Hey everyone,
I am REALLY sorry. My YGO vibe from last month hasn't gone down this last month. If anything, it got worse. I only started on this chapter on Halloween morning.
However, in order to make up for the fact that there won't be much content this month – and maybe no chapters at all next month – I promise that these next three chapters will be really epic.
I decided that instead of doing multiple DE trials and creating some random DE OC's, I am going to focus on and cover only THREE Criminals. And each of them will have their own chapter, each chapter will have a bit of a surprise and each criminal will get their due.
Let's duel,

Venquine1990
PS. Like I said, YGO vibe

Chapter 23
Who's Side Are You On – Part 01

29th of August 1995
Courtroom 10, MoM
Albus' POV

These last few weeks have been nothing like I expected the end of Voldemort's era to be like.

To be honest I am still not entirely certain about whether or not Tom is really gone. But unfortunately it seems as if Harry's trial really had an effect on everyone's belief in me. I have been receiving, what teenagers these days call, the stink eye from a lot of people lately.
Naturally I am used to people disliking me and disagreeing with me, I have experienced this with people like Lucius Malfoy and others for years. But for these looks and this behavior to come from people like Nymphadora Tonks, Filius Flitwick and even Garrick Ollivander is a completely new experience; one I find most unpleasant.

On the 13th, a day after Harry's trial, I came to find Grimmauld Place to be scarily empty. I had expected at least Remus or the Weasleys to still be present, but it turned out that they had all moved out on the previous evening.
I had tried to call for an Order meeting so I could give my take on the events that took place and defend my side of the story. Unfortunately Minerva was the only one who responded; everyone else told me the same thing through our communication technique;

You betrayed us and used our trust to keep your secrets.
If you want us to hear you out, you need to give us time first.

I had begrudgingly accepted this and had simply called them twice more on the 14th and the 15th. Both times Minerva had been the only one to show up and answer my call. What had hurt me was that both times everyone else had actually fully ignored my call. They hadn't shown up and neither had they even so much as told me why they were staying away.

Instead of this, I had just done as I was told as I had hoped that, if people saw me follow the orders of others, I might regain some of their goodwill. It had taken me a while, as it had been emotionally very painful, but I had cleared out my office and left Hogwarts behind me.
What hurt even more was that Minerva was the only one who showed any real loss at my departure. Filius and Pomona had also shown up to see me off, but they had simply stood by and watched me walk out of the building. There had been no sadness on their faces, but thankfully, they hadn't looked happy to see the last of me either. I had taken a little comfort out of that as I left.

I had, thankfully, managed to acquire myself a nice small manor home during my years as Headmaster. I had retreated there and attempted to make it my new home. I had kept myself to my own devices and finding new pastimes for the past few weeks.
I have kept in contact with both Minerva through letters and the Wizarding World at large through the Daily Prophet.

The latter wasn't much different from what it has been these past few months. And yet, the attacks and the reports felt more personal and more painful. It took me a few days to realize that this is because the Daily Prophet was reporting about my biggest secrets and the things I had learned but kept to myself over the years.
This had made me feel exposed to such an extent, it had almost felt painful.

Thankfully most of Minerva's letters helped me lift my spirits. They usually arrived a few hours after the Daily Prophet and most of her letters would be full of support and full of reassurances. She would also, in every few letters, take a shot at the Daily Prophet.
However unfortunately even some of Minerva's letters managed to surprise me in a unpleasant way. A week ago, she wrote me about a teacher's meeting that had taken place. It had shocked and surprised me to hear that Rolanda had been chosen as Headmistress instead of my loyal friend.
It had shocked me even more to hear that, over the course of one meeting, all the other vacant positions had also been filled up. Even Head of Gryffindor and Transfigurations Professor as Minerva had, apparently, resigned from these positions as well.

I had been befuddled and confused when I read Minerva's admission that she had let her ego get the best of her and that she felt she was unworthy of the trust that came with these two positions.
I had written her back instantly and reassured her, told her to change her mind and to keep on doing her job as she always did excellent work. But Minerva had told me only one thing in her return letter:

Albus,
That you are trying to change my mind speaks more of your ego than it does mine.
I'm sticking to my guns, as the students would say.
Minerva

I had needed the rest of the day to truly fathom why Minerva would refuse to listen to me in such a vital piece of advice. In the end, I had resigned myself to the notion that we would simply agree to disagree on this matter. Though silently I hoped she would still change her mind, preferably sometime before the new year.

By now it's time for the trials and I have a new plan of action to regain everyone's trust and respect. I will, if nothing else, prove that Severus was always right to have my vote of confidence and will ensure that, if only through him, Hogwarts will continue to be run the right way.
I know that Filius has already contacted the new Potions Professor and the new Head of Slytherin, but I am confident that Severus can find his usefulness to Hogwarts some other way.
"Or perhaps Horace can be convinced to continue his retirement once Severus has been cleared of his charges. I'm sure the man is only leaving his retirement because of this mishap. Once it's been fixed, at least that can go back to normal." I think to myself.

But my thoughts and movement is halted by Kingsley Shacklebolt, who stands in front of the doors that lead to the center of the Courtroom. The man has a stony, but professional look on his face and his arms crossed as he stares at me directly.
I feel somewhat uncomfortable, but I don't let him know this. I merely smile my usual kind and warming grin at him and approach him.

"Greetings, Dumbledore. Here for the trials, I presume. The visitor's entrance is over there." This last line has me faltering in my step and I stare at the man.
"Kingsley, surely you know why I'm here."
The man nods and says: "To witness the trials that will be conducted through the cooperation of the DMLE, the Unspeakables and Gringotts Bank and its Curse Breakers. You are neither a member of the Wizengamot, the DMLE or the Team appointed by Gringotts. As such you are a visitor.

The visitor's entrance is over there."

Suddenly I wonder if I should have called on another Order meeting the other night. Then Kingsley proves that this would have been futile as he hands me several documents. I look them through and my eyes widen in horrified shock.
Both Severus and Rubeus have signed the documents, stating that they acknowledge the upcoming trial and the severity of their situation. Severus has even added a statement where he desires absolutely no to zero contact with Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.

I want to look up and claim this to be a mistake, but Kingsley glares at me. And the look on his face says it all. Kingsley was the Auror in charge when these documents were signed. He was witness to Severus putting in this extra bit of text.
And he will not take it kindly if I accuse him of there being some kind of mistake or these documents being falsified or something of the sort.

I sigh and mumble: "Please, don't forget that we are fighting for the same cause here, Kingsley." Only to get shot down again.
"That is Auror Shacklebolt to you, Dumbledore. Thanks to you feeding me your distrust in my department and making me keep the truth about Lord Black from Madam Bones, I can consider myself lucky I didn't get demoted to janitor for the Auror Academy.

Now for the last time, the visitor's entrance is over there.
Proceed to your seat or leave the Ministry this instant."

I wince at hearing what Kingsley tells me. When I first started asking him to keep Sirius safe and keep his location a secret, I had done so in the belief that his relationship with Amelia, both personal and professional, would be strong enough to safeguard him.
I head for the visitor's entrance, which is a few columns away from where Kingsley was standing and want to feel glad that Kingsley only got a light demotion. Though because I know that, even within just the Auror rank there are multiple smaller ranks, I don't feel entirely confident in this.

What's worse is that, when I enter the visitor's portion of the Courtroom, I receive the same treatment that has made me seclude myself these past few weeks.
Everyone, from Filius and Minerva to Tiberus McLaggen and Estrela Greengrass is either outright glaring at me or showing their displeasure through disappointed frowns and looks. And the fact that even those of Neutral Houses and Minerva are frowning at me hurts the most.

"Had a chance to think, Albus?"

I repress a wince at Minerva's clipped tone as I take a seat near her. It already sounds as if the woman doesn't believe that I have done so. Or perhaps she doesn't believe that I have changed my mind. I don't know which, yet it still hurts.
"I truly believe that you know what's best for you, Minerva. But I won't stop believing that you're one of the best things to have ever happened to Hogwarts. And I sincerely hope you will at least agree with me on this."
Minerva's lips thin out, which proves that she doesn't entirely agree with me. She also gives me a short, but grateful nod. I have, by now, learned that I just need to take what I can get if I want to get back to my previous status quo.

And so I gratefully smile back at her.

Then the murmuring that has been going through the courtroom quiets down. I look up and notice that there are three people in the center of the room. Madam Bones, an Unspeakable in their usual nondescript robe and Severus, who is seated in the accused chair.
It tears at my heart to see the man sit there as it had always felt like a personal achievement that I had managed to keep him out of there so many years ago.
The man turns to me and I want to smile at him, but the man just turns his head back and nods at Madam Bones, as if he is glad that I am seated where I am. This, like the sight of him seated in the chair, tears at my heart.

A few minutes later the man was allowed to work alongside the Unspeakable to conclude that the Veritaserum that the DMLE provided is indeed legit and untampered. He has taken the required amount of drops and his identity has been confirmed.

I won't ever deny that I am not nearly at the edge of my seat as Amelia asks him the all-important question. "Who's side are you on." Silently and to myself I whisper: "The light, the light, the light, the light." But Severus' answer astounds me:

"My own."

I truly do not know what to think about this answer. The same, it seems, counts for most of the Wizengamot. Amelia, on the other hand, either expected such an answer or is just simply too professional to let such an answer phase her. She continues her questioning

Note: from this point on, I'm going to speed things up.
This will be the new order for the time being:
Amelia:
Severus:
There will be no reactions or anything else written.

Amelia: "You don't support the Light?"
Severus: "Only as much as it can get me what I want."

Amelia: "And the same counts for your support of the Dark?"
Severus: "Yes, I don't care for their beliefs, only my own goals."

Amelia: "What are your goals?"
Severus: "To get revenge on James Potter and get back Lily Evans."

Amelia: "How do you plan to accomplish this?"
Severus: "Kill Harry Potter and use his body – alongside some permanent transfigurations – to resurrect Lily Evans."

Amelia: "And you would have done this regardless of who won the war?"
Severus: "Yes, I played both sides to ensure that I could accomplish my goals."

Amelia: "How exactly did you play Lord Voldemort?"
Severus: "I made a deal with him that I could have Harry Potter's body in return for sabotaging any plans Dumbledore might have to train the boy."

Amelia: "And how did you play Albus Dumbledore?"
Severus: "I convinced him that I wanted revenge on Lord Voldemort for taking Lily Evans from me all those years ago. That I would protect her son in her name."

Amelia: "Do you have any care in your heart for Harry Potter?"
Severus: "No. The boy is living evidence that James Potter stole Lily Evans from me. He should have died alongside his father."

Amelia: "And what of the fact that Lily died a Potter?"
Severus: "Dumbledore just hired some incompetent person to make the headstone. Lily became Lily Evans upon her death."

Amelia: "And what of the fact that Lily Evans willingly married James Potter."
Severus: "It was the biggest mistake of her life. Something I would have convinced her of as soon as I got her back. And I will get her back. She belongs to me."

Amelia: "To you or with you?"
Severus: "To me."

Amelia: "But is she not a person with her own right of choice?"
Severus: "She's too stupid and naïve and blind to make proper choices. I am the only one who can choose for her. She belongs to me."

Amelia: "So if she were to admit to her love for James Potter under the same Veritaserum as the bottle that currently influences your answers?"
Severus: "That is a truth I will never accept. Lily Evans belongs to me. Lily Potter was a witch who paid for her mistakes with her life."

Amelia: "Last question. If you had to chose a winner between Dumbledore and Voldemort, who would you prefer?"
Severus: "Voldemort. At least he would keep other people from letting Lily Evans make mistakes similar to the one she paid for with her life."

I just – I don't know what to think.

I have always known that Severus had a somewhat twisted opinion of Lily, James and Harry Potter, but I never realized that he was – like this.
All I can currently feel is a sense of horrified dread and relief. Dread at hearing and seeing this young man for who he truly is. And relief that I am not one of the members of the Wizengamot.

But then I realize that someone else is part of the Wizengamot and my head swivels over to where the many men and women are seated in their plum-colored robes. A new stronger sense of relief almost overwhelms me when I see Sirius seated in the seat for House Potter.
"Thank Heavens Harry isn't here to hear this." For just a moment I let myself forget that Harry and Severus hate each other and that Harry never trusted the man.

Then Sirius, as if he can sense my gaze upon his person, stands up. Amelia notices this and gives him the floor. The man gives her a grateful nod, yet it's not this that keeps my attention on the man; it's the fact that his face is a passive mask, showing no emotion whatsoever.
"I don't understand. Sirius was always the most emotionally vocal of the Marauders. How is he not standing there, raging at Severus and declaring a Blood Feud or worse."

Sirius: "Severus Snape, is it true that you have owed House Potter a Life Debt since 1976?"
Severus: "Yes, this is correct."

Sirius: "And you were told that you repaid this debt when you saved Harry Potter in 1991, correct?"
Severus: "Yes, I saved him from a falling broom."

Sirius: "Were you the only one on the scene ready to save his life at that date?"
Severus: "No, the Weasley twins were flying below him and would have caught him if he had fallen."

Sirius: "So the situations are not identical in severity?"
Severus: "No, they are not."

Sirius: "So you are still bound by your debt to House Potter?"
Severus: "Yes, I am. Mostly Because I never fully committed myself to keeping Harry Potter safe. My desire to see him dead kept me from fully repaying the debt in 1991."

At first I had wondered why Sirius would bring up the event from the seventies as he was actually responsible for it happening in the first place.
But to hear that Severus never fully repaid his debt, mostly thanks to his own beliefs and desires making him incapable of ever really doing so, pushes this curiosity from my mind.

Sirius reignites my sense of curiosity as he keeps that passive look on his face. He nods and states: "I expected as much. When we heard that you would stand trial, my Heir and I discussed this possibility quite extensively. I also discussed your previous bond with his mother with him.
It was what made him decide to let me stand Proxy for him today at this here trial. Though like a few weeks prior, my son wishes to prove his intellect and his intelligence. He has, as far as I and a few of mine believe, come up with a most suitable punishment for this selfish and self-centered man."

I genuinely worry what Harry, the son of not one, but two Marauders, might come up with in regards to what he believes to be punishment. "Please let him have Lily's kind heart. Please let him have Lily's kind heart. Please let him have Lily's kind heart."
This thought goes through my mind as a mantra as the Wizengamot gives Sirius permission to enter the ground floor of the courtroom. Sirius moves to stand in front of Severus, who has been fed the antidote and who is slowly coming to his own senses once again.

"I meant every word, Black.
How does that make you feel?"

I shake my head at the fact that, even now, Severus thinks he can taunt his old rival. But Sirius, surprisingly, keeps a passive look on his face and states:
"Severus Tobias Snape, in name of the Life Debt you owe James and through him Harry Potter, your body will, from this day forth, remain in the same petrified position as the one where James Potter found you in when he saved your life.
You will also be subjected to these sets of memories for the rest of your days. If you refuse, you will, in order to fully repay the life debt, spend the rest of your days mentally stuck within a Pensieve. The choice is yours to make.

Make
It
Now."

Severus glares at Sirius, who merely remains standing. The fact that Sirius can stare down at Severus as if the man is just another civilian or just another random stranger just baffles me.
And it seems to throw Severus off his game as well as he growls: "I choose the former." And as soon as the words have left his lips, his whole body tenses up. A look of horrified fear shows on his face, yet Sirius speaks up:
"Let it be known to magic and the oath alike. Severus Snape's body is to remain in this stance to the end of his days. However, this part of the Life Debt is only to be repaid physically, not mentally. The mental portion of the Life Debt is to be repaid through the memories that, from this day forth, Severus Snape will be subjected to.
So I swear, so mote it be."

I sigh in relief as I am confident that this last bit is proof of Harry's kind heart coming through. But when Amelia asks Sirius what sets of memories the man will be subjected to, my eyes widen in renewed horror at the answer:
"They are copies of the memories that Remus, Andromeda, Horace, Estrela, Minerva, Filius and I myself have of the years that James and Lily were married. The man is to be subjected to seeing Lily Potter smiling at her husband and son in loving glee for the rest of his days."

Silence rings through the entire Wizengamot.

"Never mess with the Potters." I hear Filius whisper behind me. I want to reprimand him and argue with the man that this punishment is just emotionally too cruel to be acceptable. But Filius glares at me and his glare alone speaks a clear message.
"Do not forget what that monster admitted just now. Do not even think to condone or defend his heinous plans. Not if you have any dignity or conscience left within you."
And while it pains and horrifies me, I remember just what Severus admitted to. What he was planning. What he would subjected Harry – and later even sweet little Lily – to, if he had been given the chance. How far gone the man really is.
"This is a just punishment and yet it's hardly a punishment at all. The man's mind is already gone. This will only further make him lose his grip on reality. If anything this will make his mind snap faster than the Dementors ever could. He will not be long for this world, of that I am certain."
I truly do not know if this is a good thing

Or not.

It is, and a good one.
And you can expect something similar to happen to the other two criminals that are going to be standing trial after this.
They will have committed perilous crimes. They will admit to these without a care in the world. And Sirius will give them a fair and just punishment.
Why do I keep handing out punishments that keep people from going to Azkaban? I'm not really sure. Maybe I just hate the place because Sirius – my #1 fav – spent 12 unfair years there. Maybe I just absolutely hate the Dementors with every fiber of my being. Maybe I just prefer to go with personal and symbolic/iconic punishments instead of the conventional ones.
Not sure,

Venquine1990