A/N: As always, it is an honor to create my own world in the reality of Harry Potter. What you recognize is JKR's, the rest is mine.

This is the fifth chapter of my story and fourth chapter of my revision. This material is completely original. My thanks for your patience.

Harry awoke the next morning at 6:00 am, not unusually early for him. As he went about his normal morning routine he appreciated Sanctuary's advantages. First, he'd had a peaceful night's sleep, without having to fight the symphony of snores the fifth year dorm provided. Second he didn't have to fight for a hot shower, something normal after four years. Idly, he wondered about his female Companions, and how they managed to cope. That thought lead to a blush when he thought of Hermione in the shower.

He controlled himself, finished dressing and found yet another perk as a steaming cup of his favorite tea awaited him on the common room table. He sipped the drink and thought the upcoming day's trials. He had no illusions, for all it might be called an 'inquiry', this was just as much a trial as the one in August.

He invited the others to join him before breakfast, he was certain the Gryffindors would come here and the others were likely too. If, by 8:00, some weren't there, they'd meet them in the Great Hall for a fortifying breakfast.

Just then, he heard a knock and he let in Hermione, Neville and Ginny, along with Madam Bones and Susan. After greetings, a good morning hug and kiss from Hermione and hugs for his godsiblings and new aunt, they sat, found their tea and smiled broadly at each other.

Amelia looked happy to see her hopefully soon-to-be-official godson. Her bearing also told Harry that she had business to discuss.

"Good morning, Auntie," Harry both mentally giggled at his greeting and exalted with the still new knowledge that in less than twenty-four hours he'd gone from alone and isolated to having a family, all the more real to him for it having brothers and sisters mainly of his own choice. "I'm sure there are arrangements to discuss."

"Good morning, Harry, and yes, we need to talk. If I don't misread this situation, there will be security issues involved with today's hearings. The Great Hall is being converted into a modified court room, like the one from last month's fiasco," and here her mouth twisted in disgust, "but furnished so the members may eat and all can have access to restrooms. You know best how controversial your memories will be; how much danger is there for us?"

Harry considered the question for several minutes during which Luna, Daphne, Astoria and Tracey entered, they assessed the tableau, and quietly claimed their tea. Harry found being sandwiched by his girlfriend and his godsister to be both slightly distracting and oddly comforting. When the remaining Weasleys came in, the change in Ron practically shouted out to the others. He didn't immediately yell out a greeting and a series of clueless, semi-belligerent and argumentative questions. He merely took in the scene and silently got tea to the stunned delight of those noticing.

Sighing, Harry answered Amelia. "There will be a lot of people who won't want my true story to be known. I think laws have been broken or bent. People have their own reasons to try to guide me, or control me, or even just get me out of the way. I feel there's a lot of secrets about me that I don't know, but I want to learn them. I'm going to kill off The-Boy-Who-Lived. But I'm worried; I know there will be DeathEaters there.Is there a way so that only you and the Aurors have wands? Is there a way to arrest people and have them held?"

At this question, the others offered their own opinions and ideas, all at once. After a couple minutes, Amelia raised her hand and the hubbub ended.

"That is a rather extreme request, but it's been done before. It was used a lot during the DeathEatertrials at the end of the First War. We can do this, but the hearing will have to be put back an hour, We'll have the headmaster instruct the elves to serve breakfast in the common rooms and in here too."

Harry then gestured to her. "We need a word in private." They entered the bedroom, shutting the door. After a few minutes they exited. After giving him a tight hug, she swiftly left the room.

George Weasley (somehow, Harry could always tell who was who) drily commented, "Well, just a normal day in the life, eh Harry?" The droll understatement put the rest into stitches for a moment.

"Yeah, trouble always seems to be my biggest groupie!" When Neville ask what a 'groupie' is, Hermione gave a quick definition of the term, plus a short rant that a competent Muggle Studies professor and mandatory attendance by magically reared students was needed; leading to a brief uproar of laughter, even joined by their 'professor'.

Just then, breakfast was laid on the long table and devoured. Conversation was general and two mixed groups formed. Harry and Hermione talked to the three Slytherins and learned more about their house in twenty minutes than they had in the last four years. They learned that the unified front was for outside show and that inside their quarters, there were practically as many agendas as there were Slytherins.

From the start, both Tracey and Daphne had been intrigued by and nonjudgmental towards both Harry and Hermione, though they felt that the Weasleys and maybe Neville were acquired tastes. They and Astoria had shown independence by being the only ones in their house not to wear the 'Potter Stinks' buttons. Astoria, having been brought up on the Hogwarts stories told her by the older girls, liked both Harry and Hermione, with more than a bit of hero-worship toward Hermione and a definite crush on Harry.

She shyly addressed the Gryffindor witch. "Hermione, please, I really want to know Harry better. You know, I asked him to take me to the Yule Ball last year." Harry started, remembering his shocked and rather unkind refusal from last year, and not without a bit of shame. So he smiled at the younger Greengrass apologetically. She continued, "I dream about him falling in love with me and becoming Mrs. Potter."

Hermione laughed, but not unkindly. "I'm sorry Astoria, but I'm not the sharing sort. Harry and I are each other's and I hope that won't ever end. If Harry doesn't mind though, I think I'd overlook a hug and kiss, just for your honesty."

Harry hugged Astoria tightly and kissed her lightly on the lips. "As far as I'm concerned, hugs are for the taking, for all of you, because you're my family. But Astoria, I'm going to be a one witch wizard, Hermione's, at least until she comes to her senses."

He couldn't go further since the witch in question just swatted his head. "I did come to my senses, last night; you don't get rid of the future Mrs. Potter that easily!"

Harry chuckled. "That's good enough for me." Forgetting Astoria, Harry pulled Hermione into a proper kiss. Whistles and cheers, to say nothing of the look in her eyes, told him he'd definitely done good.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door. It was an Auror. "Time to come down, but I need everybody's wand except Mr. Potter's."

After their wands were collected, they were led down to the Great Hall, where he had an eerie feeling of déja vu. He got the others seated at their table, murmuring to them, "This is it." Taking his place on the witness chair, he noticed the lack of fetters this time. In a few minutes, everyone had taken their places and the hearing began.

-HC-

Madam Bones began, saying "This hearing of the Wizengamot is to investigate the claims and challenges made by one Harry James Potter, regarding the events of 24 June, 1995, the events of 2 August, 1995 and other events in Mr. Potter's life he feels are germane to the way we have viewed and reacted to him. The evidence..."

Here, she was interrupted by Minister Fudge. "Madam Bones," he blustered, "I must insist that you recuse yourself from these proceedings. You have an obvious conflict of interest regarding Mr. Potter; after all your niece is one of his so-called Companions."

Amelia glared at the minister and rebutted his claims with relish. "To start with, Minister, I remind you that this is a hearing, not a trial. Even if it were, I would be the prosecutor, as I was earlier this year, not a judge. If my veracity is questioned, I can take a binding oath that I am treating this hearing and Mr. Potter just as I would any other hearing for anyone else. Need I have to make my oath?"

The minister blanched, he really was not a man built for confrontation. Having backed him down, Amelia continued. "Mr. Potter's testimony will be in the form of Pensieve memories, although he may be asked about his memories by this combined body. He will give his memories under Veritaserum, to ensure that those memories are complete and accurate.

"While that takes place, the rest of the hall will be silenced to ensure that no one can take advantage of Mr. Potter."

Before she could move on, Dumbledore voiced a concern. "Amelia, have you vetted these memories Mr. Potter proposes to show us? I fear that information might get out that would benefit Lord Voldemort."

Amelia expected he might bring up something like this, and was prepared. "First, Chief Warlock, I'll remind you that Wizengamot protocol requires the use of titles. That you were headmaster for most of us does not exclude you from the courtesy our efforts have earned for ourselves. I suggest that you mind this and address people such as I, Madam Bones, accordingly."

Dumbledore flinched as if he'd been slapped. A murmur arose from the Wizengamot members. The head of the DMLE had handled the most powerful figure in the British magical world like he was a first year at Hogwarts.

"As to the substance of your question, quite frankly, I don't know and, to a certain extent, I don't care."

When the murmur of astonishment died down in the Great Hall, she continued. "Last night, Mr. Potter asked if it was against the law to kill a nonexistent person. He told me he hated the 'Boy-Who-Lived' and the expectations and assumptions people have for him. He told me, 'I'm loved one day, then hated and feared by sundown. After tomorrow, 'he'll' be gone, only Harry James Potter will live.'"

As the audience once more stilled, she continued, "Mr. Potter and I spoke at some length last night and in the presence of those he trusts. He was adamant that he wants to be seen in our world as we would generally want our own children to be seen; as a young wizard, a member of his class at Hogwarts, treated and looked upon according to his achievements. As Harry James Potter, the son of James and Lily Potter; not by some made up sobriquet. To be free of the expectations and the myths, both good and ill. So long as the memories given further this goal, he should be heard out, without any 'vetting'".

Again, she was thwarted in her attempt to move on, this time by Lucius Malfoy. "Chief Warlock, members of this noble body. How can we be certain that Mr. Potter does not have the capacity subvert the use of Veritaserum ..."

Amelia would not allow him to continue. "Member Malfoy! This is simple obstruction and will not be allowed. It is well known that Veritaserum was tested for decades before it's use was allowed in testimony, beginning in 1754. It was only allowed after it had been established that that testimony, both verbal and by Pensieve was completely accurate. There have been no evidence since then to cast doubt on this protocol. Now then, are there any substantive concerns before I extract Mr. Potter's testimony?"

The way she phased the question ensured that no further impediments were offered. She then gave Harry three drops of the truth potion. As his eyes became glassy, she asked him a standard series of preliminary questions.

"What is your name?"

"Harry James Potter."

"Into what house were you sorted?"

"Gryffindor, but the Hat wished to place me into Slytherin." Had the audience not been silenced, one would have heard a fair furore at that. As it was, his Companions could see that a number of the faculty and the Wizengamot were startled and the expressions on the faces of Snape and Lucius Malfoy alone were worth the price of admission.

"If you could have had the time between 1 September, this year to today to happen according to your deepest wishes, how would it have gone?"

"I would have been sent off by my mum and dad from Platform 9 ¾, with my brother in third year and my sister in first year. There would have been another sibling or two, too young to go the school yet. I'd have settled my sister with some of her friends and found my own. I'd have enjoyed the Sorting and cheered when she was sorted into Gryffindor. I'd have spent my time making sure she found her way around the castle, enjoying my own classes and friends."

There was an unheard murmur of sympathy in the Great Hall at this wish to have had his parents alive and have siblings and a normal Hogwarts experience. Some members of the faculty looked both sad for him and a bit uneasy.

After that, she called the date 24 June, 1995 and Harry drew out a memory that was then placed into a Pensieve. Then the date of 2 August, 1996. Then the process was repeated another twelve times, fourteen memories in all. Amelia took his wand and gave him the antidote.

"What is your name?"

"Remus John Lupin" answered Harry, to the amusement of the onlookers.

Amelia chuckled and removed the silencing ward. "Mr. Potter, before we view your testimony, do have a statement to make to the Wizengamot?"

"Madam Director, I do. Chief Warlock, members of the Wizengamot, classmates. By now, I hope none of you are in any doubt that I detest what we do today. However, I've never shied from doing the right thing, regardless of its cost to me personally. If I must do this to be free to be a real person, so be it. These memories ought to speak for themselves, though I may have to say a word or two at places.

"Before the first memory, I ask that Mr. and Mrs. Diggory and Miss Chang huddle together, for their mutual comfort and support."

-HC-

When those three were settled, Amelia activated the runes that allowed the Pensieve to project.

"Crucio!"

The others gasped as Harry fought his way towards the sounds, then came horrified gasps and screams from Cho and the Diggorys.

"Stupefy!"

Cheers from his classmates as Krum fell.

"Are you all right?"

Diggory sounded shaken and in pain. "Yeah. Yeah … I don't believe it … he crept up behind me … I heard him. I turned around, and he had his wand on me ..."

"I can't believe this … I thought he was all right."

"So did I."

Harry questioned. "Did you hear Fleur scream earlier?"

"Yeah. You don't think Krum got her too?"

"I don't know."

"Should we leave him here?" The Hufflepuff's voice was doubtful.

"No. I reckon we should send up red sparks. Someone'll come and collect him … otherwise he'll probably be eaten by a skrewt."

"He'd deserve it." But Cedric sent up the sparks, then they separated.

The audience looked at Harry, when they could tear their eyes from the memory, in astonishment. Somehow, they could feel his emotions, his physical feelings; none who had used Pensieves in the past had ever experienced the like.

Harry and Cedric's paths converge in the cup's clearing. The Acromantula attack, injuring Harry and the two's successful counterattack and their argument over who should claim the Cup.

"Take it, then. Go on, take it. You're there ..."

"Both of us … On three, right?" And they saw them wrenched away.

Harry's excruciating pain and hearing the most direful words which most had ever heard or would ever hear.

"Kill the spare."

"Avada Kedavra!"

The screams of anguish were a solid wall. Impossibly, the cries from Cho and the Diggorys were plainly detected. Then they were redoubled when Harry's memory showed them the lifeless, slightly surprised visage of the Hufflepuff.

All sound died away into a vacuum, as Harry was bound, slashed and witnessed the reincarnation of Lord Voldemort.

The vile wizard summoned his DeathEaters and turned to Harry. He then began a monologue, directed at the boy: "You stand, Harry Potter, upon the remains of my late father. A Muggle and a fool …" then a light, dead-sounding voice interrupted.

"Stop playback." It was Harry, sounding unlike any had heard him. "This is one of the most important points." His voice became resonant. "His own words put paid to the myth he is a Pureblood or Pureblood champion. He is a halfblood and only exploits their fears and hatreds to help himself to power. Madam Director, please resume."

Amelia, marveling at her godson's courage in regaining then maintaining the rigid formal mien this hearing required, resumed projection.

The monologue ended, then the arrival of the DeathEaters.

As he berated his lackeys, the Aurors stunned those named, shackling them and Portkeying them into Ministry holding cells. When all those who were named and present had been removed, a messenger Patronus was sent, alerting the rest of the DMLE the identities of those DeathEaters still at large. Even though most in the hall were pale, Amelia thought the Minister's face was too pale for the memories alone to have produced.

"Master, we crave to know … we beg you to tell us … this miracle … how you manged to return to us …"

"Ah, what a story it is, Lucius," said Voldemort. "And it begins – and ends – with my young friend here ..."

The congregated magicals heard Voldemort's account of his dealings with Harry, through to his rebirth.

"Crucio!"

The hall shrieked as they experienced the effects of the Unforgivable.

"Now untied him, Wormtail, and give him back his wand … You have been taught to duel, Harry Potter? … Bow to death, Harry ..."

Gasps as Voldemort's brute magical force bent Harry. Then a renewed cry as Harry endured the Cruciatus again, then Voldemort's cruel question and Harry's defiance.

"I asked you whether you want me to do that again," said Voldemort. "Answer me! Imperio!"

"I WON'T!"

The efforts of a tired, wounded boy/man to stay alive. The taunts of his foe, then followed by the lad's determined, face-to-face confrontation with the wicked mage.

"Voldemort was ready. As Harry shouted, "Expelliarmus!" Voldemort cried "Avada Kedavra!"

The hall again filled with the sonic wall of an ejaculation of disbelief as the spells collided and a golden band connected the wands. Gasps when the cage formed and sighs on hearing the Phoenix song.

There was a renewed, heartbreaking cry when Cedric's form emerged and made his request. Awed silence with Lilly and James' appearance and encouragement, then a whoop when he escaped.

Harry cried out his message and the false Moody led him away. Another monologue declaimed to Potter. Then the door was destroyed and Moody was revealed as Barty Crouch Jr., DeathEater. The real Moody was found and gave his story under Veritaserum.

Silence as Harry was brought to Dumbledore's office, then an outcry at the appearance of Sirius Black, quieting when when he related his story to Dumbledore.

"I will say it again ...You have shouldered a grown wizard's burden and have found yourself equal to it … "

"Stop playback! Note what the Chief Warlock has just said and remember it. You'll hear more of this later. Madam Director, please resume."

The argument caused by the news that Fudge had had the only witness Kissed. Fudge's denial and his open hostility towards Harry, then the memory ended.

-HC-

Metaphorical lights came back on and the onlookers focused on Harry once more. Even seated, he seemed to sway, just a bit. As he skimmed the faces of the others, he saw no expressions of anger, nor hatred, mainly shock, mixed with some of worry, even fear.

After drawing then letting loose a long breath, he addressed them. "This memory is of the incident of 2 August 1996. I am ashamed that I drew my wand on my cousin Dudley. It was in anger, there were no others around who did not know about magic. As it turned out drawing my wand might be the only reason he and I have our souls today. Madam Director, if you would."

Amelia turned to comply, wishing she could embrace and comfort her pale-faced godson. Still, she vowed to match his courage.

Susan, Neville and Astoria held Hermione from rushing to Harry. "Hermione," whispered Susan, "you must stay here for now."

Neville added "What you wish to do, we all want to do."

"There's going to be a time to comfort him, and soon I think." Astoria's whisper revealed her desire to comfort them both. Hermione relaxed in the three-way embrace.

Harry walking with his cousin, who was baiting him, clearly trying to get a rise from him.

"'Don't kill Cedric! Don't kill Cedric!' Who's Cedric – your boyfriend?" A taunting laugh.

The audience growled with anger at the larger boy, on Harry's behalf.

"… Don't you point that thing at me!"

Dudley's gasped.

The audience realized just what had caused his reaction.They heard the unmistakable sound of a Dementor, the fear and panic in Dudley's voice. And then the feeling of his terrified blow connecting with Harry's face.

"DUDLEY, COME BACK! YOU'RE RUNNING RIGHT AT IT! … DUDLEY, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT! WHATEVER YOU DO, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!"

Harry's panic to find his wand, his two failures at a full Patronus, then the thought of his two best friends, allowing him to summon Prongs. Prongs putting paid to the Dementors. Finally, startlement at the appearance of Mrs. Figg and the knowledge that she knew of magic."

The memory stopped. Harry asked shakily, "May we break for lunch?"

Amelia queried "Any objections?" Hearing none, she declared "This hearing is in recess for forty-five minutes."

-HC-

Harry staggered as he rose, then found himself in the arms of his girlfriend and led to the table. It took a few minutes of soothing for him to be able to eat. He ate an amount and at a speed that challenged Ron, albeit with far better manners and neatness.

When mealtime started to wind down, he kissed Hermione, then stood and went around the table, hugging and thanking each of his Companions. Refreshing himself, he walked to the witness chair, catching Amelia's attention.

"Madam Director, will you transfigure this chair into a loveseat? If it will be allowed, I'd like Hermione to be at my side for the remainder of my testimony. For the most part, my further memories include her and in any event, there is nothing she could say to effect my comments."

Instantaneously, Amelia concluded her godson's plea was reasonable. "Are there objections?" After a moment of silence, the chair was a comforting loveseat. Harry and his bushy-haired witch settled in, arms around the other.

"This first memory is out of sequence in the time line of my experiences. You will understand shortly. It takes place during the Gryffindor/Hufflepuff Quidditch match, my third year." Harry nodded to the DMLE head and the memory began.

Harry flying, search for the Snitch in the heavy rain. Then he felt the unforgettable sensation of Dementors, many of them. He heard voices:

"Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry!"

"Stand aside, you silly girl … stand aside, now ..."

This voice they already knew, though most wished they didn't.

"Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead – Not Harry! Please … have mercy ,,, have mercy ..." Laughter was heard, laughter and screaming, and the memory ceased.

Once again the voice to which they listened was hollow. On the loveseat was a deathly pale wizard, smothered in his witch's hug.

"The only memory I have of either parent when they were alive. I do not want to imply that I am diminishing anyone else's loss. The next set of remembrances covers the nine and three-quarter years from 31 October 1981 to my discovery of my magical nature.

-HC-

There sat a young Dudley Dursley, opening presents under a banner proclaiming; HAPPY FOURTH BIRTHDAY! Finishing with the presents (never thanking anyone for them), three year old Harry said.

"Auntie Petunia, do I have a birthday?"

With a glare that could maim, she answered, "Your birthday is 31 July. But we only celebrate normal people's birthdays, not a Freak's. Now back to your cupboard!" He walked to and opened a small door on the stairs. There was a bare glimpse of a sparsely, poorly furnished space, before darkness.

There were scattered growls for the company, stilled by Harry's request, "Next please."

Petunia lectured/threatened Harry. "Tomorrow is you first day in Primary and you won't embarrass us normal folk with your freakishness, boy. Your given name is Harry James Potter and you will respond to it. We know you are a freak and deserve no name boy, but they don't. Be good, or you'll be punished. Now go to bed!"

Before anyone recovered from shock, the subject of the day asked for the next installment.

Harry cowered from Petunia's blows. "You freak! How did you steal our Dudder's grades! You ungrateful, no good waste of our generosity! We give you a roof, clothes and food and you bring us up to disrepute?! Go to your cupboard! Maybe some days without food or water will teach you humility! They saw, felt him being picked up and thrown into his cell.

They gathering tumult was stilled by the small voice. "This is why I hide my ability. I still feel I'll get punished." He was cut off by a soft, fortifying, loving Granger hug. A moment, then "Next please, honored Director."

An ugly woman, as fat as Vernon Dursley, holding forth, her voice a mix of venom and sympathy. "… now, as I was saying Vernon, Petunia, at the bottom we are all sadly animals and even the best bloodlines are subject to atavisms. I see it so often when I breed my dogs. And sometimes a bitch gets over the wall, with tragic results."

She looked about in complacent superiority, scowling as her eyes met the child's. "You mutt! Spying on your betters?! Learn your place. Ripper! Go! The large bulldog launched himself at the boy, who was scrambling to his feet. Too late, his teeth latched onto the lad's groin area.

The sound of shouts and abuse from the horrified bystanders swelled and died to a smattering of laughs, when it was clear the brute was doing little, if any physical damage; Dudley's huge cast-offs prevented the animal from getting past the cloth to flesh.

The woman. calling the dog off and railing, "You mongrel! Get back to your kennel! If you've hurt Ripper-po's teeth, it'll go hard on ye!" And then, it ended.

The wizard, no longer The-Boy-Who-Lived for most, commented. "I was eight. The next year I was standing outside when she sicced him on me, I got up the tree and was safe. That was the only time that wearing Dudley's cast-offs helped me. The following was more usual. Madam Director?"

He was running full out in the wood, dodging one way or another. He heard the shouts growing nearer, as if he were a fox and they the baying hounds. Then the floppy pants leg caught on a branch, he fell and they were on him. He endured blows and kicks and the vision faded.

"This is my eleventh birthday. I've abridged it, otherwise we'd be here for days. If you would, Madam Director?"

A small voice, singing "Happy Birthday to me." The door breaking down then Hagrid's entrance. The short-lived kerfuffle with the Dursleys. Hagrid's use of magic. The trip to the mainland and Diagon Alley.

Getting his robes and the introduction to Draco Malfoy. At Olivanders, the wand choosing him and Olivander's cryptic remarks. Finally, Hedwig.

"Harry spoke. First, that was the last memory involving my relatives."

A shout of "Good riddance!" and the resulting laughs brought a ghost of a smile to his face.

"Indeed. Next, my conversation with Draco occurred less than twelve hours from learning that I am a wizard. Draco Malfoy!" The entire Wizengamotturned to view the blond Slytherin. "We were wrong footed from the start. We might never have been friends, but maybe we wouldn't have been foes. I regret the circumstances.

"Hedwig, my owl, my friend, my familiar was also the very first birthday present I ever remember getting. Thank you Hagrid." The sobs of the gigantic professor filled the hall.

"Madam Director," spoke Professor McGonagall "Might we have a short pause before continuing?"

"We'll resume in ten minutes."

-HC-

After the short break and when all had resumed their seats, Harry stood. "The remaining memories, save the last all come from my first three years of Hogwarts. In order to not expend your valuable time needlessly, only those memories I consider vital to our purpose today are placed into the record. And of those, only the most germane portions will go into the record, for brevity's sake."

Harry yielded when a Wizengamot member rose. "Thank you, Mr. Potter. I am Dorian Hawkmoon. I admit to some concern at this admission on your part that we will not see unabridged recollections. I realize that Director Bones addressed this and I beg her pardon. I fear I'm in need of further reassurance."

Harry sketched a shallow bow. "Honored Member Hawkmoon, in your position I too might ask the same. I'm hardly an expert, but I will explain what I know and then Madman Bones might be able to set us both straight!"

The spectators chuckled and Potter continued. "She and I discussed the mechanics of giving memories in some detail this morning. As I understand it, the effect of Veritaserum is to prevent one from being able to put one's spin on the memories. While it will allow a redaction for the purposes of brevity, it won't allow editing that would alter the facts in the memory. Madam Director, have I captured the essentials?"

Amelia gave a bark of mirth. "Mr. Potter, you have indeed. As with any technical issue, there are certain subtleties which address uncommon situations. In your case, these situations do not apply. Member Hawkmoon, ease your mind; your concerns do you credit, but don't apply here. Do you have your answer?"

When Hawkmoon nodded, she fixed her regard on the Seeker of so many things and raised an eyebrow.

"There are too many things that happened during my first year. Going into all of them would take too long. My life was endangered eleven times, by my count. Three of those times were direct attacks by Lord Voldemort. I offer you now the three most important memories."

With his slight nod, she reactivated the Pensieve.

-HC-

The ill-fated Halloween Charms lesson, Ron's venomous comments and Hermione's teary departure. Then, the Feast and Quirrell's panicky warning.

"Troll – in the Dungeons – thought you ought to know."

Now the evacuation of the hall, Harry remembering Hermione and their seeking her out. Accidentally locking her in with the Troll the rescue.

"Come on, run, run!"

The monster turning on Ron, then Harry's distraction. Ron finally doing the levitation spell right and knocking it out. Finally, Hermione's lies to cover her new friends.

At the end of the scene, Harry mused. "Of everything I did that year, I am the most proud of that." His brown-eyed witch kissed him passionately, then he motioned Amelia to continue.

Harry had an ah-ha moment and ran to Hagrid's hut, Ron and Hermione following. Hagrid spilling the beans about getting Norbert's egg and how to manage Fluffy. The trio rushing into the castle and speaking with Professor McGonagall.

"Look, Professor – it's about the Philosopher's Stone – "

"How do you know - ?"

"Professor, I think – I know – that Sn – someone's going to try and steal the Stone. I've got to talk to Professor Dumbledore."

"Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow, I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected." … "I suggest you all go back outside and enjoy the sunshine."

They negotiated the Devil's Snare and the winged keys. The action skipped to Ron's chess sacrifice and Harry's checkmate of the white king.

He and Hermione passed the Troll and she sussed out the logic puzzle. Then her embrace of Harry.

"Harry – you're a great wizard, you know."

"I'm not as good as you."

"Me! Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh Harry – be careful!"

Hermione whispered to him, "And love. I just couldn't get it out of my mouth and wished I had."

"Wished you had too, but I wouldn't have understood. I do now though." Their lips met then, slowly and passionately.

Quirrell was confronted and Harry found the stone. Then, the last confrontation, none expected.

"Harry Potter … See what I have become? Mere shadow and vapor … I have form only when I can share another's body … but there have always been those will to let me into their hearts and minds … Unicorn blood has strengthened me, these past weeks … you saw faithful Quirrell drinking it for me in the forest … and once I have the Elixir of Life, I will be able to create a body of my own. Now … why don't you me that Stone in your pocket?"

… "NEVER!" and then the short, painful fight, ending in blackness.

Coming back to himself and talking to Dumbledore.

"Sir, there are some other things I'd like to know, if you can tell me .. things I want to know the truth about…."

"The truth. Itis a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution. However, I shall answer your questions unless I have a very good reason not to, in which case I beg you to forgive me, I shall not, of course, lie."

"Well … Voldemort said he only killed my mother because she tried to stop him from killing me. But why would he want to kill me in the first place?"

"Alas, the first thing you ask me, I cannot tell you. Not today. Not now. You will know one day … put it from your mind for now, Harry. When you are older … I know you hate to have to hear this … when you are ready, you will know. Fade out.

Harry now addressed Dumbledore, his voice antarctic, slightly brittle. "And for you, Chief Warlock, that time has not yet come, has it? Even after you told me last June: 'You have shouldered a grown wizard's burden and have found yourself equal to it.'

"I assure you, I know now, 'the time' came last night and it was a full year late. I say to you now that if I had known, Cedric Diggory would be alive today!"

While the uproar rose, peaked and receded, his lioness enveloped him in a hug, murmuring endearments, calming him. As the hall stilled, he kissed her, a long needful kiss.

"Chief Warlock, this knowledge can never be removed. We will discuss this and other matters, not today, but soon.

"For my second year, I share two memories, one of which is rather long."

-HC-

"Enough by now has been written about the attacks on the students here three years ago that I don't feel as if I need go on sharing memories of the attacks, the disastrous dueling club, the accusations against me. I will say that Hermione's petrification is one of the very worst things that ever happened in my life. Without her, I felt I had lost a big part of me; didn't understand it at the time, but today I know what that means." A emotion-filled look into chocolate eyes. "I regret I didn't find a way to visit her more that the two times ..."

"Harry, Madam Pomfrey was right, I only remember seeing the Basilisk's eyes in the mirror, then reviving. I'm glad, I'd likely have been insane otherwise."

He gave her gentle kiss, then nodded to Amelia.

Harry noticing and removing the slip of paper. His reading the book page about the Basilisk, and Hermione's marginalia.

Various of the spectators got lost in their thoughts as the memory continued. Several of the Hogwarts staff marveled at his ability to reason, put the pieces together and make plans. Snape mused. The boy is hardly the dunderhead I've claimed he is. Perhaps I need to see Lily in him when I look at him, not James Potter. Is it too late to change?

Dumbledore mused about the special magical and historical training needed by Harry and his Companions.

For her part, Amelia's pride in the boy she knew now she'd claim as her godson, regardless of the Potters' will, continued to grow.

Several of the Companions showed their support of Ron. He was startled to feel a small hand squeeze his and see it to be Astoria's. She gave him a grin and thumbs up.

McGonagall's announcement chilling Harry. A clandestine observation of the instructors' meeting. Gasping that Ginny Weasley was in mortal danger. Shock, then rage at the parody of a Hogwarts professor that was Gilderoy Lockhart.

His witnesses became thoughtful about how all three Gryffindors worked so well together, even when one was missing. Their estimation of Ron changed for the better.

Everyone bristled at their meeting with Lockhart …

"You mean you're running away? After all that stuff you did in your books – ".

Lockhart's confession led to a number of silent vows that should he ever be discharged from St. Mungo's, he'd enjoy the comforts of Azkaban before ever walking free. Cheers for Harry's disarming of the git. Cheers for Harry asking the right questions. Wonderment for Ron's conclusions, awe for Harry's bravery, finally amusement at Lockhart volunteering to take the point.

They howled with fury at Lockhart's back-stabbing attack.

"The adventure ends here, boys! I shall take a bit of this skin back up to the school, tell them I was too late to save the girl, and that you two tragically lost your minds at the sight of her mangled body – say good-bye to your memories! Obliviate!"

Gasps and cheers at the back-firing wand and the cave in. Then murmuring at the trek to the serpent guarded wall, then silence when he stood in front of the guardians.

"Open." The wall slid aside and he walked through.

Walking into the chamber, running to Ginny, then meeting Tom Riddle. A conversation which turned into yet another monologue to be endured. The revelation that it was now Harry whom diary Riddle was after and finally why.

"Well, how is it that you – a skinny boy with no extraordinary magical talent – managed to defeat the greatest wizard of all time? How did you escape with nothing but a scar, while Lord Voldemort's powers were destroyed?"

"Why do you care how I escaped? Voldemort was after your time. . . ."

"Voldemort, is my past, present, and future, Harry Potter. . . ."

Harry's court had been silent at the sight of the mythical chamber. Ginny was shaking violently, but was safe in the comfort of her brothers' arms.

"Pause, please. Everyone remember the fourth year memory? I wasn't shocked then, I'd heard most of it two years before."

The phoenix incursion and Riddle setting the Basilisk on Harry.

"LEAVE THE BIRD! LEAVE THE BIRD! THE BOY IS BEHIND YOU! YOU CAN STILL SMELL HIM! KILL HIM!"

Harry has the sword in his hand. The brief dual, leaving the Basilisk dead and Harry bitten.

"So ends the famous Harry Potter. Alone in the Chamber of Secrets, forsaken by his friends, defeated at last by the Dark Lord he so unwisely challenged. You'll be back with your dear Mudblood mother soon, Harry…."She bought you twelve years of borrowed time….but Lord Voldemort got you in the end, as you knew he must…."

Fawkes heals Harry and Harry instinctively stabs the diary with the Basilisk fang, ending Riddle. The return to the bathroom. Confrontation with Lucius Malfoy and freeing of Dobby. The feast and Hermione's joyous meeting with Harry.

"That's all I'm going to share publicly share. Headmaster, we'll have to have a long discussion on my timetable."

He turned to Hermione and lovingly kissed her. "I think that greeting and hug was the best moment of my life, before last night."

She returned the kiss. "You're welcome."

-HC-

"Other than the earlier memory I've offered, there is only one more important memory from my third year." Harry paused, eyes sweeping the hall, trying to make contact with as many sets of eyes as he could. Suddenly, there was a stir, as an Auror received a messenger patronus, stunned Professor Snape, fettered him slapped a portkey on him and the potions master vanished. As the stir died, he went on. "Madam Director, if you would."

Rushing after Ron and the grim, only to find Sirius Black and discover he is an Animagus. Trying to kill him with his bare hands. Remus intervening and the revelation that the professor is on the convict's side.

"I trusted you, and all the time you've been his friend!"

"You're wrong. I haven't been Sirius's friend, but I am now – Let me explain. . . ." But Hermione interrupted, with another shock.

"NO! Harry don't trust him, he's been helping Black get into the castle, he wants you dead too – He's a werewolf!"

Explanations, history of his father and mother he'd never known. Until Snape's arrival, his disarming and more talk, identifying Ron's pet as an Animagus and traitor.

"Enough of this. There's one certain way to prove what really happened. Ron, give me that rat. . . . If he is really a rat, it won't hurt him."

The transfiguration and the traitor's feeble defense.

'You don't understand! He would have killed me, Sirius!"

"THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED! DIED RATHER THAN BETRAY YOUR FRIENDS, AS WE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR YOU!"

"You should have realized, "said Lupin quietly, "If Voldemort didn't kill you, we would. Good-bye, Peter."

"NO! You can't kill him. You can't." Harry shrugging off unfounded thanks. "I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it because – I don't reckon my dad would've wanted them to become killers – just for you."

"Harry shuddered, rose and looked at Cho and the Diggorys. "Maybe, I was wrong in hindsight, I just don't know. I couldn't stand for him to die then, like I can barely stand my memories of Cedric dying." Crying, he sank back into the loveseat and into Hermione.

-HC-

He gathered himself. "I've shown all that it important today about my Fourth year and the TriWizard Tournament. This one, last remembrance will explain to you how we got here today and how my Companions and I found each other." When the rustling ended, he nodded to the Director.

So now he sat, wondering if this was worth it. He couldn't withdraw, as much as he wished to do so, he needed to sit his OWLs first. "I can't see how I'll make it through the year. Too many people are against me and my friends are too few and too powerless. I need help and there's none to be found."

"Harry, help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."

Harry stiffened, then sat stock-still. Harry could not move. He felt more than saw the silver glow, enveloping him and comforting him. Then, he started when he heard a second voice.

"Harry love, please turn around."

"M—Mum. D—Dad. Is it really you?"

They nodded, smiling. Harry rushing to them, hugging them. His arms went through them, but it was truly a hug. He was surrounded by comfort, by love and acceptance, feelings he could now remember and put names to. It felt like the best hug of his life. Only the hug given him by Hermione at the end of their second year could match this.

"Mum, Dad, h-how can this be?..."

Lily Marie Potter wiped a tear from her face, smiling at him, with joy, love, pride and sadness blended in her face.

"Harry, do you remember what Dumbledore said to you in Hagrid's hut in your second year?"

"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it... But does that mean Professor Dumbledore sent you? Or the Castle? Is it really you, or have I gone 'round the bend?

"No son, said James, looking proud that his son had found Lily's brains and had asked them the right questions. "We are not like the portraits in the castle, or ghosts like Nick. Both of those are memories of a dead person. Your mother and I are the spirits or souls, if you like, that were freed when Lord Voldemort killed us that night."

"Dear Harry, we were given a choice. Because we gave our lives, we could wait to leave for the 'Next Great Adventure' and be with you and support as best we could. So we have been with you ever since, every step of the way." Lily smiled, looking at Harry both pridefully and sorrowfully. "I do not really know why Albus overrode our will and placed you with my sister and her family. I'm sure he did it with the best of intentions..."

"But we know to where that road leads. Interjected James. "Whether what he did kept you safe from Voldemort's followers, I don't know, but they never saved you from your 'guardians'. Our will explicitly said never to allow you to live with them. You have spent most of the last fourteen years in Hell and how you are not an abusive lunatic is a miracle."

"We were with you the whole time son. And we tried to guide you, but our voices were so weak there. We were the voices of your conscience and will. Maybe you heard us, or maybe you just were too good to give in. Nothing you have ever done, or will do will make us more proud of you than that you are the person you are." Lily's voice cracked at the end, and tears covered her face.

"Prongslet, you need to get a hold of our will, so you may become free of the Dursleys. You know Susan Bones, ask her to write her Aunt Amelia. She heads the DMLE and was our close friend. In our will we stated that you were to be raised by Sirius Black, your godfather. If not by him, then by your godmother, Alice Longbottom and her family..."

"What!" Exclaimed Harry, shocked. "Neville never said anything about this?"

"His gram might never have told him." Lily's voice held regret and pain. "You see, dear, it worked both ways. I was his godmother and you two would have grown up as best friends, even bothers in all but blood had we lived. But we didn't and Neville's parents were attacked by DeathEaters and driven to madness with curses. They are in the permanent spell damage ward at St. Mungo's, but their spirits are with us."

"Stop here!" Amelia did, out of reflex, started, scanned the hall and gasped. Neville Longbottom stood, staring at the Wizengamot, more exactly, his Grandmother. "Gran, last night I told my godbrother, 'Longbottom with Potter, forever.' Will you now confirm it to him and publicly?"

Augusta Longbottom stared at this stranger in her grandson's body. Stared, then knew him and what had happened. "Longbottom house and Potter House have been always close. This knowledge is not new. I rejoice that this old alliance is renewed in this generation. Let Wizarding Britain know the ties of friendship loyalty are still strong. Mr. Potter, Longbottom still stands with you." Bowing to Harry, she sat.

"Harry, we did have a third option, one that needed the will to be opened, as your third guardian does not know our wishes." James looked at Harry, with guilt and sorrow warring in his face. "Our third choice was Amelia Bones and you would have been Susan Bones' brother growing up.

"Son, there is much we need to say and too little time to get it all done. When you asked the Headmaster why Voldemort wanted to kill you, he should have told you then.

"One thing we do know is that you can't do it alone. Many will help, but the most important ones, your Companions, are the ones who believed what you've said about that night last June. There are at least five outside Hogwarts, maybe seven. There are eleven waiting for you in the Great Hall."

"Eleven? That many? But who are they? Even knowing that there were some here, Harry hadn't thought it through carefully.

Lily's laugh tinkled like a bell. "You have our brains, Harry. Besides your godbrother and godsister, who else?" "Got it on one, Prongslet! Well done. When you return, ask the Headmaster to speak to the students and staff. Remind him about Hogwarts help if you must. Have you sussed out what you need to say?" Harry thought a moment, brightened and nodded. Then, he embraced his parents once more and headed towards the Great Hall.

-HC-

Arising from the loveseat and taking his place in the center of the Great Hall, Harry spoke to them.

"So it ends. You have my story and know now that the other fella doesn't exist. As of this moment, I reject all your preconceptions, your prior expectations. I know that more may be asked of me to end the new war than will be asked of others; I demand though to know all the facts. I will decide, with the help of the adults, with the help of my Companions and others, what the facts mean and how I, we shall go forward. I no longer will be blindly reacting, I've had more of that than I can stand.

"In third year, everyone seemed to know who Sirius Black was and his rôle in my life. No one sat me down and told me. As of yesterday, I now know why Voldemort sought my life; if I knew that a year ago. I know my friend Cedric would be here now.

"I can't leave it all up to the adults, I never was supported by them in my life and it will be a long time to cure my distrust. We can be partners.

"I need to learn too, what it means to be Harry James Potter and what in this world it means to be a Potter. Might be that will take the rest of my life, but it starts now.

"We have a lot to do. This world needs sorting, there's a war to fight and win; remembering that afterwards, there is more reconstruction. There is an orphan to help; and oh by the way, there are classes to fit in somewhere." When the laughter died down, he continued.

"But I can't and won't do it alone, my Companions and I can't and won't. If you refuse, We'll find a Sanctuary, away from this world and you can burn for all that we'll care."

The silence reigned for a bit and Harry broke it. Madam Director, I've ended my testimony. I am open for questions." When, after several minutes of silence proved there were none, he continued. "May I be excused now? I need Sanctuary."

Amelia nodded. You may retire, Mr. Potter and this gathering thank you for your time." After his departure, She continued, "We shall now all eat, then the students are dismissed to their common rooms, whilst the adults consider what had been disclosed."

FINITE INCANTATEM

A/N: As usual, I'd be nothing without a good Beta and Alix33 is one of the best. Any beefs with the chapter are on my dime (and likely despite her best efforts). She's dpme a fabulous job and I've reposted.

I took most of the memories from my American edition of canon. Hopefully, my choices on what memories were selected and how they were presented succeed in differentiating my offering with other FF works which use Harry's memories. I decided to differentiate the contents of the memories from the audience's reactions by making the latter in plain type. In the main, they are separated into their own paragraphs. In a couple cases, including both in the same paragraph was unavoidable. Words highlighted by JKR are both italicized and in bold.

Despite my checking and Alix's editing, something might slip through. Let me know if you find any major errors.

To forestall complaints about 'repetitiveness' about the objections to the memory testimony, three different protests are made. Dumbledore wants the evidence to be vetted by an outside party—himself(?). Malfoy wants the evidence to be quashed by raising spurious insinuations about Veritaserum. Hawkmoon's concern is the possibility that Harry could change the truthfulness of the evidence by deceitful editing. Amelia rebuts all of these.

Also, yes, I repeated most of Lily and James' meeting with Harry. I wanted to put in the part with Neville and Augusta, further, I wanted it clear that Harry is now different from meeting with them and knows the value of "Need to Know".

As you've surmised, my tale ends here. To be sure, there is a lot more that could be/might be/should be written. However, when I considered how to revise this, my first stab at FF, this was the point where my thinking ended. To go further will need more thought and planning.

So, I will leave this to you readers. I will place a poll on my profile at the New Years and will leave it up for six months and you can tell me what you think I should do. After those six months, you can still let me know in a review or PM.

Even if the story is continued, it won't be done for a while. I have a bunch of ideas bouncing around and won't start any more big stories until I'm down to only two, maybe three WIPs. So, we are talking long range here.

My story recommendation is Hijacking the Kangaroo Courtby Sprinter 1988 (id: 7120596) With some help from Amelia Bones, Harry not only escapes the trial for underage magic in OotP, but beats the Ministry over the head with it! This story informed how this chapter was structured, and I happily acknowledge this debt.

As always, your input is valued. In FFN, your hits, follows, favorites, reviews and C2s are the only way I get 'paid'. And it is better than gold, IMHO!

Posted: 11/03/2015
Words: 9,295