A/N: Thank you for the reviews.

I really liked the idea of Cole as a Whitelighter, he'll be Chris's father after all. It'll be interesting. Next chapter, I'll decide that.

I know you are anxious to see Phoebe being punished. I'll work on it.

This chapter is based on seasons six's "Crimes and Witch-Demeanors". I hope you'll enjoy it.


Leo's Trial

Sandra orbed the Charmed Ones and Leo to the place where Leo's trial would take place. It was a large room with stone walls lit by torches. There was a white circle in the middle of the floor.

"Where are we?", Phoebe asked, looking curiously around her.

"At the Courtroom", Sandra answered. "Leo will face the Wiseman".

"The Wiseman?", Cole asked.

Sandra nodded: "The Wiseman is the judge, he's a neutral being. He'll decide Leo's fate", she patiently explained.

"And how will this trial work?", Paige asked curiously.

"Well, the Wiseman will hear arguments from both sides: the defence and the prosecution... And he'll use the Circle of Truth when necessary", she said pointing to the white circle in the middle of the room.

"The Circle of Truth?", Cole raised an eyebrow.

"It's enchanted. The circle is able to read thoughts and memories. It shows what needs to be seen", she answered. "Don't worry, the trial will be fair. The Elder Gideon will be Leo's lawyer", once again the female Elder explained calmly.

"If Gideon will be Leo's lawyer, who will be the prosecutor?", Piper asked.

Like an answer to her question, someone flamed in. Instantly, Piper felt a chill down her spine. She just couldn't believe her eyes. This couldn't be true... No... Not him.

"Whoa! Barbas? What the hell is that? Why is he here?", Phoebe asked completely stunned.

"He's the prosecutor", Sandra shook her head. "The Wiseman chose him".

"You should know that fear always come back. I'm here especially for the trial", Barbas glanced at her.

Phoebe laughed: "This is ridiculous! He's a demon! And we vanquished him! How...".

"I have the right to choose anybody I wish", a male voice suddenly broke in.

The Charmed Ones and Cole turned and saw a mysterious figure in a black cloak.

"The Wiseman", Sandra whispered.

"Where's Gideon and the Whitelighter?", the man asked.

"We're here", Gideon said, as him and Leo orbed in.

The Wiseman nodded. "I see everybody is here... Are you prepared?", he asked Leo.

Leo looked at Piper who was staring sadly at him: "Yes, your honor".

The Wiseman waved his hands and instantly some benches appeared against the wall: "Sit down, please", he pointed to Sandra, the Charmed Ones and Cole.

He waved his hands again and four armchairs appeared around the white circle. The Wiseman, Barbas, Gideon and Leo sat down.

"The trial of Leo Wyatt begins. He's accused of abandoning his duties and choosing evil. He did horrible things. We're here to decide his fate, all of us need to be careful with our words and actions.", the Wiseman said. "Gideon, your case".

Gideon rose from the armchair. "Yes, your honor", he paused for a few seconds and then continued: "Leo Wyatt is known as a kind man. He loves his wife. He's one of our best Whitelighters. He helped the Charmed Ones many times. He just committed a mistake and deserves another chance". He paused again and pulled in a deep breath. "Leo, please, it's time to show what happened", he explained.

Leo nodded and stepped into the white circle. He stepped back and a hologram appeared:

Leo and Phoebe entered Piper's office. They saw Piper with Cole. She was kissing him with passion, taking off his jacket.

The hologram disappeared.

Gideon looked around him and said: "Leo loves his wife with all his heart and soul. He's a devoted husband. And that night Piper Halliwell just broke his heart. She was cheating on him with an evil demon. Leo caught her kissing him, taking off his clothes. Piper and Cole are responsible for what happened. They made Leo lost his temper".

"But we were under a spell!", Piper shouted.

"She's right, it wasn't our fault! Leo was the only who acted like a freaking dumbass!", Cole said angrily.

"Silence! You can't interrupt!", the Wiseman warned them. "Gideon, continue".

Gideon coughed and continued: "As I was saying, his wife broke his heart. Her behavior destroyed his soul. It's not Leo's fault what happened. Leo was a victim. He acted that way because of the situation, not because of his true personality. He didn't know that Piper and Cole were under spell. All he knew was that his pregnant wife was cheating on him. With a demon. With the former Source off All Evil. With the demon who had seduced and deceived Phoebe Halliwell, Piper's sister. It's completely understandable that he couldn't handle this. Yes, he committed a terrible mistake, but we need to understand his side of the story. He acted that way because he was hurt. He wasn't himself anymore", he concluded.

"This is ridiculous! Seriously? You're blaming me and Cole?", Piper snapped.

"You need to calm down, witch! You can't interrupt, I won't warn you again!", the Wiseman said firmly. "Barbas, the word is yours".

Barbas smiled and rose up. "Leo has been a Whitelighter for years. He should at least try to understand what happened. He should know that his wife would never do that to him. But no... He just hurt her", he turned to the eldest Halliwell sister. "Please, Piper, walk into the circle".

Piper nodded and she did as he requested. A new hologram appeared.

Leo, Piper and Leo were in the Underworld. "Leo, you need to calm down!", Piper said, walking to him.

"Shut up!", Leo said, as fire appeared in his eyes and they turned black.

"Leo...", Piper whispered, her eyes widening in fear.

"You betrayed me... You're just an unfaithful stupid bitch!", Leo let out an evil smile and punched her in the face.

The scene faded and the hologram disappeared. "When Leo turned evil, he wasn't under spell or something like this. He let anger, hate, and jealousy take him over. He hit his pregnant wife. No matter how he justified it, he was wrong. He had no right to put his hands on Piper, no matter how anger he was! But he didn't stop there... He stole Cole's powers and went after Piper's sister. Please, come here, Phoebe".

Phoebe shook her head: "This doesn't make sense! Who does Barbas think he is to judge Leo?".

"I told you before, witch. He's here because I chose him. My decision is final. Now get up and walk into the circle!", the Wiseman ordered.

Phoebe rolled her eyes and stepped into the circle. Another hologram appeared:

"I changed... I'm not your stupid vassal anymore. Something evil woke up inside me and I'm enjoying it", he said, approaching Phoebe.

"Leo... please", she said quietly.

"You really are a beautiful witch... It's such a shame you have to die", he said.

"Stay away from me!", she said, stepping back.

Leo just smiled and orbed behind her. "I told you... Cole has my Piper and now I want revenge", he whispered in her ear. "I lost my Piper and Cole will lose you".

The hologram disappeared.

"Leo Wyatt is a Whitelighter, a force of Greater Good. But he acted like an evil magical being. He was cruel and enjoyed it. His actions can't be left unpunished!", Barbas said.

"I understand your point", the Wiseman said. "Gideon, is there something you want to say?".

Gideon nodded: "Yes, of course. So then, despite what Barbas would have you believe, Leo is not a monster. He just couldn't control himself. It was a moment of temporary insanity. But he regretted what he did". He stopped and turned to Piper. "Come here".

Piper did as he told her and once again a hologram appeared:

The Charmed Ones casted a spell and a blue ring of lights circled Leo's body. "What are you doing?', he asked.

The lights hit him in the chest and disappeared. Suddenly, his expression softened and so did his voice: "Piper...", he let out in a breath, a single tear ran down his cheek. "Oh, my God! What I've done?".

"Do you understand now?", Piper asked, looking sadly at him.

Leo nodded and fell on his knees.

The hologram disappeared and Gideon started to talk again: "Everybody deserves another chance. He came back to his senses, we need to forgive him", he concluded.

"Forgiveness is not synonymous with freedom from consequences", Barbas remarked. "As a Whitelighter, Leo has to know that every bad action has to be punished".

"You made your point perfectly clear, Barbas", the Wiseman said. "Now, I want to hear Leo. Is there something you want to say about this?".

Leo pulled in a breath and, with teary eyes, he said: "I'm guilty. I was blind by jealousy and lost my mind".

"Leo... don't", Gideon warned him.

He turned to him: "I appreciate your help, but I need to face the truth. I don't deserve to be a Whitelighter anymore".

Silence filled the room for a few seconds, before the Wiseman finally spoke:

"I made my decision. Leo, I can feel your shame and regret. You really feel sorry for what you did, I can see it in your eyes. However, Barbas is right. Forgiveness is not synonymous with freedom from consequences. And we can't just forget what happened. From this moment on, your wings are clipped. You're not a Whitelighter any further. My decision is final! The trial is finished", the Wiseman said and disappeared.

Gideon looked at Leo with defeated eyes. "Sorry...", he said, resting his hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay... I don't care. I lost something more important than powers. Please, get me out of here", he pleaded, looking at Piper.

"As you wish, my friend", Gideon said and orbed Leo out.

A tear fell from Piper's eyes. "Everything is gonna be okay". Cole said quietly.

"I want to believe that", she forced a smile.

Paige hugged her sister tightly. "We're here for you, Piper", she said softly.

"All of us!", the Elder Sandra gently caressed her face.

Barbas was standing in the corner, his back pressed against the wall, as he muttered victoriously: "I won!".

Phoebe looked angrily at him. That damn bastard. She let Paige, Sandra and Cole taking care of Piper and walked to him: "That doesn't matter, because you'll go back to the Hell!", she said in a whisper.

Barbas grinned and waved his hand in front of her: "Oh, that's unexpected... Anyway, I always suspected that there was something dark about you".

"I don't know what you're talking about", Phoebe said nervously.

"Your greatest fear is that somehow they're going to find out about your 'rape spell'. But don't worry. I won't tell anyone", he whispered in her ear, before disappear in flames.

This moment, Cole finally turned his attention to her: "Phoebe, are you okay? What that bastard told you?", he asked in concern, approaching her.

"Nothing important. He just wanted to play his mind games...", Phoebe said, closing her eyes.