At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Chapter edited 8/7/06. Thanks again to ALL my reviewers....I’m not planning to end the Susan/Harry relationship right away, but I have to admit, I, too like the friends with benefits angle. Harry Potter is still not mine!

In A Storm, Beware Of The Lightning!

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Waking slowly, Harry let a smile come over his sleepy face as he recalled what had happened the night before. The party had been a big hit with everyone and Susan had been a big hit with him. ‘Damn! If she doesn’t have the body of a goddess! Never thought things would go as far as they did, but who am I to complain! Who knew she had such talented hands…And…Oh…That…Mouth!!’ Realizing that his blood flow had reversed itself from his brain to his man-hood, Harry got up and went to take a nice, long, hot shower….using the memory of Susan to take care his morning problem.

Drying off, his mind started going over everything that was suppose to happen today. He had to meet Dobby this morning to setup the elves, in order to get his new home ready to move into. Bill was to come later on, for lunch and a talk, and to go over any new wards that were needed.

‘When will Dumbledore show and would he really come back today? If he does, how am I going to know if I’m at Thurox Manor? I definitely don’t want to miss anything when Dumbles show’s up! I could meet with Dobby and Winky quickly this morning and have Smitty deliver a note to Bill telling him to meet me later tonight….maybe have Winky cook us dinner instead. That leaves the bulk of the day available. That should work.’ Deciding on his plan of action, he got dressed and headed down to an early breakfast.

When he returned around 9:30am from Thurox Manor, he went to search out the other occupants of the house. Finding them all out on the portico enjoying the warm, breezy morning, Harry said, “Good morning everyone! No surprise visitors yet, I take it?”

“No, Harry, you haven’t missed the show!” said Hermione, chuckling at her best friends enthusiasm. “How did it go with Dobby and Winky?”

“Good. After I reassured Winky, like I had to with Dobby, I gave them a quick tour and told them to do what they do best. I’m going to have to figure out how to give them more galleons on the sly. They wouldn’t take more than 5 galleons a week, and I had planned on paying them 15. They actually started getting angry with me! I’ve seen what Dobby is like angry, and it’s quite scary! Your good at these things, maybe you could help me out with this ‘Mione…..PLEEAASSEE!” said Harry, unleashing his puppy dog eyes.

Laughing a little at her friends antics, Hermione responded, “Harry! Knock off the eyes! Why don’t you just buy them some clothes, and stuff they like to help make up the difference in what you had planned to pay them. Just present the items as gifts of appreciation.”

“Brilliant! That will definitely work!” cheered Harry.

“Thank you, Harry. I do tend to come up with a good idea every now and again, you know!” teased Hermione, sending them all into a real laugh.

“Hey, Nev, when you get a few moments, can I talk to you?” said Harry as he received a good natured glare from Hermione that said ‘Don’t you dare scare him off!’

“Sure thing Harry. I’m free now if you want to talk.” Neville said. As he stood, both young men headed off towards the gardens on the east side of the Manor.

Collecting his thoughts, after several silent minutes, Harry finally said, “Nev, I won’t pull the ‘If you hurt Hermione, I will kill you’ routine, because I know you better than that. I also won’t pry and put my nose where I doesn’t belong….I wouldn’t want that either….but I would like to say that ‘Mione looked really happy last night and I haven’t seen her that relaxed with our friends, ever! Your good for her, you know. She’s like a sister to me and….just, please take care of her. God! How mushy can I get! Uuuggghh!”

Laughing at the torment his friend was experiencing, Neville said, “Harry, I hear what you’re saying! I never knew until recently, that she has a wicked sense of humor….she is always so bookish at school. I will say this, if I do hurt her, you have my permission to kill me!”

“I don’t know Nev….she also has a pretty mean right hook so if you hurt her, there may not be anything left of you to kill. Ask Malfoy about it sometime!” The banter continued on and as they approached the house again, Hermione was relieved and a little perplexed by the joviality of the two men in her life. Mrs. Longbottom had retreated back indoors by the time the boys made it back to Hermione.

Harry was feeling a little confused over his new confidence and bold nature towards Susan, and so ask, “Hey guys, can I ask your opinion on something? Do you think that the Chuzzor in me could start to show a little earlier than my coming of age? It’s just, I’ve never been very good with girls before….Cho Chang, for example, but I find that I have no problem being very….forward and…….” he trailed off not knowing how to finish his thought.

Hermione helped him out by saying, “Sexual, Harry? Are you trying to ask us if that side is starting to show?”

Giving a nod, Harry said, “Yeah, I guess I am. It’s just not like me to be this self assured around anyone, let alone women, but when I am with Susan, I just let loose…like it’s second nature, or something like that….do you know what I mean?”

“It’s probably safe to say that your heritage is starting to surface. It’s not uncommon for a wizard to start manifesting familial traits early. It’s kind of like a building up for the big show. I, myself, have started showing signs as I get nearer to it. How many muggles do you know that grow 4 inches in just a few weeks. It’s normal…don’t worry about it to much.” Neville reassured him.

“Harry, along with your new found sexuality, you, too, have had a growth spurt like Neville and your body seems to be thickening up. I think Nev is right, so just go with it for now. If any problems come of it, we’ll handle them then. You have enough to worry about…don’t go looking for more.” said Hermione as she gave him a reassuring hug.

“Thanks, guys, for everything! I’m heading in to fire-call Tony and see if he’s heard anything, yet. I’ll talk to you later.” With that, Harry headed back inside the Manor. Not long after fire-calling Tony, Harry received a letter by a Hogwarts owl. Hoping it wasn’t another trick by Dumbledore, he asked Mrs. Longbottom to scan it for any curses or hidden portkey’s. When it was deemed safe to read, he opened it and read:

Dearest Harry,

I can not express my deepest regret that I have not been able to tell you that I was your godmother. Since your letter, the spell blocking me from revealing this fact to you, has been broken. I have contacted Remus Lupin as we were both under the same spell and have heard back from him. If it is agreeable to you, we would be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you may have and to just spend some quality time with you that we have all been denied. Please say that you will meet with us.

Your Loving Godmother - Merlin it feels good to finally write that!
Poppy

With a bit of relief and anger, Harry thought, ‘So, someone put a block on Poppy and Remus to prevent them from telling me any information concerning her being my godmother. I wonder what else they were prevented from telling me?! I can only bet that Albus Dumbledore is behind this some how….he’s the only one this information could damage! He is really starting to PISS ME OFF!!!’ It took the better part of 30 minutes to calm himself down enough to write a letter back to Poppy, saying that he would be more than happy to meet with them when ever it was convenient. Sealing and sending his response with Hedwig, Harry adjourned to the sitting room.

At about 11:am, Tony, escorted by a chatty Smitty, came into the sitting room where everyone had gathered for late morning tea. “Hello everyone! Heard you had a pretty spectacular party here last night? Something about tropical…..”

“We had a Hawaiian Luau last night for some of our friends. I was GREAT!” said Hermione with a huge smile on her face.

“That’s sounds like it was a lot of fun!” Turning more serious, Tony said, “Not to dampen your moods, but we have some details to go over. I have it on good authority, that Dumbledore is going to show up during lunch to try to catch you all off guard. Now, as I said yesterday, I have invited a few people who I think should be privy to the conversation with Dumbledore. Minister Fudge, Amelia Bones and Mad-Eye Moody will be in attendance. Harry, I know you think Moody works for Dumbledore, but I can guarantee it’s just a ruse. I can’t tell you why or how I know this, just trust that I do. That’s how I know when Dumbledore plans to show up today. There will also be a few Aurors here as well.”

Taking a breath and a sip of tea, Tony continued, “What I would like to see happen is this. Moody plans on being with Dumbledore when he arrives. Kingsley Shacklebolt will most likely be with him also. The Aurors will be out of sight but they will hear all of what is going on in the dining room. We’ll have Minister Fudge and Amelia hiding behind a screen in the corner so they can be ready to move when we are. Harry, I want you out in the open for this today. Let Dumbledore think that he has succeeded in catching you off guard, but don‘t act to shocked by his appearance. When he gets here, Mrs. Longbottom send Smitty to fire-call me, but in actuality he’ll just retrieve me from the receiving room. From there, it’s anyone’s guess as to how it will all play out. Do you have any questions?”

“Tony, do you think it wise to leave Harry so unprotected. What if Dumbledore or Shacklebolt hex first and ask questions later. I don’t like this!” said Mrs. Longbottom.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen, not with you three, as witnesses, in the room. Dumbledore does have a reputation to uphold, after all.” said Tony reassuringly, then continued, “Plus, I want all three of you to have your wands on you. Minister Fudge informed me this morning, the law he spoke to you three about has been enacted. You are now allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts. Dumbledore doesn’t know this yet, so that’s an advantage to us. If he does attack first, defend yourselves, but remember we do have the Aurors and Amelia as backup. I think it’ll be okay as long as Harry stays as far away as possible from Dumbledore and Shacklebolt, and doesn’t accept anything from them. We don’t want to risk you being portkeyed away.”

“Tony, I have an invisibility cloak, if you need it, to help hide Amelia and Cornelius. It couldn’t hurt.” offered Harry.

“I think that’s a splendid idea. I expect our Ministry allies to show up in about 15 minutes and then we will get everyone sorted out and where they need to be. Mrs. Longbottom, if you could have lunch served at 12:30pm, that would setup everything perfectly. Moody said they are planning to show around 12:40pm, but just to be safe, I want you four to be in the dining room by 12:20pm. Any other questions?”

When no one asked anything else, they continued to have small talk until the Ministry group showed.

“Good afternoon, Amelia, Cornelius. Thank you for coming to help me out today. I would also like to thank you, Cornelius, for the quick work on getting the Underage Use of Magic lifted for those who have taken the OWLS.” said Harry.

“Your completely welcome, Harry. I’m sorry it took an extra day, but we managed it fairly quickly irregardless. When we’re through with this whole mess today, Amelia and I would like to talk to you and Tony in private.” responded Cornelius.

“That’s fine, sir. Here is my invisibility cloak to wear as extra protection in keeping yourselves hidden. Please don’t let anything happen to it, if at all possible, it’s one of the few personal mementos that I have from my father.” said Harry.

“We’ll take care of it for you, Harry. I enjoyed my nieces recount of the party last evening. A Hawaiian Luau she said? It was quite the event from my understanding! Susan is pestering me to let her through a party of her own, but with my position in the Ministry….let‘s just say I tend to be overly cautious.” said Amelia.

“I completely understand. Once I’m settle at Thurox Manor, I plan on throwing another party myself, so maybe that will curtail Susan for a while…I’ll even let her plan it!” Harry said, thinking that would get Amelia off the hook with her niece.

“That just might work, Harry. Just make sure everyone you invite is truly on the right side of this war. I would hate to see something happen to any of you kids.” said Amelia with a reassuring pat to his arm. Confused, and giving a look that said, ‘What are you talking about?’, Cornelius was chuckling by the end of the enthusiastic description covering the events of the night before given by Harry, Hermione, and Neville.

“Okay everyone, get in your places. It’s 12:15 now, so make haste!” Tony said to the group.

Lunch was served at exactly 12:30 and the group began to eat, while they nervously awaited for the showdown to start. After pushing food around his plate, Harry looked up at the clock to see that it was almost 12:40. Glancing at Mrs. Longbottom when she stiffened, she said “The wards have just acknowledged 4 people approaching. Smitty go to the front door and show our visitor’s into the dining room. You all have your wands?”

The trio all acknowledge her question in the affirmative and moments later, Dumbledore, Shacklebolt, McGonagall and Moody walked in.

“Good afternoon, Augusta, Mr. Potter, Mr. Longbottom and Ms. Granger. It’s a surprise to see you here Ms. Granger. Harry, I’m glad to see that you are seeing reason and are here waiting for us to collect you. I fully expected Mr. Rooks to be here as well?”

“Smitty?” said Mrs. Longbottom, and with a small pop, the elf appeared.

“Yes Mistress Longbottom?” asked the respectful little elf.

“Please go fire-call Mr. Rooks and have him come here at once.”

“Right away, Mistress!” and with that, Smitty popped out to do as he was ordered.

There was an uncomfortable pause when finally Harry responded to Dumbledore, “Headmaster, I don’t know under what pretense you’re assuming that I’m just sitting here waiting for you, but you are greatly mistaken. I have been at Longbottom Manor for several days now, taking lunch together is a fairly normal occurrence.”

“Harry, do honestly expect me believe that you were not informed of my meeting with Augusta and Mr. Rooks yesterday? Surely you think me more intelligent than that?” said Dumbledore with a disapproving look on his old face.

“Your correct on both points, Headmaster, I was merely stating that you are assuming an awful lot by insinuating that I am here for no other reason than to be collected by you and your little group. Professor McGonagall, to what do we owe the pleasure of you company today? I understand the muscle Dumbledore has brought, but it behooves me as to why you are here?” Harry asked, raising a curious eyebrow.

“Mr. Potter, I was asked to come as another voice of reason. I am also here as the Head of Gryffindor House to make sure one of my own is properly taken care of. I hope you are not offended by my presence today?” McGonagall responded.

“Not at all, Professor, I was merely curious. Am I to understand that anyone who is reasonable will be listened to fairly?” asked Harry.

“Of course, Mr. Potter. Have you ever known me to be unjust?” she said in her stern manner.

“No, I have always known you to be fair. I just hope you continue to be so.” as Harry finished his comment, Tony walked in.

“Ah, I see everyone is here. Shall we start this meeting.” asked Tony taking the seat closest to Harry.

When both Dumbledore and McGonagall had taken their seats, Albus pulled out a folder and said, “As per your request yesterday, Mr. Rooks, I have the documentation that proves my guardianship of Mr. Potter. If you will remember correctly, you admitted that once I had proven my authority here, you would not stand in my way. I am holding you to this, Mr. Rooks. That is why I have brought, as young Harry here has called them…my muscle.” Dumbledore said, chuckling at the last part.

“I see that your demeanor hasn’t changed….let’s see this proof.” Tony said with a hint of sarcasm. Dumbledore pushed the folder toward Tony and Harry with a smug look about his usually benevolent face. Harry caught this and keeping his anger under control, raised an eyebrow of his own in question to the Headmaster countenance. The only sound that could be heard in the room was the quiet rustling of paper, as Tony perused the file he’d been given.

Several minutes later, Tony looked up and said, “I’m confused, where did you get these documents?”

“What do you mean, Mr. Rooks? I went to the Ministry Records Department after our conversations yesterday and retrieved them. Is there a problem?” said the Headmaster, annoyed at the question.

Tony pulled out his own folder, and thumbed through the paperwork, until he found what he was looking for, then said. “Mr. Dumbledore, your documents do not match the set of documents that I procured from the Records Department three days ago. Care to explain what these new forms are?” It was Tony’s turn to look somewhat smug and he gave a little inward chortle at stunning the Headmaster.

After regaining his composure, Albus retorted, “Are you accusing me of something, Mr. Rooks? I do not take to kindly to being threatened as I am the Head of the Wizengamot! The only documents that matter here are the ones that I handed you. Perhaps it is you that should be accused of wrong doing?” Very few in the room had ever seen this cold and calculating side of Dumbledore and many felt the hair on their necks rise in warning.

Tony responded, “I was not accusing you of anything, Mr. Dumbledore, merely asking if you knew why the documents were different. However, they say the guilty jump on the defensive first. You may well be the Head of the Wizengamot, sir, but that gives you no right to attack me, either, since I have done nothing to be accused of. Simply asking the Supreme Mugwump a question is perfectly legal…unless the law has changed recently. But, no matter, a simple revealing spell to confirm which set of documents carries the true Ministry seal will resolve this issue. If you will, Mrs. Longbottom, can you have Smitty take this note to someone in the Records Department and we will await an approved representative to perform the spell.”

“That will not be necessary, Mr. Rooks, I can perform the spell.” said Dumbledore in that still too cold manner.

“I would prefer that we have a Ministry approved person to perform it….I want no mistakes made, as it is my life you are playing with.” said Harry angrily, unable to keep his silence any longer.

“My boy, we are just wasting time. As I said to Mr. Rooks yesterday, every minute you are away from your Aunt’s home, the more danger you are in. I feel it’s best if I do the spell and then we can be on our way. It is after all, you, that I am concerned about.” said Dumbledore, condescendingly.

“Is that so! Well, I’m willing to take the chance and wait. Until such time as you have proven, without any doubt, that you are my guardian, I’ll do what feels right to me. Mrs. Longbottom, if you could get Smitty?” Harry angrily said.

While she called the house elf, Albus was fuming. ‘The nerve of Harry to question me! I have to do the spell or it will be my documents that are proven false. I will send Alastor to get Francis Finklemeir, since she’s the one who’s been helping me all along. It must be her or myself that performs the fake revealing spell, so that whichever document has my magical signature on it will be shown as the legitimate set.’

“Instead of sending Smitty, I will send Mr. Moody to get the appropriate person. Alastor, if you would go and give this note to Francis Finklemeir, I am sure she will have no problem coming here and is approved to do the spell.” said Dumbledore with his full twinkle back into play.

Jumping to his feet, Harry practically shouted, “NO! Dumbledore, what is your problem with getting some random person to come and perform the spell. Unlike Tony, I am accusing you of something, I’m just not sure of what, yet! What are you so afraid of….could it possibly be that you know your documents are fake and therefore, can’t risk us finding out. I’m sick of your games. We will have an unbiased official or you can leave now!” While Harry was yelling at the Headmaster, Smitty was sent on his way quietly, Albus never noticing.

“Harry, you will speak to me with respect or not at all. How dare you accuse me of falsifying my paperwork. Your rebellious streak is getting a bit out of hand. I understand that you are under an enormous amount of grief and stress lately, but that does not give you the right to be disrespectful of your betters, young man! Now sit down and let the adults at this table handle the situation or I will have you removed!” threatened Dumbledore.

“Albus! Just who are you going to get to remove Harry from this room! I believe that this is MY home and therefore, makes me the only person able to remove anyone! You are treading on thin ice right now. I’ll not have you speaking to any guest in MY home like that. Watch yourself!” Mrs. Longbottom said with finality.

“Headmaster, as I said to you and Snape not that long ago, I will show respect when respect is given. How dare you threaten to have me removed from these proceedings when it’s my life we’re discussing. Furthermore, you’ve yet to prove any of your ‘so-called’ authority over me, so you have no jurisdiction here.” retorted Harry.

“Albus, Harry is correct. I don’t understand what has come over you today.” said Minerva McGonagall, her eyes pleading with her boss to stop being irrational.

“My jurisdiction, Harry and Minerva, is that I am the Supreme Mug…” before he could even finish, Harry cut him off.

“Yes! Yes! We know you’re the Supreme Mugwump, but does that make you a god? Hell, NO! Does that give you the right to dictate my life without justification of your actions? NO! Does that give you the right to be above our laws when it suits you? NO! Could you circumvent Hermione’s parent’s authority for that of your own or maybe Mrs. Longbottom’s authority? NO! I’m on to you, and will no longer trust anything that comes from your lips. Your about to find out the hard way, just how far you have truly stepped in it this time!” By the end of Harry’s rant, the Headmaster looked slightly pale and far less smug than previously.

“Harry, my boy, I must apologize for losing myself just now. I am only trying to do what is best for you, and to keep you safe from Voldemort.” responded Dumbledore, looking as grandfatherly as possible.

Harry said back in complete sarcasm, “That’s what you always fall-back on, isn’t it….your concern for me and my safety? Well you can stuff it for all I care what you ’feel is best’!”

Standing to join his client, he put a calming hand on Harry’s shoulder, gently pushing him back into his seat. Taking a quick scan of the room while he himself sat back down, Tony noticed that Moody had a small fire in his eyes that spoke of his approval to what Harry had said, Shacklebolt looked confused, Mrs. Longbottom, Hermione and Professor McGonagall had disbelief clearly written on their faces and Neville looked ready to back Harry if things should get ugly.

Dumbledore was losing ground quickly and so Tony continued on with the slaughter. “Mr. Dumbledore, my client has a point. Being Head of the Wizengamot does not grant you the right to displace Ministry laws. You are just as accountable as the rest of us and it would do you well to remember this fact. Now, onto another issue while we await Smitty to return. My client would like an explanation as to why his parent’s will was not executed properly?”

With that one question, the lightning had just struck! Dumbledore became instantly aware that he had been played these last few days and that Harry was single handedly undermining all he had worked to control in the last 16 years. Everything was about to slip through his fingers and he was apparently powerless to stop it.

Trying to recover as much as possible, Dumbledore pulled a confused face and said, “I’m not sure I understand. As far as I know, the goblins handle the execution of all wills in the older families. Have you found out otherwise?”

Again, Tony had to put a calming hand on his clients arm to keep Harry from exploding. “Mr. Dumbledore, I believe the time for playing dumb has come and gone. We know for a fact that you sealed the Potter’s will and prevented anyone from finding out what was in it. We also know that you kept Harry from receiving his copy of the will at the age of 11, along with all financial statements he should have been receiving since turning 14. He is to become Head of House Potter in little over a month, as you well know, and should have been working with his portfolio to learn all that is involved, for the last two years. Harry would like a truthful explanation.”

Tony heard Harry snort and quietly say “fat chance” at the last part. The last narrative was the cue for the Aurors to make themselves known, and for Amelia and Cornelius to come out of hiding .

As she came around the screen, Amelia asked, “Yes, Albus, we would all like some straight forward answers from you.”

Knowing he had lost after seeing the head of the Ministry and the head of the DMLE come out of hiding, Dumbledore decided that he better be forthcoming with the truth…or at least with as little of the truth as possible.

Thinking he still may yet be able to save his neck, Dumbledore began, “I see that I have been setup. Very well, I will explain, just keep in mind, Harry, that what I did, was what was best for you at the time and for your protection. After your parents died, against their wishes, I brought you to your Aunt’s house because of the blood protection that could be offered to you by living there. It was all to keep you safe, you see, and if I had to do it again, I would do the same….as everyone can see, you were safe and no harm came to you for the 10 years before you started Hogwarts.”

Feeling vindicated by the last statement, Dumbledore went on, “The guardians your parents stipulated would not have been able to provide the same security. I only sealed the will so that your childhood would be protected and your safety ensured. At 11, I did not think you were old enough for the truth of the situation, so continued to keep the will and it’s contents from you. I considered telling you all at 14, so that you could prepare for the mantle of Head of House Potter, but your 4th year was hard enough on you what with the Tri-Wizard Tournament and Cedric‘s death. Then again, this year, losing Sirius, I just couldn’t in good conscience add more to your burdens. I had planned to visit you this summer, to explain everything to you, and help to guide you along thereby making you ready to take the head of your family on successfully. Again as I said in my office a few short days ago, Harry, I am sorry for with holding information, but it was my desire for your safety and that you have as normal a childhood as possible for as long as possible. Forgive an old man his mistakes.”

Clapping in an over exaggerated way, and standing as if giving an ovation, Harry sarcastically said, “Very good, Headmaster, very good! That was ‘almost’ convincing. To quote you from earlier, ‘Surely you think me more intelligent than that?’ Well, maybe you don’t, but that will be your undoing. Let’s take you explanation point by point and fill in the blanks, shall we, because there are many.”

Taking a deep breath, he started, “The first thing you mentioned, your whole reason for disregarding my parent’s will, is because the other listed guardians would not have offered the blood protection you claim my Aunt can give. Considering you knew that my mother was adopted and therefore not having any blood ties to Petunia Dursley, I think you should start by explaining that lie…but before you answer to that charge, let us get through them all.” said Harry, satisfaction at being the reason the Headmaster was uncomfortable.

Without looking away from the old man, Harry continued, “Secondly, you claimed that I was safe and that no harm came to me while at my muggle relatives. This offends me greatly, so don’t pretend you didn’t understand what my home life was like considering my letter from Hogwarts was addressed to my cupboard under the stairs. How many children do you know, that are happy and safe, to live for 10 years in a cupboard no bigger than 3’ by 5’. On top of that, you had your Order following me as a child so knew how the Dursley‘s treated and felt about me! For example, Mrs. Figg‘s, who lived just down the street, reporting to my every move to you, and Dedalus Diggle, who acknowledged me after witnessing how my Aunt treated me in public. I’m sure there are probably more, but let’s move this along. The mental and frequent physical abuse I suffered at the hands of the Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley, is damning to your claims. I was referred to as ‘boy’ or ‘freak’ most of the time, and Dudley’s favorite sport was ‘Harry Hunting’. Needless to say without going into great detail, that safe and happy childhood you claim me to have had, is ridiculous and just another of the many lies you seem to content to spread.”

Taking another deep breath to reign in some of his anger, he continued, “Thirdly, you claimed that at age11, I was not old enough to be told the truth regarding the will, but you did think me old enough, along with Ron and Hermione, to save the Sorcerers’ Stone from a Voldemort possessed Quirrel? Here your story really starts to become unrealistic. Don’t think for a minute that I haven’t figured out that all my adventures at Hogwarts have been some sick test of yours, or something setup by you for some other unknown reason. You also want us all to believe, three first years can get through all the traps you and your staff setup to protect the stone, and that Voldemort wouldn’t be able to. Why protect the stone this way…why not just keep it securely hidden in your office, or chambers under blood wards? They seemed good enough to protect the savior of the wizarding world, so why not the stone? Then we have the Chamber of Secrets and somehow, after I am already down there facing a 50’ basilisk, miraculously Fawkes shows up. When Ginny was down there, you could have just sent your phoenix in to rescue her and saved me the trouble of almost getting killed….but you didn’t. Some great protector you turned out to be! Now, third year…Sirius Black escapes and after we all learn the truth, that it’s actually Peter Pettigrew that betrayed my parents, you have Hermione and I go back in time to rescue Sirius from receiving the Dementor’s Kiss, when he was locked in the tower and to save Buckbeak, the Hippogriff from being executed!”

Looking over at the Cornelius, he said, “I’ve been meaning to talk to about proving my godfather’s innocence, and yes, I helped save Buckbeak….I was there when Draco Malfoy supposedly was attacked by the so-called viscous beast. If Draco had listened to Hagrid and not approached Buckbeak without taking the necessary precautions, then he would not have been attacked, but since none of the 30 or so students that witnessed the attack were called to testify, Hermione and I saved and innocent creature.”

With a nod of approval from the Minister, Harry continued tearing apart Dumbledore, “Now we’re up to 4th year and the tournament. You can’t tell me that you couldn’t get a 14 year old out of it, when the rules clearly state that you had to be 17. I will not accuse you of setting up the portkey at the end of the third task, but if you had removed me from the tournament, Cedric would not have ended up in the graveyard to be killed by Pettigrew, and Voldemort would not have been resurrected. It was, after all, me that Barty Crouch, Jr., polyjuiced as Mad-Eye Moody, was after….by the way, you claim to be such good friends with the real Moody, how is it possible that in 8 months time, you didn’t figure out that the one teaching a school full of children was an imposter. And, finally, we come to 5th year. You ignored me throughout the year, let Umbridge get away with using a blood quill on students and then after I get back from the D.O.M. fiasco, after watching my godfather fall through the Veil of Death, you lay the burden of the prophecy on me. I can see where, throughout my life, you’ve only had me best interests at heart!” Harry said this last bit staring straight at Dumbledore with pure hate in his eyes.

“But that’s not all, I, and my friends,” he said pointing out the people in the room he considered friends, “have found out. I’ve since been getting information about you blocking Poppy Pomphrey and Remus Lupin from divulging that she is my godmother, and Merlin only knows what else they haven’t been able to speak about. You’ve had Ron spying on me for years, destroying a friendship in the process. You ordered Snape to teach me occlemency, something you know is illegal, and by doing so, allowed that man to mind-rape me! That man who hates the very existence of me, who docks house points from me for breathing wrong, and yet you still let him attack me in the most humiliating and painful way possible. To top it off, you’ve let yourself and Snape have a free-for-all with MY money….that’s right, you thief, I know all about your little financial escapades into the Potter Estate. It’s bad enough that you stole from me, but to let that jealous, bigoted, vile, immature Death Eater, who openly hates my father, mother and myself, do so, too, is just disgusting. Last, but certainly not least, you come here today with your false documents and platitudes and insult my intelligence, accuse my law wizard of breaking the law, when it’s in fact, you, who has, and threaten me by pulling rank, so to speak. I promise you this…you will pay for your crimes and I will make sure you never have the influence to do this to any other child. You’re almost as sick and twisted as Voldemort….only you don’t use crucio as a means to an end, you use something much worse…a child….A CHILD, YOU SICK BASTARD!”

The room was absolutely silent, and tears were running down the faces of many in attendance. Harry was losing control quickly, as little lightning bolts of electric magic started shooting out of his aura. Realizing the situation could get ugly very fast, Hermione leapt into action. She, like the meeting on Friday, gave affection and platitudes, slowly bringing him back under control and when he was finally calm, he looked about and saw mostly friendly, reassuring smiles.

Whispering to his best friend, Harry said, “Thank you, ‘Mione…..”

“Your welcome. Are you good enough to continue, or would like to take a break.?” asked a concerned Hermione.

“I’m okay….let’s just get this finished.” he said back to her in a tired, but louder voice.

“I agree, Harry. Albus, I currently have all the documentation proving Mr. Potter’s side of this story, so unless you have something that could prove us all wrong, I am turning you over to Amelia. And on a more personal note, I can‘t believe the blatant abuse of your position and power….that you could do this to a child! I’m sure James and Lily can’t wait for you to pass on into the next life….let me just say, I wouldn‘t want to be you.” Cornelius said practically spitting at the soon to be Ex-Headmaster.

“The only thing I can say at this point is, though it may not be apparent, I did everything for the greater good of the wizarding world. Not everything you have claimed today, Mr. Potter is accurate, and I will be addressing those issues at a later date. I am sorry you feel you have been unjustly treated. It was never my intent to cause you harm.” Dumbledore looked as if he had aged 50 years by the time Harry had gotten through with him. The only thought during Harry’s entire rant had been, ‘How did he find all this out! I hid everything so well....who betrayed me?!'

Harry, coldly stared at his betrayer and said, “You did it all to maintain your power and that is the ONLY reason. You never meant to cause me harm? Hah! You just meant to keep me in the dark and let yourself and a Death Eater steal all my inheritance. Make no mistake, Snape is a loyal Death Eater, and I will revel in the day that I can prove that with absolute certainty. I’m through talking to you! I hope you ROT IN HELL!!!”

“Albus Dumbledore, you are under arrest. Charges shall be listed and filed by the Aurors in attendance and by myself, later. If you can not afford a law wizard, one will be appointed for you. Gentlemen, make sure you use magic dampening ropes on Mr. Dumbledore, we don’t want him getting away. Get this filth out of here!” said Amelia disgustedly.

With Dumbledore under arrest, Harry asked to be given a few minutes before continuing with any further discussions and went outside. In the silence of the fields around him, he broke down and cried for all the injustices in his life. From the doorway looking on, Hermione and Neville, holding each other in support, watched after their distraught best friend. Somehow, things would work out, they thought….they just had too!

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HOLY COW!….that has to be longest chapter I will ever write….I just couldn’t break the Dumbledore scene apart and do that to my loyal readers! I hope that you like this, as I put a whole lot of work into it!