As soon as Layla had finished explaining to me and gone to write up her article, I left my office; apparating to Malfoy Manor. Thankfully, I had finally been keyed into the darn wards, and I was able to apostate directly into the atrium. Not waiting for Dobby or any other house elf, I rushed up to Lucius' office. "Lucius! We have a problem!" I shouted as I walked into his office. He stood, startled by my loudness.
"My Lord?" He enquired, confused.
"Pettigrew. He's been arrested." I explained.
"What? Where?"
"France, he was with the others, I don't know how they got him."
"Are the others safe?"
"I'm not sure, I need to go and find out, we don't have time for owls, and the floo can be compromised. I need you to figure out what he'll do, what they'll do and what we can do. He's currently in Azkaban."
"Yes, my Lord", he uttered, though he couldn't sound less confident.
"Talk to Severus if you need to."
And with that I turned on my heels and apparated a fair few miles to the South of France. For any other wizard, this journey would have likely caused them to be splinched into hundreds of pieces, but I was powerful enough that it only left me winded, bent over gasping for air. My stomach was doing backflips and I had just straightened out when a wand was sticking into the small of my back.
"Who are you and how did you get here?" A snarling voice, quiet and menacing, spoke, mouth pressed against my ear.
I immediately dropped the glamour I was still wearing, and my snake-face bore itself once more. "Barty," I hissed, "are you not glad to see me?"
"My Lord!" He gasped, dropping his wand to the ground and falling to his knees, pressing his lips to the hem of my robes.
The rush of power was immense, but I quashed the feeling. I didn't want to end up like him.
"Stand!" I snapped. He did so immediately. "Explain to me, how that rat managed to get captured, when I ordered you to keep my followers safe!" I screamed. Thankfully, Lestrange Manor had extensive grounds, with Muggle-repelling wards surrounding the edges, which was where we were; there was no one around to hear (or see) me.
"Please, my Lord! He was told not to leave! But he must have snuck out!" He cried out, he was tense, likely expecting to be at the end of the Cruciatus Curse.
I growled. How the hell had this been allowed to happen?! That damned, incompetent fool! He had put the whole of my damn army in danger! There were over 200 Death Eaters in the magically expanded manor! If they were captured, I'd have to start all over again, and the whole plan (which I hadn't yet come up with) would have to be delayed. I sighed; it would take too long to find somewhere else to hide them. I pulled out my wand and started chanting Latin underneath my breath. My wand moving in a complex pattern. I slowly circled the grounds, at various points the wand pattern shifted, becoming seemingly erratic, before returning to the original, complicated pattern. To give Barty credit, he didn't interrupt me once, simply following silently behind me. When I had circled the grounds three times, I turned to Barty and started chanting, whilst moving my wand in the complex pattern I had used when circling Lestrange Manor. I chanted and chanted before pointing my wand at his heart and announced in a clear voice, ignoring the fact that he had tended up once more, "Spero hoc secretum, situm in Tenebris Domini maxime fidelis, super vos, Bartemius Crouch Junior." There was a flash, a bright, blinding, yellow light, before it faded, and mere silence was left in its wake.
"My Lord!" He exclaimed, shock filling his voice.
"It couldn't be me, Barty; I cannot introduce myself to the others-" I paused, I remember casting a spell and knowing I had to give certain information to Barty, but for the life of me I couldn't remember what that information was.
Barty seemingly understood my quandary for he spoke up, "the Dark Lord's most loyal are residing at Lestrange Manor."
In an instant, the knowledge flooded back, it was as if I'd never forgotten.
"Thank you, Barty. I have shown my trust in you today, don't let me regret it. Now, go tell the others before there's some sort of riot. I shall see you soon."
And with that I span, and with the feeling I was sucked into a tube, disappeared from France, and reappeared in the English countryside, outside yet another manor. I soon found my way to Lucius' office, where he was knelt beside the fireplace, with his head absorbed in green flames. I could tell that he was talking, but I couldn't hear what, likely some privacy charms that he had installed to prevent eavesdropping. Soon enough his conversation had finished, and he withdrew his head from the fireplace, the flames flaring before dying down entirely. He stood up before kneeling again when he saw that I had entered the room.
"Stand Lucius, now have you learnt anything?" I asked.
"My Lord, according to a contact", someone he had bribed, "in the DMLE, the Aurors left around ten minutes ago to interrogate Pettigrew." He said the name with such vitriol that I was temporarily taken aback. I knew that Pettigrew wasn't popular amongst the other Death Eaters, but I didn't know that they hated him.
"You do not like Peter?" I enquired.
"The man is a coward." Lucius said, as if it were that simple. I chose not to take my little questioning any further.
Instead, I pondered the time. Ten minutes, it was unlikely, but not impossible that they had gotten anything out of him within five minutes. Pettigrew was a coward, sure, but not that much of a coward. Was he? I sighed, they'd have to go through proper formalities, that would take a few minutes. The war was over, and with Crouch in an elected position, he wouldn't want any reporters poking around rumours of improper interrogation methods. It would take more than three minutes to break Pettigrew, especially to the point of naming names, at least I hoped so. Only time will tell.
Date set for Pettigrew's trial, DMLE Remains tight-lipped!
By Lalya Moorills, Justice Correspondent
The Daily Prophet can tell you, readers, that yesterday evening (November 27th), the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Regina Ashword, received permission from the required majority of the Judicial Wizengamot to bring Peter Pettigrew to trial before them, skipping the lower courts. Pettigrew stands accused of betraying the Potters to You-Know-Who.
The DMLE remains tight-lipped regarding their case, and there is still no word on who they will appoint as prosecutor. There are rumours that the multiple interrogations that have been held have rendered poor results, but these rumours cannot be verified by the Prophet. As you can see, the proceedings are currently being shrouded by secrecy. Unfortunately, this could mean two things, either the DMLE have got little information, or they have a lot.
We will keep you up to date, and the Prophet will provide you with day-by-day coverage of the trial, which will begin December 1st.
Lord Lucius Malfoy entered the chamber of the Wizengamot Court. This chamber was on the opposite end of the hallway to the Legislative Wizengamot chamber. To get to the former you turned right at the statue of Merlin located on the Eastern hallway of the DMLE, for the latter, you turned right.
The chamber was mostly empty when he entered. The Traditionalists amongst the Lord Justices, as was their title for when they were in Court, had held a meeting a few days earlier, where Lucius had assuaged their fears that Pettigrew could give too much up, though he hadn't explained how he knew. They were sceptical but he had managed to convince them to not try to mess around with the trial in any way. As he had said, to do so would be to cast suspicion upon themselves. Officially, there were no parties in the Court, but for a case this deeply connected to the WTP (though they would deny this in public obviously), precautions had to be taken.
Soon, the justices' bench was filled. The layout of the Wizengamot Court was rather different to that of the Legislative Wizengamot. The room was much smaller, with one bench with enough room for the twenty-nine justices to sit comfortably. The bench was curved slightly so that those on the far ends were facing the seat in the middle of the room side on. The chair was a bare wooden one, with chains that sprang out and secured whoever was sat it in tightly, preventing any means of escape. From what Lucius knew, the chamber had so many wards on it that it was impossible for anyone accused of a crime to get out, unless found not guilty, of course.
The Minister, in his role of Lord Chief Justice, called the Court to order.
"We are gathered here today to hear the case of Magical Britain and Ireland v. Peter Pettigrew. Bring in the accused."
A few seconds later, and Pettigrew was brought in. Lucius stared with disdain at his comrade. The poor excuse of a wizard that he was. He looked worse for wear, with his hair matted together, seemingly stuck to the back of his neck. His standard Azkaban clothing was dirty and dishevelled, and he walked uneasily as he entered the room. Lucius almost snorted, he had only been in Azkaban for a few weeks, he didn't know how he would cope with life imprisonment, if he got it that is.
Pettigrew was escorted by two aurors, who pushed him into the chair, chains wrapped around the prisoner tightly, and though he tried, he couldn't really readjust, he looked pretty uncomfortable, and Lucius himself wriggled slightly, as if to test his own freedom.
As soon as Pettigrew stopped moving, the Lord Chief Justice spoke up. "I understand that the accused has appointed counsel. The accused's counsel may enter and approach the bench."
One of the Aurors who was guarding the entrance to the chamber departed and soon returned, with a man wearing formal, expensive-looking robes. The robes were bright green, at contrast with the traditional navy-blue robes that the justices were wearing, the members of the Wizengamot Court had worn the same style and colour of robes ever since the inception of the Court. They also still wore the traditional full-bottomed wig, which Lucius had been informed by a half-blood, Muggle justices (or judges as they were apparently known as) no longer wore.
"Mr. Willox, you have two minutes to discuss your client's plea." Crouch ordered.
Exactly two minutes later (Lucius had counted) Crouch banged his gavel.
"Peter Pettigrew, you have been charged by the relevant authorities with the following: Three counts of conspiracy to commit murder, one count of terrorism and one count of treason. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty." Pettigrew spoke from the chair, his voice sounded dry. As he said this, Pettigrew's eyes trailed around the bench, seeming to stop on those who Lucius knew were allied with, or at the very least sympathetic to the Dark Lord. When Pettigrew's eyes met Lucius', Lucius stared back emotionlessly.
"Very well."
The Lord Chief Justice turned to Lady Justice Ashword and asked, "has the Department for Magical Law Enforcement appointed a prosecutor?"
"We have indeed, Lord Chief Justice." She replied, before announcing. "The DMLE has chosen Madam Amelia Bones to be the prosecutor."
Once again, one of the Madam Bones emerged, coming down the steps that led to the gallery, and sat behind the desk for the prosecution. Located to the left of the accused's chair. Mr. Willox had sat at the defence's desk, which was to the right of the accused's chair.
It must be intimidating for the accused, Lucius thought idly, being surrounded at all sides, with everyone staring at you.
With everyone in place, the prosecution called their first witness: Sirius Black.
The Lord Chief Justice stood up as Black took to the stand. "Mr. Black, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?" He asked. Lucius once again noted that the oath was without a wand, the most Black could do would be to perjure himself, a crime punishable by up to ten years in Azkaban, but he wouldn't lose his magic. Magic-sworn oaths were much rarer than they used to be.
"I do, Lord Chief Justice."
"Very well, the prosecution may question their witness."
"Mr. Black," Madam Bones began, "would you please tell the Court of the plan you and the Potters concocted regarding the Fidelius Charm cast on the Potters' home?"
"We had planned originally for me to be the secret keeper, but I decided that me being the secret keeper would be too obvious since I was James' best friend-" he choked, and Lucius saw tears forming in Black's eyes. He sniffed; it was certainly not the correct way for a pureblood to conduct themselves in public. "I suggested a few days before Dumbledore cast the charm that Wor- Pettigrew should be the secret keeper instead, and Lily and James agreed, thinking that Voldemort-" All the justices flinched; Lucius included. "-would not think of him as a potential secret keeper.
A thought struck Lucius. "Excuse me, Mr. Black" He spoke, "did you say that Professor Dumbledore cast the charm?"
"Yes, though I doubt see what that has to do with anything, Malfoy."
"That's Lord Justice Malfoy to you, young man!" Lady Justice Longbottom responded, sharply. Black at least looked abashed. "Though I must ask, Lord Justice, what does that have to do with anything?"
"Well, Lady Justice, I may be wrong about this; Charms was not my best subject at Hogwarts, but doesn't the person who casts the Fidelius need to know whom the secret keeper is?"
Lord Justice Slughorn spoke up, "I do believe you are correct Lord Justice, and I see what you are getting at, why did Albus not say that the accused was the secret keeper?"
"Exactly, Lord Justice." Lucius smirked internally, even minor things such as these can damage a man's reputation.
"Forgive me, Honourable Justices, but the answer is simple," Mr. Wilox explained, with an annoying lilt of arrogance in his voice. "It is well known that Mr. Black is a favourite of Mr. Dumbledore, many people have told me that Mr. Black and his friends often received lesser punishments whilst in school. Is it not possible that Mr. Dumbledore, upon realising that Mr. Black had committed such a scandalous crime, sought to prevent Mr. Black from being found and punished for this crime?"
Lord Justice Black raised an eyebrow at Mr. Wilox but said nothing. Lord Macmillan responded however, "You forget, Mr Wilox, that James Potter was part of Mr. Black's friendship group as well. Are you suggesting that Mr. Black was such a favourite that Mr. Dumbledore would be willing to protect this favourite over the murder of another?"
Pettigrew's counsel looked flummoxed, much to Lucius' amusement.
"The point still stands, however, as to why Dumbledore did not inform the Aurors upon Mr. Black's initial arrest that it was the accused who was the Potters' secret keeper." Lord Justice Black finally spoke up, with a seeming lack of emotion, considering the justices were discussing the arrest of his grandson.
"This, for now, is irrelevant and can be investigated at a later date." Crouch ordered.
"Please, the prosecution can continue their questioning."
"So, to be clear Mr. Black, at the last minute and, as far as we know, unbeknownst to anyone, you and the Potters agreed to change the secret keeper for their Fidelius Charm?" Madam Bones articulated.
"That is correct, Madam Bones." Black said clearly.
"No further questions, Lord Chief Justice."
"The defence may now cross examine the witness." Crouch ordered.
"Mr. Black," began Pettigrew's barrister. "I will simply ask you the same question as the honourable prosecutor. Did you and the Potters, unbeknownst to anyone, agree to change the secret keeper?"
The justices looked at each other with bemused expressions on their faces, what did he mean to prove with this?
"Objection, Lord Chief Justice!" Madam Bones shouted, standing. "The witness has already answered the question."
"Overruled, Madam Bones, but I hope you are going somewhere with this, Mr. Wilox."
"I am, Lord Chief Justice. Mr. Black, I will ask again. Did you and the Potters, unbeknownst to anyone, agree to change the secret keeper?"
"Yes." Black answered, with a voice sounding as confused as Lucius felt.
"And how do we know this? Did you tell anyone outside of James and Lily Potter?"
"Yes, that little rat!" He shouted, pointing at Pettigrew. It was at this moment Lucius understood what Wilox was playing at.
"Well, Mr. Black, my client insists that he was never told of this plan, and indeed, was not the Potters' secret keeper."
"LIAR!"
There was a large gasp from the gallery as Black launched himself out of his seat, trying to fly at Pettigrew who was sat helplessly in the chained seat. He didn't get very far though, as two aurors, who were stationed at the East side of the courtroom rushed at Black and managed to wrestle him back in the seat and restrain him with an Incarcerous.
The Lord Chief Justice slammed his gavel repeatedly.
"Order! Order! Order!" He shouted. "I will have order in this courtroom!"
Eventually, Black calmed down enough that the aurors were satisfied enough to remove the ropes which had been binding him to the chair at the witness stand. "I want to take Veritaserum." He declared clearly.
"Mr. Black, any evidence obtained under Veritaserum is inadmissible in court, under the Potions Regulations Act of 1892." Crouch informed him, sounding as if he had said that innumerable times during his life.
"It's illegal to tell the truth!?" He shouted at Crouch.
"You know very well that the potion isn't infalliable!" Black's grandfather shouted down at him angrily.
Mr. Willox coughed, and everyone's attention fell back onto him. "No further questions, Mr. Chief Justice."
Chaos at the Trial of Peter Pettigrew!
By Layla Moorills, Justice Correspondent
Readers, the trial of Peter Pettigrew grew heated yesterday, after Sirius Black, acting under oath as the prosecution's witness attempted to assault the defendant, Peter Pettigrew, after Pettigrew's barrister, a Mr. Quincy Willox, a relatively inexperienced, yet so far highly successful barrister, pointed out that Black's testimony could not be corroborated.
Branding a defenceless Pettigrew a "liar", Black launched himself at the defendant's chair, before being restrained by aurors.
The rest of the day's proceedings were rather duller, with the prosecution and defence both questioning Pettigrew, though neither could declare a true victory, with Pettigrew insisting he was not the Potters' secret keeper, completely refuting the testimony of Mr. Black.
The day ended relatively prematurely, with the prosecution, announcing that their next witness would be Albus Dumbledore, who had not been pre-declared as a witness, and thus Lord Chief Justice Bartemius Crouch Sr. adjourned the court for the day, as the Court's clerks notified Mr. Dumbledore that he had been summoned to testify.
The trial is expected to last only one or two more days, with the list of witnesses being extremely limited.
As always, the Daily Prophet will keep you up to date with all the developments.
Bang to rights? Testimony of Albus Dumbledore seemingly turns the tide against Pettigrew!
By Layla Moorills, Justice Correspondent.
Today, Albus Dumbledore took to the stand and delivered, to all appearances, a damning piece of testimony against the defendant, Peter Pettigrew. Dumbledore, who testified to casting the Fidelius Charm that was placed on the Potters' Godric's Hollow home, asserted that it was indeed Peter Pettigrew who was made the Potters' secret keeper.
Questions were raised however, as to why Dumbledore did not come to the DMLE with this information when Sirius Black was arrested earlier this year, a question which Dumbledore refused to answer, Lord Chief Justice Bartemius Crouch Sr. did not make Dumbledore answer, saying it was "irrelevant to the trial at hand."
This development makes it "almost certain" that the justices will vote to convict the accused, according to Irrivew Frewland, a partner at the prestigious Leflaw and Ween law firm.
The DMLE is considering its options in regard to Dumbledore's actions, though Frewland says that Dumbledore did not actually commit a crime. Athough he says that Black would probably "want to talk to him" about his "ethically dubious" actions.
The closing arguments of both sides did little to change the state of play, and we will inform you of the justices' decision once they stop deliberating.
After three hours of deliberation, Crouch called a vote for each charge. As soon as they had voted, the justices headed back to the courtroom.
"All rise." The Clerk of the Court ordered as he saw the door that led to the justices' private area open.
Everyone who was present did so, they had been called back to the courtroom by the clerk after he had been informed that a decision had been reached.
The justices all stood behind their chairs, with their robes and wigs exuding power, and just like everyone else in the courtroom, the clerk waited with bated breath.
"Peter Pettigrew, we, the Honourable Justices of the Wizengamot Court have reached a decision on the charges brought against you by the State." Crouch began reading the official statement of the Court, part of his duties as Lord Chief Justice.
"On the first charge, conspiracy to commit murder, we the Honourable Justices of the Wizengamot Court do find you, by a unanimous vote of 27-0, guilty."
Pettigrew let out a sob, and hushed whispers spread through the gallery.
"On the second charge, conspiracy to commit murder, we the Honourable Justices of the Wizengamot Court do find you, by a unanimous vote of 27-0, guilty.
On the third charge, conspiracy to commit murder, we the Honourable Justices of the Wizengamot Court, do find you, by a unanimous vote of 27-0, guilty.
On the fourth charge of committing terrorism, we the Honourable Justices of the Wizengamot Court, do find you, by a unanimous vote of 27-0, guilty. On the fifth charge, of committing treason against Magical Britain and Ireland, we the Honourable Justices of the Wizengamot Court, do find you, by a unanimous vote of 27-0, guilty.
Having found you guilty, we move on to sentencing."
All the justices reached forwards, almost as one, and Pettigrew let out what could only be described as a wail.
"The crime of treason supersedes all other crimes for which you have been found guilty." Here the Lord Chief Justice, and all the other justices placed their black cap on their heads.
"We, the Honourable Justices of the Wizengamot Court, by a vote of 24-3 do sentence you, Peter Pettigrew, to execution by means of Dementor's Kiss. The execution will take place when the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement sees fit. This is the ruling of this Court, dated December 2nd, 1982. The Court's ruling being given, court is adjourned."
