Chapter 1272 - Ch: 9-10

Chapter 9 - Searching for Justice

Lord Voldemort watched with a wicked smile as the first rays of the rising sun encountered Azkaban's impressive black walls, an Azkaban that was now under his command. While he was disappointed with the results of the earlier raids, there hadn't been anyone murdered and that useless Wormtail was missing, those raids had still served their purpose. The Ministry's aurors were all busy chasing shadows while his real plan now took place unhindered and unopposed.

The dementors had turned on the guards at his command, leaving only the governor alive - providing he immediately pulled down the wards. The island was now only protected by muggle repelling wards, those were attached to buoys anchored around the island - and of no consequence to the dark lord. The governor lying prostrate before Lord Voldemort was though, here would be one more confirmation of the extraordinary situation they found themselves in.

"I will ask you one question, your answer will decide whether you live or die this morning. Was Harry Potter kissed while in your care?"

It took the terrified wizard three attempts to utter 'yes'

The dark lord's wand emitted a spell that lifted the wizard up in the air and stuck him to his own prison wall, about twenty feet above the ground. When the ministry discovered what had happened here, their prison governor would still be hanging there to greet them when the rescue party arrived. After entering the prison proper, his death eaters spread throughout the building to make the inmates an offer they couldn't refuse - join our ranks or die.

Lord Voldemort headed to the secure wing, ready to release his most faithful followers. As the cell doors were opened and his imprisoned death eaters once more knelt before their master, the dark lord noticed one prisoner who hung back.

"Bella my dear, is this the witch who rid us of the Potter brat?"

"Yes, my master. She used the torture curse on him until he could scream no more, then she left the cell door open for the dementors. Bones herself locked her in that cell, the same one Potter was being held in."

The dark lord then focused his attention on the clearly frightened witch. "You have done Lord Voldemort a great service, come forward and receive your reward. Not only will you be allowed to live, I will grant you the honour of wearing my mark. You shall become one of my servants as we rid our world of those who would pollute our culture with their dirty blood and new ways."

Dolores had hoped Cornelius would rush to her rescue but something that bitch Bones said struck a chord. The Minister of Magic would shovel as much of the shit as possible onto her in a desperate attempt to save his own arse. This was the only offer Dolores was going to get, and a refusal would surely be a death sentence. She tried to muster as much courage as she could while Dolores walked toward the dark lord. Bellatrix Lestrange growled at her to kneel, something Dolores was glad to do as her legs were about to give way any second.

"I normally demand my servants show that they are worthy before they earn my mark, and join the ranks of my death eaters. In disposing of Potter, with my most faithful followers as witnesses, I deem you to have already proven your worth."

Bellatrix then ripped her sleeve before Dolores' new master's wand made her arm burn with a pain way more excruciating than any other she had experienced before - it seemed to reach into her very soul. Her screams rang throughout the prison, and appeared to delight those who watched their master work. Panting for breath, Dolores now looked at her arm in fascination as the snake continually moved around the skull - Dolores Umbridge was now a marked death eater and answered to a new master.

"Let us leave this place and then break our fast in surroundings more suited to our stations."

With that, Lord Voldemort led his followers out of the so-called secure wing. They would breakfast in Malfoy Manor while his death eaters looked over the new recruits from the other parts of the prison on the manor grounds.

Some of those released prisoners would go on to be loyal death eaters, some would die during their training raids and a few would even try to run - that would give Lord Voldemort a chance to see if over a decade in Azkaban had his little Bella losing her edge. The screams of Bella working on their first would-be deserter should certainly discourage others who harboured similar thoughts.

-oOoOo-

After hearing the news about Harry Potter being kissed by a dementor, Xeno Lovegood arrived at the little cottage at an hour that was hardly sociable - almost right after the snowy owl delivered the address to him. He found all the occupants, including one Harry Potter, were already up. In fact, most of them hadn't slept at all.

Ron went with Harry into what had by default become his bedroom in the cottage to get ready for their part in this plan. This also allowed Luna to bring her father up to speed with exactly what was happening. Hermione arriving for both wizards told them it was time to return. As Ron left, Hermione took the opportunity to hug Harry - just to make sure he really was here and her boyfriend.

Recognising what was happening, Harry held her close too. "Hey, it's okay, Hermione - we'll get through this."

"I'm just thankful Madam Bones brought you to St Mungo's, Dobby wouldn't have been able to get you out of the Ministry or Azkaban."

"I'm just thankful I don't have to speak to your parents about those love based rituals Luna mentioned. Not that I have anything against performing them with you, I would just rather no one but us knew about it…"

This left Hermione blushing, smiling and dragging Harry into the living room before any of her parents came looking for them.

Xeno had very quickly and wholeheartedly approved of their plan, though added one more refinement.

This was why Ron was in Hogsmeade, with Luna by his side as they entered Honeydukes. The pair found themselves on a mission that could have been designed for the two of them.

They were to enter the store and discuss loudly what they should buy and why, Ron was enjoying the argument so much he almost forgot the real reason they were there. As the only customers in the shop - Honeydukes had barely been open five minutes - both of the assistants were soon over to see if they could help this young couple make their minds up.

After a good ten minutes of enthusiastic back and forth discussions, they left the shop with a large bag of assorted sweets. Quickly and quietly walking past a few shops, they then dived into an alley before calling for Dobby.

"Master Harry is waiting on you..." There was almost displeasure in Dobby's tone, as if it was a crime to keep the great Harry Potter waiting. Then again, to Dobby it probably was. The little elf popped them straight to Harry.

"You had no trouble getting in then?"

"Oh I don't know about that, Ron. Luna saying that Pepper Imps scared away the Blibbering Humdingers almost had me bursting out laughing - not a good reaction for someone under an invisibility cloak and breaking into a shop's basement. It was a great relief though when Dobby could find me in the tunnel, I didn't fancy having to try and sneak back out of Honeydukes. Dobby, time for you and Winky to bring the rest of the gang."

Dobby was back moments later with the three Grangers, a relieved Hermione slipping into Harry's waiting arms - her parents refusing to let her be part of this scheme. Winky was right behind with Remus, Sirius and Xeno.

Emma was clinging on to Dan as the tunnel stretched out before them, lit only by wands. "Um, Harry, did I mention I hate spiders? There aren't any spiders down here, are there?"

"Don't worry, mum, Ron's terrified of them too. That's why he and Harry walked into an acromantula nest."

"Hermione, I'm almost afraid to ask what that is."

"Think spiders the size of dad's precious Range Rover, mum, and you won't be too far away. They only live in the Forbidden Forest though, probably why the forest has the word 'forbidden' in front of it."

"Hey, that wasn't our fault. Hagrid told Harry and me to 'follow the spiders' - and you weren't there to talk us out of it."

That night was etched on Harry's brain too. "They wanted us to stay for supper, only we were to be their supper. Hagrid still thinks they're misunderstood harmless wee beasties."

"There was no misunderstanding that night, me and Harry barely got out of there with our lives..."

While they had been talking, they had also been walking. Emma had become so engrossed in the tale that she was surprised when Harry announced they had arrived. Checking the marauders map, Harry was able to see that the coast was clear. Everyone was in the great hall, presumably eating a late breakfast. It was time to get out of this tunnel and join them.

-oOoOo-

The doors of the great hall opening surprised Albus, the wards hadn't warned him Hogwarts had visitors. That initial surprise was nothing though when compared to who walked through those doors. A scream from Molly shocked everyone back to their senses as she displayed speed and agility not normally associated with someone of her short stature yet ample other dimensions.

Harry, Hermione, Ron and Luna led the four adults and the big black dog into the hall, Molly shot toward them like a bowling ball fired down an alley. Ron was bracing himself for the strike, only to discover he wasn't the intended target.

It was Harry who was soon entombed in that ample bosom as Molly sobbed all over him. "Oh Harry, this is wonderful - we thought you had left us forever."

Harry used what little breath he had left to answer the crying woman. "Thank you, Mrs Weasley. I probably would have been a goner if it wasn't for the girls."

This had Molly switching targets as Luna and Hermione now received the same treatment. "Thank you! I don't know how you did it, I don't even want to know - just thank you for whatever you did."

"Hey, I'm the one with the red hair. Remember me - your youngest son?"

Molly released her grip on the girls before facing Ron. "My clock told me you were visiting, and I knew Hermione would look after you..." She then had a wide smile on her face and engulfed Ron in a hug too.

Harry meanwhile was being congratulated by the twins before Arthur shook his hand. A tearful Ginny then tried to rush toward Harry, only to find his hand held out in front of him in the universal sign to stop. "Ginevra, you drew your wand on my girlfriend when Hermione and Luna were trying to save my life. Those are not the actions of a friend, Ginevra Molly Weasley."

Ginny was mortified. Her entire family were watching as Harry not only refused to hug her, she was being publicly called on her actions against Hermione. Harry using her full name was particularly hurtful. "Harry, I don't know what Hermione has told you..."

"Hermione didn't tell me anything, and neither did Ron." Harry had seen Ginny's glare switch instantly to her brother, Ron didn't need that trouble. Hermione didn't tell him what happened either, he'd seen the entire memory while sharing her mind.

"If I can get letters out of Azkaban and survive a dementor's kiss, don't you think I would know who did what to my girlfriend while I was gone?" Harry was glaring at Dumbledore as he said his last comment before switching to acknowledge Amelia Bones who was standing open-mouthed beside Dumbledore.

"Madam Bones, it's a pleasure to meet you. It's an even greater pleasure to know you have the betrayer of the Potter family, and Cedric's murderer, safely contained in the headmaster's office. Pettigrew is safely contained, isn't he? That rat has escaped justice more than once."

"Mr Potter, while delighted and astonished to see you are still with us - I have to ask how you know that? None of the staff even know that fact."

"Madam Bones, that fact is the only reason I'm standing here today. With everyone thinking I'm as good as dead, Hermione, Luna and I could have been out of the country and no one would have been any the wiser. I want justice for my godfather, and we're placing our trust in you to deliver that justice. As to the how, I believe you were promised a full explanation. We always keep our promises, though the headmaster is not welcome at that meeting."

Albus couldn't hide his hurt at that last remark. "Harry, I know we've had our differences but I hope we can put that behind us…"

"Save it, Professor. You let Snape make my life a misery for the last four years, knowing he was responsible for what happened to the Potters - I can't forgive you or him for that. We hope to work with Madam Bones so any of your secrets you now think we need to know, you should pass to her. We trust her to use her judgement to do the same where you're concerned."

There were staff staring at Harry as if he had horns growing out his head, he had of course noticed Snape wasn't present. It was another absentee however that had Harry asking his former head of house for a favour.

"Professor McGonagall, could you please let Hagrid know I'm fine? I can't imagine he would take the news of me being kissed by a dementor well. Even Hagrid hates those creatures, yet the same Minister of Magic flung him in Azkaban too."

"I'll do that, and Mister Potter - it's good to have you back."

"Oh, I'm not back, Professor. We three have left Hogwarts. Our discussions with Madam Bones will centre around how to bring Voldemort down so we can freely attend Beauxbatons next term. Otherwise we're looking at new identities, moving abroad and the possibility of tutors. Voldemort is not my problem, no matter how much the Professor here tries to make it so. I intend to let the witches and wizards of Britain know I'm alive and then do exactly what I said I would do - bugger off and leave them to deal with their problem."

"The Harry Potter I know would never do that…" Dumbledore had barely uttered that sentence when he found himself under a verbal attack from a pair of very angry witches. A pair of witches who seemed so in sync that Fred and George could only look on in awe.

"The Harry Potter you think you know is nothing more than a projection of an old man's manipulations…"

Luna was right behind her best friend. "…while girls like Ginny were reading about Harry Potter's wonderful adventures and life, the real Harry Potter was living in a cupboard and being treated worse than the Malfoys' house elf."

"You left him there, Headmaster. Not only did you not check up on a young Harry, you sent him back to Privet Drive every summer too…" Hermione was trying not to let her temper get away from her, she could end up slapping Dumbledore one if that happened.

"After facing Voldemort at the end of his first year, you sent him back there. They put bars on his window and passed him meagre scraps of food through a flap they'd cut in his door - the twins and Ron had to rescue him from the hell you sent him to."

Molly was not the only Weasley with tears in her eyes at Luna's description, she thought she was all cried out too. In their defence, it had been a very emotional last few hours for the Weasley family. "We thought the twins were making that up to try and stay out of trouble for stealing the car."

She found comfort being offered by Hermione. "Mrs Weasley, your family has shown Harry nothing but kindness since meeting him that first morning in the station. The headmaster on the other hand appears determined to mould Harry Potter into whatever he thinks his version of Harry needs to be. Since he doesn't share with anyone else what or why that is, you can perhaps see why none of us trust him where Harry's concerned."

Harry putting an arm around each of the girls stopped their tirade though both still appeared ready to spring at the old wizard. "I suspect none of us got much sleep last night, I know we got none. The Grangers' house was also targeted last night, I assume the death eaters hit others too?"

"The Dark Lord himself led the scum who visited Bones Manor, only having a portkey made by Professor Dumbledore got Susan and I out of there alive. The Professor did the same for the Weasley family."

"Madam, the Headmaster is undoubtably on the same side as us - we just don't trust him enough to work with him. Padfoot, you know we need to trust someone - and you're never going to get a better opportunity than this."

Amelia thought the shocks were over for the morning, seeing the big black dog transform into Sirius Black was right up there however for the Director of the D.M.L.E. Having Peter Pettigrew locked in the headmaster's office, and Harry clearly on good terms with this wizard, were what stopped Amelia immediately reaching for her wand.

"It's good to see you again, Amelia. My godson trusts you, and he has good taste." Padfoot was pouring on the charm.

"Sirius Black, leave the flirting until we prove you're innocent - and then get your name cleared."

Sirius nodded and then got down to business. "My godson also knows of a room that even the marauders couldn't find, we have lots to discuss. Know this though, Amelia, the safety of these teens here are the only concerns of the three parents, godparent and one honouree uncle who are standing with them in this. The ministry has now locked both me and my godson into Azkaban without a trial, while the Grangers have just had their home burned to the ground. You are looking at a group of people who owe the British magical community zilch - and that's exactly what they're going to get from us."

As the group were starting to move away, Molly noticed Ron didn't appear ready to leave with them. "Aren't you going with your friends?"

Ron calmly shook his head at that. " What I don't know, the headmaster can't look inside my head and find. They're safer this way…"

Ginny didn't think so. After her painful and embarrassing rebuttal, watching Harry begin to leave with an arm around each girl had her wanting to reach for her wand. "You're leaving Harry with those two girls?"

That was enough for Molly, Ginny found herself being dragged away by her angry mother - and it wasn't for a quiet word.

"Do you really think I would do that, Mr Weasley?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Ron answered Dumbledore the only way he could. "You did it to Hermione, why should I be any different?"

The twins and his father then had a quick word with Ron, they wanted to know what was left of the Burrow before visiting the site later this morning. Ron's answer of nothing was not unexpected, but devastating none the less.

Devastation was a good description of how Albus was feeling. There was a meeting about to be held in Hogwarts that was vital to the outcome of this war and, not only was he not invited - he was specifically barred from attending.

Albus needed to do something to get himself back being trusted again. Something in him had changed the instant Amelia had confirmed the news Harry Potter had been kissed. There was not one shred of doubt in his mind that Albus Dumbledore had failed James and Lily's son - and then the lad unbelievably just walked into the great hall. Albus had been given a second chance - he daren't fail Harry this time.

"Mister Potter." Albus' shout halted the group just before they left the great hall, he took a couple of determined strides toward them before saying his piece.

"You are making decisions based on incomplete information, a condition I am more than aware that I am responsible for. This is something I need to rectify immediately. What I would like to propose is that I attend your meeting, tell your group everything I know, answer all your questions that I am able to and then you can decide whether I leave before you give Madam Bones whatever information you need to. I understand your lack of trust in me, I also understand that's not something that can be easily repaired. Even if you then ask me to leave your meeting, I'm pleased that you have found someone like Amelia Bones that you can place your trust in - you really couldn't have picked anyone more appropriate to do so with."

Harry was looking to the rest of the group, none of them could see a downside to this offer either. Before he could accept Dumbledore's offer, a pair of owls entered the great hall - swooping down to the Headmaster and Director of the D.M.L.E.

Both reacted angrily to what they were now reading, Madam Bones giving them the news that would be all over the country later on today. "Voldemort turned up on Azkaban Island at dawn. The dementors had already killed all the guards, bar the governor, and the death eaters then freed the entire population of the prison. A prison-load of new recruits, the very worst of his death eaters now free and also the dementors added to his ranks - Voldemort just got himself an army!"

Albus was also infuriated at this news, he'd warned Cornelius what the consequences of his inactions could be. "There's an emergency Wizengamot meeting called for noon. We all know Fudge is finished, what we need now is someone elected who will go after Voldemort and his death eaters - and not a supporter of Tom."

Hermione had a flash of inspiration and just went with it. That inspiration was motivated purely by wanting someone else to fight this war, someone other than her Harry that is. Hermione had the very wizard in mind for that particular job.

"Sir, whatever our differences, we know we're all on the same side here. Voldemort has made some big plays but I think I know how our side can counter them - and then some. The witches and wizards of Britain will be terrified and panicking, something Voldemort will be counting heavily on. What would happen if, at the Wizengamot meeting today, Pettigrew was tried for killing Cedric and his part in the Potters being murdered, Sirius Black became a free wizard, Harry Potter returned from the dead and Albus Dumbledore became the next Minister of Magic?"

The only two people in the great hall not currently staring at Hermione in shock were both Weasley females. Molly had obviously erected a silencing charm as she got ripped in about her daughter and missed what Hermione had just said.

"Miss Granger, I've known since the Halloween of your first year that you were an exceptional witch. The trauma you endured that night was certainly of the major variety, yet you were still capable of lying to your headmaster and head of house to protect the two boys who saved you. Nothing you have done since has made me change my very high opinion of you, but the insight you just displayed shoots that opinion to an even higher level. I feel though that Amelia here would be a better candidate for Minister of Magic..."

Harry jumped all over Dumbledore's objections, immediately seeing where Hermione was going with this. "I disagree, Headmaster. We've just heard Voldemort has his army, well our side certainly now needs an army too. No offence to Madam Bones, but an army with Albus Dumbledore at its head will gain far more followers, and scare those who chose to face it more, than one led by anyone else we have. The time for talking would appear to be over, it's time for Dumbledore's Army to take the field. You're pushing for us to trust you yet still don't seem willing to take the steps needed to defeat Voldemort and his followers. Surely you have to see you can't have one without the other?"

Sensing Dumbledore's opinion was swithering, Harry pushed home his advantage. "Last night Voldemort and his death eaters tried to murder the Grangers, Weasleys and Bones' - and we all know that's only the beginning. To have any chance of winning this war, the fight has to be taken to them - and you have to be the one leading it."

Having recovered from the sheer audacity of Miss Granger's proposal, Amelia was now studying it from every angle - and liking that proposal more and more. "Albus, this is genius! The Dark Lord will have his followers in that Wizengamot meeting, trying to ensure they rig the vote in his favour. Pettigrew can be used to finish Fudge, and then finger the death eaters inside the chamber too. We clean out the Wizengamot - arrest them right out of their seats - elect you minister, get Sirius his trial and then bring in Harry. We'll deal Voldemort a blow he hopefully won't recover from - it will certainly at the very least put him on the back foot. We can use this momentum to clean all his marked followers out of the ministry too."

"I don't know if we would get the backing to do all that..."

An angry Hermione exploded at Dumbledore's dithering. "Backing? Screw backing - did Fudge ask for backing to throw Harry in Azkaban? This is war, there are different rules during wars. With Madam Bones and the aurors beside you, what more backing do you need? Voldemort won't let laws or rules stand in the way of getting what he wants, or worry about getting the backing he needs. Our side has to match that ruthlessness - or lose!"

While Amelia agreed with every word the young witch just said, she understood Dumbledore's problem. "Albus, this is something that has to be done - and only you can do it. I know you've never wanted the power that comes with being Minister of Magic but sometimes we all have to do things we don't want to. When Voldemort is defeated then you can retire if you want. Shit - I might just retire myself after we achieve that."

It was actually Arthur Weasley who spoke next, he too liking Hermione's idea. "Albus, it was nothing short of a miracle we defeated him the last time. The Weasleys, like the rest of the country, were then left to watch as those with enough gold bought themselves out of being sent to Azkaban. We all know that there would have been some of those same people at the Burrow last night, trying to murder my family. The Burrow may not have been much, but it was more than enough for the Weasley family - it was our home and now it's gone! While we are incredibly grateful for the portkey that got us all out of there, my family is standing here in everything they own - mainly because the problem wasn't dealt with the last time."

Arthur needed a moment to centre himself before he could continue. "I'm not looking for sympathy, Albus, what we all want and need is justice. The Order of the Phoenix can only do so much, and those efforts weren't nearly enough the last time. You becoming Minister of Magic is the best chance our country has of winning this war, and finally seeing real justice carried out. You are our best, our only hope of seeing any of that rare commodity from the Ministry - something everyone here can sadly testify to."

Dan liked the Weasleys, they had made his daughter welcome in their home - the same home they had just lost last night. It was time to return the favour, and show some support for the right side. "Arthur, my family spent the night at a cottage we own - a cottage we won't need when we leave the country. It's not a magical building so neither your Ministry nor these murderers know anything about it. The Weasley family would be welcome to use the cottage for as long as they like."

Hermione was soon hugging her father, confirming she thought that was a brilliant idea too. "Oh Mr Weasley, say yes. Ron might have to share a room with the twins or sleep on the couch…"

Ron quickly confirmed his option would be the couch as Hermione continued, switching her attention to another target. "…and Professor Dumbledore, we're all waiting on the same answer from you."

Both wizards seemed out of other options and agreed, seeing Harry then signal to Ron. "You might as well come with us, we can't have the new Minister of Magic not knowing what's happening. Let's go do what we came here for, since it's looking like we now need to be somewhere else at noon."

-oOoOo-

Lucius was feeling like a stranger in his own home, a home that now held his crazed sister-in-law. Bella's time in Azkaban had not improved her temperament, and having a wand in her hand for the first time in over a decade left her desperate for any excuse to use it.

There was also Dolores Umbridge to consider, this new death eater was actually currently placed higher than Lucius in the Dark Lord's esteem. This was not something Lucius could allow to continue, and he knew just how to reverse that trend.

He was now glad that he'd kept the news of the tracking charm on the Granger bitch to himself, Lucius figured he shouldn't need any help with this simple snatch mission. Stun the mudblood and kill everyone else, taking the time to enjoy the screams of her muggle parents before finally putting an end to their misery - then bringing Granger back for his master's pleasure. If Lucius was really lucky, he might even find Potter there too.

With his mind made up, Lucius held his wand ready before apparating to wherever the tracking charm led him - to wherever Granger was - and then he could revel in the resulting glory.

Instead of finding himself in some muggle dwelling, the masked death eater found himself standing in the middle of a busy London road, busy even although it was a Sunday morning. Lucius' last thought was how could this thing possibly predict it was the World's End as the massive red London bus Dobby had placed the tracking charm on ploughed right into and over Lucius Malfoy, the shocked driver not having nearly enough time to apply the brakes.

The number three two eight, routed to the Chelsea area named after a pub called the World's End, was going to be late today. There was an ambulance already rushing to the scene of the accident but that rush would be in vain. The strangely dressed man with the long blond hair was already dead, his twisted and mangled body wedged under the ten ton bus. The paramedics would be needed more for the driver of the vehicle, a driver who just kept repeating 'he came out of nowhere' whether anyone was listening or not.

Lucius certainly got one of his wishes, because of him there were now muggles screaming in horror. There was no glory however, those horrific screams were from the people who witnessed this stranger's gory end. Around seventy pedestrians a year meet their end on the busy London roads, only his clothing and lack of any identification made Lucius Malfoy different from the rest of those unfortunate souls. The proud pureblood was now leaking that precious liquid onto the road surface, meeting his end under the wheels of a London bus was certainly not a glorious way to go.

-oOoOo-

Ron watched as Harry had two witches cuddling into him, there was however not one grain of jealousy coming from the redhead - quite the opposite in fact. Like the other three teens in this wondrous room, Ron's mind was focused on only one thing.

"... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives..."

No matter what way Ron looked at that statement, he reached the same conclusion - his best friend had just been handed a death sentence. It was clear everyone else in the room thought so too.

Sirius had just gotten his godson back from the dead, he wasn't about to lose Harry again to any bloody mumbo-jumbo. He concentrated on another part of this prophecy.

"... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... You've had over a decade to work on this, Albus - just what is this power?"

"Well a power the dark lord knows nothing about would be love. That's why poor Quirenus couldn't touch Harry back in his first year, Lily's love still protected her son."

This saw Luna's mood brighten. "Harry's love for Hermione protected him from that horcrux in his head. Voldemort was trying to alter Harry's thoughts to cause him pain, the love Harry had for Hermione was radiating out and hurting the horcrux - it actually caused the thing to hide away. I don't know how Harry could use that in a fight though..."

This left Albus, Amelia and even Ron staring at the girl as if she'd just said the moon was made of cheese. Sirius and the others knew exactly what Luna was talking about, the worried godfather wanted to focus on something else however.

"I can't argue against anything Luna just said, especially to wonder how Harry would use the power of love to defeat a dark lord. If the prophecy is to be believed then Harry is Voldemort's equal - at least in the magic each has available to call on. I think Harry has another power though, and it's one I've certainly never heard of. Amelia, could you humour us here for a few moments. I want you to consider what the most difficult spell you know is, and I'm willing to bet Harry will have mastered it before we leave for the ministry. You're about to get your explanation - and a visitor!"

Seeing where Sirius was going with this gave the three teens some hope, Ron wasn't fully in the loop yet and would need to wait for an explanation. Luna moved to let Harry stretch out with his head on Hermione's lap, the blonde was now standing beside Amelia and telling her what was going to happen.

"Harry will visit you, and then you can actually show him what you want to - right inside your head."

Amelia and Albus were now staring at Harry with disbelief, Ron had at least seen Luna in this condition. The Director of the D.M.L.E. was just about to ask a question when she felt a chill pass over her head, Luna now had a grip of her arm and advised her to relax.

Harry found himself facing an army of aurors as Amelia's mindscape reacted to the intrusion. "Eh, Madam Bones - I come in peace. I certainly don't want to see anything you don't want to show me."

A representation of Amelia emerged from the massed auror ranks. "Mister Potter, how is this possible?"

As Xeno was giving Albus and Ron an explanation of exactly what spirit roving was, Amelia got to see the actual events in a fraction of the time. Harry also let her view Voldemort's return, as well as discovering how Sirius had constructed a mindscape rapidly led to the building of Harry's own. She quickly understood what Sirius was suggesting and thought his theory should at least be tested.

By the time Xeno and Hermione had answered all Dumbledore's questions, Luna also discussing her horcrux encounters in great detail, Amelia was just shaking her head to recover from the effect of Harry leaving her.

"That is quite the head-rush. The version of Harry that was with me picked up the spell incredibly quickly, now we just have to see if Harry in his physical form can cast it."

Harry sat up and moved over to a section of the room that had just expanded for him, three dummies in death eater robes and masks were at the far end. Harry drew his wand and raised it above his head, actually somewhat behind his shoulder. With an audible 'crack' he whipped his wand forward - and a long rope of flame shot from the holly and phoenix feather combination. That thin tongue of flame was still connected to the wand however, a flick of Harry's wrist saw it wrap around and capture two of the dummies - incinerating them in seconds.

As Harry ended the curse, a slack-jawed Sirius was first to speak. Even although it had been his idea, he was still awestruck at the result. "Harry, that was amazing..."

"Naw, I was aiming to get all three - I need to practice that a few times more. My magic feels cleaner, sharper, more focused - must be because I got that thing out of my head."

He soon had his arms full of a bushy haired witch. Like Sirius, Hermione had just gotten Harry back - and had no intention of losing him again. Here was something that gave them hope Harry could actually defeat Voldemort if he had to. Harry had another idea though, and, following his girlfriend's earlier example, just went for it. Still with Hermione in his arms, Harry had a quiet word with her.

"I don't think this is unique to me, want to help me prove that? You've studied me doing it, do you feel confident enough to cast a patronus on your own - or do you need some help?"

"I think I would like a bit of help for the first time." Everyone watched as they made their way back to the couch, Harry lying down before Hermione kissed him. She then returned to the area Harry was using, just having her boyfriend in her arms this morning was the happy memory Hermione decided to use.

A fully corporal silver otter was soon swimming through the air, leading to a chuckle from Ron. "An otter, it figures. What are you going to call it, Harry?"

This cracked Luna up. "Harry Otter!" She stopped laughing as Hermione kissed her, transferring Harry. It was now Luna's turn to make the attempt. Standing there with her best friends and her father watching, Luna soon had a form of her own. The strange silver creature was like a cross between a mountain goat and one of those little hairless dogs some owners took great delight in dressing up like four-legged dolls. Luna wasn't caring, her father was applauding with pride and happiness shining from his eyes. Luna kissed Harry before hugging her father.

As Harry sat up, he was faced with a miffed Ron. "Hey, don't I get a chance to learn this way?"

"Ron, for me to enter your mind I would see all your memories and thoughts. Things that you never wanted another living soul to see would be right in front of me. The girls and I didn't know there were methods of shielding your thoughts so we had to share everything. I think all three of us would agree it was excruciatingly embarrassing. If you're up for that, I'll transfer - without the kissing though."

Ron's face was now bright red as Hermione sat beside Harry on the couch. "You're now thinking of all the things you wouldn't want Harry to see, which just brings them to the front of your mind for him to look at. There would be no secrets, and no hiding, Harry would see everything..."

There was an audible gulp from Ron at that. "Everything?" Nods from Harry, Hermione and then Luna saw Ron's decision made. "Eh, I think I'll give that a miss then..."

His face was bright red as a particularly embarrassing memory came to the forefront of his thoughts. Ron didn't know how his two best friends would react to the knowledge that, while Hermione had been brewing polyjuice potion in Myrtle's bathroom, he had spent most of his time there sneaking peaks up Hermione's skirt as she sat crosslegged on the floor. He was only twelve at the time, and it was more out of curiosity than anything else, but he didn't think that would help. Ron was now old enough to know he would pummel anyone doing the same thing to Ginny. An angry Dan Granger raising his voice had Ron guiltily almost jumping out of his skin - only to realise that anger wasn't aimed in his direction.

"What just happened here? I'll say this right now, so there can be absolutely no room for misunderstandings. I don't care what spells Hermione learns, our daughter's not yet sixteen and will not be fighting in any war!"

Realising both Dan and Emma were really out of their depth here, Sirius did his best to reassure them. "The spell both girls just mastered is purely a defensive one, Dan. Specifically, it defends the caster from dementors - and is an incredibly difficult spell to master. So very well done Hermione, and Luna."

The last thing Harry wanted was to have Hermione's parents angry, he also offered his reassurance. "It's only our short-term plans that have changed, Dan - and those were never really set in stone anyway. If Sirius becomes legally free, everyone knows I'm not dead and the headmaster gets elected Minister of Magic - that will be a massive boost for our side. After hopefully achieving all that in the ministry today, we can then sit down and discuss when we're leaving the country. We may have to give it at least a few days to see how things settle but the three of us are still all set on leaving Hogwarts and Britain."

Hearing that from Sirius and Harry, and then seeing everyone agree with those opinions, somewhat calmed both Grangers' fears. Amelia thought she was the only one who noticed Albus didn't offer the Grangers any assurances that Harry would be leaving the country. She didn't bring that up at the moment, it was now time to head for the ministry.

Chapter 10 - The Wizengamot

Cornelius sat in the Wizengamot chair reserved for the Minister of Magic, wondering how much longer he would get to keep it. The seat next to him was empty and Cornelius was sorrier than he could say about that fact. Had Dolores been sitting there, he would have gladly wrapped his hands around that pudgy neck of hers and strangled the stupid witch. What in the name of Merlin was going on in that sick thing Dolores called a mind when she thought killing Harry Potter would possibly help their position.

His thoughts returned at once to the current proceedings, drawn there by something unexpected he just heard mentioned - could he possibly save himself here?

The prison governor was finishing giving evidence to the Wizengamot when he found himself being interrupted by the Minister of Magic.

"Did you say Dolores Umbridge left with you-know-who and his death eaters?"

"Yes, Minister, and she carried the dark mark. The sleeve o' her robe was torn, leavin' it clearly visible."

Cornelius felt the first surge of hope run through him. He could sell the entire incident as a plot by you-know-who to get at the boy-who-lived, with the Dark Lord's loyal servant, Dolores Umbridge, manipulating the situation to see Harry killed. Once more Cornelius glanced over to the other empty Wizengamot seat, this one really had him worried. With his good friend Lucius in the chamber, Cornelius just might be able to pull his great escape off. Without his support though, his survival as Minister of Magic would be at best a coin toss. Where was Lucius?

As the prison governor left the chamber, Amelia Bones took to the floor. She was well aware Fudge was trying to keep the facts of this situation quiet, or at least put his own spin on them. Voldemort emptying Azkaban at dawn blew that option right out the water, and forced this emergency Wizengamot meeting. Amelia intended that everything else would be dragged into the open here, and Fudge's part in this entire fiasco should see him kicked out the ministry - if not heading for a cell while charges were brought against him.

"We've just heard how the Dark Lord himself led the attack on Azkaban in the early hours of this morning. What you may not know was that he had a busy night. The Dark Lord also led the attack on my home. Only having a portkey made by Chief Warlock Dumbledore got my niece and I out of a situation that would have otherwise seen the Bones family wiped out by these scum."

Amelia needed a drink of water to steady herself after saying that, only she knew just how close the Bones family had been to that terrible outcome. Had the death eaters gotten their hands on her, Amelia wasn't certain Susan would have used the portkey to leave their home. It was time though for the fightback to start, and there was no time like the present.

"Earlier on in the evening there was a death eater attack on St Mungo's, their target being the kissed body of Harry Potter. The Chief Warlock and I were visiting the hospital and responded to the attack. Eight death eaters were being held back by the two aurors I'd placed there on protection detail. Only one of the eight death eaters escaped - and not without leaving a piece of themselves behind."

Amelia had them hanging off her every word, and she was only getting started. "The muggle home of Miss Granger, Mister Potter's girlfriend, was then attacked and burned to the ground. Thankfully Miss Granger is a very intelligent witch and anticipated this action. Her family were nowhere near their home - rather they remain safe at an undisclosed location. The Weasley home was also targeted and destroyed. Arthur Weasley not only managed to get his family out of their burning home unharmed, he captured one of the attacking death eaters who broke into his home too. Since the remaining seven death eaters who attacked St Mungo's aren't fit to face trial at the moment - two of them are actually dead - we will try the death eater Arthur captured here today."

Hearing that two death eaters had perished in the attack almost started a riot about 'excessive force' being used, this action was only avoided by the shock of a restrained Peter Pettigrew coming through the floor in the accused's chair. This was also the signal for Amelia's aurors to flood into the chamber.

Fudge was on his feet and demanding to be heard. "Madam Bones, what is the meaning of this?"

She was more than ready for this interruption however, and in no mood to take shit from anyone - nothing was going to stop her today. "You used a ministerial decree to throw a fourteen year old wizard in Azkaban, and also to prevent me carrying out my duties - investigating the murder of two wizards should have been handled by the D.M.L.E. Today nothing is going to stop me doing the job I was appointed to do. Justice will be carried out in this chamber, and it will be seen to be done by all present. You were informed a year ago this wizard was very much alive, and a death eater - you didn't believe Harry Potter then. You chose not to believe Mister Potter again when he told you Voldemort had returned, aided by his loyal death eater, Peter Pettigrew. Does anyone here doubt that fact now?"

This was greeted with utter silence, since they were effectively staring straight at the proof. "Today there will be no cover-up. This chamber will hear the truth, then we will decide where our country goes from there."

Truth serum was administered to the prisoner, allowing Amelia to quickly establish beyond doubt this was indeed Peter Pettigrew. She then led him through the night the Potters were murdered, and how he faked his own death mere days later.

Turning to the chamber, Amelia left no room for errors by painting the complete picture to the entire Wizengamot. "The reason this discrepancy wasn't picked up at Sirius Black's trial is very simple, Black never received one. Using emergency powers from the last war, Sirius Black was simply sent to Azkaban for the rest of his life. The head of the Black family currently has a death sentence hanging over his head, issued by Minister Fudge. After hearing the evidence here today, that's an order I'm immediately rescinding. We can only hope to get Lord Black inside this chamber to formally apologise for the wrongs the ministry has visited upon him. Since he is Harry Potter's godfather, I doubt an apology will be anywhere near enough."

The stunned silence this produced allowed Amelia to lead Pettigrew through Voldemort's plans for Harry Potter, especially how he had the lad entered in the tournament. Peter admitting he killed Cedric Diggory effectively cooked Fudge's goose. When he began naming fellow death eaters who had responded to his master's summons that night in the graveyard, Fudge was carved up and served on a silver salver. The first name to come out of Pettigrew's mouth was Lucius Malfoy.

As Pettigrew began naming death eaters who were actually inside the chamber, the aurors were quick to respond. Since Amelia had seen Harry's memory when he visited her, and already knew these names from his letter, teams of her aurors had been allocated their targets before entering the chamber. These individuals were stunned and restrained as Pettigrew named them.

There was a break in the proceedings as Peter emitted an ear-piercing scream of pain. His silver hand had been frantically flexing and trying to escape, Peter's arm being securely fastened to the heavy chair easily prevented this. The metallic hand however had just very painfully ripped itself off Pettigrew's arm. Using its fingers like some demented but determined five-legged silver spider, the now unattached appendage quickly scrambled its way up Peter's chest before locking those powerful fingers on his throat. Pettigrew's screams were instantly silenced by those metal fingers closing off his airway.

The prisoner's blood was spurting out of his ravaged arm, there were also pieces of Pettigrew's flesh still attached to the silver hand that was now choking the life out of him. This gory and macabre sight froze everyone in the chamber - well, not quite everyone.

Tomas Avery had noticed the placing of the aurors, including the pair who were standing next to him. That rat, Pettigrew, might not have said his name yet but he couldn't see a little thing like that stopping Bones today. Everyone knew Fudge was finished and they had hoped to get their own person elected today. With Malfoy going missing, the Dark Lord had trusted him with that task. Even a fool could see that wouldn't be happening now - and he was no fool.

There was no way he was leaving this chamber under his own power today, meaning he would be stuck in some cell while waiting on his master to rescue him. Since their master didn't reward failure, Avery decided it would be to his advantage to offer their master some incentive to rescue him quickly. His wand was in his experienced hand as the killing curse flew true and straight - straight for Amelia Bones.

An artificial hand ripping itself off the arm it had been attached to and then attacking its former owner was such an unbelievable event, even someone as battle-savvy as Amelia froze for a few seconds. Seeing that green curse come towards her left Amelia thinking these were her last ever few seconds too. Thankfully there was someone in the chamber who was even more experienced than her in dealing with strange and dangerous situations like they now found themselves in.

The table that held all the old tomes containing laws, minutes of previous meetings and other records supposedly vital to the running of the country had never been put to such good use. The wand of Albus Dumbledore had them zooming across the chamber, just in time to intercept the curse that would have ended Amelia's life. While the blasted pieces of parchment gently fluttered down on the chamber like confetti, the enraged aurors took out the remaining as yet unnamed targets before anyone else tried to kill their boss.

As order was once more brought to the chamber, sadly there was nothing that could be done for Pettigrew. The hand proved resistant to all magic cast at it, only dissolving into a puddle of inert metal after Peter was dead.

A grateful Amelia nodded to Dumbledore in thanks before turning her attention to the rest of the chamber. Indicating the stunned members, including the one who had just tried to murder her, Amelia used the shedload of adrenaline that event had dumped into her system to verbally blast the rest of her fellow members.

"Here is a perfect example of what we have become, and also what we are facing." As proof of her last comment, Peter's dead body visually portrayed Amelia's point better than any words she could have used.

"Unless the country wakes up and meets this threat head-on, how many of us will die at the hands of this madman and his rabid followers? Throwing the bravest young wizard it has ever been my pleasure to meet into Azkaban for telling the truth is not the way to win this civil war. Make no mistake, that's what our country is facing here. Since I clearly don't think our current Minister of Magic is up to this challenge, I propose a vote of no confidence in Cornelius Fudge."

Now that this proposal was out in the open, fellow members couldn't wait to put their names to that. The unconscious and bound members who had been sitting amongst them mere moments ago were now lying on the floor awaiting trial - this certainly helped with their decision.

Since Fudge couldn't vote on this motion, the result was unanimous. As he stood to leave, Amelia had some final words for the now former minister.

"Cornelius, if I thought you in any way deliberately colluded with the Death Eaters, you wouldn't be walking out of here. You're a weak little man who let Malfoy's wealth go to your head and fuel your incompetence. He, like the rest of the trash lying here, will face ministerial justice. Discovering the exact extent of your involvement with these criminals might see you back with us sooner than you think."

Cornelius Fudge left the chamber, now hoping it was for the last time. He would be sitting in a different chair if he were to return. Fudge was now a beaten and broken man, his reputation left in ruins.

Catching her breath, Amelia then pushed on with the next part of their plan. "In our hour of need, our country needs a strong leader - one not afraid to stand against the forces of evil that would see everything we hold dear torn down or shrouded in darkness. I nominate Albus Dumbledore to be our next Minister of Magic..."

All eyes turned to the old wizard, causing him to stand and address the chamber. Sweeping his hand through the air saw all the blasted pieces of parchment gently swirl around the chamber and begin to reform themselves into the books Avery's curse had torn apart. The table also repaired itself and was soon back in position, ready to receive the tomes it usually held. While appearing calm and composed, Albus was seething on the inside. Knowing who was watching this, and what he must ask of them later, Avery's actions had just taken away any choice Albus had on how to deal with this matter. He was still Albus Dumbledore though, and easily capable of turning the current situation to his advantage - however distasteful that conclusion might be to him. As the last repaired tome floated back into its previous position, Albus was ready to address the chamber.

"These witches and wizards have no regard for our laws, lives, or our customs - only their sick leader's wishes are to be obeyed. A very bright young witch, one certainly not associated with the death eaters, recently rather forcefully pointed out to me that we won't win this fight by following rules our opponents at best ignore - or at worse use against us. Thomas Avery tried his very best to murder Madam Bones inside the very heart of our government, safe in the knowledge we would incarcerate him for his master to soon free - that state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue. While I'm sure Miss Granger will be delighted to hear our laws literally saved Madam Bones today, those same laws have to be able to adapt to deal with this problem. Fixing our country will be nowhere near as easy as repairing those books - it will require hard choices being made by all of us. If my country needs me though, I will of course serve."

Since what Albus had just done was a feat of magic beyond almost all of them, they took his comment that repairing their country would be much harder to heart. When Augusta Longbottom became the first to seconded Amelia's proposal, the result was never in any doubt. By another unanimous vote, Albus Dumbledore became the new Minister of Magic.

As he took the seat Albus always swore he never wanted, it was time to start acting ministerial. "My first task as Minister of Magic should be to appoint a replacement Head of the Wizengamot, I am going to propose that position be temporarily held by Madam Bones. My reason for this is simple, we just had a practical demonstration that standing in the Death Eaters' way will see a killing curse heading in your direction. Since Madam Bones already holds that distinction, due to her being head of the D.M.L.E., it would save anyone else being placed in that same deadly position."

That his first suggestion as Minister of Magic wasn't well received pleased Albus no end. There were members clamouring for the position to be filled, claiming not to do so would be cowardly in the extreme. In the space of ten minutes, an enraged and outspoken Augusta Longbottom was duly elected Chief Witch. After hearing that those who had destroyed her family were once more free, Augusta was a witch who really wanted to see justice brought to their country.

The newly elected Minister of Magic once more took control and directed proceedings in the direction he and Amelia had earlier discussed. "Before we deal with the accused members currently lying on the floor, there is some previous business I think we should tidy up first. I call Lord Sirius Orion Black to this chamber."

This resulted in a moment of confusion before Sirius entered the chamber.

"Lord Black has been monitoring today's session from an adjacent room, including witnessing the fate of his former friend." As Dumbledore spoke, the chair Peter's body was still chained to once more slipped into the floor. Order had been restored and six new chairs arrived for the accused Wizengamot members to be restrained in. Albus then spoke to Sirius directly.

"Lord Black, we have all heard evidence here today that proves you were sent to Azkaban unjustly. On behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I would like to offer a formal apology. Know that you will leave this chamber today a free wizard, with no stain on your character. Madam Bones will be heading up an investigation to discover how this travesty of justice was allowed to happen, compensation for the wrongs visited upon your person will form part of her duties during that investigation."

There were cries of 'hear, hear' from some members as this move proved popular inside the chamber. It was now time for Albus to deviate somewhat from their earlier agreed upon plans.

"I would now like to call Lord Black's godson to this chamber, another wizard who this ministry has wronged - Mister Harry James Potter."

This left the Wizengamot members staring at their new Minister and wondering if they had made a mistake, he was clearly not playing with a full deck. Amelia and Sirius meanwhile knew Dumbledore was crazy - crazy like a fox.

Harry entered the chamber to total silence, a silence that was never going to last. It broke rather like a dam, that first trickle of noise soon becoming a raging torrent. Albus let it continue for a few minutes, knowing he needed to let the initial surge pass. It was now time to restore order though.

"Fellow members, the young wizard who stands before us has also been harmed by this Ministry, something we need to put right today. The former occupant of this chair encumbered this chamber with quite a unique problem. Due to his involvement in the Tri-wizard Tournament, former Minister Fudge abused his authority to declare Harry an of age wizard - a decision that is magically irreversible and sees him take on the mantle of being the Head of the Potter family. Being of age was then used as an excuse to place Mister Potter in Azkaban, something else that will fall under Madam Bones' investigation's remit. We all heard Pettigrew admit to murdering Cedric Diggory. I, and a few of my staff witnessed Barty Crouch Junior confess to murdering his father - before former Minister Fudge had the escaped convict kissed by a dementor."

His attention then turned to Harry. "Mister Potter, I would like to offer you a formal apology from your ministry. Like your godfather, you will leave this chamber today a free wizard with no stain on your character."

It was Augusta who asked the question they all wanted to know the answer to, her shock showing as her decorum slipped. "But Albus, we all heard the prison governor say Harry had been kissed - they had to chase a dementor out of his cell. How is this possible?"

With a wry smile, Albus gave the chamber the answer that had been agreed upon. "Chief Witch, fellow Wizengamot members, it was almost fourteen years ago the same young wizard survived a killing curse from Lord Voldemort - banishing the Dark Lord in the process. We didn't know how he survived then, rather the country just rejoiced that he did. I for one certainly expressed that emotion when discovering Harry had cheated death - again."

While the chamber digested and accepted that view - just be happy Harry Potter was still with them - Albus' eyes were in full twinkle mode as the next phase of his scheme was put into operation.

"Mister Potter, considering what has already happened here today, would you consent to sharing your memory of Tom Riddle's return with the chamber? It would help clarify the minds of members who will soon be trying these accused death eaters."

When phrased like that, Harry couldn't really refuse. Albus wasn't finished though - not by a long shot. "I think we should invite the rest of your friends into the chamber too, this is something I would wish for as many people as possible to see."

Now addressing the rest of the chamber, Albus brought them up to speed. "It should be obvious by now I had some prior knowledge of events before beginning today's session. Knowing that the country thinking the boy-who-lived had perished at the hands of the ministry would do irreparable harm in our fight against the dark forces currently lined against us, Mister Potter and his party arrived in Hogwarts this morning to try and prevent that happening. They have been watching today's session from an adjacent room. Make no mistake, Mister Potter easily had the means to remove himself and his friends from this country, a country that had thrown both him and his godfather into Azkaban. Since we thought Mister Potter was as good as dead, no one would even be looking for him. I for one will be eternally grateful this intrinsically moral young wizard didn't choose that option, and instead gave us this opportunity to show our appreciation for that loyalty."

The Grangers, Lovegoods and Remus were now shown to seats inside the chamber, Dan and Emma had already been supplied with robes to save them standing out as muggles. After Harry placed the memory in the viewing pensieve, both he and Sirius then sat with their friends. Hermione and Luna knew exactly what was coming and would be helping their families through something that would be incredibly difficult for them to watch.

As Madam Bones started the memory, Hermione was immediately called into action. Harry had started the memory at the final stage of the third task. Seeing an acromantula attack Harry had Emma shrieking and covering her eyes with her hands.

"Mum, you need to remember Harry is fine - and sitting right next to you!"

As Emma uncovered her eyes, one arm went around her daughter while the other ensnared Harry. He had lived this, Emma only had to watch it - she would try to be strong for the young couple. Dan was sitting between Hermione and Luna, wanting to cover his own eyes. Luna had no comfort to offer at the moment.

"There's a lot worse to come." Xeno was sitting on the other side of his daughter, he slipped his hand into hers. Luna gratefully clasped her father's hand as the memory ran its terrible course.

Pettigrew's almost casual murder of Cedric drew gasps and growls inside the chamber. If the death eater wasn't already dead then the Members of the Wizengamot would certainly have voted for that to be his fate - his part in the ritual to resurrect the Dark Lord only hardened the opinions of those watching.

Voldemort calling his followers to him instantly explained how Amelia had known exactly who to target inside the chamber. The Dark Lord's taunting and then torturing of Harry meant that, amongst their group, only the three teens didn't have tears in their eyes. Cedric's ghost asking Harry to take his body back to his parents had most of the chamber joining them in having to wipe moisture from their cheeks.

Emma was in bits, clinging to Harry and Hermione as if letting either of them go might change the outcome of the memory. Sirius and Remus were sitting on Harry's other side. When they had seen the ghosts of those Voldemort had killed start to leave his wand, both had known what was eventually coming. It didn't help though, neither was prepared for James and Lily appearing - offering encouragement to their son in his fight against Voldemort. Emma had Harry pretty well wrapped up, Sirius still managed to find his godson's right arm and clung to that while the fat tears rolled unchecked down his cheeks.

The memory ended with a battered, bruised and bloody Harry lying on the grass at Hogwarts. He had one arm tightly wrapped around a dead Cedric Diggory while his other hand clasped Albus Dumbledore's wrist. Harry whispered his warning. "He's back, Voldemort."

In the shocked silence that had descended over the chamber, Harry's whispered warning was clearly heard. That this same young wizard who clearly risked his life to bring his friend's body home was arrested for supposedly murdering that same friend by the head of their ministry was a shame that would be hard to purge.

They had all run the full gamut of emotions while watching that memory, horror, rage, relief and even joy - joy that this young wizard had emerged triumphant from a situation very few others would have survived. Surviving a dementors kiss now didn't seem such a big deal after witnessing that memory.

Joy was the emotion that won in the end as one of the members stood and began applauding Harry's efforts and achievement. It soon became a standing ovation as the entire chamber was now on its feet, clapping and cheering. An embarrassed Harry had to endure even Emma standing and clapping, Hermione made up for it by squeezing past her mother to offer him comfort the best way she knew how - she kissed her boyfriend's embarrassment away. This increased the cheering inside the chamber but neither teen was complaining or caring.

Albus again let the chamber go, knowing exactly what was fuelling this outburst. They arrived in this chamber today thinking Voldemort had all but won the civil war now raging in their country. Harry Potter being alive gave them hope, watching Harry stand up to Voldemort and his followers increased that hope exponentially. Their saviour was not only alive, he was clearly up to the job of saving them again. Having Harry leave the country would see most of that hope leave with him, Albus couldn't allow that to happen. After Fudge however, the new Minister of Magic would need to take an entirely different approach to the problem.

Harry Potter would have to be enticed to stay in Britain, rather than coerced. Looking at the group around the lad, Albus also understood this was a package deal. All of those sitting there would need to have their very genuine fears appeased, making his task much more difficult - but not impossible.

As the applause began to fade, Albus judged this as the correct time to begin the next phase of his scheme to keep Harry in the country. "Earlier in this session, Madam Bones called Mister Potter the bravest young wizard she'd ever met - and that was before she watched this memory with us. Is there anyone here who doubts her claim now?"

There was no answer to that question, how could you answer negatively to that? "As well as facing Voldemort down in front of his own followers that night, by attending today's Wizengamot session, Mister Potter has dealt the dark forces a massive blow. The Ministry has already had to apologise to Mister Potter and his godfather for their mistreatment, I think it's now time to show Mister Potter our appreciation for everything he has done for us. For outstanding bravery, in the face of overwhelming odds, I nominate Harry James Potter to be awarded an Order of Merlin, First Class."

The reaction this time was almost organic in nature as approval after approval built into a thunderous wave of noise that rolled over the chamber to engulf their visitors. Albus was smiling again as a delighted Miss Granger attempted to hug the life out of her boyfriend while Sirius and Remus clapped him on the back in congratulations. The Lovegoods were busy explaining to the Granger parents exactly what this meant before those four also got in on the act. Any doubts Albus had about Miss Lovegood's claim of Harry being one of her best friends vanished as they hugged each other in celebration, with a beaming Miss Granger looking on.

If Albus was honest with himself, Harry deserved this award after battling Tom and the basilisk back in his second year. A child couldn't be awarded an Order of Merlin though, so that would legally have changed Harry's status then. At that particular time, Harry Potter being considered an adult would have been a disaster for the light side. Since that idiot Fudge had already changed Harry's status, Albus lost nothing here - and hopefully made some gains. It was now time for phase two.

Albus asked for quiet and eventually received it. "It has been publicly documented that Mister Potter intended to leave Britain. In my role as Headmaster of Hogwarts, I currently have legally completed forms from all three teens sitting there, withdrawing them from Hogwarts to enrol in Beauxbaton - and who could blame them?"

It was obvious from the stares now coming from the members of the Wizengamot that a few of them certainly would like to, Albus provided a timely reminder. "Mister Potter was forced to compete in a ministry sponsored tournament by a ministry official. In the fist task he had to face a Hungarian Horntail - with all his peers as an audience. In the second, one of his best friends was held hostage beneath the Black Lake. While all this was taking place, both he and his now girlfriend, Miss Granger, were being publicly vilified in our country's best selling newspaper. I hardly need remind you what happened at the last task, we all just witnessed most of that for ourselves. What we didn't see was a still injured Harry being dragged out of a Hogwarts infirmary bed and then flung into a ministry cell. Add to that then being transported to Azkaban, tortured by an unforgivable curse before dementors were allowed into his cell - all at the hands of the Ministry of Magic..."

Dumbledore's comments left them feeling sick, all except the visitors. Alarm bells had started ringing there, but that was before the new Minister of Magic just painted a very accurate and effective picture of exactly why they wanted to leave the country. Now they were more puzzled than worried - puzzled to exactly where Dumbledore was taking this. The entire chamber didn't have long to wait until they found out.

"To have any chance of convincing these youngsters to stay in our country, we have to demonstrate that this is a far different Ministry than the one they are used to dealing with. A Ministry that's not afraid to meet this evil that's trying to overthrow our country head on. Last night I witnessed two brave aurors ready to lay down their lives while protecting the hospital room that held Mister Potter - that's as it should be. We should not expect mere children to fight our battles for us, rather have the guts to stare evil unflinchingly in the eye and say we're coming to get you. This chamber elected me to lead and that is the direction I intend to lead us. It starts here, it stars now, it starts with the members we suspect of being death eaters who are sitting right in front of us. We have to deal with this problem once and for all, otherwise we will be condemning our country's children to a dark and dismal future."

As Hermione sat and watched, the power and charisma seemed to radiate off the new Minister of Magic. She was reminded of something Harry said needed to happen, Dumbledore's army was now on the march - and the new Minister clearly had his eye on recruiting them for the cause. To be honest, Hermione agreed with every word Dumbledore had said so far. She knew there would be a pitch coming in their direction later, glances from Harry and Luna confirmed they understood that too. She wasn't too worried though, any pitch would have to satisfy the concerns of the five adults determined to protect them. Convincing her mum, dad, Sirius, Remus and Xeno would be some ask.

Thomas Avery awoke to discover he was chained to a suspect chair in the Wizengamot chamber, his sleeve had also been cut away to reveal his dark mark. Glancing along the line of chairs, it was clear Bones had gotten all of them. The shock for Avery was Dumbledore sitting in the minister's chair - how the hell had that happened?

Amelia wasted no time with this one. The entire chamber had seen Avery attempt to murder her with an unforgivable killing curse - he was going down and would be used as an example to the other five. "Thomas Avery, your dark mark and your actions make you an enemy of this country. Have you anything to say in your defence?"

"Enjoy your power while you can, Bones. Our master has marked you for death, no one has ever survived for long after that..."

"Excuse me, but you're talking absolute rubbish!"

Avery's head was not the only one that whipped around at that. Funnily enough, those other heads all belonged to people now chained to their new seats inside the chamber. The chains may be severely restricting his movement but Avery still spotted the speaker out of the corner of his eye. "Potter! It can't be..."

"Why can't it be, because your master wants me dead? He's had a few chances at me now, you even witnessed the last one, and I'm still here. I have no intention of granting his wishes."

While all six death eaters were shocked at this development, Amelia was sure she now saw some fear mixed in there too. It was time to amplify that fear. "Thomas Avery, by your own words you admit to being a death eater - and end forever the lie you were under the imperius curse during the last conflict. Your actions here today demonstrate a total disregard for our laws and any life - other than your own. I propose we find him guilty and waste no more time with this one."

"You're still a dead witch, Bones, so let's get on with this farce."

The smirk never left Avery's face, even when the chamber found him guilty - there really was no other verdict possible. Albus Dumbledore then had the Death Eater's smirk crumbling like puff pastry.

"Thomas Avery, you have been found guilty of some very serious crimes. Since incarceration isn't really a viable option for captured Death Eaters, and you so clearly demonstrated that you are a cold blooded killer, we are left with only one possible decision. Tonight at midnight, you shall be taken into the death chamber and passed through the veil. Until that time you will be held in solitary confinement, that should give you one final opportunity to repent about those you have murdered in the name of your Dark Lord."

Avery was so shocked at that sentence, he couldn't speak. it was only when his chair began to sink into the floor he began arguing for his life. "You can't do this to me... I'm a pureblood... I'm a member of the Wizengamot... I demand you release me..." The floor closed over Thomas Avery but the effect his sentence had on the other five accused was far from over. Their courage and confidence sank into the floor with Avery, they were now terrified and began shouting over each other as they pleaded for their lives.

With their air of invincibility now crushed, Amelia could begin the trial in ernest. Four silencing charms and a dose of veritaserum later and the chamber began hearing the real horrors these death eaters perpetrated. Rape, torture, murder, arson - it all came out in gory detail. As did the names of every death eater each prisoner knew.

One by one they were sentenced to the veil. The last two pleaded for their livesthe instant their silencing charms were lifted to begin their questioning. Names, gold, family members - anything and everything was offered as payment to escape this punishment. In each case veritaserum was administered and in every case the veil was more than justified as their punishment. As the last convicted death eater was lowered into the ground, the Chief Witch brought to an end one of the most traumatic sessions in the history of the Wizengamot.

As expected, Dumbledore asked to see the group in the Minister's Office. Hermione immediately countered by asking if Madams Bones and Longbottom could attend too, Dumbledore agreeing at once lessened a good deal of the tension amongst those invited.

-oOoOo-

The Minister's Office was every bit as large as the Headmaster's, though nowhere near as quirky. Albus' wand soon provided seats for everyone. There was also tea and coffee provided before Albus got directly to the reason he had invited everyone here.

"What you witnessed today was nothing more than act one. Amelia will now be setting her department to arrest those names we collected today, they too will face a trial where truth serum will be used..."

Emma's teacup was rattling off her teeth as she tried to get that precious liquid into her body. Listening to the atrocities those people had carried out shocked and revolted her. She had never been an advocate of the death penalty but Emma thought each and every one of them deserved to lose their lives for the horrendous crimes they had committed.

It was Xeno who chipped in with a question for Dumbledore. "We now know they're holed up in Malfoy Manor, why don't you go after them there?"

Amelia actually answered him, seeing that the others were interested in this point too. "Malfoy Manor is bristling with wards, Lucius didn't skimp with that. The manor itself is also sturdily built, and very defendable. Add in the new recruits from Azkaban and the dementors, we would be left fighting a pitched battle on their turf that we could possibly lose. If we lost, Britain would probably fall to the Dark Lord soon after. We need to knock out his support structure, letting witches and wizards know what awaits captured death eaters should certainly restrict his recruitment efforts too. We're going after Voldemort a piece at a time..."

Remembering the horcruxes, the group now understood they had to be dealt with first.

Albus then zeroed in on his main targets. Harry staying in Britain would only happen if Hermione was there too, and that would only be achieved by convincing her parents. "Mister and Mrs Granger, you won't be aware of just how momentous what happened in the chamber was today..."

Xeno was quick to confirm what the new Minister of Magic just said. "Even at the height of the last war, most of the Wizengamot were too afraid of Voldemort to do anything about the problem."

Nodding his gratitude, Albus continued his pitch. "As I'm sure Harry has told you, Voldemort would go after your daughter to get at him. I remember an eleven year old Harry who jumped onto the back of a twelve foot mountain troll to try and protect your daughter, and they've only gotten closer since that Halloween. I heard you mention false identities and living in a different country, that is an option that could work. Bear in mind though, you would probably have to deal with people on the edge of our society to get the proper documents, back stories and all the other such things that go along with that option."

All could clearly see the sadness in Dumbledore's demeanour as he continued. "These are the type of people though that the death eaters commonly deal with. A large reward offered for people fitting your description could see that information getting into the wrong hands. Harry's parents tried to hide, and chose who they thought was a close friend to trust with their secret too. We heard the truth of how that ended today. Death Eaters don't give warnings - if they find you then it's over."

Dan wasn't cowed by this in the slightest and, after hearing the questioning of those death eaters, more determined than ever to protect his family. There treatment of muggles and 'mudbloods' as mere things, subhumans to be used however they decreed, had sickened Dan. Only knowing that all witches and wizards weren't like that stopped him immediately dragging his family out of Britain. "I'm assuming from all this, you are about to make us a better offer - let's hear it."

Albus actually smiled at that. "My offer is to specifically keep these three safe, while at the same time continuing our fight to make the country a safer place for everyone. Sirius here has a house that only those he tells the address to can find, I don't even know what city it's in. I could even arrange an auror protection detail to offer around the clock guards..."

He had to stop and answer the stares from Amelia and Augusta at that offer. "There is currently a ministerial protection detail awaiting their new assignment, because that is something this Minister won't need. It could be put to far better use protecting these three. Answer me this, what is Harry Potter staying in Britain worth in terms of the country's morale? Twenty aurors? Fifty aurors? Personally, I don't think we could overestimate the effect..."

Neither Amelia or Augusta argued with that. Having Harry Potter alive but still leaving Britain would seriously dent morale - and whatever positive momentum today's Wizengamot session had just generated.

Harry then asked the obvious question. "Why would I want to stay in Britain?"

"Because we intend to make Britain the country where you, Hermione, Luna and your families will be the safest. Harry, as you discovered with Cornelius, a Minister of Magic has practically unlimited control over his subjects. I will give you my promise here and in front of witnesses that I won't use those powers to force you to stay. What I will do is use those powers to achieve something we all want, to keep everyone in this room as safe as possible. All I'm asking for is some time, and that hopefully we can use today as a beginning to taking the first steps toward building a trust between us again."

Something was nagging at Sirius so he came right out and asked. "Albus, exactly what are you after from Harry?"

"Initially, that he doesn't rush out of Britain in the next day or so. Given time, I hope to show that these three really will be safer here than attempting to be Bruce, Sheila and Matilda in Australia. In the coming weeks, I would hope Harry likes what we're trying to do enough to publicly give our efforts his backing. Ultimately, I would like these three to be on the express to a different Hogwarts come September. I realise we are a long way from that at the moment, September is also a long way away too. At any time, any or all of you have the right to say no and leave Britain. I will of course try and persuade you otherwise, I again reiterate my promise I won't intervene to stop you leaving."

As this offer was being evaluated by each of the group, Albus had one last thing to say. "Harry, on a personal note, I would like to congratulate you on your award. Every single person in that chamber, including me, thought you deserved it." Albus had his hand out to Harry and there was no hesitation in the young wizard's acceptance. That handshake singled another small step forward in rebuilding their relationship - but it was a massive boost to Albus' confidence that he had chosen the correct way to handle this situation. Avery's actions had forced his tough stance on the Death Eaters, That didn't mean he wasn't going to milk the situation for everything he could get out of it.

Albus wasn't being flippant when saying the Minister of Magic held many powers. He could easily think of at least half a dozen ways to force either Harry or Hermione to stay in Britain. To do so though would mean he had already lost. For the best part of a century, Albus Dumbledore had fought a continual battle with himself not to abuse his great power. While occasionally the lines might have become a bit blurred, Albus didn't think he'd ever crossed all the way over. There was no disguising that ordering Harry Potter's conscription into the auror department tore that fine line apart - even although it was within his power as Minister to do so. That was one of the reasons he had always turned the job down in the past.

Hearing Hermione talk about the Black library and Luna mention trips to Diagon Alley gave Albus even more hope he could pull this off. He did want to insert a slight note of caution though.

"Harry, while I know you are delighted at spending the summer with your girlfriend - rather than the Dursleys, I hope I don't have to remind you about taking the necessary precautions?"

Seeing her father about to verbally blast Dumbledore, a red-faced Hermione was forced to intervene. "Dad, the Minister means precautions against Death Eater attacks..."

After the last twenty four hours he'd just had, Sirius could do with a right good laugh. Watching all three Grangers and his godson blushing bright red was a good enough excuse to let go. Remus clearly thought so too and soon others were joining in.

Even although the joke was partly on him, Albus laughed along too. That they hadn't stormed out of his new office yet, but were instead laughing, was cause enough to celebrate - never mind laugh.