The Trial
“I’ll show you, I’ll have the thing fixed before you come back for winter break.” Sirius challenges. “You’ll be on it and everything.”
“I’m coming back for winter break?” Harry can’t help but ask. “I’ll be on it?”
“Of course you are. And of course you will be. Your grandmother was a Black and I’m your godfather, blood adopted you and everything.” Sirius smiles at him. “Now, let’s get this contract sent and then I believe it’s time for lunch.”
#####
Harry’s POV
When Harry wakes up it takes him a few seconds to realise and remember why he’s up so early when he’s not at Hogwarts. His trial is today, his trial is today and he has no wizarding robes to wear. Crap. Harry decided a while ago that he wanted to make the best impression on the trial attendees as possible. And that meant no muggle clothing. If he wants to prove himself a wizard that cares about wixen society and rules then he needs to dress like one. As Harry is thinking this conundrum over, he remembers that there are wizarding robes in the old cabinet.
He’s not sure he should wear them though, from what he understands, this was Sirius’ brother’s room. Which means those robes were Regulus’. Wearing a dead mans clothing is A) weird and uncomfortable and B) uncaring of how the family would feel. But he really does need some robes and he can’t wear his old school ones anymore, they don’t fit. Then again the Regulus’ old robes likely won’t fit him either, but if they are too big on him then a simple resizing spell should fix that right up.
Heaving a sigh, Harry sits up in bed and decides the best thing to do is ask.
“Kreacher.” Harry calls out.
“Black heir calls Kreacher?” The elf asks the moment he’s popped into the room.
“I need to speak with Sirius, could you please ask him to come here.” Harry instructs. “Thank you Kreacher.”
Kreacher nods before disappearing. Harry sighs as he proceeds to get out of his bed and head towards the bathroom. Best make sure he doesn’t kill Sirius with his morning breath.
#####
It isn’t long later that Harry hears a knock on the door just as he’s finished combing through his hair. He’s wearing clothes now, something simple that he can wear under the robes. Yes it’s muggle clothing but something is alway better than nothing. He just hopes that at least one of the robes is a closed fitting and not open like his Hogwarts robes.
“Come in!” He calls out.
The door opens and Sirius’ pops his head in.
“I hear you wish to speak with me?” Sirius questions.
“Yes, I want to make a good impression for whoever is overseeing my trial today, which means I need robes. None of mine fit though and I was wondering…” Harry sends a guilty look towards the cabinet.
Sirius follows his line of sight as he walks fully into the room.
“Ah, I see.” Sirius nods. “You know all of what’s in there is several seasons old, right?”
“Yes, but something is better than nothing.” Harry points out.
“Then I have no problem with it.” Sirius nods.
“Oh and…do you happen to have anymore of those wrist thingys?” Harry inquires.
“Wrist thing…oh wand holsters?” Sirius asks before frowning. “How have you been carrying your wand if you don’t have one of them?”
“Pockets.” Harry admits.
“Please tell me you mean your robe pockets.” Sirius pleads.
“Most of the time.” Harry grins sheepishly.
“You’ll be the death of me, I swear.” Sirius huffs.
“I don’t have any more wand holsters but Regulus’ robes should have deep enough pockets for you to safely hold your wand.” Sirius informs.
“Okay.” Harry nods. “Help me pick something out?”
Sirius chuckles before nodding. They walk over to the cabinet and open it. He’d thought that with all the time since someone last wore them, they’d smell musty. But it seems that the cabinet has been enchanted with spell to preserve the clothing. As a result Harry can still smell what he assumes to be Regulus’ aftershave or maybe cologne. It makes him look over at Sirius who has his eyes closed as he takes in deep breathes.
“I can do this on my own if you prefer.” Harry says cautiously.
“No, it’s fine. I just…me and my brother were only really close when he was a toddler. As the years went by we grew apart, our parents wants constantly overtaking our own. I fought back against their views but my brother…he fell in line. It’s why I have a hard time believing I’m Lord Black. My brother was the perfect heir, I assumed after I ran from my parents that my Grandfather no longer considered me his heir.” Sirius explains.
“But you loved him despite your differences.” Harry could tell.
“Yes, god yes. He was still my baby brother.” Sirius chokes. “No matter how often we fought or argued, he was always my baby brother.”
“I don’t have to wear any of this. I could see if the twins have any old robes.” Harry suggests.
“No…no. We want you to look your best and Hogwarts robes aren’t going to cut it, especially second hand ones. Now, as you can see my brother owned a lot of green and black and not much else, though I think is see a navy blue robe. Which would you prefer?” Sirius questions.
Harry looks into the cabinet, checking over the fabric design. Harry doesn’t want to wear black to the trial, it will feel too much like he’s marching to his own funeral. The navy robe is so dark it’s almost black, and most of the green robes have snake embroidery on them. And whilst Harry knows that snakes are part of his lineage, he doesn’t want the people or person at the trial remembering that he’s a Parseltongue. They already likely view him as guilty and if he wants to prove his innocence then he does not want them viewing him as evil.
It’s stupid that people view Parseltongues as evil just because of the Dark Lord but people as a whole aren’t known for their intelligence. Thankfully though, Harry can see one robe without snake designs on it. Harry reaches forwards and pulls out a dark green robe, it’s simple with no embroidery or detailing.
“This one.” Harry says as he brings it close to him.
“Hmmm.” Sirius cocks his head sideways. “It brings out your eyes.”
Harry smiles at that. It’s the only thing that people ever say are from his mother and it brings him great joy to know they stand out.
“Come on then, let’s get it on and sorted. You need to eat breakfast before you go after all.” Sirius says.
“Especially if I want to get there early.” Harry agrees.
“Why on earth would you want to get here early?” Sirius inquires.
“Just a feeling I have.” Harry admits before putting on the robe.
It is a tad large on him, not so much that it doesn’t fit but enough that he’d be laughed at if he attempted to leave like this. Harry buttons up the inner portion of the robe before moving on to the outer buttons. Once finished he looks up at Sirius.
“If it wasn’t for your skin and eyes you’d look a lot like Regulus.” Sirius admits quietly.
“Of course, I have Black blood after all.” Harry points out.
“That you do.” Sirius smiles before drawing his wand.
Harry misses Sirius saying the spell as he spots Kreacher pop into the room. And two things happen at once, his robe shrinks until it fits him properly and Kreacher breaks down into tears.
“Master Regulus’ clothes!” Kreacher wails.
And for a second Harry thinks the elf is angry with them.
“Someone’s finally wearing them again!” Kreacher sobs.
Sirius sends Harry a panicked look.
“Do you think it looks good Kreacher?” Harry very carefully inquires.
Kreacher nods, tears running down his face.
“Kreacher has something.” Kreacher says before snapping his fingers.
A pair of black dragon hide boots pop into existence.
“Master Regulus’ favorites.” Kreacher informs. “Heir Black will do house Black proud in them.”
“Thank you Kreacher. You’ve done a very good job.” Harry says.
Kreacher stands straight, eyes wet, cheeks tear stained and nods.
“Why did you come to find us Kreacher?” Sirius prompts.
“Halfbreed asked Kreacher to inform you both of breakfast.” Kreacher informs.
It takes Harry a second to work out who ‘halfbreed’ is. Remus, the elf is talking about Remus.
“Thank you Kreacher.” Harry nods at the elf.
Kreacher snarls before disappearing.
“You have any ideas on how to get him to stop spouting pureblood nonsense?” Sirius inquires.
“Not a damn clue.” Harry huffs.
#####
Once Harry had put on the boots, placed his wand in the pocket of the robe and Sirius had agreed that he looked like the perfect heir, they made their way downstairs. As they got closer to the dining room the more nervous Harry felt. Which was not a good sign, if he couldn’t keep his confidence around Hermione and the twins then how would he keep it whilst walking through the Ministry.
Except for the fact that Harry wasn’t actually nervous about Hermione or the twins seeing him dressed like this. No, he was anxious about how everyone else would react. He just does not have the emotional bandwidth to deal with them today. Still Harry straightens his back and prepares himself for what will likely be a whole heap of unnecessary drama.
The moment he walks through the dining room door all eyes turn to him.
“That can’t be-“ Fred starts.
“-our little Harrykins-“ George continues.
“-all dressed up.” Fred finishes.
“What are you wearing?!” Ron exclaims angrily. “You look like a pureblood twat.”
“Ronald! Mind your language.” Molly scolds, but still not taking her wide eyes off of Harry.
“You look like a proper pureblood heir.” Tonks grits out.
“I think you look good Harry.” Hermione smiles at him.
“Yeah.” Ginny sighs dreamily.
Harry has to fight not to flinch at the younger girls words.
“I figured that with my trial today it would be best if I was dressed appropriately for a member of wixen society.” Harry informs.
“That’s nice dear.” Mrs Weasley starts. “But I’m sure it’s not needed. Why don’t you change?”
“Don’t be absurd Molly dear.” Arthur Weasley cuts in, surprising Harry. “The ministry is full of pretentious prats who care about things like looks. You’ll fit right in Harry.”
“Thank you?” Harry says, confused on if that was a compliment or not.
“No problem.” Arthur nods.
“For the record Harry.” Remus speaks up. “I think you look like a proper young gentleman.”
Harry smiles widely at that before his focus goes back to Mr Weasley.
“When do you plan for us to leave?” Harry inquires.
“Ah…I planned on us leaving around ten seeing as your trial is at eleven.” The man informs.
“Is there any chance we could arrive earlier? It’s my first time going to the Ministry, you see. I’d really like to look around the place if at all possible.” Harry asks, voice practically dripping with sweetness.
“Of course! That sounds like an excellent idea.” Arthur Weasley agrees. “You better start eating now then, if we are to get to the ministry by nine.”
That is a touch more early than Harry wanted but he’s not going to argue with the man. So instead he nods and moves to sit at the table. He’ll need to eat enough to keep up his strength for today. He just has a feeling it’s going to be a long one.
#####
Harry has never been so thankful for being early as he is now. First, his lawyer had exactly the same idea, so when Harry arrived at the ministry at nine with Arthur, he immediately bumped into the woman the firm sent. The woman, Aurora Vane, had apparently already gone over all the information Harry had sent with the contract. Arthur was quite surprised to find that Harry had hired a lawyer and had asked many questions on the subject. Harry had managed to sidestep all of them.
Second, they’d all walked to where his trial was supposed to be held, Arthur and Miss Vane talking the whole way. Arthur was quite curious and suspicious about Harry having a lawyer. He’d wanted to make sure that Harry hadn’t signed anything that could come and bite him in the ass later. Which Harry was thankful for, at least slightly. The man did seem to care about Harry’s wellbeing. He just wasn’t sure how honest it was no matter what Bill claimed.
And lastly, he was thankful that they’d arrived early because the moment they’d stepped foot within the offices he was meant to be having his trial, they’d received a note telling them that it had been moved. Not only had it been moved forwards in time, but it was now also in courtroom 10 and he was to stand trial in front of the Wizengamot. Harry wanted to laugh at just how corrupt the Ministry seems to be if a small case of magic can be turned to something large enough for the Wizengamot to become involved.
As they all walked towards the courtroom Harry could hear Miss Vane muttering about the same thing under her breath.
“Will you be able to use the change in place and time in the trial?” Harry inquires.
“I can’t use it to prove your innocence but I can use it to make a dig at them if nothing else. Riling up the Wizengamot has always been on my bucket list.” Miss Vane smirks down at him.
Harry can’t help but smile at that even as Arthur worries.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Annoying the Wizengamot? What if they take out their annoyance of Harry?” Arthur questions.
“Trust me Mr Weasley. I know what I’m doing.” Miss Vane promises.
She better, Lawyers are expensive, even if Harry no longer has to worry about money.
When they arrive at the courtroom doors Arthur stops and Harry turns to face him in confusion.
“This is where we part Harry, but do not worry I shall be waiting for you out here.” Arthur informs.
Harry is very briefly thankful that he has Miss Vane with him then, he cannot imagine going up against the Wizengamot all by himself, no matter how air tight his case may be. Harry nods at the man but turning back to the door. He opens it and steps inside to take in the room. It’s large, clinical in nature. Harry can see the way the seats are arranged so the members of the Wizengamot loom over the person fighting their case.
Several eyes found him the moment he stepped into the room. Some in shock, either because of his state of dress or clearly not having expected him to not only be on time but also a couple of minutes early. Harry moves to the side, holding the door open for Miss Vane. He watches as more eyes widen when they spot the woman.
“Miss Vane?” A voice questions.
Harry looks over and finds that it’s the Minister speaking. He looks shocked before his face seems to clear up.
“Oh I see, you’re taking Harry’s case pro-bono.” The Minister nods and several of the Wizengamot titter at that.
“Minister I’d appreciate it if you’d remember your manners and used the correct titles when talking about my client.” Miss Vane admonishes.
This makes more than one laugh ring out through the room and Harry can’t tell if they are laughing at him or laughing at the Minister. The Minister seems to take the admonishment and laughter personally, if Harry is reading his face correctly.
“And as for my wages, I cannot tell you pricing but I can assure you that I am being paid quite handsomely by Lord Potter.” Miss Vane continues.
“James Potter is dead. There is no Lord Potter.” A high pitch voice states loudly.
Harry has to fight not to wince at the sound as he looks over to find who spoke. When he find the woman, Harry wishes to wince once more. The pink on pink outfit worn by the toad faced woman is hurting his eyes and it makes a clear separation between her and everyone else within the room.
Miss Vane does nothing other than smile at the woman and Harry watches as the rest of the Wizengamot take the news. There is a clear divide of reactions. Those who shuffle in their seat as they talk to the person next to them. Those who look uncomfortable with the information and those who look at him, studying him, trying to find the answers they seek by reading his face.
“If everyone is here then I’d like to have the door locked. I’d hate for any interruptions.” Miss Vane states.
He had left a small note to his lawyers that Dumbledore was likely to try to interfere with the case and he’d prefer that not happen if at all possible. Apparently it is.
“Of course Miss Vane.” A woman says before nodding at the Aurors stationed by the door.
“Thank you Madam Bones.” Miss Vane smiles warmly at the woman.
Interesting…
Harry walks towards the chairs and table sat in the middle of the floor, Miss Vane walking along side him. He spots Percy on the bottom rung of seats with a quill and parchment within his reach. Harry knows better than to call out to Percy or to try and catch his eye. And now Harry is thinking about it, it may be best that Harry doesn’t send Percy a letter directly. He’ll send a letter to Wood and he’s certain it shall find it’s way to Percy.
“Disciplinary hearing of the twelfth of August. The offenses committed under the decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and the International Statute of Secrecy by Harry James Potter…” The Minister starts.
“Hadrian James Potter.” Miss Vane interjects.
“Excuse me?” the Minster stutters.
“Harry is a nickname, his full name is Hadrian James Potter. We wouldn’t want this revolutionary case to be thrown out because you said the wrong name now would we?” Miss Vane smiles sweetly at the man.
The Minister sputters whilst some int he crowd whisper, ‘revolutionary?’
“Well of course it’s revolutionary. This is the first case of underage magic that has been directly brought to the Wizengamot. Whatever you decide at the end of this hearing will be the case point for all cases going forwards.” Miss Vane points out.
That has several more whispers going around whilst some on the Wizengamot look horrified by the implication and others shoot Minister Fudge withering looks. The toad faced woman humphs loudly making the whispering stop.
“The Minister was speaking.” She says with a sickly sweet politeness that makes Harry feel dirty.
“…By Hadrian James Potter… resident at number four, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey.” The Minister stops to see if Miss Vane has anything to interject before continuing. “Interrogators: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister for Magic. Amelia Susan Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.”
Harry needs to speak with her. If Sirius wants even the slightest chance of being exonerated then he needs her on his side. She can call off the kill on sight order after all.
“Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. Court Scribe, Percy Ignatius Weasley. Lawyer present for Hadrain James Potter, Aurora Esme Vane.” The Minister continues. “The charges, that he did knowingly, deliberately and in full awareness of the illegality of his actions, having received previous written warning from the Ministry of Magic on a similar charge, produce a Patronus charm in a Muggle-inhabited area, in the presence of a Muggle. How do you plead?”
“My client pleads not guilty, Minister.” Miss Vane informs.
“Your clients name is Hadrian James Potter is it not?” The Minister questions.
“Yes.” Miss Vane nods.
“And he did cast the patronus charm in front of a muggle did he not?” The Minister inquires.
“Yes.” Miss Vane nods again.
“And your client is underage, is he not?” The Minister pushes further.
“Not by wixen law, Minister.” Miss Vane informs.
And just like that the room turns tense.
“The wixen law states that the age of majority is seventeen, does it not?” The Minister points out.
“Yes, unless the underage wixen is magically emancipated. Which my client is.” Miss Vane informs.
Mutterings come from the stands as they look down on Harry. He’s sitting perfectly calm under all their attentions. This is something he hadn’t wanted for people to know quite yet but he also knew it would come out eventually and it was better for it to come out under his own ministrations than someone else’s.
“For an underage wixen to become magically emancipated, the Ministry must sign off on it, whether their magical guardian agrees or not. Dumbledore may have given your client the false impression that he is now considered an adult but the Ministry does not.” The Minister says, getting louder and angrier with each word.
“But you did Minister, Bartimus Crouch Senior, may he rest in peace and Ludo Bagman gave the Ministries consent to my client being viewed as an adult when they not only allowed but pushed my client into being part of the Triwizard Tournament.” Miss Vane explains. “You know, the tournament that only wixens aged seventeen or older may participate in.”
The whispers get louder at that and Harry has to fight his urge to smirk at the way the Minister’s face is turning red.
“That…that…that was in no way an official declaration of Mr Potter being emancipated!” The Minister shouts.
“You are right Minister.” Miss Vane smiles winningly at the man. “But it was enough for Lady Magick herself to grant Lord Potter an emancipation. I have a copy of the signed form here, if you and the members of the Wizengamot wish to view it. The Goblins are always quite thorough.”
The Minister goes from red faced to as white as a ghost in the matter of seconds and Harry is honestly worried for the mans health. Meanwhile Miss Vane has taken out her wand and sent out the copies for the Wizengamot’s viewing. Harry watches as people read over the form and his signature on it. He also listens in as several people picked up on miss Vane calling him Lord Potter.
Harry would smile if it wasn’t for the way the toad faced woman is whispering into the Ministers ear.
“So!” the Minister starts again, loudly, getting the attention of everyone in the room. “Your client is still guilty of magic in front of a muggle. Except now the charges levied against him are far harsher as he’s not only considered an adult but also a Lord who should therefore know our Laws.”
The man looks so smug with himself for that but all it does is bring a shark like smile to Miss Vane’s face.
“I’m so glad you brought that up Minister.” Miss Vane starts. “As you yourself should know a rule within our government is that when a child is raised by muggles, those muggles are to be made aware of magic when they receive their Hogwarts letter.”
“Are you trying to suggest that your client was raised by Muggles?” Dolores Umbridge suddenly spoke up. “It is very well known that your client was raised in opulence, learning from the best of the best from a young age. Do not lie to us counselor.”
“Madam Umbridge. May I ask where you got this supposedly well known information?” Miss Vane questions.
“Why does that matter?” The toad faced woman huffs.
“I only ask because you are the Minister’s senior secretary and the Minister himself is well aware of the fact that Harry was raised by his muggle aunt from his mothers side.” Miss Vane reminds.
And that piece of information has the members of the Wizengamot in an uproar.
“Raised by muggles!” is heard loudly and shouted by several people.
Harry watches the reactions and finds them fascinating. As he’s been viewing the Wizengamot he’s noticed that the people seem to be spread out into three different groups. He would be unsure what those groupings were if it weren’t obvious with the first two. The dark, the neutral and the light. The light seem to be the most expressive with their shock, the neutral are more reserved but still muttering amongst themselves. The dark however are completely focused on him. Like all the reasons they’ve ever found him wanting, suddenly make sense.
The noise becomes so loud to the point it’s almost deafening, until eventually the Madam Bones creates a loud bang from her wand. Only then does everyone go silent.
“Does this mean, counselor Vane that the muggle that witnessed your client perform the Patronus charm, was a member of his family?” Madam Bones questions.
“Yes Madam Bones, his cousin to be precise.” Miss Vane states.
“In that case, if we have no more questions…?” Madam Bones starts.
“Why was the Patronus charm cast in the first place?” the Minister calls out.
“That is something we shall be speaking to Madam Bones about in private.” Miss Vane informs before continuing. “But I do have a couple questions for the Wizengamot before this trial wraps up.”
“Are they related to this case?” Madam Bones inquires.
“Yes.” Miss Vane nods.
“Then proceed.” Madam Bones instructs.
“It is well known that when a member of wixen society reaches their majority, the trace disappears from their wand. Harry reached his majority when he was emancipated, meaning the trace was gone from his wand, we know this as the Patronus charm was not the only spell he cast throughout this summer. So my question for the Wizengamot is, why is this spell the only one the Ministry picked up and if it wasn’t picked up by the trace, then how did this trial come to be?” Miss Vane questions the room.
Harry watches as the Minister and Madam Umbridge fidget in their seats, while the rest of the Wizengamot look at each other with worry. After all Miss Vane has just stated, quite underhandedly, that someone has to have been following him for this trial to have even happened in the first place. That person also had to be a high ranking Ministry official for them to then forge a document so effectively.
“Trust me Miss Vane, Lord Potter, that is something I will be looking into.” Madam Bones promises. “With that said, all those who believe Lord Potter guilty say aye!”
No one moves a muscle, not even the Minister or little miss toad face.
“All those who believe Lord Potter innocent, say aye!” Madam Bones continues.
“Aye!” the majority of the room call out.
Neither the Minister or toad face say anything. Harry also spots several of the members of the Wizengamot that reluctantly say aye. Harry wouldn’t be sure what to think of it if he didn’t recognise a few faces. Malfoy, Nott and Avery being the most notable ones. All sat within the section for the dark.
“You’ve done excellent work Miss Vane.” Harry tells her once people start getting up to leave.
“Thank you Lord Potter, however we aren’t done yet are we?” She smirks at him.
“I don’t think I ever will be.” Harry hums in acknowledgment.
“Too true, Lord Potter, too true.” Miss Vane nods.
Once the doors to the courtroom are open they slam open loudly, revealing Dumbledore. Many of the Wizengamot snort at seeing the old man. Though Harry does notice that those who appeared to be leaving have suddenly stopped to ‘talk’ to others.
“Do you need me or shall I go speak with Madam Bones?” Miss Vane inquires.
“Please see if Miss Bones has some time for us, I can handle this.” Harry says to her.
The moment she’s walked off, Dumbledore spots him and starts walking closer. And Harry, where he had previously been standing straight and confident, quickly and easily changes his demeanor. He can tell almost instantly that several of the Wizengamot notice by the raised eyebrows but Dumbledore himself does not. As the man finally makes it over to him.
“Harry, my boy!” Dumbledore exclaims loudly and Harry has to fight not to flinch at the nickname.
He must give something away to the members of the Wizengamot because he hears more whispers start up but still Dumbledore appears oblivious. Harry truly can’t tell if it’s genuine or if the man is just that good at hiding his emotions. In retrospect all of his previous manipulations have been obvious but that could have just been because the old man knew Harry was spelled. He still believes Harry to be spelled, but now in a room filled with adults that should hopefully come to the defense of a teenager, even an emancipated one, Dumbledore is likely just acting.
“How did that trial go? What’s this I hear about you having a lawyer?” Dumbledore questions.
“I was found innocent. Miss Vane was amazing. I’m so glad I hired her when I found out about the trial. Though it did seem a bit like over kill before the trial was moved.” Harry says with a wide eyed kind innocence.
A few of those around him chuckle at that, while others like Malfoy seem to take in his words speculatively.
“But you signed a contract?” Dumbledore pushes further.
“Of course. But don’t worry headmaster, I had someone read it over first.” Harry informs.
“My boy, Hermione may be the greatest witch of her age but…” Dumbledore starts.
Several of the Wizengamot grumble at the mans use of the word witch whilst others snort. Whether that’s at the idea of a ‘mudblood’ being the smartest or at the idea that Harry had his friend read over the contract for him, he isn’t sure.
“No, headmaster.” Harry jumps in. “I had snuffles look over it.”
That has several people murmuring in confusion but Dumbledore’s eyes go wide.
“Lo…Hadrian?” Madam Bones’ inquires as she and Miss Vane walk over to them.
Miss Vane managed to catch her before her slip. The Wizengamot caught the change in address but Dumbledore seems to be too focused on her calling him Hadrian.
“Hadrian?” the man mutters.
“Yes, apparently thats my actual birth name.” Harry chirps.
The apparently makes several of the people in the room frown. After all he should have been raised knowing his own name.
Dumbledore opens his mouth to say something, likely to try to change how people view his comment but Miss Vane quickly jumps in.
“Mr Potter, Madam Bones has some forms you must go over before this day can be finished.” Miss Vane informs.
“What? But…?” Dumbledore starts.
“Yes, unfortunately several things were started when the ministry got word of Mr Potter’s apparent underage magic. As a result I need to go over some things with him before he can leave.” Madam Bones agrees.
“Oh but of course. I would be happy to help young Mr Potter.” Dumbledore announces.
The grumblings rise in volume.
“That will not be needed Albus.” Madam Bones states, voice clear and slightly disdainful.
“Amelia.” Dumbledore starts, placatingly.
“Is there any reason why you need to be in the room with Mr Potter?” Miss Vane jumps in, “I mean as far as I’m aware you are only Mr Potter’s headmaster. It’s not as if you are his magical guardian or something.”
Harry loves this woman, she’s just put Dumbledore is an awful position. Either he admits that he is Harry’s magical guardian at which point Harry gets to ask why he never met him before he started Hogwarts, or he lies and the Wizengamot get their claws in him. Either way the man is screwed.
“No, no of course not.” Dumbledore mutters.
“Then we shall be on our way, please follow me Mr Potter.” Madam Bones instructs.
Harry does and as he’s leaving he hears several voices asking Dumbledore questions.
“I thought you’d said you were Mr Potter’s guardian?”
“Isn’t that why you have the Potter’s voting rights?”
“I doubt he has them anymore though.”
Harry winces at the last comment, that’s definitely going to have the old man asking questions.