Chapter 3
"So what of the muggle?" Minerva McGonagall asked the tall Auror.
The members of the Order of the Phoenix were gathered in Albus Dumbledore's Office at Hogwarts awaiting a more detailed account of the capture of Bellatrix Lestrange.
Kingsley Shacklebolt took a sip of the tea and then answered, "She was transported to a muggle hospital. I think perhaps Lestrange used the Cruciatus Curse. When I arrived the woman was convulsing."
"Has there been any follow-up on her condition?" Minerva asked.
Kingsley shook his head. "Unfortunately that is all we know at this time. We know she is alive and her vital organs seem to be functioning."
Minerva nodded. She felt horrible for the poor muggle woman. From what she understood the young woman could have been no more than twenty-two or three.
Albus Dumbledore, who had been quiet stood and walked toward where Fawkes was perched. He stroked the neck of the magical bird. "Bellatrix is now securely detained in Azkaban." He looked to Kingsley as though to verify this.
Kingsley nodded.
"I received a letter from Rufus Scrimgeour this morning. He wants Bellatrix to be tried three weeks from now."
The brows of many members of the Order furrowed.
"Why wait so long?" Molly Weasley asked the question all wanted to hear an answer for.
Albus nodded. "I agree Molly. I don't understand why Rufus insists on this wait, perhaps to draw on the media, who knows."
"A horrible excuse." Minerva huffed.
The retired Auror, Moody shifted in his seat and mumbled something under his breath. He was not pleased at all that the dark witch was allowed to live another three weeks. She had time and time again proved her guilt. He didn't like the wait; it only allowed for trouble to creep in.
Albus agreed with the concerns of the transfiguration professor and that of the ex-auror.