediate. "We have a witness who can testify to Harry's ignorance about his parents' death. I call Ginevra Weasley to the stand once again."
Ginny stood up, her eyes locked onto Patricia's. "Harry didn't know the truth about his parents' death until I told him last year," she said, her voice clear and confident. "He had no idea that they had been killed by Lord Voldemort, or that he himself was famous in the wizarding world. The Dursleys had kept the truth from him for years."
The audience murmured in shock and outrage, their faces filled with disgust at the Dursleys' cruelty. The Wizengamot members exchanged grave glances, their expressions stern and disapproving.
Patricia Moon's expression remained stern as she continued. "Furthermore, Harry was kept in the dark about the wizarding world until he received his Hogwarts acceptance letter. He was completely unaware of his heritage and the world he was meant to be a part of."
Amos Diggory, a Wizengamot member, turned to the Dursleys. "Why did you keep this from him?" he asked, his voice firm.
Vernon Dursley sneered. "We didn't want him to get any ideas about being special or different. We wanted him to be normal."
Petunia Dursley nodded in agreement. "Yes, and we didn't want him to have any connection to that...that wizarding world."
Yaxley, a Death Eater, spoke up, his voice laced with skepticism. "But Harry's results from his first year at Hogwarts, which were released just a month ago, tell a different story. He came first in every subject. How can that be possible if he had no knowledge of our world?"
Patricia nodded, anticipating this question. "We have witnesses who can attest to Harry's exceptional abilities and his rapid grasp of magical concepts. I call Professor Minerva McGonagall, Chief Warlock Minister Dumbledore, and Professor Severus Snape to the stand."
McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Snape stood up, their faces serious. McGonagall began, "Harry Potter is an exceptionally bright student. Despite having no prior knowledge of magic, he demonstrated a natural aptitude for the subject and quickly grasped complex concepts."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "Yes, Harry's abilities are truly remarkable. His capacity for learning and his bravery in the face of adversity make him an outstanding student."
Snape's expression was stern, but his eyes gleamed with pride. "Harry Potter's academic record is impeccable. His mastery of potions, in particular, is impressive, considering his lack of prior experience."
Yaxley scowled, his face reddening. "This case is not about Harry Potter's abilities, but about the alleged abuse he suffered at the hands of the Dursleys."
Augusta Longbottom, her eyes flashing with annoyance, retorted, "We were simply answering your question, Yaxley. What did you expect? We cannot ignore the fact that Harry's exceptional abilities and rapid learning are a testament to his resilience and determination, despite the appalling treatment he received from the Dursleys."
Patricia Moon called the Aurors who had arrested the Dursleys on July 10 to the stand. They gave testimony about the horrific conditions they found Harry in, describing how he was "almost dead" when they arrived.
Next, Patricia called Dudley Dursley to the stand. Harry turned to Dudley and said, "It's okay, Dudley, if you don't want to do this." But Dudley nodded bravely and took the stand.
Dudley's testimony was shocking and emotional. "Yes, it's all my parents' fault," he began, his voice trembling. "They never taught me to treat Harry nicely, and I regret that. Until last year, I treated Harry badly, just like my parents did."
Dudley continued, repeating accusations that Harry had been abused physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically by his father, mother, and Aunt Marge. "Harry was never given his own clothes or personal items. He was told to hold back in school. He wasn't allowed to read. He had to do all the chores. My parents even encouraged me to beat and bully Harry. They treated Harry like scum."
Dudley's breathing became rapid as he struggled to continue. "Harry wasn't told about the wizarding world or about his parents. He was told that they died in a car accident, drunk. It was all a lie."
Dolores Umbridge, her voice dripping with malice, attempted to manipulate the situation. "We can't be certain of Dudley's testimony," she said. "And we can't give him a truth serum, since he's a Muggle."
Patricia Moon rose from her seat, a hint of a smile on her face. "Actually, that's not correct," she said. "Dudley Dursley is not a Muggle. He is, in fact, a wizard."
The Dursleys' faces turned white with shock, while the rest of the audience gasped in surprise. Dudley, however, simply nodded, a look of determination on his face.
Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, spoke up, her voice firm. "I support Patricia's statement. Dudley Dursley's magical status has been confirmed."
Dudley took a deep breath before speaking. "It's true," he said. "I've recently discovered my magical abilities. And I'm willing to testify against my parents and aunt Marge for their abuse and neglect of Harry."
As the trial progressed, Patricia Moon called Charles Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Arthur Weasley to the stand for their testimonies. Each of them corroborated the previous witnesses' statements, describing the appalling conditions they had witnessed Harry living in at the Dursleys' residence.
Next, Patricia announced that Dudley Dursley would be administered a truth serum to confirm his testimony. The serum was administered, and Barty Crouch Sr. began to question Dudley.
"Mr. Dursley," Barty Crouch Sr. began, "can you confirm that your parents, Vernon and Petunia Dursley, and your aunt, Marge Dursley, physically, emotionally, and psychologically abused Harry Potter during his time living with them?"
Dudley's eyes glazed over as the truth serum took effect. "Yes," he replied, his voice flat and monotone. "My parents and aunt Marge abused Harry. They made him do all the household chores, belittled him, and deprived him of basic necessities like food and clothing."
Barty Crouch Sr. continued, "And can you confirm that you, yourself, were encouraged by your parents to bully and intimidate Harry?"
Dudley's expression remained blank, but his voice cracked slightly as he replied, "Yes. My parents encouraged me to bully Harry. But I'm sorry. I was wrong to do so."
Pyre Jones, a skilled mediwizard, entered the courtroom, carrying a large stack of medical reports. Patricia Moon nodded to him, and he began his testimony.
"These medical reports," Pyre Jones started, "clearly state that when we found Harry Potter on July 10, his body was covered in numerous scars, wounds, and injuries. Specifically, we counted 98 scars, 19 fresh wounds, 17 blood stains, 26 broken bones, and a history of 67 previously broken bones."
The courtroom fell silent, with gasps and shocked whispers spreading throughout the audience. Pyre Jones continued, his voice steady and professional.
"Additionally, we found multiple burn marks, belting marks, slap marks, and other signs of physical abuse. These injuries are consistent with prolonged and severe physical mistreatment."
The Wizengamot members exchanged grave glances, their expressions horrified by the extent of Harry's injuries. Dumbledore's eyes were filled with a deep sadness, while Snape's face was set in a stern, angry mask.
Patricia Moon's voice was gentle as she called Harry Potter to the stand. "Harry, please come forward and give your statement."
Harry stood up, his eyes scanning the courtroom before locking onto the Dursleys. He walked calmly to the stand, his shoulders squared and his head held high. The courtroom fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Harry.
As he took his seat, he looked directly at the Dursleys, his eyes blazing with a mix of emotions. Vernon Dursley sneered, his face reddening with anger and resentment. Petunia Dursley looked away, her eyes welling up with tears, while Marge Dursley's face twisted in a scowl.
"I was just a child," Harry began, his voice steady and clear. "I was left on the Dursleys' doorstep, and they took me in, but they never treated me like family. They made me sleep in the cupboard under the stairs, a cramped and dingy space with no windows and no comfort."
Harry's eyes never left the Dursleys as he spoke, his voice growing stronger with each word. "They forced me to do all the household chores, from cooking and cleaning to gardening and laundry. I was just a child, but they made me work like a slave."
The courtroom was silent, the only sound the quiet sobbing of Mrs. Weasley and the angry muttering of Lucius Malfoy. Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face etched with pain, while Snape's eyes blazed with anger and protectiveness towards Harry.
"They belittled me, starved me, and beat me," Harry continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "They made me feel like I was worthless, like I didn't deserve to be loved or cared for. They told me I was a freak, a monster, and that I would never amount to anything."
The Dursleys shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their faces pale and guilty. The courtroom was silent, the only sound the sound of Harry's voice, steady and strong despite the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him.
Harry continued his statement, his voice unwavering. "They made me feel like I was nothing, like I didn't deserve to exist. But I knew I wasn't alone. I had my magic, and I had the love and support of my true family, the Weasleys."
The Dursleys' faces turned redder with rage and shame. Vernon Dursley's eyes bulged, and Petunia's lips trembled. Marge's face twisted in a snarl.
On the other side of the courtroom, Harry's supporters looked on with tears in their eyes. Mrs. Weasley was openly sobbing, while Mr. Weasley's face was set in a fierce scowl. Ginny's eyes shone with tears, and Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face etched with pain.
Snape, however, looked like he was about to explode. His eyes blazed with anger, and his face was pale with rage. He looked like he wanted to jump out of his seat and attack the Dursleys.
The reporters in the back of the courtroom were scribbling furiously, their eyes wide with excitement. This was the biggest story of the year, and they were determined to get every detail.
Lucius Malfoy, however, looked unimpressed. He was lounging in his seat, a bored expression on his face. "This is all very dramatic, I'm sure," he drawled, "but what does it have to do with anything?"
Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, turned to him, her eyes flashing with anger. "This has everything to do with the case at hand, Malfoy," she snapped. "The Dursleys' abuse of Harry Potter is a clear violation of magical law, and they will be held accountable."
Harry's voice trembled as he continued his statement. "When I was six, Vernon Dursley told me to drink bleach. I was so desperate to please him that I did it, but my magic saved me. It was the first time I realized that my magic was stronger than their abuse."
The courtroom fell silent, with gasps and shocked whispers spreading throughout the audience. Patricia Moon nodded sympathetically and continued to display Harry's memories on a large screen behind her.
"Later, I tried to hurt myself with a knife, but again, my magic saved me," Harry said, his voice cracking. "I tried to jump in front of a bus once, and another time, I jumped off a building. But every time, my magic protected me."
The screen behind Patricia displayed vivid images of each attempt, showing the severity of Harry's desperation and the miraculous interventions of his magic. The courtroom was transfixed, with many wiping away tears.
Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face etched with pain, while Snape's eyes blazed with anger and protectiveness towards Harry. The Dursleys, on the other hand, looked like they had been punched in the gut, their faces pale and shocked.
Lucius Malfoy's expression, however, remained skeptical. "This is all very convenient, Potter," he sneered. "But how do we know these memories are genuine?"
Lucius Malfoy's skeptical remark sparked a firestorm of outrage from Harry's supporters. Mrs. Weasley was the first to react, her face red with indignation. "How dare you, Malfoy!" she exclaimed. "You have the audacity to question Harry's memories after all he's been through?"
Mr. Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Charlie Weasley all stood up, their faces set in angry scowls. "You're just trying to discredit Harry, Malfoy," Mr. Weasley growled. "But it won't work. We know the truth, and we'll make sure everyone else knows it too."
Snape, who had been watching the exchange with an unreadable expression, suddenly stood up, his eyes blazing with anger. "Malfoy, you are a disgusting excuse for a wizard," he spat. "Your attempt to besmirch Harry's character is beneath contempt."
Even Narcissa Malfoy looked miserable, her eyes darting nervously between her husband and Harry's supporters. She seemed to be silently pleading with Lucius to stop, but he was too far gone.
Dumbledore, who had been watching the exchange with a calm expression, finally spoke up. "Enough, Lucius," he said firmly. "Your attempts to discredit Harry will not be tolerated. We will proceed with the trial, and the truth will be revealed."
The courtroom erupted into chaos, with Harry's supporters cheering and Lucius Malfoy's allies shouting in protest. Patricia Moon banged her gavel, calling the courtroom to order. "We will proceed with the trial," she repeated.
Harry's voice cracked as he continued his statement, "I just want to know why. Why me? Why did you treat me like this?" He looked directly at the Dursleys, his eyes pleading for answers.
Petunia Dursley looked guilty, her eyes darting around the courtroom. Marge Dursley, on the other hand, looked defiant, her face set in a scowl. But Vernon Dursley's reaction was the most extreme.
"You ungrateful little brat!" Vernon shouted, rising from his seat. "You'll pay for your insolence!" He charged towards Harry, his hand raised to slap him.
It all happened so fast. Harry fell to the ground, but he quickly sprang back up. His athletic body allowed him to move swiftly, and he landed a perfect kick on Vernon's stomach.
Marge raised her hand to hit Harry, but he dodged her easily. Petunia shouted, trying to defend her family, but it was too late.
The courtroom erupted into chaos as Harry's supporters rose from their seats, cursing the Dursleys with non-fatal curses. Ginny Weasley did her signature bat-bogey curse, covering the Dursleys in a sticky, green substance. Mrs. Weasley immobilized them with an Immobulus curse.
Snape and Professor McGonagall transformed the Dursleys into rats, using a complex Transfiguration spell. The courtroom was in pandemonium, with spells flying left and right.
Dumbledore finally intervened, his voice calm and authoritative. "Enough!" he shouted, restoring balance to the courtroom. "We will not resort to violence and chaos. We are here to seek justice, not revenge."
Dumbledore's intervention restored order to the courtroom, and the Dursleys were returned to their human form, looking shaken and humiliated. The courtroom fell silent once more, with all eyes fixed on Harry.
Dolores Umbridge, her voice dripping with malice, spoke up. "This outburst clearly demonstrates Potter's instability and lack of control. He is a danger to himself and others."
Avery, her ally, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Potter's behavior is unacceptable. He should be held accountable for his actions."
But Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, silenced them with a stern glance. "That's enough, Umbridge, Avery. Harry Potter has every right to defend himself, especially after the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Dursleys."
The courtroom erupted into a mixture of applause and angry murmurs, with Harry's supporters cheering and his detractors shouting in protest. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with approval, while Snape's face remained stern, his eyes fixed intently on Harry.
Patricia Moon stood up, her voice clear and confident. "With that, all evidence has been presented, and the Dursleys' actions clearly demonstrate their guilt. The abuse and neglect suffered by Harry Potter at their hands is undeniable."
She walked back to her seat, her eyes scanning the courtroom. The Wizengamot members began to discuss and murmur among themselves, their voices rising and falling in a gentle hum.
Amelia Bones leaned over to whisper to Dumbledore, "It's clear the Dursleys are guilty, Albus. The evidence is overwhelming."
Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling with a hint of sadness. "Yes, Amelia. It's a tragic case, but justice must be served."
The murmuring among the Wizengamot members grew louder, with some calling for severe punishment and others advocating for leniency. The courtroom was abuzz with anticipation, waiting for the verdict that would change the course of Harry Potter's life forever.
Lucius Malfoy, attempting to manipulate the situation, spoke up, "I find it curious, Chief Warlock Dumbledore, that you left Harry Potter in the care of the Dursleys. Did Potter's parents not leave a will specifying their wishes for their son's care?"
Harry, however, was prepared for this question. "The will was sealed by dark runes, Malfoy," he interjected. "It was only recently that the runes were broken, revealing the truth about my parents' wishes."
Lucius Malfoy's face paled, and he fell silent, realizing he had underestimated Harry. The courtroom murmured, sensing the shift in power.
Amelia Bones, taking charge, began the discussion on the Dursleys' punishment. "Before we proceed, let us first note all the charges against the Dursleys. We have neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and attempted murder. The list goes on."
Dolores Umbridge, attempting to downplay the charges, spoke up, "Surely, we must consider the Dursleys'... ah... 'difficulties' in caring for a magical child."
But Amelia Bones was firm. "The Dursleys' actions are inexcusable, Umbridge. We will not tolerate abuse and neglect in our community."
Amelia Bones, her voice firm and authoritative, began to read out the charges against Vernon Dursley. "Vernon Dursley, you are hereby charged with the following crimes: neglect, starvation, physical, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse and torture of Harry James Potter."
The courtroom fell silent, with gasps and shocked whispers spreading throughout the audience. Vernon Dursley's face turned red with rage, but he remained silent.
Amelia Bones continued, "Additionally, you are charged with hiding the truth about the wizarding world from Harry Potter, lying about his parents' death, denying him basic necessities, and violating his basic human rights. You are also accused of deliberately holding him back, attempting to murder him, disrupting the courtroom, attacking a minor, manipulating your own son Dudley Dursley, and misusing the stipend provided for Harry's care."
The list of charges seemed endless, and the courtroom was stunned into silence. Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face etched with pain, while Snape's eyes blazed with anger and protectiveness towards Harry. The Dursleys, on the other hand, looked like they had been punched in the gut, their faces pale and shocked.
Lucius Malfoy, attempting to defend his allies, spoke up, "Surely, these charges are exaggerated. The Dursleys were simply trying to... ah... 'discipline' the boy."
But Amelia Bones was firm. "The evidence speaks for itself, Malfoy. The Dursleys' actions are inexcusable, and they will be held accountable."
Amelia Bones, her voice unwavering, turned her attention to Marge Dursley. "Marge Dursley, you are hereby charged with the following crimes: neglect, starvation, physical, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse and torture of Harry James Potter."
The courtroom murmured in agreement, with many nodding their heads in disgust. Marge Dursley's face turned bright red with anger and shame.
Amelia Bones continued, "Additionally, you are charged with attempting to murder Harry Potter, disrupting the courtroom, attacking a minor, and numerous other counts of abuse and mistreatment."
Dumbledore's eyes were fixed intently on Marge, his expression stern and disapproving. Snape's eyes, on the other hand, seemed to bore into Marge's very soul, his gaze icy and unforgiving.
The Dursleys' allies, including Lucius Malfoy and his wife Narcissa, looked on in discomfort, their faces pale and worried. It was clear that they had underestimated the severity of the charges against the Dursleys.
Amelia Bones turned her attention to Petunia Dursley, her voice firm but measured. "Petunia Dursley, you are hereby charged with the following crimes: neglect, starvation, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse of Harry James Potter."
The courtroom murmured in agreement, with many nodding their heads in disgust. Petunia Dursley's face crumpled, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Amelia Bones continued, "Although you did not directly physically abuse Harry Potter, your failure to stop your family's abuse and neglect is equally reprehensible. Furthermore, you are charged with hiding the truth about the wizarding world, lying about Harry's parents' death, denying him basic necessities and human rights, deliberately holding him back, manipulating your own son Dudley, and misusing the stipend provided for Harry's care."
Dumbledore's eyes were fixed intently on Petunia, his expression stern and disapproving. Snape's eyes seemed to bore into Petunia's very soul, his gaze icy and unforgiving.
The Dursleys' allies looked on in discomfort, their faces pale and worried. It was clear that they had underestimated the severity of the charges against the Dursleys.
Next Chapter is Reaping of Consequences
A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.This was it for the chapter . How do you reckon about the trial ? I hope the punishment which I will give them in next chapter would satisfy your opinions. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!