Chapter 34 (1/2)

Everyone in the chamber was shocked. (A/N: I'll call it a chamber because this is the wizarding world and it doesn't have the normal judicial system so no court rooms. I can't remember what they are called in the movies or books).

The Wizengamot members knew Fudge had gone a little too far in using his powers as the minister by holding this trial just for a measy case of underage magic. But if she was actually innocent and Fudge had still accused her without any kind of inquiry or evidence, then it was blatant abuse of power and it would be a huge blemish in Fudge's political career.

”Before any of you ask me to prove it,” Edmund continued. ”I am willing to swear a magical oath. I, Edmund Dominic Whirlpool, Lord of the Noble House of Whirlpool, swear upon my life and magic that it was I who used a patronus charm to defend Iris Potter and her cousin Dudley Dursley from two dementors. This I swear, so mote it be.”

With a quick lumos and nox, Edmund provided the undeniable proof that Iris was innocent. Fudge looked like he was s.u.c.k.i.n.g on a lemon, a very sour lemon, as well as chewing on its bitter seeds.

Before Edmund could say more, the doors of the chamber were flung open and Dumbledore entered the chamber in stride followed by a timid old woman.

”Witness for the defence, Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore.”

Silence, that was what greeted Dumbledore. This was supposed to be a trial, or more of a tactic for Fudge to discredit Iris' claims about Voldemort being alive again. Everyone had expected Dumbledore to try and appear to defend Iris. Many of the Lords and Ladies were assured that Iris was rightfully accused for using magic in a muggle area, but Edmund had proven it to be a lie. This was seen as an insult by many of the members of Wizengamot. They were deceived by the minister. No one acknowledged Dumbledore's appearance as they were too busy glaring at Fudge who was by now wilting under their furious gazes.

Edmund looked at Dumbledore with a blank expression and said, ”You're a tad too late for the hearing Headmaster. I just proved that Iris is innocent.”

Ignoring Dumbledore's sputtering, Edmund turned around and spoke, ”Since me being alive has already proven that without a doubt, Ms. Potter has been wrongfully accused, I request this body to give their verdict and end this farce of a trial. I further request Madam Amelia Bones to investigate why were two dementors present in a muggle area and had specifically attacked Ms. Potter. It shows the utter incompetence and stupidity of certain individuals as they couldn't even notice the absence of two dementors much less control the dementors present in the ministry.”

Edmund was sure Fudge would have a coronary at any moment. He had not so subtley called Fudge stupid and incompetent and Fudge had to force himself from speaking anything against it as it would show his involvement in the matter. Damn that Umbridge, she had promised Fudge that no one would suspect them and it was a foolproof plan.

Gulping down a very sour blob of saliva, Fudge gritted his teeth and said, ”All those who agree with dropping the charges against Ms. Potter?”

Almost everyone lit their wands in agreement while Voldemort's supporters stayed from raising their wands. Seeing the overwhelming majority, Fudge sighed in defeat and raised the gavel to announce, ”Cleared of all charges,” before giving it a bang.

Iris looked at Edmund as they both shared a smile. Quickly, they manoeuvred through the crowd of reporters and before anyone could catch up to them, they disappeared in a flash of black and yellow. (A/N: No Iris doesn't know Hiraishin. Edmund was holding her hand when he flashed away and her hair is black in colour. Well, you got the rest).

Back at Grimrauld Place, Sirius was pacing around, too nervous about the outcome of the hearing while Remus was trying to help him calm his nerves. The other order members were sitting on the couches and chairs, too lazy to bother.

Iris descended from the stairs and spoke evenly, ”Sirius, Remus, can we talk upstairs?”

In her usual motherly tone, Molly spoke, ”Iris, my dear, when did you return? We didn't even see you. I hope that boy has left? Now, why don't you join us and have lunch. There's a seat available next to Ron. You can sit with him.”