Kapitel 237: HPWW61-70

Chapter 061

As people jumped up in arms as to his gall in stating

such, Madam Longbottom had to bang her gavel a couple of times to restore order. As soon as she got it, but before she could say anything, Sirius piped up.

"I Sirius Orion Black the Third, swear on my magic and my life I have taken no such counter-agent to Veritaserum. As I say, so I swear, so should I be judged!"

Again, there was the muted flash of light signifying the oath as given and accepted.

"As I'm still alive, I'm obviously telling the truth," he snapped back.

"Yes... well," said Madam Longbottom. "That puts paid to that."

She then turned to Nott and said, "And one more remark out of turn from you, Lord Nott, I will both evict you from these proceedings and encourage Lord Black to sue you for slander!"

Nott immediately fell silent, but fumed in his seat.

When the wizard shut back up Madam Longbottom then called the vote.

It was a very clear majority, almost three quarters of those present, that voted Sirius not guilty.

And only a few of the dark Houses, including Parkinson and Nott, who voted him guilty.

As soon as the vote was decided, Madam Longbottom then said, "Lord Apparent Sirius Orion Black the Third of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, having been found not guilty by a clear majority of the Wizengamot of all charges this day, you are declared not guilty. You are free to go."

"Aurors," called Madam Bones. "Release Lord Black of the chains. He is a free man."

As soon as they did so, he stood, closed his eyes and took a deep cleansing breath before turning to look in Harry's direction with a twinkle in his eyes and a wide grin on his face.

"Further," called Madam Bones. "The 'Kiss on Sight' order against Lord Apparent Black for the dementors is hereby immediately and unequivocally revoked. Further, all dementors not having already been returned to Azkaban are to also be immediately recalled directly to that place.

"Auror... Sampson; go, right now, to the Department for the Control of Magical Creatures and see to that immediately. The first order is to have been removed and the second invoked by no later than thirty minutes from now."

"Yes, Ma'am," nodded one of the younger aurors before he spun about from his place along one of the walls and hurried from the room.

"Chief Adjudicator Longbottom," called Tonks. "As Lord Black was unlawfully incarcerated for twelve years, plus had to suffer for a further year on the run while dodging dementors sent to suck out his soul, it falls to Ministry to compensate the man. The defence claims the sum of one hundred thousand galleons per year pro rata for that insult and the harm he has received.

"Further, the defence demands Lord Apparent Black be recognised by this body as the rightful godfather of Lord Harrison James Potter, as per the wishes of his parents. Lord Apparent Black, as per the parents' wishes of Harrison James Potter, was supposed to be the rightful guardian of the then infant Harrison James Potter on their passing. A position the defence believes was usurped by Albus Dumbledore, when it has now become known Albus Dumbledore knew Lord Apparent Black was then the infant Harrison James Potter's rightful guardian, magical or otherwise."

"So ordered," stated Madam Longbottom. "You are

aware, are you not, that since Lord Potter's name came out of the Goblet of Fire for the Tri-Wizard Tournament that he has been recognised as an of-age student and, therefore, an emancipated minor?"

"The defence is aware that Lord Potter has been declared of-age; not an emancipated minor," he stated back. "He cannot, legally, be both."

Harry knew that but was thankful this Tonks man made it a matter of Record. He wondered what Longbottom was trying to accomplish by having him recognised as an emancipated minor and not of-age. She was up to something there, as she scowled back for a moment.

"In that case, Lord Apparent Black, unless there is anything further, you are free to go," she said.

"There is one piece of business I have before this body that I consider most urgent, Madam Longbottom," said Sirius.

"Oh?" she asked. "And what might that be?"

Turning to the Auror Shacklebolt, who had taken his wand earlier, Sirius asked, "My wand, please?"

After the auror quickly checked with Madam Bones he had permission to return it to the man, Shacklebolt silently handed it back.

"Thank you," said Sirius, turning back around.

Immediately holding the wand in the grip to give oath, he said, "I, Lord Apparent Sirius Orion Black the Third of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, hereby remove Lucius Abraxas Malfoy from unlawfully holding proxy, or claimed regency, of the Seat of Black; and demand he no longer hold that role, from this very moment forth!"

With Malfoy out of the way, at the moment, no one sat the Seat. Malfoy did not sit a Seat in his own right,

because the House of Malfoy was not a Noble one, as he often tried to publicly state.

"Done," declared Longbottom.

"Now," continued Sirius. "Who sits as regent or proxy for the House of Potter?"

He watched as all eyes in the Members' tiers swivelled to stare at Elphias Doge, who was staring at Sirius in shock.

"Elphias Doge," asked Sirius. "Do you currently claim regency or proxy for the House of Potter?"

Doge blanched, nodded back and replied, "Albus Dumbledore, as Mister Potter's magical guardian, appointed me as proxy with him as regent." The man seemed to have suddenly broken out in a cold sweat.

"Since I was never convicted of a crime that would require it, I was never stripped of being the rightful

guardian of Harrison James Potter and I never appointed Albus Dumbledore as Regent of the House of Potter in my stead," Sirius argued right back. "Therefore, Albus Dumbledore was never in a position where he had any right to claim Regency or appoint you as Proxy for the Seat of Potter.

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Chapter 062

"Added to that," began Sirius. "As Lord Potter has been declared of-age, he no longer needs a regent. And it is also now his right to name his own proxy. You know that and shouldn't have even taken that seat today. Step down."

Doge seemed to slump in his seat - or, rather, Harry's seat - for a moment, before he rose and made his way

down the stairs and out of the tiers. He didn't even look at Sirius or in Harry's direction.

Sirius then asked Madam Longbottom, "A moment of the Wizengamot's indulgence, Madam Longbottom, while I confer with Lord Potter?"

Madam Longbottom immediately snapped, "No."

"I call for the vote," Bones immediately cut in.

Longbottom was obviously still very angry with Harry, hence her refusal. Luckily, Bones knew that. That's why she called the vote to decide.

Clearly the call made her even more angry. "Very well," she snapped. "All those in favour of the indulgence?"

More than half raised their wands. "Those against?"

Only a few were raised.

Still with a moue of annoyance and anger, Longbottom turned back and said, "You have five minutes, Lord Black."

As soon as the decision was announced, Harry stood up from his chair and made his way to Sirius, who then immediately laid a big hug on him for a moment, and Tonks.

Stepping back, Sirius quietly asked, "Any ideas on who to name as your proxy, Harry? Or, would you prefer to take the seat yourself? It would mean taking at least one day off school a month to attend the Wizengamot if you want to take the seat yourself."

Harry thought about it for a few moments before he said, "I do not know. Can I defer the decision until the next meeting of the Wizengamot?"

"That's actually a wise decision," said Tonks, while Sirius smiled.

"I think so, too," said Sirius. "However, I think it might be a good idea to give your proxy, temporarily, to Madam Bones. It will be one more vote that will fall against Dumbledore and his lackeys in their trials."

"Good idea," said Harry. "Alright, do that."

Again, Sirius smiled and said, "Thank you, Harry. You can return to your seat."

As Harry did so, Sirius spun back to the Wizengamot and said to Madam Longbottom. "Thank you for the indulgence, Madam Longbottom. I do not need the full five minutes.

"At this time, I name as proxy for the Seat of Black, Madam Andromeda Tonks of the House of Tonks and soon to be reinstated to the House of Black. And further, as true named guardian of Lord Potter and

under direction from Lord Potter, I name as proxy for the Seat of Potter Madam Director Amelia Bones of the House of Bones and Director of the DMLE."

"Very well," she said. "Is Madam Andromeda Tonks here?"

Standing up from the visitors' gallery, Andi Tonks stepped down and came forth.

"You may take your seat in the Seat of Black," said Madam Longbottom. As the woman did so, Longbottom continued, "Let the record reflect that the new Proxy for the Seat of Black is Madam Andromeda Tonks of the House of Tonks; and the new Proxy for the Seat of Potter is Madam Director Amelia Bones of the House of Bones and Director of the DMLE.

"Turning to Sirius again, she asked, "Anything else?"

"No, Ma'am," he replied. "Thank you to the Wizengamot for finally giving me the trial I should

have had within a month of first being held in custody in November of 1981. Better late than never, I suppose."

Then he spun away and went to sit with Harry and Hermione. He conjured his own seat there as he approached. However, he need not have bothered.

Turning to Bones, Longbottom asked, "Do we have the next ready?"

"I believe we should break for lunch," replied Bones. "That will give my aurors time to go to Hogwarts and bring back the next two after Bartemius Crouch Senior - Rubeus Hagrid and Filius Flitwick."

"They're half breeds, both of them," snapped Nott. "I say we just toss them into Azkaban."

"Lord Nott, we just got through finding a man to be innocent, who was tossed into Azkaban without a trial," sighed Bones. "Do you want to see the Ministry

pay out yet more galleons in reparations should they later be found innocent?"

That shut the man up again. And again he sat back in a funky sulk.

"We break for one hour for lunch," declared Madam Longbottom. And she banged her gavel once on the bench before her. That had her then rise and begin to walk out, followed by the other Members. They walked out while quietly chatting between themselves.

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Chapter 063

During lunch, where the two teens, Sirius and Ted Tonks were invited to dine in the DMLE cafeteria at the insistence of Madam Bones's aurors and at Sirius's

own insistence, Harry and Hermione went through the facts of what had happened over the past few days and where they knew the Daily Prophet had printed untruths. Ted and Andromeda Tonks also sat near them, but left the three to chat quietly among themselves.

Harry was surprised Andromeda had not joined the other Members in the Members' own dining room, but quickly realised she and her husband rarely managed to enjoy lunch together. Ted worked normal office hours out of his office and Andromeda worked shifts at Saint Mungo's.

Because they were also trying to eat at the time and neither would speak while their mouths were full, it took almost the entire hour for the two teens to go through it all.

Sirius did unknowingly help them with that, as he spent time just absorbing and thinking about what they'd told him after each answer before asking the

next question.

As the hour was coming to a close, he gave a pained sigh while looking at Harry and said, "You're right. From what you've told me Dumbledore's been setting you up. I have no idea why, though."

"It's like he's... trying to without letting on he's doing it... preparing me for something big," said Harry. "And I believe it has to do with Tom Riddle. You know he believes Riddle... he who you know as Voldemort... will return, don't you?"

Harry saw both Hermione and Sirius give a slight shudder when he mentioned the name Voldemort. And knew, on Sirius's behalf at least, it had to do with how Riddle had set up a Taboo on the name 'Voldemort' when he was at the height of his powers prior to October 1981.

"So," sighed Sirius. "Dumbledore's definitely guilty of at least a great deal of which he's been charged."

"Yes," replied Harry. "But, more than that, I believe he's guilty of all of it and a great deal more."

Hermione nodded.

"When's his trial?" asked Sirius.

"Last," replied Harry. "Madam Bones believes she's going to discover more evidence of crimes he's committed during the trials of those who've gone before him. That, of course, includes all the Professors and other Hogwarts staff whose trials are this afternoon and tomorrow, at least."

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==― ˇ

After the hour break everyone returned to the chamber.

As soon as Madam Longbottom was settled she banged her gavel and declared, "This session of the Wizengamot sitting in judicial review is once again in session.

"Bring in the next accused!"

Next up was the person they expected immediately after Umbridge - Barty Crouch Senior.

Bones started with the most important of the charges against him, first - breaking his son out of Azkaban. And, if that wasn't the nail in the coffin that dealt his doom, the next matter was him repeatedly using one of the Unforgivables, the Imperius curse, on that son.

Madam Longbottom gave him the opportunity to plead guilty to both charges before they started on the evidence.

He did.

"As you have pleaded guilty to both breaking your son out of Azkaban," said Madam Longbottom. "And have also pleaded guilty to the multiple use of an Unforgivable, I believe there is both no need to delve further and only one course of action open to us.

"I now call the vote. That vote will be for not guilty of all charges or guilty of either charge. It matters not which as they both carry the same sentence, life in Azkaban.

"All those in favour of guilty, vote now." Again more than three quarters voted.

"Though it means little difference," she said, "All those in favour of not guilty, vote now"

Only a few wands lit. Surprisingly, they were from the hardcore neutrals who believed Crouch's services of playing hard-ball with the DEs during his tenure as head of the DMLE should mean something.

"Having voted," she said. "Mister Bartemius Crouch Senior, the Wizengamot overwhelmingly finds you guilty. As per sentencing requirements for a crime of this magnitude, you are to be incarcerated in the medium security wing of Azkaban for the rest of your natural life.

"Aurors, shackle him and take him away."

Crouch was then immediately shackled and led from the room. He almost had to be dragged he was sobbing so much.

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==― ˇ

Next led in through the doors was Rubeus Hagrid. He was not in chains or manacles as he wasn't deemed to be a risk.

He was led to the accused chair, which had to be magically enlarged, and sat upon it. The chains almost lazily draped themselves over him.

After the charges were read, which included conspiracy to kidnap the heir of a Noble and Most Ancient House and endangering children at Hogwarts with Fluffy, he asked how he plead.

"Guilty," he immediately replied in a dejected manner. "Bu' only becuz, since it were Dumbledore 'oo tol' me ta do it, ah didn't think ah'd done anything wrong."

"Guilty with mitigating circumstances," said Longbottom. "Accepted. Madam Bones you may commence your case."

First, Bones started by submitting to evidence the testimony Hagrid gave the day he was arrested. And stated he gave it under Veritaserum.

Then she began by questioning him, again under

Veritaserum as he wasn't a pureblood he wasn't exempt from being forced to take it. And started with the night Harry's parents were murdered by Voldemort and his role within it, before moving forward to the traps on the third floor in the 1991-92 school year and his part within that too.

Surprisingly, she then went back a few years and asked him questions relating to the death of Myrtle Warren, the now ghost of Moaning Myrtle. And his role in that.

A court-appointed Law-wizard, who had offered himself as defence Counsel, then asked him about his direct part in the girl's death and why he was believed guilty of it.

It turned out he wasn't, but he was unable to properly defend himself against the charges at the time. That was why he'd found his wand snapped and ordered not to be allowed to cast magic from that day forth.

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Chapter 064

Then Bones said, "It is not the prosecution's intent, at this time, to see Mister Hagrid incarcerated as we believe he was faithfully acting under what he believed to be the lawful orders of Albus Dumbledore, his boss.

The law-wizard added, "It is the defence's request, also at this time, for Mister Hagrid to be returned wand privileges. As this latest evidence has now shown the truth of the matter, we do not feel he was justly found guilty of facts that led to the death of the minor witch, Myrtle Warren; which is what led to him being incarcerated and his wand snapped at the time."

"The prosecution has no problem with that," returned

Bones. "However, we do feel strongly that he never be allowed to be in a position of authority over a child, ever again."

Madam Longbottom thought of that for a few moments before she declared, "If Mister Hagrid is found innocent of the crimes for which he sits before us today; then we shall vote on the request for his wand privileges to be reinstated. The second part is irrelevant if his guilt is decided in the first part.

"Secondly, because of the nature of the crimes committed against and relating to Lord Potter, we shall vote first for his innocence and then for his punishment if he is found guilty.

"Are there any who wish to ask questions, or shall we move on to the votes?"

When she again received no comment, not even from Nott, she said, "Very well. Those voting for guilty, do so now."

To Harry, it appeared a little less than half voted for guilty.

"Those who vote for not guilty, do so now."

Again, a little less than half voted. Apparently, the rest had abstained.

When the tally was given, those who voted not guilty won through - just.

Harry could see Hagrid slump forward in relief.

"Very well," said Madam Longbottom. "A minority has voted for your innocence. Therefore, you are free of that matter. We shall now vote on whether or not wand privileges shall be return to you.

"Those who vote 'yes' for the return of wand privileges, do so now."

Again, less than half voted in favour.

"Those who vote 'no' for the return of wand privileges, do so now."

This time a clear majority voted against.

"I am sorry, Mister Hagrid," said Madam Longbottom. "Wand privileges will not be returned to you at this time."

"Tha's alri'," he quietly said. "Ah'm now used ta not 'avin' a wand."

"You are free to go, Mister Hagrid," she said. "And, accordingly, you are free to return to Hogwarts as Groundskeeper. However, you are not to ever be in a position where you are an authority over children, ever again. That includes being the one to take the first years across the lake on their first night in the castle. Understood?"

"Yes, M'm,' he replied.

The chains then dropped away and he, quite dejectedly, rose and made his own way out of the chamber.

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==― ˇ

Once Hagrid exited, Longbottom turned to Bones and asked, "Do we have time for one more?"

"This one, we do," she replied. "This person immediately and without equivocation offered a plea of guilty to all charges in advance. They are already quite repentant."

"Then it should be a quick one," declared Madam Longbottom. "Bring in the accused."

Harry thought it would be Professor Flitwick, he was

right.

As with Hagrid, Professor Flitwick was not led in wearing manacles. Instead, he calmly walked in with the two aurors assigned to him merely following him along without even laying hands on him.

He directly headed to the accused's chair, which had been altered to his stature between the time Hagrid left and he arrived, and sat upon it. The chains, just as with Hagrid and Sirius, lazily draped over him.

Harry was beginning to suspect the chains were not just magically enchanted to wrap around the accused, but also in such a way as to imply the innocent or guilt of the person sitting on the chair.

Once he was sitting he was told he would be taking Veritaserum.

"I'm sorry, Madam," he quietly replied. "But, as a part goblin, I'm somewhat immune to its effects. However,

after studying it, I believe four drops, rather than the regulated three, may in fact work on me as I'm only part goblin."

"If you are willing to take four drops, then I cannot see any reason for you not to take such," said Madam Longbottom.

"Auror," said Madam Bones. "Four drops, if you would."

Fleming replied, "Yes, Ma'am. Four drops." He then stepped forward and, as Flitwick willingly tilted his head back and stuck his tongue out, the four drops were administered.

They waited the recommended time and then asked him the verification questions. Harry was surprised to learn he was actually 104 years old.

Madam Bones then read out the charges against him, of which there was only two. One for child

endangerment through placing one of the traps on the third floor in Harry's first year and one for failing to stop the ongoing abuse of a student through ongoing bullying - Luna.

"For the record, Mister Flitwick," said Longbottom. "How do you plead?"

"To my absolute shame, guilty to both charges, Ma'am," he immediately replied. "On my return to the castle on the evening following the first task in the Tri- Wizard tournament, I immediately moved to end the bullying of Miss Lovegood. However, it does not forgive me for not stopping the bullying as soon as I became aware of it, other than reporting it to Headmaster Dumbledore."

"You will have the chance to speak in your defence later, Mister Flitwick," said Longbottom. "For now, your plea of guilty to both charges is noted.

"Madam Bones, you may begin."

After first submitting Flitwick's interrogation transcript, Madam Bones moved on to both Harry's and Flitwick's own memory strands; which, as with all others, was shown in a solicitor's projective pensieve to the court.

After that, a Dicta-quill transcribed statement from Luna Lovegood was submitted.

"As you can see from Miss Lovegood's statement," said Bones. "She never once reported the bullying to any member of staff. She appears to believe it was the fault of fanciful and invisible creatures that made her fellow housemates behave the way they did. It is the opinion of a DMLE authorised mind healer that Miss Lovegood is still suffering from the effects of the death of her mother, when she was nine years old. The woman died in her arms and Miss Lovegood appears to suffer some measure of guilt in not being able to help her."

"Has she since been offered help in that area?" asked Longbottom.

"Yes, but her father is unable to afford it."

Harry silently vowed he'd both look out for her and pay for it, as he utterly despised bullies.

"Very well," said Madam Longbottom. "You may continue."

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Chapter 065

"The Prosecution rests, Chief Adjudicator," replied Bones.

With a nod back, Longbottom then turned to Flitwick.

"Mister Flitwick, as you do not seem to be represented by a Law-wizard, it is now your turn to offer evidence in your own defence."

"The only defence I offer, Chief Adjudicator, is included in my testimony," he replied. "However, to repeat what I have written so the other Members may know of it, I make you aware of the following..."

He then went on to describe how he was unable to find work after he'd retired from the duelling circuit and how Albus Dumbledore was the only person to offer him work. Then he described how, in 1991, Dumbledore stated he would fire him if he did not go ahead and assist with setting the traps on the third floor corridor after he first baulked at doing it. However, Dumbledore had also promised him that no student would be able to get into that corridor, let alone through to the trap he had set up and he had trusted the man.

Next he told of how he was aware of some bullying

going on in the school and, when he first came across it, issued punishment. However, when he raised the issue of the constant ongoing bullying by the majority of students in his own house against one student with the Headmaster, Dumbledore told him he was to leave it alone.

"He told me it would build character in the girl, to rise above it," said Flitwick. "And I am ashamed I didn't act against the Headmaster's order and deal with it, anyway."

At the beginning of this school year he also wanted to offer assistance to 'Mister Potter', but the Headmaster forbade him doing that, too; citing that the Tri-Wizard Tournament specifically forbade it and that he would risk his magic if he attempted it. However, once he found out from a reading of the contract that Mister Potter, due to his name coming out of the Goblet could not then be considered a Hogwarts' champion, he knew he could offer Harry assistance. But, by then, it was too late. That was only two days before the

task.

"That concludes the evidence I submit, Chief Adjudicator," he finished. "The defence rests."

"Very well," said Longbottom, giving a firm nod back. "Under my direction we shall vote on three issues.

"The first is only for guilt or innocence and we will vote each separately. If found guilty for either or both, we will then vote for punishment of each guilty verdict. Please remember that a vote of guilt in any crime against a child could very well mean that Mister Flitwick will immediately lose his job as a professor at Hogwarts."

She gave that a moment to sink in before she said, "In the first matter, the setting up of a dangerous trap within the school in the 1991/92 school year, those voting for guilty please vote now."

About a third voted.

"Those voting for not guilty, please vote now."

About half voted. Harry could see the professor would be declared not guilty of that charge.

"In the second matter, failing to act to protect a student under his care from harm within the school in the 1992 to present school years; those voting for guilty, please vote now."

Again, about a third voted.

"Those voting for not guilty please vote now."

Again, about half voted. Harry could see the professor would be declared not guilty of that charge, too.

"I move for another vote, Chief Adjudicator," said one of the Members, rising in place.

"Oh?" asked Longbottom. "And what would that be."

"Given what has been made clear this day, I move for a vote to be taken as to whether Filius Flitwick be allowed to remain a Head of House or banned from such a position forevermore."

"Very well," she replied. "I can see the wisdom of that."

"In this new matter, losing his Head of House position due to a loss of trust, those voting the affirmative please vote now."

This time, a little over half voted.

"Those voting for the status quo, with Mister Flitwick retaining his Head of House position, please vote now."

And, this time, less than half voted. The professor would be losing his Head of House position.

Turning to look at the professor, Harry could see it was what the little Charms Master expected.

"Mister Filius Flitwick, it is the decision of this court that you are declared not guilty of the charges laid against you. However, this court has also found that your forsworn guilt is sufficient for you to lose your position as Head of Ravenclaw House. A position you will never be allowed again. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Ma'am," he quietly replied. "Thank you. I shall do my best to recover my honour by never again falling under the sway of Albus Dumbledore to divert me from what is right."

"Very well," she said. "Aurors, you may release him. Professor Flitwick, you are free to return to the castle to return to your position of Professor of Charms."

As the chains were released and the professor stood, he bowed to the Wizengamot and, without another word, strode from the chamber. He looked in no one's

specific direction as he left.

"That's sad," said Sirius.

"Yes," said an equally sad Hermione.

"It was well-deserved punishment," Harry firmly retorted. "He did as Dumbledore told him to, even when he knew it was wrong. He placed keeping his job over the safety of the students. For that alone, the man does not deserve your commiserations."

"You would have rather seen him fired?" asked a surprised Hermione.

"Hell, yes," he firmly replied. "The man is a Charms Master of incredible skill. Plus, he's taught at least two full generations of students who have passed through the school.

"While he stated he believed only Dumbledore offered him a job, that was back over twenty years ago.

Things have changed since then. Now, two generations of Hogwarts students know exactly who he is and what he's like. There is no way, for the last decade or so at least, he'd have been out of work for long."

Hermione sighed and softly said, "I guess you're right."

Flitwick's trial was the last of the day. And Longbottom said they'd be recommencing the next morning with Pomona Sprout's and Severus Snape's. Depending on how long they both took, they would be followed by Minerva McGonagall and the Dursleys.

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==― ˇ

Before they left for the day, Sirius took Harry aside to explain a few things to him.

"Alright, Pup," he began. "Here's what you need to know. First, I'll be staying with the Tonkses for a while. I'll very soon be bringing Andi and, through her, her daughter back into the House of Black as recognised daughters; and Ted as a recognised spouse of a daughter of the House of Black."

Harry gave a nod back but refrained from saying anything, knowing Sirius had more to tell him.

"Secondly," continued the old dog, "I'm appointing Ted Tonks as the Law-wizard firm of Record for the House of Black. No idea who it is now, but I consider them useless if they did nothing to ensure my freedom back in November 1981.

"Third, while you're still going to be a named Heir of the House of Black, I'm sliding you down the line a bit. I'm naming Andi as my immediate Heir, then her daughter, then you. Got that?"

"Yeah, sounds good," Harry replied.

"Fourth, Andi's scheduled me for some pretty intense potions to aid me in healing as quick as possible. So, I won't be able to visit you in school, but I'll be available via owl. Plus, I need to collect a pair of mirrors from my old family home in Kings Cross. They're communication mirrors and will allow us to talk one- to-one any time you feel the need to contact me.

Again, Harry nodded.

"Fifth, during the next few weeks I also have to find time to get into Gringotts to collect the Lord's ring for the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and don it. Then I'm going to need to make a start on getting the House finances back up to scratch."

"Yeah, that's important," agreed Harry. "The goblins have informed me how much work I've got to do with them to get the House of Potter finances up to scratch, too."

"When I can, I'll help you with that," offered Sirius.

"Thanks, that'd be nice."

"In the mean time, keep your head down," said Sirius. "And I apologise, in advance, I won't be able to come in to witness the trials tomorrow. I don't think I'll be able to move much once those potions begin to kick in."

"That's alright, Sirius," Harry was quick to say. "The quicker you get your health back up to normal the sooner we'll be able to spend more time together."

"My thoughts, exactly," nodded Sirius.

Just as they were about to part, with Andromeda clearly wanting to get Sirius back to her place, an Unspeakable turned up and said, "Lord Black? A moment of your time, if you would? It's vitally important."

After a quick glance at Andromeda, Sirius said, "Sure!" Then he turned back to Harry and said, "Take care of yourself, pup. And don't get too angry if the trials don't go as well as you hoped."

"I will. Thank you, Sirius," replied Harry, returning to his auror escort, who were waiting off with Andromeda and Hermione.

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==― ˇ

On his return to the school, Flitwick headed direct to his office. There, he pulled out a flagon of goblin ale and poured himself a healthy measure.

Then he sat back in his office chair and went over all his past actions relating to Dumbledore, the rest of the staff, the students of what was his own House and the student population in general.

Once he'd mentally reviewed everything - and pretty much polished off that, plus one other, mug of ale - he pulled a long sheet of parchment before himself and began to make a list.

This list would be the foundation of how he behaved as a Professor, a man and a goblin from that point on.

He worked until McGonagall knocked on his door. But he wasn't finished by a long cast.

"Come!" he barked.

When McGonagall opened the door and tentatively walked in she then quietly closed the door behind her.

"How did it go?" she quietly asked.

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Chapter 066

"I was lucky," he replied. "Because I pleaded guilty right from the start, I've managed not to both be sent to Azkaban or be fired. However, I've been stripped of my position as Head of House Ravenclaw. That last, I believe, is because I didn't act to protect Miss Lovegood from the in-house bullying that she's been subjected to for the past two plus years; as I bloody well should have, Dumbledore's orders be-damned"

"You'd have been fired," she said.

"Then I should have been fired; or rather, quit first!" he snapped back. "I dishonoured myself by putting my job before the welfare of the students. No matter what Dumbledore says... if he manages to come back to the castle... that will never happen again!"

That last bit was said with a quiet snarl.

McGonagall was quiet for a few long moments as she stared at her colleague. Then she said, "I've just been informed my trial will likely be tomorrow afternoon. Pomona and Severus are in the morning."

"I figured as much," he replied.

After a second long pause, she asked, "May I ask what you're writing down?"

"I have been mentally reviewing my behaviour as a professor over the past couple decades and have decided I have a lot to change in my behaviour and actions to have any hope of recovering my honour," he replied. "I'm writing down what will effectively be what I'll be changing of that. It will apply to my interactions with the Headmaster, you if you're still here, the Heads of Houses, the rest of my colleagues and the students.

"No longer will I allow either the Headmaster... or you, if you manage to retain your position as Deputy

Headmistress... to dictate actions on my part that are contrary to my own personal sense of honour. If necessary, I will declare honour duel on whoever tries it.

"From this point forth I will be placing the safety of students above even my own. If the Headmaster even so much as suggests otherwise, he and I will be facing one another on the duelling piste.

"He will likely win. However, I will definitely hurt him before he takes me down. If he's not already been removed from his position by then, the disgrace of having to kill me in a duel should then be enough to see him removed.

"At least that way my honour will be restored. If it takes the sacrifice of my life to achieve it, so be it."

To say McGonagall was shocked at her colleague's words would be a major understatement.

"So, Minerva McGonagall," he asked, "Are you going to pull your lips off old Albus's arse and start doing the right thing? Or, are you going to keep doing the easy thing... the wrong thing... and find yourself very soon getting up close and personal with the dementors of Azkaban?"

"I..." she began, before she didn't know how to continue.

Flitwick gave her a long few seconds to finish answering before he said, "If you can't figure out the answer to that question by the time your trial starts, I guess I should be saying goodbye to you, Minerva. You won't be returning to the castle."

Unsure of what else to say, she just quietly left again. Her eyes were again filled with unshed tears. However, if he'd seen them he wouldn't have cared. He knew the fault of her actions lay entirely on her own shoulders.

_ ̳_

―==(oIo)==― ˇ

On their own return to the Gryffindor Tower, both Harry and Hermione were almost immediately besieged by students wanting to know the results of the trials.

Before their auror escort even managed to step forward to intercede, Harry had already lost his temper.

"Fuck off!" he shouted and glared at them all.

When they, almost as one, immediately shut up and reeled back in shock he snarled, "You lot have no right to make even a single demand of me or Hermione. With the exception of Hermione you all turned your backs on me when my name came out of the Goblet of Fire - or, worse, accused me of being a cheat.

"What, in Merlin's name, is going through that sludge you lot collectively call your brains that leads you to believe you can, not only expect me to tell you what happened at the trials, but have any right to demand of me I tell you?

"If you want to know what happened during today's trials, you can wait to find out from what's written in tomorrow morning's Daily Prophet. Of course, a lot of that is going to be misleading bullshit; but, I really don't care."

He suddenly realised this was exactly the right opportunity to accomplish something else he was looking forward to - withdrawing from Quidditch. Unknown to anyone else, he actually hated the sport. Especially since he was never asked if he wanted to play, in the first place.

"It seems the only way for you lot to get it through your heads you are not to bother me is to punish you for it. Therefore, I, Lord Harrison James Potter, hereby

withdraw my services from the Gryffindor House Quidditch Team, the Lions. As I say, so I swear, so let it be written."

After he gave the muted flash of light signifying an accepted oath, he glared at them all. There were quite a few gasps of shock directed back at him. And said, "Good luck winning the Quidditch Cup, next year and beyond, without me on the team."

Then he spun about and stormed out again. Hermione hurried behind.

As they left, one of the aurors firmly sneered, "You really are all Gryffindors, aren't you? Always charging in, without thought of the consequences of your actions.

"There will be no further warnings to leave them alone, from this point forth. From this point forth, if you bother either of them, you will be immediately arrested and dragged to a holding cell in the DMLE in

handcuffs. We don't care how old you are; we don't care if you're a pureblood, halfblood, muggleborn, squib or muggle; and we don't care if you're eleven or one hundred and eleven; next time, it's the handcuffs and a quick trip to the DMLE. Leniency given because of your age is now at an end. The Department is sick and tired of its warnings being ignored."

Meanwhile, Harry was storming down the grand staircase and along corridors. Hermione and the lone auror had to hurry to keep up with him. Somewhere along the line, a second auror joined the lone auror and Hermione to follow him.

What Harry didn't realise, and wouldn't have cared if he did, he was both effusing a little magic through an aura and had an expression on his face that promised a swift and brutal death to anyone who stopped him. He was also carrying his wand in his hand pointing towards the ground that was occasionally spitting out sparks as it waved slightly back and forward as he stormed along.

Anyone he came across immediately and rapidly placed themselves with their backs to wall and a look of fear on their faces as he passed and that included two of the Professors.

Eventually, he exited the main doors of the castle and headed for the lake's edge.

Once near there and about thirty feet from the large boulder right on the water's edge, he stopped.

Then, with a roar of frustrated rage, he began casting at that boulder.

Amazing Hermione and the now three aurors behind him, his wand arm moved almost in a blur of wand movements. Curse after curse was fired at that 'poor' boulder. Pieces and chips flew off it in all directions.

On and on he went. He cast bombarding, piercing, exploding, repulsing and many more. Each curse was

barely, if that, a second after the previous. And each and every one of them was cast silently.

But he didn't just stand still and cast, either. He was on the move for the entire time; dodging, weaving, side-stepping and spinning about. Always in motion. For those watching it almost appeared as if it was a dance, so fluid were his movements.

After more than two minutes he finally stopped. Still coiled and ready for action he stood there, feet spread and his weight evenly balanced on the balls of his feet. The only sign of exertion was that he was currently breathing heavy and was covered in a light sheen of sweat. No one who watched what he'd done and or how he currently stood had any doubt that Harrison 'Harry' James Potter, right at that moment, was one very dangerous individual.

Even Hermione - who, like the aurors, stood back and watched - had no doubt that 'her' Harry was dangerous. However, she was comforted in knowing,

without a doubt, he would never unleash that sort of force upon her. Nevertheless, she was still unwilling to step forward just yet.

The large boulder, after that vicious display of power, had been reduced by over a third of its mass.

What Harry did not know, nor would he have cared if he'd known, was that his display of power had been witnessed by quite a few people besides Hermione and the aurors. Aboard the Durmstrang ship the rails on the side closest to him were lined with students and staff of that school. And, over near the Beauxbatons carriage, those who wore the powder blue were outside of that carriage and had also been watching.

As for Hogwarts students and staff, many he had passed had followed at a 'respectable' distance as he made his way from the Gryffindor Tower to outside. Plus, there were also Hogwarts students who were outside on the grounds at that time who were also

watching.

No one of any of the three schools made a sound. They were all, to the witch or wizard, completely and utterly stunned silent.

After thinking it was over and Harry was beginning to calm down, Hermione was about to carefully step forward when he gave a second roar and recommenced his attack on the boulder.

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Chapter 067

This time the casting was just as quick and just as powerful as the first time. However, this time it only went on for about thirty seconds.

And, just as quick as it started, it stopped again.

This time he again stood still while heavily panting from the exertion. But, after about ten seconds, he simply screamed, "Fuck!" before he dropped to the ground and sat on his bum, still staring at the boulder.

A good five seconds after that, Hermione carefully walked forward and sat next to him. However, she made sure a good two feet separated them. The three aurors stayed back and well out of hearing range.

But one did softly but emphatically mutter, "Sweeeeet Merlin."

Neither of the other two, with the missing one having joined them, responded.

Hermione waited another five to ten seconds after she sat down before she quietly asked, "Feel better?"

He just gave an annoyed grunt in response, not even

looking at her.

After another few seconds pause and, trying to make light of the situation, she asked, "What did that poor rock ever do to you?"

He gave a snort of annoyance and replied, "It just made a suitable target. Would you have preferred I made the Gryffindor common room that target, instead?"

"Of course not," she more confidently replied. "I thought you would have chosen to vent your anger on the target dummies in the dueling room, instead."

"With the amount of power I was putting into my casting I would have rendered them irreparable within seconds," he replied. "I think I'm going to need them at some time in the future; and did not want to deny myself their use."

She gave a nod he didn't see and said, "Wise."

Then she said, "If you think you're done reducing that rock to stone chips, you're going to need to take a shower and change your clothes. You're all sweaty."

Turning a wry grin to her he asked, "Not one for the scent of 'Eau de Sweaty Teen Boy'?"

"I like your normal scent," she replied. "I like the smell of your mint toothpaste and the light lemon scent of your soap when you're fresh out of the shower. I don't think much of the scent of your shampoo, though."

He gave a tired chuckle and said, "Then you shall have to help me find one that has a smell you like, won't you?"

She smiled back and said, "We can do that when you come to stay at my place."

Noticing the boy-wizard had finally calmed down, the senior of the three aurors still standing back took a

deep breath and walked forward. "Lord Potter?"

When both teens turned to look at him, he continued, "Now that you've... vented your ire, perhaps it is time to return to the castle? You seem to have drawn quite the audience." And gestured about.

Turning his attention to where the auror gestured, and seeing the number of people who were watching, he looked back at the auror, gave a sheepish smile and said, "Oops?"

That had all three aurors grinning back. And the first said, "I happen to think it's a good thing. I very much doubt anyone's going to be bothering you from now on. It'll make our job much easier."

After another snort of amusement, Harry wryly replied, "Anything to help."

A moment later he climbed to his feet and held out his hand to help Hermione back to hers. Once both were

again standing he said, "I guess I better go back to the Tower, shower and change."

Turning back to frown at the boulder he said, "But, perhaps I should first repair the damage I did to this poor rock."

"No," the auror quickly said. "Leave it. It'll stand as testimony as to why it is a very bad idea to bother you. It is, after all, only a rock."

Harry thought about it for a few moments before he gave a bit of shrug and said, "Why not?"

Then, still holding hands with Hermione after helping her up, something the girl was not going to let him know about as he didn't seem to realise, he led the way back up the grassy slope to the main doors of the school.

As he neared the stairs leading within, those who had come outside to watch him in action or were too late

and only saw the results of his actions, quietly stepped out of his way. Not one of them said a word. That was something he was grateful for.

As they headed back up the stairs, one of the aurors quietly said to the other two out of hearing range of the two teens, "Did you see the expressions of those kids who were of dark families? They looked like they were going shit themselves."

That had the other two smile back.

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==― ˇ

After walking back in to the Gryffindor common room, he stopped and glared about practically challenging everyone to say a word to him. After a long moment he turned and said to Hermione, "Give me about ten minutes to shower and change?"

She gave a nod back and replied, "Alright Harry. I'll wait. I'm just going to get changed, myself."

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Chapter 068

Once he was gone up the stairs she looked about at all the silent housemates in the room and said, "Gee whiz; are you people stupid. Harry was right when he said he believed almost all witches and wizards where daft morons. Less than twenty minutes ago you people proved it."

Then she went and got changed, herself. She wanted to be out of the 'finery' she was wearing and into more comfortable... muggle... clothes.

Just after she ascended the stairs to the girls' dorms a

large gaggle of Gryffindor students entered and began to tell the others there what they had witnessed Harry do to the large boulder on the edge of the lake.

That had quite a few rethinking any idea of approaching either of the two teens. It was well-known Harry would do so much more to someone who annoyed Hermione, than himself. And quite a few of those who were in the common room that had not seen what Harry had done to the boulder quickly made their way out of the tower and down to the grounds to see for themselves.

Within the hour everyone, including Filch, had learned of what Harry had done to the lakeside boulder because he was angry with his housemates. No one, any longer, doubted his power. And the same could be said for both the Durmstrang ship and Beauxbatons carriage occupants.

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==―

That evening, Flitwick waited pretty much until all the students of Hogwarts had entered the Great Hall for dinner before he rose to stand on his seat.

"Students!" he called.

That had the Hall quiet down pretty quickly. There'd be very few there who did not know what he was likely to want to say.

Once the noise died right down he more quietly, but still with enough volume to reach the other end of the Hall, said, "Students... Many of you would be wondering what happened at today's trials. I'm sure you will be given a more in-depth analysis of them in tomorrow morning's Daily Prophet. However, I'm prepared at this time to give you an overview.

"The first trial of the day was of our Minister, Cornelius Fudge. Or, I should say now, our ex-

Minister. Mister Fudge was found guilty of the crimes of abuse of authority as an officer of the Ministry, exceeding his authority as a Minister, and a few others. He was found guilty of all charges bar one. And that one they only gave a finding of no finding; meaning they did not find him either innocent or guilty of the charge. As punishment he was fined one hundred thousand galleons, stripped of his position as Minister, banned from ever holding a position within the Ministry ever again and sentenced to seven years imprisonment in the light security wing of Azkaban. As such, elections for a new Minister will soon be held.

"The second trial was of Madam Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary of Magic to the Minister. She was sent to Azkaban for ten years for her troubles.

"The third trial was a surprising one. When everyone expected the next trial to be that of Bartemius Crouch Senior, instead it was for Sirius Black who stepped forward."

As the noise in the Hall rose with shocked exclamations and quiet chattering among the students he fired a cannon blast charm in the air.

"Please, students; be quiet so I can get through this so the meal can begin. If you want to discuss what you've heard, do it after the meal has been served."

Again, the noise backed right off.

When he felt it was quiet enough he continued. "Evidence that immediately came to light in Lord Black's trial was that he never received a trial in the first place. He was summarily tossed into Azkaban without one. If they had given the man a trial back then, there is no doubt in the minds of anyone who attended he would never have been tossed into Azkaban in the first place. Instead, just as he was this time, he would have been found innocent of all charges.

"It was found that the real betrayer of the Potters and the true Secret Keeper was Peter Pettigrew. Further, it was also proven that Peter Pettigrew is still alive and is, currently, still at-large. An arrest warrant has been issued for his arrest and it is expected he will be stripped of his Order of Merlin, Third Class.

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Chapter 068

Then she went and got changed, herself. She wanted

to be out of the 'finery' she was wearing and into more comfortable... muggle... clothes.

Just after she ascended the stairs to the girls' dorms a large gaggle of Gryffindor students entered and began to tell the others there what they had witnessed Harry do to the large boulder on the edge of the lake.

carriage occupants.

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==― ˇ

That evening, Flitwick waited pretty much until all the students of Hogwarts had entered the Great Hall for dinner before he rose to stand on his seat.

"Students!" he called.

That had the Hall quiet down pretty quickly. There'd be very few there who did not know what he was likely to want to say.

prepared at this time to give you an overview.

"The first trial of the day was of our Minister, Cornelius Fudge. Or, I should say now, our ex- Minister. Mister Fudge was found guilty of the crimes of abuse of authority as an officer of the Ministry, exceeding his authority as a Minister, and a few others. He was found guilty of all charges bar one. And that one they only gave a finding of no finding; meaning they did not find him either innocent or guilty of the charge. As punishment he was fined one hundred thousand galleons, stripped of his position as Minister, banned from ever holding a position within the Ministry ever again and sentenced to seven years imprisonment in the light security wing of Azkaban. As such, elections for a new Minister will soon be held.

"The second trial was of Madam Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary of Magic to the Minister. She was sent to Azkaban for ten years for her troubles.

"The third trial was a surprising one. When everyone expected the next trial to be that of Bartemius Crouch Senior, instead it was for Sirius Black who stepped forward."

As the noise in the Hall rose with shocked exclamations and quiet chattering among the students he fired a cannon blast charm in the air.

"Please, students; be quiet so I can get through this so the meal can begin. If you want to discuss what you've heard, do it after the meal has been served."

Again, the noise backed right off.

Azkaban in the first place. Instead, just as he was this time, he would have been found innocent of all charges.

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Chapter 069

"Lord Black was immediately released, given financial compensation of the sum of one hundred thousand galleons per year pro rata from the time he was incarcerated until today, making it just over one point

three million galleons he will be paid, was officially recognised as Lord Potter's godfather and the person who should have rightfully been raising him all this time and is believed to be in the care of a Master Healer, who is nursing him back to full health."

Quite a few students turned to stare at Harry when they heard that. Harry just glared back, daring anyone to say anything.

"After a one hour break for lunch the next trial was of Bartemius Crouch Senior. He had previously confessed to assisting his son, Bartemius Crouch Junior, in escaping from Azkaban within months of his first being incarcerated there; and the repeated use of the Unforgivable Imperious curse on that son since that time and until as recently as the Quidditch World Cup. For the multiple use of the Unforgivable alone, they decided they did not need to hear any further matters raised against him and immediately sentenced the man to life imprisonment in the medium security wing of Azkaban.

"Following that, our own Groundskeeper, Rubeus Hagrid, faced his own trial. Though he did not fight the two charges against him, even going so far as to being completely up front and honest with the aurors during his questioning, he was not found innocent, but faced no punishment due to he having no intent to break the law. Though the orders Hagrid was given by Dumbledore were illegal and he should not have carried them out, he did not know that. As such the Wizengamot chose not to punish him with a conviction. However, Hagrid has now been banned from ever holding a position of authority ever again. That means Hagrid will never be eligible to act as minder if a student is ordered to serve a detention. Further, that means he has lost his position as Professor of Care of Magical Creatures.

"And finally," he continued, before he gave a sigh. "Was my own trial."

He paused a few moments before he said, "As with

Hagrid I did not fight the charges against me; and I also freely and honestly aided the DMLE in their enquiries. Furthermore, I also aided the Wizengamot during the trial by providing added information I knew could harm my defence but felt honour-bound to provide, nevertheless.

"I was found not guilty of the charges laid against me―"

That had the Ravenclaws make quiet exclamations of happiness, before he quickly shut that down.

"... but the Wizengamot also decided that, due to the poor choices I have made in carrying out my duties as both a Head of House and as a Professor, I was to be stripped of the position as Head of House for Ravenclaw. I was thankful, though, that I was not also stripped of my post as a Professor; though, personally, I believe I should have been.

"This will give me opportunity to regain my honour;

my honour, which I must honestly judge, has been greatly harmed this past few years. There have been times over this past many years during my time as a Professor, let alone as Head of House Ravenclaw, I have wanted to issue severe punishment to a student or students for incidences I strongly felt warranted such. However, the Headmaster - wrongly, I feel - overruled me. If he somehow manages to escape what I believe is his own richly deserved punishment and returns to the castle, he will never be allowed to do that again.

"As example of that... Miss Cho Chang, Miss Marietta Edgecombe, Miss Amanda Brocklehurst, Mister Michael Corner and Miss Shirley Fawcett... stand!"

When the five tentatively rose to their feet, wondering what was going on, Flitwick continued. "You five are the five main culprits in the bullying and other harm that has befallen Miss Lovegood. You are also the five main instigators in the theft and damage of Miss Lovegood's property.

On the evening of the first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament I informed you all... the whole House... that all of Miss Lovegood's missing property was to be return to her by 8.00am the next morning. You've had four days... rather than just the overnight I gave you... to comply and you have failed."

Turning to one of the aurors along the side walls, one he knew to be a senior auror, he said, "Senior Auror; the five Ravenclaw students currently on their feet are thieves and have caused physical harm to another student. I hereby make formal complaint to you of their actions and, as much as I can in my diminished capacity as a recognised Professor of this school, demand they be removed from this castle. What you do with them after that I couldn't care any less about than I do now."

As the five stood there in shock before three of them burst into tears and another, Mandy Brocklehurst, fainted, five aurors moved forward to take them into

custody.

As the five were led out in manacles, with two needing to be practically carried out, Flitwick remained standing there with a firm countenance and stance - even if it was while standing on the seat of a chair.

Once they were gone he continued. The pain for Ravenclaw House was not over yet.

"It is the responsibility of the House Prefects to monitor the students in their House and in the common areas for actions contrary to being a student of good standing. In that responsibility is also included the requirement they be above reproach in their own actions.

"That a student in their House has suffered repeated and ongoing bullying almost since her first day in this school over two years ago is utterly intolerable. That not one of Ravenclaw's Prefects spotted it and either dealt with it directly or reported it to me or one of the

other members of staff is completely unacceptable. All Ravenclaw Prefects are to stand up right now."

All six did. And all looked rather ashamed.

"As my last official duty as Head of House Ravenclaw, you're all fired!" the Professor firmly stated. "Miss Quirk," he called to one of the little First Year 'Claws. She stood and looked at him. "Miss Quirk, please go to each of our now ex-House Prefects and take their Prefect badges from them. Then bring them up here to me."

With a short bobbed curtsey she quickly went around the table, collecting them as she went, before hurrying up to silently hand them over to the professor.

As she held them out to him from the other side of the head table he said, "Just place them on the table please, Miss Quirk. And return to your seat."

She promptly did both.

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Chapter 070

As the small girl hurried back, he said, "I'll shall be informing my replacement as Head of House Ravenclaw why I've taken that action, if they don't already know, and be recommending none of you ever be offered the position again. You clearly do not deserve it. Now, sit your butts back down."

All six, looking very dejected to the point three - two girls and a boy - were silently crying, sat without a word.

"I will not be elevating any student to be their replacements. Instead, I will leave that up to my own replacement. However, even if I did choose to elevate

six replacements, I doubt very much I could find a Ravenclaw at the moment who would not have also deserved to lose their badge if they'd already held one. They, too, could not have missed the very public bullying of Miss Lovegood as it was going on. As such I determine them to be Accessories to the crime."

He stood there for another long few moments before he more quietly said in a dejected manner, "I was once proud to be considered a Ravenclaw. You lot have taken that from me. Because of your collective actions I now find myself ashamed to be considered a Ravenclaw alumnus. Shame on you!"

He then dropped back into his seat and double clapped his hands. The tables immediately filled with food.

While their table filled with just as many delicious foods as the rest of the House tables, the Ravenclaws appeared to barely even touch any of it. The only ones

who did were quite a few of the youngest two years and Luna Lovegood. Quite a few only sat there for a few minutes, not touching anything, before then quietly standing and walking out of the Hall. Over a quarter of the table did that within the first five minutes. Some more did it within ten.

As the first group left, Hermione quietly said, "That's so sad!"

"That's so deserved!" Harry argued back. "Again, it would not have been necessary... and, yes, I think it was necessary... if the damned Professors had been doing their jobs in the first place. The treatment young Miss Lovegood has received from her housemates should have been dealt with within the first couple of months of her first year. It should never have been allowed to drag on as long as it has."

What had happened had no effect on Harry's own hunger or diet.

After giving it a couple hours for his meal to settle, Harry was in bed and asleep well before curfew. It had been a stressful day that also included him expending a significant amount of magical energy out at the lakeside. Therefore, it came as no surprise to Hermione and Neville when he declared he was heading for bed so early.

_ ̳_ ―==(oIo)==― ˇ

The next morning Harry was up and again dressed in fine clothing. He knew the aurors would be returning soon after breakfast to take him and Hermione to the Wizengamot chambers, as he was warned they would do so the previous day.

Earlier to rise than normal, he rushed to the owlery to send a letter to his account manager at Gringotts, then had to wait about half an hour before Neville and Hermione both came down at the almost the same

time, Neville first. His letter to Gringotts, he did not want Hermione to know about until they'd accomplished what task he set for them and he had a chance to tell her.

They both wished him a good morning, as he did for them, before he asked, "Ready for breakfast?"

"Oh, yes," Hermione brightly replied. "I expect we'll receive a response from my parents today."

Neville just smiled.

As they exited through the portrait and walked down, Harry could see Neville was now carrying himself with a much more upright carriage. For the moment, gone was the once shy boy. Now, he carried himself with a confidence that was severely lacking before. Once again they were 'tailed' by two aurors, who had been waiting in the common room for them.

Harry was quite happy to see the changes in Neville.

'And, to think,' he thought. 'All it took was for the boy to have his own properly matched wand and, just once, stand up to his grandmother. That woman has a lot to answer for.'

As they walked into the Great Hall there was only a bare moment where eyes turned to them before those already within returned to their breakfasts or chatting with friends. It appeared things were calming down again; the still to happen court cases, aside.

He thought and was hopeful he was right his 'big reveal' during the first task was finally starting to get that 'yesterday's news' feel to it.

What he'd been ignoring for the past few days was Ron Weasley. Since the time the boy had flat-out accused him of having the Headmaster and Minerva McGonagall arrested he was expecting the boy to just be biding his time, before keeping his mouth shut got just all too much for him and he decided to let fly with his anger again.

Ron was never an early riser, no matter how much of a glutton he was. Over the past three years, if it wasn't for Harry waking him up, Harry doubted the boy would ever have woken up in time for breakfast.

However, since the night Harry's name had come out of the Goblet, it seemed someone else was waking him up. So, he asked Neville about it.

"Seamus," replied Neville. "However, I think Dean's woken him up on a couple of occasions, too."

"You've not?" asked Harry.

"Nope," Neville emphatically replied. "As far as I'm concerned, him getting up in time to have breakfast before heading off to classes is his own responsibility; not mine."

He turned and smirked at Harry and quietly said, "I think Seamus and Dean have just about had enough

of him, though."

"Oh?" asked Harry.

"Yeah, according to them he's becoming harder and harder to wake up," replied the sandy-haired boy. "According to Seamus, he tried to wake him three times and Dean tried twice. Weasley just mutters something like―"

"Just five more minutes, Muuuum," Harry cut in, perfectly mimicking the redhead.

Neville snorted in amusement and said, "That; plus he's told Dean to 'piss off' twice.

"I think that's it for the both of them. They've tried to help him out and, him treating them like that? I don't think it'll be much longer before no one goes to wake him."

"As you said, it's his own responsibility to rise on

time," said Harry. "I've already washed my hands of him."

"Me too," said Neville.

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