At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Thanks again to ALL my reviewers! Harry Potter is still not mine!

WHAT!

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Monday rolled around and Harry was getting ready to head to the Ministry, Courtroom 10, for Snape’s Trial. He was going to be making a statement today, as he was soon to be Lord Harold James Thurox Potter, and he would not be looked down upon or intimidated any further. Putting on his black, acromantula silk Ralph Lauren dress robes, with a dark forest green lining, helped by the fact that he had grown another inch, making him 5’11” in the last couple of weeks, he looked very much the part of a Lord. ‘Thank the goddesses above for growth charms on clothing, after the money I spent on all the custom tailoring, I would have been really pissed had these not fit.’ thought Harry as he inspected himself. His hair was behaving itself today, more that usual, and without his glasses, it made for a very handsome, aristocratic image.

Flooing into the Atrium at 9:10am, after meeting up with Tony, Neville, Mrs. Longbottom and Hermione, checked his wand . They had 20 minutes to get to the courtroom, so headed to Amelia’s office first to make sure nothing surprising had popped up. Everything checked out, and at 9:25, they entered and found seats. Harry looked around, and noticed that the full Wizengamot was in attendance, and the general seating was full, including at least one representative from all the major new agencies. At exactly 9:30, Snape was brought in by three Auror’s and placed in the chair with the magical chains that Harry remembered from his own trial, and as he watched the seat attack its prey, he thought, ‘This is indeed the way I want to see Snape…chained and about to be butchered.’

Amelia Bones was presiding over the trial, and to her left sat Cornelius Fudge, representing the Ministry, and to her right, sat Manuel Zabini, representing the Wizengamot. Manuel had been voted temporary Head of the Wizengamot until a proper election could take place in mid August. It was very reassuring to see his allies up on the judge’s bench. Amelia opened the trial with, “Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. We are hear to try Mr. Severus Tobias Snape on multiple counts of criminal activity. Ms. Pinksmith, will be the court scribe and will now read the charges.”

Ms. Pinksmith read them, and the charges were as follows:

* 1 Count of Cursing an Underage Defenseless Wizard
* 1 Count of Cursing an Underage Defenseless Witch
* 1 Count of Carrying the Mark of an Illegal Organization
* 15 Counts of Unlawful Teaching of a Ministry Restricted Spell, Occlemency
* 15 Counts of Misuse of Ministry Restricted Spells, Occlemency/Legilimency
* Unlawful Abuse of Position in the Treatment of Underage Wizards in a School Setting
(The number of counts can not be determined to the above charge, but 548 are known)
* 1 Count Unlawful Attempt to Use a Ministry Controlled Potion, Veritiserum
* 263 Counts of Embezzlement
* Unknown Counts of Illegal Use of the Grey Arts

“How do you plead, Severus Snape?” asked Amelia.

“Not guilty!” answered Snape with a slight sneer.

“You will show respect in this courtroom, Mr. Snape, and address me as ‘Your Honor‘ or Madame Bones. Let it be known for the record that Mr. Severus Tobias Snape has entered a plea of not guilty and he is represented by Mr. Ashton Malus. Law wizard for the prosecution is Ms. Angela Gavels. Mr. Malus, you may call your first witness.”

“Thank you, Your Honor. The defense calls, Narcissa Black Malfoy.” She had been called to show that Severus was a caring godfather and to attest to his strict, but thorough teaching methods. Over the next two hours, Mr. Malus called forth several of these character witnesses, including: Dedalus Diggle, Aurora Sinistra, Septima Vector, Terrence Higgs, and Draco Malfoy. Each tried to paint Snape as a better person than what he was accused of, but after Angela Gavels cross-examined each witness, there was little positive that could be said in Snape’s defense. Diggle had even gone as far as to make him out as a hero for his spying efforts and that Harry was just a wayward child. That, needless to say, didn’t go over to well. Diggle was practically shacking and drooling by the time Ms. Gavels had finished with him. They broke for an early lunch, and at 12:45, resumed the trial.

“The defense calls, Mr. Albus Dumbledore.” said Mr. Malus.

When Dumbledore was escorted to the witness stand by four Aurors, he took his seat. “Mr. Dumbledore, do you swear to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth, by Merlin?” asked Ms. Pinksmith.

“I do.” he said with his patented grandfatherly look.

“Mr. Dumbledore, how long have you known Professor Snape?” asked Mr. Malus.

“Roughly, 25 years.” said Dumbledore.

“How would you describe his attitude and personality?”

“He is a stern and strict man, but not unfair. His actions are misunderstood. As a spy within Voldemort’s inner circle, he must appear to show favoritism to his own house, Slytherin. He tends to be a little more harsh on Mr. Potter for two reasons. One, Mr. Potter is Voldemort’s number one enemy, and two, unfortunately, Severus and James Potter were known for their hatred of each other. I am sure some of the animosity between them stems from the past. With his service to the light, the treatment of the students of Hogwarts seems unfair, but this is not his goal.”

“Did you tell Professor Snape to use the ‘Stupify’ curse on Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger?”

“In order to bring Mr. Potter into safety, I had instructed the Order of the Phoenix members who were searching for Mr. Potter, and not out protecting the wizarding public’s safety, to use what they felt best in accomplishing this goal. From what I understand to have happened, Mr. Potter attempted to flee the scene, so the use of a simple hex like ‘Stupify’ was necessary, and would not have harmed him. Being out in the open for Voldemort and his Death Eater’s to attack, is what should be considered harmful, and far more dangerous. I do not know what transpired with Ms. Granger.”

“Were you the one who ordered Mr. Snape to teach Mr. Potter Occlemency?”

“Yes, I asked Severus to teach him, as he was the only one I could trust to do so. Mr. Potter shares a link to Voldemort through his curse scar, where he experiences visions and pain. It was my hope that through learning occlemency, that Mr. Potter would be able to lessen, or close the connection.”

“Why did you not seek the Ministry’s approval first?”

“Unfortunately, Minister Fudge and Madame Umbridge were on a personal mission to discredit Mr. Potter and myself last year, so in order to protect young Mr. Potter from further, unjust harm, I kept it private. You can imagine what harm they could have caused had they known this information.”

“Would Professor Snape be forced to use Legilimency in order to teach Occlemency?”

“Yes, it can not be done any other way.”

“OBJECTION! Mr. Dumbledore is not a certified teacher of Occlemency, and therefore, can not answer as to whether or not there are any other methods of instruction.” said Ms. Gavels.

“Sustained. Mr. Malus, you will either provide an expert, or refrain from this line of questioning. You may continue, Mr. Malus.” said Madame Bones.

“Sorry, Your Honor, that was not my intention. Mr. Dumbledore, you have mentioned that Professor Snape is a spy for the light against You-Know-Who. When did this start?” asked Mr. Malus

“Before the first war ended. Yes, he has the mark of a Death Eater. As many of you well know, he was tried almost 15 years ago and was cleared of these charges once it was proved he was spying for the light.”

“It is charged that Professor Snape has stolen from Mr. Potter. This so-called paper trail shows that he received 2500 galleons periodically from an account called, ‘The Phoenix Trust’. Can you explain?”

“Yes. The Phoenix Trust is an account that the Order of the Phoenix uses to pay its members for missions they are asked to go on. Over the last 14+ years, Severus has continued to inform me, as I am Head of the Order, as to the rumored whereabouts of Voldemort’s spirit and any Death Eater activity. After Voldemort’s return, he resumed his spying again. He was also paid because he continually checked up on the wards surrounding Mr. Potter’s childhood home.”

“Thank you, Mr. Dumbledore for clearing up these unwarranted charges. Your witness, Ms. Gavels.” ended Mr. Malus.

“Thank you. Mr. Dumbledore, you have said that it was necessary for Mr. Snape to show favoritism to his own house. That would be acceptable, but how do you attempt to explain his blatant cruelty and extreme malice towards the other houses, especially Gryfindor, and Mr. Potter in particularly.” asked Angela Gavels.

“As I said earlier, it is unfortunate, but the rivalry between James Potter and Severus has been bestowed on young Mr. Potter. As far as the cruelty and extreme malice, I feel that is putting things out of perspective. I am not saying he is a nice man, but he is not that unjust.”

“Your Honor, with your permission, I would like to enter this binder of complaints as evidence. There are over 500 complaints that acting Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, turned over to us after she found them 2 days ago in a cabinet in the ex-Headmaster Dumbledore’s office.” asked Gavels.

“Accepted. Ms Pinksmith, see that they are entered for the record.” said Amelia.

Angela Gavels continued in her questioning of Dumbledore, “So you are saying that over the last 15 years that he has been employed by you at Hogwarts, that the 548 formal complaints logged against him and ignored by you are false?”

“They are not formal complaints, as those would go to the Board Of Governor’s, however, I will say that the letters I received were not all against Professor Snape.”

“The only way the Board of Governor’s would have received a formal complaint is if you had submitted the letters to them. As you well know, that all complaints first go to the Headmaster/Headmistress and are forwarded from there. I ask again, are you claiming that these letters of accusation against Mr. Snape are false?”

“No, I am not. I felt that because most people were not aware of the role Severus played, they were ill-informed to complain. I did speak with Severus on numerous occasions asking him to back off some. He did each time I asked.”

“So you felt that over 500 people were wrong and that you, in all your infinite wisdom, are right?”

“OBJECTION! Ms. Gavels is badgering the witness. He has answered the question.” said Mr. Malus.

“Over Ruled! Ms. Gavels, you will, however, be less belligerent.” said Amelia in a stern voice.

“I am sorry Your Honor. Please answer the question Mr. Dumbledore.” continued Ms. Gavels.

“I am not saying they were wrong, just not the best judges of the situation. I really felt what I did was for the best.” said Dumbledore.

“Did you feel it best to order Mr. Potter’s weekly mind-rape sessions. Did you ever inquire into Mr. Snape’s teaching methods even after you saw the effects they were having on Mr. Potter?”

“As I have said before, Severus is a strict teacher. Mr. Potter did not seem to be taking to the art of protecting his mind, so therefore, there was no need to check in. Not everyone can learn Occlemency. Professor Snape instructed as he had been instructed.”

“How do you know how Mr. Snape was instructed?”

“I oversaw his training, and after it was explained that he had to clear his mind, and how to accomplish this, it was up to him to make the effort to continually practice, which he did, and is a master at occlemency now.”

Angela Malus smirked inwardly. Dumbledore was about to hang himself. She continued, “Are you telling us that you taught Mr. Snape the arts of Occlemency and Legilimecy?”

“Umm, yes, I did. Being a spy, it was required to protect himself. Voldemort is a master Legilimencer.” Dumbledore said hesitantly.

“Are you licensed in Occlemency or Legilimency?”

“No, but when I learned it was not a requirement that we register, so when the law passed, I was grandfathered in.”

“As Head of the Wizengamot, you are well aware that is not the case. The law clearly states that all persons have to be registered to perform these acts. No one is grandfathered in. Now, how do you know whether Mr. Potter was instructed properly if you were not there to witness his training?”

“Severus informed me of his progress and training after each session.”

“Did you not think to question his word after seeing how distraught and in pain Mr. Potter was, even 24 hours after each lessons, or the fact that the visions seemed to be getting worse, not better?”

“They were getting worse because he was obviously not practicing hard enough. Learning to protect your mind is never easy, so Mr. Potter’s reaction was normal.” said Dumbledore, getting more uncomfortable.

“How do you know Mr. Potter was not practicing?”

“His friend, Ronald Weasley told me.”

“So, Mr. Weasley was with Mr. Potter 24 hours a day and up every time Mr. Potter came back late after a session with Mr. Snape?”

“I am not saying that. All I am saying is that it appears Mr. Potter could have put in more effort.”

“Did you make Mr. Potter aware that he was learning a restricted form of magic?”

“No, I did not. He had enough on his shoulders at the time, I did not want to burden him with this information.”

“You seem to do that a lot, Mr. Dumbledore. Make decisions for others. Did you also instruct Mr. Snape that it was okay to use Veritiserum on a student that would not give him the answers to his questions, outside of school or inside?”

“No, I have never allowed the use of Veritiserum on any of my students. I know what harm it can cause in the young.”

“So when you instructed the Order of the Phoenix to use what they felt best to bring Mr. Potter, what you consider, to safety, that the use of Veritiserum was not to be allowed?”

“Of course it is not allowed. They all understand that I meant by any legal means. The Order is not a gang of criminals!” Dumbledore said getting visibly rattled and upset.

“You just stated earlier that you didn’t see anything wrong with Mr. Snape using the ‘Stupify’ hex on Mr. Potter, and by proxy, Ms. Granger, who it was against the law to curse at the time due to their age and restricted magic use, yet you just said that they know not to break the law. Which one is it?”

“You are mixing my words. It is not okay to break the law, but I wanted Mr. Potter with his relatives for his own good. His safety has always been paramount.”

“So breaking the law is not okay, but yet you and Mr. Snape both have by your teachings and use in Occlemency and Legilimency….but let’s move on. If, as you say Minister Fudge and Madame Umbridge were not treating you and Mr. Potter fairly last year, why did you not seek our the DMLE, or its head, Madame Bones. Or better yet, why not take the matter before the Wizengamot, in which you are head of?”

“I was not sure who could be trusted with the information concerning Mr. Potter’s connection to the Voldemort. It would have proven detrimental to his safety if the wrong people were to find out.”

“Are you accusing the Ministry and all it’s members, as well as the Wizengamot, of supporting You-Know-Who? Are you also claiming that You-Know-Who was not aware of this connection, even though in an affidavit given by you, after the Department of Mysteries incident, claims otherwise?”

“No, I am not. I am beginning to take your questions as a personal attack on me. I was merely trying to eliminate any unauthorized persons from finding out. At the time, I was not completely sure if Voldemort knew this information or not.”

“Who do you consider unauthorized? Minister Fudge, Madame Bones, Manuel Zabini, who?”

“Ms. Gavels, that is not the point. In these dark times, it is unwise to let to much information be known by too many people. I was simply trying to protect Mr. Potter.”

“Did you knowingly withhold Mr. Potter’s status as Head of House Potter and all his inheritances from him?”

“Yes, but I was planning on telling him this summer and helping him adjust and learn how to manage such a vast fortune. Up until this time, he had been burdened with enough, that I felt he should be a little older before getting himself involved with such matters. He would have been forced out in the open more in order to handle being the Head of House Potter, that I felt in unwise to compromise his safety when I was managing his accounts just fine.”

“How was stealing from Mr. Potter under the guise of managing his estate a form of protection then?”

“It has not been proven yet that I did steal from Mr. Potter.”

“Well, let’s get that settled then. In these documents, provided by us by Chief Hordak, the head of Gringotts, that over the last 14+ years, you have withdrawn from the Potter Estate, the yearly stipend of 4000 galleons set forth by Mr. Potter’s parents in their will to help provide in the guardianship of Mr. Potter, which you do not have. A manager’s fee of 1000 galleons a month was also authorized by you and deposited into your personal accounts. You have also withdrawn 263 times the amount of 5000 galleons which was then deposited into the Hogwarts account and from there was deposited into ‘The Phoenix Trust’. There are equal amounts of 2500 galleons that were deposited into your personal account and Mr. Snape’s personal account from ‘The Phoenix Trust‘ account. To top it all off, an additional 28 withdrawals, authorized by yourself of 50,000 galleons was taken from Mr. Potter’s estate and deposited into the ‘Order Resource Services Fund’. How do explain this other than you were stealing from Mr. Potter and his estate?”

“There was a verbal agreement that I would oversee the Potter Estate if anything should happen to Mr. Potter’s parents. Prior to their death, they had been contributing to these funds in support of the order. Upon their death, I did as they asked, and kept up with their wishes to offer financial support to the Order of the Phoenix. They were very generous people, and among our wealthiest in the Order. I had often thanked them while they were alive for their continued show of strength in fighting the darkness.”

“That is very convenient that you had a ‘verbal’ agreement. Madame Bones, considering we have no way of verifying the truth other than by the use of Veritiserum, I would like to request that now.”

“OBJECTION! Mr. Dumbledore has answered all the questions posed to him and has not done anything to warrant the use of Veritiserum.” said Mr. Malus hurriedly.

“Your Honor, Mr. Dumbledore has just claimed that by verbal agreement he was allowed to take over 3,200,000 galleons from Mr. Potter and the Potter Estates, based on a supposed verbal agreement made with his parents. Part of this money is also to be paid to Mr. Potter’s guardian and the documents entered into evidence show that Mr. Dumbledore did not have the right to that money as he was and is not Mr. Potter’s guardian. I am respectfully going to have to disagree with Mr. Malus in his opinion that Mr. Dumbledore has not done anything to warrant Veritiserum.” argued Angela Gavels.

“Mr. Malus, I am inclined to agree with Ms. Gavels. Objection is Over-Ruled. The courts Potion Mistress, Janis Beetleworth, will administer the Veritiserum.” said Amelia.

After the potion was administered, unwillingly on Dumbledore’s part, the questions resumed.

“What is your name?” asked Gavels.

“Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.” he answered in a monotone voice.

“What did you tell Mr. Potter after coming back from the Dept. of Mysteries?” asked Gavels. She had been given a list with a few questions and the answer to them, by Harry, to ask both Snape and Dumbledore if Veritiserum was administered.

“A prophecy concerning himself and Voldemort.”

“It is working. Mr. Dumbledore, did you have a verbal agreement with the Potters allowing you to take funds in support of The Order of the Phoenix?” asked Gavels

“No, I did not.”

“Why did you embezzle from Mr. Potter and the Potter Estate?”

“The Potter’s were one of the wealthiest families in our world, so I decided that since I could control the Potter Estate with a few well placed documents, that it only right that they help fund the light sides efforts, as we were left with their orphaned son.”

“Why did you place Mr. Potter with his muggle relatives?”

“I knew they would mistreat him.”

“Why would you want him mistreated?”

“The true prophecy said the savior of our world would be a mistreated soul.”

“WHAT!!!!” screamed Harry from the gallery. “WHY!!!! WHY THE HELL WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME!!!!!”

“You were my guarantee to absolute power and influence over the wizarding world. After you defeated Voldemort, I would have made you out to be the next Dark Lord and killed you myself, thereby making me the ultimate wizard….greater than Merlin. No one would ever question my authority again.” Dumbledore said, sweating as if he had tried to fight answering the question, but failed.

Silence….absolute silence is what weighed down on the courtroom. It was shattered by Harry, who howled out the pain that had been racking his soul for the last 15 years. Amelia, recognizing his magic starting to ignite, and the losing battle for control of it, a quick recess was called and Harry was escorted out and given several calming draughts.

After Harry had calmed down enough, to anyone and no one at the same time, in a barely audible whisper he rambled, “Why?…Why?….How could he destroy a child like that? The prophecy he told me is a lie…. What did my parents or I ever do to make him treat us like this? Oh, GOD!…. Please ….someone tell me……make me understand….” he trailed off. He felt almost as broken as he did sitting out by the lake a mere month ago. He knew Dumbledore had betrayed him to some degree, but this was just too much for anyone to cope with.

“Harry do you think you can continue today?” Amelia asked him gingerly.

“Yeah, I just want this over with. I just want it all over with.” he said in a broken and defeated voice. Everyone knew he meant more than just today’s trial. It broke the hearts of everyone in the room, to watch this young man, a man who could courageously lead them into the future, give up. He seemed to have no fight left, and that terrified them. They would not let him give up!

Hermione knelt in front of Harry, letting their foreheads meet, and holding his hands in hers she pleaded, “Harry, please don’t give up! Please don’t let that monster defeat you! Fight for your parents, for Cedric, for Sirius, and most of all, fight for yourself and all your dreams. Don’t let him win! Please, Harry……Please!” she finished in a choked whisper.

Closing his eyes, one tear made a path down his cheek to drip on the clasped hands below. He wanted to live, but he wanted all the pain of this world to end. Harry Potter was at a true turning point in his life, and once again, he dug deep within himself to listen to what his heart and soul wanted of him. It was several tense minutes later that Harry finally whispered, “I want peace and quiet.…I want to fall in love someday….I want to have a family….I want….I want to live.” and with that quiet declaration, he rose from his seat and found the strength to fight for his dreams, his world in the eyes of the people around him.

“Let’s get back to the trial, I want this done!” said Harry after he had composed himself.

Once everyone was resettled in the courtroom, Dumbledore retook the stand and was once again forced to take the truth serum.

“Mr. Dumbledore, did Mr. Snape help you embezzle from the Potter Estate?” asked the prosecution.

“Yes.”

“How did he help you?”

“He arranged the law wizarding firm of Carrow & Carrow to oversee the Potter Estate after the death of the Potters. We switched it from Rooks, Rooks, and Burke in order to arrange and set up the cover-up accounts, The Potter Trust and The Order Resource Services Fund, through the new firm. With the Potter’s being personal friends with their old firm, we would not have been able to accomplish any of the things needed to be done. Severus told me that the way the accounts were established, they would not be able to trace the random actions of the deposits into the made-up accounts. He also said that because they were not our accounts, no one would know we were stealing from the Potter’s.”

“Why did you allow Mr. Snape any of the Potter money?”

“It was the only way I could secure Severus’ loyalty. He would not have helped had I not paid him, and this allowed me to do so, and allowed Severus some revenge on James Potter. This kept things running smoothly for my side.”

“Why withhold his status in our society as Head of House Potter?”

“If he had been aware of the will his parents left or in charge of his estate, I would not have been able to complete my plans. He was never to find out about his status. I needed his voting rights in the Wizengamot and his money in order to obtain Hogwarts and see to his downfall. I had planned to have him leave a simple will stating that unless he had a family and children, I would be sole beneficiary. Mr. Potter was to stay under my control, until I had killed him after defeating Voldemort.”

Harry sat in the gallery boiling within at the audacity of what Dumbledore had planned. Most of the room couldn’t believe what they were hearing and so stayed absolutely quiet in order to not miss anything that was being said. Today was a day for the history books, and no one wanted to be left out.

“Why did you want Mr. Potter to be trained in Occlemency by Mr. Snape?”

“It would open Harry’s mind up further to Voldemort, and I was hoping that I would be able to get more information about what he was planning. It worked, too, Arthur Weasley was saved because of my actions.”

“Did you know Mr. Snape was mind-raping Mr. Potter?”

“Yes. It was the only way to open up his mind.”

“Why did you not teach him yourself?”

“I would not have been able to be as cruel, and therefore, would not have been able to open his mind up to Voldemort enough. It also would not have worked in my plans of becoming more revered than Merlin if I was mind-raping Mr. Potter. Severus was more than willing to do it, knowing he would be able to use anything he learned against him.”

“Why did you not act on all the complaints against Mr. Snape and remove him from his teaching position?”

“I and I alone control Hogwarts. It is my school and I will run it as I see fit. Removing Severus would have served no purpose to my plans.”

“Did you falsify documents to give yourself guardianship of Mr. Potter and to seize his estate?”

“Yes.”

“Did you bribe or pay-off any Ministry officials?”

“Yes, on both accounts.”

“What votes, besides your own have you used in the Wizengamot?”

“The Potter and Thurox votes.”

“How did you know to use the Thurox vote?”

“Lily confided in me about her being adopted and that she was a Thurox. I decided that everyone believing she was a muggleborn would assist my plans better, and convinced Lily and James to keep her pure-blood status a secret, that way I could use her vote without her influence. If she was muggleborn, she would not have a seat in the Wizengamot. James was rarely in attendance, preferring to let me cast his vote.”

“Did you cast them according to his wishes?”

“No, I seldom cast as he directed me to.”

“Have you used the Grey Arts without certification?”

“Yes, often.”

“One last question, why the Potter’s?”

“If I was Headmaster of Hogwarts when no other living heir to any of the founders were left, I would be able to perform a ritual that would grant ownership of Hogwarts to me. The Potter line are the direct heirs to Gryfindor. There never was a Hufflepuff heir, as Helga Hufflepuff never reproduced. The Ravenclaw heir is Neville Longbottom, and I could easily take care of him. Having Mr. Potter take care of Voldemort, would eliminate the Slytherin heir. I also did not like Lily Potter. She was entirely to head strong for her own good, and was starting to see through, and question my actions. So I decided that by allowing Voldemort to learn about part of a prophecy, understanding Tom Riddle’s thinking as I do, he would not rest until he killed baby Harry. He unknowingly helped my plans by also eliminating Lily and James. Once they were out of the way, I had to control Harry, as he is involved in a prophecy, and by making him dependent on me and seeing me as his personal savior for rescuing him year after year, he would confide in me and I, therefore, would know all about his comings and goings. I would be better able to set up his downfall and eliminate him.” finished Dumbledore.

“Mr. Dumbledore, who is Tom Riddle?” asked Amelia from the judge’s bench.

“He is Lord Voldemort. He attended Hogwarts in the 1940’s and was in Slytherin House. He is a half-blood and was orphaned when his muggle father, Thomas Riddle, abandoned his mother, Merope Gaunt, after finding out his pregnant wife was a witch and kicked her out of his home. She died during childbirth. He was raised in a Muggle Orphanage and claimed to be abused. I talked Headmaster Dippet out of researching these claims as I did not want anyone to know that I had found Slytherin’s heir. I was still researching at the time about owning Hogwarts, so did not know what would need to be done concerning Tom Riddle. It was after he left school, that I realized I would need him eliminated in my quest to have Hogwarts become part of the Dumbledore line, yet adding again to my reputation as the greatest wizard.”

“Mr. Dumbledore, how long have you been planning all of this?” asked Madame Bones.

“Since the late 1920’s concerning Hogwarts, but when the prophecy concerning Mr. Potter and Tom Riddle came about in 1979, I have had to readjust my plans. The Gryfindor heir will rid me of the Slytherin heir, and I’ll take care of the Gryfindor and Ravenclaw heirs.”

“Escort Mr. Dumbledore, Mr. Potter and their law wizards into the anti-chamber off the courtroom. Mr. Fudge, Mr. Zabini, Mr. Malus, Ms. Gavels and myself will join you. We will take a short 15 minute recess.” Amelia said

Once inside, Amelia said, “What I am thinking, is that in light of Mr. Dumbledore’s testimony, we continue and try both Snape and Dumbledore together. I believe it unfair to ask Mr. Potter to go through all this again in just a few days time. I also suggest, that before the Veritiserum wears off, that Dumbledore give us the true prophecy.”

“Your Honor, that would not be fair to my client, we haven’t any of our witnesses present or any of our evidence hear to be presented.” said Mr. Conner Wartz.

“Mr. Wartz, I believe your client has already incriminated himself, this is more just a formality. I will allow you an additional 30 minutes to go collect what you need. Ms. Gavels, do you have any problem with this?” she asked.

“No, Your Honor, I do not. I have my file on the Dumbledore case here as I thought I would need it on cross-examination.” said Gavels.

Giving a nod, Amelia asked, “Anyone else have any questions or concerns.”

“Madame Bones, I would like only you, the Minister, Mr. Zabini, Tony Rooks and myself to here the prophecy at first. Once we know what it says, we can decide what to do with the information from there.” stated Harry.

“I agree. Mr. Malus, Ms. Gavels, please head back to the courtroom; Mr. Wartz, go collect what is needed, and we will be along in half an hour.” ordered Amelia.

Once the three others had left, Harry turned to Dumbledore and spoke in the most chilling voice any of them had ever heard, “Tell me the true prophecy, Dumbledore.”

The sweating and shaking started again, and everyone in the room could tell he was fighting the effects of the Veritiserum. It took almost a minute, but eventually Dumbledore spoke, “The one with the unknown power to defeat the darkness will be born as the seventh month dies. His battles will lie in the evil of this world and against the one who proclaims himself light. He will be a mistreated and tormented soul, but in the aftermath of extreme tragedy, will gain the army to win. None can truly live while the other’s survive. He will be born as the seventh month dies.”

“So you did all this to me, because you knew I would defeat you and Voldemort as you are both seen as the darkness in the prophecy?” Harry asked still in his cold, calculating tone.

“Yes.” said Dumbledore.

“Do you regret anything you have done to me or my parents?”

“No. I would do it all again, by I would not allow Severus any input. It is his fault that the evidence was not covered up better.”

“You’re a sick and perverted man, Dumbledore.” stated Harry just as coolly as before, and then turned his back on Albus.

“Okay. Harry, it seems that the only true difference is that this prophecy has you battling two fronts. Let’s get back to the trial, we’re pushing 30 minutes already, we can analyze this new information later.” said Cornelius.

Receiving nods of affirmation all around, the headed back in and took their seats.
After regaining order, Amelia stated, “Administer the antidote to Mr. Dumbledore and have him chained next to Mr. Snape, we have decided to continue by trying them both at the same time. Mr. Malus please continue with your witnesses.”

“Your Honor, after conferring with my client, he wishes to change his plea to guilty on all counts.” and the courtroom exploded in excited shouts and the camera lights from the media.

Shooting sparks from her wand, Amelia shouted, “Order…ORDER!….ORDER! If you can not control yourselves, I will have you removed. This is the only warning I will give. Does your client understand that by doing this he is guaranteeing himself time in Azkaban?” Amelia asked Mr. Malus.

It was at this point that Snape looked over and met Harry’s eyes for the first time all day. Snape gave that to smug smirk of his and Harry instantly knew that he expected to be freed from the prison by his master, hence why changing his plea would be of no great consequence. He might have a more extensive criminal record, but he would still be free to seek his revenge. Little did Snape know that some very old laws were going to be used against him during sentencing. Harry gave his own smug smile, and he noticed that Snape seemed a little shocked and confused by this. Giving himself a mental pat on the back, he turned his attention back to the trial.

“Yes, Your Honor, he understands. So, at this time, the defense rests.” ended Mr. Malus.

“Very well, Ms. Pinksmith, enter into record a change of Mr. Snape’s plea from not guilty to guilty. Ms. Gavels, how would you like to proceed with Mr. Dumbledore’s trial?” asked Amelia.

“I would like to have the charges listed in record against Mr. Dumbledore, and would like for Mr. Potter to take the stand. I realize this is unconventional, but as stated earlier, the testimony that Mr. Dumbledore gave incriminates him beyond question, and would just like Mr. Potter to give his side.”

“Mr. Wartz, what would you like to see happen next?” asked Amelia, trying to be impartial.

“I believe we should hold this trial over till tomorrow and allow me more time to assemble my witnesses and evidence.” stated Mr. Wartz

“I believe you should have all the evidence by now, but I will put it to a vote. Mr. Zabini, if you would call your Wizengamot to vote on this matter?” she said, turning to Manuel.

Only the Wizengamot could vote on whether a trial could be postponed to a later date, even if it was only one day later.

Mr. Zabini said, “Yes, of course, Madame Bones. Members of the Wizengamot, do we have enough here to vote fairly?” and after an official head count was taken and it was confirmed only three votes would not be cast, which included Dumbledore’s one vote and Harry’s two votes, he continued, “Very well. All in favor of continuing on with Albus Dumbledore’s trial today, and with Mr. Potter’s testimony, please vote affirmative, all for reconvening tomorrow, vote negative. Cast your votes.”

After tallying the votes, Manuel Zabini spoke, “Madam Bones, it has been voted that the trial continue today with Mr. Potter testifying.”

“Thank you members of the Wizengamot. Ms. Pinksmith, here is a list of modified charges and counts that you are to read and enter into the Record.” said Amelia.

Ms. Pinksmith said, “Yes, Your Honor. The charges against Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore are as follows:

* 4 Counts of Tampering with Legal Documents
* 2 Counts of Falsifying Documents
* 1 Count of With-holding legal Head of House Status and Inheritance
* 3 Counts of Paying off a Ministry Official
* 3 Counts of Wrongfully Interpreting a Will for Self Promotion
* 4 Counts of Coercion
* 15 Counts of Endangerment of a Child *
* Misuse of Position in the Wizengamot
* 2 Counts of Threatening Ministry Officials
* 17 Counts in the Cover-up of Evidence
* 813 Counts of Aiding and Abetting a known Supporter of an Illegal Organization **
* Unknown counts of Misuse of Ministry Restricted Spells, Occlemency/Legilimency
* 1272 Counts of Misrepresentation of Potter Votes in the Wizengamot
* 1272 Counts of Misrepresentation of Thurox Votes in the Wizengamot ***
* 641 Counts of Embezzlement ****
* Unknown counts of Illegal Use of the Grey Arts
* 2 Counts of Planning to Commit Murder
* 3 Counts of Unlawful Attempt to Seize Control of a Private Institution

“Mr. Potter, if you would take the stand.” Amelia said.

After Harry had taken the stand and gave his oath, Ms. Gavels started. “Mr. Potter, could you give us your best recount of what you have been able to uncover over this last month in regards to Mr. Dumbledore and Mr. Snape?”

Once again, Harry described all that had gone on over the last month and what Minister Fudge, Tony Rooks, the Goblins and he, himself had been able to unmask, including the fake prophecy and all his troubles and adventures while attending Hogwarts. As he was drawing to a close, he finished by saying, “I was not aware, until today, that the prophecy spoken to me in Mr. Dumbledore’s office the night of the D.O.M. incident was false, or that he had planned to eliminate myself and Neville Longbottom in the hopes of taking over Hogwarts. I was also unaware that my Occlemency training was a complete farce. I have suffered at the hand of Mr. Dumbledore and Mr. Snape since the moment my parents died. I don’t think I will fully understand how anyone could do these things to a baby and child, knowingly, all in the hopes of gaining money, power and prestige.”

“Thank you, Mr. Potter for recounting the events as you have been able to understand them. That must have been very hard on you. I have nothing further to add, Madame Bones.” finished Ms. Gavels.

“Mr. Wartz, do you have any questions for Mr. Potter?” asked Amelia.

“No, Your Honor, but I would like to state for the record, that we will be filing a motion to have these proceedings declared unjust and will be seeking a new trial.” said Mr. Wartz.

“Duly noted. That brings this trial to an end, the Wizengamot will now adjourn and vote as to the guilt of Mr. Dumbledore. Mr. Zabini if you will?”

With that, the members of the Wizengamot exited into private chambers to debate the charges. It only took 20 minutes for them to reconvene. Mr. Zabini read the votes for guilty or not guilty, “Madame Bones, Minister Fudge, the Wizengamot has decided. Based on the Veritiserum testimony of Albus Dumbledore, we find him guilty of all charges. We would like to furthermore refute any motions that these proceedings be declared unjust and will deny any attempts at a new trial. We leave the sentencing in your hands, Madame Bones.”

Dumbledore had turned completely white with the verdict. Even after all that had been revealed today, he still thought his influence enough to get him out of most of the charges. I was ironic that he would definitely go down in history, just not in the way he had been planning for over 75 years. History would claim his arrogance as his downfall, and rightly so.

“Based on the Nobility Laws of old, Minister Fudge, Mr. Zabini and myself, have agreed to let Mr. Potter hand out the sentences for the convicted men before us.” said Amelia.

Dumbledore screamed, “NO! What right do you have to use these laws. The old laws have been circumvented by new laws for over 200 years. This is a complete mockery of our judicial system! I’ll not have it!”

“Mr. Dumbledore, you will remain silent or I will see to it that you are. The Nobility Laws may not have been used in 200 years, but none the less, they are still applicable today. We have researched and conferred with many law wizards and scholars to ensure that we have every right to do this. Your control over our world is finished, Mr. Dumbledore.” said Amelia angrily. She continued by asking, “Mr. Potter, would you like to give your sentencing now, or wait?”

Standing to address the court he said, “I will do it now. As the future and only heir to the Head of House Potter, and Head of House Thurox, I claim right to the sentencing of those who have wronged my families. Mr. Severus Snape, for your crimes against the House of Potter, I sentence you to losing your Mastership in Potions and any proceeds from patents and monies you have will help fund a magical orphanage to be built. I think it ironic that your money will fund a special program for children. You will also be stripped of half your magical powers and will wear control bands for the suppression of the other half for the rest of your still magically enhanced long life, starting immediately. You will be incarcerated for 50 years in Azkaban and will loose all teaching credentials. May you never deliver your cruelty on another child again.” As he said all this, he watched Snape, sneering at first, lose that sneer only to be replaced with a look of abject horror. Adding one final jab, Harry finished, “I don’t think Voldemort will want you out of Azkaban now…you’ll be no better than a squib.”

Turning to face the man who had destroyed his entire life, he said, “Mr. Dumbledore, I sentence you to Life in Azkaban. Because you are already well on in your life, I will also have you stripped of all your magic and will have a pensieve spell placed on your cell, that will replay my childhood in full detail, over and over again. This seems to be the only true thing that fits your crimes and you will be able to endure the same hurt you caused. I would’ve sentenced you to the Dementor’s Kiss, but I want you fully aware of what has been taken from you. The Dumbledore line will be forever banned from the Wizengamot or holding any Ministry positions, and any monies you have will also go to funding the orphanage. I realize that you do not have any children, but you do have several cousins, nieces and nephews that will carry on your line. Obviously, you will lose any teaching credentials and the Order Of Merlin, First Class, that you so cherish will be taken from you. I don’t really have anything more to say to you….except that may you eternally reap what you have sowed while on this plane of existence.”

And with that, he looked at Madame Bones, Minister Fudge and Mr. Zabini and nodded to each in turn to indicate he was finished. As he retook his seat, the entire courtroom broke out in chaos. Reporters were scrambling to get every detail and many of the spectators were shouting at the two convicts for their disgusting actions. Madame Bones called everything to an end and the courtroom slowly emptied. Harry, Hermione, Neville, Mrs. Longbottom, and Tony all headed to the Minister’s office to escape the pandemonium of the reporters trying to get comments from them all, especially Harry.

******************

Well, this chapter took me awhile to write. I hope you like the twists that I put in and the sentencing. Thanks again for all your wonderful reviews!

* One for each year since his the Potter’s deaths

** Includes the 263 payments, hiring of Snape, assisting in this trial, assisting in Snape’s trial in 1981, and the 548 complaints never filed

*** The Wizengamot meets bi-monthly. That totals 24 times a year, with an average of 3 votes a session, times 15 years equals 1080 votes. Approximately 192 votes were cast in the 4 years prior to James and Lily’s deaths.

**** 175 Guardian payments, 175 Manager payments, 263 withdrawals for personal use, 28 Order funding withdrawals.