Disclaimer: I do not own any characters used in this story, all recognizable names, locations, and characters are property of the wonderful JK Rowling, who was lovely enough to bless us with the Harry Potter books to become obsessed with as I have.

Warning: This chapter contains mentions of rape, abuse, and many other things that are not for the faint of heart if you do not want to read about these things, I suggest you either stop reading this fic or skip this chapter.

A/N: I know that Sirius could not be in a court with Ministry officials without being chucked back into Azkaban, but it was fairly important to my story line, so I decided to overlook that fact. Also, I know that news would have gotten to the rest of the Ministry if Harry was there being accused of being abused, and I know that Dumbledore probably wouldn't have been taken seriously in the Ministry, but I don't really care when it comes to this story, because I like it. Please refrain from reviewing this piece and telling me these things, because I already know. I'm terribly sorry if I'm coming off as rude! Please do review my work, I love both compliments and critiques, I just don't care to hear about the problems within my story that I already know about. Thank you!

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Unwanted Memories

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Chapter 7

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The next few weeks went by fairly quickly for Harry, Snape, McGonagall, and Dumbledore. The evidence found at the Dursleys' house was sent to a wizard court, and they were deliberating. There was no doubt in their minds that there would be a trial, which Harry was not looking forward too.

Harry still had not told Ron and Hermione about all that had happened, both with his relatives and about the teachers finding out. It had been three weeks since the visit to the Dursley house. Harry had talked a bit to Snape and McGonagall, but nothing too serious. Tonight, however, he had a meeting with all three in Dumbledore's office.

After classes and dinner, Harry told Ron and Hermione that he had an Occlumency lesson with Snape and made his way up to Dumbledore's office for the meeting. When he made it up the staircase, he paused before knocking on Dumbledore's office door. He could hear more than three voices in there, meaning that he was meeting with more than just Snape, McGonagall, and Dumbledore. He was a bit nervous, wondering who all he was meeting with, but he took a deep breath and knocked on the door. All talking inside ceased.

"Come in, Harry." Dumbledore called from inside. Harry opened the door and walked in, closing it behind him. Not only were Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall in there, but so were Sirius, Remus, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"Professor, I thought this was a meeting between the four of us? You, me, Professor Snape, and Professor McGonagall? While I'm happy to see all of you," he looked around at the other four adults in the room, then turned back to Dumbledore, "why are they here?" Harry questioned Dumbledore. He made his way over to the only empty chair in the room, between Snape and Remus.

"I thought…maybe it was time that we let these four know about…what's going on. They are the adults closest to you, I thought maybe it was time to let them in on…everything." Dumbledore answered.

"What's going on, Harry?" Sirius asked. He was glaring at Snape out of the corner of his eye.

"Yes Harry, I believe we would all like to know that. That is, if you are willing to tell us. If you are not comfortable doing so, that is perfectly acceptable." Remus interjected.

Harry sighed. "Well, since you're all here, I wouldn't want to disappoint. Lately, Professor Snape has been giving me Occlumency lessons. He's been using Legilimency on me in order to help me strengthen the protection around my mind to try and keep Voldemort out." At this, Snape hissed as pan shot through his Dark Mark. "During one of our lessons a few weeks ago, Professor Snape came across some…memories. I forced him out of my mind, but it was too late, he'd already seen them." Harry continued.

"And what, exactly, did these memories entail, Harry?" Remus asked.

"Well, they weren't exactly happy…he found out about my uncle…abusing me." Harry answered.

"Abusing you?" Mr. Weasley exclaimed. "And how, exactly, is this man abusing you, Harry?" He continued.

At this, Snape reached across and grasped Harry's hand as he had when he had been telling Dumbledore and McGonagall about the memories. This time, however, Harry did not jump, and he made sure to show Snape that he was all right with it. Sirius was giving Snape a look that Harry couldn't quite place, but it was gone when Harry continued his story.

"He…um…he beats me. A lot. He whips me with his belt and with other things. He also punches and kicks me a lot. He also…um…" Harry cleared his throat. Mrs. Weasley was already silently crying, Mr. Weasley had his fists bunched so tightly his knuckles were white. Sirius was red-faced, staring at Dumbledore's desk to stop from punching something, and Remus was watching Harry, a look of utmost sadness in his eyes. "He also rapes me." Harry finished.

At this, Mrs. Weasley let out a wail and buried her face in Mr. Weasley's chest. Mr. Weasley looked as if he would give anything in the world to get his hands on Harry's uncle, but he settled for hugging and comforting his wife. Sirius jumped out of his seat angrily and started pacing around Dumbledore's office, looking to be on the verge of hopping on a broom and flying off to Surrey that instant. Remus was the oddball. He just reached across and took Harry's other hand in his own, silently, a lone tear trickling down his face.

"Harry…" he muttered.

"Look guys, I know you all care about me and want to punish my relatives, but Professors Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall have already seen to that. I'm sorry to ruin your day, it wasn't my intention. I love you guys and would never want to tell you this, I wouldn't want it hanging over your shoulders." Harry exclaimed to the room. He squeezed Remus's hand to assure him, before looking at Dumbledore to allow his to explain what they had seen in Harry's house.

"Can everybody please calm down for a minute? You all have the right to be upset, trust me, I was…let's just say I lost control of my magic when I found out. However, I would like to explain a few more things." Dumbledore announced to the room. Everyone sat down except for Sirius, who was still pacing near the window. "Well, now that I have everyone's attention…" Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Minerva, Severus, and I visited Number 4 Privet Dr. the night we found out about…this. Rest assured we punished his 'relatives,' however we found some…things…I think you should be aware of." He explained to the four new adults what they had seen in the cupboard under the stairs and what they had done to the Dursleys. "There will most likely be a trial soon, and I would like you all to be there for Harry. Since his uncle will be there, I want him to have as much support as he can." Dumbledore stood from behind his desk. "Minerva, Severus, care to step outside with me. I feel we should leave these four alone with Harry for a few minutes to process this." He then turned and headed toward his office door. McGonagall stood from her chair and headed after him, patting Harry on the shoulder on her way. Snape squeezed Harry's hand one last time and got up to follow them out. The office door closed behind Snape with a small click.

Harry stood also, though he did not head toward the door. "I'm sorry for ruining your day guys. I love you all and I would never want to tell you this, because I wouldn't want to sadden or worry you. I'm really sorry."

"Oh Harry," Mrs. Weasley cried. She stood from her chair and launched herself at Harry, pulling him into a bone-crushing hug. He hugged her back just as tightly. When she finally let go, he realized everybody in the room had stood up. Remus was over near Sirius trying to calm him down, and Mr. Weasley was standing not far behind Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley came up behind Mrs. Weasley and wrapped his arm around her, rubbing her shoulder. "It's all right, Molly dear." He directed Mrs. Weasley back to her chair, where she sat and started to sob. While he did want to comfort his wife, Mr. Weasley wanted to talk to Harry first. He turned and made his way back over to Harry.

"Why didn't you tell us, son?" He whispered. Harry had never been acknowledged as "son" before. He always felt a part of the Weasley family, but he never thought they felt the same way back.

"I was afraid you would think me a freak and never want to see me again. I love you guys and I didn't want to lose that. Plus, I didn't want you guys to worry about me." Harry whispered back.

Instead of replying, Mr. Weasley stepped forward and hugged Harry. It was the first time they had hugged, but to Harry it felt as if he was being hugged by a father.

"We would never think any of those things Harry. You are a part of our family, nothing would make us want to get rid of you." Mr. Weasley whispered in his ear. Harry sighed and hugged Mr. Weasley even tighter before pulling back and giving him a small smile. At that, Mr. Weasley made his way back over to comfort his wife.

Sirius made his way over next, followed by Remus, who was looking extremely depressed. "Why didn't you tell me Harry?" Sirius asked. It sounded as if he was trying to sound accusatory, but it wasn't working.

"I didn't want you to worry Sirius." Harry replied. Sirius stepped forward and hugged Harry even tighter than Mrs. Weasley had.

"I'm your godfather, it's my job to worry. Please tell me next time something bad happens to you, okay?" He whispered.

"All right." Harry squeezed Sirius and then pulled back. Sirius nodded and then moved back to continue pacing by the window. Remus stepped forward.

"Harry, I could have helped you. I could have been there for you. I may not have been abused, but I know what it's like to struggle with everyday life, what with me being a werewolf. I wish you would have told me." He whispered.

"I didn't want to worry you, Remus. You have enough to be worried about. I didn't want to pile anything on." Harry responded.

"It would have been worth it if it meant helping you, especially with something like this. Let me know if anything else happens, deal?" Remus replied.

"Deal." Harry stepped forward and hugged Remus, which shocked him. Why would anybody care enough to hug him? He was a dirty werewolf. He soon hugged Harry back though, because, while he was genuinely confused as to why Harry was hugging him, a worthless freak, he was nevertheless happy he had.

"Why are you hugging me Harry? I'm a worthless werewolf, I'm not worth it." Remus whispered.

"You are to me, Remus. You aren't worthless, and the fact that you're a werewolf doesn't change how I feel about you. I love you." Harry responded.

…..

It was the day of the trial. The Wizengamot had looked over the evidence and decided that a trial was required, because the things Vernon Dursley was accused of doing to a wizard child were heinous. They decided this despite Harry's and Dumbledore's reputations in the Ministry, and they also found it best to hide the trial from the newspapers. The Minister didn't even know about the whole thing, just Amelia Bones and a few other selected members of the Wizengamot that would keep it quiet.

It had been a week since Harry had told Sirius, Remus, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley about what had been happening to him. He hadn't seen them or talked to them since, with the exception of Remus, who had been sending Harry owls since the day he found out.

It was a Saturday, and Harry had told Ron and Hermione that there had been a problem at the Ministry regarding him, and they needed to consult with them. He still had not found the right time to tell them everything.

Everybody who knew showed up to escort Harry to the trial: Remus, Sirius, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Snape, McGonagall, and, of course, Dumbledore, who would be acting as Harry's council.

At the trial, Harry was allowed to have two additional people on the bench with him besides his council (Dumbledore). He explained that while he loved each and every one of them, he chose to have Remus and Snape sit with him. He hugged McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Sirius, explaining that he loved them dearly, then took his seat with Remus on his left and Snape on his right (everyone else sat behind them on a regular bench).

Since the court being used was a small one, one not found in the Department of Mysteries, it looked like an ordinary muggle court, so everyone that was not on the bench with Harry wasn't far behind him. Sirius seemed quite offended that Harry chose Remus and Snape over him, he kept quiet, trying to support Harry rather than reprimand him.

Dumbledore, Remus, Harry, and Snape had only been on the bench for about ten minutes when three magical law enforcement officers dragged Vernon Dursley into the room. One more escorted Petunia not far behind. While Petunia was quite calm, and seemed to be too scared to even breathe loudly, Vernon was putting up quite a fight, struggling, punching, and kicking the officers escorting him.

"Let go of me you stupid freaks! I will not have random people barging into my house and dragging me to some unknown place filled with crazy people without some sort of explanation!" Vernon yelled.

"Stop resisting, Dursley!" Madam Bones yelled from the judge's position.

"What in the bloody hell is going on?! Who are you people and what am I doing here?!" Vernon yelled. The three officers shoved him onto the opposing bench and waved their wands, causing chains to spring forth and bind him to his seat. Petunia nearly fainted when they did this, but she slowly sat down beside her husband nevertheless.

Vernon's eyes widened when he saw what had happened. "YOU'RE ALL FREAKS! HOW DARE YOU DRAG ME OUT OF MY HOME INTO YOUR WORLD! I DON'T BELONG HERE!" he bellowed.

"Calm down, Dursley!" Madam Bones yelled, banging her gavel on the desk.

"I WILL NO-" Vernon started to yell back.

"ENOUGH!" Dumbledore stood from the bench and yelled. His voice echoed around the room. He radiated such intense power nobody, not even Vernon Dursley, dared to contradict his orders. "If I hear one more thing out of you that isn't an answer to an asked question, rest assured I will silence you myself! Enough with your nonsense, I'm a busy man and we don't have all day." Dumbledore sat back down. Dumbledore and Remus were blocking Vernon's view of Harry, so he still had no idea what was going on.

"Now, Dursley, since you've calmed down enough so we can all hear ourselves think, I can answer your previous question about what's going on and why you're here. You're here to answer to the charges of abuse and molestation, of which you are accused of inflicting upon the minor Harry James Potter." Madam Bones stated to the room.

"The boy's been spreading lies again has he?" Vernon retorted.

"We have evidence, Dursley. But nevertheless, we will give you a fair trial. We have appointed one of our attorneys to represent you, free of charge." Madam Bones spit back.

"I don't want one of your kind representing me!" Vernon yelled. "Especially since I haven't done anything!"

"You cannot bring a muggle lawyer into this court, so either accept the help of our attorney or represent yourself." Madam Bones replied. She decided to just ignore his statement that he was innocent.

"Then I will be representing myself!" Vernon yelled.

"Very well. You, Vernon Oliver Dursley, are being charged with child abuse and the molestation of an underaged boy. You are accused of inflicting these heinous crimes on Harry James Potter. How do you plea?" Madam Bones asked.

"Not guilty! I didn't do anything!" Vernon yelled.

"Calm down, Dursley, or I'll have to silence you and bring in a lawyer to represent you." Madam Bones banged her gavel on the desk again. "Give your evidence that you are innocent." Madam Bones directed at Vernon.

"Harry James Potter is a compulsive liar. He has been accusing my family of these things since he was old enough to talk, but he never provided evidence to prove it! My family took him in when his parents died and provided him with food, clothes, and a place to sleep. He should be grateful and stop accusing me of things I didn't do!" Vernon replied.

"Anything else you would like to offer to the court?" Madam Bones asked.

"Nothing. That's all I should have to say to be set free." Vernon replied.

"Very well. Dumbledore, would you care to provide your evidence?" Madam Bones asked.

"Very well." Dumbledore gave a speech about what he had seen at Number 4 Privet Drive. He presented the things he found in the cupboard under the stairs and showed everyone Snape's memories of Harry's memories using a special Pensieve that projected the memories on a screen.

Through the whole thing, Remus had his arm wrapped around Harry's shoulders. It almost seemed as if he was trying to shield Harry from Vernon's line of sight. He was also trying to make sure Harry felt safe. Snape wasn't being as affectionate or protective, because of the very delicate nature of his work for the Order, however he was holding Harry's hand tightly. Nobody could see this, but it felt reassuring to both Snape and Harry. Snape didn't let go for the whole presentation of evidence.

After Dumbledore finished presenting his evidence, Madam Bones and a few other Ministry officials deliberated about the verdict and the punishment for Vernon if he was convicted. After around fifteen minutes, Madam Bones turned back around and faced the room. The only people in there were Harry, Dumbledore, Remus, Snape, Sirius, McGonagall, the two Weasleys, Vernon, Petunia, and the few jury members, however she announced the verdict as if hundreds of people were in the room.

"The jury has reached a verdict. Vernon Oliver Dursley, on the charges of child abuse and the molestation of an underaged wizard, Harry James Potter, you have been found guilty. You will be sentenced to 25 years in the wizard prison Azkaban. Your son will be left in the care of your wife, however they will both be required to take mandatory classes to make up for allowing this to go on for as long as it did." She banged her gavel on the podium. "Court is adjourned. Officers, please escort the prisoner to the dementors, who will proceed to take him to Azkaban. Will you," she pointed at the officer that had escorted Petunia "please escort her back to her home in Surrey?"

"Of course, Madam Bones."

Petunia was ghostly pale and seemed at a loss for words. It seemed she was in a daze and couldn't understand what was happening. She silently stood and followed the officer out of the courtroom.

"NOOO! YOU CAN'T CONVICT ME, THE BOY IS LYING! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" Vernon yelled.

"SILENCIO!" Dumbledore whipped out his wand and silenced Vernon. It seemed as if he had been wanting to do that the whole day. The officers escorted Vernon out of the courtroom, but not without a fight. Yet again, Vernon was struggling, kicking, and punching the whole way out.

Remus squeezed Harry to his side for a moment before standing and making his way over to Sirius. Snape squeezed Harry's hand, then let go and rubbed his shoulder with a sigh. He then stood and gave Harry some space.

It was finally over. Finally, Harry didn't have to be fearful for the summer break, fearful of what would happen next. He wouldn't have to worry about the possibility of his uncle killing him one day anymore. He was thrilled, but he was also worn down and tired. He did not like all of his secrets being advertised to everyone.

Harry sighed and stood up, making his way over to Dumbledore, who was shuffling some papers on the table in front of the bench.

"Professor?" Harry muttered.

"Yes, Harry?" Dumbledore replied.

"Thank you for doing this for me. Nobody has ever cared enough to question my family about my accusations, let alone bring my uncle to trial and convict him. It means a lot, sir." Harry scratched the back of his neck as he said this.

"You're very welcome, Harry. I would have done something sooner if I would have known. I'm sorry I kept sending you back to that house. I should have known something was up when you kept asking me if you could say at Hogwarts over the summer holidays. Forgive me?" Dumbledore asked.

"Of course, Professor. You didn't know, I don't blame you. Thank you for doing something about it once you found out." Harry smiled.

Dumbledore clapped Harry on the shoulder and turned back to his papers. Harry made his way over to his escorts.

"Thank you all for coming with me, it means a lot. I could have never done this without you guys. You all mean a lot to me, I want to make sure you know that. Yes, even you Professor Snape." Harry went around and hugged everybody there. He started with the Weasleys. Mrs. Weasley hugged him so hard he thought he was going to suffocate, but he didn't mind. He knew what she had been going through since she found out. He then made his way over to Mr. Weasley. He was intending to shake his hand, since he wasn't sure if he would want a hug, but he didn't even have a chance to raise his hand before Mr. Weasley had him engulfed in his arms.

"If you need anything, please don't hesitate to owl me, Harry. You're just as much a part of my family as everyone else, let me know if you need anything." Mr. Weasley whispered in his ear.

"I will, Mr. Weasley." Harry whispered back. Mr. Weasley pulled back and smiled at Harry before making his way over to his wife.

Next, Harry went over to McGonagall. "Ma'am, I'm sorry for worrying you. I worked extra hard to make sure you didn't notice, please don't feel like you failed me." Harry whispered. McGonagall smiled at him and pulled him into a warm hug. Harry smiled and held on for a minute before pulling back.

"I'll try not to feel that way, Harry, thank you." She whispered. After patting Harry on the shoulder, she made her way over to talk to Dumbledore.

Harry then made his way over to Sirius. "Sirius, I know you're a bit hurt that I didn't pick you to sit on the bench with me, and I'm sorry. It's just that Professor Snape was the first to find out, and he's been there for me ever since, so I wanted him to be there with me. And Remus has been owling me and talking to me about his problems to try and help me open up about mine, so I wanted him to be there too. I'm sorry, truly." Harry started off in a frenzy.

"It's all right, Harry, I'm not mad, though thank you for explaining. I'm just glad you're okay. Anyway, if I would have been up there I would have probably jinxed your so-called uncle until he was the pig he looks like. I love you, kid." Sirius replied, ruffling Harry's hair.

"I love you too, Sirius." Harry stepped forward and hugged Sirius very tightly, which was returned with the same amount of strength. Sirius then pulled back and smiled at Harry. After, he clapped Harry on the shoulder and made his way over to the Weasleys.

Next, Harry went to talk to Remus. "Remus, thank you for everything you've done. You have no idea how much it means to me that you have been owling me and that you sat on the bench with me. Thank you so much." Harry launched himself forward into Remus's arms and hugged him tighter than he had anyone else. Remus returned that hug with just as much force. "I love you, Remus." Harry whispered.

"I love you too Harry." Remus replied. He then pulled back and patted Harry on the shoulder. With a smile, he made his way over to the Weasleys and Sirius.

The only person left was Snape.

"Listen Harry…" Snape started. "Um…when I was at your house, or old house, anyway, I kind of told your uncle that you would be coming to live with me, and they would never be able to lay a hand on you again. It was a spur of the moment thing, but I thought I may offer that to you. I know I've been a real jerk to you in the past, but I do truly care about you, and I would be honored if you came to live with me over the summer holidays. That is, if you want to." Snape asked. He seemed almost nervous for Harry's response.

Harry thought it over for a moment. "That would be wonderful, Professor. I will gladly accept your offer, as long as I can still visit the Weasleys, Remus, and Sirius once in a while." Harry replied.

Snape smiled. "Deal." He pulled Harry forward and engulfed him in a hug that Harry returned eagerly. As he laid his head against Snape's chest and hugged him, Harry thought about everything that had happened over the last few weeks.

Maybe things wouldn't be so bad after all.