Chapter 2: Freedom and Memories

Stepping forward, Lucius seemed to give off an air of indifference and superiority, masking his true feelings and edginess. He was a Malfoy and he was right, he was going to convince the jurors, nobody would ruin his presentation. Severus seemed aloof and distant, trying to remember all the evidence that he needed to free his friends. Dumbledore projected an air of tranquility and cheerfulness as usual; he was certain, that their cause would win, after all it was convenient to the Ministry no to have to confront the Lestranges in the future and their plea was excellent, it don't admit objections

Eyeing the group suspiciously, it was known that Professor Dumbledore and Mr. Malfoy don't have a good relationship, the jurors got ready to listen to their plea, already having decided to vote them back to Azkaban. The whole situation amused them greatly, the Lestranges were murderers and nothing would change that. They were wondering if they could somehow work in a stay at St. Mungo's for the lunatics trying to free them, asking themselves when Dumbledore had finally lost his good sense. They were positive that there was nothing that could be said in the couple defense that would convince them to grant Mary and Angelus Lestrange their freedom. They were indefensible.

Walking up to the oak podium with his wife's notes in hand, Lucius situated himself in the podium. He met each juror's gaze in turn to show them that his cause and his allegations were irrefutable and that today, he would win. He once convinced the Ministry that he was under the influence of the Imperius and he was not a truly Death Eater. He could prove his innocence in the past and now his will prove his friends innocence. He is going to win. As always. With self-assured grace and great manners showing the jurors that he has royalty in his blood and that he 'is' above all of them, the powerful and impressive master of the Malfoy's fortune began his speech with such cold and calculate voice that it could freeze Hell.

"My full name is Lucius Malfoy and I am here today to free the ones who go by the names of Mary and Angelus Lestrange. In 1984, both were sentenced to a lifetime sentence in Azkaban for being in the service of with the Dark Lord Voldemort" After eyeing he reactions of the jurors smirking he continued with a thought in his mind These are the people that are suppose to defend the community from the Dark Lord, but they tremble under the mention of his name. Pathetic. "It would be a waste of our time for me to tell you otherwise. Both have the Dark Mark branded on their skin, and yes, they were Death Eaters." Without noticing the smiles in the jurors faces, he added, "But in a time when the name 'Slytherin' was synonymous with 'Death Eater' and every child who wore green or black was assumed to be a Dark wizard, Mary and Angelus Lestrange walked among the so-called Light Side with honor and pride. They were excellent students; the best of their generation and they would have made excellent parents and adults serving the Ministry with dedication and excellence. But they had one little 'fault', a point that made a huge difference. They were Slytherins, and because of that were treated like enemies by the rest of the school even the professors and the rest of the adults, since they were little children, no different than your own children attending Hogwarts today. Mary and Angelus never have a chance to prove otherwise. The Light Side, the one 'we' are so 'proud' to belong to, betrayed them from before they'd even left Hogwarts, condemning them to became what they wanted to see. Inducing them to find refuge in the only place they could, the one that wouldn't reject them. The so-called Dark Side."

Pausing to let his argument sink in, Lucius smirked to himself, his manipulation was working. The jurors' attention was focused entirely on him, waiting on his words. He cleared his throat and continued with his speech. "Mary used to be the sweetest and kindest person in all of Hogwarts. The majority of her friends were Hufflepuffs; that is, those who weren't afraid of her being a Slytherin. She loved cooking, Herbology, and anything else that involved working with her hands because they appealed to her nurturing nature, she was even thinking of becoming a mediwitch. She was the perfect girl to become the perfect wife. She lived to please people, to make them content with their everyday lives. She could never purposely hurt someone and the only time she truly became angry was when somebody had said or acted negatively towards Angelus; he was the love of her life. She was not a vindictive woman; she simply defended the ones she loved just as anyone would do, just like any of you would do.

"Time passed and Mary and Angelus married, never once showing signs of being Dark or evil. She kept in contact with her Hufflepuff friends, and later, she became pregnant. It was shortly after the birth of her son Julius, that Mary was arrested and thrown into Azkaban - without a trial and without definitive evidence. " Lucius paused for effect, making sure to stare down the jurors to drive his point home. "The Ministry simply went of an anonymous tip and since she had been a Slytherin, she was believed to be a willing Death Eater. I mean, surely everyone from Slytherin is evil. Just like everyone from Gryffindor is the epitome of goodness, like we have witnessed in the past. Yes, she does have the Dark Mark but back when Voldemort was in full power, families were forcing their children into his service either out of fear or simply because they were blind followers of a fool who wanted to rule all. Mary was never given a choice, her parents chose for her. The mark was thrust upon her, condemning her to work for a mad-man. She would never have chosen that course of her own accord, but in a family full of Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors one snake don't have any chance to survive."

"Now, many of you would counter that she could have became a spy or gone into hiding. I discredit these ideas because back then, people with the mark were not given a chance to tell somebody. People always suspected them and didn't give a chance to prove their innocence. Who in his right mind would trust somebody who was marked? Except for Professor Dumbledore, who give Severus his support and for that we have one of the best Potions Master in the world. But the professor in only one man and couldn't have the possibility to fix the Ministry's errors. But not all of us are like the professor. Mary and Angelus were never given the chance to defect and become spies nor even to simply call out for help. They were immediately taken into custody and sent to Azkaban. And hiding? You tried to hide the Potters but still Voldemort found them. Hiding is not an option.

"Now that you know how things were for those innocent children, children who at the age of eleven learnt that because of their House they didn't have choices and who lived all by themselves taking care of each other, I want you to rethink your judgment on that little girl sitting in that corner. I want you to think of the wonderful woman that she could become now if you give her a second chance; a chance to live without Society's prejudices".

Lucius finished his speech looking Mary with a pained expression Poor little Mary, you don't deserve to be like this. You were the happiest girl I ever met. He remembered a beautiful and great girl, a girl nothing like the one now sitting in front of him. We are going to get you out of this prison. These minister's fools don't have a chance against our plea. You will be free again, I promise you. Lucius let his mask down for a second and smiled with his eyes to Mary, who blinked and blow him a kiss in response.

"Thank you, Lucius. Nicely put, an excellent speech. I have just a few things to add before I let you wonderful jurors go about deciding your verdict. I, Albus Dumbledore, Order of Merlin First Class and Headmaster of Hogwarts School, give my full support to Mary and Angelus Lestrange for their exoneration. I truly believe that they could make a valuable contribution to the magical community. If they were pardoned, both Mary and Angelus would accompany me back to Hogwarts where I will keep a strict eye on them and their progress adjusting to freedom," Albus said, without the usual twinkle. The severe look in his eyes proved the jurors that he still was the powerful wizard who defeated Grindelwald.

Feeling his knees weaken in nervous, Severus stood up and went to stand beside his friend who was pacing distractedly, wondering whether he'd been successful or not but thanking his wife with all his heart; they would never have had a chance without her. They held their breaths while they waited for the jurors' deliberation to come to a close.

When the jury reentered, Dumbledore thought they had lost, due to the somber looks on the jurors' faces.

The lead juror looked angry to the jurors, while he was trying to control his feelings. They ignored his look and began their conclusion. "It is the resolution of this court, in accordance of the information and the facts provided by Mr. Lucius Malfoy and Professor Albus Dumbledore, that Mary Lestrange is guilty of being a Death Eater during the reign of the Dark Lord. However, based upon the new evidence presented, we, the jury, do hereby declare that Mary Lestrange will be released from Azkaban under the care of Professor Albus Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and Severus Alexander Snape. Also, a psychiatric evaluation will take place on Mrs. Lestrange and if she is found to be in any way incompetent or insane from her duration in Azkaban, she shall stay in St. Mungo's for duration of time that will be determined by the staff of the psychiatric ward." After the speaker sat down, Mary was released from her restraints and directed to the three waiting defendants. She seemed dazed and confused, as though she had no idea what was happening but made it over safely whereupon she was pulled into a joyous hug by the Prince and then seated next to him whilst Severus prepared to plead Angelus' case. She sat quietly, playing with the frayed edged of her robes and a small smile on her lips as she watched her husband.

The Potions Master stood high and proud in front of the juror. His knees were still weak but he wasn't going to show them his fear. He took his hair out off his face and began his speech. "I, Severus Alexander Snape, shall now begin speaking in defense of Angelus Lestrange," the Guardian started formally with the same expression of single-minded concentration that he wore when he was making a potion. He composed his features into a schooled, strict look. His fear has worn off and his confidence was taking its place. "To complement and reaffirm Mr. Malfoy's statements, I will be recreating one of my memories from our fifth year at Hogwarts. The point of this experience is to illustrate what cannot as easily be expressed with words." Receiving the judge's consent, Severus spoke the incantation and an image formed in the air in front of the jury, the lines and colours slowly solidifying until it was as clear as a photograph...

"Death Eaters," was the muttered whispers the trio heard as they made their way from the Transfiguration's Classroom to the dungeons to find Mary. It was easy enough to ignore the mutinous glares and harsh words; after all they were used to this.

"Come on, Mary. We know that you're a Death Eater, just admit it. No one is so sweet and kind without ulterior motives. I bet you're nothing but the Dark Lord's personal whore. I bet you fuck your buddies while he sits back and watches. You're all sick, perverted, dirty, and evil people. Nothing but scrum. Death Eater slime. Admit it."

The taunting of the elder students from Gryffindor and Ravenclaw was cut off when they found themselves flung to the other side of the hall, away from Mary. Furiously getting up off the floor, they found themselves staring down the wands of three very angry and very powerful Slytherins. Snarling at them, they threw a few hexes but were soundly beaten so they stalked away to lick their wounds, muttering obscenities under their breath as they went.

"Why do we fight it?" Angelus asked, looking at his friends and hoping they had answers. Seeing the confused looks he was receiving, he continued, "We might as well do what everyone thinks we will, become Death Eaters. At least then we can claim what they are saying we did. I'm sick of everyone saying we do this stuff," Angel's voice was rising as his rant continued. "I mean, come on. You can only take so much. Well, I've had enough. If they think I'm evil now, well what until they see what I can become." As he stormed off, they heard their friend muttering about how he would have preferred to work for the Light, but no! They just had to think he was Dark.

Scowling teenage faces of Mary, Severus, and Lucius faded into nothingness and the jurors' found themselves back in the courtroom. Looking on gravely, Severus continued with his defense.

"As you saw there, Angelus had originally intended to fight for the Light side. He had no wish to serve the Dark Lord and would have liked to have been instrumental in his downfall but the Light made sure that this was never a possibility!" The Guardian started to pace gracefully trying to unleash the tension in front of the jurors; normally a controlled man, Severus was pouring everything he had into this speech. "He would have been a valuable asset to the Light side, he was one of the bests DADA and Charms's students. He could have been a very powerful Auror, after all he was one of the most powerful wizard of his generation. Instead he was tossed aside by people unable to look past their prejudices against Slytherin's House People not unlike yourselves, people who claim to be rational and unbiased but who, in the end, couldn't see beyond the colors he wore. The so-called "good guys". Had that actually been the case, Angelus would never felt that he had no other choice but to cross to the Dark.

"My final thought to you is this; Angelus was barely out of his teenage years when he was punished for his mistake. He was never given the chance to have someone defend him. Although he was a Death Eater, and for that he deserved to paid. But after 14 years in Azkaban, I think that he need a second chance to live. Thank you." Severus finished his speech looking straight to Angel, who smirked at him.

"As I have said before, I, Albus Dumbledore, Order of Merlin First Class, give my full support to Angelus Lestrange. But I would also like to say this: Angelus is a formidable foe. One I would not want to go against. Imagine if Azkaban were ever attacked, would you want to deal with a Lestrange that is seeking justice? Hmm?" With that said, the jurors exited the room to decide Angelus' fate.

"Don't worry Mary, Angel is going to be with us soon," Lucius whispered to her while she was nervously rubbing her hands together as she periodically glanced at the door that led to the room the jurors were in.

"You have too much confidence Lucius. Fudge may be an idiot but he will do anything to retain the peoples' vote. This cannot help him when the Wizarding world finds out" Severus said looking at his friends blankly, without hope but without undue worry; he knew that he had stated his case well.

"I think we have a chance. A real chance," came Albus' calm reply.

Snorting, but hoping that the old man was right, Lucius couldn't help but wonder what the professor had up his sleeve. Dumbledore was a great man, he have known this since he started Hogwarts but he wasn't going to admit that aloud, but to maintain his position in the Wizarding world he had to have some idea of what was going on around him, despite the harmless, slightly fuddled act. Surely this would benefit him in someway as well, or else he would have never agreed to come.

"Now, Severus, Lucius, if this does work, then there are some things that we must discuss between us and the Lestranges once we get to Hogwarts. This cannot be put off either," he said with a stern glance at the two shifting men. "I have a proposition for all of you that I don't think you'll turn down. Especially you, Severus. This is something that will greatly benefit all four of you." And, with any luck, the Light Side. Dumbledore thought. Once he received the confirming nods from the two men, he smiled happily, rocking back and forth on his heels while he hummed a merry little ditty.

Severus was ready to strangle the humming man; how could he be so cheerful when so much was at stake? He then nearly jumped up from his seat when the jury re-entered moments later.

"It is the resolution of this court, in accordance of the information and the facts provided by Mr. Severus Alexander Snape and Professor Albus Dumbledore, that Angelus Lestrange is guilty of being a Death Eater during the reign of the Dark Lord. However, based upon the new facts presented, the jury hereby finds Angelus Lestrange, not guilty. He is to be released into the care of Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, and Lucius Malfoy. Also, a psychiatric evaluation will take place on Mr. Lestrange and if he is found to be in any way incompetent or insane from his duration in Azkaban, he shall stay in St. Mungo's for a duration of time determined by the staff of the psychiatric ward. That is our verdict. Good day to all of you." With that said, they jury left the room, not staying around to witness the reunion of the group.

After his restraints were off, Angel stood up to clean his ruined robes with his hands. He smiled to himself and swept his hair back from his face. Turning to see the jurors he extended his hand to them raising an eyebrow.

"Your wands were broken after you were in Azkaban, Mr. Lestrange. You have to acquire new ones," the lead juror answered the unasked question frowning.

Angelus turned away from them and walked calmly over to his wife, sweeping her off her feet. "Thank Merlin it over. We are going home, Mary" He said with a grave but raspy voice. Swinging his wife around, he set her down and looked at his friends with an expression they had thought they would never see again; a genuine smile. "The Lords of Hell are formally reunited once again! Watch out world; here we come and here we are going to stay!" He hugged each of them in turn smelling on them the scents from his childhood. "I knew you wouldn't let us down. It's been a while, but thank you so very much." He blinked rapidly to stop the tears from falling.

"We were indebted to you Angel, we couldn't possible let you down," The Guardian said putting a hand over his friend arm. "I'm sorry about the delay" "You don't have to worry. You are here today and that's all that matters," Angel whispered squeezing his companion's hand.

"We took 15 years from you and we will pay for them" The Prince said in a voice that brooked no argument. "Our first stop will be an exclusive designer; your robes are disgusting. You look like Muggles!"

Severus rolled his eyes in exasperation "You will never change in that, will you, Prince?" Laughing, Angel nodded in agreement and turned to Dumbledore with a more serious expression. "Thanks for your help." Running his hand through his tangled red hair, he grimaced but the grimace didn't last long as he contemplated his future with his wonderful wife, Mary.

Rising to her tiptoes, Mary whispered hoarsely into Angel's ear, causing him to grin. "That's right, Mary. These are our friends!" Smiling hesitantly, Mary seemed to hide behind her hair and her husband. Sharing a quick glance, Severus and Lucius wondered how they could help bring Mary out of her shell and how much they had lost of her in Azkaban. But they would get her back, no matter what.

"Well then, now that is sorted I suggest we be on our way to Hogwarts!" Dumbledore called happily, seeing the interaction of his long-ago students. Everything might just be all right; here was the Light's best opportunity to win the coming war. These four Slytherins were his last, best hope now.

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