Hey everyone,
This is going to be a bit of an in-between chapter. Not really like chapter 18, but at the same time it's not going to be as important to the overall story as the previous chapter. To be honest, I almost thought of skipping the other set of trials, but then I realized I could get something else done at the same time. That I could use this simple little topic to address a much bigger one.
Or maybe even two,

Venquine1990

Chapter 27
Culprits And Stubborn Fools

27th of December 1995
Wizengamot, England
Dumbledore's POV

I came to the Ministry today with the intent of ensuring that Dolores wouldn't get a sentence reduction due to her role in the death of Riddle and to, hopefully, lead the trial against Eversoul and Wildebeast. But while I knew that Dolores had used the Blood Quill on Harry, I had not expected her to have committed all these other crimes. And the fact that she would willingly let my own students commit crimes as well just makes everything even worse.
The Wizengamot decided to hold a half an hour break between Umbridge's trial and the trial of my former Order members. Yet while I wasn't sure to begin with if Cornelius would even let me lead the trial, I no longer feel like I can either. And the fact that Cornelius will only need half an hour to get himself ready for another trial really makes my respect for him rise quite a bit. Yet I don't want to leave the Ministry without doing anything, so I approach William.

"William, once the break is over – or during it if that is more of your fancy – I would like you to come to Hogwarts." I request the younger adult, who grins at me and asks: "Want to know how Umbridge was able to pull all that off without the wards alerting you, huh Headmaster?" I nod at him and say: "I know that over the last few years the wards have been allowing things that some would say they shouldn't but – I truly think this just went too far. Something's wrong here."
"I definitely agree, but – what else do you mean when you say they've been allowing things that they shouldn't?" I shrug, even though I am well aware that this isn't really a topic to take lightly and, after I make sure that we can't be overheard, I start to list the things that I am sure will be considered unusual at best. "Hagrid was able to raise a Cerberus within the school, your sister was able to bring one of Riddle's containers into the school.
The Dementors were able to get onto the field, Crouch was able to cast the Unforgivables in class, Peter Pettigrew was able to hide himself in his Animagus form for years and then there is everything Dolores was able to get away with." I was talking lightly at the start, but as I spoke, the severity of what I am speaking of truly hits me and my tone adjusts accordingly. William is again leaning back with his arms and legs crossed, his eyes closed and a frown on his face.

Then he asks me a most unusual question. "Headmaster, when was the last time you had the wards powered?" I stare at the man for a few minutes and he raises his eyebrow at me as he asks: "You do know that the wards need to be power-charged every few years, right?" I shake my head and the man's eyes widen as he asks: "You never, since you took the title of Headmaster, had the wards charged?" I shake my head again and say:
"I was under the impression that the wards were powered by the magic of the land. Hogwarts is, after all, build on quite the powerful bit of magical land." But William shakes his head and says: "That rule does apply to a lot of ward schemes, but only when the land is a certain size. Wards like the ones around Madam Rosemerta's tavern or the workroom of Zonko's. But Hogwarts is truly on too large a bit of land. Yes, the land is magical enough to keep the school's magic going, but not that of the wards as well. Those need wizarding help to remain strong."

I whiten in horror at this and the man smirks at me as he says: "Congratulations Headmaster, because Voldemort feared you so much, he never found out that the wards were down. Your reputation and Hogwarts' legend kept Hogwarts safe, at least during the war." Yet these words don't make me feel any better and instead I tell him: "My need to have you come to Hogwarts at earliest convenience is now even greater, I hope you understand this."
William nods and says: "I'll come with you once the trials are over. I'll have Percy explain to mum why I'll be home late." I nod at the man, grateful for his help and at the same time fearing for my students, who have actually been studying at an unprotected school for, I realize with sudden horror, several decades. And because of my earlier statement to the Wizengamot about punishment, I don't feel like I should leave just yet.

"If I am to be punished, it might as well be for as many of my wrongdoings at the same time as possible." I think to myself as the doors to the Wizengamot open once again. William and I watch as the official members all come back in and when Cornelius passes us, I address him. "Cornelius, a moment. I was initially going to ask you if I could head this trial." The man looks at me warily over this, but I smile at him and sigh as I say:
"I didn't want to do it to give Eversoul and Wildebeast an easy time, Cornelius. I wanted it to prove them that I meant it when I asked Kingsley Shacklebolt and Miss Tonks to arrest them, to – I suppose – prove to young Ronald that I truly want to put effort in regaining his trust. I am well aware that that lack of trust is one of the reasons that young Harry is still in hiding and I really, truly want to rectify that. But – hearing what – what she did."

I stop here and the man's eyes are wide as he must not have expected me to stutter the way I did or end my statement without really ending my sentence. The man nods and I stare at him as I say: "Do not go easy on them, Cornelius. Treat them the way you did me a few months ago. I ask this of you, nothing more." The man nods and I can tell by the look in his eyes that he really is determined to do so, which is a fact that fills me with relief.
The four of us – William, Percival, Cornelius and myself – enter the Wizengamot chamber once again and while Percival and Cornelius take their seats at the head of the Wizengamot and the seat of the Court Scribe, William and I move to stand close to the chairs in which Eversoul and Wildebeast are sat. The two spot me and Eversoul instantly shouts: "Oh thank Merlin! Albus, you need to stop them! Kings and Tonks, they just –."
But I just keep my face passive and Braveheart sniffs as she mutters: "You sent them, didn't you? You had them arrest us." I realize that this is my chance to elaborate on the little thing that Umbridge revealed when she tried to take me down with her and state: "I have already admitted to my guilt in regards to spying on young Harry and breaking his trust. But what you tried to do, especially the way you tried it, is unacceptable. So yes, I sent them."

Wildebeast snorts and mutters: "So I guess that's how you reward loyalty, huh? Or did you just not realize that we did it to do you a favor?" Yet I show a small smirk and say: "That's the problem with favors, Miss Wildebeast. They are usually done without the other person knowing and aren't always wanted." The woman turns her head the other way angrily and Eversoul whimpers: "You – you're not going to – to help us?"
And while I have always deeply cared for Marius for his deeply likable nature and how much he wore his heart on his tongue, I simply state: "No." I turn to the Wizengamot at large and say: "If anything, I believe I deserve a chair of my own." A lot of those around me look shocked at this, but then Cornelius shocks me as well as he says: "I think that, with the circumstances being what they are, that it's best if we decide an alternative course of action for you, Dumbledore."
I stare at the man as I had slightly expected him to jump at the opportunity, but then I remember what Percy told the Order a few days ago. "Cornelius has plans to ensure that June won't repeat itself. And if I were to be send to Azkaban for my crimes, the Death Eaters would be at the Hogwarts gates that same night. Especially if they were to find out about the wards. My fame needs to keep the school safe, at least for a bit longer and Cornelius realizes this."

I smile as this is the man that I voted on almost five years ago, the man who I felt could make the plans needed to help our world forward. And while Cornelius did, at first, feel like he was in over his head, I kept a strong belief that he could overcome this and come out on top. Though I will admit that I hadn't expected for the last few months or even Riddle's return to have been the events that would see this happen, yet I can't bring it to myself to really mind either.
Then Fudge clears his throat and states: "Now then, onto the last trial of the day.""Wait, last trial? What about Umbridge?" Wildebeast asks and Fudge answers: "We already did her trial. It was decided half an hour ago and she has since been thrown through the Veil for her crimes.""Oh come on, Potter was handling that quill just fine, nothing was wrong." Eversoul says, the man actually rolling his eyes as if he can't believe that the woman was sentenced to death.
Cornelius glares down at him and states: "Dolores Umbridge was arrested for much more than that. And next to that, I do not think that someone who has a flawed definition of the word guarding deserves to speak up about things like this." Eversoul grimaces and then Wildebeast aims at me and snarls: "You want to arrest someone for that? Arrest him! We were just following his orders, after all." To this a lot of eyes turn my way and I state:

"I do admit that several times over, I implored my members to keep the secrecy of the Order for their own sake. But I also ended each report meeting with the words Whatever you do, do what you feel is right, for yourself and for the Order too. Therefore, at the most I can claim that I share in your guilty conscience, though you don't seem to feel half as guilty over this as I do." And the woman again turns her head away, this time with a huff of wounded pride.
I take a quick look around and notice that this action hasn't done the woman a ton of good. Eversoul also seems to study those around him, which very much impresses me as I know that Marius isn't the brightest Pixie in the nest. "If – if I may speak up about all of this. I – I just have this to say. I – I guarded Potter through a total of three detentions with Umbridge. I discovered her crimes the first time and reported them and – and I did want to do as Albus said. Do what's right, but - I dueled Umbridge once before and – I almost lost my life in that duel."
A lot of eyes widen at hearing this and the man looks down as he says: "I stayed away – and watched Potter endure his pain, because I was a coward. It's no excuse, but – it's all I have. I'm not magically powerful and – my magic always fails me if I were to try cast a disguise spell. Heck, during my watching missions, I needed Albus to cast the spells for me, I'm that useless in the casting. So I knew I couldn't disguise myself with some kind of alibi and – I just stayed where I was.

And not a day goes by that I don't regret that." The man looks up again and says: "I did what I did, faking to be drunk, giving the youngest Weasley that Firewhiskey and drugging it with Veritaserum, because I wanted to know where Potter was. I wanted to find him, find him and meet him, so I could apologize. So I could clear the conscience that has been plaguing me for the past several months. Because of this, I accept whatever punishment the Wizengamot bestows upon me."
A huge smile blooms on my face as the man lowers his head again, revealing the back of his neck in a sign of submission. I notice Cornelius staring at me and the man requests me to come over without saying anything. I do so and the man asks: "You think this is an attempt at a sentence reduction?" I shake my head and whisper back: "No, if it had been Wildebeast, possibly, but not Marius. He may not be magically powerful, but he has a good heart, truly. He's being genuine."

The man nods and then Wildebeast proves my words true. "Oh for the love of Merlin, Eversoul, stop being such a wimp. You're our tank, not our empathy teacher." Marius glares back at her and says: "You know, I may not be the smartest or the magically strongest, Wildebeast. But at least I have a heart and a conscience. At least I don't think that a certain job puts me above the law. Yeah, I knew what I was doing was wrong and when I first did it, I made a promise to myself; to turn myself in once the war was over."
"You can't be serious! We were there! We fought alongside these people! We risked our lives for these people! And this is how they repay us!" But then Marius proves himself truly. "WE DIDN'T DIE FOR THEM, SOFIA! NOT LIKE THE POTTERS! THEY DIED FOR THEIR SON! AND WE DID WRONG WITH HIM! SO IF WE EVER WANT TO BE ABLE TO FACE THOSE TWO, WE NEED TO REPENT! AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I AM PLANNING!"

Wildebeast gapes at the man besides her and then Fudge asks the most important question. "Mister Marius Eversoul, did you plan any of the charges placed against you?" Marius shakes his head and says: "No Minister. And I never would have been able to either. But I still did what I said I did and with that, I still broke the law. Feeding Firewhiskey – I questioned my guard while I was in my holding cell and – I found out just why it's illegal."
He turns from Cornelius to William and says: "I swear, Heir Weasley, I had no idea that Firewhiskey can make an underdeveloped core burn out. I can honestly say that, if I did know, I probably would have used some other drink. Though I will not deny that I still would have tried to use the drink to get the Veritaserum in his system, so I could ask him about Potter. I wanted to know where Potter was, not to have Ronald lose his magic."
At this Wildebeast snorts and states: "Am I the only one seeing the genius behind that? Think of it, the Fidelius links Weasley with Potter. So if Weasley drank the Firewhiskey, surely the whole burning thing would be felt by Potter. And either he would have burns on his own core, which would force him to come out of hiding to get them healed or he would have been the good little hero and come to protect his dear, dear little friends."

More and more the woman speaks and at the same time she loses the empathy of more and more members of the Wizengamot around her. And Marius probably voices the thought of many of those around us as he asks: "Am I the only one who thinks she sounds like Bellatrix Lestrange right now? Willing to bait out her victims by creating other victims? How is that the mindset of a hero? I mean, I may not be entirely smart, but – even I'm not stupid enough to think that."
And to this someone in the Wizengamot says: "And that makes you the better man, Mr. Eversoul. Though it won't save you from a sentence." And Marius shakes his head as he says: "I don't want it to, sir. I no longer care how I get to atone, as long as I get to atone." And to this Cornelius says: "Then let us move onto the final portion of the trial.""Hey, hold on a second! Don't we get to say anything in our defense?"
Sofia tries to object, but to this Percy retorts: "And what do you call what you have been doing the past several minutes?" The woman glares at him and snarls: "You weren't at the battle scene and you and your little Ministry are the whole reason we of the Order had to keep ourselves hidden. So shut it, you little family traitor." But to this Percy smirks and says: "You're behind on the facts, Wildebeast. On the day you got arrested, I went home and apologized. And I have been working on my own atonement ever since."

"And yet here you are again, back in your little seat." Yet this time it's William that speaks up and says: "Yeah, because we know that Percy has finally realized that there can be a balance between his job and his family. And besides, it was mostly Riddle that made dad not want Percy to take this job. With him gone, there really is nothing wrong with Percy doing his job. We are Weasleys. Unless something is terribly dangerous, we support each other."
Wildebeast glares at the man and then snorts and says: "Whatever, it's not like the brat is any good anyway." But to this Cornelius snorts himself and says: "I don't think that the opinion of someone who is willing to endanger minors really matters here now, does it?" And Wildebeast grows even more annoyed and angered when she sees many in the Wizengamot shake their heads. Percy himself is beaming at those around us.

Cornelius stands up and declares: "Let us start with Sofia Wildebeast. Unfortunately, especially considering her – very nasty attitude and lack of regard for the safety of minors – we only have two real charges against her. Masterminding the plan to drug Ronald Billius Weasley in an attempt to gain secret, personal information." And just like with Umbridge before her, the whole room around Wildebeast lights up with green lights from dozens of wands.
Both Wildebeast and Eversoul look around, Wildebeast shocked and Eversoul intrigued and he mumbles: "Huh, a new method to declare a suspect's sentence. Nice." A lot of the Wizengamot members smile at the man and then suddenly Wildebeast starts to laugh. "Oh wow, you really had us going there, Marius. Now I see what you're doing. You're trying to lull them into a false sense of security. You're trying to earn their trust so you can –."

But before she can continue, Marius asks: "Why the hell would I try the Pettigrew tactic?" Sofia looks at the man in astounded shock and he asks: "Lull them in a sense of security and stab them in the back? Why would I want that? It would just make things beyond impossible for me in the long run. I mean, think what Pettigrew had to do. He had to hide himself in his rodent form for over a decade. I don't have that, so why would I want the Aurors to chase me and capture me?
I may not have gotten my Acceptables on my own accord as I needed tons of help and study partners during those years, but I am smart enough to know this. I do not have the wisdom, skill or talents to outsmart people who got OWLs and NEWTs I can only dream off. And if I were to use my brute strength, I would just make things even worse for me. I may not be smart, but I'm not stupid enough to entice a fate like that."

At this, because the man has been talking down on himself for the better half of this Trial, I can't help but speak up. "There are many kinds of wisdom and intelligence, Marius. And the greatest wisdom is knowing who you are. If one knows their own weaknesses and their own strength, they can truly go far, even if they struggle or come across hurdles in life." Marius smiles at me at this and Cornelius nods as he says:
"I decided upon a punishment for Sofia Wildebeast. One year in Azkaban. And, with that, I would like to implement a new duo of rules in regards to the prisoners, their sentence time and the administration of our prison." This really intrigues me and the man has the attention of the whole room as he says: "Rule #1, depending on a sentence, a prisoner will be visited by a Mind Healer once a month. In the case of Miss Wildebeast, these visits will start effective immediately.
In case of someone with a two year sentence, the visits will start after 6 months to a year. And depending on the evaluations of the Mind Healer, one or two months can be reduced from the sentence. However, while the Mind Healer will be appointed by the Ministry, the decision for this will be entirely their own. All those in favor?" A great sense of pride fills me from within when I see the majority of the Wizengamot light up green.

I notice Augusta and Amelia keeping their wands down and I can definitely understand why the two would do this. Cornelius also notices this and he sends Amelia a quick look that, like with me, clearly conveys a message. The woman seems to receive it as she gives him a firm nod in return. Then Cornelius returns his focus to the rest of the Wizengamot at large, who seem to have missed this exchange and loudly declares:
"My second rule is that we hire someone independent from the Ministry to handle the administration of Azkaban prison. Not just to ensure that our budget remains acceptable and that we can't accidentally be accused of treating our prisoners inhumane or – heavens forbid – the way that Adolf Hitler treated his Jewish prisoners in Concentration camps – but also to ensure that what happened to Lord Sirius Black can't ever happen again."
I spot Amelia and Augusta grimacing and know that they wouldn't mind to see people like Bellatrix Lestrange and Augustus Rookwood suffer. Yet the two seem to care for Sirius enough that they – like everyone else – light their wands in agreement to this rule as well. I beam at the two as I always believed that anyone can forgive anyone and that holding a grudge will only hurt a person long term. And yet again I regret Severus' behavior all the more.

I also suddenly remember that the man left me a note with the request for a meeting at earliest convenience. Already I feel a sense of concern fill me up and a small voice whispers within my mind: "You might need to look for more than one teacher if that meeting goes as we both expect." I sigh at this as I never expected Severus to keep his position post-war, yet I have truly grown to care for the man over the years and I know I would sorely miss his presence.
I am also well aware that I am in the severe minority in that regard, but this has never really bothered me. Then I realize that I missed hearing Marius' sentence and I quickly hurry after William. "I'm afraid I zoned out. What was Eversoul's sentence?" William smirks at me and says: "A year and a half. The visits will start after half a year has passed." I nod at this, but then I realize I am about to let a true chance to repent pass me by.

I turn around and spot that the majority of the Wizengamot is still seated. Instantly I return to the center of the room and say: "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot –." But then Cornelius speaks up and says: "Dumbledore, we already agreed. Your punishment will be alternative. We can discuss it amongst each other at a later time." I stare at the man for a moment and then say: "I understand, Cornelius, but this concerns Hogwarts at large."
The man falters and I say: "Honorable members of the Wizengamot, I have made a great, great folly, one that I have, unknowingly so, been making for decades on end. Ever since I took the Headmaster position, I was under the assumption that the magical ground upon which Hogwarts was build was sustaining the wards. Just before this very trial, I discovered that this was not to be. That the wards need another source to charge them on a frequent basis.

I truly hate to admit this, but – due to the fact that I did not know this, the wards have not been charged since the 1960's." Everyone in the room around me gapes and stares, but then William steps up and states: "I feel that I need to stress one part of the Headmaster's speech. He – did – not – know. Trust me when I say this, it is not uncommon for people who live on magical land to make the same mistake. Heck, I once had a case where a family manor hadn't been charged in over three generations, all because the family believed the same thing."
This makes me wince as I can only imagine why the family hired William and how they must have felt when they heard of this. William then makes me smile as he turns to me and says: "And next to that, Riddle never knew either. And it wasn't just Hogwarts' legendary wards that kept Riddle from seizing Hogwarts during the war; it was his fear for Dumbledore as well. Dumbledore may not have known, but his legend still kept Hogwarts safe. That's still important."

A lot of heads nod and Cornelius coughs as he says: "I – ahem – I think I know a good way to solve this problem. Curse Breaker Weasley, would you be interested in a change of career? For you to become the new Liaison of Gringotts; in charge of the wards, the Hogwarts budget and of punishing students who break the no magic in the corridors rule?" William's eyes widen in shock, while mine widen in excited glee over the prospect.
Then William grins and says: "While I would certainly enjoy the change of scenery, my contract prohibits me from making this decision for myself. If you want to enforce this, you will have to discuss it with Master Rullnock." Cornelius nods, a grin on his face to prove that he is already confident he can get this done. Then the Wizengamot leaves the room, but as William, Percival and I follow them, we come across someone unexpected.

Remus is standing a few feet away from the doors to the Wizengamot chamber and it's quite obvious that he is waiting on us. But then, because the news of what I reported in Umbridge's trial did spread across the Ministry in the hour break period, a young woman comes up to him and asks: "Excuse me, is it true that you're the werewolf Remus Lupin who snapped You Know Who's neck?" Remus looks greatly startled, but he nods and stutters: "Eh, yeah – yeah I am."
"Oh wow, did you use your werewolf strength?" The woman asks and while Remus obviously hadn't expected her to ask about this with such intrigue instead of disgust, he says: "Well, the – the full moon was on the seventh, so my inner Lycan wasn't really all that present, but –. Well, during the few days before and after the full moon, I have access to about 80 to the full 100% of the werewolf's powers and abilities, though I do also suffer the illnesses that come with the curse."
"And in the other weeks?" The woman asks, a look on her face that proves she wants to know all there is about the Lycan curse. Remus does still look slightly out of his dept, but he continues: "It really lowers itself, though it never fully leaves my system. And – because I have been a werewolf for so long, the – the Lycan, I call him Moony – well, this might sound crazy, but he grew to consider a lot of those I lost in the war part of his pack.

So when I shouted that my act was in their name, Moony lend me a little bit of his strength. He – ehm – he even merged with me for a moment, which is why my voice turned into a roar at the end, when I did the deed." By now the Remus that has always hated his illness because of how it made others treat him is back in clear sight, but the young woman doesn't seem to feel this way at all. She is still just staring at him with wide eyes and her mouth open in wonder.
"That is so – romantic. To kill in the name of love, of your family. You're the most incredible werewolf I have ever met, Mr. Lupin. You're my hero!" And while the girl squeals as she dashes off, she leaves behind an astounded Lycan. Or at least this is true for a short while, but then something happens that makes me grimace. A grin that, scarily enough, reminds me of Gilderoy Lockhart grows on Remus' face.

Again he spots us and this time I notice a bit of a strut in his pace as he approaches us. "Well, that happened." He grins as he stands with us. But Percy rolls his eyes and says: "Yeah, you got the same treatment Harry got when he first returned to the Wizarding world." The man then turns his head away and says: "I give it nine months before they find something that they will use to turn on you." Remus glares at him and I gently state:
"Fame is indeed most fickle, Remus. You would do well to remember that I speak from experience." The man sighs and mutters: "I suppose." Yet then he smirks and asks: "So, when is this hero going to get the chance to reunite with his cub?" And already, just from the way the man speaks the last word, I realize what he is planning. And I am not the only one. William marches to stand in front of the man and furiously snarls:
"Just five minutes ago two people were send to Azkaban because they wanted to use my brother for unethical means, even if one of them had more honorable reasons than the other. There is no way in the nine realms of magic that any of us are going to let you use Harry and his fame to increase your own; to make your own expand at an accelerated rate." Remus and William hold a glaring contest and then Remus snorts and says:

"Like I need that brat's fame. I'm the new hero of the Wizarding world. Like Albus said, fame is fickle." I really don't like the fact that the man is willing to throw my own words in my face after only a few minutes. Remus sends one last glare at us all and then snorts and turns around. And while we all frown, we watch him leave for the lifts. And what makes it worse is that, once he steps in, he is again hounded by a few other young women, who all giggle and ask him more questions.
"This is not going to end well." Percy mumbles and William turns to him as he asks: "You think there's a chance that your premonition will be sped up somehow?" But Percy shakes his head and says: "No, I based my guess on Harry's First. It was in April that the students first turned on him. Long story, another time." William nods and then the three of us part ways, Percy to meet with Fudge, William to get back to Gringotts and me to get back to Hogwarts.

There, done.
Well, better said, one problem done and another has begun. And to be honest, I am kind of glad about that. Because I constantly had one or more antagonists to focus on – The Order and their stubbornness, Umbridge, those two Order members and now Remus – I feel like I can keep the flow of the story going. Also, I have been thinking ahead and deciding on a course of action in regards to the rest of this story.
And I want to make one thing perfectly clear: THIS IS A REDEMPTION STORY! A story where trust is lost and then slowly but surely regained. And Harry and Ron are definitely going to come up with ways through which Dumbledore, the student body, the teachers and yes, even Lupin, can regain that trust. So yes, Harry will leave the Shrieking Shack at some point in this story. However, here is a juicy little spoiler;
It won't be permanent,

Venquine1990