Settlement 4

As the clock struck 10:30, Dumbledore banged his gavel to call for order and once the noise subsided, he spoke.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Today we are here for a hearing between Harry Potter and The Boy-Who-Lived publications," he said, banging the gavel.

"I, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, swear in my capacity as the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards to act unbiased and just while the case is in session." Said Dumbledore and started the session.

"Let the session begin," he said in a booming tone with a loud bang and Harry remembered what Ted said about it.

"See Harry, this courtroom is reserved for international sessions only and has a larger visitors area than any other courtroom here.

Dumbledore will be acting in his official capacity as the Supreme Mugwump and will not influence your decision. As he is the representative and leader of the ICW now.

All you have to do is confess what you know and prove you are Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. We can ask for a blood verification if you don't have an Heir Ring," he further added. Harry assured the older man as they entered.

"Charges are for unauthorized use and defamation by Harry James Potter on The Boy-Who-Lived publications." Read Dumbledore for everyone to hear. Both sides nodded, acknowledging the case to be as stated.

"You can proceed," said Dumbledore and the solicitor of publications stood up to speak.

"Thank you, Supreme Mugwump. I would like to state the facts of the case. Harry Potter, is falsely accusing my clients, Michael Smith and Cristy Cartel of these charges.

If I may add, we have done everything from the information we got from our reliable sources and witnesses." Concluded their solicitor, Mr Rouble and sat in his seat.

"Permission to speak," asked Ted and Dumbledore approved.

"Harry James Potter can testify that he has not gone on any such 'adventures' and was with his muggle relatives and had not given any permission either in person or oral to publish on his name.

Their illegal use of my client's name should be punished under 'the protection of the identity of Members and Wards Act, 1735," said Ted quoting an International law and Dumbledore can be seen thinking.

As it is an international hearing, he can't express his opinion as all transcripts will be sent to the ICW for review and final decision.

He decided to not influence Harry in this trial but to suggest Harry when he comes to Hogwarts and talk about the penalty by Gringotts. He looked at the other side expectantly and Rouble stood up taking his queue.

"Harry Potter is a heroic figure and his stories are read by hundreds of millions every year. We can't have any discussions like these as he is also an inspiration.

A discussion like this is questioning his intent and desire, which we would like to discuss in this court," said Mr Rouble.

"Objection, Supreme Mugwump. Harry Potter might be a Heroic figure and millions of people may have read his books, but he is an individual as well with his private life.

What will people think if they read such stories about Harry Potter who didn't even do all those? I think this is an attempt to increase expectations from Harry Potter and when underperformed, criticise him.

The case is clear, Supreme Mugwump. It is a clear case of defamation and unpermitted use of the name of an Heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Potter," argued Ted.

At the mention of Heirship of Harry, everyone's eyes widened. This wasn't known to anyone and Dumbledore is no exception. His eyes widened a fraction, but no one noticed it.

Harry liked how the arguments were going as both sides were arguing about his greatness, which he didn't have any part of.

He smiled at Dumbledore when his Heirship is revealed but the old man seems to have lost in deep thought to notice.

"Can, can you confirm your Heirship, Potter?" Asked Rouble a bit shaken.

"Yes," said Harry and a ring on his left-hand ring finger came into view. It has the Potter family crest and motto.

"Heir Potter, can I check the authenticity of the ring?" Asked an assistant in the courtroom without waiting for any permission from Dumbledore. Harry agreed and gave him the ring.

He took it to a table below the table of Supreme Mugwump and started rummaging through pages. When he found the correct page, he compared them and sprayed some potions in it.

After some more tests, he brought it towards Harry as if it was the most valuable thing and Harry put it smoothly.

"Sir, I can confirm the authenticity of the Ring and what Heir Potter claims are true," he said loudly to the Supreme Mugwump. Dumbledore was shaken from his reverie when he was addressed.

"Thank you for your services," he acknowledged and banged his gavel to bring the chatter down.

"Do you have anything against Heir Potter, Mr Rouble?" Dumbledore asked and Rouble started to discuss with his clients and they all came to a conclusion.

"No, Supreme Mugwump. We are ready to pay any penalties Heir Potter imposes," he said in a neutral tone.