Albus Dumbledore stood, "May I address the court." At the judges nod he continued. "Mr. Potter was placed with his aunt as an infant for his protection, and the wills were not opened so Professor McGonagall had no way of knowing she was named his magical guardian."
Horace addressed the judge. "I would ask that Professor McGonagall be questioned. I object to Albus Dumbledore having any voice in these proceedings given his illegal actions in placing Lord Potter at his aunt's in the first place."
"Objection sustained. Chief Warlock no further comments from you will be allowed."
"Professor do you have objections to being questioned?"
"No." Minerva spoke. Moments later she was seated in the witness box.
"Professor prior to their deaths did the Potters at anytime indicate to you they were considering making you one of Lord Potter's guardians?"
"Lily shortly after she found out she was pregnant said, 'If things go poorly and the worst happens can we count on you?' I… When Albus said that putting Harry with his aunt was best, I trusted he was correct. It was to protect Harry from Death Eaters running loose following the downfall of you-Know-Who and away from the pressures of fame for surviving the killing curse."
"So you felt putting Harry with his aunt was best."
"Yes."
"Did you know anything about Mrs. Dursley or her family?"
"I observed them for a day."
"You spied on them."
"Yes."
"Did you approve of what you saw?"
"Not really."
"But you left him there anyway? Did you ever check on Harry?"
"No it might have drawn unwanted attention to him."
"Were you there, when Harry was placed with his aunt?"
"Yes."
Horace got a delighted expression on his face at her last words. "So what did Mrs. Dursley say when you explained the situation to her?"
Minerva got a slightly panicked look. "Nothing."
"You told her that her sister was dead and she must now care for her nephew and she said nothing?"
"We didn't speak to her."
"That's right, you and the Chief Warlock didn't speak to her, instead you left a fifteen month old baby on the doorstep like a bottle of milk in November. Never mind he could have woken and wandered away, could have caught his death from being chilled or been attacked by animals, or that he could have been considered an unwanted burden. How very responsible of you. No further questions.
"Your honor, Petunia Dursley was not listed in the Potter wills despite that, the Dursleys have taken good care of Harry and done their best to see he is prepared for his place in our world. He is a responsible young man and he has requested a chance to speak for himself."
Harry came forward. "Your Honor, I know in the wizarding world children have no say in where the are placed. In the muggle world however when they are my age they are allowed to voice their opinion. I wish for you to know that while my aunt and uncle are not the warmest of people, they have always seen to it that I had what I needed and that I was prepared for the life ahead of me. I feel that I can trust my aunt and my trustee board.
"Under Professor McGonagall I would worry about many things, at school she has proven to be rather biased against people from my house, and I don't trust her. I question her sudden interest in pursuing custody of me. Her attitude at school hardly conveyed a parental concern. Thank you."
"All right. Does anyone else have anything else to say."
Albus spoke again, "Your honor, as you make your decision it's important to remember that a child doesn't see all sides of an issue."
The judge scowled, she had asked that the Chief Warlock make no more comments. "I believe I have reached a decision. Minerva McGonagall your petition for custody of Lord Harry James Potter is declined. The present arrangement of his muggle aunt and a magical trustee board is acceptable. Court is adjourned."
Harry's trustee board and his aunt all smiled. Harry closed his eyes in relief, before looking up at his aunt, he felt pleased when she gave him an approving nod. Harry never noticed as McGonagall and Dumbledore left.
Felicia came in followed by Cassandra, "What did we miss?"
"Official approval." Her husband embraced her and placed a light kiss on her cheek.
"It's over already?"
"Horace was his typical brilliant self, and it only took a few minutes to demonstrate her lack of proper concern for Harry as a baby. From there Harry expressed his doubts about her now and the judge made her decision."
"So what now?"
Horace gave a wolfish grin. "Now the fun really begins."
....
Albus tried to talk to Minerva as they left the courtroom. "Minerva I'm sure-"
"Be quiet Albus."
"But Minerva-"
"I said BE QUIET! I do not wish to discuss this further at this time, Albus." Minerva was taking a hard look at herself, and at the moment she didn't like what she saw.
....
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