Needless to say, Harry threw the group for a loop. He had done exactly what Dumbledore had hoped he could and something that Voldemort wanted to do. He had control of Hogwarts. Severus Snape was stunned at the audacity of the brat. How dare he do this! Never in the history of the school had a student taken control. It was incredible.
"How is it, Mr. Potter, that you are Headmaster?" sneered Snape.
"Simple. One I have already taken my NEWTS, so there for I have technically graduated. I only returned because Professor McGonagall requested that I do so, so that the school would remain open. Since most parents didn't want to send their children without some protection. Two, Hogwarts herself, granted the request of two of the founders, allowing me to do so."
Every adult stared back at Harry, each with a different emotion. McGonagall's face held surprise, Snape's surprise and jealousy, Dumbledore's anger, and the Scrimgeou's outright rage.
"You will relinquish control of this school to Dumbledore as of right now. You will report to the Ministry to begin your auror training, as per your choice of careers from your fifth year. You will stop this nonsense immediately."
"You can't order ME, Minister. I have already turned down the aurors and the Department of Mysteries. I have no need of employment, other than that of Headmaster. Now I believe that our meeting is over."
Scrimgeour pulled his anger in. He needed to make this deal with the boy. The Ministry couldn't have this go to trial. The publicity, not to mention the repayment, would be too damaging. "I apologize Harry, but you must understand that your special skills are needed in the auror department. I am willing to allow you to forgo the three years of additional training and let you became the youngest auror in the history of the Ministry."
"No thank you."
"What if I let you be the Head of the department?"
"Not interested."
"Harry you have made your point. We should have never used your money and we apologize. We should have never treated you like a weapon instead of a man. We have here a list of repayment that I believe would be more than satisfactory."
Harry glanced at the list. He saw no actual money being returned, instead there was a list of properties. It looked a little to good on paper and Harry wished that Hermione was there.
"Headmaster? Is there something that I can do?"
"Can you ask my wife to join us here please?" Harry silently asked.
After a moment an answer came "The mistress is on her way."
A couple of minutes later Hermione arrived. A chair appeared beside Harry. She entered the office, ignoring everyone else as she gave Harry a kiss and sat down.
"The Minister has presented this offer so that the Ministry doesn't have to go to trial." Harry said handing her the list. Hermione quickly read it.
"I don't think that you should accept, Harry. Most of these properties are worthless and a few belong to someone else, not to mention that you own two of the properties listed."
She handed the list back to Harry who looked at the Minister.
"I don't think so, Scrimgeour. Now I want you to leave."
Hogwarts understood that the Headmaster was upset and made it so that the others were forced out into the hallway where Ron and Ginny still waited.
"I believe that we have been dismissed." stated Professor McGonagall.
Back in the office Harry was trying to regain control of his anger. Hermione simply climbed onto his lap and started kissing him. It took him a couple of kisses to respond but respond he did. Half an hour later a very satisfied Hermione and sated Harry were sitting in Harry's chair with Hermione on his lap. Several items of clothes were missing as well as most of the portraits.
"I don't think that this office has seen that much action in awhile," smirked Harry. "What brought it on anyway?"
"You were in need of an outlet for your anger. I simply redirected it to your passionate side, much to my enjoyment. Before you ask it won't hurt the baby."
"You know me too well."
"I should after all these years. I just never had the nerve to be that bold before."
"I like that bold side of you."
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Severus Snape was in a right foul mood. After the disaster in the Headmaster's office, he had no illusions as to how long he would remain at the school. Potter would get too much enjoyment in dismissing him. Then there was Dumbledore, to whom he was indebted to. Who also had ordered him to tell Voldemort everything. Dumbledore's newest plan was to let the Dark lord attack the school, causing it to fall and making Potter look bad. Then as the righteous, upstanding citizen that he is, Dumbledore would come in and save the day. Snape, however, didn't think that it would work and made plans to leave England altogether before the explosion took place. He was tired of following two masters.
Snape waited until nighttime to leave the castle. He walked to the edge of the wards and apparated to Riddle Manor where Lord Voldemort was staying.
"Severus," hissed the Dark Lord. "I didn't summon you." He sounded angry.
"I know, my Lord, but I have some valuable information to pass on to you."
"What?'
"Harry Potter has taken control of Hogwarts, my Lord."
"How it this possible?" hissed Voldemort.
"Apparently two of the founders requested that he do so and Hogwarts agreed."
Voldemort started pacing. "He must have two of the founders' blood in him to do so. It would be the only way. But which two? Gryffindor would be one, of course, but who would be the other? It couldn't be Slytherin because I am his descendant. I will have to research this. I am pleased that you informed me Severus. Is there anything else?"
"Yes, my Lord. It would also seem that several people have been receiving money and bribes from Dumbledore out of Potter's vaults. He is suing all that have done so, including the Ministry. I do not know when the trial is as the parchment delivering the information was bewitched, so that only those named would know the details."
"So, Potter isn't as stupid as he seems. To take on Dumbledore and the Ministry he must have some damning evidence. Very good Severus. I am most pleased. Now return to your post and keep me informed.
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"Headmaster?"
"Yes" thought Harry, holding a sleeping Hermione. They had stayed in the office the rest of the day, loving each other, getting very little work done, and playing with Michael. They even had dinner there.
"The Potions Master has left the castle. The wards will not allow him to return."
"Thank you. Can you inform me if anyone else leaves?"
"Yes, Master."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, Master. I have opened a passageway to your rooms. Would you like it to remain?"
"It would be very helpful and thank you again." A new door appeared and opened automatically as Harry approached with Hermione in his arms. At the end of the passage a second door opened into their main room. Harry continued into their bedroom and laid Hermione down. Noting that he had no shirt on and trousers barely fastened Harry quickly went into the bath to clean up. He then he went and played some more with his active son.
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Albus Dumbledore waited in his room for Severus to return. The old man was beyond angry. How dare that arrogant whelp turn on him like that! He had a good mind to teach the boy a lesson he would never forget. He would also have to deal with the betrayal of Ms. Granger. It was obvious that she had been with Harry the entire time. Yes he would have to plot his revenge. Perhaps some discrete inquiries at St. Mungo's to see if Ms. Granger was indeed pregnant. He might have to kill her and the child to gain back control over Harry. Blame could be placed on Voldemort, making Harry's anger focused on him. It never accured to the old man that Harry might blame him. No he was to smart for that. What was keeping Severus so long?
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Severus Snape returned to the edge of the wards that protected Hogwarts, at least he thought that he had, for he couldn't see the castle. Closing his eyes, he tried to apparate to the location, only he didn't move. Completely perplexed he tried apparating to Hogsmeade, succeeding in that attempt. Looking in the direction of where the castle should be, Snape still couldn't see it. It made no sense. Angrily he made his way towards the Shrieking Shack. Trying to take the only secret passage that he knew of to return to the castle. He found the tunnel entrance but the tunnel itself was blocked, not by debris, but by a force field of magic. It seemed that the new Headmaster had decided to setup a few new barriers. He need to owl Dumbledore. Voldemort was not going to be happy.
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Tuesday morning dawned with Harry and Hermione both up early to get ready for the trials. So much had happened that Harry had flooed the lawyers asking that the trails be set back a week. They had arranged for the delay, which had let those that were being accused to formulate better plans. Winky was to stay with Michael and Hogwarts set the strongest wards ever around their room and the Headmasters office. She was also under orders that if Voldemort were to attack that she was to implement those strategies that Harry, Hermione, and the castle had discussed. Hogwarts now spoke to Hermione as well, since she had taken over Snape's position as Potions teacher and Head of House. Only until a permanent replacement could be found. For the time during the trials, all classes had been cancelled since most of the teachers were called to be witnesses.
Hermione had picked out their best robes. She intended to make a very strong impression. The display of the Potter crest on her robes would send the gossip mongers flying, not to mention her wedding ring set. Looking at her left hand she saw the sparkle of the diamond. It was not the biggest or brightest one in the world, but Harry had given it to her with a promise to love and honor her. It was not something that either of them took for granted. Both knew that some of their secrets would be revealed today, but not all. She placed a hand on her stomach. This was one secret that would reveal itself in a couple of months. She felt Harry's arms encircle her from behind and his hands went on top of hers.
"Everything's going to be fine, Mione. You'll see." He kissed the back of her neck. Several other kisses followed.
"If you don't stop now were going to be verylate" she said leaning back into him.
"It might be worth it" he answered, turning her around so that he could kiss her properly.
They made it with five minutes to spare. Both looked flushed and out of breath but neither lawyer said anything. The courtroom was abuzz when they saw the young couple enter, holding hands. Those that had heard about a big trial had no idea that Harry Potter was the one behind it. The press were already excited that most of the heads of the Ministry as well as the staff from Hogwarts were there, not to mention the Weasley's with their two youngest children. This baffled most as it was commonly known that the youngest Weasley son was very good friends with Harry Potter. Even more curious was the fact that a Gringotts goblin was seated next to Harry Potter's lawyers. This had to be serious business if the goblins were involved. Silence filled the room as Albus Dumbledore walked in and sat down next to Minister Scrimgeour. The room was in shock since all believed that the man to be dead. Several photographers started snapping pictures. This was special edition stuff. The last to enter were three muggles. Two were the size of whales, while the other, a woman, was thin and resembled the wrong end of a horse. They were led over to where the rest of the defendants were seated.
Members of the Wizengament filed in and were seated. The head judge called for order. The first question was addressed to the aurors.
"Are all the accused present and accounted for?"
"Yes", answered one of the aurors.
"Good. Since there are too many defendants to name at this time I will simply summarize. You, who are seated to my left have been accused of several crimes. Each will be allowed to defend themselves. We will start with Mr. Potter's muggle relatives."
The three Dursley's were led to three chairs that faced the Wizengament. Vernon Dursley didn't like the fact that the freak was behind him. "I refuse to sit here while that freak is behind me. He might get it into his head to use his freakiness on me. I WON"T HAVE IT!"
"You, sir, are in no position to order anything. Now SIT." Veron Dursley was forced to sit. Each of the Dursley's were forced to open their mouth and three drops of Veritiserum were placed on their tongues. The head judge waited a moment for the potion to work
"Are your names Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley, of number 4 Privet Drive, Surry?"
"Yes" answered all three.
"Are you aware of the charges brought up against you?"
"Yes."
"And how do you plead?"
"Guilty", answered all three. A collective gasp went through the room. Many wondered what the muggles had done to their Savior.
"Then do you, as muggles, understand that you have admitted to abusing your nephew, Harry James Potter, for most of his life. That this abuse was not only in the form of verbal and physical, but also of neglect of the most basic things he needed in order to survive. Also that your punishment will be in our hands and not those of the muggle authorities?"
"Yes."
"So be it. We, of the court, accept your plea of guilty. We sentence the three of you to be confined to Azkaban Prison for no less than 16 years, one for each year that your nephew was in your care. You will also be ordered to perform community service in a manner to help you understand what you have done. I hear by order five years of community service to be performed at St. Mungo's orphan wing to be done while you are in prison. In addition all of your worldly possessions will be turned over to you nephew to do with as he sees fit. I hope that you will learn from your mistakes and may the fates have mercy on your souls." The head judge nodded to the auror who administered the antidote.
Harry could tell the moment that the potion wore off. Vernon was ridged with anger. "You can not do this to us. We ARE not part of you freaky society and can not be judged by you freaks. I demand a real trial with a real jury done in a real courtroom!"
"You have no say in what is to be done, Dursley. You have admitted your guilt and have been sentenced accordingly. Take them away!" Vernon did not go quietly. "I hope that you and your little spawn of a son meet an untimely end!" Did that mean that Harry Potter had a son or was Ms Granger seated next to him pregnant? The press was all abuzz. To hear that Harry Potter was dealt with by his own family in such a way was disturbing to many. It also meant that a huge amount of papers would sell that night. Many now wondered what the rest were guilty of.
"We now call the Weasley's forward." The aurors led Arthur, Molly, Ron, and Ginny to the four chairs in front of the head judge.
"Arthur, Molly, Ronald, and Ginerva Weasley." All four nodded. The head judge indicated to the auror to administer the potion. Ron and Ginny seemed to put up a struggle but were finally forced to take it. After a moment the questioning began.
"Arthur Weasley, do you know why you are here and the charges levied against you?"
"Yes."
"And your plea?"
"Guilty." A gasp rose from the spectators.
"Molly Weasley?"
"Yes."
"Do you know why you are here and the charges that have been levied against you?"
"Yes."
"And your plea?"
"Guilty" A second gasp went thru the room.
"Master goblin, how much is within the Weasley vault and how much was diverted to their account from Mr. Potter's?"
"According to our records Mr. and Mrs. Weasley have approximately two million galleons in a private vault on a secure level. Only they have access to it and most of their family is unaware of its existence. Their main vault only has two hundred galleons in it."
"The court hereby orders the repayment to Mr. Potter in the amount of two million two hundred galleons and the property known as the Burrow."
Mr. Smith stood up. "Your honor, Mr. Potter has requested that the property remain in the family but under a different Weasley, namely William, Frederick, and George. He does not wish to deprive them of their childhood home."
"So noted and it will be as Mr. Potter requests. Instead the court orders that Arthur and Molly Weasley be sentenced to two years in Azkaban and serve five years in an area of community service, of Mr. Potter's choice."
Harry whispered into Mr. Smith's ear. "Mr. Potter requests that they serve their sentence helping in the Leaky Cauldron. Helping Tom in whatever capacity he requires. This way all who pass through will see them, in effect shaming them."
"A very interesting punishment, Mr. Potter. The court agrees. Now, Ronald and Ginerva Weasley."
"Yes." they both answered.
"Are you both aware of the charges against you both?"
"Yes."
Mr. Brown stood up." Forgive me, your honor, but there is another charge that we would like to be given against Ms. Weasley."
"And that is?"
"Ms. Weasley knowingly knocked a fellow student out, used a lust potion combined with a fertility potion. Both potions are illegal at Hogwarts. She then used these against another person, namely Mr. Potter, so that she might become pregnant with his child, thus ensuring herself control of Mr. Potter's money and prestige. It was only Mr. Potter's determination and strength that allowed him to elude her plans. However he could not escape such a powerful potion and indeed, finally, succumbed to its power. Mrs. Potter, then Ms. Granger, understood the potion and its effect and acted accordingly with Mr. Potter's consent."
"The potion that was used?"
"The Amorous Fertilis potion." The room went deadly silent. This was serious. Everyone looked at the young couple, knowing the power of that potion. Many were surprised that Harry could hold off his lust for longer than a minute after breathing the potion in.
"Did you do all that, Ms. Weasley?"
"Yes."
"Who gave you such a potion?"
"Professor Snape made it on Professor Dumbledore's orders, with my parent's blessing. We all knew that Harry would do whatever was necessary to protect his child, including its mother and her family. My brother helped me in the planning as he wanted Hermione for himself." It was beginning to sound like a muggle soap opera. Never in anyone's wildest dreams had they ever heard of such a plot. The press waited for the next thrilling revelation.
"Never in all my years have I heard of such a thing. To purposely use such a means so that you could gain control over a person is unforgivable. You two should be ashamed of yourselves. Master Goblin, do you have anything to add."
"Yes, your honor. Both Mr. Ronald Weasley and Ms. Ginerva Weasley have personal vaults, each contain one million galleons, diverted there from Mr. Potter's accounts."
"Very well it is the judgment of this court that all monies from both vaults be repaid to Mr. Potter and that both serve a term of two years in Azkaban. Young Mr. Weasley will be ordered to serve a community service sentence of five years, cleaning various Quidditch stadiums and is banned permanently from playing Quidditch, from any team professional or not. Ms. Weasley will be sentenced to five years community service in a mother's home, for unwed mothers. She will also see a healer once a month for mental therapy. Both younger Weasley's will have their magic bound for three years. Only then will they be allowed to return to Hogwarts to continue their education, if the Headmistress allows it."
"Actually your honor, Mr. Potter has been declared as Headmaster and as such has refused to allow these two to return." Another new twist. The Quick Quote Quills could hardly keep up.
The head judge smiled. "As you wish, Headmaster. Aurors take them away. This court is recessed for ten minutes."
Harry released the breathe that he was holding. He turned to Mr. Brown. "How did you know what Ginny did?"
"Mrs. Potter informed us. We understood the intent the moment we heard the potion that was used. Mrs. Potter felt that the young lady shouldn't get away with such a crime, no matter the outcome and we agreed with her. I don't regret that decision and neither does my brother."
"I've been meaning to ask. How is it that you two are brothers and not have the same last name?"
"Simple, Mr. Potter. Same mother different fathers."
One of the aurors came over to see if they needed anything. Hermione mentioned that she needed to use the loo and was escorted by four aurors. It was mostly to protect her from the press or vice versa. Either way Harry was glad that they were there to protect her. Another auror brought the water that Mr. Smith requested. Hermione returned just before the Wizengament returned. The courtroom was now at standing room only as word spread of the trials and the verdicts that had been handed down. No one wanted to miss a thing.
The head judge called for order. "We now call Albus Dumbledore and the staff members of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry forward." Dumbledore and several teachers came forward and sat down in the chairs that were in front of the court. The aurors seemed to be using a different vial of Veritiserum.
Hermione leaned in and whispered "They're using a vial that Snape didn't make for them. It's to ensure justice for him. See he knows and understands."
Indeed Snape did seem to understand and accepted the three drops. Dumbledore, however seemed to have a problem. He demanded that he be allowed to use the other vial but was denied. "Dumbledore probably wants to use Snape's because he had already taken the potion to counter it. The judge isn't that stupid and neither are your lawyers since it was their idea." whispered Hermione. Harry looked at her. She seemed to be having the time of her life. If he didn't know her so well he would have said that she was taking sadistic pleasure from all of this.
"First things first. I would have never believed you were capable of doing this, Albus. It just proves that you never truly know anyone. Now, Albus Dumbledore, you are aware of the charges against you?"
"Yes" came the strangled reply.
"And your plea?"
It took a couple of minutes for the answer. He seemed to be fighting the potion. "Guilty."
Several gasps filled the courtroom. It was one thing to speculate, but to hear such a confession was not expected. The head judge then asked the rest for their pleas. All but Snape pleaded innocent. They had no idea about the money and where it had come from.
"Severus Snape, you have entered a plea of guilty and innocent, we of the court would like to know why?"
"I did not know of the money. I assumed that it was from a private donation. But I did knowingly make the potion that Ms. Weasley used against Mr. Potter. I even explained to the girl how to activate it."
"I see, then I have no choice. Master Goblin?"
"Albus Dumbledore has diverted over five million galleons from Mr. Potter's vaults. The money was sent to Hogwarts, to a separate account for the Order of the Phoenix to use, and to the Ministry itself." Another set of gasps. This was getting more and more intriguing.
"Very well, Albus Dumbledore, you are sentenced to twenty years in Azkaban and ten years community service of Mr. Potter's choice. Also repayment of five million galleons to Mr. Potter, and your magic will be bound for thirty years. Finally any and all property that was held by you, prior to your 'death', shall be handed over to Mr. Potter."
Mr. Smith stood again. "Mr. Potter requests that if Mr. Dumbledore owns the tavern that his brother operates, it be turned over to said brother."
"That is acceptable."
"As for the community service, Mr. Potter requests that Mr. Dumbledore's community service be done in the capacity of maintaining several cemeteries. Including the one in Godric's Hallow."
"An excellent suggestion. It shall be as you ask, Mr. Potter. I find that Hogwarts and its staff innocent of any wrong doing except for Severus Snape. You are hereby sentenced to five years in Azkaban, your Potions license revoked and community service of five years of Mr. Potter's choice."
"Mr. Potter requests that Mr. Snape's community service be carried out in a daycare of underage witches and wizards, under supervision and without the use of a wand."
"The court agrees and so shall it be. Aurors take the prisoners away and release the others. The court calls Minister Rufus Scrimgeour and members of the ministry."
The last group was led to the chairs. The spectators were stunned at the admissions of Dumbledore and Snape. There was no question as to the Minister's guilt, it was a question of how guilty he was. The aurors administered the Veritiserum.
"Minister Scrimgeour, former Minister Fudge, Under Secretary Umbridge, Assistanct Weasley, Head Auror Spellman, and Head of the Department of Mystery Mr. Trimble. You are, by now aware of the procedure, so we ask you, are you aware of the charges against you?"
"Yes."
"And how do you plea?"
Everyone answered, "Guilty."
"The corruption of this government astounds me. I hereby order a full investigation into every department for any signs of this. I am sick and tired of what I am hearing of what has been done to one young man, who by rights should not be the person that he is today. I hereby strip each of you of your offices and forbid any of you to enter this establishment as a member of its workforce. Each of you with be sent to Azkaban for five years and will due five years community service as workers of the prison, cleaning, serving meals, or in whatever capacity that the warden needs of you. Your magic will be bound for ten years and you have lost all benefits. Master Goblin, what damage has the Ministry caused Mr. Potter's accounts, besides what Dumbledore has already taken?"
"Your honor, the Ministry deemed it necessary to tax Mr. Potter's assets, properties, and holdings for more than double the amount. Most was done while Mr. Potter was still under age."
Mr. Brown interrupted. "Your honor, it has also come to my attention that when Ms. Umbridge was a teacher at Hogwarts she used several methods of discipline that are not acceptable. Particularly the use of a blood quill that left an entire sentence on Mr. Potter's hand and the use of Veritiserum on several students, which of course is illegal."
"Is this true, Delores?"
"Yes. He was trying to say that You-Know-Who had returned and refused to recant the statement. I tried to discipline him to the extent to teach him that he needed to tell the truth."
"He was telling the truth, Delores, which is why we are now at the edge of war. Delores Umbridge, for that form of cruel and unusual punishment I hereby add to your sentence of five years in Azkaban to ten, bind your magic for additional ten years beyond what was already handed down and add to your community service time with an additional five years , still serving it in Azkaban. I will recommend that the warden let you clean all the toilets in the place. Take them away."
The aurors led the last group out. "Mr. Potter, this court is sorry for all that you have been through due to these people. Be very proud that you have managed to stop them and that justice is served. A new election for Minister will be held in one week. I order that Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt serve as temporary Minister until the election. This court is now dismissed."