Life after the War ch2
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry or any other character that you have read about in J.K. Rowling's books. (Alright, now I'm depressed………. Ice-cream here I come).
The trials were starting soon. The death eaters would be sentenced to life in Azkaban or the Dementor's kiss, depending on the severity of their crimes. With the deaths of Voldemort, Bellatrix, and Snape, the other death eaters knew that they had no hope. It was very unlikely that the jury would buy the old "I was jinxed! They used the imperious on me!" a second time. Harry had lost count of just how many had been sent in to Azakaban. When Fenrir Greyback was to be executed for his crimes, many wanted to attend the execution.
Harry was often invited by the Ministry to attend the trials of the death eaters, which he always declined. He was happy to be with his friends and with his dear Ginny. The only he ever really did anything was to clear the name of Severus Snape amongst the list of Death Eaters. He told the ministry a somewhat edited version of the things he had seen in the pensive the night of the final battle. It had taken them a while to agree since they all knew Snape's actions, but after all, how could the savior of the wizarding world lie to them just to clear the name of someone whom all had believed was evil.
On a clear day late in August, Harry received another invitation for a trial. The name of the family caught Harry's attention: Malfoy. Something was telling him that he should attend, despite his better judgment.
The day before the trial, he waited till after breakfast in the Burrow to talk to his friends in private.
"But Harry! He's a git! He was a bloody death eater! The one who's been mean to you since the day you arrived in Hogwarts, remember?" cried Ron indignantly after Harry had explained to them his thoughts.
Hermione shifted nervously in her seat. "You've got to admit Harry, he did do some pretty bad things. Remember the necklace from Borgin & Burkes, the poisoned mead, and the plot to kill Dumbledore."
"I know, but he didn't do it. Snape killed Dumbledore. Even that was justified. Dumbledore was dying, and this way he could end it all and be of use later on," retorted Harry.
Ron sighed in frustration and plopped himself on the bed, which creaked under the added weight. He knew that there would be no way to convince Harry not to go. "Alright,mate, it's your choice," he groaned.
The rest of the day went by smoothly, as they entertained themselves by playing wizard's chess and teaching Ron how to use a PS2. (The poor thing suffered the wrath of the wizard boy many times that day).
The next day, Harry, accompanied by his two best friends, made his way across the crowded streets of London. He looked like an ordinary guy, no one would ever think he'd been the one to save the Wizarding and muggle worlds. As they continued their journey, Harry began to question his motives for attending this trial. It was just a gut feeling. He had to be there. Harry was brought back to reality when he heard the voice of a woman telling him to call out his name to receive a badge granting access to the Ministry.
The trio walked down to the court chambers, not daring to make a sound. They stopped in front of the doors as if waiting for something to draw them away. Suddenly, the doors opened and they gazed into the room filled with nervous and excited wizards and witches.
"Silence everyone," called out a witch with ebony hair and a black robe lined with gold trim. "Let us commence."
Hermione led the two to the visitor section and motioned for them to sit. Ron was stiff in his seat, while Harry had a blank expression on his face.
"This is the trial of Draco Lucius Malfoy, who is faced with the charge of attempted murder and being a death eater. Let the accused enter."
In the middle of the room, a cage with spikes appeared. Draco Malfoy stood inside of it, looking paler than usual and gaunt.
"Let the trial begin!"