SECRET ( Drarry fanfiction)

Chapter 53

Harry sat next to Kingsley at the front centre of the room, only half-listening to the listing of crimes. He knew more about what crimes had been committed than they did. Kingsley knew a fair amount, but he wasn't admitting any more than necessary. Harry wondered briefly what house he'd been in at Hogwarts. Slytherin seemed like a fair bet, if not Gryffindor. Fudge had surely been a bloody Hufflepuff.

Thankfully, he wasn't around any longer. Harry felt a pang of remorse that Scrimgeour wasn't around. The man had grown on him, and he certainly hadn't wanted the man to die. Too many people had died.

He couldn't help but look over his left shoulder at all the people there. Kingsley had been right and there were a great number of people present to support . . . well, he wasn't sure if they were there to support Draco and the others on trial or more to support him in their defence. It was probably more the latter, but that was all right. He was relieved to see all of them.

Ron and Hermione, the twins and Ginny. Fred and George were surely there for Draco's sake as well as Harry's. The other Weasleys were present. Even Percy was in the room, actually, but he was on the other side of the room along with all the officials. His head was down, though, and he looked like all his spirit had gone out of him as he recorded the proceedings. Harry could only hope that Voldemort's defeat had finally woken Percy up to what he'd been missing. Because if that didn't do it, then certainly nothing would.

McGonagall was in attendance, along with many of the Order members. Moody looked as sullen as ever, but when he caught Harry's eye, he winked at him. Harry blinked in astonishment before offering him a small grin.

All of the members of the DA were present. What was shocking was the fact that the neutral Slytherins were dispersed throughout the group. Although, Harry found himself not being too surprised to see Daphne sitting with Lavender and the Patil twins. Blaise was sitting with Ginny.

Crabbe and Goyle appeared to be under Blaise's control for the time being, what with Harry and Draco otherwise engaged. They had their issues, but Harry found himself feeling extremely proud of them. It had probably taken more guts for them to stand up and fight on Harry's side than it had for a lot of people. They didn't appear to make many decisions on their own, but they'd made that one.

Harry was grateful to see for himself that everyone had made it through the final battle. Kingsley had filled that side of the room with supporters – and not reporters. There was also relief in the fact that they all looked at him like they normally did. He was still Harry to this group of people.

The other side of the room was another story. He was reminded of Bagman's trial that he'd witnessed in Dumbledore's Pensieve. He wouldn't be one bit surprised if he got asked for a bloody autograph in the middle of the trial. Many of the members were gazing at him in awe. Some with a hint of fear. But mostly in awe.

He was a real live hero, gracing them with his presence. Harry snorted softly. If he didn't start looking at this with a bucket of salt and a sense of humour, he was going to go mad.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, he turned his head enough to give Remus a rueful smile. Reassured, Remus smiled in return.

Tonks darted them both a knowing, amused grin. Harry felt sure that if she was free to talk, she'd have some wonderful commentary regarding the fawning behaviour of the members of the Wizengamot.

They were caught out, however, by one of the older members.

"Mr. Potter, do you find such heinous crimes to be a source of amusement?" The little, old wizard was staring at Harry with severe disapproval.

"No, sir," Harry said contritely. He gestured to his left. "This is simply the first time that I've seen many of my friends since Voldemort was defeated, as I've been in the hospital wing. I'm relieved to actually see that they're all right and it makes me happy."