Part Twenty-Five: "At 9am on December 19th"
At 9am on December 19th, Vernon Dursley kissed his wife on the cheek. She wished him a pleasant day and he drove to Grunnings with not a care in the world.
At 9am on December 19th, Petunia Dursley kissed her husband on the cheek and waited for him to drive up the street. When he was gone she rushed back into the house to change into sombre pants and sweater suit, and clutching her purse, returned to the curb and waited for the Knight Bus.
At 9am on December 19th, Stan Shuntpike had the dubious honour of being the person to help the very first Muggle ever to board the Knight Bus up the steps.
At 9am on December 19th, Donia Sawwan decided to wear the crimson lipstick instead of the dark purple. She had sharpened her wit to the killing point. She was going to win today. No excuses.
At 9am on December 19th, Sirius Black attempted one last time to try to fix his hair before his lawyer and his girlfriend came to pick him up from the jail, along with the contingent of armed Aurors. Fudge was in overkill mode. It was just too hard to fix his hair without a mirror, so he gave up. Ana would do it for him.
At 9am on December 19th, Remus Lupin drank a draught of the Wolfsbane Potion, and then brushed his teeth. The stuff made his breath foul, too. He selected his new pants and robe set to wear to court. Ana had bought them for him as a gift. She knew he wanted to look good for the trial, professional, but knew that he would not have accepted a monetary gift without having to ask. That's what he appreciated about Ana. She just knew. Sirius was a lucky man.
At 9am on December 19th, Hermione Granger was reviewing her notes on the British Wizarding Legal system, her notebook propped up on the pitcher of Pumpkin Juice.
At 9am on December 19th, Ginny Weasly wasn't looking and grabbled the handle of the Pumpkin Juice pitcher. Hermione's notes went flying into the blueberry syrup.
At 9am on December 19th, Ron Weasly was trying to get Harry to eat breakfast.
At 9am on December 19th, Harry Potter was feeling too nervous to eat breakfast.
At 9am on December 19th, Albus Dumbledore was up in his office, looking at the old yearbooks and mourning all those students he had lost, both as victims in the war and to the Dark. Hopefully today would be a day to get at least one of them back.
At 9am on December 19th, Severus Snape was sneering at anyone who came within range. He was not pleased that it was December 19th. The idea of a free Sirius Black set his teeth on edge.
At 9am on December 19th, Molly and Arthur Weasly were preparing to Floo to the Ministry of Magic. Arthur was trying to finish his tea, even as Molly shoved him into the fireplace.
At 9am on December 19th, the opposition was reviewing her notes.
At 9am on December 19th, Cornelius Fudge was feeling distinctly nervous. If Sirius Black was proven innocent then he would be proven stupid and rash and far too eager. He would probably pay for his hasty choice to send Black to Azkaban without a trial by being forced to resign as Minister of Magic.
At 9am on December 19th, Mad-Eye Moody was double-checking that all his wands and charms were where they were supposed to be, hidden in his robes.
At 9am on December 19th, Safa was filing her nails and keeping one eye on the arrival fireplaces. Her Aunt and Sirius Black's Sire would be there soon.
At 9am on December 19th, Arabella Figg ran out of her front door, carpet bag and one old cat in hand, when she saw the Knight Bus stop outside of Number 4 Privet Drive. She could only assume that Petunia Dursley was going to the trial, and thought maybe the Muggle woman would like some company.
At 9am on December 19th, Mimsy the House Elf sent a cup of blood to Miss Ana with a note wishing her good luck.
At 9am on December 19th, Petter Pettigrew was stalking back and forth in his magically reinforced cage, fuming.
At 9am on December 19th, Anathema Oldwyn had dressed carefully and applied a tasteful layer of light makeup. She had waxed her hair out into soft curls to frame her face and accent her unnaturally blue eyes. She had a Canadian passport in her back pocket. She was too nervous to be around Harry and his friends in the Great Hall, and Snape kept sneering at her. She was waiting for ten o'clock in the morning, when she could Floo (and not happily) to the Ministry of Magic with Remus, Albus, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Snape. The other Members of the Order of the Phoenix would meet them there. She would go with Donia Sawwan to fetch Sirius and then...
Then she would play the ace up her sleeve.
Safa was waiting for Ana when she arrived at the Headquarters. She ushered the Vampire through the congregated reporters and into a side room. Donia Sawwan was there, one hand on her hip and a briefcase in her hand.
Sirius was also there, looking miserable. His wrists were shackled together in front of him.
Ana threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. He willingly accepted her kiss.
"They won't find you guilty," she whispered to him "I won't let them."
He smiled weakly. He was trying to be brave.
But the nightmares of returning to Azkaban had been getting worse. So bad, that he had started to believe them. "Make me a promise?" he whispered back.
"Sure, anything."
"If they... if they find me guilty... if they try to... to send me back. You'll... you'll stake me?"
Ana jerked back and looked into his eyes. He was serious. "No."
"You promised," he hissed, his voice intense. "I'd rather die than go back."
"Sirius..."
"Ana...!"
She shook her head and pushed away from him. She covered her mouth with her hand.
Sirius' posture slumped. Donia touched his shoulder gently and said, "It's time."
They fought through the crowd to get into the courtroom, which seemed ridiculous to Ana. Why should the accused fight to get into the courtroom? Flashbulbs were snapping off in every direction, blinding her.
Reporters screamed questions. Donia kept snarling "no comment". Ana kept her head down, her hand twined in Sirius'.
She had no idea if she would show up in the magical photographs, but she had no problems with being pictured supporting Sirius. He was innocent.
The room they entered was circular, and a depressing grey. It was separated into three levels. The topmost was a gallery. It was packed with spectators. The Order of the Phoenix were among them, clearly showing their support for Sirius, prominently wearing their Medals of the Order of Merlin on their chests. Beside Molly Weasly sat Petunia Dursley, thin-lipped and nervous.
It was obvious that the witch had taken the jittery Muggle woman under her wing.
Ana waved at her and winked. Petunia waggled her fingers back from the top of her knee. She seemed ashamed to be waved at, but looked slightly relieved. It must have been nice to see a familiar face.
The second level consisted off the jury's box to the right, and the accused's box to the left. The box on the left had high railings and a metal ring cemented into the ground by the leg of the chair, obviously meant to shackle Sirius down. Ana felt it was totally unfair – binding him suggested that Sirius was violent, which would negatively effect the jury's opinion.
Between the two boxes, closest to the entrance of the door, were two desks. One for the defendant, one for the opposition. Opposite them stood a high podium and a comfortable looking chair. Obviously the judge's box.
On the lowest level, just a few steps down from the second, there was a wooden platform with a chair. This platform was also ringed with a waist-height railing. Ana supposed this was the witness stand. Around the outside of this were two sets of benches broken up with aisles and steps for people to use to get out of or into the pit. Along one side of the pit, closest to the accused's box, sat Harry, Hermione, Ron, Remus, and Snape, and an elderly gentleman who introduced himself to Ana as Mr. Olivander. Along the other sat Fudge, Goyle, and several people Ana recognized as Death Eaters who had not be captured, or who had been let off.
She snarled at them, raising her lip to reveal her fangs in silent warning. They just smiled back.
Ana gave Sirius one last hug before he was lead to the box. She sat beside Harry, patting her pocket to make sure her Ace was right where it was supposed to be.
It was.
Donia set her briefcase on her desk and began to sort through some papers. Happy with the way they were arranged, she sashayed over to Sirius and began to speak with him in hushed tones. Reporters in the gallery strained to hear.
A door behind the crowd on the middle section opened, and Ana stared with some trepidation as the Prosecution Lawyer walked into the court room. She was tall, and dressed in a very tasteful powder-blue pants suit. Her curly hair was drawn back away from her high cheekbones, her blue eyes glittering with determination, her rose-painted lips set in a firm line. She was clutching a brief case, and Ana watched as several male heads swiveled as she walked by.
If they boys were any less obvious, they'd give themselves whiplash.
Ana gulped - this would be one tough cookie to crack. This woman looked serious. She obviously was ready to send Sirius to the hangman. Figuratively... possibly literally.
Except, you know... Vampire.
Can't strangle someone who doesn't breathe.
The first row of the jury filed in, and the feeling of trepidation doubled. They all looked like aristocrats. Pureblood assholes who'd have something against Sirius for no other reason but his own reaction to his last name. Ana frowned, and caught Fudge's look of triumph at her frown.
The second row entered and Ana felt mildly better. These looked like simple, honest wizards. Good working stiffs with a clear sense of right and wrong. Who knew the value of doing anything to protect the ones they loved. At least, she hoped they were.
An Auror with blonde hair pulled back in a simple bun and in purple dress robes entered from behind the judge's podium and cleared her throat.
"The honourable Stephanie Lalonde presiding! All rise!" she called, and the crowd immediately jumped to their feet and shut up. The people pushing to get in the doors stilled. Ana rose as well. A murmur swept through all the people assembled as the tall, red-haired judge entered and sat. She glared out at the mob through square-framed glasses.
If she wasn't a judge, Ana thought she'd make an excellent school teacher. She had that 'don't fuck with me' look down pat.
"Thank you, Constable Ogle. Somebody shut that goddamned door. I don't want this place to turn into more of a circus than it already is."
The people fighting to get inside the already stuffed courtroom let out a raucous shout of protest, but the doors were shut in their faces.
Ana liked her instantly.
Judge Lalonde rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Okay. We all know why we're here. Sirius Black, Trial of the Century. Blah blah. Defendant, your opening statement please?"
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury," Donia began, rising to her feet. She turned to nod at the jury, and some nodded back. Others just listened with their pens poised. One was picking his nose. "Members of the Press, spectators," she gestured to her own witnesses, "dear friends, Order of the Phoenix..." she grinned down at the prosecutor's witnesses, "Lying bastards."
"Objection!" cried the prosecuting lawyer immediately.
"Overruled, Ms. Routeledge," the Judge smiled. "But watch your tongue, Ms. Sawwan."
"Yes your honour. Sorry." She didn't mean it. It was obvious. "Ahem. As I was saying... we are here to try Sirius Black. Everyone knows the story, so I'll provide it in a nut shell for those present too young to have read about it in headline after headline after headline in the Daily Prophet. You-Know-Who rose to power and threatened the Potters, Lily and James and their dear baby son Harry. The Potters were members of the original Order of the Phoenix, we have since discovered, but it was well known even then that they fought for the side of the Light. The Potters appointed Sirius Black their Secret-Keeper, performed the fildelus charm and retreated into hiding in Godric's Hollow. Now, as the story goes, Sirius Black was a Death Eater and he betrayed his best friend and his wife to the Dark Lord, who promptly killed them with the killing curse, and attempted to also kill young Mr. Potter here."
She gestured at Harry, who had his head bowed and his fingers clenched tightly in his lap. His knuckles were white. Ana reached across Hermione and squeezed his hand briefly.
"It is then believed that the spell backfired on You-Know-Who, killing him. Again, we know now that that was not the case. He was temporarily weakened, only to return to full power two years ago during the Hogwarts–Beauxbatons–Durmstrang Triwizard tournament. A fact, I believe, that Mr. Fudge, our Minister of Magic..." she looked down at her notes pointedly, raised an eyebrow and quirked the side of her lip up theatrically. "Oh, my... denied. Tut tut."
"Ms. Sawwan..." the Judge warned.
Donia smiled. Ana felt her stomach wrapping into knots. She didn't dare look at Sirius' face. She almost wished Donia would cut the melodramatics, but they were helping to get her point across.
"The fairy tale goes on to say that Sirius went mad with grief at the loss of his Lord – of course, here I must stop to ask: if Sirius really had been a Death Eater, he would have been aware of the fact that the Dark Lord was in fact not dead and therefore would have no reason to go mad, n'est pas? I continue: Apparently Sirius went mad. Poor little Peter Pettigrew, friend to both the Potters and Mr. Black tracked down his friend when he heard what had happened and tried to get him to turn himself in. Mr. Black then pulled out his wand, muttered a curse, and decimated a city street, killing thirteen innocent muggles and Pettigrew himself. All that was left was a single finger. Sirius Black miraculously survived, and for reasons unknown, waited for the Aurors to arrive. They arrested him, and he laughed all the way to Azkaban. May I also ask here why Mr. Black was not given the benefit of a proper trial? No, don't answer," she waved at Fudge, who was beginning to turn purple. "I'm sure you'll try explaining later. It should be entertaining and I don't want to spoil the story. Ahem. I am here to prove to you that not only was Sirius Black not the Potter's Secret Keeper and therefore not guilty of betraying them to the Dark Lord, but also that he was wrongly imprisoned, and persecuted, and did not in fact murder Pettigrew or the thirteen muggles. Improbable? Possibly. Impossible? I doubt it."
Donia smiled winningly at the Jury before going on:
"I have the collected testimony of several respected members of the wizarding community, as well as the forensic evidence of the city street, and the informed opinion of Mr. Olivander, who made Mr. Black's wand, and has studied the remains of said wand found in the private collection of one Mr. Lucius Malfoy after his arrest on November first of this year. I am confident that the Jury will agree with me that Mr. Black is innocent. Furthermore," her winning grin slid into one of malicious glee, "I will provide the real Secret-Keeper and murderer."
A buzz of voices shot around the room as Donia returned to her seat. Ana swallowed hard and patted her pocket.
The Judge pinched the bridge of her nose again, warding off a headache. "Thank you, Ms. Sawwan. Ms. Routledge, your opening please."
The other woman stood smoothly and tugged down her blazer. Her cold blue eyes swept the room, pausing briefly on Ana. Ana smiled at her like she was her most favouritest person in the world. Ms. Routeldege sneered and turned to the Jury.
"Honourable Judge Lalonde, ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Today is a momentous day, in which we will see justice done a second time. Today is the day that will see Sirius Black judged for the crimes he has committed. My... revered colleague," she said, glancing sideways at Donia, "has told you the story of what happened on the nights leading up to and after the murder of James and Lily Potter. She has, however, put her own unique slant on things concerning the events after their murder. As I will prove today, the true version of events will surface, as the defendant, Sirius Black, will be proven guilty without a doubt. The prosecution has several eyewitness accounts, as well as a scientimagus who will attempt to recreate the events as they occurred on November first, 1983."
Donia scowled and the other woman smiled.
"Today is the day that will prove Mr. Black guilty of betraying his promise as Secret-Keeper to James and Lily Potter, thus revealing their whereabouts to the Dark Lord. This betrayal set into motion a tragic set of events that are now legendary in our community. Not only did he betray his best friends, he put them and their son, Harry, his own godson, in mortal danger. As the story goes," she said, deliberately using Ms. Sawwan's phrasing, "Peter Pettigrew searched for his friend Sirius, to beg him to turn himself in. Sirius, his mental state questionable since his betrayal, pulled out his wand and shot Peter with a killing curse so hard that it utterly destroyed Peter, save for a finger, and killed thirteen Muggle bystanders. I ask you, are these the actions of an innocent man? Are these the actions of a man who is loyal to his friends? He turned against them first by becoming a Death-Eater in secret, then betrayed their trust to the Dark Lord, and ultimately killed one of his best childhood friends."
The lawyer turned watery blue eyes to the Gallery, milking their reactions.
"Do we want this man on the streets of Hogsmeade, or in Diagon Alley, where your children could be playing?" Ana rolled her eyes as the lawyer pressed on. "Shall we allow him to roam free in London, or anywhere for that matter, where his betrayal can know no bounds? Sirius Black is a dangerous felon and murderer, and should be sent back to Azkaban, from which he miraculously escaped three years ago. Think carefully, dear jury, about the decision you will need to make. Your welfare and that of your children depend on it."
Donia rested her chin in her hand and made an opening and closing motion with her other hand. "Blah blah blah. Somebody watches too much Muggle television."
Ms. Routeledge glared at Donia, who smiled back.
Judge Lalonde groaned. If the lawyers are quite finished acting like children, can we please proceed to Ms. Sawwan's first witness?"
Donia stood and smiled, as if she had been waiting for this all morning. She probably had been. "Of course, your honour. Mr. Black, if you please?"
The Aurors unchained Sirius and led him to the witness platform. He was sworn in and, against all common dignity, Donia sat on the steps that led down into the pit in order to be eye level with him.
It made him seem like an equal. It also allowed Donia to flash her panties at the bench of Defendant's witnesses. On said panties was a Dark Mark drawn in black marker and crossed out in red.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Black?" she asked genially.
Sirius smiled thinly. "I'm on trial for murders I didn't commit. I'm just fine, thanks."
Donia smiled back. "Mr. Black, can you please describe your relationship with the Potters?"
"James and Lily Potter were my best friends. I've known James since we were in Hogwarts together, and we were placed in the same House, and were roommates for our entire time there. I was the best man at James and Lily's wedding."
Donia nodded, understanding. "Were ever at any time a Death Eater, Mr. Black?"
"No," he said forcefully. "Never."
"Would you be willing to undergo a Veritus charm to verify that?"
Sirius looked apprehensive for a moment. Then, he lifted his chin and said, "Yes."
The courtroom was awash with hushed whispers as Auror Ogle stepped up and pointed her wand at Sirius. "This is gonna hurt," she warned him.
Sirius attempted a smile. It fell slightly flat. "I know."
"Veritatus!"
Sirius screamed and clutched at the railing of his box, but did not fall.
"Are you, or have you ever been a Death Eater?" Donia asked quickly, mindful of the pain he was in.
"No!"
"Did you ever serve the Dark Lord?"
"No!"
"Did you betray the Potters?"
"No!"
"Were you the Potter's Secret Keeper?"
"No... it hurts..."
"I know, Mr. Black," Donia said soothingly. "Just a few more questions from Ms. Rutledge, and we'll lift the curse. Okay?"
"Okay."
Sirius was panting, his face white and his forehead against the railing. He was squeezing his hands so tightly they bled. Ana's heart was in her throat. If this went on too long, Sirius could be permanently hurt.
The prosecution stepped up and asked, hanging back only a bit, and perhaps on purpose, "Mr. Black, have you ever lied to an authority figure?"
"Yes," he grimaced.
"Have you purposely deceived someone in authority in order to achieve your goals?"
"...Yes."
"Objection!" Donia snapped. "All young boys lie to their teachers. I don't see the point."
Ms. Rutledge sneered. "I shall rephrase to suit the court. Have you ever deceived someone while under oath to keep a secret?"
Sirius shuddered. "Yes." Sweat beads in bloody red began to emerge on his forehead.
"Would you do it again to suit your purposes?"
Sirius' legs buckled and he slammed down on his knees, hands digging into the railing so hard the wood creaked. Ana shot to her feet and the Auror holding the wand glared at her until she had back down.
"... it depends on the situation."
"Would you care to elaborate, Mr. Black?"
"I'd do anything to protect someone I loved."
Ms. Rutledge shared a secret smile with the Jury then said, "No further questions, your honour."
Ana shot to her feet, pointing at Sirius. "That's unfair! Ask him what lie he told!"
The curly-haired lawyer grimaced. Donia smirked and crossed her arms over her chest. "Yes, do ask him."
"To please the court... What lie did you tell, Mr. Black?"
Sirius chuckled weakly, the sound airy and thin. "Albus Dumbledore made me swear never to tell anyone that Remus Lupin was a werewolf. I told James Potter. And I lied to Professor McGonagall when she asked if I set off the dungbombs in Mr. Filch's office. And I lied to Professor Binns when I said I hadn't copied Peter's homework. And I lied to Olive Bluet when I told her I was a virgin. And I lied to Professor Fargus when I told him it wasn't me who told the Hufflepuff Quidditch team that Severus Snape has a birthmark in the shape of a broomstick on his--"
"That's enough!" the Judge said hastily. "To get to the point, Mr. Black. Did you tell the Dark Lord where the Potters were hiding?"
He shuddered all over once, his head dropping. "No."
"Very good. Constable? Lift the Spell."
"Finite Incantatum."
Sirius dropped to the floor, unconscious. The guards took him back to his box, lifting him gently.
"No further questions," Ms. Rutledge said redundantly, looking at his prone form.
Donia requested a recess, and it was denied. Everyone knew that Sirius Black was a Vampire now. His eyelids fluttered open a few seconds later and he lifted his head slowly. "Huh?" he rasped out.
An Auror handed him a small cup of something red, and he drank it gratefully.
"I have no further questions for the accused, your honour," Donia said solemnly. "I would like to move onto Mr. Olivander."
The Judge nodded, and added, "But no more Veritus charms."