James

The Wizengamot was waiting for the trial of Death eaters. Whatever Minster Bagnold had told about Sirius, the public was in uproar. Some felt that he deserved a lifetime in Azkaban, while others felt that given the number of muggle deaths and the severity of his crime, a death penalty, would suffice.

Albus Dumbledore along with Barty Crouch, Minster Bagnold and few other members of Wizengamot were present by his side in the jury. He was staring at Sirius. Trying to read his mind most probably, he knew of the fact that he had not spoken a thing all while he was in custody. But he thought that he could see him sitting proudly without a care in the world as if he had just not murdered more than a dozen muggles and one of his friends, smiling to people all around him. He decided to take a quick glance at Lily, she was silent as well and had not believed that Sirius would do such things. She vehemently protested when Dumbledore asked them to lie that he was their secret keeper. As he turned towards her she felt his gaze and gave a resolute nod in is direction. He turned back to look towards Dumbledore and saw he had taken his eyes off Sirius and gave a small nod and smiled. It seemed Dumbledore was sure that whatever happened Sirius would be convicted today. James was satisfied by what he saw because he gave a small nod and smiled back at Dumbledore.

The trial began with the drool voice of Barty Crouch, Sr. He started speaking, "The Wizengamot has been convened on 31st of August, 1981 for trial of Sirius Black in the case of murdering thirteen muggles and a wizard, Peter Pettigrew on a muggle street. The interrogators are: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Chief Warlock; Bartemius Crouch, Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Senior Auror Alastor Moody, Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

Suddenly the heavy oak doors of the chamber burst open and a man strode in. He was young, with long dark hair and emerald eyes, a well-built body and looked no older than twenty five. He graciously strode toward where the jury sat, no doubt a snobby pureblood; James snorted. Most likely another death wanker.

Dumbledore

"Well young man we're in the middle of a criminal proceeding here; I think you have entered wrong room," said Dumbledore with a congenial smile on his face and continued," so please see yourself out."

"I'm afraid I cannot do that Chief Warlock, seeing my presence would be required in upcoming trials." The young man continued, "Also I am here to claim my family seat." All the while talking as if explaining to a two year toddler.

Dumbledore frowned. He searched his memories for past few years yet he failed to come up with what year this boy had graduated. Seeing this war had rather left far too many families dead and with them their seats. Many people often came forth to claim their family seats.

"What is your name then?" Dumbledore asked.

"Marcus Marwin Gaunt, from the Most Ancient And Noble House Of Gaunt." He answered then shot a sly grin at Dumbledore, with all the standard twinkling eye effect that was his signature.

Dumbledore was startled, this could not be happening Tom is dead. He died last night. How could he be back? He couldn't have faked his death. But it was a possible and every possibility even if it was miniscule could not be ignored. Inwardly Dumbledore was panicking while on the outside he merely gave a pained smile and said,"You can claim your seat after you clear your family's dues."

"It is already done. I thank you Chief Warlock." And continued moving towards the Gaunt seat and swore.

"I, Marcus Marwin Gaunt, Lord of Most Ancient And Noble House Of Gaunt hereby claim my rightful seat on the Wizengamot. I swear to do my best for the good of the British Wizarding World to the best of my ability."

He winked at Dumbledore for effect of course.