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The Brothers of War by elfandtroll
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The Brothers of War

elfandtroll

The Harry Potter Universe is owned by J.K.Rowling. Bummer!

Chapter 4: The Trial

Harry woke up to wonderful smells and a flood of brilliant sunshine. This was his first clue that he wasn't at the Dursley's. If he had been, Aunt Petunia would be yelling at him to get up and make breakfast. Instead, he was free to wake up on his own and go downstairs to eat a breakfast that he didn't make. He gave a happy smile. This week just kept getting better and better.

He glanced over at the lump in the next bed.

"Ron."

The lump didn't move.

"Ron."

The lump gave a slight stir, groaning.

Harry frowned in exasperation and threw his covers off. Walking over to Ron's bed, he bent down so he was close to Ron's face.

"RON!!"

The redheaded boy bolted out of bed, glancing around wildly "What? I didn't do it, mum, I swear!" When his gaze fell on Harry, he groaned and burrowed back into the covers.

"Get up, Ron," Harry said insistently.

"Go away, Harry!" grumped Ron.

Harry smiled wickedly. "There's food downstairs, Ron."

Ron bolted upright, suddenly wide awake. "Food?" Harry nodded. Ron grinned. "What are you waiting for, Harry? Let's go!" And with that, he bounded out the door and thumped down the stairs. Harry rolled his eyes and followed.

He met Hermione on the way downstairs. "Morning Harry," she yawned.

"Morning 'Mione."

It seemed everyone else was already downstairs. Mrs. Weasley was busy finishing breakfast, while everyone else sat talking. Mr. Weasley and the twins were discussing the twins' latest prank, while Ron, Charlie, and Ginny were in an animated debate regarding the Chudley Cannons prospects for the year. Bill had gone in early to Gringott's.

Harry plopped down at the table, breathing in the delicious aromas of breakfast cooking. "Morning everyone," he greeted. "Morning!" replied an enthusiastic group.

"Sleep well, Harry?" Mr. Weasley inquired.

Harry nodded.

"Good," said Mrs. Weasley, bustling over with a frying pan full of bacon and sausage. She tipped a few onto everyone's plate, frowning slightly as she appraised Harry.

"You are far to skinny, dear. Didn't those horrid Muggles feed you anything?"

Harry shrugged. "Well, Dudley's still on his diet, so everyone's eating a little less. No big deal."

Mrs. Weasley's frown grew as she muttered to herself, "Awful people, those Muggles. Depriving a growing boy of nutrition…"

Ron glanced at Harry and rolled his eyes. Harry snorted.

"All right, everyone, dig in!" Mrs. Weasley said brightly. Wasting no time, the boys turned to their plates and dug in with an enthusiasm rivaling a starving lion pouncing upon a startled Wildebeest. Hermione and Ginny scrunched their noses at the boys.

"Honestly, you two, didn't you ever learn manners?" Hermione glanced at Mrs. Weasley. "No offense, Mrs. Weasley." Mrs. Weasley just waved it off. "You're absolutely right, Hermione. Ron never has learned proper manners at the table." She glared at Ron, who blushed as he swallowed. "Er…sorry mum," he mumbled. Harry grinned at him.

The meal proceeded relatively calmly, with the twins only flinging a few bits of food at Ron and Harry. Mr. Weasley broke up the food fights before they could become full-fledged wars. Harry spent most of the meal talking to Charlie about dragons, in particular, the Hungarian Horntail. Mrs. Weasley fussed over everyone, insisting they take second and third helpings. It was a welcome change from the Dursley's: being offered extra food that he hadn't made. Everyone ate until they could eat no more, and then some.

With an immense feeling of satisfaction, Harry pushed back form the table. He was so full, he felt like he would never eat again. Ron gave a lazy stretch beside him.

Just then, a handsome barn owl swooped in, landing neatly on the counter. Tied to its leg were three pieces of official looking parchment. Hermione squealed in delight.

"Oh, it must be our OWL results! I've been wondering when those would arrive!" she bubbled as she relieved the owl of it burden. As soon as she had untied the parcels, the owl hooted and flew off. She tossed Ron and Harry their parchments and quickly sprinted off to another corner to open hers.

Harry and Ron grabbed their respective papers and opened them. As Harry scanned his, his face broke into a grin. He had done much better than he had expected.

Defense Against the Dark Arts: O

Transfigurations: E

Charms: E

History of Magic: P

Care Of Magical Creatures: O

Astronomy: A

Divination: A

Potions: E

His face fell slightly when he saw his Potion's grade. In order to become an Auror, he needed to take NEWT's level Potions, but Snape only took students who received O's on their OWL's into his NEWT's level class. Then he noticed a postscript on the bottom on the parchment.

Dear Mr. Potter,

I have discussed your Potion's scores with Professor Snape, and he has agreed to allow you entrance into his NEWT's level course, albeit on probation. I highly suggest you take use this opportunity to your advantage, as Professor Snape does not do something like this often. Your birthday present will indeed come in handy, I assure you. Oh, and congratulations on your Transfiguration's score, Mr. Potter, and I hope to see you do well in my class next year.

Sincerely,

Professor M. McGonagall

Harry grinned. He had been accepted into Snape's class after all! He silently thanked McGonagall. He knew it was only because of her that he was in that class. He reread the note and smiled. At least now he knew why she had looked so smug when he had commented on his present. He was very glad he had that Potions book now. Then another thought burst into his mind. Of course, why hadn't he realized it last night? Professor Snape's message with his present 'For the many essay's you're going to be writing this year in my class.' He must have been more astounded at Snape giving him a gift than he realized.

Turning back to his score, he glanced over them again. He had expected the O in DADA and Care of Magical Creatures, those were his best subjects. Harry was slightly surprised at his Transfigurations grade, as well as his Astronomy score, considering what had happened during that exam. However, he had expected the low score in History of Magic, considering he hadn't paid much attention during that class his entire time at Hogwarts. Harry had also expected to get a Troll on Divination, how he had managed an A was lost on him. Considering he hadn't predicted his looming death on the exam, he didn't see how anything he had described could have been right enough to pass the exam.

He shrugged to himself and turned to Ron. "How'd you do?"

Ron grinned. "Pretty well, in fact. O's in Defense and care of Magical Creatures, E's in Charms and Transfiguration, A's in Potions and Astronomy, and P's in Divination and History of Magic." He grimaced at the last two. "Well, like I said last year, we were always going to fail those two."

They turned to Hermione, who was beaming. Ron said, "Why even bother asking? We all know what Hermione got: straight O's. Right, Hermione?"

Hermione smacked him on the arm, but nodded. Ron turned to Harry. "Told you."

Harry grinned. Standing on her toes in an attempt to peek over at Harry's paper, Hermione asked, "How did you do, Harry?"

"O's in Defense and Care of Magical Creatures, E's in Charms, Potions, and Transfigurations, A's in Divination and Astronomy, and a P in History of Magic. Pretty good, overall. Oh, and guess what? Somehow, McGonagall got me into Snape's class!"

Ron frowned. "And that's a good thing?"

Harry laughed. "Well, yes, because I need that class to become an Auror."

"Oh yeah, forgot about that. 'S still horrible, though, you being stuck with him for a whole 'nother year."

Harry shrugged. "Well, at least I'll have one of you with me there," he said to Hermione. She nodded, then asked Ron, "So, what are you going to be taking instead of Potions?"

Ron colored slightly. "Well… I was thinking about taking…er…"

'Spit it out, Ron," Hermione proded.

"Muggle Studies," Ron said in a rush. Hermione beamed.

"Oh, that's wonderful, Ron! It will do you a lot of good. And now you'll be able to tell your Dad about all the Muggle things you learn, since he's so fascinated by them."

Ron just nodded and turned to Harry. Harry immediately knew that something else was up as Ron couldn't quite squelch the smirk growing on his face. "And?" queried Harry. Ron's grin expanded just a trifle more. "Are you going to tell me Ron, or must I play 20 questions? Now out with it!" Harry prodded. Ron slowly reached into the Hogwarts envelope and withdrew a bright, golden, prefect's badge.

"Oh Ron, two years in a row. Congratulations!" squealed Hermione, as she enveloped him in a bear hug. "Prefect AND Quiddich captain. I'm so proud of you! Oh, but I'm going to have to put together a study plan for you Ron or you'll never be able to … "

"Hermione?" interrupted Harry. "Didn't you get a prefect's badge as well? I mean, who else could they have possibly given it to?" Hermione, looking down at the floor sheepishly replied, "Well, now that you mention it" as she pulled her own golden badge from her robe.

"Congratulations yourself, Hermione!" Ron and Harry joyfully echoed. "But, why didn't you say something?" added Harry. "Well, I just didn't want to make a big deal out of it in case… I mean…" she stammered. "In case what?" grumbled Ron, "in case they didn't give it to me but gave it to Harry instead?"

"No… but, well in a way." replied Hermione quietly. "I just wasn't sure, since they had already made you Quidditch captain, Ron. I mean, being both Prefect and Quidditch Captain is a lot of work. Well, we know you can do it, I just wasn't sure they did."

"Well, thanks for the vote of confidence 'Mione," beamed Ron. "Although I do have to admit, I did think they would give one or both to Harry here. I mean, let's face it, I wasn't exactly the poster boy for Hogwart's prefect last year."

"Oh go on Ron, " chimed in Harry, with a bit of a sad tone "with Umbridge lurking around every corner waiting to trounce on us, it wasn't as though you had much chance…"

Ron looked at Harry. He could see that Harry was happy for him, yet sad none the less. Could it be that he really was expecting to be either prefect or Quiddich Captain? "Thanks Harry. I really didn't expect to be either a prefect or the Quiddich Captain. Especially team captain. I mean, without you we don't have much of a team and you are so much better than I am."

Harry could only think back to what Dumbledore had said 'You may, perhaps, have wondered why I never chose you as a prefect? I must confess…that I rather thought… you had enough responsibility to be going on with.' Yes, he thought. His parents, Quirrell, a Basilisk, Cedric, Sirius, saving the whole bloody wizarding world…he only wondered what Dumbledore felt he would be "going on with" this year to have passed over him again…"No Ron, you're wrong." replied Harry, a little to tersely. "You're the one who knows everything about Quidditch; the strategies, the team plays. Me, I just wander around looking for the snitch. Not much strategy involved there. And it was you and Hermione that helped everyone survive Umbridge last year. You were a good prefect, Ron, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!" ended Harry, in almost an angry tone.

"Prefect!?" they heard gleeful Molly shout from across the room. "Ron? Harry? Hermione? Who is it now, tell me." Saved again from a tumble down the stairs of self-pity, Harry painted a smile on his face for Molly and replied, "Both of them Mrs. Weasley. Isn't if grand, they both got it again!"

"Oh, this is just… just… Oh, I'm so thrilled! You two are on you way to being Head Boy and Girl. I just know it. Oh, we really must have a celebration! I must make something special for you for dinner tonight. Just you wait, I must tell your father…" at which Molly literally bounded away to floo call Mr. Weasley.

"Sorry Harry, you know how mum gets. Hey, what do you say we go play Quidditch later?"

Harry nodded eagerly, then frowned, "I'll have to borrow one of your brooms, though. Mine is still at Hogwarts, since Umbridge confiscated it." He glanced at the twins who replied, "No problem. We've got some old ones in a shed out back. You can use those."

Fred brightened. "Hey, wait! Now that Umbridge is gone Harry, do you think your Quidditch ban will be lifted?"

George beamed. "Hey, I never thought of it that way, but it makes sense!" Harry grinned happily. Sixth year was starting to have potential.

Ginny piped up, "Can I play too?"

George nodded. "Sure. We don't have enough for a full team, so we'll just take turns being Chaser and Keeper." He turned to Hermione. "Are you going to play?" Hermione shook her head quickly. "No thanks, I'm not all that fond of flying… besides, there's some homework I still have to finish."

Everyone groaned, and Ron asked in shock, "You mean you still have homework? After all the nagging you've been doing, you haven't finished yours?"

Hermione said with an indignant snort, "Excuse me, Ronald, but I seem to remember planning a birthday party? Sound familiar to you?" Ron blushed. "So, yes, I still have a bit of homework left. Though, not nearly as much as you I imagine Ronald Weasley!" Harry chuckled.

The twins stood. "Right! Ready, everyone?" Harry, Ron, Charlie and Ginny nodded and stood. Hermione stood as well and started towards the door. Everyone began looking at each other with puzzled looks, she said while eyeing Harry, "Well, I figured I could come watch for a while." Grinning, Harry followed everyone else outside.

Quickly, they had a mini-Quidditch game going. They all took turns as Chasers and Keeper. Harry quickly found out he was quite horrible at chasing, but not as bad at keeping. Ron seemed to have improved as a Keeper over the summer, and Ginny was quite a good chaser.

"Hey Gin, you should go out for chaser this year. You're really good."

Ginny flushed pink. "Really?"

Harry nodded. "Have you been practicing?"

"A little. I was planning on trying out for Chaser anyway, but your comment gives me a boost." Ginny grinned. "Thanks Harry."

Harry grinned back.

The game continued for another half-hour, before everyone grew tired and went inside. They traipsed over to the living room and collapsed into the chairs scattered throughout the room. Just then, Mr. Weasley walked in.

"Hi Dad," the Weasley's chorused, smiling at their father. Mr. Weasley returned an empty smile.

"What's wrong, Dad?" Ron asked curiously.

"I need to talk to you all about the trial. It's going to take place tomorrow."

Harry's eyes widened. "Tomorrow?" He asked.

Mr. Weasley nodded. "And as you all know, you've been asked to testify. Harry, Ron, the twins, Hermione, even you, Ginny. Neville and Lee Jordan have also been asked."

"And Professor McGonagall is testifying, right?" Hermione questioned.

"Yes, because of the "Stunner Incident", as its come to be called. Hagrid has been asked as well." He smiled. "I guess the Ministry wants to cover its bases since they're having so many of you testify."

Hermione asked curiously, "Why is Lee testifying?"

Ron answered that question. "Umbridge used a Blood Quill on him in one of her detentions."

Hermione gasped. "Oh, that's awful! Blood Quills were made illegal ages ago!"

Ginny looked confused. "What's a Blood Quill?"

"A Blood Quill is just what it sounds like," Harry said. "Instead of writing with ink, it writes with a persons own blood. Whatever you write gets carved into the back of your hand." With that, he held out his hand so everyone could see the white scaring, I must not tell lies. A collective gasp went up through the room.

"Oh Harry, why didn't you tell anyone?" Ginny looked horrified and muttered, "I knew something was wrong with her…"

Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. 'Well, all the more reason for you to testify. Does anyone else know about this?"

Harry shook his head yes. Looking from Hermione and Ron to Mr. Weasley, he said," I didn't tell any of the professors because I knew nothing could happen. Umbridge was in control of the school, even when Dumbledore was there. As long as she was there, anything that she caused at Hogwarts had Ministry approval. Besides, if I had told McGonagall or someone, they would have just gotten in trouble with Umbridge. It wouldn't have done any good," he shrugged. As he said this, Hermione saw his shoulders slump in resignation, so she reached over and gave him a comforting hug. Not knowing what else to do, Harry gave her an awkward pat on the back. She eventually pulled away, sniffing, but with a murderous look in her eye.

"I'm glad that woman is going to Azkaban!" Hermione declared. "She's been nothing but monstrous; sacking teachers, and hurting students?! She's a despicable… Horrible…OOH!" Hermione accentuated her last statement with a stomp of her foot, causing Harry to chuckle.

"Breathe, Hermione. It's okay. Umbridge has been called in front of the Wizengamot already, remember? That's why we're performing the unpleasant task of appearing there tomorrow."

Hermione blushed, but grinned as she said, "And I can't wait."

Arthur cleared his throat. "So, now that I've told you lot what's happening tomorrow, any questions?"

Ron nodded. "When's the trial start? When do we have to be there to testify?"

"The trial starts at eight o' clock sharp."

Ron eyebrows arched, "That early! If they're going to make us look at Umbridge's ugly face, couldn't they at least make it at decent hour?"

Hermione frowned. "Oh, hush Ron. It's not that early, and besides, it will be worth it to see that fowl witch sent to Azkaban."

Ron pouted, but nodded in agreement. "Good point, 'Mione."

"So, you all need to get a good night's sleep so you'll be coherent tomorrow," Mr. Weasley said sternly.

"Chill Dad," Ginny said, "You're starting to sound like Mum!"

Mr. Weasley laughed. "Well, I am married to her. Maybe she's started to rub of on me!"

Ron shuddered, "Two of Mum running around? That would be awful!"

A voice came from behind him. "And why would that be so horrible, Ronald?"

Ron paled and gulped. "J-just joking Mum. Ha-ha." He smiled weakly. Mrs. Weasley raised her eyebrows, but her eyes were twinkling. Addressing everyone, she said, "Lunch is ready, everyone."

"Great, I'm starving!" Ron exclaimed, and dashed off to the kitchen. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Of course he is. It's been, what," she glanced at her watch, "three hours since he stuffed himself at lunch?"

Harry grinned. "That's Ron for you, Hermione." She flopped her arms to her sides in resignation, but grinned anyway. They all stood and headed towards the kitchen.

The rest of the day went smoothly. Hermione nagged at them until they agreed to do more homework. Ron and Harry spent the rest of the day playing Wizard's Chess and Exploding Snap. After a delicious dinner, Mrs. Weasley ushered them off to bed. After saying goodnight to everyone, Ron and Harry trudged off to the room they shared.

"Ready for the trial tomorrow, Harry?" Ron inquired through a yawn.

Harry frowned. "More than you'll ever know."

Ron nodded in agreement. "I can't wait to see that woman get sent to Azkaban. I mean, there's no way she'll get off! All the students know how evil she is, and everyone saw her attack Hagrid and McGonagall!"

Harry laughed, the sound tinged with bitterness. "This is Fudge we're talking about here, Ron. He'll mess things up no matter what, and he's on Umbridge's side."

"At least Dumbledore is in charge of the Wizengamot! He's fair!" added Ron.

Harry made a noncommittal sound, then rolled over onto his side. "Night Ron. See you tomorrow."

"Night Harry."

Silence descended on the room, but Harry's mind still raced about at a mile a minute, wondering what in the world would happen tomorrow.