The wonderful J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and has earned every knut.
Chapter 5 - Umbridge
Molly had outdone herself at breakfast that morning. Harry couldn't help but have the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" resonate in his mind as he witnessed the ballet of pots and pans, spoons and knives, that was Molly preparing the morning meal. Even Hermione was mesmerized by it. The discussions were reserved and anxious with thoughts of the trial, as they all worked their way through the seconds and thirds, or fourths and fifths in Ron's case, which Molly had thrust upon them.
"A simply wonderful meal, as always, Mrs. Weasley. May I help you clean up?" gave Harry as he stretched in his chair.
"Why thank you Harry, but I can get this quite well." She smiled kindly at him, before ushering them out. "Now, off with the lot of you before you're late."
When Moody and Shacklebolt arrived to help escort Harry and the others, they were off. Although the drive into London went without mishap, the weather became increasingly damp and dreary the closer they got to the ministry.
"Hurry, Harry!" yelped Hermione as she and Harry dashed through the drizzle into the telephone box that was the entrance to the Ministry. Lifting the receiver, Hermione dialed the number, "six…two…four…four…two, oh I do hope this is right."
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business," a female voice echoed through the cramped telephone box.
"Hermione Granger and Harry Potter, witnesses for the Delores Umbridge trial."
"Thank you," replied the voice, as two silver badges dropped into the telephone's coin return. "Visitors to the Ministry, you are required to submit to a search and present your wand for registration at the security desk, which is located at the far end of the Atrium."
"Yes, we know," muttered an anxious Harry, "We've been here before."
After registering their wands with the guard, they stood and waited until everyone else had made it inside. This gave Hermione a moment to look around, something she hadn't had the opportunity to do when they had come here in their misguided rescue attempt of Sirius. As Harry watched Hermione slowly walk towards the fountain, since repaired from the battle between Dumbledore and Voldemort, he cringed. Hopefully she wouldn't notice the belittling positions of the centaur, goblin, and house-elf in relation to the witch and wizard. Maybe if I just distract her, thought Harry.
"Hermione, I…"
"How could they! Those arrogant, pompous, Self- Important, Supercilious… OOHH!"
She noticed.
"Hermione?"
"How DARE they do something like this? House elves, goblins, and centaurs are in no way inferior to wizards! Why, just look at all the ways they contribute to society!"
"HERMIONE!"
Startled out of her rant, she turned to Harry. "Oh, what is it, Harry?"
"Don't you remember that centaurs asked to be considered "beasts"?"
She just stared at him. "Harry Potter, did you just quote a book? And a book not on Quidditch at that?"
"I needed something to do over the summer…"
In an instant, her gaze turned a mix of understanding and sympathy and she gave a comforting squeeze to Harry's hand, "Oh Harry, I'm sorry…"
Just then, Mr. Weasley's voice rang out. "All right, you lot, time to head over to the courtroom. Trial's about to start. Come on, hurry up!"
Hermione gave Harry's hand another squeeze, then, with a wince, turned to follow Mr. Weasley down a set of stairs.
The courtroom open for the trial was the same as had been used for Harry's hearing, deep in the lowest levels of the Ministry. As the group proceeded in through the heavy wood and iron doors, an ill feeling fell over them as though a dementor had pulled all happiness and hope from them. The ancient walls of dark stone filled with foreboding shadows did nothing to alleviate their trepidation.
"Harry," asked a very nervous Ron, "Is this like the courtroom where your hearing was held?"
"This is the courtroom where my hearing was held, Ron."
"Bloody Hell, Harry! And you had to be here by yourself? I'm not even the one on trial here and I'm in a state! How did you do it, mate?"
"Fortunately, Dumbledore arrived in time to save my skin," said Harry as he noticed that Hermione was staring at him with a sad look in her eyes. "It's okay, Hermione, I made it, remember? This time will be Umbridge's turn, although it will be interesting to see if Fudge tries to discredit her, like he's always done with me."
A hush fell over the room when a door at the back of the chamber opened and two guards stepped in with Delores Umbridge. Less than half the height of the two guards and nearly as big around as the two combined, she may have lost her haughty air, but she still resembled a toad. She needed to be lead by the two guards as she still wore the dazed look of a frightened animal that she had while in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing. As the guards approached the chair at the center of the room, Ron couldn't resist the temptation and produced a series of "clopping" sounds with his feet. At this, Umbridge's eyes bulged, she took in a sharp breath, and a nervous twitch at the corner of her mouth bobbled madly.
While most of their group fought madly to stifle their sniggers, his action earned him a smack over the head from Molly. Glancing up he saw Professor McGonagall across the room with a stern look in her eyes, yet a hint of a smile on her mouth. At the justice's bench, he also noticed a bright twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes.
"This trial will come to order," announced Madam Bones to the room. "Although Professor Dumbledore has been reinstated as the Supreme Mugwump of the Wizengamot, he has asked, for the purposes of this trial, that I preside over it due to his obvious conflict with being the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At this time the charges will be read." Reaching down and retrieving a rather large sheet of parchment, Madam Bones began, "Dolores Jane Umbridge, you are charged with the following: One - with forethought and malicious intent, did cast the Cruciatus curse upon the person known as Harry James Potter. Two - with forethought and malicious intent, did make use of an illegal Blood Quill upon the person known as Lee Thomas Jordan. Three -- …yes… Ms. Granger, I believe it is?"
All eyes in the room turned to the diminutive, red-faced girl, whose best friend was desperately trying to pull her hand down out of the air. Shooing Harry away, Hermione rose slowly from her seat, "My apologies, your honor, but you see, Lee Jordan was not the only student on which the blood quill was used."
"And whom else was it used upon, may we ask?" queried Madam Bones.
Silently, Hermione turned and looked directly into Harry's eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek, took his right hand into hers and raised it high for all to see.
"Are you prepared to testify, Mr. Potter, as to the truth of this"
Harry's heart broke at the sight of Hermione, the tears now coming in quiet torrents. "Er… yes ma'am… I mean, yes Your Honor," was all he could manage.
"So be it. Let the records show the names Lee Thomas Jordan and Harry James Potter," pronounced Madam Bones as she touched her wand to the parchment.
"Now, where were we. Yes, three - did dismiss two professors of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry without due process as required by their contract. Four - did attack, without provocation and with intent to cause bodily harm, both Professors Rubeus Hagrid and Minerva McGonagall, and five - did have all owl post entering and leaving the school intercepted and read by an 'Inquisitorial Squad'… made up of students?! These being the charges before the court, how do you plead?"
"Why not guilty, of course!" bellowed Fudge. "These charges are preposterous to say the least. It is ridiculous that…"
"QUIET!" roared Madam Bones, "I will not have you interrupting these proceedings Minister Fudge. You will show the same respect to this court as the court shows to the current minister! So, unless you are here to represent Ms. Umbridge and not as a voting member of the Wizengamot, I recommend you sit quietly. Minister Fudge, what will it be?"
"Er - I - my - a - pardon, Madam Bones. No, I am not here to represent Ms. Umbridge," replied a suddenly meek Fudge.
"Right then, Ms. Umbridge, I ask again. How do you plead?"
Umbridge looked slowly around the room as though she was just beginning to understand where she was, "I didn't do anything wrong…I did everything for the good of the ministry…Cornelius, you know that…"
"I will take your response to mean not guilty. We will therefore, call the first witness… let's see… Mr. Lee Jordan," said Madam Bones, cutting Umbridge off.
Lee was escorted into the center of the room to the chair recently occupied by Umbridge. His testimony was rather brief, describing when and why he had received detention and the circumstances surrounding the use of the Blood Quill. When prompted, he proudly displayed his hand to chamber with the words "I shall behave" lightly scarred into it.
Next came Ginny, who testified as to Umbridge's attempted use of the Cruciatus Curse on Harry. Although she was honest in telling that Hermione had interrupted Umbridge before she had completed the entire spell, the effect on the members of the Wizengamot was immense, nevertheless. When asked if she had anything more to add, Ginny went on to say, "She, Ms. Umbridge I mean, also admitted that she was the one who ordered the dementors after Harry last summer. She said something like 'someone had to act' and 'what Fudge doesn't know won't hurt him' and that the ministry was trying to discredit Harry."
After this statement, Madam Bones turned to the ghostly white Fudge and gave him a look that, had she a wand in her hand, would have been sure to cause spontaneous combustion.
Professor McGonagall was then called to the witness chair. In the prim and proper manner that is her hallmark, Minerva proceeded to describe how she had attempted to lend aid to Hagrid the night of the astronomy owls, only to find herself under attack. She provided testimony detailing the many events throughout the year; the confrontational inspections; the sacking of Trelawney without hearing; educational decrees too numerous to count; and finally the attempted sacking of Hagrid; all actions targeted against anyone who showed the least amount of allegiance to Dumbledore.
"Humph!" snorted Fudge, "She was well within her rights. As the Ministry appointed High Inquisitor, she was given the authority to run the school as she saw fit."
"And does that authority include the use of Blood Quills, Minister?" asked McGonagall as if she were scolding a first year student.
"Of - of - course it does not!"
"And I suppose this Ministry granted authority also included the use of intimidation, physical force, or the use of Veritaserum, Minister?" queried Minerva, with the barest hint of smile.
"Certainly no…t, did you say Veritaserum? I gave no authorization for the use of Versatium. You're making this up! No one was given Veritaserum!" blustered Fudge.
"On the contrary, Minister. Professor Snape was tasked to deliver all in his possession for the questioning of Mr. Potter and then requested to brew more…"
"Bullocks! I will not -- " but Fudge was cut short. Madam Bones had cast a silencing charm on Fudge.
"I believe I warned you about controlling your outbursts, Cornelius. Now if you swear that you will control yourself, I will remove the charm and we can proceed."
Minister Fudge raised his hand and nodded his head in defeat.
"Thank you. Professor McGonagall, you may go." smiled Madam Bones. "We now call upon… Harry James Potter."
Harry tried to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat, but found that his mouth was as dry as a desert wind. As he slowly stood, he looked to Ron and Hermione as though pleading for their rescue, but he knew there was nothing they could really do. "Go on mate, you'll do fine," encouraged Ron, while Hermione gave Harry's hand a gentle squeeze. Harry looked to the lone chair in the middle of the room. The same chair, with arms covered in chains, which he had sat in during his own hearing. His eyes then wandered to Dumbledore, who gave him a reassuring smile and nodded his head.
"Mr. Potter." began Madam Bones in a peaceful tone. "Please, you are here only to testify to events as you witnessed them. It is not you who is on trial here today. Please be seated."
Harry made his way to the chair, sat, took a deep tentative breath, and began.
He told of the use of the Blood Quill when he had refused to change his statements regarding the rise of Voldemort. That Umbridge would press him relentlessly until he lost control, only to receive detention after detention with the quill. Gasps could be heard throughout the room when he held his hand aloft with the words "I must not tell lies" scared across it.
He told of the night of the astronomy OWLs and the unprovoked attack on Hagrid and Professor McGonagall.
And, he told of the Veritaserum that he had suspected was in the tea she had given him during one 'little chat', during which she repeatedly demanded the whereabouts of Dumbledore and Sirius. When he couldn't provide it, she swore she would eventually find them anyway since she was having the owl post opened by the Inquisitorial Squad. He described how latter, Snape had confirmed her use of Veritaserum when the Professor attempted to explain to her that a month would be required to brew more.
Harry ended by relating how, in her rising frustration with events occurring at the school, she divulged sending the dementors to Privet Drive during the summer. Then, in order to acquire information, she attempted the Cruciatus Curse on him.
"That about covers it, your Honor." explained Harry to the court.
Madam Bones reviewed the remaining parchments before her and began, "At this point, I think we have heard enough and --"
"Please, Madam Bones," interrupted Fudge, "if I may be allowed, I would like to ask Mr. Potter a few questions."
"Only a few, Minister. You may proceed."
Fudge rose to his all but considerable height, brushed some non-existent lint from his robe, and gave a slight bow to Madam Bones. As he puffed out his chest, almost matching the plumpness of his middle, he began.
"Mr. Potter. Is it true that you were the leader of an unauthorized and subversive dark arts organization called the DA?"
"Yes, but - "
"And is it also true that membership to this organization was not open to all, but only offered to students who demonstrated they were against the Hogwarts administration?"
"Yes… No… it wasn't --"
"Yes or No, Mr. Potter."
"Yes, but it -"
"Mr. Potter, during the time that these alleged events were taking place, was Headmaster Dumbledore there at Hogwarts?"
"Mostly, yes."
"And, isn't it true that all proceedings occurring within the walls of the school must do so with the Headmaster's concurrence?"
"Yes, but Umbridge -"
"Aah, but Ms. Umbridge was merely the Hogwarts High Inquisitor. Are you saying that Headmaster Dumbledore was not in control of his school?"
"Yes! I mean, NO! Wait, you're twisting my words. That's not ---"
"Again, Mr. Potter. Yes or no?"
Harry's anger was almost to the exploding point, his hands clenched so tight, his fingers were white. "I WON'T ANSWER! You're just trying to skive off the fact that YOU sent that… that… TOAD to ruin the school and now you're trying to blame it all on Professor Dumbledore. I WON'T DO IT!"
At this point, Madam Bones had had her fill. Once again, holding her hand up to stop the Minister's inevitable retort, she spoke in a low, cool voice, "I think that is quite enough, Cornelius. Please return to your seat!" She then turned towards Harry, and with a smile she added, "Mr. Potter, thank you, and you may return to your seat as well."
Harry was still upset over the questions from Fudge. It was taking all of his restraint just to keep from leaping onto the dais and tromping the Minister senseless. He felt he had let his Headmaster down; that he had not defended him as well as he should have. With a pleading look in his eyes he steered his gaze over to Dumbledore expecting to find him upset with Harry. To his relief, what he saw was quite the opposite. There, in all his glory, was a very proud looking Dumbledore, wearing a broad smile and devilishly twinkling eyes. With Dumbledore's simple nod of acknowledgement, Harry knew that things would be ok.
Madam Bones then informed the court that they would pause for a few minutes while everyone took a few moments to reflect on the testimony, after which they would vote. As he returned to his seat between Ron and Hermione, the Weasleys and the group of Griffindors congratulated Harry on what they thought was a fine testimony.
"Harry, it's over now. You can relax. You did a great job and have nothing to be disappointed with." encouraged Hermione.
Ron was not so restrained. "Bloody hell, Harry. Brilliant was more like it. You sure set the story straight on Umbridge, mate. She'll be lucky to ever see the outside of Azkaban again."
There was a soft murmur of voices, drifting through the crowded chamber as the various individuals discussed the testimony with those sitting next to them. Soon, Madam Bones called the room back to order.
"I believe we are ready for a vote. All voting not guilty to the first charge of attempting the Cruciatus Curse?" Only six members of the Wizengamot raised their hands, Fudge being one of them. "Those in favor of conviction?" to which, all other hands in the room rose.
"Those voting not guilty to the second charge of use of that Blood Quill?" Again, the same six members raised their hands. "Guilty?" All hands were thrust into the air, some almost violently.
"Not guilty on the third count of improper dismissal of professors from the school?" This time there were many more hands raised, although still less than half. Many people thought this was more an internal matter for the school, not something for the Wizengamot. "Guilty?" The remaining balance of hands hovered in the air.
"Charge number four, the attack on Professors Hagrid and McGonagall. Not guilty?" A smattering of hands around the room found their way tentatively into the air. "Guilty?" Now, the majority of the hands were in the air.
"And finally, charge number five, interference with the proper delivery of the Owl post. Not guilty?" Not a single hand was raised for this, not even Fudge's. "Guilty?" All hands in the room were waving in the air, as though to a gentle breeze.
"Ms. Dolores Jane Umbridge, the court finds you guilty on all counts. As a number of these charges carry terms defined by the law, we have very little leeway in regards to your sentence. However, and why I do not know, since you have been found guilty on all counts, Professors Hagrid, McGonagall, and Trelawney have graciously offered to waive any additional time that would have been garnered by charges three and four. Therefore, for the charge of attempting the Cruciatus Curse: 30 years in Azkaban. For the use of the Blood Quill: 25 years in Azkaban. And finally, for interfering with the lawful delivery of Owl Post: 5 years in Azkaban. Please take her away."
Umbridge's screams of, "All for the ministry!" and "She had only done what was asked of her!", were drowned by the cheers of joy coming from the parents and students of Hogwarts. As the guards escorted her out, she pleaded with Minister Fudge to help her, but to no avail. He was busy heading for the door.
Arthur Weasley stepped over to Harry and clasped his shoulder, "See, Harry. Justice can be served. Sixty years in Azkaban! I do believe that will settle things down a bit at the school, don't you?" and as he leaned close and whispered into Harry's ear, "and maybe Fudge will think twice about sending another, eh?"
Molly came forward now and began ushering them to the door. "Now, all of you, back to the Burrow. I best be off to Diagon Alley to gather your things for the new school year." At once, everyone commenced to argue that they should be there to help, but Molly was having none of it. "Arthur and I are more than capable of carrying a few books. Moody and Shacklebolt will make sure you get back all right and will stay with you until we return. Now shoo! Off with you."
So under the watchful eye of Moody, the group made their way out of the ministry to what they now found was a bright and sunny day.