Disclaimer: Ain't mine.
A/N: Here's the long-awaited chapter!
Dudley gets what's coming to him. Ignore any Americanisms in what little I actually show of the courtroom. I don't think I've ever seen the Brit equivalent of a courtroom drama, and as it's rather late (and I had to work all week after being gone on vacation for a full two weeks), not to mention I've been busy betaing a friend's first fanfic, I can't be buggered to look up proper Brit courtroom stuff. Sorry. As with most of my other Americanisms, when I either find the time or become filthy rich (and such no longer need to work), I'll go through and fix it.
Chapter Thirty-Five: Dealing with Dudley
Monday, June 15 was appropriately dreary; chilly with a light rain that misted down over the greater London area, dousing outdoor smokers' cigarettes and moods indiscriminately. Harry's morning began earlier than he'd wanted, as he had received a voicemail the day before from Andie saying that he was needed to testify against Dudley and had to be at the court no later than nine, though she would prefer he be there by eight so she could go over a few details with him. All the while he was going through his morning routine, Harry wondered just what those details were.
He got his answer when he and Jenn greeted Andie on the courthouse steps. After showing Remus and Sirius where they could wait for the courtroom to open to spectators, Andie escorted them to a smallish private room containing a long table and several chairs. "Like I said in my message, Harry, we've got a couple of things we need to go over," Andie said, opening a manila file-folder as Jenn and Harry took seats across from her.
"Like what?" Harry asked. "It seems pretty straight-forward to me…"
Andie grimaced, "You'd think so, wouldn't you? However, there is a slight issue that's cropped up concerning Amelia White's testimony and your muggle hospital records."
Harry groaned aloud as he realized what the problem was. "Damnit. The records show me having a concussion, broken ribs, and a broken arm. I went out with Amelia barely a week after the concert and all I had then were some fading bruises. Dudley's defense is having a field day with that, isn't he?"
Andie nodded, "He did, indeed. However, I did manage to come up with a plausible excuse, especially since the breaks in your arm were so close to your wrist."
"What did you come up with?" Jenn asked.
"That Harry had likely caught a glimpse of his X-ray while in hospital and, not wanting to appear 'weak' in front of Amelia, had gotten rid of the cast, replacing it with a common splint-style brace that can be purchased in any sports equipment store. I further planted the idea that he made sure to take a higher-than-was-advised dose of painkiller just prior to the date," Andie returned her attention to Harry. "It really would have been much easier had you not taken her dancing that night, Harry."
Harry sighed, "I realize that now, but at the time, it sounded like fun. Hindsight's ever 20/20 though. Is this going to affect the outcome any?"
Andie shook her head, "Not likely. The jury's already heard from nearly twenty people who had been on the receiving end of Dudley's fists at one point or another, as well as a further group of people who know your cousin – teachers, his boxing coach, et cetera. There are only four names left on the list at this point: you, Sherri O'Brien, Christian Polkiss, and Anthony Spencer."
"I remember Sherri from school, and Christian is Piers' little brother, but who's the last?"
"He's a specialist in teenage psychology. Basically, he's going to confirm that Dudley's mental state is sufficient enough to warrant his being tried as an adult, that he knew the possible consequences of his actions whenever he started beating on someone. After today, the trial will be turned over to Dudley's defense."
"How long do you think that will take?"
Andie shook her head a little. "Not long. It's really only a token defense, particularly since Dudley pled 'not guilty' to all charges. In reality, the only one who still thinks Dudley is going to escape scot-free is Dudley."
Jenn smirked evilly. "So what type of sentence will he be looking forward to?"
"That's really up to the judge. Ackerson isn't as predictable as some of the other judges – he could decide to give Dudley the maximum sentence of twenty-five years. On the other hand, particularly since he's so young, Ackerson just may decide to sentence him to some form of rehabilitation program for the next few years – it all depends on his mood."
"How frustrating," Jenn muttered as Andie and Harry began discussing what Harry could expect in the court room that day.
Several hours later, Harry's testimony now but a tense memory, the courtroom awaited the judge's announcement. As everyone save Dudley himself had predicted, he had been found guilty of innumerable charges of assault, harassment, and even the charge of attempted murder against Harry. Somehow, despite his enormous bulk, Dudley managed to appear rather small and insignificant next to his lawyer.
After calling the court back to session following an hour-long break, Judge Ackerson cleared his throat and took a sip of water. Everyone present seemed to hold their breath, awaiting what the judge had to say. Without further preamble, Ackerson said, "Mr. Dursley." Dudley jumped a little. "While I would prefer to never see a youth in my courtroom, modern society dictates that it must be so. In the past, I have often been lenient to those young men and women who appear before me, in the hopes that they will see the error of their ways and reform themselves into becoming valuable members of society. Time and again, I have seen this philosophy upheld as juvenile miscreants, faced with severe prison time, changed their ways. I have also seen an equal measure of these children reappear in my court, mocking the very leniency I have shown them."
Harry mentally groaned, sure that Dudley was about to get a slap on the wrist.
"You have a lengthy history of violent behavior; that, taken in conjunction with the fact that you have never before been called on this behavior, makes me hesitant to accord you with a light sentence."
Harry mentally cheered.
"However, evidence points to much of this being the fault of your parents, and you are barely eighteen. I dislike seeing someone so young sent to prison."
The groan returned.
"Thus, I have, after lengthy deliberation, found what I hope to be a solution."
Harry's emotions felt a little like a yo-yo. He wasn't sure if he could tolerate another abrupt swing in any direction. So, he cleared his mind, and focused on what the judge said next.
"Mr. Dursley, the court hereby sentences you to seven years' house-arrest, during which time you are to seek medical and psychiatric counseling and gainful employment." Judge Ackerson banged his gavel. "Court dismissed."
A/N2: Sorry this chapter took so long to get out. I was on vacation, and then I got caught up in betaing a friend's fic, and then there was some RL stuff to deal with in regards to moving… It's been hectic, to say the least.
Review please, and lemme know if this is going in the right direction.