The deposition of the defense didn't raise many sympathies. The revelation that he had helped to arrest several lower houses and some members of the higher ones didn't sit well with the members of the Wizengamot. That Law-Wizard had made a pretty convincing argument, and Ezekiel saw that many members of the Wizengamot were starting to consider if this wasn't the best opportunity to get rid of their most unpopular members.
He saw faces whiten, some redden and some thinking. Albus Dumbledore, as usual, showed no emotion whatsoever. The man was considered the kindest and wisest of all the world, and perhaps he was but Ezekiel was raised a Black and that meant that the only person that he trusted was himself, and even that was a bit iffy.
The trial would proceeded as expected, now that both sides would give their version of the facts. Ezekiel was first and didn't waste much time, presenting the almost same case that he had to Madam Bones. The declaration shouldn't have taken too long, but the effects of last night had taken a toll on him. He had to take a revitalizing potion just to get out of the house. If what Dora had told him was right and he did indeed looked as he felt, he had little doubt in his mind that he'll sell it properly. MacNair on the other hand, took almost a full hour to telll his side. It was like watching a Z movie but with a worst actor. MacNair's attempt gather some sympathy made him repugnant.
The part that came next, the interrogation, was the part that mattered the most. The only reason. Luckly, MacNair would be interrogated first. If he had to explain how he really entered the grounds that day the whole thing would go south pretty fast. He had covered his tracks pretty well, the wards weren't removed completely and by now their self-repair should be completed, but they were risking a lot on this. Ezekiel's representative would be his Wizengamot's proxy, Ted Tonks.
''Mister MacNair, Members of the Wizengamot, at this point we would call for the witnesses version of the facts before we start with this part of the trial, however, none of them are present. Why, you may ask? Because those servants that witnessed the fight were Muggles, ''The audience looked astonished at this revelation ''and according to the Statute Of Secrecy they were obliviated on the spot. My first question Mister MacNair is, why were Muggles employed at a magical residency?''
MacNair's face showed no emotion when he responded ''They are people that my family took on after the war, they weren't employed. My uncle saved them from Death Eaters and they repaid us with their service.''
''Well, that is quite noble of him, but how are they getting payed? As you know the laws clearly states that the only creature that can pay service without compensation are house-elves, or are you suggesting that they are on the same level?''
''Of cour- I mean, no obviously. They receive food and shelter for their service.''
''But what about other necessities? According to the reports those 'servants' wore very ragged clothes, and it is worth noticing that there were some children as well. Are they receiving a proper education?''
''They get what they deserve-'' At that point Ted interrupted'' I'm sorry, 'deserve? What do you mean by that?''
While all of these was going on Ezekiel noticed that not once had MacNair's Law-Wizard raised an objection, as a matter of fact, he had watched the exchange with a slight grin. Perhaps they had an ally? Was he going to throw the case for them? Then the man shifted his gaze towars Ezekiel and the same relaxed-full-of-hate look appeared but Ezekiel wasn't fully convinced. It wasn't until then that Nettle started making some slight objections to the arguments that Ted presented. Then again, they were minor and easely countered, but it at least gave the illusion that he was doing his job.
''Let's leave the servants aside for a moment'' Ted said ''Mister MacNair-'' ''Lord MacNair'' MacNair suddenly interrupted ''You'll address me by my title you... Law-Wizard'' . ''I apologise My Lord, if I may, to avoid future mishaps, what are you lord of? As far as I'm aware you have no peerage, and the House of MacNair is a little over a hundred years old, or have you perhaps getting married?''
Ezekiel swore that he could hear MacNair's blood preassure rising as members of the chamber chuckled. He knew that a life-time of dealing with blood elitists gave Ted a thick skin, but he also knew that putting them in their place gave him a smile that lasted for days. '' My apologies Sire, but given that the status of House MacNair is unclear at the moment, I'll remain with Mister MacNair. Now Leaving aside the children for a moment I'd like to return to the topic of the fight. You said that Lord Black simply appeared in your property and started attacking you, is this true?''
''Yes, that damn Black just appeared and tried to hex my head off!''
''Did he gave you a reason, was there any provocation?''
''He's mental, just like the rest of the blasted family! He destroyed the wards on my property and just started throwing hexes. He used that thing...'' MacNair said while pointing at the Black's ring on Ezekiel's right hand ''To take my magic away! He could've killed me!''
''Mister Macnair, as far as we know the Black's family magic has been subjected to much speculation, however, there is no proof that it can remove magic from an individual. If it did then you'd be dead right now.'' Ted needed to get the conversation back on topic fast. Up to this date there were only five remaining houses that could bear the title of Noble and Most Ancient: Malfoy, Potter, Greengrass, Longbottom and Black. Those five houses had developed a type of magic of their own, passed from one Head to the next. Those magics remained into the family that created them, and would continue to do so until the blood became diluted. Unfortunately, the late Lord Potter had lost the status of Noble by marrying a commoner, and Greengrass only had two daughters, so unless Lord Greengrass could convince one of their future husbands to marry into the family since the option of another child appeared to be off the table, those two were already lost.
The problem was that the Black's family magic was shrouded in secrecy with many stories circulating regarding it, many horrible, horrible stories and each one worst than the last, and since the Black family allegiance with the Dark the rumours went nuts. Add to that a family history of mental illness on top of the fact that no one who ever saw their family's magic had survided it, so the made-up tales where the only source of information and the rumours got worst, if that was even possible. If only they knew, Ezekiel grimmed.
Ted quickly changed the subject ''Mister MacNair, your accusation aside, the fact that the wards at your property have been verified to remain standing I see little to support it. Speaking of magic, Lord Black reported that you were prepearing to leave and that your 'servants' were loading your belongings onto a carriage...'' Seeing that MacNair was going to speak again Ted raised his hand and added ''Don't worry, as I said before, I'll leave the 'servants' subject for later. I'll refer to the report of the Auror that arrived on the scene, who reported initially that the carriagehad no animal attached to it, yet it was later discovered that there was indeed a creature known as a Thestral. For those of you who don't know, this creatures are very rare, and are considered dangerous by the British Ministry of Magic and breeding as well as owning these beasts is illegal without Ministry consent, a consent that you don't possess, furth-''
''Objection Ladies and Gentleman of the Wizengamot!'' Interrupted Nettle'' This isn't a trial regarding the ownership of a magical creature, this is regarding the alleged attack of my client to Lord Black. The accuser has provided no evidence of this attack, he has simply tried to smear my client's reputation. Do you have any actual evidence that the attack took place? I not, I'd like to request my time to speak regarding Lord Black's attack on my client''
Ezekiel couldn't help to look surprised, did Nettle knew what they were trying to do or did he purposely tried to bring them towards the part that could hurt his client the most? No, it was much simple than that. Nettle simply wanted to bring both down. He laughed at the expense of his client and tried to upset him to get both to confess something and hopefully send either one or both to Azkaban. Ezekiel had to fight the urges to ask if he was getting paid as well.
Ted took a breath and continued ''Very well, in this case I'll ask Mister MacNair about the cursed object that he threw at mi client during the confrontation. Mister MacNair, what can you say about it?'' Ted said, showing what looked to be an large pole with a narrow lower end of tall blade rounded inward and braced against the shaft. The weapon was carried magically by two Aurors, who avoided touching it at all costs.
MacNair stood tall as he raised his voice ''That isn't a cursed item, that's the axe that was given to me by the Ministry of Magic''
''I'd rather disagree, that item has been confirmed as cursed, it is in fact a blood curse that will kill anyone who touches it.''
''That is not true, the axe is simply enchanted so I'm the only one that can wield it sine I'm the appointed Executioner of the Ministry.''
''And since when have you been the appointed Executioner of the Ministry?'' asked Ted.
Macnair actually puffed his chest and answered with great pride ''I've been dealing with those filthy beasts for the past 25 years.''
''And since when has this axe been bonded by blood to you?'' Ted asked.
''Since the day that I've been appointed'' Said MacNair, with a tone that left no doubts that he considered Ted an idiot.
'' 25 years?''
''Yes'' Said MacNair with an exasperated tone.
Ezekiel couldn't help to sight with relief once he heared Macnair's confession. Finally. He gave a relieved look at Nettle, who was looking at him curiously.
At that point Dora entered the chamber along with a tall black wizard that Ezekiel couldn't recognize. Looking at Madam Bones, she received a nod and then proceeded to look at Dumbledore.'' Chief Warlock, members of the chamber, I'm afraid that this trial will have to be postponed'' She switched towards MacNair and she and the Auror that came with her pointed their wands at him '' Walden Macnair, you're under arrest for the murder of Allistair MacNair and line theft of the Old House of MacNair''
I don't own Harry Potter, all characters except OC belong to J. K. Rowling.