Disclaimer: No I don't own the characters of Harry Potter. They are owned by Ms. Rowling.
A/N: Can I just say wow! So many people have made this story one of their favorites and are tracking it, I'm speechless. I hope you continue to like the story. Thank you!
A/N: I do try to answer all reviews, but there have been a couple of reader's whose PM is off so I couldn't reply. So, I'm thanking you here.
Aftermath Dumbledore and Snape
Albus Dumbledore sat in a Ministry Cell trying to figure out what went wrong. Yesterday, he was Headmaster of Hogwart's School, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards. Today he was being treated like a criminal. He had been questioned by Veritaserum, forced to give up many of his secrets. Amelia had forced him to reveal that Voldemort had used some very dark rituals to strengthen his body and magic. This is what allowed him to "survive" the rebounded killing curse. The other part was the prophecy itself preventing Voldemort from being eliminated by a then baby Harry Potter. It seemed that Fate wanted Potter would have to grow up before he was to face Voldemort and fulfill his destiny.
Albus was also forced to reveal his plans for Potter. Albus left him with the Dursleys because he knew that they would mistreat Potter. Potter had to be meek, mild, and follow the path set out for him by none other than himself Albus Dumbledore. Albus had planned to tell Harry a cock and bull story that Voldemort had created Horcruxes, soul containers, and they would have to be destroyed before Voldemort could be killed. Potter would be told that he was an accidental Horcrux right before he faced Voldemort and would have to die in order to make Voldemort mortal. Albus would then step in and kill Voldemort after Potter had been killed. Once that was done the Wizarding World would proclaim Albus Dumbledore the most beloved Wizard ever, maybe even greater than Merlin.
Now, all of his plans were over. Albus was smart enough to know that he would be sentenced to Azkaban or the Veil for what he had done. It seemed that everything began to crumble when Potter's name came out of the Goblet of Fire. Albus knew that Potter had been angry, he just didn't realize how angry or that he would get some help from that damned castle. Perhaps it had been a mistake to force Potter into the Tournament even though it was necessary. If Potter didn't compete, then he couldn't be kidnapped by Voldemort and used to create a new body. He was ready to rescue Potter from his rival, making him feel more indebted to himself. Maybe Albus should have encouraged Potter to make an oath to the school that night proving Potter was not responsible for placing his name in the Goblet. Ah well, things cannot be changed now. He would be facing a trial before the Wizengamot tomorrow unlike Sirius Black who had been denied a trial. Another crime Albus was guilty of committing and had been forced to admit. The more he thought about things, the longer his sentence in Azkaban became. It was time to stop thinking and try to come up with a defense, if he could.
Earlier that night, or was it early morning, Snape had not been sure of the time since he had been unconscious when he was brought into the ministry. Once he regained consciousness he sat in his cell fuming. This was all that spawn of Potter's fault. Potter better watch himself after Albus got him out of this mess. Snape completely overlooked the memories he had viewed with the rest of Hogwarts. He just could not accept that Potter was anything but a spoiled pampered prince just like his father. Potter would pay for humiliating Severus Snape. Snape was unaware that Albus was in a similar cell and that no help would be coming.
Snape looked up when his cell door opened and scowled at Amelia. "When will I be getting out of here Madame Bones? I'm sure that Albus has vouched for me by now. I can't understand why I'm still here."
Amelia smirked, making Snape uncomfortable, though he wouldn't show it. "You really don't know do you?"
"Know what?" Snape growled.
Amelia pretended to remember something. "Oh, that's right; you were unconscious when we arrested you and brought you here. There will be no one to vouch for you this time Severus Snape since Albus Dumbledore is in a cell down the hall from here." Her smirk grew at Snape's shocked expression. "We just finished questioning him and he will be facing trial for his crimes. Now it is your turn to be questioned Mr. Snape." She signaled the Aurors standing behind her, they moved forward and cuffed Snape using magic suppressing cuffs.
Snape had to be dragged out of the room, he was still in shock. He had been so sure that Albus would get him out that he was unable to comprehend that he was truly screwed.
Two hours later Snape was returned to his cell. He collapsed on his bunk. Amelia had been very thorough in questioning him about his activities at Hogwarts and with the Death Eaters before he turned spy for Dumbledore. She knew about his involvement in setting Voldemort on the Potters, his request that Voldemort spare Lily. His remorse for being responsible for Lily's death and the things he had done as a Death Eater. She knew about his actions as a spy for Dumbledore, his treatment of one Harry Potter and other non-Slytherin students.
Amelia let Snape know that he was still going to be charged for his crimes as a Death Eater despite his turn as a spy. Nevertheless, she would request a reduced sentence for his aide in the war. He would be charged for his actions towards non-Slytherin students at Hogwarts. Amelia would also request a reduced sentence since he had been ordered by Dumbledore to favor his house. He had no excuse for the way he treated Potter, Dumbledore had not needed to order him to bully the son of James Potter.
Harry and his friends were sitting in the Wizengamot courtroom waiting for both Snape and Dumbledore to be sentenced. Mister and Missus Weasley sat with them, to offer support to Harry. A recently freed Sirius and Remus also sat with the teens. Both wanted to see Snape and Dumbledore get what was coming to them.
The Wizengamot and audience had watched pensieve memories of the testimony given under Veritaserum. It had not been pleasant. Harry had to be physically restrained when he learned that Snape was responsible for Voldemort going after his family. How dare Snape bully and persecute Harry when he was responsible for making Harry an orphan! He almost changed his mind about the note he had asked Amelia to give to the Wizengamot members when considering Snape's sentence.
Hermione finally learned that placing absolute faith in those in authority without question was unwise. She sat and listened to how Dumbledore had allowed an innocent man go to Azkaban so that Sirius could not interfere with Dumbledore's plans for Harry. Dumbledore had known that Peter was the secret keeper the whole time because he had cast the Fidelius Charm! She shivered when she thought about Dumbledore's plan to allow Harry to be killed by Voldemort so that Dumbledore could swoop in and kill Voldemort himself. This way he would be hailed a hero yet again for something he had not done, again. It turns out that another Wizard; a muggleborn by the name of John Sebastian had defeated Grindelwald but died in the confrontation. Dumbledore was the first at the scene of the duel and realized that both wizards were dead. He banished the body of Sebastian, created some injuries that could have come from dueling Grindelwald and claimed the credit for defeating him, thereby becoming a hero. Using his fame from his "defeat" of Grindelwald he slowly moved into the three powerful positions he had held in order to carry out his plans of taking over the world in what he believed was for the Greater Good. He had been manipulating the Wizarding World for years, using a wise grandfather mask to be seen as a kind and benevolent leader. By the time he made his move to take control no one would question the "Great Albus Dumbledore", who has always done what is best for the Wizarding World, or so they thought. His plans of having Wizards and Witches rule over the muggles made her sick. This was the man that she had so admired when she first learned about the Wizarding World after reading so much about him. She realized that she should have been suspicious of the information contained in wizarding books after meeting and getting to know Harry because he was nothing like the "Boy-Who-Lived" that is portrayed in many wizarding books and stories.
Mister and Missus Weasley were nauseated by the acts committed by both Snape and Dumbledore. They had believed in Dumbledore and in reality he was no better than a Dark Lord! Missus Weasley hoped they both rotted in Azkaban for the rest of their miserable lives.
The Wizengamot reentered the courtroom and returned to their seats while Snape was brought in and chained to the defendant's chair. Amelia stepped up to a podium located in front of the Ministry seats. "The Wizengamot has reached a verdict. Lord Greengrass, would you please relay the verdict to this court?"
Lord Greengrass stood up. "The Wizengamot finds Severus Snape guilty on all counts."
Amelia was performing a dance in her head. "Thank you Lord Greengrass. Has the Wizengamot decided on a sentence for Mister Snape?"
Lord Greengrass nodded. "We have. We had considered a life sentence in Azkaban for his activities as a Death Eater. In light of his service as a spy and his true remorse for his actions, his sentence is reduced to thirty years. The sentence for abuse of power, insulting and bullying many scions of Ancient and Nobel Houses is ten years in Azkaban. The Wizengamot has received a request from Lord Potter, scion of the Most Ancient and Nobel House of Potter that Potion Master Snape's talent not be wasted serving his sentence in Azkaban. Instead Lord Potter suggested that Potion Master Snape be kept in a Ministry cell and that he spends his forty years brewing potions and researching cures for various ailments under the supervision of the Unspeakables."
Harry's friends stared at him gobsmacked. They had not expected something like that from Harry. He shrugged than smirked. "I may hate the greasy git, but I can't see letting his talent go to waste when he can research cures for lycanthropy and long term cruciatus exposure." Neville hugged his friend at the same time Hermione did squishing Harry between them. "Urk, I feel like a hug sandwich." He wheezed.
Neville released Harry with a watery smile. "Thank you Harry. I don't know what else to say."
"No worries Neville. I hope that Snape can create something to help."
"Oh, Harry, I'm so proud of you. That is such a wonderful thing to make him do." Hermione said as she released him.
Fred and George piped up. "Not to mention…."
"that Snape will hate…."
"working on a cure…."
"for Remus." The friends snickered at that thought.
Remus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Thank you Harry. It means a great deal to me that you want him to find a cure. I'll still be grateful if he can't do it."
"You're welcome Remus. I bet that he can find a cure. The best part is his magic will force him to do it since I 'saved' him from Azkaban."
Sirius barked a laugh. "Best prank ever Harry, one that could benefit many people. James would be so proud. Lily would be too, because you thought of other people."
Harry smiled at Sirius before watching Snape be dragged from the chambers scowling at him. He smiled and waved at the man, causing his friends to laugh.
Snape glared at the smiling and waving Potter as he was led from the chamber. How dare the brat save him! Now he owed Potter two life debts! His magic would force him to work on a cure for lycanthropy for that blasted werewolf. He would probably have to work on trying to fix the squib's parents too. It wasn't right. He was a brilliant potion master who should be able to choose for himself what he potions he should create. Snape would never acknowledge that it was his own actions that put him in this predicament.
Once Snape was gone, Dumbledore was placed in the defendant's chair as the chains wrapped around his wrists and ankles. He didn't look anything like the eccentric headmaster. His beard and hair had been cut short, and he was wearing grey robes instead of his usual colorful robes. All of this made him look much older than his 150 years.
Amelia stood at the podium again. "Lord Greengrass, would you please read the verdict for Albus Dumbledore?"
Lord Greengrass stood up. "The Wizengamot finds Albus Dumbledore guilty on all counts."
Amelia nodded. "Very well. Have you decided on a sentence for Mister Dumbledore?"
"We have Madame Bones. For Albus Dumbledore's many crimes against Wizard kind and Lord Harry Potter in particular, we sentence him to death, via the Veil of Death."
Many gasps were heard in the chambers. It had been more than a hundred years since someone had been sentenced to the Veil. Dumbledore slumped in his chair. After hearing what Harry had done for Severus, he had hoped that Harry would do something similar for himself. What he didn't realize was that Harry wasn't trying to help Snape; he was trying to help his friends. Harry knew Snape was one of the best Potion Masters and wasn't about to let that talent be wasted in Azkaban when it can be used to help other people. Dumbledore on the other hand had no useful talent other than manipulation and Harry would be happy to let him swing in the wind.
Suddenly Harry had an idea of a better punishment for the old man. He stood up before Dumbledore could be released from the chair. "Madame Bones, may I address the court?"
Amelia looked at Harry startled. "You may Lord Potter."
Harry bowed his head in acknowledgment. "I have a suggestion for a more fitting punishment for Dumbledore. Killing him outright seems an easy way to punish him. I think that he deserves something far more suitable. I suggest giving him to the Goblins so that he can work in their mines."
Dumbledore stared at Harry incredulously. He couldn't be serious about making the Great Albus Dumbledore perform manual labor could he?
"I know some of you are thinking that he won't last long, but I know someone who can help Dumbledore remain healthy enough to work but also increase his lifespan so that he can serve a lifetime or more working for the Goblins. I think forcing him to do labor by muggle means would be a fitting punishment. He would have to work as those he sought to rule. It's also fitting since I was essentially a slave for the Dursleys and he was the one responsible for leaving me there."
Amelia stared at Harry for a moment processing his request. It was brilliant. The Goblins could be counted on to make sure that Dumbledore worked and could not escape. She looked to the Wizengamot to see many heads nodding. She decided to take a vote right there. "All those in favor of changing Albus Dumbledore's sentence to manual labor in the Goblin mines raise your right hand." She waited for the court scribe to let her know he had counted the hands. "Thank you. All those opposed?" Only a few hands were raised. Amelia looked at the scribe who indicated the ayes won. "The Wizengamot agrees to change the sentence of Albus Dumbledore. Remove him and contact the Goblins. I'm sure they will be thrilled to have a new prisoner to work in their mines."
Dumbledore was dragged from the court screaming that he wanted the Veil. No one listed to him.
Hermione looked at Harry. "That was definitely a better punishment for Dumbledore. I'm glad that you spoke up."
"It was bloody brilliant mate." Neville added.
Remus spoke up. "I couldn't agree more Harry. You are showing a very mature attitude towards all of this. Your parents would be proud."
Sirius snickered. "Your father would think it a right good prank and your mother would suggest hexing the old man so he couldn't sit down comfortably for the duration of his sentence. Lily was one woman you did not want to cross." He shudders just thinking about it.
Harry and friends stared at Sirius and agreed that they wouldn't want to have angered Lily Potter either.
"Thanks. He deserved a taste of what my life had been like at the Dursleys. It will also serve as punishment for the many other lives his manipulations have ruined. Nothing can change what he's done, but he can spend years reflecting on why it's not good to mess with a Potter."
Harry's friends realized that Harry had inherited his mother's temper. Harry didn't anger quickly, but watch out when he did get mad.
Fred and George decided to comment. "You may look…."
"like your father Harrykins…"
"but you have your…."
"mother's temper not…"
Together they finished. "just her eyes."
Harry smiled knowing it was a complement. "Thanks guys. It's nice to know that I have both of my parents in me." He looked around the courtroom and sighed as he stood up. "I think I'm ready to leave now."
"Hold up Harry. I have permission from McGonagall to take all of you to my place for the night. I have a flat that the Ministry knew nothing about before my arrest, so they didn't confiscate it. It might be a bit crowded, but we'll fit."
Harry looked at his friends who all nodded. It would be nice to spend a quiet evening together before they would be bombarded with questions at Hogwarts. "That sounds like a great idea Sirius."
Sirius bowed theatrically. "Of course it is, I thought of it."
Remus smacked Sirius in the back of the head. "No, you thought it was a great idea after I suggested it." The teens snickered at Sirius' forlorn face. "Dobby will be happy to prepare food for more than the two of us."
"How will we get there Professor?" Hermione asked as they were leaving the courtroom.
"Call me Remus Hermione; I am not your professor anymore. And we will be traveling by floo."
Harry groaned and his friends snickered at him as they headed for the floo. They bantered good naturedly as they left the ministry together.
TBC
A/N: There have been sooo many courtroom scenes written, I just didn't think it was necessary to go through every detail in my story. I do hope that I hit the highlights for you. Again, this is not betaed so if you see any mistakes they are mine and I don't have a problem if you point them out to me nicely. Thank you for reading.
