Chapter 22: The Downfall of Albus Dumbledore
Minerva McGonagall waited in her office nervously two days after the school year ended. The students had already gone home for the summer holidays. She stared at her fireplace expecting it to burst into green flames at any moment. Minerva took a deep breath as she wondered what the Board of Governors wanted to speak to her about after receiving a letter that morning. She jumped slightly as the flames erupted in a green flash. Minerva raised a silent eyebrow as not only the Board came through, but the Minister of Magic, Remus Lupin holding Nymphadora Tonks, Arthur, Molly, and Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter, Prudence Smythe, Aurors Alastor Moody, and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Minister Amelia Bones didn't say a word, just motioned for Augusta Longbottom to lead the way. Sirius inclined his head to Minerva for her to follow. Minerva fell into the large group as they silent trudged up the stairs to the Headmaster's office. As they approached the gargoyle at the entrance, Augusta spoke sharply to it. Minerva was surprised how fast the gargoyle moved out of her way. As they reached the top of the stairs, Augusta didn't even bother to knock. She just slammed the door open with a look of outrage on her face.
"You were warned, Dumbledore!" was all Minerva heard Augusta say before she heard a stuttering response from Dumbledore.
Oh, How the Mighty Have Fallen
By Edger Clearwater
The Wizarding World is in SHOCK!
On the morning of 16 June, around 9 o'clock, the Wizarding World was placed in a state of disbelief. All twelve members of the Board of Governors, the Minister of Magic herself, Aurors, and others who remain a mystery to this reporter and the press, entered the office of the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. To say why they were there is shocking enough, but to be told unequivocally by the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and the Minister of Magic Amelia Bones that it is all true is almost unbelievable and inconceivable.
But it was. But now we are left to wonder, how damage could have been done if this did not happen now.
On 16 June, yes, just three days ago, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was arrested and charged with seven, yes, SEVEN different crimes. The least of which was Third Party Kidnapping. This is when you have someone else unknowingly kidnap a child or person for your own plans but do not participate in the act of the actual kidnapping. The most severe of the crimes is Accessary to Murder, which he was charged within three different counts (Namely the Bones Family, the McKinnon Family, and most notably the Potters). It has been revealed that Mr. Dumbledore leaked sensitive information to known and suspected Death Eaters during the war on the whereabouts of these three families.
Other charges brought against Dumbledore were two counts of Obstruction of Justice: withholding vital information on He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and his Death Eaters, and the sealing of the Potters' Will. Obstruction of an Investigation: withholding assistance and information on the disappearance of former Auror, now Potions Mistress Prudence Smythe. Endangerment of a Minor Child: Harry James Potter, himself(!), by placing him unlawfully with his Muggle relatives who were abusive. And two counts of Endangerment of Multiple Minor Children. This was one of the most shocking to all. Dumbledore knowingly hired Quirinus Quirrell, who was revealed to have been the host body to You-Know-Who's disembodied soul, and proven fraud Gilderoy Lockhart to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts.
The International Confederation of Wizards was also contacted shortly after the arrest was made. A spokeswitch for the High Council's office stated that the ICW was opening its own investigation into any and all activates of Mr. Dumbledore in his connection to and with the ICW. He was removed as Supreme Mugwump only hours after his arrest.
Minister Bones wasted no time in scheduling a trial, which was held yesterday at the Ministry of Magic in London. Mr. Dumbledore readily confessed in open court, without the aid of any potions, in front of the entire Wizengamot, representatives from the International Confederation of Wizards, and the entire Board of Governors, to all of these crimes.
Mr. Dumbledore did not attempt any kind of defense for his actions. He looked defeated and older than anyone has ever seen the once great Wizard. His only statement for his actions: "I did it all for the greater good of the Wizarding World."
Minister Bones asked, and received, a maximum sentence of life in Nuramgard Prison in Germany because she felt Azkaban would be too easy for Dumbledore to escape if he so chose. At Nuramgard, Dumbledore will be restrained by power nullifier bracelets with permanent Sticking Charms.
The only statement that was given to the press after the trial came from Dumbledore's own brother, Aberforth, of Hogsmeade, Scotland: "He acted like he was a deity, messed with too many peoples' lives. He got what he deserved."
A/N: Yes, this is a very short chapter. Yes, more on this one to come. However, the significance of this chapter will have long-reaching effects later. Ponder the crimes listed. Anything I may have missed? As always, thanks for the R/Rs. BTW: Flames is complete, Essence is started, the poll is now closed, and Heart is up next (with a longer chapter than this, I promise).