May 17, 1999
Harry and Severus were still left blown away by Draco's suggestion for them to become bonded by their own will in order to overpower the link Ginerva's magic was trying to form between herself and Harry, which was only being held back by Harry's and Severus's unborn child because it was a another form of bond between them containing their magic. It was a lot to think about, and while the two had made promises to always be in each other's lives and there for their child…
It was a big step to go from having just started dating to bonding in marriage for the sake of ensuring Ginerva couldn't win. However, the stakes were clear that if they did not…When Harry gave birth, he would be linked to Ginny. And time was running out as Harry only had about two weeks left until his expected due date. That was only if he stayed on time, he could give birth early or later than June 4th.
It, unfortunately, was too big of a decision to make in the short span of time they had before the trial date where Harry had to appear by order of the Chief Warlock for the Wizengamot, which was today. Severus spent some time with Poppy and Draco discussing how to get Harry to the ministry without apparition, portkey, or floo. It was decided to use the Knight Bus to Whitehall.
Harry recalled the place well, it had an abandoned red telephone booth that he used with Arthur Weasley back in 1995 for his disciplinary hearing for using the patronus charm to ward off two dementors that came to Little Whinging and attacking him and Dudley during the summer before his fifth year. Unfortunately, they were running behind and it was already 10:45 am.
In the courtroom, Draco sat behind his father because Poppy gave him the day off to be able to monitor Harry during his testimony. Hermione, Neville, Luna, Blaise, Theodore, Pansy, Vincent, Ron, Arthur, Bill, Fleur, and George came in support of Harry. Molly had been let out, but shacked, to be there for Ginny since no one else sat on her side.
"This is ridiculous. It's clear he's not going to show, and you said you'd vote on the verdict if Harry Potter didn't show today." Molly remarked.
"Mrs. Weasley…You were allowed out to support your daughter, but I can revoke those permissions and you may return to your holding cell until your own trial if you disrespect me or speak out of turn in my courtroom again." the Chief Warlock, Everett Oakwood, informed before turning to Lucius. "But she has a point, Mr. Malfoy…Where is Mr. Potter?"
"They are on their way, Chief Warlock. I apologize for the delay in their presence but given Mr. Potter-Black's pregnancy is but two weeks away from his due date, I deemed it to be unsafe for him to travel via floo, apparition, and portkey." Draco stood respectfully, speaking before his father could. "Myself and Madam Poppy Pomfrey have been overseeing his care as his healers."
"I see." the Chief Warlock nodded. It was not more than two minutes later when an auror led in Harry and Severus walking beside him. "Ah, there you are. Wonderful. Welcome, Mr. Potter-Black." the man greeted while sitting up a bit more.
"Come right up, Mr. Potter-Black. I hope you'll forgive me for having to make you come in. I understand you've been suffering some complications and were ordered to strict bed rest…" the man stated to Harry as Draco got up to take over for Severus in guiding Harry to the stand.
Severus wasn't allowed to cross the threshold to help Harry into the seat, but Draco as his healer was, so Draco took over getting Harry set in the witness seat. Draco was given a spot next to him for the sake of monitoring him. Severus was seated front row where Draco had been.
"Your honor, I question why Mr. Malfoy needs to remain next to Mr. Potter-Black?" Came the voice of Ginny's lawyer, Clyde Hawthorn. "My client is concerned that there will be coercion."
"Your client, Mr. Hawthorn, should be more concerned about herself and not Mr. Potter-Black." The head warlock informed. "Given the witness's condition and recent complications, I've allowed for Mr. Malfoy Jr. to sit close to Mr. Potter-Black to monitor his and his unborn child's vitals through the testimony. Lord Malfoy already discussed this with me yesterday after he was ordered to bring Mr. Potter-Black in."
"Along with this allowance, I have permitted another. We all know how testy and stressful things can become during questioning and so to keep Mr. Potter-Black's stress down…I'm omitting the normal line of questioning. For today, I am only requesting Mr. Potter-Black's sworn testimony." the man stated.
"Then we request it be done on a vow of truth on his magic or Veritaserum." Mr. Hawthorn said firmly.
"Does your client consent to this, Lord Malfoy?" The Chief Warlock asked.
Lucius looked at Draco, who shook his head, and then Severus who also did the same thing. "He can not, Chief Warlock. Veritaserum is one of the potions that is forbidden for a pregnant person to take. It would be harmful or fatal to the unborn child. And because of the complications that have resulted in Mr. Potter-Black's ordered to bed rest, he is also not permitted to use magic right now."
Draco stood up now, bowing his head. "It cannot be denied, despite no verdict having been decided yet, that Miss. Weasley did get arrested for violating an official order of protection, restraint, and no contact. She, in front of an entire room of witnesses, pulled her wand and non-verbally cast an unknown spell at Mr. Potter-Black that caused him to get knocked back and go unconscious."
"Madam Pomfrey, myself, and several other healers and specialists have not yet been able to identify the spell used to counter it…Only that it had caused a remnant of her magic to remain inside of my patient and linger. It seems to be causing a block between Mr. Potter-Black and his partner, Mr. Severus Snape, who are the baby's parents. It is well known by many parents here… Draco paused.
"That magic from both parents during pregnancy, especially in a male, is essential to the physical and magical development of the unborn child. To put it simply, the spell is keeping Mr. Snape's magic from reaching the baby and so everything it is getting is coming from Mr. Potter-Black. Which is causing him to become weak to support himself and the child. So Madam Pomfrey and I have forbidden him from using any excess magic to conserve energy." The blonde explained.
"There you have it, Mr. Hawthorn. Requests for Veritaserum and a Truth Vow are denied." The chief said firmly. "And requesting to use the truth serum and a truth vow when your own client would not consent is just ridiculous. Now, enough time has been wasted…" he paused. "Mr. Potter-Black, you have the floor. Can you please tell us, in your own words, what brought us to court today?"
Draco leaned forward next to Harry, hand on his shoulder. "If you need anything, Harry, you tell me. Alright?"
The teen nodded to him, grateful. "What brought us here today is the fact Miss. Weasley got herself arrested for violating a restraining protection and no contact order on her because she could not accept the answer of no." Harry said.
"Could you, perhaps, elaborate a bit on that statement?" Lucius asked.
"I believe I said no questions, Mr. Malfoy." the Chief Warlock said.
"He's alright, Chief Warlock," Harry interjected. "He's not pushing like normal questioning is. He just wants to ensure the Wizengamot understands the context of my statement. It could be taken many ways. I don't mind questions, from either of them, as long as it's not going to get me worked up in the sense of harassing or…What's the word…Badgering the witness?"
"Understood. Please, proceed?" Chief Warlock invited.
"I'm sure you've all already heard Miss. Weasley's sob story of how I've apparently led her on with beliefs of a future together. I'm sure she's done a wonderful job with her on-demand tears to make me look like the bad guy. However, it's a muggle law enforcement tried and true statement that an innocent person can't bail on cue," Harry paused.
"What it means is that an innocent person can't fake their emotions during interrogation or testimony. But a guilty person can turn on the act like that," He snapped his fingers to demonstrate the quickness. "So, if you don't mind…I'd like to tell you my side of things and leave it to the esteemed members of the Wizengamot to decide who is lying and who is telling the truth."
"By all means," One person motioned for him to continue with their hand.
It was perfect. Even if the Wizengamot had sympathy for Ginerva's tale, Harry just got their attention by diverting to his muggle heritage in stating that muggle authority had ways of detecting who was guilty and innocent based on emotions. He also addressed them with confidence, respect, and not even trying to claim Ginerva's lies. He just said he wanted a chance to give his side and leave it to the court to decide.
Lucius would have grinned if it wouldn't have gotten him questioned. Harry would have them eating out of the palm of his hand, so to speak, being who he was and also knowing how to wear a mask without anyone realizing it. Harry also wasn't afraid to show his emotions, but had to be careful not to get too emotional or Draco would pull him from the stand.
"The tale that explains how we ended up here starts back before the war ended, in my sixth year at Hogwarts. It was during this time that Miss. Weasley and I had ventured away from a developed friendship over the years since I met her in 1991, before the start of my first year." Harry began. And then he continued on telling them how and where he met Ginny.
Harry revealed the basics of when feelings began, how they ended up together, when and why they broke up. Harry also informed that he said they could talk about getting back together once the war was over and obviously, if he survived. But he never said for certain that they would. The Wizengamot, thus far, agreed that Harry had not been leading Ginny on in any way.
The teen briefly explained that even after Voldemort was gone, there was much to be done to rebuild, restore…Stabilize their world and it was no time to be getting back into a relationship when his attention had been getting pulled in so many different ways. Still, the Wizengamot understood that Harry was a focal point after the war. He'd been a pillar of getting everyone to come together, support one another.
Finally, the explanation ended after Harry got past the part where he was given the offer to go back to school for his final year, a chance to take his NEWT exams despite the requirements for a fair amount of jobs were waived in favor of building up their forces again in the auror department, healers, ministry workers to fill other departments and so on. Harry gave Draco a look that he needed a break.
Draco asked for a fifteen minute break so Harry could get some water and stretch his legs. This also ended up including a trip to the loo and a small snack. Upon returning, Harry took his seat again and picked up the explanation where he'd stopped.
"So now, for the sake of the timeline, you've returned to school for your final year?" Lucius inquired.
"Yes." Harry confirmed. "I was excited. Finally, a year without Voldemort trying to kill me. I thought it would be normal. Just classes, meals, and seeing friends. All the rebuilding was done, our world was stabilizing and there was peace. But you know…War has an effect on everyone, it can…Leave scars, reminders of what you went through. And me…Well, I'm no different than anyone else who had been affected."
"And what do you mean by that?" Mr. Hawthorn questioned.
"Adjusting to life after war isn't easy. When you go six years dealing with a madman who wants you dead to trying to live a normal life out of war mindset…It takes a toll. I spent six years waking up in the morning asking myself what's going to happen today?" Harry gave a kind smile. "Six years looking over my shoulder for danger. Six years having to be on guard. Six years of fighting…It takes a toll, it doesn't just go away."
"And I'm sure many would agree with you. Especially those who had been in the first war." Lucius agreed as members of the court nodded in agreement, murmuring to themselves about instances. "But please, continue, Mr. Potter-Black."
"Well, like anyone who has…Been through a lot," Harry paused for a moment. "It doesn't just…Go away. I lived with magic-hating muggles for ten years before I got my Hogwarts letter. I didn't even know I was a wizard til then…My muggle relatives kept me in a cupboard under the stairs during that decade. That was my bedroom for as long as I can remember…"
"I was made the slave. I was just a freak and a burden to them. I did the cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, lawn care...As early as I can remember, probably four years old." Harry informed. "My aunt had told me for years that I should have died with my parents in the car accident." He added. "I didn't know they'd been killed by a wizard, not until Rubeus Hagrid came to personally deliver my letter, take me to Diagon Alley…"
"That's when I learned that I was the boy who lived, that Voldemort killed them…But all that aside. I thought things would have turned around coming to this world. They didn't…" He paused. "I've had to fight to survive all my life. With the muggle relatives those ten years…And all the summers in between school terms until I was seventeen…I faced a bodiless Voldemort at eleven."
"I faced a Basilisk and Voldemort trying to return to a body through a diary with a piece of him inside it at twelve, dealt with believing a murderous, traitorous Death Eater coming after me at thirteen and Dementors too, I was forced to compete in a dangerous tournament, and fight Voldemort who returned to his body at fourteen, deal with an uptight, children-hating ministry representative who used a blood quill at fifteen…" Harry said.
"And those were just battles, but there were losses too. My parents. My godfather. A man I saw as an uncle and his wife. Cedric, Lavender, Colin…Many other classmates." Harry mentioned.
"And you too." Everett interjected. "Is…That correct as well, Mr. Potter-Black? You were killed by the Dark Lord and came back?"
"I allowed him to kill me…" Harry informed.
"So you had given up fighting by choice?" Mr. Hawthorn asked. "My client claims that over Christmas this year, you rescinded your proposal and I quote, have been spending since the end of the war wondering why you're still here." He paused. "But when you realized you did live and the Dark Lord was still alive…You felt forced to fulfill the prophecy and just got it over with so you could live your own life."
"That's a lie." Harry's tone dropped as his eyes narrowed.
"Harry…" Draco said warningly. "Don't get upset. It's his job to defend her and use whatever he has to do it."
"Yeah, well what he has is wrong and I've got the memory to prove it." Harry remarked. "Plus, he's not supposed to be asking specific questions and compare to what she said."
"That's a good point." Draco agreed.
"Objection, Your Honor. Mr. Hawthorn isn't abiding by the allowances made by yourself regarding testimony." Lucius said.
"He's right, Mr. Hawthorn. This isn't a cross examination. Refrain from comparisons to your client's testimony. I'll hold you in contempt if your questions step over the line I drew for this and end up endangering Mr. Potter-Black or his unborn child." Everett reminded.
"As for you, Miss. Weasley…Do not think I did not see you push for him to refer to your testimony. You had your turn to speak, and now it is Mr. Potter-Black's. You will sit quietly or I will remove you. It is not your job to coach your attorney. Another move like that and I might be forced to believe you're encouraging your lawyer to ask questions you know are out of bounds in order to harm Mr. Potter-Black and his child by getting him upset or angry so he'll go into labor." The Chief Warlock stated.
"I apologize if it hurts me to see him sitting up there and lying about what really happened." Ginerva informed.
"It is not up to you to decide that. We could say the same about you as you were the one to attack him. You are guilty of violating the protection order…This trial is merely to find out if you are guilty or innocent of the other charges brought against you." Everett stated.
"I can prove I'm not lying, Chief Warlock." Harry said. "I can reveal the memory I have of the day in question."
"It could be altered!" Molly shouted.
"Why would I do that? I have six people on my side of the room who will confirm the same memory. Yourself and your daughter were present for it as well. You're just trying to twist the story." Harry mentioned calmly. "If she's so sure of her claim, then I call for a Legilimens Master to see her memories of the same because I believe she's only telling part of what happened and twisting it to make me look like an arse."
"We offered to take her memories, she refused saying that after Tom Riddle possessed her, she can't handle people in her mind." An auror stated to the Chief Warlock.
"People who refuse a way to prove themselves are hiding something." Harry sat back.
"Innocent until proven guilty!" Ginny huffed.
"If you were truly innocent, you'd be offering ways to prove it…Such as letting someone see this apparent claim you've made that I rescinded a proposal. We both know that's not what happened that day, Miss. Weasley. You took a simple present out of context and jumped into wedding planning with your mother while refusing to let me speak and correct you until I yelled. And I can prove that." Harry said.
"See, I think your memory has been altered to show the scene you want them to see…Because you have no Occlumency shields. Your memories aren't protected from tampering. Mine, however, are. My shields are as strong as Severus Snape's and even the Dark Lord's. My mind has not been messed with." The teen stated. "If I may, your honor…I'd like to submit the memory of the day in question…As well as a few others that will hopefully tell my story for me as I'm beginning to feel weaker, tired, and nauseous…" Harry stated.
"Mr. Malfoy?" Everett looked at Draco for confirmation, and the blonde nodded.
"Yes…He needs to be able to lay down and rest. Severus can extract the memories for him, he is a master at Occlumency and Legilimency." Draco said.
"Mr. Snape?" Everett summoned him up and Severus came quickly.
"What memories am I taking?" Severus asked Harry. The teen told him which ones to take as a court clerk came over with vials to put the memories in as Severus began to extract them. "Do you need anything?" He inquired.
"Anti-nausea…" Harry mumbled.
"I'll have a medi-wizard bring some." Everett offered.
"He can't take those, Chief Warlock. The standard anti-nausea potions are unsafe for pregnancy," Severus informed as he pulled a small vial from his pocket and gave it to Harry after uncorking it. "I brought a couple from home just in case," He smiled gently.
"You're amazing." Harry said, hand over Severus's. "Thank you, Sev. I love you."
"I love you too," It wasn't hard to miss the rage on Ginny's face. "How's the little one?"
"Getting a little testy. This is usually our couch-cuddling time," Harry rubbed his belly.
Severus put a hand on Harry's belly. "Little longer, my child. This is me sending my love to you. Don't want you to feel left out. Once this is over, I promise we can cuddle the rest of the day and tonight." He felt a kick against his hand before pulling it back.
"Wait…" Harry paused, grabbing his hand. "Put it back. Put your hand back on my belly…"
"What's wrong?" Draco asked as Severus was putting his hand back. "Please tell me you're not going into labor…"
"No, just…Shush for a second." Harry said. "Sev, talk to the baby again. Do whatever you just did again…"
"This is me sending my love to you, so you don't feel left out. I promise we can cuddle all night later…" Severus repeated. "All I did was send out a little bit of my magic. I know it's blocked right-,"
"It's not." Harry told him. "It's not blocked. I felt when you sent it out."
"You're certain?" Draco asked quickly.
"Feels the same way it always has when we did those magic transfers…" Harry revealed. "Does…Does this mean what I think it does?"
"It does." Draco brought up Harry's and the baby's vitals. "The block is gone, I don't see her magic anymore."
Ginny straightened immediately. "Is this a good thing?" Everett inquired.
"Extremely good, but I have to ask for a recess, your honor…A long one, preferably." Draco told him. The Chief Warlock stared suspiciously and Draco got close, bringing his hand up to cover his mouth. "I need you to give them an hour to…Create a large magic burst that will help Harry and the baby get stronger."
"You want me to call an hour recess to let them have sex?" Everett remarked. Draco nodded. "Would you call it medically necessary?"
"Yes. If you send us to recess, lunch or something, I'll explain in private what happened. I just didn't want it out in public so she doesn't try anything else…I'm not sure what broke this, but it is and Harry and the baby need it. Please?" Draco hoped.
"Very well." Everett agreed. "This session will enter an hour-long recess for lunch. Upon return, we will be viewing Mr. Potter-Black's memories of several events in regards to proving the claims that Miss. Weasley has made about the situation incorrect." He said and banged his gavel.
"You two," Draco told Harry and Severus, who was helping him up. "Come with me. Not a lot of time."
Confused, Harry and Severus followed Draco out of the courtroom.