Wow, I love the review response for the last chapter, guys! Thank you so much for your kind words concerning my relatives. I'm grateful to know that a few of you mentioned that you too were safe. My vacation is going well and I somehow managed to get this little thing up for you. I hope I did this justice and that you'll enjoy it. Courts are not really my thing so this was challenging for me. I hope it all makes sense and that you like it. Leave a review please!

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or Harry Potter

25: The Trial

He was held between two Aurors, his wrists secured in cuffs emitting a soft golden glow. Though his pallid appearance betrayed the pitiful circumstances he'd lived in the last few days, Rodolphus Lestrange carried himself as a noble would. His shoulders were straight, his neck erect, and his footsteps confident. His impressive countenance also possessed a sense of superiority, displaying a man who cared little for those beneath him, who took pleasure preying on the weak. Arthur was immediately reminded of Cenred and he wrinkled his nose in disgust.

Rodolphus' dark eyes swiveled around to Merlin and a horrid glint sparked in them, his inner sadistic desires leaping unspoken as he sent the warlock the cruelest grin he could muster. Arthur's hand unconsciously went to Excalibur, his fingers tightening on the hilt. To his credit, Merlin did not outwardly react but the king could practically feel the inner tremors rippling through his frame anyway. Freya seemed to as well for she squeezed Merlin's fingers in reassurance. The warlock swallowed. Arthur chanced a glance at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The trio looked murderous, their eyes dark with anger and disgust for the man that was currently being shoved into the only chair in the middle of the room. Arthur knew they were angry concerning what Rodolphus had done to Merlin but he suspected there was more to their resentment than this offence.

Arthur, keeping his curiosity to himself for now, turned back just in time to see the chains attached to the chair snake around Rodolphus's ankles before joining with those already securing his wrists together. After checking to make sure the chains had done their work, the two unnamed Aurors stepped back and took their positions near the only exit, their wands out and at the ready, their eyes scrutinizing not only Rodolphus but the rest of the room's occupants.

"Rodolphus Lestrange," Kingsley began, his voice hard and controlled, "you have been brought before this body to answer for the crimes you have committed since your breakout from the wizard prison, Azkaban, in nineteen ninety six. Few of your horrific deeds are known to this court since your escape but the most recent and pressing, being the kidnapping and torture of the infamous warlock, Merlin Emrys, we are aware of." – Merlin tried not to shift as every eye in the room flickered to him. – "We have asked him and others who have witnessed his torture to be present during this sentencing. We will first hear an account from the victim followed by several witnesses. After this, we will discuss your other known crimes, allow you to confess others, and then pass judgment. Merlin, if you will kindly step forward, please."

As Merlin stood so did Arthur.

"Arthur, what are you doing?" Merlin whispered.

"I will not allow you to go anywhere near that man without me," the king stated.

"Is there a problem?" Kingsley prompted though, judging by his face, he had a pretty good idea what the delay might be.

"Merlin can either address you from where he is standing or I will accompany him to stand before the court," Arthur answered before Merlin could. It wasn't a request.

"Very well," Kingsley decided after several witches and wizards muttered in confusion.

As Arthur followed Merlin down from the stands to the main floor he caught the approving nods of his comrades. Guinevere and Freya sent him grateful smiles while Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked merely curious but accepting. The king felt a soft push against his mind and immediately responded the way Merlin had taught him, opening his mind by envisioning he was opening a door.

"You didn't have to come with me," Merlin said though he was grateful.

"Of course I did," Arthur replied protectively, "I'm not about to give that beast of a man an opportunity to do something to you."

"He's chained up, Arthur. I don't think he's capable of doing anything."

"I'm not taking any chances so shut up and address the court."

Merlin sighed. "Yes, Your Royal Pratness."

Merlin stopped four feet away from Lestrange, his whole body ridged with anxiety as the man's gloating smile attempted to catch his attention. Unlike Merlin, who was doing his best to ignore his existence, Arthur looked Rodolphus straight in the eye. Not caring that he had the attention of the entire court, the king unsheathed Excalibur and pointed it threateningly towards Lestrange's throat.

"Try anything," the king warned in a chilling tone, "and I'll strike you down where you stand."

Attempting to be brave, Lestrange scoffed. "That toy of yours holds no candle to wizardry, muggle king."

Arthur's eyes flashed dangerously and he drew the point so it was literally resting against Rodolphus's neck. "This toy," he spat, "is Excalibur and it is not to be trivially cast aside, sorcerer. Forged in a dragon's breath, it possesses magical powers that your finite mind cannot even begin to comprehend. Do not test me, Lestrange. This blade will be the last thing you see if you do."

"King Arthur, if you do not remove your sword I will have you forcibly removed from this court room," Kingsley warned.

To everyone's surprise, it was Merlin who answered.

"Kingsley, do not threaten my King again."

The words were not spoken harshly but they carried a quiet power that made the entire Wizengamot draw back in fear. His eyes significantly wider than before, the Minister nodded to the warlock who then turned to his brother.

"Arthur, put the sword down before you create another mess I have to clean up."

Arthur scowled at Merlin before glaring at Lestrange. The Death Eater's expression was still sardonic but his eyes betrayed him. He was intimidated. Satisfied that he had successfully rattled the man, Arthur conceded to Merlin's request and lowered his sword. He kept it in hand, however, silently stating that he was still prepared to use it if he felt it was required. Kingsley cast him a silent look of disapproval but Arthur didn't care.

Clearing his throat, the Minister addressed the warlock. "Merlin, if you would, please inform the court of the accused's dealings against you."

And so it began. Merlin didn't go into deep details. He stated the facts, how he left to take care of the accident that occurred on Christmas day and ended up in the clutches of Voldemort's remaining followers. He explained the rune cuffs and his ignorance to their side effect at the time he'd used them on Lestrange when he kidnapped him in order to gain information shortly before the Battle of Hogwarts.

"Excuse me," a witch with rather curly hair and a prominent nose bravely interrupted, "but how could you choose to use the rune cuffs if you were ignorant of their side effects?"

Merlin smiled kindly at her and explained, "I modeled them after a pair that Arthur had in the vaults of Camelot – the original pair had been made during the Purge under King Uther's reign. The cuffs were only used against evil sorcerers and were not removed until after the accused was dead. When we began working towards establishing Albion, there were many dark sorcerers wandering the land so we decided to again use the cuffs Uther had to restrain them. Later, after our trip here to the future, several sorcerers were arrested under suspicion but later freed by co-conspirators against the crown. It was then that we discovered the rune cuffs had the side effect of causing a person's magic to surge after keeping it at bay for an extended period of time."

"P-Pardon me, M-Merlin," a wizard stuttered nervously.

Merlin tried to send him a reassuring smile. "Yes?"

"I'm confused," the wizard muttered. "What do you mean by your 'trip to the future'?"

"Ahhh… well, let's just say my life is a little… complicated," Merlin answered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"That's an understatement," Arthur snickered. "I suggest you give them the Reader's Digest Version, Merlin. If not, we'll be here into the next century."

Merlin nodded before proceeding to give a quick synopsis of his very long life. There was a combination of disbelief, skepticism, and astonishment from everyone who hadn't known these details before. Even Lestrange appeared surprised; he clearly hadn't anticipated that the man he'd kidnapped was not the same warlock he'd seen fighting during the Hogwarts Battle but an older much wiser version of the man.

"Anyway," Merlin prattled on after finishing the explanation of his rather bizarre life, "to finish the original request concerning my capture: Rodolphus Lestrange's magic was suppressed for an extended period of time by my younger rather ignorant self so when the Aurors removed the cuffs it exploded and provided him with the means to escape. He took the rune cuffs with him and formulated a plan to use them to kidnap me which he succeeded in doing Christmas day."

Merlin then labeled the types of torture Rodolphus had inflicted upon him without going into the traumatic details that had left him severely emotionally scarred. Neither did he explain Archimedes involvement of removing his immortality since it didn't have anything to do with his short but unimaginably cruel imprisonment. He did speak of Morgana, vouching for her bravery alongside Professor McGonagall, adamantly stating that if it weren't for their key roles, he wouldn't be standing before the court as a free man. He concluded the tale with the rescue, thanking the Ministry for their involvement in Arthur's plans to free him.

To say that the court was speechless was an understatement. Many were appalled and disgusted – not to mention floored – by the extent of torture Merlin had endured in so short a time under the hands of the accused. Several witches were silently crying while a few wizards expressed their abhorrence of the evil practices with enraged glares directed at Lestrange himself.

Merlin, never completely comfortable being the center of attention, unconsciously shifted closer to Arthur. The king tightened his grip on his sword and tried to catch Kingsley's eye, hoping to silently convey the need for the warlock to sit down. He could feel Merlin quivering slightly beside him; the poor man was barely holding it together. After another uncomfortable minute Kingsley dismissed them and asked Morgana to come forward.

It took every ounce of strength Merlin possessed to return to the stands in a confident stride instead of a terrified bolt. Arthur glanced at him worriedly the moment the two had sat down, grateful that they were no longer the center of the court's attention due to Morgana's presence.

Arthur nudged Merlin's mind. "Are you alright? We can leave if you need to."

Merlin shook his head. "I can't leave in the middle of the trial. I'll just have to wait until it's over."

"You don't need to stay," Arthur argued. "You've given your testimony. No one would keep you here if you decided to leave."

"I'm not going to give Lestrange the satisfaction of seeing me fleeing from the room, Arthur!" Merlin snapped.

The king sighed. He knew all about not wanting your enemies to see your weaknesses. He decided to leave Merlin alone. But if the warlock's anxiety grew worse than it already was then he would resort to forcing him to leave, no matter what the consequence. Turning back to the trial, Arthur felt pride swell in his breast for Morgana. Despite the distrustful glares of several members of the court, she faced them without batting an eyelid.

"Traitor," Lestrange snarled behind her, spitting at her back.

Morgana took a deep breath to steady her inner emotions but didn't turn around, her green eyes focusing entirely on the Wizengamot.

"You are Morgana Pendragon?" Kingsley asked.

"I am," she stated.

Several people murmured at this but Kingsley continued. "Will you kindly tell us your account of the events regarding Merlin Emrys' kidnapping?"

Morgana kept things simple. Without going into detail she stated that once the memories of her past had been restored she had no more desire to do evil, agreeing to pretend to be in league with the Death Eaters in order to move Merlin to a safer location to perform a rescue. Arthur noted the slight quiver in her voice when she spoke of Professor McGonagall's sacrifice but, to her credit, Morgana did not cry. The majority of the Wizengamot still eyed her with distrust after she finished her account.

"Filth," Lestrange spat behind her. "You are a disgrace to our kind, Morgana Pendragon! Siding with muggle-loving fools, it is no wonder your magic was taken from you! You are not worthy of it!"

Morgana rounded on the man, her eyes flaring with the inner fire Arthur had seen whenever she stood up to Uther. It was an intimidating sight and though he didn't shy back physically, Lestrange's confidence slightly faltered. Drawing herself up to her full height, the former High Priestess spit her own venom.

"Do not pretend to know me, Rodolphus Lestrange. I have delved into the blackest of magicks, stood beside the greatest witches of the earth, and commanded an infinite force your pathetic mind could never begin to comprehend let alone harness. I have seen prophecies fulfilled, waged and won wars, and conquered multiple kingdoms. I have accomplished more than the Dark Lord ever did and I am not proud of it. The path I chose to follow led only to darkness, hate, and bitterness. I lost every relationship I ever cherished, my company diminishing to that of mercenaries, scoundrels, and thieves: men who cared only for their own lucre. Though I am sure my words will mean nothing to you since you have labeled me as a traitor, I will give you fair warning: the path you are on will lead to nothing but dissatisfaction, self-loathing, and death.

"It may come as a shock to you but I care not that I have lost my magic in my rebirth. In actuality, I'm grateful. Possessing magic led me down a path I never desire to walk again." She glanced at her fellow witnesses. Her gaze softened as it landed on Gwaine before she turned her back on Lestrange and addressed the Wizengamot. "You all may feel that losing your magic is comparable to losing your soul but to me, it was finding mine. The life I have now is what I always yearned for and I truly am sorry for my previous actions in my previous life. I have to live with the atrocities I committed in my past and I will confirm to this gathered body that in my former life I did aid Lord Voldemort and his followers in the attack of Hogwarts. I killed many people then but I beseech you to see not who I once was but who I have now chosen to be."

She stood tall, the daughter of a king, a woman of true nobility. Arthur couldn't be more proud of her. She had come so far and her penitence was genuine. He did not take well to betrayals but what he had seen the last few days from Morgana was enough to know that she truly had no desire to return to her former lifestyle. The king was rather nervous for her, however. She had just admitted to the entire wizarding court that she had committed murders in a battle that was very much fresh in all of their minds –though it was a long distant memory to the gathered Camelotians. Would they sentence her to life in Azkaban for such a trial? Arthur dared them to try it – and as he looked at his fellow friends, their eyes were shining with the same dare.

A man with a tweedy build and an overly large nose cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "Miss Pendragon, you were gathered as a witness but your confessions are something that this court should take into account. We do not take lightly the acknowledgement of murder."

Several people nodded in agreement and Arthur saw Gwaine tense and send them a death glare. Percival placed a hand on his forearm in warning and shook his head. Gwaine scowled. Morgana stood tall, her form betraying nothing of her inner feelings.

"If anyone should end up in Azkaban, it should be her!" Lestrange shouted from his chair before anyone else could speak. "She is the most celebrated evil witch in history! Why is she not in chains? Is it justice that I should be and she not when she has performed atrocities worse than any crime I have ever committed?"

Before anyone could say another word, Merlin stood and Arthur instinctively drew back from the sheer power suddenly radiating from his best friend. The entire room filled with chilling awe as the warlock thundered in a voice that shook the very foundations beneath their feet.

"Say another foul word against her and you will never speak again," he promised.

Arthur's heart stuttered in fear from the sound of Merlin's voice. He'd only seen Merlin this way once, in his life as a Court Sorcerer, and it was after some foul wizard had cursed Arthur in the tongue of the Old Religion using black magic. The king had never dared to ask what it was the sorcerer had done once Merlin had removed said curse but he guessed it had been very bad judging by the fact that Merlin had nearly turned the man to nothing but a charcoaled mess against his throne room wall.

Currently the warlock's eyes were the same as they had been then: a chaotic storm, the blue infused with flecks of magic gold. The air almost seem to crackle with electricity as the most powerful warlock of all time launched himself over the benches and landed with an ethereal grace befitting that of a creature of the Old Religion – and he looked it too. Merlin's countenance glowed with a pearly light as he strode forward with the noble air of royalty and Arthur could only stare in awe. This was the true form of Emrys, Magic among men.

Without looking at Rodolphus he addressed the witches and wizards in the benches above. "I want it understood," he said in a voice that dared any to oppose him, "that Morgana Pendragon has received a full pardon from the Old Religion and therefore this lesser court of power has no grounds to accuse her of previous deeds of misconduct. She paid with her crimes with her life in the past and now, with her rebirth, she is what the Wizarding World would call a muggle. She has committed no crimes in this life that any member of this body could charge against her – and any who dare attempt to punish her for the crimes of her former life will experience the full wrath of the Old Religion, a magick that makes that which you possess seem like mere parlor tricks. If there are any who have suffered previously by her past life they may be comforted in the fact that Emrys brought the evil witch to justice and she will be troubling them no more. The current woman you see before you is my friend and sister in all but blood. You threaten her, you threaten me. You threaten me, you threaten the Old Religion, the Mother Magick to what you currently use in your society."

And without a backward glance, he nodded towards a rather stunned Morgana before gliding back to his seat, the power emanating from him slowly receding with each step he took. By the time he sat down next to Arthur and Freya he was the normal Merlin they had known for years.

An awed silence rang through the chamber and Arthur smugly noted that every witch and wizard in the room was content to agree with Emrys and clear the current Morgana of all previous charges against her. Even Rodolphus was cowed into accepting the unspoken verdict. The king looked at his warlock and sent him an approving nod. Merlin returned it equally in kind, his former nerves and fear dissipated due to his current mood.

After what felt like an eternity, Kingsley found his voice. "Thank you for your witness, Morgana Pendragon. This council, I am sure, holds nothing against you and wishes you well in your future endeavors."

Morgana surprised him by curtseying in her elegant green gown. "Thank you, Minister." And without looking once at Lestrange, she walked gracefully back to her chair and sat next to Gwaine. It was only when she was no longer in the spotlight that Arthur saw her hands begin to shake. Gwaine discreetly placed his own over them and sent her a warm smile, his dark eyes alight with reassurance and pride. Morgana sent him a grateful smile before turning to Merlin, her expression conveying her heartfelt thanks. Merlin returned it with a solemn nod.

Harry was then called to bear witness, seeing as he was one of the original three that had rescued Merlin from his holding cell. Arthur noticed how the court regarded Harry with respect, some even with a slightly disturbing adoration – like one would view a deity. It wasn't the same level of adulation shown to Merlin but it was just as clear that this young man had earned their loyalty and gratitude from ridding the world of the most evil wizard of the age.

Harry didn't speak with eloquence but he was clear and confident in his replies to their questions. He carried himself well, a natural leader, and Arthur could already see the potential he possessed of becoming such one day to the Auror force. After Harry, Arthur was asked to give his account of the tragic sufferings of his brother.

Facing the court, Arthur stood tall, every inch the king he had been born to be. Though his influence was not physical as Merlin's had been, it was felt by all in the room and it was received both with interest and slight fear. There was an unspoken understanding that Arthur was to be treated with the same caliber and respect as the other side of his coin even if he did not possess magic himself; he was the Once and Future King after all, a man of legend and prophecy.

"King Arthur," Kingsley acknowledged, "would you please tell this court what happened when you rescued Merlin Emrys?"

"My account will be the same as the others but since it adds further testament against this wretched filth behind me I will gladly give it," Arthur stated before doing just that. After explaining the rescue, he went on to add in light detail, "The effects of the trauma my Court Sorcerer has experienced have left deep wounds that no man should ever have to endure. I am thankful that Merlin possesses the strongest soul of any man I have ever met and I have all confidence that he will rise from the challenges that currently beset him inflicted by the hands of the accused. That being said, a punishment worthy of the crime inflicted on a member of my court must be made. I know my authority as king is not law in this gathering but I will give a suggestion of a suitable punishment that I ask each of you to consider."

Several members of the Wizengamot leaned forward in interest while Kingsley raised an eyebrow. "Say on," he invited.

Before Arthur could even open his mouth, however, Rodolphus exploded behind him. "You are correct in your words, muggle king!" he snapped. "You have no power here and therefore your opinion is invalid and unnecessary! Your words and presence are dispensable pieces of excrement! How dare you stand there, pretending to be a ruler over us, your superiors? You do not even deserve to breathe the same air we do, let alone share the same –"

But whatever else Rodolphus was going to say was cut short as a wave of golden magic slammed into his body, freezing his tongue and his limbs in place. His mouth hung a little open and his eyes widened but he no longer had control over his body. Arthur knew immediately that this was Merlin's work and decided to give the warlock credit where it was due.

"Thank you, Merlin," he said, trying to keep the grin from spreading from his face. Turning back to the rather shocked but appreciative Wizengamot, the king continued, "As I was saying, the punishment I feel suitable for this villain is one Merlin informed me of a short time ago: the Dementor's Kiss."

There was silence as this was received, followed by a dull muttering as each member of the court addressed their neighbor. Some appeared appalled by such a suggestion but most seemed to accept it as appropriate. Kingsley quieted the group by clearing his throat.

"The Dementor's Kiss is a punishment we do not take lightly," he said. "However, in the case of Rodolphus Lestrange, it is an option this court has previously discussed before this trial."

"If I may ask, what other options are being considered?" asked Arthur.

"Life in Azkaban or Obliviation of all previous memories," Kingsley answered.

Arthur nodded. "May I add other punishments to consider besides what I have already suggested?"

Kingsley nodded his approval, his eyes scrunched up in confusion and curiosity. Several others shared similar expressions in the gathered crowd.

"Merlin has to capability of taking away someone's magic," Arthur revealed and this caused a horrified gasp to escape every witch and wizard in the room – minus Rodolphus who could only stare at the back of Arthur's head in terror.

"I-Is this t-true?" a frightened witch squeaked from the second bench of gathered officials.

Arthur could feel Merlin's glare before the warlock begrudgingly admitted, "My King speaks the truth. As Magic itself I am capable of performing such a feat but it is one I have done only once and it was with the permission of the Old Religion that I even did it at all."

"May we ask who merited such a punishment?" asked a man that looked like one strong gust of wind would knock the life out of him.

Merlin shook his head. "I do not feel it important to divulge that information. I feel that the last punishment suggested by my King be stricken from the list of options seeing as the Old Religion has not given me any indication that Rodolphus Lestrange deserves such a fate."

Arthur met Merlin's angry glare with a shrug and internally said, "I thought I'd make it known that you were not one to be underestimated."

"I'm bloody Merlin, Arthur! I think that was already established before you had to petrify them with such information!" Merlin retorted angrily. "I'm already alienated enough from my own kind. Could you not make it worse?"

Arthur immediately regretted what he'd done. "Sorry," he softly muttered in his mind. "That wasn't my intention."

Merlin's anger abated somewhat as he sighed, "I know it wasn't but you can sometimes be the biggest idiot in the world."

"Hey," Arthur complained, "that's your job, not mine."

"Then stop trying to steal it from me, you prat." And the king was grateful to hear the playful edge returning to the warlock's tone. "By the way, I think you've said enough. You might want to sit down now, seeing as everyone is staring at you."

Arthur finally noticed that Merlin was right; the witches and wizards were looking at him curiously. Glaring at his Court Sorcerer, the king addressed the court with what he hoped was reclaimed dignity. "I stand by my Advisor's suggestion but urge this body to consider my original proposal."

And without waiting for Kingsley to dismiss him – Kings dismissed themselves! – Arthur rejoined Guinevere who was smiling. She usually held this expression when she was proud and supporting of his decisions. Arthur took her hand and kissed it before facing forward with his head held high.

Kingsley did not seem too pleased by this disruptive behavior in his courtroom; he obviously hadn't experienced other people being in a higher authority than him in such a setting. After a moment the dark wizard let out a soft sigh, straightened his shoulders, and fixed Rodolphus with a disgusted frown.

"After hearing the testimonies of this incident, we will now proceed to list further known charges held against you."

The list wasn't long but it was atrocious. Arthur found himself inwardly cringing. It fathomed him that men could stoop to such appalling behavior. How did they sleep at night? By the time he'd finished laying Rodolphus's crimes before the council, Kingsley displayed the same disgust that Arthur felt. Setting the parchment aside that he had been reading, the Minister threaded his fingers and glared down at the chained Death Eater.

Without removing his gaze, he said, "Merlin, would you please release the accused from your spell?"

"If I must," Merlin answered before another wave of pure magic did just as suggested.

"Is there any other crimes you wish to confess to before we pass judgment, Lestrange?" Kingsley asked.

The Death Eater raised his head and with a voice of sickening passion stated, "I do not need to say more for I do not regret anything I have done."

The Minister's disgust grew along with the rest of the gathered court. "Very well then," Kingsley said, sitting straight. "All in favor of the accused receiving the punishment of Obliviation, please raise your hand."

None did.

"All desiring the accused of a life sentence in Azkaban?"

Not one soul moved at the suggestion. Arthur looked on in silent approval, knowing that the next suggested punishment would be unanimously decided.

"All of the conclusion that the accused has earned the punishment of the Dementor's Kiss?"

The entire room – the witnesses included – raised their hands. The Death Eater displayed no fear nor did he say a thing. He simply sat there.

"Rodolphus Lestrange, for all of the crimes you have chosen to commit we hereby find you guilty and sentence you to the punishment of the Dementor's Kiss," Kingsley said with finality. "Aurors, take him away."

In utter silence, Lestrange stood as the chains from the chair fell away, leaving him in nothing but the original chains in which he was brought. With his head held high and his eyes holding no emotion, he was escorted out, his essence giving no indication that he regretted his actions or that he feared what may come. Arthur shook his head and glanced at Merlin. The warlock's inner sorrow was great but so was his relief at being free of his torturer's presence. From his poor physical state Arthur decided that he wouldn't be the only one taking advantage of the Prefect's bathroom tonight.