Zero Tolerance Policy

Disclaimer: Harry Potter isn't mine.

Summary: The process of selecting the new Minister of Magic is spearheaded and Rufus Scrimgeour heads to Hogwarts to personally meet with Harry Potter before the end of fifth year. With Sirius's death still fresh on his mind, Harry snaps. The fallout causes grave changes for the Wizarding World.

The door to Dumbledore's office opened and Harry stepped inside to see an apologetic Albus Dumbledore seated behind his desk. Harry turned to the left of the room to see Cornelius Fudge and a man he didn't know. Harry felt a swelling of irritation and tried to keep his visage calm when he saw Fudge. Harry turned back to Dumbledore.

"You wished to see, Professor?" questioned Harry, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Fudge and the newcomer. Fudge was shifting in his seat; looking torn between smiling weakly at Harry or avoiding eye contact altogether. The auburn-haired newcomer straightened his posture and smiled at Harry.

"Ah, Harry, it would seem that the selection process for the new Minister of Magic has already completed," said Albus, his expression unreadable. He gestured to the stranger next to Fudge. "I'm afraid that, despite my clear objections, he was staunchly committed to meeting you today."

Harry forced himself not to scowl as he took a seat to the right of Dumbledore's desk and directed his attention to the new Minister. He tried to keep calm as his irritation grew. I don't need this shit right now.

The man with the scruffy red beard rose from his seat and moved his hand forward. "Good evening, Mr. Potter, I am Rufus Scrimgeour, the newly instated Minister of Magic."

Harry suppressed a sigh as he got up from his seat and shook Scrimgeour's hand to keep formal. They both sat back down. Scrimgeour gazed at Harry's eyes for a few moments. Harry looked back nonplussed by the social intimidation. Scrimgeour nodded his head ever so slightly and Harry tried to suppress rolling his eyes at the formality. His inner annoyance rose but he tried to keep calm.

"Mr. Potter, on behalf of the Ministry of Magic, I have come to formally apologize for all of the horrible slander that you've been dealt with this past year." said Scrimgeour, "In fact, tonight I shall make an official statement on the matter in recognition of our wrongful behavior."

Harry nodded and remained silent. The new Minister frowned and then calmly smiled. When is this going to be over?

"Mr. Potter, we would like to give you the unique honor of visiting the Ministry of Magic. Whenever you can, of course." said Scrimgeour, a shot a quick glance at Dumbledore. Dumbledore's expression was pensive. "nothing fancy, perhaps just pop in from time to time to show support for the ongoing war effort to keep the people at ease."

Harry blinked. "What would I be doing?"

Scrimgeour frowned. "Er . . . you would be coming in to show support."

"So, you want me to . . ." Harry paused to gather his thoughts. "present my wand to the security guard and walk around a government building for no reason?"

Scrimgeour's face fell at Harry's response. Harry stared back with a neutral expression and drummed his fingers on the plush seat in an effort to calm his growing ire.

"It would set the Wizarding public at ease in these troubling times," said Scrimgeour, Harry noted that he was carefully choosing his words. "and present unity against the enemy forces."

"Thank you for the offer," said Harry, giving both men a measuring gaze, "but I must respectfully decline. If there is nothing else?"

Fudge bristled at that. "You see, Minister?! Just as I had warned! Arrogant, full of himself, and only out for more glory!"

The recently repaired silvery instruments shattered in unison. Dumbledore, Fudge, and Scrimgeour jumped in shock as Harry stood up. Harry glared hatefully at Fudge; causing the man to shriek behind the new Minister. Dumbledore rose from his chair and tried to make a placating gesture but Harry ignored him. Harry focused solely on Fudge hiding behind the current Minister.

"I've had it! I've bloody had it with you lot!" snarled Harry, scowling at the two men. "It's every bloody year now! I warn you about Voldemort's return and you did absolutely nothing!"

The two men shuddered at Harry's use of the Dark Lord's name. Harry snorted and shook his head.

"I tell you that Sirius was innocent and you didn't believe me! I tell you a house elf used magic in my home and I get mocked in the Wizengamont! I tell you about the dementors and I get laughed at!" shouted Harry, feeling some of the tension finally ease. Fudge looked down on the floor mortified. Scrimgeour scowled back at Harry but Harry was having none of it.

Scrimgeour sighed. "Mr. Potter, it is highly unlikely that the story about dementors was credible even if you did manage to avoid -"

"Your undersecretary admitted to sending the dementors to kill me," snapped Harry, pointing at Fudge. Fudge gaped at him. "That was right before she attempted to use the cruciatus curse upon me. Right in front of Slytherin prefects who did nothing to stop it and aided her."

"What?!" shouted Dumbledore and Scrimgeour in unison. Harry blinked and paused upon realizing that he hadn't actually told anyone what happened because of the rapid events that transpired. He had just assumed Dumbledore would know because Dumbledore seemed to always be on top of such matters.

"Do you have any proof of these allegations?!" snapped the new Minister scowling back at Harry, "I do not take kindly to such veiled threats, Mister -"

Harry laughed. The Minister turned a shade puce and Fudge sat back down to look at the floor. Dumbledore shuddered as the high, cold laugh reminded him too much of Voldemort. Harry jammed his arm forward and moved the sleeve back.

"How's blood markings as evidence from the Black Quill?!" shouted back Harry, scowling at the Minister. The Minister looked ready to yell but then gaped and stilled upon seeing the blood red markings on his wrist. "You can question other members of Gryffindor House and other non-Slytherin Houses to investigate the truth yourself; not that you're going to. Your idiotic bureaucracy would much rather bury their heads in the sand or take gold from Death Eaters like the Malfoy family than do anything meaningful to fight back. It's entirely the Ministry's fault that I've suffered this past few years; the dementors, the tournament, the torture by Voldemort and his ilk, and your corrupt, self-serving government! Did you even know that I had to fight a bloody Basilisk in my second year because Lucius Malfoy slipped a dark object onto the Weasley family's belongings and the dark object possessed their daughter?! She would have been killed, if I hadn't solved the mystery in time and stopped the dark ritual meant to sacrifice her life! How many people in the Wizarding world have lost family and friends to the Death Eaters only to watch as the ones responsible walked away on an obvious lie of being controlled?! How much longer before those criminals break out again to kill more people?!"

Scrimgeour's lips moved to a thin line. Harry shook his head in disdain.

"I think I'll just leave the bloody magical world after all I've been through," said Harry, glaring at the Minister. Harry flicked his gaze towards a frowning Dumbledore. "after the war with Voldemort is over, that is. I may just wash my hands of the Wizarding World since it's done nothing but give me misery for the past six years."

Dumbledore nodded and sighed. "It is your right, Harry. After the threat of Voldemort is . . . settled."

Dumbledore pointedly looked out the window and seemed to have a faraway look. He's probably just tired of these two in his office.

"Good day, Minister." said Harry before promptly leaving the room. He didn't turn back to see the shell shocked expression on Rufus Scrimgeour's face.

"If that'll be all, Minister?" said Dumbledore, turning to address the new Minister of Magic.

Scrimgeour turned back to Dumbledore and scowled. He opened his mouth but then stopped. His eased the tension in his body and nodded at Dumbledore before moving toward the fireplace.

"Come on, Cornelius," said Scrimgeour, "There is work to be done."

Months Later

Dumbledore's Office, Hogwarts

"Far-reaching changes have occurred since we last spoke in my office, Harry," said Dumbledore, once Harry settled into the seat opposite of him. They had just left the Dursleys as Dumbledore came to collect him a week before his birthday. "Have you perchance read the daily prophet recently?"

Harry shook his head. "After all the nonsense last year, I decided to just ignore it because there didn't seem to be anything of value worth reading. Why? What happened?"

"Minister Scrimgeour saw fit to publicize a verbatim transcript of your private talks with him in my office." said Dumbledore, Harry scowled. "Ah, worry not, the wizarding public no longer views the Ministry as favorably as it once did and the overwhelming majority sided with your opinions on the matter. Scrimgeour showed a certain tact when he had the transcript published but without any dissension of what you said. The Minister seems to have used it to gauge the public's reaction. The Ministry's competence is in dire question and the Ministry has been doing everything to ameliorate that issue."

"So what are the major changes, sir?" asked Harry, "Are they sending Aurors here at Hogwarts or maybe dementors again?"

"No, you see . . . the Ministry of Magic has executed all of the Death Eaters that were taken prisoner during the battle at the Ministry." said Dumbledore, Harry blinked and then gaped as he registered what he had just heard. "The Ministry and the Wizarding World is now far more polarized. After the first war, most of Magical Britain just wanted to put the horror of Voldemort behind them and most families associated with Death Eaters were able to successfully make a political campaign arguing for keeping cultural traditions as a way to escape any new laws that would impose harsher punishments. Now, with Voldemort's return, traditionally Light families in the Wizengamot have stridently pushed for changes in laws to punish traditionally Dark families for their crimes and the lie of being forced to commit heinous crimes through imperious. Many who claimed such were captured in the Ministry with Death Eater garb along with those who were found guilty like the Lestrange family. Evidently, the information regarding the next to inherit the Black family Lordship was leaked during the course of these heavy demands for stricter legal changes. The Daily Prophet released that the two candidates that qualified for the Black Lordship were you and Bellatrix Lestrange. Once it was released that a convicted mass murderer was set to inherit a Lordship, Magical Britain erupted in pandemonium with protests across Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, and many other places. Amelia Bones of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, the Auror Department, and the Unspeakables have all demanded changes because the last war took too many lives. Despite this, the Dark families who still hold a seat in the Wizengamot strongly resisted with vetoes towards any new changes in the law but the rest of the Ministry of Magic has become thoroughly dedicated to eliminating the Death Eaters and Voldemort for good. Scrimgeour capitalized on the rage and promptly had those captured given a speedy trial and execution by enacting Old laws that were never removed or updated. It was the quickest way to overcome the deadlock."

Harry fell back in his chair and tried to comprehend everything that he was told. His shocked visage was matched by Dumbledore's own troubled and contemplative expression. What will this mean for the future? If they've been executed, then will that mean more or less trouble from Voldemort and the Death Eaters in the future?

"Do you think Voldemort will strike back?"

"I'm not entirely sure, Harry," said Dumbledore frowning and stroking his beard. "but I can only assume that if he doesn't commit to some attack in the near-future, then he will be organizing an even worse attack by the end of the year. "

"Well, it's good for all of us, right?" said Harry, Dumbledore sighed. "The wizarding world is finally fighting back."

"Yes, but it may have irrevocable consequences because of the methods being used," said Dumbledore, a troubled look on his face. Harry frowned. "Before . . . I had been confident that the war would end when Voldemort was vanquished but now? Wizarding Britain is being ripped apart by the political partisanship, that could very well mean a lengthy civil war that stretches for years, perhaps a decade or more."

Harry gaped. "All because of what I said?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "If I may use a colloquial muggle term, all you did was light the match, the powder keg was left there for years. Young people in your generation probably don't have a deep understanding of why Voldemort's reign was so horrifying other than the fact it brought so much fear that people don't speak his name. Much of the more grotesque horrors were whitewashed from history because parents didn't feel comfortable with their children learning of such material and it wasn't considered important to the curriculum."

Harry had a sinking feeling at that comment. Something tells me that I don't want to know . . .

"In two days time, we will be heading to the Wizengamot, we've been called to make certain events official," said Dumbledore, Harry shot him a quizzical look. "It would seem that the Wizengamot wishes to officially bestow upon you the Lordship of House Black and perhaps House Potter; they're hoping to make a spectacle of the event for the press. They will be giving an official apology to you on behalf of the Ministry of Magic for their past transgressions. After that, a trial will be held for two captured Death Eaters and two accomplices. They may wish to see a demonstration of you joining with the Light families and by proxy the Ministry in your decision-making. You could, however, choose to opt out as I have. However, we cannot leave until the Wizengamot is dismissed by legal custom so we will have to observe the proceedings."

"Who are the captured death eaters and accomplices, sir?" asked Harry.

"Honestly, I don't know, Harry," replied Dumbledore, "I haven't been given any further details on what the trial entails and our allies in the Ministry have been ordered to keep it top secret. If the information had been crucial then I would have pressed further, but the sensitivity of their jobs must be respected whenever possible."

"Well, do you think Magical Britain is safer at least, sir?"

"I don't know, Harry," said Dumbledore shaking his head, a forlorn expression on his visage. "I just don't know . . ."

Two Days Later

Wizengamot Chambers, Ministry of Magic

"Greetings, Lord Dumbledore, Mister Potter," spoke Minister Scrimgeour, "Welcome to the Wizengamot, I understand that this is your second time here. Without further ado, please have a seat, and let us begin the coronation process for Mister Potter."

Cameras flashed from the sides. Harry glanced to see the Daily Prophet, Witch Weekly, and a man with strange glasses that looked a bit similar to Luna were all taking pictures. Dumbledore summoned two plush chairs and both of them took a seat in front of the Wizengamot. Harry kept his posture straightened. He noticed neither Dolores Umbridge nor Cornelius Fudge were among the people seated. The Ministry is definitely trying to make a show of this.

"We shall hereby start the morning session of the Wizengamot," said Amelia Bones banging the gavel, "I, as acting chief since Albus Dumbledore has chosen to abstain from participating in today's proceedings, hereby call on the vote for whether Harry James Potter should receive the titles, estate, vault, and related assets of the Most Noble and Ancient House Black. All in favor?"

The majority of the Light families all raised their hands. Harry noticed the hateful glares between the Dark and Light families. Much of the glares seemed to be aimed at Narcissa Malfoy, who stood straight ahead and ignored the hateful looks. Most of the Dark families kept their hands to their sides.

"All opposed?"

Harry's eyes widened in surprise when he noticed that nobody raised their hands. The Dark families that he glanced at, and inadvertently made eye contact with, avoided his gaze. Everyone in the room was silent. The room was eerily silent. Harry felt as if something was amiss. Shouldn't at least the Malfoys be staunchly opposing this especially after Lucius and Bellatrix's husband's deaths?

"Then the Wizengamot hereby grants Harry James Potter the Lordship of House Black." said Amelia Bones, banging the gavel once more.

"We henceforth grant Harry James Potter, his birthright, the Lordship of Potter and I, the Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, hereby emancipate Harry James Potter to be recognized as a legal adult in the eyes of the Ministry," said the Minister of Magic, Harry's jaw dropped at the announcement. Dumbledore stiffened in his seat. The cameras were flashing with excitement and Harry saw from the corner of his eye that reporters were taking notes. "Furthermore, we of the Ministry of Magic have found all of the complaints lodged by Lord Potter-Black to be entirely credible. The list of accomplishments is too numerous to list but can be read in the annotated transcript after the proceedings and from the results of our extensive investigation into the matters these past few months, we of the Wizarding World humbly thank you for your dedication and effort in protecting the Wizarding World from the Dark Lord, Lord Potter-Black."

"Er - I . . . Thank you!" stammered Harry flushing, he couldn't help but feel his heart soar at the praise. He hesitated from standing from his seat before finding the courage to get to his feet. The Light families all clapped and he flushed again when hearing whopping in the back. "I just did what I could . . . Professor Dumbledore should get more credit than I."

"Nonsense!" said the Minister, his tone was firm. "You deserve praise for what you have done in protecting the Wizarding World from Death Eaters and the Dark Lord."

Harry remained quiet and nodded as the clapping slowly dwindled. Harry sat back down and sank in his chair. I hope I don't have to do that again . . . I am not use to praise.

"Now then, the Wizengamot body calls forth the next proceedings. The trial of Amycus and Alecto Carrow and the twin girls Hestia and Flora Carrow." announced Amelia Bones, banging the gavel once. The massive doors opened and in came four people in shackles surrounded by at least twenty Aurors to the sides and behind them. Harry frowned as he noticed the twin girls were his age. Harry noticed Tonks and Kingsley were among the group in the rear.

"Has the matter regarding their parentage been resolved by the Unspeakables, Auror Dawlish?" questioned Amelia, gazing at the leading Auror. The Auror nodded in response. "Very well, what were the findings?"

Dawlish glanced at the twin girls. One of the girls fidgeted and the other flinched at his gaze. One stood with her shoulders straightened and looked ahead. She was pointedly ignoring everyone. The other gazed at the floor. The pair of older Carrows were hissing and scowling at everyone. They gave particularly venomous gazes at the camera crew at the side. The younger Carrow twins didn't gaze towards the cameras at all.

Dawlish returned his gaze to Amelia. "The Unspeakables have found that Hestia and Flora Carrow are the biological children of . . . Amycus and Alecto Carrow."

Gasps erupted from the Wizengamot from both Light and Dark families. Hushed murmurs echoed from the Wizengamot body. The camera flashes became a flurry of twinkling lights. The sister with her head down began to openly weep as tears could be seen falling down her cheeks. The other girl stared stonily ahead but Harry could tell the girl was holding herself back from breaking down like her sister.

Wait . . . the twins are the biological children of both of the older sibl - Harry's eyes widened and he couldn't help but gap in the direction of the sisters. The camera flashes continued.

"They're abominations!" snarled a shrill voice from the Wizengamot, the murmurs became louder. "Are these grotesque spawns what is meant by protecting our traditions?! This is wretched and unseemly! We must drown them immediately!"

The crying girl buried her face in her hands and wailed. The girl, who had stood resolute, paled but continued to stare only at the wall connected to the Wizengamot seats.

"Oh yeah, you Longbottom bitch?!" snarled Amycus, Harry flinched at the loud voice and looked up to see that Lady Longbottom had been the one to shout the contemptuous remarks. "We did what must be done to protect Wizarding culture from foreign influences! If that means knocking up my sister to maintain the purity of blood so that no half-breeds and Mudbloods sink their fangs into our bloodline then that's what will do! Semper Fi for Pureblood supremacy, I say!"

To Harry's shock, Lady Longbottom laughed. "Do you hear this vermin?! Proud! Proud, he says! Of making those two hellspawn! You stupid, filthy inbred idiots finally face the justice you deserved for what your lot did to my family! To hell with all the Dark Lord's sympathizers!"

Many of the Dark families shifted uncomfortably in their seats but remained silent. Amelia Bones banged the gavel to keep order. Once the loud whispers died down, Dawlish began listing the Carrows crimes from a scroll of parchment that he had taken out. Harry became green upon hearing the crimes and he scrunched his face in disgust.

"The participation in the assault, rape, subsequent murder, and defecation of Aurors Prewitt and Prewitt." read Dawlish. Harry reeled at learning the contents of what happened to Mrs. Weasley's brothers. No wonder she was adamant about all of her children, Hermione, and I staying out of the Order and being far removed from the war. I never knew and it's not like she would be comfortable talking about the topic.

Dawlish continued reading the long list of crimes. Harry felt bile rise to his throat as he heard of the rape and murder of children. The Carrow sister who had been weeping had stopped and simply stared down at the ground. Her face flushed and her cheeks a tinge green as Dawlish continued to list her parents crimes. The other sister remained staring at the wall and growing paler as Dawlish listed the multitude of crimes of rape and murder. In stark contrast, Amycus and Alecto had proud smirks adorning their features at their heinous achievements.

"And finally, the four torture curses upon two muggles an adult male and his six year old daughter, followed by using the imperius to have the older man rape his own daughter, subsequently using the killing curse to murder the man, and taking turns to rape the six year old before hacking her limbs into separate parts." said Dawlish in a hollow tone. His eyes dim from reading the long list of crimes. The Carrow sister gazing at the floor bawled into another crying fit while the sister staring at the wall had her teeth clenched and her hands formed into fists with her shoulders shaking. Harry could see tears falling from her eyes too but the rest of the audience seemed to ignore them.

"How do the defendants plead to the two new charges?" asked Amelia, Harry could tell it was for obvious legal protocol. Several members of the Wizengamot were either dry heaving, turning a shade green, or taking pensive expressions like Dumbledore beside him. Many who took those pensive expressions were still a shade green.

"Not guilty!" shouted Amycus, spit flying from his mouth. "They're just fucking human crap! We do as we please, as is our right as the superior species!"

"Hear, hear!" yelled Alecto, "Fucking mudbloods! You've all lost your way and don't see the threat to our culture!"

"Take them away," said Amelia, ignoring them and raising her hammer. "They will be executed this evening."

The gavel struck. The Wizengamot remained largely silent with many Light Families looking pleased. Most of the Dark families looked away as the elder Carrows were dragged off of the courtroom by ten Aurors. Their chains rustled until the doors were shut after they moved past the threshold.

"Now, for the crimes of Flora and Hestia Carrow. First, Hestia Carrow," said Amelia Bones, moving her hand to gesture to the seat with chains. Two aurors dragged the crying twin towards the seat and roughly shoved her onto the chair. The metal restrains swarmed around her and tightly locked her in place. The girl cried out in pain and received various looks of indifference or neutrality from others in the room. "As the charges are considerably shorter, I shall be the one to announce them to the court. You are charged with the torture of the muggle man through use of the cruciatus curse while aiding and abetting two fugitive Death Eaters in the torture. You are accused of housing the two known fugitives to hide them from the proper authorities. The investigators have also informed the court that the heinous crime occurred in order to inaugurate you into becoming a Death Eater. The sentence for these crimes is death. How do you plead?"

"Madame Bones, clearly traumatizing a young girl further is -" Lord Theodore Nott Sr was cut off from his speech.

"Hah! You likely want to keep whatever pureblood agenda you have to keep those Death Eater trainees safe!" shouted Dedalus Diggle, Harry was shocked by the venom in his voice. "Well no more! A little girl is dead because of these two hellspawns! Do you not care for the innocent child who lost her life, simply because she was a muggle?!"

Harry noticed Hestia Carrow burst into another fit of tears after Dedalus Diggle's statement. He frowned at the distraught visage and paling complexion. She looks like she's going to vomit . . .

"That is an entirely unfounded accusation and I would remind you that I can file suit should you continue such insults!" bit back Lord Nott, Harry noticed the agitation in his face. "I am simply saying that these two girls are young and don't we all deserve a second chance from our foolish and youthful actions?"

"Foolish and youthful?" repeated Lady Longbotton sardonically, she gazed over at Lord Nott with a sneer. "The torture and rape of a little girl is 'foolish and youthful' as an act? Spoken like a true Death Eater!"

Lord Nott looked as if he had been slapped and then he scowled at Lady Longbottom. "Lady Longbottom, I would expect such acts from the fool Diggle but a citizen with your clout and standing, learned in the proper decorum, should know that -"

"Hah! I may have cared once, but that was before I was forced to watch my son and daughter-in-law tortured to insanity!" shouted Lady Longbottom, Lord Nott's face paled. Harry gaped. Wait, the Death Eaters forced her to watch?! She was there?! "I say it is good sense to bring death to wanton killers before more mayhem is wrought! How much more will we lose when we've already lost so much?! How many more families will that beast and his ilk slaughter while claiming to protect traditions?! Everyone remotely attached to that madman must be brought to death!"

"This is a trial and you cannot bring your personal biases when bringing judgment upon -!" Lord Nott was cut off again.

"We'll do as we like!" snarled Diggle. His face turning a shade puce as he gnashed his teeth.

"Madame Bones, please bring these two to order!" shouted Lord Nott, Harry noticed that Amelia Bones eyes flashed for a moment and a pained look overtook her features before she schooled herself into a pensive expression. "A trial is suppose to be impartial! We cannot allow our personal biases to turn this into a kangaroo court!"

"Guilty!" shrieked the distraught female.

A lengthy pause ensued as Amelia, the other members of the Wizengamot, and Harry froze in utter shock at the girl's answer.

"I'm guilty!" cried Hestia Carrow as tears fell down her cheeks. "Please, please . . . give me the maximum charge! I . . . please, just kill me!"

Harry gaped at her statements. The Wizengamot looked visibly stunned too and the cameras continued to flash. The chair's chains were removed and the shackled girl was taken back to stand near her sister after Amelia Bones banged her gavel. The Aurors took Flora Carrow to the chained seat. The chains wrapped around Flora Carrow, who stood motionless and with slumped shoulders. Harry thought she seemed rather resigned despite the stone expression on her visage. The cold expression was ruined by the puffy red eyes and tear stained cheeks.

Amelia repeated listing the crimes but added one more at the end. "In addition, you cast the killing curse on the six year old girl. The penalty is death. How do you plead?"

"Guilty," said Flora Carrow, tears began streaking down her cheeks.

The Wizengamot paused in silence at the other twin's acceptance of guilt. Amelia Bones tapped the podium with her finger before her expression shifted from surprise to pensive.

"May I inquire as to what brought about this decision?" questioned Madame Bones in a soft tone.

"I - we . . . deserve it," said Flora continuing to look at the wall in front of her instead of moving her face to gaze at the Wizengamot. Many stunned members of the Wizengamot stared at the sixteen year old below. "I . . . I would like to request that the penalty be hastened. Please . . . kill us. I, I can't live like this anymore . . . Punish us!"

"Madame Bones, clearly the girls have learned from the traumatic events!" said Lord Nott, his tone insistent. "We needn't prolong their suffering. Perhaps probation would -?"

Harry's eyes widened at the absolutely livid visage of Amelia Bones. She turned her neck to Lord Nott and Nott seemed to flinch at the withering look. Amelia spoke. "Where was the mercy given to my husband and 2 year old son when they were both raped and murdered by the Death Eaters?!"

Lord Nott seemed to try to speak but choked at his own words. Grumblings and similar shouts were made by the Light families as the Dark Families shifted uncomfortably and largely remained silent.

"Hear, hear!" shouted Auror Dawlish, joining into the conversation. The attention of the room moved to him and the enraged face that he cast upon Narcissa Malfoy. "I say we just kill that Malfoy bitch and the rest of these vile families right now! We'll end the war within the week! Why wait for more bodies to pile up when we already know who is guilty?!"

Narcissa's ashen face seemed to pale more than usual. Harry stared in disbelief at what Dawlish had just said. Narcissa turned to Amelia Bones. "Madame Bones, one of your Aurors just threatened my life!"

Amelia Bones turned back to the podium and seemed to ignore her. Several Dark families looked openly shocked at Amelia's demonstration. Several Light families seemed to have gleams of triumph.

"Madame Bones?" asked Narcissa, her tone wavering. She glared and turned to Minister Scrimgeour. "Minister, that Auror just threatened my life!"

To Harry's shock, the Minister ignored her too. Narcissa gazed at the pair dumbfounded before sitting stiffly in her seat and gazing at Dawlish in obvious fear. She shivered. Harry stared in muted horror at what was happening.

Amelia Bones banged her gavel, which shook Harry from his stupor. Magical Britain is tearing itself apart. It really does look like a civil war is about to begin . . .

"Madame Bones!" snarled Lord Nott, causing the attention of the room to return to him. "Perhaps you, the Auror Department, and this esteemed body have forgotten, but as minors they cannot be put to death! It is unsavory that two young girls be sentenced as adults!"

Lady Longbottom sneered at Nott. "Perhaps if certain families weren't questionably resistant to new laws being passed to effectively address the growing threat of the Dark Lord and his murderous followers, then we wouldn't need such extraneous legal actions."

"This goes against the very rule of law and justice itself!" shouted Lord Nott.

"Oh please, it is justice for all the evil brought upon us by You-know-who!" shouted Diggle, joining the conversation. "who knows what these girls will do, if given a leaner sentence?! How many more will die?! Besides, they're abominations anyway!"

"They are young girls who clearly regret their actions and -!"

"Enough!" shouted Amelia, banging the gavel to bring silence. She turned to the Minister. "Minister Scrimgeour has personally decided to use emergency powers to decide their sentence. Minister?"

"I would like it to be known that House Nott objects to the death sentence of two minors!" bit out Lord Nott, "It is an absolutely heinous action to follow. I would request a form of parole and to let them go should they show good behavior! If my request falls to deaf ears, then I shall hire a solicitor for the two young women and have an injunction placed to stay their execution!"

"Noted," said Amelia, banging her gavel softly. Lady Longbottom and Diggle glared at Lord Nott's smug expression. "Now then, if there is nothing further, the floor is yours, Minister."

Minister Scrimgeour stood up and turned to face Harry. Harry frowned and shifted uncomfortably in his seat at the intense gaze the Minister was giving him. "Lord Potter-Black, I would like to take this time to make a special request to you personally. Would you like to enter into a marriage contract with either or both girls? You have the right, as Lord of two Houses, to marry both if you so wish. The Ministry will give you a favorable contract and the two women's actions shall be relegated to whatever tasks you wish them to conduct. There magic shall be firmly bound for such behavior and we shall compensate any losses, if you so desire."

Dumbledore seemed to make a choking noise and Harry furrowed his brows in confusion. The rest of the Wizengamot displayed various forms of their own surprise at the Minister's proclamation. What is the Minister talking about?

"Er . . . no thank you, Minister," said Harry, he frowned. "I don't wish to be married right now."

Scrimgeour nodded and turned his gaze to the twin sisters. His posture straightened and his haggard gaze changed to a more determined one. He took a deep breath and Harry felt the prickling at the back of his neck. "Due to the fact we couldn't have new laws passed to be more applicable for the current war time status as a result of being unable to reach a consensus for these past months, the laws regarding legal minors remaining unchanged, and noting Lord Nott's dissenting opinion. I'll not lie, I shall no longer tolerate Death Eaters going free and the actions you both have been found guilty of make it clear that you're aspiring Death Eaters like your parents; you are also considered abominations to Magical society due to being the product of brother-sister incest and thus must be made an example of before more pureblooded families destroy themselves like the Gaunts did several years ago in the late 1800s. I shall no longer be lenient on mass murderers, rapists, and those who aspire to be like them. Flora and Hestia Carrow, in accordance with ancient laws on the rights of Magical British citizens, you are hereby stripped of your status as Magical British citizens and considered property of the Ministry of Magic. You are henceforth considered property of the State. To use a more direct term, so that all in attendance have a full understanding, especially groups that may wish to assist you, once Madame Bones bangs that gavel, your magic shall be chained permanently and you shall become slaves for the rest of your lives. Any final thoughts you wish to give the court?"

The Wizengamot had various members gasping and crying out in either shock or triumph. Hushed whispers could be heard after Scrimgeour's announcement. The cameras flickered upon the pair of sisters anew. Harry reeled at the announcement and then stared dumbfounded at what was happening. He turned to Dumbledore and to Harry's surprise, Dumbledore had an uncharacteristic gobsmacked expression at what the Minister of Magic had said. Dumbledore rose from his seat.

"Minister! With all due respect, you cannot be serious in taking the rights of these women away regardless of their heinous deeds!" said Dumbledore, the Minister turned sharply to Dumbledore. "This is a complete disgrace of justice and our ways! We cannot allow the threat of the Dark Lord to cloud our judgment and make us resort into such a debauched mentality! We must be stronger than this!"

"No, Albus, that won't cut it anymore!" shouted back the Minister, losing all composure and practically shouting at Dumbledore. The two girls flinched at the Minister's tone. "Enough with giving dignity and being obsequious to a moral high ground! We need to nip this in the bud or more people will die! We must use every avenue possible to put the Dark Lord down!"

"There must be a better way!" shouted Harry, rising to his feet as well. "You can't just . . . this is evil, Minister! Won't we be the laughingstock of the Magical community, if we do this?!"

"Mr. Pot - ah, forgive me, Lord Potter-Black, I do this on behalf of all of Magical Britain as an apology to you in particular," said Minister Scrimgeour, Harry noted from his facial features that the Minister was entirely serious. "What?!" gasped Harry, thunderstruck. Scrimgeour continued. "I will do my utmost so young men like you aren't risking their lives to protect the Ministry in the dark while the Dark Lord seeks to destroy us! We have tried compromise and we have tried to change the laws for the better. Certain families do not wish to compromise and thus jeopardize even more of our pureblood families and our traditions being lost to an utter madman! We must act in kind to defend ourselves from evil! We cannot force all the expectations upon a sixteen-year old boy, that's even less respectable and makes us more of a laughingstock than what we're doing now. I am using laws that remain on the books but were forgotten about as a last resort and frankly, it's the best I can do under the current conditions imposed upon me!"

"What about the rest of you?!" shouted Harry, feeling his ire grow as he turned to the Wizengamot body. "You're okay with depriving two women of their basic human rights?!"

"Yes!" shouted Lady Longbottom, rising to her feet. Harry jumped at her shrill cry. "Quite frankly, I don't give a bloody damn anymore! My entire family is practically extinct! My grandson nearly died because of that Lestrange bitch who is still at large! Kill them all or take away their rights and be done with it! If I had it my way, those two hellspawn would be put to death after the sentencing!"

"Besides, Lord Potter-Black, Albus," said Amelia, in a more civil tone as Lady Longbottom sat back down. "They deserve to be punished for their crimes and they have been sentenced for having committed a heinous crime. Yes, this may be extreme, but it is necessary and I don't really care about the sexist nature of the punishment either. In the last war, we were too lenient and the Death Eaters returned to the Dark Lord because they faced no repercussions whatsoever. We lost hundreds of thousands, including my own family, to that maniac and his followers. We're no longer going to be lenient with mass rape and murder or it'll be the end of the Wizarding World should the Dark Lord takeover. We're killing the followers for our own survival, we're taking away the rights of these women since we cannot legally sentence them to death and that is that. If there is no more objections from either of you?"

Harry sat back down, unable to think of anything to say. Albus looked ready to object further but someone cut him off.

"It's fine, Lord Dumbledore," said a feminine voice. Harry's eyes widened when he noticed Flora Carrow had spoken. "You don't need to take a stand for our sakes. We don't deserve it."

"We're hellspawn," muttered Hestia Carrow, gazing at the floor. Shaking her head and crying. "We should be put to death! We should be! I'm sick of all this . . ."

Dumbledore sat back down. His face showed clearly that he was as shocked as Harry. They were both unable to process the drastic and unconventional turn of the Wizengamot meeting and trial.

Before anyone else could say anything more on the situation, Amelia Bones banged the gavel. A flash of magic engulfed Flora and Hestia as they became bonded into legal servitude for life. The young women fell to their knees and both seemed to stop themselves from crying out in pain.

Harry was rooted in his seat and watched aghast at having been unable to stop the travesty of justice from happening. How the bloody hell could one conversation lead to this?! Am I responsible for this too? What should I do?!

Harry glanced at Dumbledore to see his horrified expression and frowned. I can't always rely on the Headmaster and this has shocked him speechless too. What can I do? Bloody damn it! I'm way out of my loop and understanding here . . .

"As they are now deemed property of the Ministry of Magic," said the Minister, "they will be taken to a magical orphanage. Due to their new status, any damage that comes their way, be it assault, murder, or rape will have no repercussions beyond the payment of damages up to 10 Galleons until such a time that I, the Minister, wish to change the amount owed in damages so long as they remain Ministry property."

Auror Dawlish had a sick grin on his face as he looked at the quivering girls. Harry felt his stomach drop and his chest constrict in pain at the nonchalant words rolling from the Minister's mouth. Harry took a deep breath and stood up from his seat. He looked pointedly at the Minister. "Minister Scrimgeour . . . is there anything I can do to . . . keep these women safe from harm?"

Lady Longbottom snorted. "Mercy will get you killed, boy. Do not be taken in by their crying; they're clearly looking out for themselves and plotting something for the Dark Lord."

Harry suppressed an aggravated sigh and kept his eyes on the Minister. The Minister had a glint in his eyes.

"Lord Potter-Black, I'm afraid that's only possible if you wish to . . . purchase their custody since you didn't want to marry them," said the Minister carefully, his eyes seemed to soften. Harry felt as if his gut had been punched but held his gaze. "Considering all you've went through, as a gesture of goodwill, you may take ownership of both women but the magic and laws will only recognize it if you choose to own them as your slaves. The ancient rite is very specific about this part and it's why it eventually went out of practice shortly before the turn of the 20th century. By taking them, they will be in danger of dying, if you don't fulfill the monthly quota instilled into their magical core. You must fornicate with them at least once a month until such a time that they are impregnated with your potential reserve heirs."

"I . . . what?!" Harry blurted out. Members of the Wizengamot looked shocked and horrified at the Minister's announcement of the conditions. Dumbledore looked as if his face had aged and his usually twinkling eyes were dimmed. "You mean, I have to . . . to . . ."

"Don't worry, as their Master, there are no repercussions for assaulting, murdering, or raping them whenever you please." said Scrimgeour, his hands clasped behind him. The cameras flashed around them. Harry's cheeks burned from rage and embarrassment. "Also, as a personal favor to you, I shall have your name removed from the journalistic reports and even the twins names, if you so wish. I have enough clout with the Head of the Daily Prophet's leader to change his views. So, what will it be? Does this sound favorable to you, Lord Potter-Black?"

Harry sighed and glanced at the two terrified and tearstained sisters before looking back at the Minister. "I'll do it."

Amelia banged her gavel and a bright light enveloped the two sisters and Harry felt a strange connection form as the two sisters were bound to him for the rest of their lives.

"Remember to rape them, boy!" snarled Lady Longbottom, "Death Eaters and their ilk aren't people, they're savage rapists and murderers! Worse than any of the vilest and most dangerous creatures! Beat them into submission, rape them to teach them proper dignity, and kill them if they step out of line! Don't make the mistake of treating them as if they're human!"

"I lost my husband and son to Death Eaters who took pleasure raping and murdering them," said Amelia Bones, her voice quivering. "Don't fall for their charms, Lord Potter-Black. They mean to deceive you! Punish them harshly as Lady Longbottom has mentioned! You'll be even more of a hero for serving justice against the evil that threatens the Wizarding World!"

The gavel banged, the meeting was adjourned.

12 Grimmauld Place

Dumbledore and Harry were forced to delay whatever discussion they were meant to have and Dumbledore went to meet Slughorn on his own. Harry had a difficult time adjusting to his new life circumstances. He had pointedly told the two sisters not to call him Master after they had told him such.

Once they had made it to Sirius's old house, their clothes had vanished in accordance with the rites and dog collars with their names appeared instead. Harry grew flustered at the sudden nudity and allowed the Slytherin sisters to wear some of his school clothes until he went shopping for their own set of clothes. He had to argue against their strident arguments that they didn't need to be treated well because of their new status.

Harry pondered why they seemed so eager to be humiliated and treated horribly by him but kept it to himself. The looming necessity of having sex with them to keep them alive felt incredibly daunting to Harry. He didn't know how to deal with his growing disgust and horror at the situation. Several weeks later, Flora and Hestia Carrow acted.