When the trial was over, Harry and his fiancées were escorted back into the witness room to wait for everyone else to leave. After at least a half hour, the noise level outside the door abated and Dumbledore walked through the door.
"I'm sorry for the delay. As you can imagine there was much to be done with the unexpected second trial," He explained. "Pettigrew will be sent through the Veil Monday morning. Do you wish to be there?"
"We…I thought we would be in France by then," Harry said. "If the Dursleys are kicking us out tomorrow, what would we do until then? I know we're going to be at the Grangers all day, but what happens on Sunday?"
"If you do not mind, I'd like to stop by the Dursleys tomorrow and speak to them," Dumbledore said. "I will not force anything, but even another day will give them extra protection."
Harry shrugged. "We had a deal sir and I'll stay as long as they'll cooperate, but I'll not let them bother us again."
"Sir, I'm sure my parents would let us stay two nights if we need to," Hermione said.
"Very well," Dumbledore said. "I'll have a word with Petunia tomorrow and we'll see where it goes from there," He looked at Gabrielle who was still clutching at Harry. "As for Madam Umbridge, she'll be transported to Azkaban with the change of guard later tonight."
The door opened again and Minister Fudge along with Amelia Bones led several people through the door. Alain, Remus and Sirius were walking behind them chatting together while two Aurors were following behind them.
"Pup!" Sirius said when he saw Harry. "Look at me, I'm respectable again."
"Respectable?" Lupin scoffed. "Innocent and not being pursued yes, but I think you still have a ways to go before we'll call you respectable."
"So why are you here?" Harry asked as he gave his godfather a hug. "And why the Aurors?"
"These guys are in charge of my safety," Sirius replied with a smile as he thumbed toward the blue cloaked Aurors. "It might take a while for people to get the word that I'm innocent and they're to be there to make sure nothing unfortunate happens. I'm here to answer a few questions. Madam Bones would like to know how I escaped and all that. I just asked to stop in and see you before enduring the inquisition. Heard there was some excitement?"
"Yeah that Ministry lady tried to make Gabrielle…"
"Uh…Mr. Potter," Minister Fudge interrupted nervously. "Would it be possible to not mention the Ministry when discussing Dolores…I mean Umbridge."
"E's concerned zat people might associate what she did with ze Ministry and of course 'im," Alain Delacour explained.
"I understand sir," Harry said to the Minister. "I just hope you're more careful with the next person you put into such an important position."
Fudge grimaced. "Yes, well evaluating people is very difficult sometimes."
"Sir, so far I've seen you with Lucius Malfoy and now this person," Harry said. "Please do a better job of evaluating who you get your advice from. Right now you need to look for people who are more interest in fighting Voldemort…like…like," Harry tried to think of someone to suggest but he didn't know many adult witches or wizards. He could only think of one name, "Arthur Weasley."
"I will certainly do my best to find the right person," Fudge stated fidgety. He actually wasn't lying since he knew he couldn't afford another scandal.
"Alain, I think we should take them back to the tent for now," Dumbledore said.
"I'll help take them sir," Remus offered. "I won't get to see them for the next week or so since I need to leave town tonight," He looked at Harry. "I didn't tell you this morning but I am now an official employee of the French magical government. I am told by my boss," He looked over at Alain Delacour, "that I need to start work. I have to get to Paris by Monday to start organizing an office and then make contact with several applicants and the werewolf community."
Harry could see a real happiness had developed in Remus Lupin's eyes. He realized this day had been just as much for him and Sirius as it had been his. It was their time to pay their respects to their friends and see the person who had not only betrayed Harry's parents, but themselves as well get what he deserved. "I'm happy for you Moony. You deserve it you know. So not going to be around on Monday?"
"No, the longer I wait to get started the more potential for Voldemort to get a foothold in the werewolves," Remus explained. "Sirius will be here though. I'll be around the Delacour home on occasion this summer so you'll see me then. Besides I promised to show you how to detect wards."
"Speaking of wards," Dumbledore said, "I understand from Minerva that you wish to learn Runes?"
"Yes sir," Harry said. "I think I need to make a change."
Dumbledore studied the young man carefully. He had never tried to influence the choice of classes Harry took in case it should work against the development of whatever power Harry was suppose to have, but when Trelawney had made the new prediction a year ago, Dumbledore had started hoping that with Harry around her, she might make another one that could help further guide what needed to be done to end the threat of Tom Riddle. Unfortunately, he realized that he could not risk anything that would force Harry on a path away from Hogwarts. He finally nodded. "I'm sure we can arrange something."
"Thank you sir."
It was only a short time later the bonded had been apparated by Remus and Alain to deserted alley outside the wards.
"Do you wish me to come 'ave a word with ze Dursleys again?" Alain asked.
....
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