Disclaimers and Notes: Good Gad, you get it by now!
I'm so sorry this took so long, it finally got back from by beta for this go around.
In all honesty, I didn't have to drive to do it at the time, and I don't like forcing things. Writer's block, it's a b*tch, you know? I've also been working with other fics. I'm really sorry if I annoyed a lot of people. Though I have to admit, it's a bit annoying myself. Everyday I have classes, exams, writing assignments worth 25% of my final grade, ect. I have zero or no time to work on this sort of thing though I do try. As we speak I have TWO exams, one after another tomorrow in astrology and psychology, and an in-class writing assignment worth ¼ of my final grade in Art History covering over 5000 years B.C. AND I HAVE TO REMEMBER THE DATES.
Please, understand my stress…
As of a few days ago I was finally "inspired" again to finish this and most of the next chapter, because it finally "came" to me, you know?
Please understand that I began writing this while OotP was still in the works. I understand that many just now reading this are unhappy that it doesn't go along with that story line, and I apologize, however, I had no intent of re-writing this fiction in order to fit it… I don't have time! ^__^' I hope you guys can still like it the way it is!
Thank you so much for the response to the last chapter! And thank you very much for those who've stuck with me. Your reviews mean so much to me.
Geuna~
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Author: Lady Geuna
Official Editor: Giesbrecht
Sub Editor: Heeh, it varies!
This Chapter Rated: PG-13 for the usual scariness
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Recent Summary: Hard times aren't over, and Sirius and the others will be forced to face the unfair trial that the Ministry has to offer. Will Sirius get off? Or will he be given the Kiss no matter how strong his defense is? The Ministry learns of Neville's attack and Werewolf Control is sent in to apprehend Lupin, and all are confronted with the possibility of a double trail. James comes clean about his past with Harry, about his true behavior in the "old days". While Harry is able to accept this, Sirius admits there is little that he regrets. James wishes to make up for the past, but is it even possible for what he and the others put Snape through? Will Lupin ever forgive himself for not trying harder in the first place? Will Harry ever be able to look at is father in the same light ever again? When Snape is brought forth to testify for both Sirius and Lupin, even the slightest word against the two could easily sentence them to death, or worse. James Potter is accused of being at least partially responsible for the Dementor attack at the time of his reappearance, and for being as "crazed" as his own son.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"..." - speech
'....' - thoughts
/..../ - with italics means a part of a flashback.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The Trial: Part 1 of 3: Friend on the Line
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"They should have learned long ago, Draco, to never allow themselves to believe evil has no power over them. They will always get what's coming to them."
~ Lucius Malfoy, Fanfiction "Charmed Curses", Noble Sacrifices Part 2: Coming to the Rescue, by Lady Geuna
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
James slowly awoke to the sound of yelling... He could hear Dumbledore...
"That was unnecessary-"
"Of course it was! You saw him-!"
"Yes, Mr. Fudge, however-"
"However nothing! He was armed and chose to run, and away from a potential crime scene, no less! He was a threat."
"However, he attacked no one. You're accusations aren't founded with anything you say or anything that happened. Or are you so eager to once again imprison an innocent man?"
"What 'happened' is still in question, Dumbledore, and you of all speaking of who is or isn't innocent, are one to talk."
James' eyes blinked open. He felt warm and sweaty, like one does after breaking a fever. He raised his head slowly, seeing that he was in the Hospital Wing… again… Though Madame Pomfrey wasn't in sight... Odd... usually she was hounding around him for whatever reason, nagging, fussing, or ordering. James went unnoticed at the moment while he looked about, wondering what had happened… why he was in that room and that bed again, but.... He had... Harry was...
James physically started, shoulders jumping when it hit him.
He remembered what happened before he blacked out.
All four of his limbs sprang up in an attempt to get up first, becoming tangled in his blankets and James nearly rolling to the side and off the bed, onto the floor. Thin yet firm hands closing on his arms halted his fall, however, and James looked to see the blurry figure of Dumbledore in front of him. Even without his glasses he could see the firm frown on the other man's face.
"Careful, James," he said, "don't want to fall now, do we?"
"What's going on," James asked instantly, hands seeking out for his glasses. "I don't remember what happened... HARRY!" He fumbled around the nightstand for a moment before finding them. With a sigh of relief put them on his nose and began to scramble from the bed in haste, just barely holding back from cursing as his legs were tangled in the sheets. It was only sheer will and determination that kept James from toppling over himself and landing in a struggling heap. "I'd made a deal! He's-"
"Everything's find," Dumbledore interrupted him pleasantly even as James was on his feet, feeling disoriented and unsure of what to do or where to go, what questions to ask or which one first. "Harry's elsewhere, and there's no longer anything to fear."
"It's, that-"
"It's gone-forever."
"Oh thank…. Oh God, thank you…" While he reveled in this news, James noticed someone else in the room... someone he didn't know. Perhaps if would have been decent and proper of him to say something else, as the individual was obviously of some higher class, however the first thing that passed through his lips was a blatant, "Who are you?"
Fudge bristled ('Where have I heard that name before…') as though he'd just been told he looked like a bloated Norwegian boar. "Cornelius Fudge! Minister Fudge!"
James blinked. The happy feeling he was experiencing dimmed a little, but was still there. Only for the fact that he didn't know what was going on, or why he was alone in the infirmary with Dumbledore in Minister Fudge.
In all honesty, James hated it all. Of course he felt relieved, but it was a sort of relief that came from a close call… another close call, in fact. Not just for him, either, but others. How many times would he and his family be in danger, even if that danger weren't directly related to the Dark Lord? What sort of hand was Fate planning on dealing them in the end…?
James was about to ask about Harry, where he was, what had happened, but Fudge spoke first, to James, and what he said confused James and scared him at the same time.
"The trial will be held tomorrow," Fudge said to him, " and I expect you to be there as well Mr. Potter."
With that, Fudge turned and was gone.
Silence….
"Albus… What the hell was he talking about…?"
Tuesday, November 21st. The trail of Sirius Black, a day to be marked in history.
Surely no one ever expected it to happen… It… After all, it was part of the whole story of Sirius Black and his earlier imprisonment, "he was sent to Azkaban without trial", that's the way the story goes.
Now it, the story, went, "he was sent to Azkaban without trail, escaped, was recaptured years later, then given his first trial after being suddenly dubbed innocent until proven otherwise…" Or something like that, at least, though it didn't make sense to any of the general public. What sort of possible evidence was found that proved that Sirius Black was innocent, while there were eyewitnesses, after all… That had been evidence enough, though those witnesses had never been thoroughly examined…
A number of witnesses had been collected recently from the moment of Black's capture; James Potter, Harry Potter, Remus Lupin, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Arthur Weasley, and Severus Snape. These individuals were requested to be at least present at the Ministry of Magic while the trial took place, just in case they were needed for questioning. Those not required to speak prior to the trail were allowed the choice of taking a seat in the audience. All children (with the exception of young Harry Potter) were to be disallowed from being present during the proceedings.
The Potters, as of present, had chosen to watch the trail. Fred and George Weasley, who were of age, were still deciding whether or not to go at all, and Mr. Arthur Weasley has also yet to decide.
Remus Lupin was… nowhere to be found. He had been taken separately at some point during the morning of Sirius' capture. No one could tell of his whereabouts, and those that knew where he was weren't talking.
Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley arrived at the Ministry promptly, and though not allowed to watch the proceedings, waited just behind the courtroom doors, waiting for if they were needed for anything at all.
Severus Snape… well, it was uncertain as to where Snape was, though he was expected…
One Poppy Pomfrey had been questioned the day before with the use of Truth Potion… Through these methods quite a bit of information was extracted regarding Black as well as a certain dark creature that had been harassing the staff and students at Hogwarts weeks before.
They also found out about an attack on one Neville Longbottom…
Pomfrey declined to going to the trail, as she was still distraught from the ordeal.
The trail would begin at noon.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Tuesday, November 21, just before the trial…
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Sirius propped his legs up lazily on the table before him. The room was small, stuffy, and one Auror guard sat across from him.
Sirius didn't know why he wasn't collaborating an escape with the other man. Like pretending to knock the other out, then make a break of it. He went ahead and told the man this. After all, he's been running from the Ministry for years, and old habits die-hard. And it'd been a blessing that he's been the only guard assigned. Sirius had been anticipating at least twenty.
He wasn't expecting that a full trial would have anymore better results than no trial at all. And with that as a possibility, Sirius was strongly tempted to make a break for it and escape from right under the Ministries slimy nose, or go down in a blaze of glory while trying. He told this to the guard as well. Kingsley would only laugh in response.
Kingsley Shacklebolt forced away a smirk before speaking. "You had better wise up, Sirius. You know this isn't a joke-"
"Oh? Then I guess I was giving a false impression, wasn't I," he grunted bitterly, looking to each one of his fingernails. He needed them cleaned... trimmed. Huh, he hadn't thought about personal grooming in a while. The only thing he did these days was shave. "I appreciate your concern," he tested biting at one nail, "trimming" off the edge of it, "but the only thing I can hope for now is a little luck. Or a good escape plan, preferably with a lot of explosions. Too bad he couldn't Apparate out of there… Though I am lucky they didn't snap my wand again this time ("Though it isn't really mine..."). I wonder how many perfectly good wands the Ministry destroys everyday… I'm sure the sheer numbers and pointlessness would make Ollivander weep bitter tears if he isn't already." He chuckled to himself, though it only held a little humor to it.
Kingsley didn't seem very amused this time. "The Ministry can have a very crooked way of thinking, they'll try to get to you in every way they can. I'm just trying to prepare you-"
"I'm prepared enough. I know better than anyone how the system works." He drew his full attention to Kingsley, saying, "And shouldn't you be worried? Someone might be listening on us."
Kingsley's gaze didn't waver even as Sirius' haunted eyes starred into his. Sirius could always respect a man who could look him straight in the eye and not flinch. "At this point I don't really care. You're not-" He stopped suddenly as he heard a sound…
There were people coming down the hall…
It was time.
"Sirius, listen… put on an act, would you?" Sirius gave him a look, and Kingsley shook his head. "I know you know what I mean." He stood and drew his wand before going to lean again the wall farthest from Sirius. "I'm not supposed to like you, am I?"
Sirius sighed and repositioned himself in the chair so he was slouching. Of all the times… "Fine, fine…"
As though on a side note, Kingsley added, "Oh, and during the trail, try not to be too much of a loud-mouth ass, for your sake?"
Sirius nearly laughed out loud. "Why you-"
The clank and clunking sound of the door make his stop just before the door to the small room swung open.
Two other Auror's walked in with equal looks of indifference at they gazed upon the black man standing again the opposite wall from Sirius, wand ready, and Sirius Black, who looked to be sitting uncomfortably, his right hand gripping his left upper arm as though it were injured. The two were glaring at each other, hardly taking any notice of the two new arrivals.
"It's time," one of the men informed them, though rather politely. That was a good sign, at least... when an Auror is willing to treat a potential criminal with at least an ounce or respect. The other man didn't look as friendly, but he didn't seem inclined to say anything. "We're to take you for questioning. Shacklebolt, is you would help us escort Mr. Black," he asked curtly.
The other man sniggered, deciding to speak up. "Not getting along with 'im very well, Shacklebolt," he questioned humorously, leering at Sirius as he slowly got to his feet. He had to keep up the act, though he really wanted to punch this man…
"For your information I didn't touch him," Shacklebolt said, shrugging. "He's been like that since he got here, don't think that I had anything to do with it."
"Sure, sure… Wish I had a round at 'im-"
"We're not here to torture prisoners," the first man bellowed suddenly, giving his partner a meaningful look, then looked to Shacklebolt. "You know we all want a piece of him, but now's not the time, got that? It isn't our job to place punishment of men before trial."
Sirius raised an eyebrow at the two, un-intimidated by the glare the second Auror was sending him, but he hardly cared. It was time for his trial... the trail he hadn't "deserved" all those years ago.
"Sure, Barley," Shacklebolt said, in dismissive but not very disagreeable manner before giving Sirius a meaningfully dark look. "You heard him, on your feet, Mr. Black. And for your sack, don't try anything. I'm sure you've been waiting for this as long as we all have."
Taking a deep breath and keeping his cool facade in place, he stood and allowed the two men and Kingsley to led him out of the room, each carefully armed, wands at the ready.
They went down a flight of stairs, through dark, dreary corridors until they arrived at the dungeon that reminded him so much of Snape's favorite dwelling at Hogwarts. Courtroom Ten…
It was strange that he has here… A number of times Sirius would imagine what his trial would be like had it ever taken place. Perhaps this wasn't exactly what he imagined, but it still had a very dream-like quality to it all. Or was "dream" too nice of a word? Or "fantasy"? Perhaps "nightmare" was the more correct term.
Because Sirius knew that he might not get out of this. There was a whole court full of people who had learned to hate him for years now, and a number who, still, were raised to hate him.
But even if it turned out bad…. Sirius was prepared to die.
He never intended on dying so soon, but nevertheless he wouldn't be surprised when the time came. Not now, anyway.
He had few regrets, as long as James was still around for Harry, as long as Remus could find happiness, and as long as Wormtail would find himself rotten away in Azkaban….
Actually, his only regret is that Wormtail really hadn't died that day over a year ago…
When they got to the courtroom, he found that it was full court… and it was a bit more intimidating that he had imagined…
Hiding his nervousness carefully he strode forth into the room.
'Here it goes...'
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"How much longer?"
"They said a few minutes, Harry." Hermione frowned as she watched him closely. Though she still looked pale one could hardly find anything wrong with her otherwise. Harry could tell she became winded, however, when she had to walk stairs, but she was still basically on her feet, on her own, the way she liked it. "Why not go in now? Everyone else has already taken their seats."
"You'd think it's a bloody stadium or something," Ron sneered from his position leaning again a wall. " A right spectacle for all to see. I saw a few from the Daily Prophet, you know they get everything down. They'll be sure to twist things around a but just to make it sound more interesting. Tasteful."
"Even so," she insisted, "I'd rather be in there then out here."
Ron frowned at her. "I don't think you should be anywhere but in a bed, 'Mione. You get possessed and drained by some dark creature and the next day you're parading around as usual! You should be restin-"
"Please, Ron, and I don't parade." She sniffed indignantly at the remark, though Harry could tell Hermione was more than a little flattered by Ron's concern… She continued, "Anyway, I'm sure Fred and George will be along sooner or later, I know they will. I wish we could attend like Harry..."
Oh, Hermione didn't know what she was talking about... She didn't really want to go... She felt she should only because it was the "right" thing, however she truly didn't desire to see any of it. It was too troubling. If anything-if everything went wrong, then it would be something to plague her with nightmares for the rest of her life.
But he had to. Harry was considered the only young witness to be allowed to attend. He didn't know whose doing it was, but Dumbledore might have had a hand in it, but Harry wasn't sure if he should ask. Dumbledore has a habit of skipping around subjects, and Harry didn't think he would be able to take the Headmaster's evasive nature today.
Dumbledore in turn stood by the back doorway to Courtroom Ten, his face serious. He had said very little as they waited, and it was mainly Hermione and Ron who talked to themselves. She tried many times to include Harry in their conversations, but Harry didn't seem very will to do so. But then Harry decided to speak up then.
"I don't understand," Harry nearly moaned desperately, becoming annoyed at how weak it sounded to his own ears. He wasn't weak. "How can they do this? I thought Sirius was to be treated fairly and they hunt him down like a dog!"
"Well, Harry," Ron said slowly, "he actually, in sense that is, a-"
"Don't even say it, Ron!"
Dumbledore looked to Harry evenly after sending a amused smile to Ron, saying, "Harry, I will be honest with you. The Ministry isn't always out for justice."
"What else could they possibly do?" Hermione asked snappishly, upset about this situation, though Harry knew that it was much worse for him. Not to be selfish, but Sirius meant so much more to him. It was reasonably. "They're supposed to be fair, and…"
"Of course, this is true," Dumbledore said patiently, "it's not always justice they look for, but control. Order, or at least a facade."
"Then, how does that make it any different from Voldemort's doings?" Harry bit out, ignoring the way the others shivered, though Dumbledore stared back at him in an almost calculating manner before nodding grimly.
"How is it very different indeed...?"
"Am I late?," a voice suddenly spoke up, echoing down the hall towards them. Harry looked up to see James rushing towards them, adjusting a tie around hi neck jerkily, his robes ruffed. Mr. Weasley was close behind, waving to them. "What time is it," James asked hurriedly, "has it started yet? Am I late?"
"James, I told you," Mr. Weasley said, "it won't start for a few minutes yet. I think they're escorting Sirius as we speak."
James sagged as he let out a sigh of relief. "Thank god... "
Mr. Weasley then looked at Ron and Hermione, looking stern. "And when they come by I don't want you two in the way. You're not even supposed to be here." Ron and Hermione mumbled something in response that Harry couldn't make out.
"I really wanted to be here for every moment," James said. "Make a good impression. I promised it to myself to be there for him." To Mr. Weasley he said, "Thank you for loaning me the tie, Arthur." He jerked at the said tie once more. It was a deep blue color, and in fairly good condition considering the state of most of Mr. Weasley's clothes. Obviously he had given James the best he had.
"No trouble at all!" Arthur said.
Harry noticed that his father looked different. His hair was wild, though not as much as usual, and his posture made him seem so much taller... He looked older... Not just a young adult…
James soon caught his son staring, though, and his expression turned... bold. He looked as though he were ready for battle. "Don't worry, Harry. I promise you, I won't let anything happen to Sirius. That old dog's survived until now, and now that I'm here now I'll be damned if I see him fall without a good fight. Even if he's found guilty, I swear..."
This was a side of his father Harry had never seen before. It was something he saw in Sirius all the time, though he had never really thought of it. He hoped James wouldn't try anything too recluse if something did go wrong... But if he had to... well, then Harry would be by his side the whole way. In fact, Fred and George would probably join the bandwagon as well. Speaking of which…
"Aren't Fred and George coming along," Harry asked Mr. Weasley. "And aren't you coming?"
Mr. Weasley shook his head. "No, I'm afraid I'll be staying in my office, keeping an eye on those two. I know very well that they want to attend, but I'm afraid they wouldn't the most respectable audience. I think they know their own limits as well. I'll be coming down later if I can, though I don't think my presence will be well appreciated. We'll all be ready they need us for questioning, though we've all seen how eyewitness account have helped in the past, eh?"
Before anyone could respond to Mr. Weasley's answer Dumbledore spoke up, getting their attention, "Come along then. Hermione, Ron, we shall be seeing you after this little mess is clears up ('"Little" mess...? How could he be so calm about this!?'), and do stay out of trouble." To Harry, James and Mr. Weasley he said, "Come, gentlemen, we have a trail to attend..."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
There were a lot of people there today… a LOT of people… like being in a giant square box like some insect, being watched very, very closely by something bigger than you with all the power to smash you into oblivion.
He'd never seen so many people before, even at his old house. Besides that, the people he saw there he knew and trusted (though some more than others…). He hadn't even stayed there long, going to stay with Remus before he exploded from sheer boredom. With Remus he'd been able to go outside, take walks, and still so only a few people, and no one ever came to his house. But this…
Sirius didn't like large groups of people. He'd learned to treat large crowds of people like bubotuber puss… like blood-sucking bugbears, or even bloody quintapeds. In fact, his mother wasn't anywhere near as bad as this, but… wait… no… now that he thought of it, comparing the situation here to his mother…
… This situation wasn't so bad after all. It was down right peachy, actually. What was that saying… "A piece of cake."
He hardly got a chance to look around, to try to catch sight of anyone he knew or used to know in the audience, before he was chained down to his chair. He caught sight of every seat in the room, from the seats to the back, his right, left, and even the small sections of seats to either side of the raised seats for the Wizengamot, EVERYTHING seat was filled. The Wizengamot was filled as well, Fudge of course sitting at the head of them in the center, staring down at him… Fudge looked at him with something akin to disgust, but Sirius could tell by his paleness of his face that he was deadly afraid…
Dumbledore sat in a armchair to Sirius' right. Sirius knew that he was going to act as his defense, and in all honesty he didn't know anyone better. Despite Dumbledore's habit (and possibly secret joy) or even skill of riling crowds was what Sirius felt should be notorious.
In the middle of the crowd to the very back, Sirius was sure he spotted James and Harry sitting along the stonewalls, between two torches. If it hadn't been for that extra light Sirius would have never made his friends out in the gloom that seemed to be a nature extension of the room's atmosphere, but he didn't have a chance to make eye contact with either of his friends.
Then it started…
"To begin, and before any other opening statements, we would like to ask you a few questions."
Sirius looked sharply over to Dumbledore who sat quietly though frowning in his chair (his looked far more comfortable that Sirius'…). The other man didn't say a word… great, just when Sirius needed him… "Why don't I get an opening statement," he demanded. This was his trial, after all. He shouldn't have expected it to go his way, though… "How can I start my defense without a statement?"
They didn't seem to be listening to him. "Mr. Black, if you would please tell us why you chose to run yesterday."
"Obviously," Sirius said slowly with a lack of respect (though in all fairness he was trying to sounds as condescending as humanly possible), "I'm not to comfortable around the law." Dumbledore gave him a warning look now, but he didn't care.
"Oh?" Fudge glanced around to this, looking very interested. "And why is that? Something to hide, have you?"
Sirius snorted. Now Fudge was trying to twist his words? How predictable… "No, I don't, but it's sort of a natural reaction now. I was running from a potential death sentence, for a crime I was so wrongfully accused of, with no trail, as it would seem, and for fifteen years I was denied one. I'd like to see how you'd handle it."
Fudge remained silent for a moment, face blank even as other members of the Wizengamot whispered to themselves. "In that case… this trail starts now with the first witness."
That was sudden… Even more sudden at Sirius was released and dragged from the chair. "What-"
"First witness, Remus Lupin, to the stand!"
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
A figure was led non-too gently through to door and dragged toward the chair that had been occupied only moment before. He appeared ruffled, weak, and there was a noticeable abrasion across the right side of his face.
James paled at the sight before him. "Remus..."
"REMUS!"
James eyes snapped to Sirius, who had stood suddenly and had barreled through the men and women standing around him, yelling in rage. "What did you do to him!? You bastards, what-!"
A hex flew and Sirius faltered, nearly slumping to the ground as he started in his advance toward the men who had sat Remus in the chair. The chair there magically began to wind chains around him, though Remus looked over his shouldered fearfully at Sirius, but didn't say anything even as Sirius was dragged back to his rightful place, the Aurors holding him in place, and made sure to conjure a set of chairs to cuff onto Sirius' wrists in hopes of keeping him in line when he came around.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Remus' breathing was becoming heavier, labored. He could feel his lungs aching from the very effort, but at least satisfied that they, his captors, hadn't done worse. Werewolves didn't usually receive the "proper" treatment usually given to most humans, especially when put on trail, and depending on who they're handed off to.
He knew that they didn't need to apprehend him like they did from the very beginning, while the others were allowed to reach the Ministry through their own devices. Remus probably would never know whose decision it was, but he wasn't sure if he was willing to live with that fact. There was only so much he was willing to take. Name calling, dark looks, but this… This wasn't that bad…
The chains were very painful and would have been biting into his skin had it not been for his rough old robes as a barrier. Remus wondered if the metal was under the direct control of someone in the room, and if so, who that person might be. He hoped it wasn't Fudge, or the horrid looking Miss Umbridge, or this was certainly was going to be an exceedingly more painful experience than it already was.
"Remus Lupin," Fudges voice boom in a seemingly failed effort to create a presence like Dumbledore had done moments before. He waited for the Minister to continue, but that was only after a long pause, where he could feel all their eyes on him... watching him, examining him, fearing him, looking to see if he did anything wrong, acted even a little strange, acted inhuman.
Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Sirius, held in the corner, looking barely able to stand on his own two feet and hating himself for it, shame written on his features. James and Harry, who he'd seen after taking a quick glance behind him, were sitting toward the back, and he caught site of other members of the Order...
When he turned back Fudge and a few others were looking at him suspiciously, following where he'd glanced moments before.
Then a voice came from nowhere and everywhere at the same time, and he would have jumped in his seat if he were able to. "Minister, do you really think it necessary to chain Mr. Lupin like this. As I understand it he is to be questioned, not put on trail himself."
Fudge didn't look at all happy that Dumbledore had spoken out of turn, his left eye twitching. "That remains to be-please do not speak out of turn! And for your information, Dumbledore, he is on trail as much as that man." He pointed juttingly at Sirius, who outright snarled at him.
"Sir," Remus said politely, "if I may speak?"
Fudge looked at him and after a moment he nodded.
"Sir, may I ask what I am on trial for, if not to speak for Sirius."
A sort of shiver went through the court, and Fudge nodded to the door as if signaling someone. "Of course, Mr. Lupin, it's not fair to keep you in the dark, is it?" 'Strange, he doesn't seem very sorry at all...'
The door opened before Remus', and someone walked in. Two people. A man and a boy.
Remus' heart sunk into his stomach then...
"Neville Longbottom, if you would please come forward."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Neville stumbled over his own feet as he moved... There were a lot of people yelling all around him, he wasn't sure what to do, why he was there. Madame Pomfrey had healed up his scratches but he was still a little soar here and there… He'd seen Ron and Hermione in the hall just a moment before, though he hadn't a chance to say anything before he was lead through the doors.
They told him he was supposed to testify, but for what? They told him they had sent word to his grandmother, but regarding what? Why did everyone insist on leaving him in the dark!?
"This is unforgivable!" That was Dumbledore. "This trail is for Sirius Black, not Remus Lupin! On what grounds do you have to accuse him, and what rights do you have to place this over the REAL reason we were brought here today!?"
"This will only take a minute, Dumbledore. We need only to test him, then he may go." He nodded to a… very strange looking woman to his left. She was intimidating… Lord knows NOT as intimidating as Professor Snape, but still, intimidating. Like a giant ugly frog crossed with a fat woman. Fudge acknowledged her as, "Miss Umbridge," then, indicating that she could speak.
The woman, Umbridge, nodded curtly and held up a scroll for everyone to see. "I have here the testimony of Poppy Pomfrey as of yesterday afternoon, and her account of the events the day of Black's capture as well as events prior."
By this time Neville was set down in a chair they had just conjured for him. It was hard and uncomfortable.
"I do recall Madame Pomfrey… who was forced against her will to answer questions under the influence of a truth potion."
Umbridge went on as though Dumbledore hadn't said anything. "She accounts that Lupin attacked this young man," she point at Neville sharply, and he couldn't help but flinch in response, "and as a result he has contracted Lupin's disease. He is a werewolf!"
"No he didn't," Neville shouted suddenly, surprising even himself. He snapped his jaw shut as soon as he spoke, face flushing.
A woman from the back, however, spoke gently to him. "What were you saying, Mr. Longbottom?" She was encouraging him to continue…. Might as well. Dumbledore was looking at him expectantly, too… so much pressure… Neville could feel his face becoming warmer, the heat reaching his ears.
"I-I mean, I don't know… I don't really know what happened, but it wasn't him, I know it! I'm not a werewolf… I would know if I were, right?" What were they going on about anyway? Glancing at Lupin, he saw that the professor was looking down at the floor, not making eye contact with anyone… he looked to be in really bad shape… What was wrong with him? But Neville wasn't sure if he should ask.
Umbridge was mumbling something to Fudge then and he nodded in agreement before she spoke again.
"The boy is obviously intimidated. Probably enchanted!"
A man from the back of the court spoke, "The man is a werewolf. The boy just might be…" The court mumbled among themselves to this.
"He isn't," Dumbledore stated. "In fact, if you did get the full account out of Madame Pomfrey, then you will know that he and a number of other individuals, including Mr. Longbottom himself, were under the control of a dark creature. A entity, of sorts. Are you very aware of that fact, Minister."
Fudge muttered his answer, and Neville could hardly hear it… though it sounded like he said, "… I am…"
"So you agree," Dumbledore said, his voice massively louder than Fudge's, "that any actions taken by Lupin at the time were not within his control."
"Nevertheless,' Umbridge spoke up, "if he is found guilty of turning this poor, innocent boy, then he will still be held accountable. I'm sure you haven't even written his parents on the matter."
Neville felt himself go pale at the mention of his parents, going from warm to cold… though luckily, Dumbledore didn't bother to correct her of make light of the comment. In fact, Dumbledore's voice grew increasingly cold after that…
"There is no need to contact his relatives if there is nothing wrong, Miss Umbridge."
"We'll see about that," Fudge said, then waved to an Auror who was standing by Lupin's chair.
The Auror immediately walked toward Neville, taking something from his pocket. Neville could see it, it was a coin, silver sickle.
"Have him take that and see what happens," Fudge challenged.
The Auror had already taken his hand then, and Neville only froze and let the man drop the coin into his hand. What else was he to do? This was happening so fast!
The coin bounced once in his hand then sat there and....
Nothing...
Neville looked around confused. What was supposed to be happening...?
"He's not infected," someone spoke up, slowly.
"No!" Umbridge practically screamed. "Let Lupin hold it, maybe it's faulty!"
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Lupin for a moment made a face that could easily convince anyone watching that he was a total ignoramus… He was shocked, and his expression would've been described as "priceless".
He was pleased! But shocked!
Neville wasn't turned... he hadn't turned! Neville was okay! By God, by Merlin he wasn't a werewolf! HE WASN'T!
Had Lupin no sense of decorum or self control (and not chained to a chair in the middle of a court precession) he would be on his feet and cheering, dancing, whooping and howling until his throat turned raw and his legs collapsed from under him.
Since Lupin could do none of these things, he simply sat and tried to hid the smile that would have to potential to crack his face in half, only showing a small smile that would be considered maybe gentle or kind in nature.
That was until…
"No! Let Lupin hold it, maybe it's faulty!"
He stiffened despite himself.
Silver… oh, how he loathed silver. Even his eyes were still itching from that powder…
Then again, what if the coin was faulty?
The very idea made his throat tighten, eyes wide and focused on the boy in question, who for the world of him looked utterly confused. An innocent. He was a good boy, Neville, and smarter than most people gave him credit for… so much potential, and if…
If it was a trick he didn't know about, maybe Dumbledore planned it? Maybe it was to get Neville off the hook, and they never expected Lupin himself to take the coin. What if it didn't hurt him, burn him…? What if Neville was still turned?
Lupin tensed then, expression growing hard as they reached toward him with the silver coin, Fudge demanding that he stretch out his hand, ignoring Dumbledore as he protested the action, his blue eyes alight, showing his worry...
He had to know…
So he turned his palm upward to catch the coin in his fist, and they dropped it...
Lupin bit his lip as pain ripped through his arm before spreading through to the rest of his body, and all at the same time a satisfied thrill...
'Neville… will be okay…'
He was so caught up in these pleased and disorienting thoughts that he didn't notice the black spots in the corners of his vision as consciousness was slowly ripped from him…
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The arguments were continuing all around him then. Sirius could hardly see Remus through all the people surrounding him now. Sirius hardly had the strength to raise his head high enough to see, but he could tell by the excited murmuring and shouting that the silver had done its job.
Neville wasn't infected.
Then another voice shouted over the crowd…
"TAKE IT AWAY!!!"
Sirius could see James standing in the crowd, trying to push ahead but with no success. There were too many people. Harry stood as well but stayed where he was, looking to his father in confusion. Not far from where Sirius stood he saw Dumbledore stand up suddenly, eyes sharp and bright behind his glasses, and wide. Very wide.
Most eyes in the room were on James now, and Sirius felt a stab of fear that maybe something was wrong with James ('Is the creature still there after all!?'). Why would he be screaming like that?
"TAKE IT AWAY," James shouted again, pointing toward them, toward where Remus sat, stabbing his arm forward frantically, furiously pointing, try to get people to look. "TAKE IT FROM HIS HAND! LOOK AT HIM, YOU IDIOTS, HE CAN'T LET GO!"
Oh… DAMMIT!
"Remus," Sirius bellowed through the crowd, alarmed.
He had a feeling he knew what happened, but he could be sure now. Sirius got a clean view of the scene when a few of his guard rushed forward to assist.
Remus Lupin sat slumped and unconscious in his chair, though his chains held him firmly upright, his chin touching his chest. His shoulders and body, however, were just beginning to tremble noticeably.
His left hand--the hand in which he had taken the silver coin--sat closed on his lap as an Auror tried to prey his fingers open.
Wisps of smoke rose from that hand which was shaking as wildly as the rest of his body was by now, and the subtle stink of burning flesh touched Sirius' nose.
Remus didn't let go!
In the years that he and James had known Remus in school, they had hands-on experiences of the lycanthropic condition, as well as what exactly is meant by a werewolf's intolerance for silver.
A werewolf should NEVER touch silver, much less for so long.
It took far longer than any of them would like but they got Remus' fist open, which had to be at least a minute after he'd taken the sickle.
The coin didn't fall out at once, though it took a few seconds to detach form his skin before falling to the floor. The sound of it hitting the floor couldn't be heard over the noise in the room, but one could see that Remus' hand was fiery red and his fingers seemingly frozen in the shape of claws, each digit curled inward toward his palm in the most grotesque fashion.
Even with the coin gone, his hand was smoking.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Ron couldn't see it, but he could hear it. There was something going on in there, and something big! Where Hermione was becoming worried he actually felt a bit excited. "What do you suppose is going on," he asked offhandedly to the girl next to him.
"I don't know… I'm worried about Professor Lupin, did you see him before?"
"Yeah…"
"And Neville," Hermione said, "why would they bring Neville? He wasn't there when Sirius was caught."
But before Ron could response, the door burst open and the started and scrambled to get out of the way.
It was Neville who had come out first. At first it was as though he'd been pushed judging by the way he stumbled backwards through the door. But he was only trying to stay ahead of the others.
Because it was seconds later that three wizards appeared, including that black fellow from before whom their father seemed to know, carrying Professor Lupin.
Ron could only think of how they were about to go visit his father… to think… If they'd left they would have missed the whole thing, but they were there, they saw. They'd waited outside of the courtroom, he and Hermione… they were hoping to hear something, to find out what was going on ahead of everyone else, and they did. But it wasn't nearly what Ron was expecting.
Panicked, he and Hermione had followed the wizards to the medical office there. It was terrible, following them with no idea of what was happening…
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Harry, sta-just stay here, I'm going to go and find out what's happened!" He practically had to thrust Harry down by his shoulders so that he was sitting back in his seat. "Don't leave, you hear me!?"
"Are you crazy," Harry snapped, and for a moment it came as a shock to have his son talk back to him like that. It was actually drawing the attention of others around them… "Did you see what they did to Sirius!?"
"Yes I did-"
"Then I have to do som-"
"You don't have to do anything, leave this to me!"
Harry's eyes were wide as he stared as his father… James didn't like that look at all. "What about Lupin? He's hurt, we need to find out that happened, if he's okay! I can-"
"You're not doing anything, Harry." Then he leaned closer, whispering so only Harry could hear. "I can't let you walk around alone here, honestly, I can't. You don't know who you can trust here, if everyone at all, and I'm not about to allow you to be alone even for a moment. Who knows what could happen. Harry, don't you see?"
It was true… Dumbledore said himself that the Ministry was becoming corrupt. And if people like Lucius Malfoy were walking around (and James wouldn't doubt that for a second) then who knows who else was… enemies unknown to even James who knew exactly who he and his son were.
Harry let out a low growl, pushing James' hands away, though he sat where he was. "Don't you care…?"
James flushed. "If course I care about Remus, but I have other obligations as well." To this Harry looked positively scandalized, and James sighed. "I'll explain it to you later Harry, I'm not acting out of selfishness. Remus would understand, he does understand."
"Sure." Harry didn't move, though he'd crossed his arms a bit too tightly and was now rapidly tapping his heel. He'd was purposefully ignoring James now, instead looking around him toward the front where he could see Sirius off to the side.
James couldn't put up with this now. If Harry wasn't going to see reason … He'd have to talk to him later. He'd made a promise…
"I'll be right back," James said again before pushing his way through the crowd. He needed to talk to the Minister, directly.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Neither Ron nor Hermione had gotten a good look at Lupin, though they knew he was probably unconscious by how his head just…hung… as they passed by.
It was halfway to the medical office when a witch appeared, dressed in white robes. She looked rather like a nun.
The medi-witch pushed them aside with haste. "That's enough now, move aside!" When she was finally through he lifted Lupin's hand, tisking. "Not good, not good at all. We'll need a good potion for this one." He conjured up a stretcher and which the three men carefully set Lupin, minding his hand
"But what happened to him," Ron shouted desperately, gaining a few puzzled looked from the Wizards. They had no idea who they were or their relation to Lupin…. But dammit what they knew, Lupin had to be okay!
But then one of then as the other Aurors left, on stayed. A black man with a very shiny, hairless scalp. Now, what was his name…?
The man nodded to them, face grim. "You watch Remus, okay?" Ron blinked, startled by this comment, then the man continued, introducing himself. "Kingsley Shacklebolt. I work with your father…"
Ron didn't know what he meant by that. What would a Muggle Artifacts worker have to do with an Auror?
Shacklebolt looked to Neville, who was still shaking. "He'll be okay. I'm sure he's had worse. They won't want you back for questioning, I don't think, but don't you wander off." He looked to Ron and Hermione, and with a nod to them and the medi-witch he was gone, back in the directly where the other Aurors had gone, and the two of them instantly turned their attention back to Lupin, mobbing closer this time to get a good look.
"Look at his hand," Hermione gasped, eyes wide in horror as she pressed her hands to her face.
"What did they do to him," Ron demanded heatedly, rounding on Neville. It was their first opportunity since they saw him to ask what had happened, and he wasn't about to let it go.
Though Ron hadn't intended it, Neville recoiled as though he was being blamed for it. But Neville spoke up, his voice trembling, but his chin jutted out. "T-They gave him a coin. A silver one-t-they were trying to see if I was a werewolf too. D… Don't think I have anything to do with it! I didn't know what they were doing, they didn't tell me!"
Hermione put a hand on Neville's shoulder. "He wasn't blaming you, Neville," she said shakily, not for being unsure, but from her over anxiety… Hermione was always anxious about things. That's the way she was, and that's the way Ron always hoped she'd stay, though it did get frustrating, and… the look she gave Ron made him recoil… drat, why did he always do the wrong thing!? "Ron's just worried…"
Neville shook his head. The poor mate looked dreadful… pale even. "I don't know what they were on about, but Mr. Potter was shouting that Professor Lupin couldn't let go of it…"
Hermione straightened, her hand staying on Neville's shoulder. Ron could simply SEE the gears rolling around in her head. "Ah," she said, as though that said it all.
It hardly said it all for Ron OR Neville.
At the same time the medi-witch was on the move, taking Lupin now in the stretcher. While the three wizards stayed behind, Ron, Hermione and Neville were sure to stay on step behind.
It was when they reached the medical office that Ron decided to voice his question. "You know what happened?"
Hermione nodded though wasn't looking at Ron as she anxiously tried to get a good look at the professor. The medi-witch had taken him behind a white screen... The room itself was very white. With lots of vases with bright, fresh flowers. It seemed almost disgustingly cheerful considering the situation. "Apparently the Professor didn't let go after he took the coin…That long of contract can be very painful, I've read. Silver is one of harsher though one of the most fail-proof methods to check for lycanthropy..."
"… And…? Why didn't he just drop it then!?"
"It's not that easy," Hermione snapped. "Think of it… I don't know… I honestly don't know, though perhaps his hand cramped, or froze…?"
"The pain is simply that intense, Miss Granger. Truly torturous…"
Ron nearly jumped out of his skin and Hermione let out a small squeak surprise. Neville simply turned ghastly pale at the sight.
"SNAPE!"
"P-Professor," Hermione stuttered, though not sounding as completely outraged as Ron was. "What are you doing here?"
Snape sneered then… in a way that he did to Harry just before saying or doing something make his life miserable. " Thought it was obvious…"
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
To be continued in...
0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Next time: Now that James is seeing how the Ministry is willing to treat his friends and is especially worried for Lupin's safety. Little does he know that his worries are true, as those left responsible for his condition aren't willing to see him more than anything but an animal, and what he also doesn't know is that Severus Snape himself into the situation. Now that his most hated enemy is present will it put Remus' life in even greater risk? Sirius' reaction to Remus' collapse puts his own trail on the line as well.
TEASER:
"If you would please state why you require this information, Mr. Potter, I'm sure we may be able to help."
"He's my friend." 'Idiot.'
"Oh…" He looked over to Sirius, then commented, "you have certainly make… interesting choices in friends."
James didn't like the underlying tone the Minister's voice… as if he had meant to corner him. But his response to Fudge's comment came so clearly, so smoothing, and was so full of conviction that it left many speechless.
He was smirking when he responded… The very presence of the expression on his own face made him feel like he was back in school again, boasting about Quidditch to a watching audience and knowing that he had full control of them if only for those few moments of time.
"I haven't made many choices I've ever regretted in my life, Mr. Fudge," he said, "but very many I stand by even today with an even greater assurance... And be certain that my choice to become friends with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin are two things I have and never will regret, and will probably have been the best decision I will ever make in this lifetime, and that's more than I can say for some…."
"Really!?" She girls face light up. "Really, James Potter, honestly!? Tonks Nymphadora, at your serves, sir! And wow, I like your hair…"
"Tonks…"
She smiled sheepishly. "Ah, come on, 'Shackles', I'm just being friendly."
"'Shackles'?"
Dang it, the chapter was too long, I had to cut it off in the middle! It ended up being nearly 24 pages long, and I don't usually like posting things that go over 8-10, and maximum 12-14, and this chapter as it's posted now is about 24 pages. I won't go any farther. OI!!!
And at least I TOLD you it was Snape, after all. I'm really frustrated that I can't post the next part NOW, because I'm so excruciatingly PROUD of the rest of the encounter with Snape that I actually love re-reading it over and over. ^__^ I love writing that man!
Okay, now I'm nervous. I'm not sure what I should do with Lupin. Should he be okay or not okay… though I love him so much, too. T__T
ATTENTION!!!! FOR THOSE OF YOU WANT TO BE NOTIFIED AND HAVE AN AUTHOR ACCOUNT!!!! I realize now, IF YOU ARE AN AUTHOR, and review for this story, and check off "Author Alert" or whatever, you probably WILL be sent an email of when this story updates. Don't ask my why, though I have gotten these notices for stories I offhandedly clicked "Author Alert List" for, and though the author does NOT have a paid account, I still get an email.
Cool, huh?
It would be so much simpler, timely, and convenient for you and me if you were to either add me in your next review OR go to your login page and add me… though I don't know if that method works.
As always, especially now for those who do not have an author account, if you would like to be emailed the next time I update (which hopefully won't take so long) then please put your email in a review or email me directly. If you have NOT gotten an email from me, that means that your email didn't work, or it had gotten lost somewhere, and I'm sorry. Please give it to me again.
Thank you all! See you next time, though be warned, I have zero free hours during the week and very little time to write ANYTHING. Please bare with me, and sorry if I'm not writing fast enough.
Geuna~