Harry's Murder

All of the suspects were called again to the Ministry of Magic. They were all wondering if the Wizengamot had found a culprit or not.

After all the suspects had been bound in their chain-chairs, Cornelius Fudge leaned down towards them.

"Severus Snape," the Minister announced, "has concluded that the Dark Lord is not the culprit, and is currently in St. Mungo's with minor injuries, do to a bit of torturing. That was due to the fact that the Dark Lord had previously vowed to kill the last Potter, and now someone else went and ruined all the drama and fun."

Hermione stared at him.

"I thought," Dumbledore interrupted, "that only Lord Voldemort could kill Harry."

"Well," Fudge said uncertainly, "that was thought to be so, but if someone stabs you, you aren't immortal, (he chuckled) no matter what a prophecy says. I believe, Albus, that it states 'one cannot live while the other survives'. That, however, does not mean that Potter was immortal to other attacks."

"But," Dumbledore said, "That means that Lord Voldemort will live forever. Am I correct?"

"Yes," Fudge said, not looking a bit scared.

"I see."

"Anyhow," the Minister continued, "I believe the Wizengamot has found a culprit."

All the suspects attempted to lean forward, but failed. The chains were bound around them all too tightly.

"The culprit," he said, "is Hermione Granger."

"What?" Hermione said in disbelief. "Where's the proof?"

"We have all the proof we need," Fudge said, smiling calmly down at her. "You, a silly girl, murdered Harry Potter. You disguised your true feelings at the last trial, now you have been found out."

Fudge commanded Percy to release Hermione. "And don't get too close. She could be dangerous."

Percy edged towards her, as though scared she would stab him too.

She was released, and then handed over to several tough-looking wizards.

She was handed over to Fudge, her arms held behind her and one wizard's wand poking into her back.

Fudge ordered Dumbledore from the room, the turned to Hermione.

"Admit it," Fudge said to her, his face so close she could smell his minty breath, "you murdered Harry Potter."

"I loved him," Hermione said in angry denial.

"Sure you did. Now admit it!"

"I refuse."

Fudge shook her. "You know you did it."

"Really?" she said coolly. "I did not know that."

He signaled to a wizard below, who nodded.

"I have no choice," Fudge said, "but to force you."

The wizard Fudge had signaled to was pushing a long plank of wood on wheels towards the stand. It had ominous chains on it.

"Granger," Fudge said, "I feel I must torture the truth out of you, though I refuse to break my own 'Unforgivables' rule."

She was lead down towards the torturing contraption, followed by the Minister.

Fudge signaled to the tough-looking wizards, who dragged Hermione to the torturing board and hung her arms in the chains. She was hanging five feet off the ground by her wrists.

"Take her wand," Fudge commanded.

A tough-looking wizard reached into Hermione's robe pocket and handed the wand over to Fudge.

He studied it for a moment, the pointed it at Hermione. "I suppose the Minister of Magic should be allowed to use an Unforgivable," he said.

He aimed at Hermione's stomach and yelled, "Crucio!"

She screamed and then hung limp in her chains.

The other suspects stared in shock. Ron yelled. "She innocent!"

Fudge turned slowly to face him. "I beg your pardon?"

She's innocent," Ron repeated.

"Aha!" the Minister yelled. "So you are the culprit!"

He waved his hand carelessly towards the tough-looking wizards, who released Hermione, who fell limply to the ground, sobbing and weak.

"I am not the culprit," Ron said bravely. "But I believe I know who is."

"And who might that be?"

Ron paused for a moment. "You."