Chapter 5
Neville Longbottom sat silently in his seat and stared at a set of heavy wooden doors across the room. It was five minuets until Bellatrix Lestrange would be escorted through those doors. By the end of the afternoon the woman responsible for the torture of his parents and of many others would be sentence to the dementor's kiss.
He felt someone put a hand on his. He looked over and was surprised to see Ginny Weasley.
"You all right Neville?" she asked. She gave him a soft smile.
He nodded. "Ya. I think so. Thanks." He couldn't help but return the smile she gave him. In a bold move he turned his hand in hers and gave it a squeeze.
They both turned toward the middle of the courtroom and waited in anticipation for the dark witch to be brought forth. Neville did not release his hold on Ginny's hand.
After a few moments Neville looked to the left of the double doors. A group of aristocratic wizards were gathered there, many of which were known sympathizers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. While they were sympathizers, they were not full-fledged Death Eaters. Neville narrowed his brow as he glanced their way. Draco Malfoy was sitting there with his Mother Narcissa Black Malfoy. Narcissa Malfoy was after all, Bellatrix Lestrange's sister.
"I can't say I feel sorry for her." Ginny whispered to Neville as she looked toward Mrs. Malfoy. I'd hate loosing a sister or brother to the kiss; however… well… Bellatrix Lestrange is absolutely evil."
Neville nodded.
The two Gryffindors were startled out of their thoughts as the double doors swung open and out strode a smug looking court official. He moved to the center of the room, next to a scary looking chair with chains slithering around on the floor.
"All stand!" the proud looking official demanded.
There was a general shuffle and the room rose to their feet. Neville looked to his left and helped his Gran stand.
"I direct you to pay respect to the most honored members of the Wizengamont!"
Four doors around the upper level of the room suddenly opened and out streamed a number of very official looking witches and wizards all dressed in plum-colored robes. Once the majority of the new arrivals had taken their places another door, which was next to a rather ornate looking chair, opened up and out strode Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamont. The Hogwarts headmaster had been reinstated after the fiasco at the Department of Mysteries.
Before Albus took his seat he raised both hands in the air. "All please be seated." He took his place as Chief Warlock and the rest of the court returned to their seats.
Albus took a few moments to read over a few parchments that were included in the case against Lestrange. He adjusted his glasses and then stood. "Bring forth the accused, Bellatrix Black Lestrange."