As usual, you know the drill, I don't own the Harry Potter Characters, this fanfic is just for fun. Oh and I'm well aware that this isn't how trials are normally held in the Wizengamot, bare with me, as I said, this is just for fun.

Chapter 17, The Wizengamot

In the tenth level of the Ministry of Magic, deep below London, lay the Wizengamot, high court of British Wizardry. Under normal circumstances, in fact traditionally under any circumstances, accused were to be present at their trials; however the ministry had apparently voted to suspend temporarily the constitution for rights of the accused, in order that Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Reverend Ewls could face trial, having Professor McGonagall, and Arthur Weasley represent them.

The fifty, some odd, members of the Wizengamot took their seats in the dimly lit, dungeon like room prepared to hear the cases. Sitting at front of them, on the lower-most level of seats was Rufus Scrimgeour. This meant that Scrimgeour was taking the position of Chief Warlock. Technically the separation of powers called for the Minister of Magic to not directly participate in the proceedings, the violation of this, however, was a precedent set by Scrimgeour's predecessor, Cornelius Fudge, who took part in Harry Potter's hearing nearly three years prior.

Usually, in the center of the dungeon-courtroom, rests a chair with magical chains which bound the accused during their trial. The chair had been, this time removed, and instead two tables sat at opposite sides of floor upon which the trial would take place. In the center of the floor sat a chainless chair which would be used for witnesses. At the table on the floor, which stood to the right of Scrimgeour, sat Professor McGonagall and Arthur Weasley, at the table on the other side of the floor sat Cacius Ewing and Arius Day.

In the audience sat Tonks, Mad-Eye Moody, Molly, Bill, Fleur, Fred, and George Weasly, Rita Skeeter, who took notes, Delores Umbridge, Kingsley Shackbolt, and Cornelius Fudge, among others. In the audience was the sound of muddled conversation which was silenced with the banging of a gavel by Rufus Scrimgeour.

"I call this court to order," Said Scrimgeour. "Case of the Ministry of Magic for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland versus Hermione Jane Granger, Thomas Theodore Ewls, Harry James Potter, and Ronald Billius Weasley shall now commence. Representing the accused is Professor Minerva McGonagall, Headmistress at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and Arthur Weasley Head of the Office for the Detectment and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects for the Ministry of Magic. Prosecuting the accused is Sub-Colonel Cacius Edward Ewing, and Captain Arius David Day of the 2nd Auror Command, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Ministry of Magic."

After Scrimgeour finished this statement, Arthur Weasley stood, removing his glasses.

"Before we begin Minister," Arthur Weasley began. "Council for the accused would like to object to these proceedings, they are a mockery of justice, according to our laws the accused have a right to face there accusers, a right which is being denied to all four of those whom we represent!"

"Mr. Weasley, this is not a civilian trial," replied Scrimgeour. "This is a wartime military tribunal, and the accused are being tried as war criminals."

"The accused are not in the military," came back Arthur, his speech was faster, his expression maintained his calm but his voice gave way to some hint of frustration and worry. "And they are not fighting in this war."

All of the Weasleys were worried, it seemed to them that the ministry was against the four "accused," one of whom was, of course, their son/brother. Molly Weasley tried to fight back her tears, so far all of her sons and daughter had survived the war, she almost believed that her entire family would make it through, now she feared the worst for her son who could very well face the death penalty, judging by the seriousness of the tyrannical state of the ministry.

"Minister, this is a mute point," Ewing stood as he addressed Scrimgeour. "The accused have been classified by the ministry as enemy combatants."

"How is that possible minister," Professor McGonagall Protested, leaping to her feet. "They do not give support in the war to the enemy.

"We have three witnesses who are prepared to give testimony to Hermione Granger's own words and their treasonous nature," Said Arius Day. "And I might remind the good professor that the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has been quite merciful in not charging her with treason as well."

Two bangs came from Scrimgeour's gavel.

"There will be no further outbursts from the floor," Said Scrimgeour, maintaining his usual emotionless stare. "We will continue with the proceedings, objection is overruled. The Prosecution will begin their case."

After Scrimgeour finished speaking, Cacius Ewing stood and moved to the center of the floor. He paced back and forth as he addressed the court, he was quite charismatic. Molly Weasley herself thought that had her son not been on trial she might have been convinced by the way he was able to communicate.

"The charge against the accused is Treasonous Misconduct, an offense punishable by death, if the prosecution so seeks, Minister we do so seek." After this was said, the audience erupted in muddled chatter until the bang of a gavel was heard from Scrimgeour. "I'm not going to bore the ministry with elegance and speech, this is serious business and I will not have it made a mockery of. We will show testimony from three witnesses that Hermione Jane Granger did indeed of her own free will, and not under an imperious curse state her intentions to place all of wizardry at risk. She, and those who have aided her escape have, therefore, become very serious threats to not only our world but to the Muggle world as well. We cannot allow this threat to persist we must remove it, and judging by the security of Azkaban lately, a simple prison term will not do, we therefore seek the highest penalty imposable by the Ministry of Magic, which would, under normal circumstances be a Dementor's Kiss. Given the status of the Dementors, the ministry has replaced this penalty with death by beheading. We do not wish to impose these sentences upon these four, but they represent very real threats, and for the common good, we have a solemn duty to do so."

The entire audience was silent, staring intently at Ewing as he returned to his seat. His words were, in spite of his own modesty, quite eloquent. So much so that even McGonagall and Arthur were moved. Arthur Weasly had to shake off his fear at having to go up against such a wonderful speaker. He did so by quickly puling out of his pocket a small photograph of his son blocking a goal in Quiddich. He quickly remembered how proud he was of Ronald, and his duty as a father to defend his son, he gathered what strength and courage he could muster, stood and proceeded to the center of the floor where Ewing had stood.

"Council for the Accused may proceed."

Arthur Weasley was usually a bit of a misfit, today however, any lack of confidence that anyone had in him to accomplish the task of defending his son was quickly removed from the mind of anyone who bore such thoughts. Drawing from his fatherly love, he found within himself a speaking power he, himself, did not even know that he had.

"Duty, an interesting word to use under these circumstances Mr. Ewing. What is our duty? Now Mr. Ewing told you that he wouldn't make any speeches, but that he would confine these proceedings to business, well you'll have to excuse me, but I think that the time has come for some elegance, if it is to remind us of what exactly our duty is. To the truth, to justice, to justice in this case for the accused, Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, Reverend Ewls, who are not even here to face their accusers. Wizardry over the past several thousand years has developed into a proud society, based not only upon magic, but also upon ethics, upon the quality of rightness, and we codified that in law, and we based all our actions on that, and we must use that as a measure by which to judge these proceedings today. The defense will show that the very existence of these proceedings makes a mockery of justice, not only so but that the evidence against the accused is circumstantial at best. The case of the prosecution is based on a prophesy that, even if true, may very well be misinterpreted. The defense will show then that Hermione Granger's words were not directed against wizardry but rather in defense of her own child, the innocent life of which this very Ministry threatened, and continues to threaten. Minister, sometimes we must sacrifice the feeling of security in order that we can do that which is ethically right. Yes, it is intellectually tenable that Hermione Granger's child could be the destroyer, yes it is intellectually tenable that this prophesy could be true, but our society and criminal justice system is based on the premise that the innocent remain so until they are proven guilty, and this body has condemned Ms. Granger's innocent child, and Ms. Granger herself who has done nothing but what any mother would do to protect her child. As for those who support her, whom if we acquit Ms. Granger, we must therefore acquit Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Reverend Ewls.

The prosecution then began by calling Healer Ewls to the stand. She sat looking solemn, her gaze powerful enough to rival her husband's.

"State your name and occupation for the record," Instructed Cacius Ewing.

"Healer Amanda Nicole Creek Ewls, I practice Magical Medicine, I am currently the head practitioner at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and Wizardry."

"And what is your education experience?"

"I was educated at Catspaw School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in California, after which I was trained in Magical Medicine and certified as a Healer at Salem Witches Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Massachusetts."

"And your nationality?"

"American, under the Jurisdiction of the US Department of Wizardry."

"Yet you are certified to practice magical medicine in Great Britain am I correct?"

"Yes, and in France, and Russia, and Germany, and India. I received my Certification to practice in UK during the first conflict against Voldemort."

"And what is your relation to the accused?"

"Reverend Ewls is my Husband."

"What do you think that does to your participation in this case?"

At this, Healer Ewls did not blink an eye, she and Cacius Ewing engaged in a minor staring contest as both of their equally powerful gazes penetrated each other.

"Nothing, I am a servant of the truth."

Ewing then turned to Scrimgeour, "If it please the court, I would like to certify Healer Ewls an expert witness, in the field of Magical Medicine."

"No Objections Minister," said Arthur Weasley.

Scrimgeour nodded, "Very well, let the record show that Healer Ewls is so certified."

"You examined Hermione Granger, am I correct?"

"That is correct."

"And what were your conclusions?"

"With regards to what?"

Cacius Ewing gave a chuckle at the realization that his witness was definitely not going to be cooperative. Healer Ewls maintained her powerful expression.

"With regards to who the father of her child is?"

"Inconclusive."

Healer Ewls attempted to look as nonchalant as possible. After she said this, the audience erupted in silent chatter, a few of the Weasleys gave a chuckle. With the banging of Scrimgeour's gavel, the audience turned silent.

"I don't understand, by what do you mean, inconclusive?"

"I mean I'm not finished analyzing the vaginal fluid sample, or the magic anagrams of her Uterus."

Ewing was beginning to get frustrated, he sighed, rolled his eyes and continued.

"However, what are your preliminary conclusions?"

"Preliminary conclusions?"

Ewing's powerful gaze was quickly being replaced by one of anger. His speech became quicker, less charismatic.

"Come now Dr. Ewls, you swore to this court that your loyalty is to the truth now I…"

"And my loyalty is to the truth, and truthfully, by preliminary conclusions I have no clue what you mean."

With this statement, even Scrimgeour couldn't help but give a very slight smirk. The audience definitely engaged in more than silent laughter. Scrimgeour banged his gavel silencing them.

Scrimgeour continued, his face fast becoming enraged.

"If, say hypothetically, you were forced to make a conclusion based off of the data at hand, what would you conclude?"

"I don't make conclusions based on incomplete evidence."

"Objection Minister," came Professor McGonagall's voice. "I fail to see the relevance of this line of questioning.

"Minister, I'm attempting to discover whether or not Hermione Granger was, at the time of her conception a virgin. This is absolutely essential to proving whether or not she is guilty of treason, knowing the great threat that her child presents to Wizardry."

"Overruled," said Scrimgeour.

Just as it looked as though he was about to explode in anger, his expression became more calm, more kindly as he approached Healer Ewls' chair, coming to within feet of it.

"Healer Ewls, I think you know what I'm asking you, I think you're stalling," He began, attempting to look as though he had the moral high ground of honesty. His expression then gave way to one of empathy. "I understand your loyalty to your husband, but I must ask you to put aside those feelings and consider the greater good of Wizardry."

Amanda Ewls saw right through Cacius Ewing, right through everything he was trying to do. She gave an open chuckle at his previous statement.

"My Loyalty is to the truth Councilor, and the truth is that my analysis is not finished."

"Healer Ewls, you will answer the question," said Scrimgeour in a powerfully frustrated voice.

"Thank you minister," said Ewing. "Now I repeat, if you were hypothetically forced to make conclusion based upon the evidence you have in hand, what conclusion would you make with regards to the father of Hermione's child."

For her first time on the stand, Hermione's eyes became hesitant, shaky. They did not remain fixed on Ewing, but instead looked down at her waste. She considered her response for a moment, and then returned her gaze to Cacius Ewing.

"If forced to make conclusion based upon my incomplete data, I would say that Hermione was, at the time of conception, a virgin, but the analysis is not fin…"

It was Amanda Ewls who was now becoming frustrated, her powerful gaze was fast dissipating.

"And what is the sex of the child?"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Minister please instruct Healer Ewls to answer the question."

"It is a boy," said Healer Ewls before Scrimgeour could respond, her voice now giving hints of nervousness.

"You're sure."

"Absolutely, that part is certain."

As the trial progressed, the looks of triumph on the faces of Arius Day and Cacius Ewing became more and more visible. As did the look on the face of Rufus Scrimgeour, who tried, but failed, to appear unbiased. After Ewls left the stand, Arius Day questioned a man wearing black clerical robes, upon which was a small white cloth shield bearing a red cross.

"Reverend Thomas Alan Pendleton, Nasserite, and Ordained minister of The United Church of Christ in England," The man said.

"You say you are a Nasserite?" Asked Arius Day.

"Yes," Reverend Pendleton's expression was not cold or emotionless, rather it was calm, detached, as if he cared, but the outcome of the trial would in no way change his outlook.

"And what exactly does that mean Reverend?"

"That means that I was trained as a member of the Order of the Holy Cross, a Christian order of Wizards dating back to the first century AD."

"And you have access to the prophesy in question and have read it, and studied in thoroughly?"

"That is correct."

"What other forms of Education do you have?"

"I attended Hogwarts, Nasserite training which is a two year process, after which I attended Aldridge Theological Seminary, a Muggle school in London and obtained A doctorate of Divinity and Old Testament Hebrew there."

"Are you a pastor?"

"No, I'm a linguist, my job is to analyze and interpret ancient texts."

"If it please the court, I would like to certify Reverend Pendleton as an expert in Old Testament Hebrew, and Ancient Hebrew Text."

"Any Objections?"

"No Objections Minister," said Arthur Weasley.

"Very well, let the record show that Reverend Dr. Pendleton is so certified," said Scrimgeour.

"And you are familiar with the prophesy of Isaiah in question that was removed from The Canon of Christian Scripture known as the Holy Bible, by the Roman Catholic Church?"

"Yes, although your information is not quite accurate, the Roman Catholic Church was not a distinctive body until 1054 AD when it split from the Orthodox Churches in the east, the prophesy you are referring to was removed by the post-Nicene Church in the 400's AD."

Whatever, you carry that prophesy in your bible do you not?"

"The bibles printed by the Order of the Cross carry this prophesy and a number of other scriptures that were removed from the bible by the church in the fifth and sixth centuries AD."

"Do you have your bible with you?"

"Yes I do."

"May I see it?"

From out of his robe pockets, Reverend Pendleton takes a small, red, leather-bound book, which was slightly worn out by use. He handed it to Arius Day.

"Of course."

"I wish to enter into the record the Ministry of Magic's exhibit A, which is a New Wizards Translation of the Christian Holy Bible with the Deuterocanon, the Didache, and several prophesies and passages which were removed from the bible by the church in the fifth and sixth centuries AD."

"No objections," Said Arthur Weasley.

Arius Day then handed the bible back to Reverend Pendleton.

"Reverend would you turn to Isaiah, Chapter 7, and read verses 14-18?"

"Certainly," Pendleton said as he flipped through the pages of the mid-section of his bible until he came upon what he was looking for. "Therefore the Yahweh himself shall give you a sign, behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel—Immanuel means God With Us—He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse evil and choose the good. For the child knows how to refuse evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted. In the like manner therefore behold, the adversary himself shall give unto the enemies of God a sign, behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name the destroyer. For death shall he rain down upon the people of Israel, and his name shall be had for evil among all nations."

"And as an interpreter of ancient text, how do you read this verse?"

"As a matter of faith I believe that Immanuel, is Jesus Christ, who is literally God with Us by nature of the Hypostatic Union, which is the dual nature of Jesus that he is both perfectly God and perfectly man. The Destroyer is the final antichrist."

"Concerning this phenomenon of Virgin birth, in ancient Judeo-Christian text how often does it happen?"

"If the interpretation of this particular verse is correct, twice, once with Jesus as the son of Mary and of God. Again with the antichrist as the son of a virgin and the Adversary."

"What is the Hebrew name of the Adversary?"

"Hasatan, Satan."

"Thank you Rev. Pendleton, your witness Mr. Weasley."

Arthur Weasley stood and moved to the center of the floor, while Arius Day sat down. Weasley summoned the same charisma which he used to make his opening statement.

"Reverend, you said that as a matter of faith you believe that Immanuel represents the Savior, and that the Destroyer represents the antichrist, why did you make that qualification?"

"Because in terms of my religious belief I acknowledge those to statements to be true, however I'm not quite so sure as I analyze the scripture in an unbiased light."

"What exactly do you mean by that, analyze in an unbiased light, versus a matter of faith? Are you stating that there is a separation between knowledge acquired through faith and knowledge acquired through analysis."

"Not at all, knowledge acquired through analysis serves to aid my faith. What I mean is that in this case religious doctrine tells us that the Immanuel in Isaiah 7:14 is Jesus Christ, however with regards to scholarly analysis of the text, that is called into question, however there is no real proof either way so I go with what religious doctrine tells me."

"No real proof either way you say? But is it enough to cause what you would call a 'reasonable doubt' in your mind Reverend regarding the Church's interpretation of this prophesy?"

"I wouldn't bet salvation on it lets put it that way, in other words yes."

"Interesting, you wouldn't be salvation on the fact that the Immanuel of the passage in question is in fact Jesus and that the Destroyer is in fact the antichrist, yet you as a Christian do, how shall we say, bet eternal salvation on Jesus being the Son of God?"

"That is correct."

"So you are saying that if in the passage in question, Immanuel is not in fact Jesus Christ, and the Destroyer is not in fact the antichrist yet to come, the doctrine that Jesus Christ is the son of God would not be threatened?"

"That is correct, the New Testament says that Jesus is the Son of God, born of a Virgin, the Old Testament may not, the Old Testament does however predict a messiah who I think, both scholarly and as a matter of faith, is Jesus, but the lack of evidence of virgin birth in the Old Testament does not threaten its presence in the New."

"And why is it that you wouldn't bet eternal salvation on the Traditional Christian interpretation of this verse?"

"Well first of all the word that the New Wizards Translation mistakenly interprets 'virgin' is 'almah,' which means 'young woman;' to be specific, 'young queen,' not necessarily 'virgin' in the sense of never having had sex. In the next chapter of Isaiah, we read of a prophetess bearing a son named Mahershalalhashbaz, meaning 'swift the spoil, prompt the plundering,' a symbolic name like Immanuel 'God with us' and 'The destroyer.' Many scholars postulate that it is possible that Immanuel and Mahershalalhashbaz are in reality the same child, because almah typically refers to a young queen, and a prophetess bore Mahershalalhashbaz, hence many scholars believe that the prophetess is the almah in Isaiah 7:14."

"So what your saying is that it is entirely possible that this prophesy has nothing to do with Jesus?"

"Or the antichrist, that is correct."

"So at least from the point of view of an analyst of ancient text it is possible that Ms. Hermione Granger's alleged virgin conception is not in fact a fulfillment of this prophesy?"

"That is correct, it is entirely possible that the alleged virgin conception of the young woman in question is not in fact a fulfillment of this scripture, from the position of an analysis of ancient text that is."

"From the standpoint of Christian Theology and ChristianDoctrine, Is it also possible that a virgin birth could occur, that is not Jesus or the antichrist, if we assume that the antichrist is born of a virgin?"

"It would call into question how, in terms of what God's direct relationship is to the child, but yes it is indeed possible, from the standpoint of Christian Theology and doctrine."

At this statement, Arthur Weasley almost smiled. One of the prosecution's key expert witnesses just handed him the case. Arius Day and Cacius Ewing tried to look as emotionless as possible.

"So let me understand," Arthur began. "You're saying that not only is it reasonably possible that the whole Christian interpretation of the passage in question could be wrong, but it is also reasonably possible that even if the passage were interpreted correctly, that a virgin birth could occur and not have it be either the messiah or the antichrist?"

"That is Correct sir."

"Based on everything discussed here, would you convict Hermione Granger?"

"I would not."

"Objection!" Shouted Cacius Ewing amidst the now chattering voices of the audience. "Reverend Pendleton is not in the position of Judge or Jury hence he cannot state whether or not he would convict or acquit."

"No contest Minister," said Arthur Weasley with a smile on his face. "Reverend Pendleton has already said what we need to hear. No further questions."

The trial progressed, Arius Day now sat in the witness chair, being directly examined by Cacius Ewing.

"So you are saying that you heard Hermione Granger's exact words before you were Placed on a stun curse?"

"That is correct, I heard exactly what she said. She said that she didn't believe in the prophesy, or Christ, but that all she wanted was her child, she acknowledged that she was willing to place all of Wizardry in danger in order that she could have her child."

After Professor McGonagall's cross-examination of Arius Day, Cacius Ewing and Arius Day traded places, with Arius Day directly examining Ewing. Ewing told the court the same story as Day, after which McGonagall cross-examined Cacius Ewing.

"Is that really what she said Mr. Ewing?" asked McGonagall in a voice that sounded as unconvinced as McGonagall could possibly make it..

"Absolutely, she said that it was worth all of Wizardry just so that she could have her child."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I'll save you the trouble of calling me as a witness, did she openly say that?"

"Well it was more implicit, but her position was clear."

"She said that she didn't believe in the prophesy, or Christ, and that all she wanted was her child?"

"That is correct."

"And we are supposed to believe that a mother pleading for her Child, is treasonous?"

The trial continued, several minutes later, without any witnesses on the stand, Scrimgeour spoke.

"The council for the accused may call its first witness."

"The council for the accused calls Professor Rubeus Hagrid, Professor of Care of Magical Creatures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," said Arthur Weasley.

From the audience, a large man struggled to come down to the floor in order to take the witness stand. Hagrid's size definitely didn't help him in this area, nor did the fluffy, oversized robes which he wore help his credibility. He was definitely not one for charisma, his face was nervous, he stuttered as he spoke, while Arthur Weasley directly examined him.

"Now Professor Hagrid, you say that you have known Hermione Granger for how long?"

"Over Six and a half years."

"And she has confided in you most everything that can be confided between a professor or staff member and student?"

"There's very little that I don't know about Hermione, Harry, or Ron, that isn't too private ter share."

"If there be no objections I wish to certify Rubeus Hagrid as an expert on Hermione Granger."

"I object," called Cacius Ewing. "how can someone be an expert on another person, even if Hagrid knew an impressive amount about Ms. Granger, it would still be impossible unless he was a psychologist, for him to know enough to satisfy the court."

"Objection Sustained," said Scrimgeour.

Arthur Weasley carried on, not discouraged, still with the same newfound charisma as before

"You say that you have known Ms. Granger for a long time, so you know her pretty well. What have her opinions been with regards to the Ministry of Magic."

"She's always been more interested in right action than in politics. She fought in the battle of the department of Mysteries against the Death Eaters, and was wounded in that battle. She has been awarded lots o awards an stuff, no jus for her studies, but also for moral character. Those three have really saved the school, maybe the whole lot of us."

After a few minutes, Cacius Ewing traded places with Arthur Weasley and began to cross-examine Hagrid.

"What exactly was Dumbledore's army?"

"A group of students led by Harry I reckon, studyin Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"And did this army meet with or without the permission of the current administration at Hogwarts?"

"That would be without," said Hagrid nonchalantly, apparently unaware as to what this did to his testimony of Hermione's character in the eyes of the court.

"Was Ms. Granger a member of this Organization?"

"She was."

"So, Hermione Granger has demonstrated her willingness to break the rules of school in order to serve her own interests, thank you no further questions,"

"Witness is excused," said Scrimgeour.

With this, Hagrid finally realized how he was set up. He did not go quietly.

"Now hol' yer hippogriff a minute, that's no fair, without the DA…"

"The witness will restrain himself or he will be held in contempt of Wizengamot!" Said Scrimgeour, his powerful voice sounding almost scary. Hagrid reluctantly stepped down.

The trial proceeded on. The next witness that was called by the council for the accused was Healer Ewls. She was directly examined by Professor McGonagall.

"Healer Ewls, you are an expert in the eyes of this court in the field of Magical Medicine, Hermione Granger is how long from her due date?"

"Approximately three weeks, four days, give or take a few hours, but theoretically she could go into labor at any moment."

"Now that she is so close to labor, what exactly is the status of a human fetus at this stage of pregnancy?"

Through her tone of voice, it was clear that Healer Ewls was much more cooperative with McGonagall than she had been with Ewing.

"Biologically, the Characteristics would be almost identical to a human infant."

"So in your expert opinion, not only if convicted would they condemn Hermione Granger to death, they would also condemn a full human infant, in fact their attempts to get Hermione to abort constitute a murder of a full Human Infant?"

"Absolute…"

"Objection," said Arius Day quickly. "Healer. Ewls is an expert in Magical Medicine, not ethics."

"Sustained," said Scrimgeour.

After Healer Ewls stepped down, Arthur Weasley took the center of the floor.

"The council for the Accused would like to call, Mrs. Molly Prewitt Weasley," said Arthur Weasley.

Muttered Conversation erupted in the audience, silenced, as usual, by Scrimgeour's gavel. Upon Mrs. Weasley's face was a look of extreme worry as she took the stand. It was not nervousness at giving testimony, but rather fear. As she spoke, she looked into the faces of the members of the Wizengamot as if to beg, plead for her son's life.

"Now, Mrs. Weasley, how many children do you have?" asked Arthur.

"Seven; Percy, Billius, Charley, George, Fred, Ron, and Ginny."

"Do you have any other occupations aside raising these children?"

"No, I do not."

"If it please the court, I wish to certify Molly Prewitt Weasley as an expert in the field of Motherhood."

"Objection!" came the voice of Cacius Ewing. "What possible purpose can this serve."

"Minister, I'm merely trying to show that Ms. Granger's actions were not those of a traitor, but a natural reaction of any Mother who believes her child is in danger."

Rufus Scrimgeour thought for a second before speaking. "I'm going to allow this."

At this, both Day and Ewing gave looks of shock. It seemed as though they did not expect Scrimgeour to give anything to the defense, now that he had done so, upon their faces grew expressions of anger.

"Mrs. Weasley, do you love your children."

"Absolutely."

"How deeply do you love them dear, would you give your life for them?"

"Any good Mother would, when you first learn that your pregnant, and especially after you've delivered, it's a truly amazing feeling of connection between you and your child. You would do anything for them, anything."

"What do you as an expert on Motherhood think of what the court has established that Hermione Granger has said, somewhere along the lines of, 'I don't believe in the prophesy, I don't believe Christ, I just want my child.' Do you as a mother make that out as treason?"

"No,"

"Objection!" came the voice of Arius Day. "Mrs. Weasley is an expert on Motherhood, not law."

"Sustained."

"Would any mother make the same statement, under the same circumstances?"

Throughout the course of this examination, Mrs. Weasley's expression had been one of worry, but it was solemn, resolved. As she answered this question, she did not bat and eye.

"Absolutely, without hesitation."

After Mrs. Weasley had stepped down, Professor McGonagall called a Lawyer named Quintus Theoon to the stand. Theoon was a middle-aged wizard with a small mustache, wearing nice, well-kept, pinstripe robes.

"Mr. Theoon, you as a Lawyer, have been certified as an expert in Muggle and Wizardry Law as well as legal and political theory," said McGonagall. "What do you make of this court?"

"I consider it a mockery of justice, it doesn't even follow the format of a proceeding under wizardry military jurisdiction. The accused have not been apprehended, they are not facing their accuser, and the evidence thus far presented is nowhere near good enough for an indictment, much less a conviction."

Arius Day's cross-examination did nothing to help he and Ewing's case. After Theoon stepped down, the defense rested. Cacius Ewing then stood and took the center of the floor to address the members of the Wizengamot. The trial had been particularly frustrating for the prosecution, hence much of his earlier charisma had been replaced by frustration. He was still able to captivate the audience and the members of the Wizengamot, however.

"The threat that Hermione Granger's child poses to the world of Wizardry is very real, we have certified what, according to Christian interpretation, these prophecies mean, we have presented enough evidence to show that in spite of this threat to Wizardry, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Thomas Ewls now knowingly evade the law and justice, placing the entire Wizard and Muggle world at risk, this is a willful betrayal of this government, this ministry and the world, fitting of the definition of treason. The duty is ours, we must convict and execute them as the high criminals they are. My opponent may tell you that the evidence presented today was circumstantial, but I don't think so. See, it really depends on what we're trying to prove, they claim that we are trying to prove that Mrs. Granger's child is indeed the prophesied antichrist; no we cannot prove that for sure, I will admit, what we are trying to prove and what we have sufficiently proved beyond a shadow of reasonable doubt is that it is possible for this child to be the antichrist, and that knowing this full well, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Thomas Ewls, and Ronald Weasley, still evade us, still refuse to do that which is in the interests of the common good in order to pursue their own selfish interests, in so doing they have betrayed us all. They are guilty, the choice was theirs, the duty is ours, Thank you.

Arthur Weasley, as before, summoned all of his strength and courage and fought valiantly for his son's and his son's friends' lives. His passion filled the room, even bringing a tear to the eyes of the members of his family present.

"We have shown testimony from experts that the evidence presented by the prosecution is circumstantial at best, we have shown testimony from experts that Hermione had no mal-intentions against wizardry, but merely wanted to defend her child, we have shown you a legal expert that swears that this court fails to meet proper procedure given even these most dire circumstances. Is it possible that Hermione Granger's child could represent a threat? Well, it is intellectually tenable, but you don't justly condemn someone to death on the basis of something that is merely intellectually tenable; if that was the case, well it's possible that allowing children to handle magical creatures could put children in danger, but do we arrest the Professor of the Care of Magical Creatures, for continuing our instructions? It's possible, and does in fact happen that the Tri-wizard tournament puts young wizards in danger of life and limb; people die in that tournament, but we continue it. The presence of a potential threat does not give us the right to take the life of five human beings; notice how I said five, because we are condemning to death a mother who is merely trying to defend her child, three people who are merely helping that mother defend her child, and the unborn child himself, who is guilty of absolutely nothing at all. For the sake of ethics, I implore you, you cannot convict these five people of anything, if you do, you set a dangerous precedent that all of wizardry will rue until kingdom come, I rest my case."

The members of the Wizengamot withdrew to deliberate. It was a short deliberation, after which they returned to the chamber. Scrimgeour sat down at his seat in the front row of seats. McGonagall's hands were folded, she prayed for the live of her three students and Reverend Ewls. Arthur Weasley's eyes were fixed powerfully on Scrimgeour who was taking his seat, he was pleading with whatever power that could hear him for the safety of his son. Molly Weasley's worried expression was now worse as she now squeezed the circulation out of her son, Fred's hand.

"Before we continue," said Rufus Scrimgeour who had finally taken his seat. "I have just been informed there is a representative of the Order of the Cross, who would like to make an announcement. Reverend Pendleton?"

Reverend Thomas Pendleton, the expert on Old Testament Hebrew stood amid the rows of seats, and addressed the court from where he stood."

"It is the position of the Order of the Holy Cross to be guided by ethics, not perceived threats, as such we pledge that no matter what the result of this verdict, to support and defend the innocent lives of Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, Thomas Ewls, and Ms. Granger's Child. If we must, we will defend them violently. You may respond as you will."

With that, Scrimgeour, fully aware of the power of the Nasserite order, gave an expression with a hint of worry in it. Yet, he knew that such was inevitably the case as he proceeded with his statement.

"I wish you hadn't have said that Reverend, It is the judgment of the warlocks and witches of the Wizengamot, the High Court for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland that, on the charge of Treasonous Misconduct against all Wizardry, Hermione Jane Granger, Harry James Potter, Thomas Theodore Ewls, and Ronald Billius Weasley are Guilty as Charged."

With this, an uproar was heard in the audience. The chatting was not muttered but almost violent. Many voices openly disagreed with the verdict, and voiced their disapproval to each other in a way so as to ensure that the members of the Wizengamot could hear. In midst of this a woman's loud cry was heard. Many of the members of the audience repositioned themselves to see Molly Weasley comforted by her son's Fred and Bill as she cried hard, a rain of tears falling down her face. McGonagall's hand came to her mouth in shock, Arthur Weasley's head fell to his hand, he began to torture himself mentally, he had failed, all his efforts and he had failed to save his son. Ewing and Day beamed with satisfaction. The audience silenced at the sound the gavel, Molly Weasley, however, could not be silenced, she was still heard as Scrimgeour continued.

"As such, it is the sentence of this court, that as soon as apprehended, they are to be taken to a place of execution, there be put to death by beheading. May whatever god they believe in have mercy upon their souls."

Molly Weasley's cries were now heard even louder. Scrimgeour turned to address Reverend Pendleton who was still standing in midst of the audience.

"Reverend Pendleton, if what you previously stated is true, than I have no choice but to declare that the Order of the Cross are, in the eyes of the British Ministry of Magic, Enemies of Wizardry, as such I place you under arrest, for Treasonous Misconduct."

The expression on the face of Reverend Pendleton was as nonchalant as ever as he openly drew his wand.

"I am equally sorry to hear you say that Minister," He waved his wand quickly in the air. "Decessio!"

Suddenly a blinding white light emerged from Reverend Pendleton, causing everyone in the room to look away, when the light disappeared he was gone. An uproar sounded among the audience in the galleries which Scrimgeour could not silence with his gavel.

"Search the grounds!" Said Scrimgeour. "Arrest all known members of the Order of the Cross."