[a/n]Sequel to#143‘’“
Harry Does Different DXXXVk
Incest Is Almost The Best 6
"Speaker Longbottom, I find myself in multiple conundrums." It was the opening of Severus Snape's combined fraud and embezzlement trial. Amelia had been originally appointed Prosecutor.
Augusta let out a most unprofessional, and uncharacteristic, sigh "Madam Bones, due to the Chief Warlock's interest …and insistence serving as defense counsel… in this case, a similar level of official is needed to provide the government necessary stature. Further explanation if you please."
"Speaker, a new charge has materialized in an investigation I conducted at the specific request of the victim that would make my involvement as prosecutor …ahh… problematic." Amelia's speech was very oddly worded.
Augusta was quick on the uptake "Let us be specific Director. Do you mean to say your involvement in that investigation will impact this trial?"
"Then the only remedy is dismissing the case and returning Professor Snape to his duties." Dumbledore pounced on the opportunity and his client smirked.
Augusta sighed and ruled using the much lower title "Advocate, one cannot deny the principle of zealous representation, but let us not jump the wand. The Wizengamot will hear the new allegation before ruling."
"That the accused in this case is involved in criminal behavior, including abuse of authority, toward both the mentality and body of a minor. I cannot be more specific in open court without compromising THIS trial." Said Amelia, keeping her eyes fixed on the presiding official. Harry's and Harriet's hands wrapped in each other.
After consulting a few of the most important members, of every faction, the Speaker decided "This trial will proceed as is. Another prosecutor will deal with the new issue …later. Any overlapping witness is prohibited from mention thereof. On pain of severe sanction."
"For the record, your name and position please?" asked Amelia once the witness was sworn.
He answered "Harry James Potter. Regent to The Moste Anciente and Moste Noble House of Potter. And self-appointed anti-Voldemort."
"That name, Mr. Potter, is not considered safe to use. More properly it is tabooed." The prosecutor did not show a fear of it, nor flinch "However, in prior times, witches and wizards are known to have died after uttering it."
He shrugged "I'm new here, Madam Bones, but I've been about; talked to people of all ages. An observation, adults flinch and punish children for using it; like if they said bloody or fuck or other such." He paused to allow the effect to die down "One of the few, from returning as a ickle firstie, who doesn't tolerate the correction is the one girl with most right to. I speak of my lady, the Earl. So few can even match a Fourth-Year? Unwilling TriWizard champion that she is?" The question dripped with scorn.
The prosecutor gave a bow "Chastisement noted. Moving on. It is in your role as Regent the embezzlement was discovered?"
"Objection!" Dumbledore immediately complained.
Bones amended "Alleged embezzlement, Speaker. Regent Potter?"
"Of course, madam." Said Harry "Once confirmed as Regent, I looked at a very minimal statement of the House accounts. Even that told me something had been wrong for many years. There was barely a tickle coming into one of the wealthiest vaults in Gringotts, and while still a trickle, quite a larger amount going out. Especially when it came to Harriet's trust vault. Why was that all but emptied every year when she was not even in the English Wizarding World? Where were those Galleons going? Why were the businesses stagnant? Decaying?"
Bones prodded "And the whyfores?"
"In detail? I have not been briefed." Answered Harry "But what I did was arrange matters with Gringotts to reopen all Potter operations. Rehiring staff where possible. Good building jobs for businesses needing repair, and so on. But also make sure that no Potter money could be accessed by any non-Potter. Lastly, as only a Head or Acting could, I ordered a total audit of all Gringotts records where Potter money had been used. From today …or rather… my arrival back to 1981."
Reading correctly both the onlookers and the Wizengamot Amelia pointed out "The court would not likely desire picking through a decade worth of ledgers."
"I promise that's not my thing either." Harry replied with a chuckle "I heard a story about a student calling a tome almost as heavy as her quote A bit of lite reading. But from what I was told, even the months since commissioning the audit, House Potter has generated numbers approaching all those years combined. Mostly negative until all the neglect is reversed."
Dumbledore stood and interjected "I move this trial be ended and the Wizengamot consider charges of malfeasance on the part of this alleged Mr. Potter. He clearly should not be managing the affairs of one of our most illustrious Families."
"Harry's trying to fix the mess!" Harriet burst out "The mess THAT greasy piece of Hippogriff shite made!"
Speaker Longbottom's wand sounded. Blaringly "Enough! There will be no vulgarity in this trial! Scribe, remove it from the record. And after a glance at Amelia said "Advocate, cross?"
"Indeed, Augusta, my thanks." Dumbledore approached, allowing his height and aura to dominate "Now Harry, why don't you tell he court whoever you really are and wherever you really come from?"
Harry smirked, though avoiding eye contact, favored Harriet with a sitting bow "My Earl spoke wisely. Though of course we'll go over etiquette, Madam Speaker. I promise."
"That hardly covers my question, Harry." Albus observed.
Harry did acknowledge the presence of Remus in the courtroom with a smile that made the Marauder simultaneously flinch and almost laugh. "Well the answers to both would be with our next witness. Anything else, Albus?"
"Speaker, is there not a certain professionalism due in the court?" Dumbledore was unhappy "The witness should address officials accordingly."
Snickering slightly, especially as it amused Harriet, the witness continued "As my Earl mentioned, we are trying the embezzler and perhaps malfeasancor, I guess. As for me, we can get confirmation from Lupin's werewolf nose I am a Potter. Closely allied, even spent some time with Harriet's parents. Otherwise, traveled around a lot, especially the last couple years."
"Your words, on the surface, I feel are true." Dumbledore was attempting to use all he could bring to bear "Yet there is some subtle falsehood I cannot …quite…pin…down. If you would consent to look at me, we can - -"
Harry actually locked eyes with Harriet "It does make Legilimency easier, but then swearing in a witness does not grant mind-reading access, even in criminal trials. And certainly not to the opposing counsel. You are not on my side here."
"I am only looking out for the Greatest Good for the greatest number." Said Dumbledore projecting his absolute best face. "And with due respect, young Harry, I have been among our leadership before your great-grandparents could have been born. Add to that, you only being here some months, can you not see the wisdom here?"
Harry looked around the courtroom before retorting "Look what your leadership got Harriet's parents. The Longbottoms, too. Her Godfather's not in hot shape either, she told me."
"That may not be something to cover at the moment, my boy." The warning confused many onlookers.
The witness countered "House Potter no longer acknowledges your questionable leadership, and will chart its own course.
"Today we are a court of law." The Speaker's wand popped loudly "Has the defense further questions?"
Dumbledore drew himself up "The matter of House Potter must be addressed, Augusta."
"Today we are a court of law. Advocate." She repeated without emotion. "Has the defense further questions?"
After a shake of Dumbledore's head, Harry left the stand. And Harriet was sworn in. Amelia only asked that she relay the incident at the center of the case. Early on, invoking his Headmaster status with "Why do you feel it appropriate, Harriet, to not look at your professors?"
"Why do my professors think they have the right to read my mind?" she countered, this not even a coached exchange.
He addressed Augusta "Move to strike as nonresponsive." Then "The question before us is one of a student defiance of her professor. And, while certainly serious enough in the school setting, does not rise to the level of this body: in either of its capacities. What is wrong is dragging a professional out of his classroom to defend his authority."
"NO! Get him to defend raiding MY VAULTS!" shouted Harriet. Harry sent her an approving grin, though signaling a 'cool off' To whit the student eased back in the witness chair.
Amelia did not quite smile "I did not hear a question there, Advocate."
"As of yet I have seen exactly zero evidence of the crimes Professor Snape is accused of." Albus proclaimed, expecting an end to the case. "That is a routine affair that has not needed any additional paperwork for a dozen years."
Harry briefly interjected "That's why I was first to testify."
"And we might have avoided this upset had you discussed the matter with me, my boy." Condescended Dumbledore
Harry blinked as in shock "Why does the Potter Regent need to discuss Potter affairs with non-Potters?"
"Enough byplay! Both of you!" Augusta snapped. Though most of the attending Wizengamot was nodding in agreement. "Has the prosecution more?"
Amelia answered "By your leave, Speaker. I next summon Griphook. A former Gringotts employee, currently a member of the Moste Anciente and Moste Noble House of Potter." This announcement rattled the chamber. Once sworn in she asked "Most irregular, Griphook, let's remove all doubt; were you fired by Gringotts?"
"No. The Regent Potter sought absolute access to a complete and conclusive audit." This had been a dig to Griphook's personal honor "I can see every transaction of Potter money to the third level. And, Gringotts may not withhold any ledgers from my eyes, even if I may not remove the records. This protects the bank, assuming no malicious intent, from Potter retaliation, while granting me immunity from a Goblin punishment."
Amelia nodded "Quite a quagmire, I am sure. Something a ranking Ministry employee may encounter when called to duty by his or her Noble Family."
"I suppose there is some similarity." The witness acknowledged without enthusiasm. "Let us with the case. My desire is to demonstrate House Potter being wronged and return to my people."
There was curiosity, but a hint of boredom. Few were excited by financial matters. She first asked "You might explain what is meant by third level?"
"Money that is moved directly from, in this case, the Potter vault, to another and then to that of another. The Galleon then being used, for instance, to buy a supply of candles. But then the merchant paying rent or his employee's wages." Griphook responded like an underpaid teacher "Up to the candle purchase, the connection is relevant. Beyond that, no, and even untraceable."
She nodded in complete understanding "And how many transactions that you consider either fraud or embezzlement did you find?"
"Out of Harriet Potter's trust vault, from opening in January 1982 through closure in October 1994, a total of 433." The Goblin replied.
Amelia gasped "My! What a load of activity! Out of how many total for those twelve years?"
"I only consider twelve to be unquestionably valid." Answered Griphook "Those being the transfers from the main Potter vault of GG10000 per annum for Earl Potter's care. I might consider the GG100 per month to an account at Barclays in the name of Petunia Evans acceptable, except the young Earl assures me she was treated as some of you treat your House Elves."
The accusation hung in the air. Harry pressed a silencing finger on Harriet's lips, knowing she was about to shout Dobby! Amelia's voice overrode the protests "Griphook! What names are in common with the withdrawals?"
"Objection! That is a leading question!" Dumbledore protested, not bothering with his usual persona.
Speaker Longbottom agreed "Yes. Madam Bones, rephrase your question or move on."
"Griphook, did your investigation reveal any …shall we say… coincidences that make you suspect fraud?" queried Amelia coolly, and following up "If so, what were they?"
After a nod of approval, which the Goblin found irksome, he answered "The dominant recipient of funds from Earl Potter's trust is a vault in the name of the Order of the Phoenix. A remarkable coincidence there being that vault was setup in 1979 with GG1,000,000 from each main vault of the Potters and Longbottoms. There are numerous recipients of large sums during the two years who received payments, though smaller, from the trust vault."
"Madam Speaker!" a voice shouted out from the back of the crowd, only after a light landed on Remus Lupin was his voice amplified "I apologize for the disruption. May I be allowed to testify after…after Griphook… I am not scheduled to do so, but I have realized that I have very relevant information."
Dumbledore looked most pleased "The defense would be only too happy allow Mr. Lupin's statement."
"Upon completion of Griphook's testimony the court will recess until tomorrow." Augusta announced, then waved a resumption. The Goblin was completed quickly. Mostly the submission and labeling of thick rolls of parchment. The Wizengamot had little patience for such things, but of interest to the case was numerous payments to Severus Snape from Harriet's trust vault but never from the Order of the Phoenix vault until after Voldemort's 1981 defeat. Amelia completed, then Augusta looked over, asking "Defense cross?"
After a brief beard-stroke, he shook his head "No thank you, Augusta." This led to a bit of whispered shouting between accused and advocate before Snape was returned to his holding cell.
"What do you want Lupin?" asked Harriet, coldly. Pullin Harry's arm protectively around her neck. This was the first time either Potter ignored the spectacle of Snape being carted off.
The older wizard sighed "To say again that I am truly sorry. Again, as is Padfoot. You possibly will have more reason after I speak tomorrow. I would like to warn you in advance."
"Another backstab?" Harry accused, harshly "Tell it to our lawyer!"
Remus stiffened and spoke coldly "I would prefer to hear that from Harriet. Regardless of your legal staytus."
"You just did!" Harriet's tone dripped venom "As for hating you more? Well, anything's possible."