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Chapter 85 - 85:
Dodge nodded his head respectfully in thanks before he turned back to the crowd. "Clearly, many of you understand the implications of this. However, let me also add, that even without this bond, Lord Black would have been the best possible guardian. He and Heir Potter-Black share a relationship that is beautiful to watch - the love between them is pure. They are helping each other to heal and together they have regained the family they lost. In the short time I have had to observe them together, it is clear to me and anybody who watches that they are a great family unit.
"I know some will have their doubts about the stability of Lord Black after ten years of the dementors' effects, so please now read the provided document. As you can see, Lord Black has regained much of his previous magical ability and his mental health is nearly perfect, a feat many would not be able to claim after such a small amount of time. Yes, there is still room for improvement but I am confident, as are the four Healers who have been asked to provide evidence, that Lord Black is not only magically but mentally fit to be Heir Potter-Black's guardian."
Harry placed his hand in Sirius', then gave it a squeeze, hoping some of the less-than-convinced would notice this and would be swayed. He did also want to provide his support.
"And to address the issue brought up by Professor Dumbledore: Mr. Remus Lupin, who was a close friend of the late Lord and Lady Potter, does indeed suffer from the lycanthropy. However, this medical condition, or rather curse, does not in any way impede his ability to provide a support system to Heir Potter-Black. Mr. Lupin suffers for one night a month; he proposes very little harm to both Heir Potter-Black or Lord Black. Even with his condition, Mr. Lupin was granted temporary custody over Heir Potter-Black. Together, all three form a family and, though it may be slightly irregular, it is full of love and encouraging of Heir Potter-Black's development - magically, physically, and emotionally. He has been there for Heir Potter-Black ever since he found him again."
Harry was proud of how Dodge portrayed Remus and slipped his hand into the wolf's. He hated having to defend Remus against the stigma attached to being a werewolf. Dodge, however, wasn't done. Harry saw how he turned to Lord Trilby and inclined his head before he turned to face Dumbledore. "I do, however, have an issue I would like brought forward. I ask you this, Albus Dumbledore: you question the ability of Lord Black and Mr. Lupin in raising Harry, in Lord Black's capability in being his guardian. Yet, where were you when he was being beaten? Where were you when he was being starved? When his very magic was the only thing keeping him alive? Where were you when he was growing up? You had a duty of care to Heir Potter-Black, a duty you have failed to meet as his magical guardian."
The silence that fell then was deafening. Harry could hear his very heart beating.
Dumbledore looked shocked, his mouth was actually gaping open slightly and his eyes had lost their sparkle. Realising that every eye was on him he seemed to puff up and slowly stood. n𝚘𝚟pub.𝚌o𝚖
Dodge wasn't done, however. "Remember Professor, your words and testimony must be true or else Magic shall damn you where you stand."
With that final blow, Dodge sat and turned his attention to the old man now shaking in his rage.
"Never have I been so insulted," Dumbledore began, his voice sounding distraught and frail. If Harry didn't know how manipulative he was, he would have brought the act, mistaking the shakes for sadness instead of anger.
"I have dedicated my life to this world, our world. I have experienced and witnessed many great and many awful things. Yet, never have I had my honour held to such ransom. I am the boy's magical guardian, yes, but surely you didn't expect me to be there throughout his childhood? I have responsibilities to this world. I am the Headmaster of Hogwarts, the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, and the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. I don't have time to raise a child on a day to day basis, but I have always had the greater good in mind. Harry will become a fine Light wizard like his father. He will be a great man, exactly what the world needs."
Harry, hearing this phrase, barely contained his anger. He saw how Dumbledore's words caused a divide: the Neutral and Darker families picking up on the fact Dumbledore was admitting to not having Harry's interests in mind, whereas the Lighter families seemed to fall for the hidden truths.
"I have not failed in my guardianship, not yet. Therefore, I should remain the boy's guardian. I am entrusted with this world's children on a daily basis, so I ask: is there really anybody better for having such an important role?"
Dumbledore looked proud of himself by the time he was finished and Harry actually wanted to clap; even some of the Light families were looking less convinced.
Dodge kept his stoic mask, making Harry wonder if he was related to Snape. The law wizard stood and walked forward.
"There you have it," he said. "Professor Dumbledore has admitted it: he cares for the greater good, yes. But this is not about the greater good, this is about a young boy - Heir Potter-Black. A boy who has already given up so much. He deserves a chance to be with his family, to be happy, loved, and supported. He deserves a chance to be himself."
Dodge stopped then and looked at the audience before he motioned with his hand towards Harry, who was sitting with a hand on both Remus and Sirius.
"I understand some of your reservations, but I ask you this: look at them. You can see the love, the care, the support. Lord Black truly is the best option for Heir Potter-Black's guardian. Do you really think separating them now, after Heir Potter-Black is finally settled and happy, would be the best option for him?"
Dumbledore stood then and the attention once again fell to the Headmaster. The old man looked ancient, his anger cooling to disdain. He didn't step forward or speak, so Trilby called the attention back to himself.
"Both sides have given their evidence and suggestions and both have had a chance to defend their words. Given all we have heard, we the Wizengamot will vote," Trilby said. Unlike with Sirius' trial, the result wasn't instantaneous. Although the voting members were blurred, Harry could see the figures of them moving, clearly impassioned by their own arguments.
After around 20 minutes, the spell disillusioning them faded and Trilby slowly retook his seat.
Once seated he spoke, using the sonorous charm so his voice filled the entire room, "We have between ourselves reexamined all of the evidence, we have read and reread the witness statements, and we have finally reached a verdict."
"Lord Black, you have been granted full custody, both muggle and magical, of your son and heir Harrison James Potter-Black. However, this does come with some conditions. For the next six months you will continue to seek the care of Healers to ensure you have fully recovered your health. You will also have two surprise visits from the Department of Children's Protection to ensure that Heir Potter-Black really does benefit from living with you."
Harry let out a breath he hadn't even realised he had been holding. The conditions were fair - the check-ups would be annoying, but he could live with them.
"Furthermore, Albus Dumbledore, there are many here today who wanted you stripped of your titles and charged for criminal child endangerment and neglect. However, you seem to have support still. Therefore, you shall not be charged but instead fined 10,000 galleons to be paid to Heir Potter-Black. This fine is to remind you that no matter what titles you hold, the charge of being a magical child's guardian is the greatest honour a person can have. It is an honour you have wasted and disgraced."
Harry barely held in his glee - this was getting better and better. Dumbledore looked so shocked Harry feared he was having a fit or a stroke; his face had gone slack and his eyes were dull.
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