Using the prompt 'triumph'

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Why was it that when Hugo was dying to get back to Hogwarts, two days felt like a whole year, but when he was dreading something, it came way too quickly? It felt like he had barely been home, barely had time to rest before Ginny was knocking at his door, insisting he get up. They had to leave in one hour, and he was going to make them late if he wasn't out of bed.

Resenting his aunt for waking him, Hugo dragged himself out of bed and down into the kitchen where Harry had decided to cook them all breakfast. His three cousins were down there too, looking a lot more cheerful than Hugo felt.

James clapped him on the back. "Mum and Dad are letting us come this time," he said happily. "They said they'll let us watch this!" With another slap on the back, James sat beside Lily at the table.

She was also looking quite happy about the prospect of going to the Ministry to watch the sentencing.

"Strange, isn't it?"

Hugo jumped. He had not seen, nor heard, Rose come in; and he hadn't noticed her sitting beside him until she spoke. He turned to her. "What's strange?" he questioned.

"That in a few hours' time, Mum and Dad will have justice," she said.

"Maybe," Hugo reminded her.

"Uncle Harry seems to think so," Rose whispered. "And… who doesn't listen to Uncle Harry?"

Hugo wanted to tell her that no matter how famous, or respected, their uncle was, Begonia Webb's sentencing was going to be solely based on facts. The Ministry weren't going to allow his opinion to influence their decision… well… at least Hugo didn't think it would.

Rather than let down his sister's hopes, though, he smiled, and nodded. "We'll see," he said.

The mood in the house that morning was completely different to two days ago. Then, there had been dread and sadness amongst everyone. Nobody knew what was going to happen then; they didn't know what they were going to see, what people would say.

But this time there was hope. Everybody was confident that soon, things would change. They wouldn't have to fear Webb anymore, because she would live out her days in Azkaban with old Death Eaters that refused to conform to the new ways Hugo's parents had helped influence.

Hugo dressed cheerfully, and then went with his family to the Ministry. It felt strange being back so soon (was that how his parents felt when they went to work every day?), but at the same time, very comforting. Here was a place where his mum and dad were remembered in a way that they deserved. There was no one whispering about the papers, or whether or not they believed what the Prophet said.

No, these people knew his parents, and they knew that they had been murdered in cold blood for something that was beyond their control.

This time, they all took the visitor's entrance. Even Harry came with them, instructing his three children to behave themselves, or he wouldn't hesitate to march them out of the court room if they so much as breathed a word.

Hugo thought that might have been a bit harsh, but he didn't say anything. Once they were in there, no one would to move. James could have gotten up and done a jig if he wanted to, and nobody would have cared; especially if they won (which there was all confidence that they would).

As they began to make their way through the bustling workplace, down to the courtrooms, they were suddenly stopped. A beefy-looking man with no hair blocked their way. If it wasn't for the smile on his face, Hugo would have been frightened of him.

"Hello, Fionn," Harry greeted with a short nod.

The man named Fionn returned the gesture, before clearing his throat. "I'd just like to say that even though I will be on the top level today, my thoughts will be down there with you and your family." He directed his statement to Harry, which he acknowledged.

"Thank you, Fionn," Harry replied, giving the man another nod.

"I wish you all the best," he said.

They began walking again, and suddenly, Hugo couldn't help noticing all the similarities from two days ago. The passers-by wishing them luck, the long journey down to the courtrooms, the bustling Ministry of Magic. Did nothing every change here?

No wonder his dad had hated going into the office every day. This didn't strike Hugo as the type of place his dad would have enjoyed all that much. He had always said the field work was the only interesting part of the job.

Also like last time, Draco Malfoy met them there, dressed in his formal robes. He and Harry shook hands upon their arrival. He looked more relaxed than he did last time.

"This should only take an hour, two at the most," he said. "They need to give Miss Gordon her chance, but rumour has it she's lost for words."

"That's something, at least," Harry replied. "We'll hopefully be celebrating over bottles of Butterbeer in no time."

Ginny gave him a reprimanding look. "In front of the kids?" she questioned, disapproval clear in her tone.

"We're all old enough to drink Butterbeer," Albus said. "They have it at Hogsmeade, you know?"

"Well, Lily and Hugo haven't," Ginny corrected. "And I'd like to keep it that way."

Hugo wanted to argue out of principle – he actually suspected Butterbeer would taste revolting – but he didn't. Celebrating could be for later, when they actually one. Everybody else may have thought the case was over, but Hugo wasn't going to allow such thoughts to cross his mind.

He wanted to hear the words from Kingsley first, before he let himself believe it.

Speaking of Kingsley, he joined them less than a moment after Hugo had thought his name. His expression remained emotionless – as it always did – as he stood by them.

"Is everybody okay?" he asked.

They all nodded.

Hugo was slightly mad with the Minister for doing what he did, but clearly not as furious as Rose. Turning his head to his left, he saw his sister glowering at somebody she had once held in high esteem. He remembered Rose's obsession with Kingsley that had lasted until almost two years ago.

Now, it appeared, one little things had caused her trust in him to vanish forever. Or, at least until he found a way to make it up to her.

"Formalities; it's all it is," the Minister continued.

"It's not good to show bias, Minister," Draco interrupted.

Kingsley shook his head. "I am not showing bias, Mr. Malfoy. I am simply stating facts. You made a good case for Ron and Hermione, and so far, have the Wizengamot convinced. I have spoken to many of them personally since, and Miss Gordon will need a very good argument to make them change their minds."

At those words, Hugo smiled. The whole Wizengamot believed them?

Kingsley seemed to know what he was thinking, because he turned to him, and nodded. "Majority rules, Mr. Weasley," he said, giving him a sly smile in the process which he obviously tried to disguise.

Rose huffed, folding her arms over her chest.

Kingsley directed his attention to her. "I'd also like to speak to you at the conclusion of the trial, Miss Weasley," he said.

Rose gave no response, causing Hugo to nudge her.

"What?" she snapped.

"He's trying to be nice."

"Yeah, well, he'll have to think about that the next time he decides to show our parents being killed in front of us." She stared pointedly at the Minister, but Kingsley was undeterred. Not much could scare the man, let alone a fifteen year old girl. Rose was trying to win an argument she never would.

"Minister, the Wizengamot is waiting, sir." A short, chubby witch appeared in the doorway. It was a different court room to the one they had had last time, but looked exactly the same inside.

They entered with Kingsley, taking their places in one of the many rows of empty seats. Hugo had completely forgotten about the rest of his family being there until they entered from the other side, all piling into the seats with them. This time, Hugo sat beside Rose, and she took his hand, squeezing it tightly.

"Do you need any of us to sit with you, or would you prefer to be by yourself?" Harry asked them.

Hugo shared a look with this sister, and then shook his head. "We'll be fine," he said to his uncle.

Harry nodded, accepting this decision, and sat behind them. Ginny sat with him, along with their three children.

It took a good ten minutes for everybody who was attending the verdict to settle. Hugo glanced over to where Begonia Webb sat with her lawyer again. Despite this being their chance to convince everyone she was innocent, both were looking quite nervous compared to the other day. Miss. Gordon's hair wasn't as neatly pulled back, and her shoulders weren't as straight. Webb still wore the same expression, but her eyes showed that she, too, was nervous.

Hugo smiled, indicating for Rose to look their way too.

"Not so calm this time, are they?" she scowled.

Harry must have heard, because he leaned forward to speak to them. "Watch what you say," he warned them. "It's not over yet."

Taking that as a hint to be quiet, the two siblings settled down and waited for the process to begin.

Just like the first time, it was Kingsley who initiated the proceedings. He got to his feet, and addressed everyone who was inside.

"Good morning," he said calmly. "You were all here two days ago to witness Mr. Malfoy speak on the behalf of Rose and Hugo Weasley. Today, you will hear the other side of the story from Miss. Gordon, representing Miss. Webb.

"Many of you may have already formed opinions from two days prior to this, but please, I ask, do not make your final judgement until you have heard both sides." Kingsley turned directly to Webb's lawyer. "Miss. Gordon, please step forward, and present to the Wizengamot, your case."

Just as Kingsley sat, Webb's lawyer rose to her feet, moving to the centre of the room. "Ladies and gentlemen," she began, "today, I present to you the reasons as to why Begonia Webb is not guilty of the murder of Mr and Mrs Weasley.

"You have heard the argument from Mr Malfoy, where he speaks some truth. Miss Webb's child was killed in the crossfire with Dark wizards and Aurors. That is very true, and something that has troubled my client for the past two years. It is not easy to lose a child – in fact, it is one of the hardest things anyone should go through. If not the hardest.

"So, please, keep in mind that Miss Webb is still grieving for the child she lost too early. She does not deny the fact that she was angry over what took place either. Who wouldn't be angry? But, she also accepts that what happened was an accident. As painful as it is for her to admit, her son was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. An Auror's wand may have killed her son, but it was not an Auror who committed such a crime.

"It is been known for spells to go astray, and the spell that hit Miss Webb's boy was a simple Defensive spell that was too strong for a boy of nearly three. This is fact.

"What is not fact is the accusation that Miss Webb in fact murdered the man who killed her son. As I have already said, the grief was overwhelming for my client, and anger played a role in that grief, but Mr and Mrs Weasley's deaths occurred eighteen months former to this separate incident.

"Tell me… would somebody wait so long to murder someone if they wanted them dead?"

Hugo felt Rose's grip tighten on his hand, causing him to pull his hand away. She looked at him with apologetic eyes, before readjusting in her seat.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

There was a light murmur amongst the wizards and witches in the room, which Miss Gordon waited to die down with a satisfied smile on her face.

Hugo turned around to Harry, who seemed to read his unspoken question. He shook his head.

"Continue, Miss Gordon," Kingsley instructed.

The lawyer proceeded cheerfully. "Now that I have given you time to ponder that question, I ask you to consider your decision very carefully. My client –" she indicated towards Begonia Webb "– does she look like a murderer to you?"

Looks can be deceiving, Hugo wanted to shout. Didn't she know that? He looked around the room at the faces of everyone. Some had softened from a few minutes ago, but the majority remained as serious as they had been for two whole days. He hoped that was a good thing; he hoped they wouldn't change their minds.

After conversation had started to form in the quiet room, the Minister got to his feet again. This time, he put his wand to his throat (which Hugo thought highly unnecessary for such a small area) to be heard by everyone.

"We will resume this session in thirty minutes," he said. "The Wizengamot will have made their decision by then."

"What?"

"Rose!" Harry hissed. "You can't talk."

"No, he can't do that!" Kingsley looked their way. "You can't do that!" Rose shouted at him.

"Rose!" Harry said, an arm resting on her shoulder. Hugo picked up her hand. "It's just the nature of a wizarding court room. If it were a Muggle one, it'd probably be longer. Let us go for a quick walk, and we'll be back here in no time."

Rose didn't move. "You promised," she said. "You said it'd be over."

"And it will be," Harry assured her. "Come on."

Hugo was just as reluctant to leave as Rose was, but he followed nonetheless. His sister had a point. They kept promising it would all be over, but that moment never came. It just kept dragging and dragging until there would come a time when they'd all lose hope.

Harry took them for a short walk around the Ministry. There wasn't time to do anything other than grab a drink from the cafeteria, where at least ten workers came up to Harry, asking for an update.

Despite the clear irritation of having to repeat himself, Harry informed each person that it would all be over very soon – one way or another.

Satisfied by these answers, the employees wished them luck and went on to enjoy their lunch.

In no time, it was time for them to head back to the court room.

There were even more people than the short time they had spent in there before, all probably come to see what happens. Hugo hoped they were all hoping for the same thing. He couldn't bear the thought of having someone his parents might have considered a friend hoping that Webb was set free. So far, he hadn't crossed anybody, but he had only met a small portion of people.

The Ministry was a big place.

One everyone was seated again, Kingsley got straight through to the proceedings. Hugo would have liked to think Rose had gotten to him, but he highly doubted that. Kingsley wasn't a man to be affected by a fifteen year old girl, no matter what Rose thought.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said in a booming voice. "The Wizengamot have reached their verdict."

Beside him, Rose bristled in anticipation. Hugo waited patiently for Kingsley to continue.

Please let it be good news, he begged silently. Please.

"After some deliberation and consideration of the facts presented to us, I hereby sentence Begonia Webb to a lifetime in Azkaban for the unlawful murder of Ronald and Hermione Weasley. You will be taken there immediately and await – if the situation arises – a retrial."

Begonia Webb looked aghast at this news – as did her lawyer – but she did not fight as two bulky-looking wizards removed her from her chair.

Hugo couldn't believe it. Sighs and cheers filled the room as everybody watched the murderer be dragged from the room. Miss Gordon – the lawyer – sat silent and pale in her chair, looking directly at her notes on the desk.

Rose had let go of his hand and was on her feet, her eyes not leaving the woman until she was out of sight. When she finally was, she turned around to Harry. "Is it over?" she asked.

Harry and Ginny both nodded, clearly struggling to hide their own smiles.

"Yes it is, Rosie," Harry said. "It's over, we won."

Rose let out a big sigh of relief. "I'm pleased," she said. "Mum and dad deserve it."

In that moment, Hugo couldn't contain his smile anymore. He grinned from ear to ear, excited, overjoyed… there were no words to describe how relieved he felt.

It was over. They could go home now, knowing their parents' deaths had been avenged. Begonia Webb was going to suffer in Azkaban. Hugo hoped she would die there. It was what she deserved.

"Let's go home and celebrate," Harry said. "This calls for a big dinner, and lots of celebration," he added.

"It'll be at the Burrow, of course," Hugo's grandmother interrupted.

"And make sure you invite our other grandparents," Rose added cheerfully as they once again exited the court room. "They should be there."

Molly nodded, smiling. "Of course, dear," she said. "I wouldn't dream of excluding them. They were so upset about not being able to attend this trial."

"Mum and Dad finally got their revenge," Hugo said.

"Revenge isn't the right word, Hu," Harry said. "But their deaths were finally acknowledged, and the right person was punished. Now, we can finally have peace."

Hugo agreed with that. Although the pain of losing his parents would probably never disappear, knowing that there was peace in the situation eased him. It was as if a big, heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and he could now get on with life.

Suddenly, the prospect of returning to Hogwarts didn't seem as daunting. He could go back without worrying about strange people lurking around every corner. He could go back, start his third year (after a catch-up on second year) and make his parents proud.

We are proud of you, Hu, a voice echoed in his head. So very proud of you and Rosie.

Hugo didn't know if it was a memory, or his actual parents, but either way, the words warmed him to the core.

Either way, he knew that he hadn't lost them.

They'd always be there (wherever there was, that was).

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thank you to Sunny Lighter for beta-ing for me. Much appreciated :)