Title: Wisdom From The Dark 04
Author: Jyrnn
Spoilers: All four books.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor any of its characters. They are the sole intellectual property of J. K. Rowling and Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. I gain no monetary reward for this exercise and do not intend any copyright infringement.
Summery: A child has suffered enough, an intruder encounters unexpected resistance, and the careless words of Voldemort have the most unexpected results. Harry Potter is about to take a stand.
Chapter 3: The Injustice of Law
A veritable blur of purple robes streaked through the halls of the Ministry of Magic as Percy Weasley rushed to get to the holding area in the Department of Justice. Every now and then he would glance at the parchment in his hand and suck in his breath. In his mind he repeated the charges: One count attempted murder, three counts exposure to muggles. Assault with a magical artifact and possession of a questionable artifact. Slander against Minister's Office and Obstruction of Magical Justice to name but a few. It seemed that the Minister was throwing the book at Harry and Percy couldn't for the life of him figure out why. It was preposterous. Association with a dark wizard. The Boy who Lived a Dark Wizard! The official list of charges was more that Percy had defended in the past two weeks.
The bailiffs protecting the cells took what seemed a inordinate amount of time to clear Percy for entry. One magical signature check and a laborious wand verification later Percy was led into the containment area. Percy winced at the thought of Harry being held in the same regard as the dangerous creatures and wizards around him. Cold metal gleamed around him hurting his eyes and the dull hum generated by the powerful wards on the cells sent waves of vertigo through the fledgling lawyer. While not Azkaban, the sheer energy devoted into securing this temporary prison made chance of escape negligible. For not the first time Percy staggered while walking down these halls. Eventually they had come to the correct chamber and Percy thanked the guard and strode into meet the close friend of the Weasley family who was going to go to trial.
***
When the bolts turned on the door, Harry stirred from his fitful slumber. He was cold from sleeping on the decidedly unpillow-like metal table. The events of the night had taken its toll and his leg still hurt. The mediwizard had cast some charms but the knee still twinged when he shifted position. Despite this he steeled himself and shook off the pain of his blossoming headache. The loud creak of the door pierced the solitude of his captivity as it opened to admit....Percy Weasley? Harry shot up straight and immediately regretted doing so. Waves of discomfort and pain cascaded through his drowsy mind and forced him to gasp. His confusion at the unexpected arrival of a friendly face did not help his state. Percy waved off the guard and pulled the chair Dawkins had sat in out from in front of Harry. Next he quickly threw down a small pile of parchments and folders on the table and shrugged off his outer robe.
"Alright Harry," he said without pause, "We have much to do and not enough time to do it. I need your account of this mornings activities." He pulled out a raven's feather quill and prepared to make notes about what Harry was going to say. Seeing the confusion on young Potter's face Percy leaned back and deposited the quill beside the blank parchment. "Perhaps I should explain." Harry simply nodded in agreement. "I a lawyer now Harry. More specifically I'm a public defender. That makes me your lawyer. Tonight a 7:00pm your going on trial before a closed court for.." He plucked a sheet from the bottom and sucked in a deep breath. "Attempted murder, slander on a Ministry official, slander on the Ministry proper and The Minster's Office, misuse of magical constructs, possession of restricted article C-I: a CLoak of Invisibility, intent to curse, breach of the young wizards curfew, destruction of property, planting evidence, speeding on a broom, reckless flying, Assault with a magical transportation device, suspected dark ties, failure to report a magical disturbance and obstruction of justice." He panted a little and flipped the sheet over. 'Oh and revealing a wizard in the vicinity of a muggle, three counts. Quite a pickle."
"Can I send a message to Dumbledore. He could straighten this mess out couldn't he?" asked Harry.
Percy grimaced. "Well normally yes but since the Minister perceives this as an assault on his office, admittance of anyone who is not strictly a Ministry official is prohibited. No outside communication nor any press releases. We'll all likely be sworn to secrecy under pain of dismissal for a year and a day or until Fudge resigns so that "reputation of the Minister remains intact during his or her tenure. So contacting Dumbledore is out." Percy frowned at this. "Time is of the essence Harry, tell me what happened so I can help you." Percy took up his quill and waited expectantly. Harry opened his mouth to begin but his neglected stomach protested further exertion without fuel. The loud, uncontrollable growl emanating from Harry's abdominal area heralded a end of conversation. Percy called to the guard for a meal and laughed at the absurdity of the situation. For his part Harry managed to look sheepish though his weak chuckle. When the guard returned minutes later, Harry begin his story over the meager meal provided. He stressed the danger he felt when he realized that there was an intruder and though it was brief, he related the full details of the melee. The telling of the tale took longer then the event itself.
When Harry ran out of words to describe both the attack and Dawkins' questioning Percy sighed and said. "You would have genuine grounds for self-defense Harry but I doubt the Ministry will see it our way. Three officials have signed on in support of the prosecution and that bastard Dawkins is shark if I ever saw one. I don't have time to build a suitable defense for all the charges and the trial is in two hours. I'm sorry Harry." After a pause during which Harry hung his head the atmosphere of the closed space saddened.
"So it's over. You tell me Fudge is putting pressure on this from the top. That he's got a battalion of lawyers who researched every aspect of the "crime" so that any defense of one charge automatically assumes my guilt of another. You say the whole thing is rigged and because of Fudge and the policies of the Ministry the verdict is preordained. I'm guilty of trying not to die. How about the sentence?" Harry asked with more than a little desperation. Injustice stung inside of him. hH had only recently decided to stand up for himself and now that chance was being taken from him.
"Well, it depends on the judge. I'm afraid that according to wizard law, these particular circumstances don't allow for a jury. It's out of our hands. I am truly sorry." Percy could only shake his head.
***
The trial, if it can be called that, was mercifully short. On one side sat a shackled Harry looking pale with his inexperienced counsel. Percy's purple robes clashed horribly with his carrot-like hair and his nervous stammering detracted from his effectiveness. On the other side were rows of gray-clad professionals. There uniformity and crisp courtroom personas overwhelmed the defense with little difficulty. Try as he might his objections were overruled and his arguments dismissed. It took less than two hours to decide the fate of Harry Potter. Whilst the accusations of attempted murder were cast aside, the sheer volume of lesser infractions quickly added up. The wigged magistrate who had remained all but a statue throughout the duration came to life and looked imperiously down at Harry.
"Harry James Potter, arise" demanded the loud voice of a bailiff.
The magistrate took a sip of water and cleared his throat . The dry sound seemmed a trumpet in the cavernous courtroom. The empty rows and deserted jury box only served to depress Harry. Harry glanced at the Minster sitting behind Dawkins. He bore a look of disturbing eagerness. "Before I relate to you my decision, I would like to inform you of the seriousness of your situation. Had this been a regular trial I might be inclined to impose the full and harshest sentence upon you. Though as it stands, the evidence is sparse for both cases." The excited gleam that had been Fudge's eyes gave way to concern as he faced the judge. "The ambivalent nature of the case can not allow me to rule one way or another in a confident manner. That you committed acts of violence for whatever reason is not disputed. That you hold the Office of the Minister in contempt is apparent." The hopeful look returned to Fudge's visage.
"However." Fudge grew despondent once more.
"That Gavin Falstaff cannot provide an adequate explanation for his presence at 4 Privet Drive is also true. That the circumstances of the case are tipped heavily against you is oblivious. It is without doubt that these proceedings demean the integrity of the legal process and cast a grime light on the character of the government." The judge moved his glance pointedly from Harry to the front row where Fudge was sitting. "It is with great reluctance and careful deliberation that I make this ruling." He looked back at Harry.
There was a pause that was both dramatic and painful before the judge loudly declared the ruling of the court. "Harry James Potter, your actions are outside bounds of acceptable behavior for a wizard. And thus it is for your punishment and your own safety that your are hereby cast from these British Isles. Let the record show from now until new evidence is brought to light, that Harry Potter is banished. Court is adjourned." The rapping of the gavel was lost in the explosions of voices erupting from the prosecution and spectators.
End 4
Authors Notes:
My grasp of English law is virtually non-existent. I apologize if the trial seemed too truncated but I didn't have the will to write a grueling legal battle.
I'd like to say thanks to my reviewer, both old and new. So a big Thanks to Nighttime Sunshine, peeweepotter, Lady FoxFire, and Relle.
Author: Jyrnn
Spoilers: All four books.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor any of its characters. They are the sole intellectual property of J. K. Rowling and Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. I gain no monetary reward for this exercise and do not intend any copyright infringement.
Summery: A child has suffered enough, an intruder encounters unexpected resistance, and the careless words of Voldemort have the most unexpected results. Harry Potter is about to take a stand.
Chapter 3: The Injustice of Law
A veritable blur of purple robes streaked through the halls of the Ministry of Magic as Percy Weasley rushed to get to the holding area in the Department of Justice. Every now and then he would glance at the parchment in his hand and suck in his breath. In his mind he repeated the charges: One count attempted murder, three counts exposure to muggles. Assault with a magical artifact and possession of a questionable artifact. Slander against Minister's Office and Obstruction of Magical Justice to name but a few. It seemed that the Minister was throwing the book at Harry and Percy couldn't for the life of him figure out why. It was preposterous. Association with a dark wizard. The Boy who Lived a Dark Wizard! The official list of charges was more that Percy had defended in the past two weeks.
The bailiffs protecting the cells took what seemed a inordinate amount of time to clear Percy for entry. One magical signature check and a laborious wand verification later Percy was led into the containment area. Percy winced at the thought of Harry being held in the same regard as the dangerous creatures and wizards around him. Cold metal gleamed around him hurting his eyes and the dull hum generated by the powerful wards on the cells sent waves of vertigo through the fledgling lawyer. While not Azkaban, the sheer energy devoted into securing this temporary prison made chance of escape negligible. For not the first time Percy staggered while walking down these halls. Eventually they had come to the correct chamber and Percy thanked the guard and strode into meet the close friend of the Weasley family who was going to go to trial.
***
When the bolts turned on the door, Harry stirred from his fitful slumber. He was cold from sleeping on the decidedly unpillow-like metal table. The events of the night had taken its toll and his leg still hurt. The mediwizard had cast some charms but the knee still twinged when he shifted position. Despite this he steeled himself and shook off the pain of his blossoming headache. The loud creak of the door pierced the solitude of his captivity as it opened to admit....Percy Weasley? Harry shot up straight and immediately regretted doing so. Waves of discomfort and pain cascaded through his drowsy mind and forced him to gasp. His confusion at the unexpected arrival of a friendly face did not help his state. Percy waved off the guard and pulled the chair Dawkins had sat in out from in front of Harry. Next he quickly threw down a small pile of parchments and folders on the table and shrugged off his outer robe.
"Alright Harry," he said without pause, "We have much to do and not enough time to do it. I need your account of this mornings activities." He pulled out a raven's feather quill and prepared to make notes about what Harry was going to say. Seeing the confusion on young Potter's face Percy leaned back and deposited the quill beside the blank parchment. "Perhaps I should explain." Harry simply nodded in agreement. "I a lawyer now Harry. More specifically I'm a public defender. That makes me your lawyer. Tonight a 7:00pm your going on trial before a closed court for.." He plucked a sheet from the bottom and sucked in a deep breath. "Attempted murder, slander on a Ministry official, slander on the Ministry proper and The Minster's Office, misuse of magical constructs, possession of restricted article C-I: a CLoak of Invisibility, intent to curse, breach of the young wizards curfew, destruction of property, planting evidence, speeding on a broom, reckless flying, Assault with a magical transportation device, suspected dark ties, failure to report a magical disturbance and obstruction of justice." He panted a little and flipped the sheet over. 'Oh and revealing a wizard in the vicinity of a muggle, three counts. Quite a pickle."
"Can I send a message to Dumbledore. He could straighten this mess out couldn't he?" asked Harry.
Percy grimaced. "Well normally yes but since the Minister perceives this as an assault on his office, admittance of anyone who is not strictly a Ministry official is prohibited. No outside communication nor any press releases. We'll all likely be sworn to secrecy under pain of dismissal for a year and a day or until Fudge resigns so that "reputation of the Minister remains intact during his or her tenure. So contacting Dumbledore is out." Percy frowned at this. "Time is of the essence Harry, tell me what happened so I can help you." Percy took up his quill and waited expectantly. Harry opened his mouth to begin but his neglected stomach protested further exertion without fuel. The loud, uncontrollable growl emanating from Harry's abdominal area heralded a end of conversation. Percy called to the guard for a meal and laughed at the absurdity of the situation. For his part Harry managed to look sheepish though his weak chuckle. When the guard returned minutes later, Harry begin his story over the meager meal provided. He stressed the danger he felt when he realized that there was an intruder and though it was brief, he related the full details of the melee. The telling of the tale took longer then the event itself.
When Harry ran out of words to describe both the attack and Dawkins' questioning Percy sighed and said. "You would have genuine grounds for self-defense Harry but I doubt the Ministry will see it our way. Three officials have signed on in support of the prosecution and that bastard Dawkins is shark if I ever saw one. I don't have time to build a suitable defense for all the charges and the trial is in two hours. I'm sorry Harry." After a pause during which Harry hung his head the atmosphere of the closed space saddened.
"So it's over. You tell me Fudge is putting pressure on this from the top. That he's got a battalion of lawyers who researched every aspect of the "crime" so that any defense of one charge automatically assumes my guilt of another. You say the whole thing is rigged and because of Fudge and the policies of the Ministry the verdict is preordained. I'm guilty of trying not to die. How about the sentence?" Harry asked with more than a little desperation. Injustice stung inside of him. hH had only recently decided to stand up for himself and now that chance was being taken from him.
"Well, it depends on the judge. I'm afraid that according to wizard law, these particular circumstances don't allow for a jury. It's out of our hands. I am truly sorry." Percy could only shake his head.
***
The trial, if it can be called that, was mercifully short. On one side sat a shackled Harry looking pale with his inexperienced counsel. Percy's purple robes clashed horribly with his carrot-like hair and his nervous stammering detracted from his effectiveness. On the other side were rows of gray-clad professionals. There uniformity and crisp courtroom personas overwhelmed the defense with little difficulty. Try as he might his objections were overruled and his arguments dismissed. It took less than two hours to decide the fate of Harry Potter. Whilst the accusations of attempted murder were cast aside, the sheer volume of lesser infractions quickly added up. The wigged magistrate who had remained all but a statue throughout the duration came to life and looked imperiously down at Harry.
"Harry James Potter, arise" demanded the loud voice of a bailiff.
The magistrate took a sip of water and cleared his throat . The dry sound seemmed a trumpet in the cavernous courtroom. The empty rows and deserted jury box only served to depress Harry. Harry glanced at the Minster sitting behind Dawkins. He bore a look of disturbing eagerness. "Before I relate to you my decision, I would like to inform you of the seriousness of your situation. Had this been a regular trial I might be inclined to impose the full and harshest sentence upon you. Though as it stands, the evidence is sparse for both cases." The excited gleam that had been Fudge's eyes gave way to concern as he faced the judge. "The ambivalent nature of the case can not allow me to rule one way or another in a confident manner. That you committed acts of violence for whatever reason is not disputed. That you hold the Office of the Minister in contempt is apparent." The hopeful look returned to Fudge's visage.
"However." Fudge grew despondent once more.
"That Gavin Falstaff cannot provide an adequate explanation for his presence at 4 Privet Drive is also true. That the circumstances of the case are tipped heavily against you is oblivious. It is without doubt that these proceedings demean the integrity of the legal process and cast a grime light on the character of the government." The judge moved his glance pointedly from Harry to the front row where Fudge was sitting. "It is with great reluctance and careful deliberation that I make this ruling." He looked back at Harry.
There was a pause that was both dramatic and painful before the judge loudly declared the ruling of the court. "Harry James Potter, your actions are outside bounds of acceptable behavior for a wizard. And thus it is for your punishment and your own safety that your are hereby cast from these British Isles. Let the record show from now until new evidence is brought to light, that Harry Potter is banished. Court is adjourned." The rapping of the gavel was lost in the explosions of voices erupting from the prosecution and spectators.
End 4
Authors Notes:
My grasp of English law is virtually non-existent. I apologize if the trial seemed too truncated but I didn't have the will to write a grueling legal battle.
I'd like to say thanks to my reviewer, both old and new. So a big Thanks to Nighttime Sunshine, peeweepotter, Lady FoxFire, and Relle.