A/N: the day of Harry Potter's hearing and more fun with the Wizengamot. Dumbledore is in trouble. Inspiration of this chapter from writer CatsAreCool.
Chapter 9
The night before Harry's hearing.
It was decided by Sirius and Ameila that they would not change the wording of the hearing. Between Amelia and Moody, they were able to get all the information they needed and was able to prove that Sirius Black was innocent all along. If the Ministry and Dumbledore would have actually cared instead of jumping to conclusions, Sirius would have been a free man this whole time.
Sadly, besides Dumbledore and Moody, they were the only wizards still alive from when everything happened. Amelia was outraged that Fudge refused to listen to Harry and his friends from the beginning, granted they were only 13- and 14-year-olds, but they should not have been dismissed in such a fashion. She felt that Dumbledore may have influenced Fudge to a degree to make sure he maintains his guardianship over Harry.
Amelia gathered all her information and proper paperwork and was invited to #12 Grimmauld Place to discuss the plan with Sirius and Harry. She chose to do it there, to make sure the secrecy was maintained.
She was very surprised to find the house in such good condition. Along with Sirius and Harry, Remus was present in the study. Amelia was okay with that, knowing that Remus was the Steward of the Potter family. They quickly went over the plan.
Amelia was going to let the incompetent Fudge start the hearing as he planned. They would allow Dumbledore to enter as he was listed as the magical guardian for Harry. Then Ichigo would be called in to bear witness that he is not a muggle. At that time, Sirius would enter with Ichigo and ask for an immediate Wizengamot session. Fudge would not be able to dispute it, nor Dumbledore, since the entire Wizengamot had been called for a simple hearing of Underage Magic use.
Amelia would support the motion as would her brother, Lord Bones and Madame Augusta Longbottom, both Ancient and Most Noble Houses. With their support everything would work the way they wanted. Amelia would present the Will to the Wizengamot, would also present the Inheritance papers from Ragnok, and then her findings into Sirius' case.
Moody would testify to what he had witnessed back then as well as present the testimony of wizards & witches that were no longer alive. With that done Sirius would be cleared of all charges, then she would return to matter at hand of Harry's violation of Underage Magic Use and the Statue of Secrecy violation. Stating Harry was emancipated the previous year, he was no longer in violation of Underage Magic and verifying that Ichigo was not a muggle, to discharge the hearing.
Once, that was finished, they would amp it up to stage two with the accusations against Fudge for ignoring the innocence of Sirius, the calling of the Wizengamot for a matter that Amelia typically handled in her office, and then Moody would present his evidence of who sent the dementors after Harry to begin with.
If all went as planned, Harry would be cleared, Sirius would innocent and cleared, Fudge might be voted out immediately, and they were unsure as to what would happen with Dumbledore.
The morning had arrived. Harry was still a bit nervous, only because he did not really understand what Sirius and Remus had planned, but he would trust them. Harry was going to the Ministry office with Mr. Weasley and Ichigo, and Harry was honestly more nervous about that trip then what was going to happen at the Ministry itself. Harry and Ichigo were ready in the hallway waiting for Mr. Weasley. Once he was ready, they all headed to the nearest train depot and headed into the area where the Ministry was placed.
Harry and Ichigo enjoyed teaching Mr. Weasley all the muggle things they had to do to get on and off the train. The entrance into the building was rather boring in reality, but as soon as they got inside the Ministry, Harry felt a bit overwhelmed. Ichigo put a hand on his shoulder and helped to calm him down. They arrived when most everyone was reporting for work as well, so it was busy in the Atrium of the Ministry. Mr. Weasley guided Harry & Ichigo to the correct entrance and got through security easily. Ichigo found it funny that all their magic and no one detected his Zanpakutō. They presented their wands and was giving their passes.
Mr. Weasley led them into the elevators, just before the doors closed Kingsley Shaklebolt rushed in and whispered to Mr. Weasley, he nodded in acknowledgement. As they went to the lowest floor on the elevator, they rushed out. Mr. Weasley explained that Fudge decided to push the hearing ahead by an hour and he rushed them down the halls and stairs to the courtroom levels.
As they approached courtroom 10, Mr. Weasley stopped with Ichigo. "Here is where I have to stop Harry, I am not on the Wizengamot and not the right rank within the ministry to attend. Ichigo will wait out here with me until he is called in. Good luck Harry."
Harry looked at them, then slowly proceeded to the open doors. As he got closer, he saw Director Bones in the hallway speaking with a gentleman and an older lady, next to her was Padfoot, in his animagus form that is. The people talking to Director Bones did not seem to realize Padfoot was there. Harry approached the doors, "Ah good Mr. Potter, I am glad you came early. Minister Fudge seems to be impatient this morning. Shall we all enter." Says Amelia as she nods to the other adults. Padfoot walks in between her and Harry with his tail wagging.
As they enter, the doors are closed behind them and an Auror stands guard with his wand drawn. "Dawlish, you can relax your wand, this is a hearing for Underage Magic Use, not a trial for Death Eaters." Dawlish reluctantly lowers his wand only, Amelia stops and turns on him, "Who is your boss Dawlish? Either stand down and exit the room, or I will fire you on the spot and snap that pathic wand you cherish so much!" Dawlish immediately steps outside of the door, before he closes it, Amelia adds, "We are expecting Headmaster Dumbledore and a witness for Mr. Potter, if you do anything to stop from entering, consider that your termination as well. In fact, thinking on it, Dawlish you need to be doing something more important. Return to your duties. Lord Bones, would you please tell the Minister that I need arrange for a different Auror to stand at the doors. They can proceed once I am inside."
The man that Amelia was talking to says, "Of course Director Bones, I will gladly relay that. Should I escort Mr. Potter in or would you prefer he stay with you?" He winks to Amelia quickly, "He shall stay with me, since I should be the one handling all of this to begin with. Thank you, Lord Bones and Madame Longbottom." The two nobles enter the courtroom and make their way to Minister Fudge.
Amelia looks at Dawlish, "Well what are you waiting for, back to your previous duty, now!" As Dawlish left Amelia sent a patronus message to Shacklebolt to come and stand at the door. As they waited for him to arrive Amelia turned to Harry, and Padfoot, and said, "I want to make sure there is someone I trust on door duty. This way we know that Dumbledore and Mr. Kurosaki will be admitted. How are you doing Harry?"
Harry looked around, then answered, "Well, a bit confused and nervous as all get out. I think I will be okay." Amelia smiled at Harry, "I understand, and you are doing fine. Just remember what we talked about and all will be fine. My brother, Lord Bones and Madame Longbottom are very stand-up people, nobles as it is, and leaders of their House. Nothing will happen without us, trust me."
Padfoot leaned against Harry. Harry reached down and patted Padfoot and waited patiently. "Ah here he is and he found Dumbledore too. Excellent, Kingsly please make sure only Dumbledore and their witness enters, as well as Alastor Moody, he should be here shortly. If anything, odd sounding comes from within the chambers, seal the doors until you hear from me, please. Shall we Harry." She offers her arm, and Harry takes it. They enter the chamber and Amelia walks Harry over to the chair that is set in the middle of the large, vacant floor.
"Well, it is about time Director Bones. We thought maybe you were intent to hold the hearing in your offices." Remarks irritably Minister Fudge. He stands at a podium trying to look as menacing as he can. Amelia puts her monocle into place over her eye and looks at Minister Fudge and responds, "Well Minister, since under normal circumstances I am the one who does deal with these matters, I would be well within my right to do so. But, since you have summoned all the Wizengamot for a simple case of Underage Magic Use, let's get this circus going shall we, and maybe we can also discover the true intentions of this morning."
As she steps away from Harry and takes her seat on the same tier as the Minister and his cadre of followers. Minister Fudge huffs in irritation. "Very well, this morning we shall be discussing the crimes of Underage Magic Use and the violation of the Statue of Secrecy by one Harry James Potter. Does the accused have a guardian present…" As Fudge was about to continue, they hear the doors slam open and Dumbledore enters the spacious floor area. He does not look at Harry or say anything to him.
"Yes, Minister Fudge he does," responds Dumbledore.
"Good, well then, we can continue. The charges please." Fudge looks over to Percy Weasley, who stands to read the charges.
Amelia stops Percy from speaking and says, "And by the by, it is Lord Hary James Potter of the Most Ancient and Most Noble house of Peverell, and Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter. Since you are doing this Minister Fudge, let's at least do it correctly." As she finishes, everyone in the Wizengamot has a change of attitude looking at Harry.
"Lord Harry James Potter is charged with knowingly cast a Patronus charm while in the presence of an unidentified muggle. Thus, violating the Underage Magic laws as well as the laws of the Statue of Secrecy established by the International Confederation of Wizards. How do you plead Lord Potter?"
Dumbledore steps before Harry and says, "He pleads not guilty to all charges. Corneilus, can we please handle this privately as I requested after the incident?"
Fudge looks to Dumbledore with disgust and frustration, "No Dumbledore we shall not. And now for the sentencing!" He almost yells in response to Dumbledore.
At this point Director Bones stands, "I believe Minister you are jumping ahead of yourself. Mr. Potter has a witness to what happened, and failure to allow the witness to speak will be a miscarriage of justice and cause you problems." Fudge's face goes red in anger as he huffs up.
They then hear the doors open and close once more and then a sound of a spell taking hold on the doors. "Hmm hmm, Director Bones, what is the meaning of this?" Is said by a woman dressed in pink robes and a stole with the title of Undersecretary on it. She stands and looks at Director Bones as though she has all the power in the world to do whatever she wants.
"Ah Undersecretary Umbridge, I am so glad you are present since we have business with you later. But to answer your question, there are many members of the Wizengamot that want to know why they were forced to be here for a simple hearing, as well as to why the Minister is so impatient to see that injustice be done to the Boy Who Lived. Would you be able to answer for the Minister on this?" Umbridge looks to Fudge and sits down, a look of confusion on her face.
"Very well, then let's take care of the matter at hand first. Since this is a matter for my office to deal with, I will now be taking over with this inquiry. Minister Fudge, please take your seat. Thank you." She stares Fudge down as he takes a seat.
"Good. Now then, Headmaster Dumbledore I believe you have a witness, please present them." Amelia moves to stand on the podium to take charge of the hearing.
Dumbledore looking as confused as Umbridge clears his throat and says, "Yes Director Bones. We call Mr. Ichigo Kurosaki, cousin to the House of Black." Dumbledore turns to see Moody escort Ichigo into the room and grows nervous himself.
"Mr. Kurosaki, can you please tell the Wizengamot what you witnessed on 2 August 1995?"
Ichigo stands next to Harry, looks him in the eyes and nods encouragement to him. "Yes Mr. Dumbledore, I came into a secluded playground near Little Whinging. I was tracking my cousin Sirius Black as requested by my family in Japan. Instead, I found Harry there. When I approached to speak with him, I was suddenly overcome with an unnatural dread and coldness, as if happiness was being drained from me and the area. As I turned to look for the source of this, I saw two dementors approaching us from across the playground from the nearby woods. Not having a wand, I called upon my magic when I saw Harry perform the Patronus charm and he sent it hurtling at the dementors. They were overwhelmed with the strength of his charm and fled back into the woods. As the Patronus returned, I was overcome with despair and passed out. I awoke to being in the home of a Mrs. Figg who said she helped Harry take me to her home and then he returned to his home a street over."
"I see Mr. Kurosaki, and can you prove you have magic please?" Says Amelia.
Ichigo pulls out his wand and willed it to light up the tip and then levitates his blood ceremony form to Amelia with his wand. Amelia looks over the form and says, "We shall enter this form into the official records of the Ministry. It is a blood ritual performed by Ragnok the Sixth, Keeper of the Black family vaults in Gringotts. As well as all witnessed his act of magic with his hand. Anyone wish to examine the form?" Dumbledore steps forward as does several members of the Wizengamot.
Amelia hands Dumbledore the form, he reads over it and hands it to the Wizengamot members. "With this proof, I hereby declare that Lord Potter is indeed innocent of the charges of Violation of the Statue of Secrecy. I also wish to enter to the official records of the Ministry, the Inheritance test provided by Keeper Ragnok. The test was performed this week prior to the reading of the Potter Will. The form shows Lord Potter's blood test as well as his emancipation on 31, October 1994 when he was chosen to be a Champion of the Tri-Wizard tournament, which he also won. Since he was emancipated before August of this year, Lord Potter is technically not Underage, therefore the charges are dropped of his Underage Magic Use. Any contestation?"
Amelia looks directly at Minister Fudge and Undersecretary Umbridge. They sit silent and angry. "Good! Now unto other business. Lord Potter and Mr. Ichigo you may take seats in the section behind you. Dumbledore, will you please join them. You may enter now."
At that Sirius Black comes from around the corner. Harry looks quickly, not ever realizing that Padfoot had left his side. He and Ichigo take seats and watch what happens next. Harry with a big smile on his face.
"Guards, guards, Aurors. Arrest this man at once he is wanted fugitive." Screams Fudge.
Sirius strides up to Fudge and pushes him back into his seat. "Hush Minister before you make this any worse. I, Lord Sirius Orion Black, formally call the Wizengamot into session to recognize my claim as Lord and Head of House Black. As well as to hear my testimony and charges against the Ministry of Magic."
At this Lord Bones, Madame Longbottom and Lord Greengrass stand. Lord Bones speaks first, "I hear the call to session and formally accept it. Any others?"
Augusta Longbottom says, "I hear the call to session and formally accept it. Any others?"
Lord Greengrass says, "I hear the call to session and formally accept it."
Amelia states, "Per the rules of conduct of the Wizengamot, as an official of the Ministry of Magic I hear and accept the call, as it has been acknowledged by three Ancient and Most Noble Houses. And hereby call this hearing concluded and the official session of Wizengamot begins. Mr. Weasley your services are no longer needed and you are excused. Please call for the Secretary of the Wizengamot to appear so this session can formally begin."
Amelia steps over to Percy and escorts him to the door to have Shacklebolt open the seal for him to depart as the Wizengamot Secretary runs down the hall getting his robes on. "Ah thank you Director Bones, I was afraid I would not be allowed in upon the short notice." Amelia nods to him and motions him as Shaklebolt seals the doors behind them.
As they return to the chambers, she sees Dumbledore moving to his position as the Chief Warlock. "Oh, you will not be presiding over this session Dumbledore. Please return to the seats as you were directed. Thank you." Ichigo stands and looks to Ameila in a questioning manner, she indicates for him to sit down.
"Lord Black, you may proceed." She returns to her seat as the Secretary quickly takes his seat and gets his equipment ready. Once he acknowledges he is ready, Amelia motions for Sirius to continue.
"Thank you, Director Bones. I hereby request my title to be acknowledged and my seat as the Head of the House of Black reinstated. And for those confused, please be patient. First Director Bones will explain some things."
Amelia again takes over, "First we shall prove that Lord Black is innocent of his charges from fourteen years ago. As part of our proof, I would like to enter into Ministry record the official Last Will and Testament of Lord James Charlus Potter and Lily Rose Potter 'nee Evans. I would like the Secretary of the Wizengamot to please read this into record for the members present."
Amelia hands a copy of the Will to the secretary, who reads it out loud to all members as it is also recorded into the meeting transcript via his spelled quill and parchment. As he concludes with the reading there is a murmur among the members.
Amelia speaks again, "Thank you Secretary. As you all heard, Sirus Black first is the Godfather of Harry James Potter per the ritual, therefore, he would not be able to do any harm to Harry or his parents without causing his own death by breaking the vow. Second, Sirius Black was not the keeper of secrets, it was indeed Peter Pettigrew, and he was even called out by James Potter as traitor in the Will.
"Also, as per the miniscule investigation done by the late Minister Bagnold and Barty Crouch Sr. in the presence of Chief Warlock Dumbledore, Sirius Black was never given a proper trail. In fact, per orders of the afore mentioned, Sirius Black was stunned and sent to Azkaban to serve a sentence he was innocent of.
"Alastor Moody was an investigator of the crime and was able to recover all the statements taken at the time of the accusation, and nothing shows that Sirius Black attacked Pettigrew. When Sirius Black's wand was tested, the last spell cast by him was a deflection charm of significant strength to attempt to protect the muggles that were nearby. Director Croaker for the Department of Mysteries was able to determine that the explosion that happened that day was not magical in nature, but was caused by a magic charm that made a muggle gas main erupt, and the spell came from the position of Pettigrew.
"Further, after speaking with Professors Lupin and Snape of Hogwarts, they state that they saw Pettigrew on the night that Sirius Black was taken into custody on Hogwarts grounds. When Minister Fudge arrived, he admittedly refused to listen to Lord Potter, Mr. Ron Weasley, and Ms. Hermione Granger about the incident that occurred and said that they were 'hysterical due to the events of the dementors and Professor Lupins change into a registered werewolf'. Isn't that correct Minister Fudge?"
Fudge looks at the Wizengamot and is clearly distressed at this time. Umbridge clears her throat, "Hmm, Hmm. One cannot trust the word of a werewolf; they are disgusting animals." At that Harry and Ichigo both jump to their feet, Amelia gestures with a hand for them to sit down.
"Dolores, you need to take your seat and be silent. You were not acknowledged and was not spoken too. Trust me, you will have your chance to speak in due time. And if you cannot restrain yourself, I am sure the Secretary can authorize the appropriate incentive." Amelia stares Umbridge down until the pink clad woman resumes her seat. Harry and Ichigo sit down as well, Harry looking angry and Ichigo calm but prepared.
"Now then, Corneilius Fudge, how do you respond?" Says Amelia.
"I am not on trial here Director Bones, they are!" As he points at Harry and Dumbledore.
"No Corneilius they are not. Were you not paying attention that Lord Potter was cleared of all wrongful charges brought up by yourself and your Undersecretary?" States Lord Greengrass.
Amelia looks at the wizards and witches around her, "Thank you Lord Greengrass. Do you have no statement in your defense for ignoring three decorated students of Hogwarts? I will only ask this one last time."
Fudge does not say anything. He glares at Amelia instead. "Very well, Secretary please record that Corneilius Fudge refused to answer the question posed and appears to be in an aggressive state of mood.
"Continuing on, after review of all statements, documents and evidence that was at our disposal Alastor Moody and myself determined the innocence of Sirius Black. Does the Wizengamot have any questions or concerns?"
She waits quietly as a few members speak amongst themselves. Finally, Lord Greengrass stands, "You may speak Lord Greengrass." Announces the Secretary.
"Thank you, I would like to officially acknowledge the innocence of Sirius Black of all charges regarding Lord and Lady Potter's death. Also, I move for Sirius Black to be acknowledged as Lord Black since I personally know that Lord Arcturus Black, his grandfather, had declared Sirius as his Heir. And he allowed access to his seat amongst the Wizengamot. Any oppose?"
No one speaks as Lord Greengrass looks around. "Very well, welcome back Lord Black, do you have your House Ring?"
Sirius approaches and show his house ring to Lord Greengrass and the Secretary. The Secretary then states, "As the official Secretary of the Wizengamot, welcome back Lord Black. Please take your seat amongst your peers."
A quiet applause fills the chambers as Sirius steps up to the tier of Ancient and Most Noble Houses. He sits in the chair and a silver light surrounds him and the chair, then fades away.
Amelia looks to Sirius and smiles. Nearby members genially welcome Sirius back as the room settles back down.
"Excellent. Now that that is settled. Onto the last piece of business that I have with the esteemed Wizengamot. I hereby press formal charges of treason and sedition against Cornelius Fudge and Dolores Umbridge. Specifically, in regard to the attempted murder of Lord Potter and Mr. Kurosaki by means of dementors. Being as neither person is of an Ancient and Most Noble or even a Noble House, these charges are most sincere."
The Secretary stands, "Madame Director, what proof do you have against the Minister and his Undersecretary?"
"Alastor, would you please present the statements you obtained. As well as he the memories willingly given by five members of the Aurors department and by two members of the Ministry guard posted at Azkaban prison."
Alastor stands and presents the evidence to the Secretary. He reads over the statements quickly and says, "These all appear in order, and I believe we will need to decide on who will be standing for the trial against them. If I may ask Director Bones, why have you not allowed Chief Warlock Dumbledore to take his seat?"
"At this time, I leave that discussion to the Wizengamot, I did not want the Chief Warlock to feel he was being accused in regard to the case for Lord Black. We feel that only his inaction to assist Lord Black fourteen years or two years ago is the only thing he was guilty of. Therefore, having him not in his official position he was not required to act. I am sure the Wizengamot will handle any further actions they wish to pursue on their own terms.
"Maybe, some of us that are not needed for the discussion for the trial of Cornielius Fudge and Dolores Umbridge should leave the chambers until we are called back." She looks over to Harry and Ichigo.
Madame Longbottom stands, "I agree with Director Bones. Yourself, Lord Potter and Mr. Kurosaki should exit the chambers. Chief Warlock please resume your position and seat. And I believe we will need to provide for a defense team, unless Mr. Fudge and Ms. Umbridge already have council?"
Amelia gathers her things and steps down and over to Harry and Ichigo. "Come along gentlemen, Alastor if you will join us. We shall return when summoned. Until then, we shall be in my office when needed." She ushers everyone to the door and Shacklebolt unseals the doors to allow them to leave, a big smile on his face.
As soon as they are out the doors are closed and sealed. Remus and Mr. Weasley rush forward. "How did it go?"
"Lord Potter has been cleared of all charges and Lord Black sits on the Wizengamot. They are about to discuss my charges against Fudge and Umbridge. So, we have an hour or so to wait. Let's go to my office until then. Arthur, thank you for bringing in Lord Potter and Mr. Kurosaki, I am sure you have work that is more important." Arthur smiles at them all and nods as he merrily and hastily makes his way up into the Ministry.
Amelia slowly escorts everyone to a side elevator, taps her wand against the cage to open the doors and activate it. Once everyone is inside the elevator it takes them up several floors, to stop outside of Amelia's office. They walk to the door and enter. Amelia talks to her secretary for a few minutes and then goes into her office. She summons chairs for everyone and refreshments. She drops into her chair and lets out a deep breath.
"Wow, that was intense, and I am so glad it went so smoothly. The rest of this plan may not. Unfortunately, we will have to return and bear witness to the trial. And I don't think it will go well for them. And Sirius still has his accusations against Dumbledore to deal with too. Our day is long from being over. So, let's relax as best we can. I have pumpkin juice coming as well as coffee and some food. It might be a while before we will get any refreshments once we go back into the chambers."
Ichigo leans over to Harry, "Back there, the woman insulted a werewolf, who was she referring to?" Harry looks to Remus, Remus nods to him, "She was talking about Remus. When he was a kid, he was attacked and cursed with lycanthropy. Many in the Ministry feel that werewolves are not still wizards or witches and treat them with disdain.
Ichigo responds, "Can you control yourself as a werewolf Remus?"
Remus looks to the floor and shakes his head in the negative, "When the moon is full, we lose control and change into the beast. If we have access to wolfsbane potions, we can keep them calm, and most people isolate themselves at that time. Most of us do not want to hurt anyone."
The room is quiet a moment, Harry puts his hand on Remus and then gives him a hug. Ichigo says, "I am sorry to hear that My friend. But it does not change who you are as a person or a wizard. You should remember that."
Remus nods and smiles, "I am surprised there weren't any troubles started while you were making your accusations. Didn't Fudge react at all?" In a way to divert the conversation back on topic.
"No, he did not. But Umbridge got uppity and made the negative comments about you Remus." Says Ichigo, "If Amelia didn't give us that look, I would have gladly dealt with that Umbridge woman, she is a real piece of work."
Harry laughs, "Yeah, we both got upset with what she said. But Director Bones put her in her place right away. I am glad you are on our side." He smiles at Amelia, and she smiles back.
"Well, it took a lot of hard work to get myself to this position and I do have a reputation for being a mean witch. I do not take well to bullies or cowards that try to use positions of power to harm others. So, if I can get Dolores removed as well and locked up for her part in what happened to your Harry, I will be very happy indeed."
A tray of refreshments appears on Amelia's desk, after everyone got glasses of juice and something to snack on, they wait patiently to be summoned back to the Wizengamot.
A/N: Will end this chapter here, it has gotten away from me, so will finish this in the next chapter. Stay tuned.