Fragments of Us
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Warnings: None for this chapter
Chapter 60 – Memories, Once Removed
Kingsley arrived early in the evening with Remus, Tonks and Dumbledore joining shortly thereafter. Tonks and Kate would offer testimony about the events that occurred at Hogsmeade Station, while Kingsley would be allowed to remain in the gallery of the trial room as he technically supervised both Aurors and had been in on the covert operation at another location. If needed, he could speak to the plans and how the information had come into their hands. Kingsley confirmed that while Tonks – and he, if required – would testify without magical compulsion, Veritaserum would be administered to Kate – at the request of Malfoy's solicitor. Also at Malfoy's request, Severus Snape was tasked with brewing the serum for use in his case.
"So, my memory will need to be modified," Kate confirmed. She felt Sirius' hand clasp hers where it rested in her lap.
"Temporarily, yes," Kingsley said. "Having Severus brew the Veritaserum is in our favor. We will be certain of the integrity of the brewer and the resulting potion. Ordinarily, I would consider eliminating the memory modification portion of our strategy in favor of Severus substituting something innocuous for the actual Veritaserum. I can't be certain Malfoy's solicitor won't test the validity of the brew prior to its administration, however."
Kate nodded. "It's too dangerous." She squeezed Sirius' hand gently; she knew he'd had about enough of Severus Snape for one day. Kate smiled when she felt a gentle pressure against her fingers in return.
"Kingsley, can we review the game plan?" Tonks asked from her seat next to Remus.
With a nod, Kingsley began to speak. "Kate, Tonks is before you on the witness list. Fudge will conduct all interrogations, although any and all members of the Wizengamot may also ask questions of any of us. As you all know," Kingsley paused to look around the table. The defense solicitor, Llewellyn Jarvis, does not have to share anything about their defense. We suspect, however, that the basis of Tonks' testimony will deal with how we knew there would be activity at the Station that night. Spear, of course, will be brought in as a Ministry witness. His role in facilitating the Azkaban break-out will be introduced by Fudge as the basis for his "compelled" testimony. He, too, will testify under the influence of Veritaserum. He will be compelled to state his role in the battle that night. He will tell what he saw once there. They fought without masks. Tonks will testify to that, as well."
"And Kate will testify to Malfoy's use of an Unforgivable – namely, the Cruciatus," Sirius interjected, receiving a nod from the senior Auror in return.
"Kate, Jarvis will be ruthless in his attempt to discredit you. He may ask about your life in America. He will ask about your relationship with Sirius back in the first War. He will also try to create the idea that there has been contact since his escape. He will ask about the rumored pregnancy, Katie, and we suspect that he will be merciless. If Malfoy's convicted, it will be solely due to your testimony. Jarvis will be instructed to pull whatever tactics he can to discredit you."
Tonks spoke up. "But, the murders at St. Mungo's will surely factor into the Wizengamot's deliberations, as well?"
Remus shook his head. "Circumstantial," he said. "Many people - including the Minister – were in the vicinity of both crimes when they occurred. The entire staff of St. Mungo's could be considered suspect, as could the entire team of Unspeakables at the Ministry. Allegations based on Lucius' presence in the Ministry for the attack and, later, at St. Mungo's are unlikely to stand up in court as independent, reliable evidence of his guilt."
"But Spear's testimony," Tonks pressed. "He spoke of those crimes during his little chat with Malfoy in Totland."
"Which Kate and Remus heard," Sirius interjected. "And if Kate is being discredited, they will hardly believe her. And Remus…"
"I can't testify, Dora," Remus said, his face flushed. "As a werewolf, I am not permitted to offer testimony in any matter before the Wizengamot."
"Bollocks!" Tonks cursed vehemently. "You're a wizard, Remus. You fought bravely against those Death Eaters, same as Kate; same as I did. They're a lot of bloody tossers if they think for a minute that you aren't every bit as good as they are!"
Kate stole a glance at Remus. He was looking down at his hands and remained silent.
"Tonks," she said quietly, nonetheless catching the young woman's attention. "If Lucius testifies, which I doubt Jarvis will allow him to do, there's the chance that Spear's conversation could be brought out at that time through Fudge's questioning. I would imagine, however, that Jarvis would counter with a comment that Spear would have said anything to Malfoy to gain his favor as well as a higher ranking in Voldemort's followers. If Remus were to testify to what we both heard in Totland, the end result would be the same. It would receive little merit given what Spear would have hoped to attain by making those comments."
"Precisely," Dumbledore said, nodding approvingly at Kate. "It will be your testimony, Kate, which convicts Malfoy – should that happy occasion occur. This is why you will remain here, at The Annex, for the foreseeable future."
"Other than tomorrow night," Kate offered.
"Correct, my dear," Dumbledore stated. "Kingsley, perhaps now is the time to discuss that portion of the plan."
Kingsley cleared his throat then fixed his gaze on Sirius and Kate. "Kate, tomorrow evening, we will meet here, then travel to Tonks' flat and all memories you have of Sirius since his arrest will be extracted and held for you until your testimony is complete."
"I'll need a Pensieve," Kate said.
"Sirius?" Dumbledore turned to the younger wizard.
Sirius squeezed Kate's hand again to get her attention. "Katie, last night I went to Grimmauld. It took awhile, but I found my old Pensieve. If you have to put memories of me somewhere, it seems fitting that you would use it. It makes me feel as if I'm with you somehow." He flushed a bit.
Kate leaned over and kissed his cheek gently. "Thank you, darling," she whispered against his skin. Turning back to the group around the table, Kate continued, "Once my memories are extracted, Kingsley, what will happen then?"
"We will provide you with an edited version of your initial conversation with Dumbledore and Remus. Remus will not appear in the edited event. We will alter the reason for your return from America, as well. There's one other thing. Kate, we believe that we can no longer deny your pregnancy. It's too risky. Spear has connections to St Mungo's, after all. He would have had to have them to gain the access he did. Jarvis is much too cagey; if there's any way to have discovered your true condition, he will have done so. We know – obviously – that we cannot disclose the true paternity of the child. Therefore, we have found an alternate "partner" with whom, per an altered memory, you will have had an affair and by whom you will have become pregnant. The actual individual was a transient wizard, assigned to the British Muggle Consulate for a very brief period. He was killed two weeks before the Hogsmeade Station incident."
Kate sucked in a sharp breath. "You've certainly been thorough. How will this new reality become part of my memory?"
Kingsley smiled. "We will administer a sleeping drought and slip them into your subconscious after you're asleep. They will be framed up so they make sense to you and your conscious mind and you will deliver them quite naturally as part of your testimony."
"And these 'altered memories' will be retrieved after Kate's testimony is complete?" Sirius sought to verify the process for Kate's benefit as well as his own.
Albus nodded. "Once Kate's testimony has concluded, and we know that she will not be re-called for any reason, we will return to Tonks' flat and, in effect, reverse the process, destroying the fabricated events. Kate will then return to The Annex."
"Is Kate at risk – at all – during any part of this 'memory switch' process?" Sirius asked. "Is it possible that any of her own memories could be lost to her? Could she forget – "
Remus knew instinctively where his friend was headed. "Padfoot," he said, gently. "This type of transfer has been done successfully many times. Those of us who will be assisting – Albus, Tonks, me – care deeply for you both and will be certain to handle both transfers with the utmost thoroughness and caution. We promise you both – Kate will not forget you, Padfoot."
Sirius cleared his throat and nodded, unable to speak for a moment. Kate reached over and placed her hand on his knee, squeezing gently. "Never," she whispered so only he could hear. He immediately lifted her hand and clasped it tightly in both of his.
"Are there any other questions?" Kingsley asked.
"No, you've thought of everything, it seems," Kate responded.
"Well, we've been over it many times," Kingsley stated, rising. "Sirius, remember that you will need to absent yourself when we arrive tomorrow evening. There will need to be a definitive end to Kate's current memories of you."
Sirius nodded, but his face reflected his deep sadness.
"Kate, you should have an overnight bag packed so Tonks can stop by and pick it up tomorrow sometime," Kingsley advised.
"Excellent idea," Kate replied. "I'll have one ready sometime before lunch, Tonks. You can pick it up at your convenience."
"Thanks, Kate," the younger woman smiled at her.
"Well, then. It seems we're finished for the evening," Albus rose. "Kate, Sirius – good night. We'll see you tomorrow evening."
Sirius released Kate's hand and rose as well. "Remus, could I have a word?"
The two wizards huddled briefly at one end of the room while Kate stood with the others near the hearth. Albus touched her arm briefly. "Thank you, Kate. I know how trying this has been for you. I appreciate your commitment to seeing this through."
Kate smiled at the Headmaster. "I want him convicted as much as – perhaps more than – anyone, Albus. Please, when you see Severus, give him my thanks for the Veritaserum. I now I have nothing to fear from any potion that comes from his hand."
Albus smiled gently at her. "I will, my dear. I'm sure he would appreciate hearing that. Thank you – and you, Sirius, for speaking with Harry earlier today," he added. "Their lessons will resume tomorrow."
Kate smiled. "Excellent news. Sirius is responsible for Harry's renewed commitment. Albus, not I."
Sirius and Remus had rejoined the group and, as Sirius placed his arm about her waist, Kate noticed Remus putting something shiny in his pocket. It was concealed before Kate could identify the object. She turned to ask Sirius about it and noted that he, too, was watching Remus as he withdrew his now-empty hand from the pocket of his robes. His sigh of relief ruffled Kate's hair, but when their eyes met, Sirius simply smiled. "I'm glad Harry understood the message," was all that he said. As the group took their leave, the activity diverted Kate from further thought about the incident.
When the last of their friends had disappeared via Floo, Sirius pulled Kate into his arms. Kissing her lips tenderly once, then again, Sirius then moved his lips to her ear. "Come with me, my love," he whispered, his tongue than tracing the shell of her ear. "If you're going to have to extract memories of me tomorrow, I'm going to create one tonight that will make that Pensieve sizzle."
Kate shivered at the obvious lust in his voice and allowed Sirius to lead her into his bedroom.
XXXXXXXX
The following evening, Kate found herself growing more and more apprehensive as she and Sirius waited for the team to arrive. The Pensieve was nestled on Kate's lap, ready for use.
"It will be fine, Katie-girl," Sirius murmured, kissing her temple. "By this time tomorrow, you'll be back and we'll be together again."
Kate nodded, her throat too constricted to speak. She gave herself a few moments, and then whispered, "You know how deeply I love you, yes?"
Sirius placed two fingers under her chin and gently turned her face to his. "Yes, Katie; yes, I do. I feel it every moment of every day." He raised his hand and touched her temple. "Even if I'm not here," he murmured, dropping his hand until it rested over her heart. "I live in here, yeah?"
"Yeah," Kate whispered, her eyes shining with tears. She reached behind his neck and gently pulled him toward her for a blistering kiss. As he pulled back, long moments later, the room was illuminated in green light. Almost immediately, Remus stepped into the room, followed by Dumbledore.
"It's time, my dear," Albus intoned.
Sirius rose them leaned down and kissed the tears from Kate's face then placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "I'll see you tomorrow night," he whispered. "I love you, Katie-girl."
"I love you, Sirius," Kate whispered back.
Sirius rose, nodded once at Remus and strode swiftly from the room.
Kate took a deep breath to compose herself. "I'm ready," she said finally. "Let's do this." They Floo'd to Tonks' London flat where the young Auror was waiting.
Over the next hour, Kate withdrew all post-arrest memories of Sirius from her mind, adding one luminous strand after another to Sirius' Pensieve. When the last memory had been extracted and added to the shimmering, swirling mass, Remus uncorked a flask and gave it to Kate to drink. When she was safely and deeply asleep, Albus stepped forward, extracted all memories of The Annex, of Remus, of the memory transfer and their travel to London, adding all to the Pensieve. Once this phase was complete, Albus drew a deep breath, raised his wand and began to insert the newly created "memories" of Kate's return to London and her affair with the young Consulate official, Devon Highgate, weaving them tightly throughout the reality of events that remained in her mind. The Annex became a private Abbey, where Kate received care from their staff Healer who, of course, was Molly Selkirk. Remus was depicted as an unpaid informant – an operative who supplied useful information to Kingsley. This would give Remus a legitimate reason to be present at Malfoy's trial, something for which the werewolf was extremely grateful. Grimly, Remus thought of his dearest friend – his brother, forced to wait, yet again, while the woman he loved faced one of Voldemort's own. I'll represent you, Padfoot, he thought as he watched Dumbledore complete the final wand movements that would set the new images in Kate's mind. You'll be there through me, he vowed.
Dumbledore rose to his feet wearily, his work finally completed.
"Are you alright, Albus?" Remus caught the old wizard by the arm, steadying him.
"Yes, dear boy," Albus replied. "It takes a great deal of energy and focus to invoke that spell. I fear my age is, indeed, showing this evening."
"You should get some rest, Albus," the werewolf advised. "I'm staying at The Leaky Cauldron for the night. Shall I see if I can book a room for you, as well?"
Albus patted Remus on the arm. "No, thank you, son," he said, smiling at Remus affectionately. "I believe I'll drop in on Aberforth; he generally has an extra room available. I'll stay there and await word from you tomorrow." He turned and glanced at Kate. "Miss Tonks, take good care of our Kate, won't you?"
"Count on me, Headmaster," Tonks said, standing up a bit straighter at his words.
She walked both men to the door, putting her hand on Remus' arm as he paused to allow Albus through the door first. "Have a good night, Remus," she said quietly.
Remus smiled down at her. "Sleep well, Dora," he replied. "I'll see you in the morning. You'd better find a safe place for those," he gestured toward the Pensieve.
Tonks nodded then closed and locked the door behind him.
XXXXXXXX
Kate awakened and stretched as she took in her surroundings. She smiled as she noted the eclectic decorating style of the young Auror. The room was as colorful and bright as Tonks herself, Kate thought, sitting up and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Rising, Kate spotted her small suitcase in one corner. She removed her cosmetic case and made her way into the adjoining bathroom to shower. As she let the water sluice over her skin, Kate thought back through the events of the past few weeks. Losing Devon, then their child had been more difficult than anything in her recent memory. Kate's hand dropped to her abdomen and she was struck again by the sense of emptiness she still felt. She closed here eyes and, for a moment, Malfoy's face appeared before her. Icy blue eyes, the cruel sneer of thin lips directing the Cruciatus curse that had done such damage. Kate shuddered. No. This will not do at all. Kate knew that she could ill afford to allow her emotions to get the better of her. Her testimony was critical to Malfoy's ultimate conviction and Kate felt that she owed it to Devon, their child - and to herself to hold it together. With that in mind, Kate quickly finished her shower, dried her hair and applied very light makeup before returning to Tonks' bedroom to dress.
A short while later, Kate walked into the living room, immediately recognizing the rich aroma of coffee. Turning toward the tiny kitchen, Kate caught sight of the pink-haired Auror, leaning against the counter.
"Wotcher, Kate!" she greeted the other woman. "Coffee?"
"Absolutely," Kate smiled. "Thanks."
"Did you sleep well?" Tonks asked as she poured.
"Yes, but I feel guilty having put you out of your bed," Kate said, smiling at the younger woman. "It's only one night, after all. I could certainly have slept on the sofa and been perfectly fine."
Tonks shook her head vigorously. "Not after everything you've been through. Besides, I've slept on the couch before. I'm used to it!"
"Well, I appreciate your hospitality – not to mention the company. Staying in a room at the Leaky Cauldron is convenient, but not very homey, I'm afraid. The Abbey, while not my choice, obviously, has been a bit nicer. Molly's been wonderful to me, as well."
Tonks nodded. Dumbledore certainly is an amazing wizard. If Kate's testimony comes across half as naturally as her last statements, Malfoy is as good as convicted.
"What time will Kingsley and Remus be coming by to collect us?" Kate wanted to know.
"Oh, they should be along anytime now," Tonks responded.
Kate picked up on the slight wistfulness in Tonks' tone. She reached over and put her hand on the girl's arm. "Remus is still being stubborn, is he?"
Tonks raised her head and met Kate's eyes; the older woman caught her breath at the pain she saw reflected there. "He just won't listen to me, Kate. I can't seem to convince him that I care about him and don't give a rap about any 'stigma' attached to him."
Kate squeezed her arm gently. "Just stay with it, Tonks; don't give up on him. I've known Remus a very long time and he's stubborn. Fight for what you want. If it's meant to be, you'll wear him down eventually."
Tonks looked a bit more hopeful. "Do you think so, Kate? Truly?"
Kate nodded. "I do."
"Thank you," Tonks' heart-shaped face was touchingly sincere. "You knew him when you were at Hogwarts together, right?"
Kate's face closed and her smile faded. Bollocks, Tonks thought. I should have remembered. She knew all of them: Remus. James. Sirius.
"Yes," Kate's tone was clipped. "I knew Remus in school. I don't like to remember those days…"
"Kate, I'm sorry. I overstepped. I should have remembered…please, forgive me," Tonks was appropriately solemn.
Kate shook her head, sadly. "No, please – forgive me," she said. "My emotions are still fairly close to the surface after Devon and the baby. Of course, now that Black is on the run and Harry's at risk, memories of those days are difficult to experience."
Tonks was grateful for her Auror training. Hearing Kate speak so bitterly about Sirius was shocking, even though she knew why it was happening. Fortunately, she was rescued from further comment by a knock on her door.
"That must be Remus," Tonks said, walking to the door. A moment later, Kingsley and Remus were standing in Tonks' small living room.
"Sleep well, Kate?" Kingsley asked in greeting.
"Very well, thanks," she responded. "Hello, Remus," Kate greeted her old friend.
"Kate," he responded, politely. Like Tonks, Remus was struck by how the alteration of Kate's memories had impacted her reaction to people who had grown so close to her in recent months.,
"Are we ready?" Kingsley asked. At their nods, he moved to the hearth. "Let's head to the Ministry, then," he added, throwing a pinch of Floo powder into the fireplace. "Atrium – Ministry of Magic," he called out clearly. After he had disappeared in the roar of green flame, Tonks, Kate and Remus, each in turn, stepped up to the hearth and did the same.
XXXXXXXX
Upon arriving in the Atrium, the group was immediately swallowed up by the usual, early morning activity as Ministry officials and employees arrived to begin their day. The group stepped into the lift and was taken to the dungeon courtroom chamber where the Wizengamot convened for hearings. While all present had previously been in the trial Chamber, its solemn and formal atmosphere impressed them anew.
The hearing was not open to the general Wizard populace; Llewellyn Jarvis had seen to that. He had also made certain that Malfoy would not be magically bound to a chair on the floor – alone and the focus of all attention. Rather, he and his solicitor would be seated on one side of the gallery, alone and segregated. Malfoy would have magical restraints around his wrists and ankles. Jarvis' argument was that Malfoy could potentially be an exposed and, therefore, easy target for his "many enemies".
Although attendance was restricted, the MLE was well represented and Kingsley and Remus found two seats somewhat secluded away from the general seating, which still afforded them a full and clear view of the proceedings. Kate and Tonks were escorted to the seating area reserved for those who were called for testimony. Kate's eyes were drawn to the two seats on the opposite side of the room; seats that would soon be occupied by Lucius Malfoy and his solicitor.
"Here we go," Kingsley murmured to Remus as the large doors opened and the members of the Wizengamot filed into their seats at the opposite end of the chamber.
Remus elbow bumped Kingsley's arm as he reached into his pocket. He removed a shiny object and murmured something Kingsley didn't quite catch. Leaning over toward the other man, Kingsley peered more closely at Remus' hand. "What is…Remus!" Kingsley's voice dropped to a whisper and his eyebrows rose in a combination of shock and consternation. Clutched tightly in the werewolf's fingers was a rectangular mirror in the middle of which appeared the face of none other than Sirius Black.
As Kingsley glanced around them nervously, Remus tapped the mirror with his wand, casting a strong concealment charm. "Remus, this is beyond risky. If you're caught, I don't have to tell you the consequences!"
Remus leaned closer to his friend. "Kingsley, you know that I did not agree to this lightly. He deserves to be here, in whatever the safest form may be. The connection can be broken at any time, if needed. He understands this," Remus glanced down at the image of his friend, who nodded solemnly. "He will remain silent throughout. He wants to listen and, frankly, with the concealment charm in place, I think the risk is sufficiently minimized," Remus finished.
Reluctantly, Kingsley nodded. "But we will sever the connection at any time we feel that risk becomes too great; understood?"
Both Remus and Sirius nodded and Kingsley turned his attention to the floor as Fudge took his seat before the assembly. Pounding his gavel sharply against the podium before him, the Minister called the proceedings to order.
"Members of the Wizengamot, witnesses to the court and all those assembled," he intoned loudly. "I hereby declare that the trial of Lucius Malfoy, Wizard is now in session. Officer, please bring in the prisoner."
Everyone focused his attention on the isolated seats in what was now the Prisoner's Dock. The secured double doors were magically unsealed by the Court Officer, after which they opened inward, toward those assembled, revealing Lucius Malfoy and Llewellyn Jarvis standing side by side. The two made their way to their seats and stood while the doors closed and re-sealed themselves.
Kate's attention was focused on Malfoy, who looked decidedly less affluent than his normal appearance conveyed. His usually perfectly groomed, white-blonde hair hung limply about his face and he was badly in need of a shave. He was wearing the dark gray robes issued to those detained in the Ministry's holding area, pending trial.
All in all, Kate thought, Malfoy's typically elegant form had been replaced by this quite ordinary, almost thuggish looking wizard prisoner. Upon closer inspection of his face, however, Kate recognized that Malfoy's typical haughtiness was visible in the arrogant tilt of his head and the icy blue of his eyes, which were fixed on her in an unwavering stare. Kate barely suppressed a shiver as Fudge's voice cut through the tension in the room.
"Lucius Malfoy, stand and hear the charges levied against you."
Malfoy and Jarvis rose. "Lucius Malfoy, you stand accused of organizing and participating in an unprovoked attack against two Aurors from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement of this Ministry. Acting in concert with known Dark Wizards styling themselves as "Death Eaters", two of whom were recent escapees from Azkaban Prison, you, with full intent, inflicted and caused physical harm and injury to said Aurors. Using the Cruciatus, an Unforgivable Curse outlawed in our World, you seriously injured the more senior Auror, ultimately causing her to miscarry. How do you plead to these charges?"
Jarvis stepped forward. "Minister, my client acknowledges his actions, but pleads "exception" to prosecution."
Fudge frowned and turned the full force of his glare at the dark-haired solicitor. "I did not request an opening statement, Mr. Jarvis; the form requires a plea of "guilty" or "not guilty". There is no other option available to you. Please, re-state your plea for our records."
Jarvis turned to Malfoy, whose smug expression had slipped slightly at Fudge's harsh words. The solicitor raised an eyebrow to which his client tipped his head in a very brief nod. Jarvis' silk robes rustled smoothly as he turned back to Fudge. "Minister," he intoned importantly. "Given your comment, my client has no choice but to plead 'not guilty'."
A quiet snort sounded from the direction of Remus' hand which was raised by virtue of Remus' propped elbow on the arm of his chair. Although Remus was certain that he was the only one to have heard the sound, he turned the mirror slightly and caught Sirius' eye. "Sorry," Sirius mouthed soundlessly. Remus nodded curtly and returned the mirror to its previous position.
"Nymphadora Tonks, Auror, please approach the Witness chair," Fudge announced.
With a quick pat to Kate's arm, Tonks carefully picked her way down the few steps from her seat to the Witness chair, arriving without incident. Remus smiled as he heard Kingsley's exhale of relief that Tonks' legendary clumsiness was absent that day.
"Ms. Tonks, please tell the members of the Wizengamot the details of the March attack at Hogsmeade Station – from your own memory and in detail," Fudge instructed.
Kate couldn't help but admire the young Auror as she delivered her testimony. Physically clumsy though she might be, Tonks was every inch the professional MLE Officer as she dispassionately relayed the facts and details of the attack. She was both eloquent and precise; her testimony took less than ten minutes. At its conclusion, Fudge asked but one question, "Please provide the names of the attackers, Ms. Tonks."
Tonks nodded. "Rudolphus and Rabastan Lestrange, Mulciber, Augustus Rookwood and Lucius Malfoy. Former junior Auror Malodorous Spear was also present and participated in the attack," she finished.
"Thank you, Ms. Tonks," Fudge said. "Mr. Jarvis, have you any questions of this witness?"
Jarvis rose from his seat. "One, Minister."
"Proceed," Fudge waved his hand in the direction of the Witness chair.
"Ms. Tonks, are you not the cousin of escaped murderer, Sirius Black?" Jarvis queried, a condescending smirk on his face.
Tonks kept her face expressionless. "Yes, he is my second cousin," she responded.
"Please describe the familial connection," Jarvis demanded.
"Black is the first cousin of my mother, Andromeda Black Tonks. My mother was born into the Black family and is the sister-in-law of Mr. Malfoy's wife, as well," Tonks replied.
"So, you have a very strong connection to a family known for its affiliation to Dark Magic?" Jarvis tossed out.
Tonks laughed merrily before answering. "Hardly, Mr. Jarvis. My mother was disowned by her family the day she married my father, who is a Muggle. The 'connection', as you call it, is entirely accidental. It is neither welcomed nor nurtured by either side. Clearly, my profession should give you an indication of my allegiance, shouldn't it?"
Jarvis frowned at the young woman. "I ask the questions here, young lady," he fairly snarled.
Fudge looked sharply at the solicitor. "And have you any more to ask?"
Jarvis shook his head.
Fudge nodded once. "Excellent. Nothing further from the defense, then. Thank you, Ms. Tonks. You may re-take your seat."
Fudge turned his attention to Kate. "Katherine Morgan, Auror, please approach the Witness chair," he summoned.
Kate took a deep breath and rose. Keeping her eyes firmly trained on the Witness chair awaiting her, she walked confidently, steeling herself for what she was certain would be an unbearable interrogation. She reached the chair and seated herself.
"Ms. Morgan, you are aware that you will be required to testify under the influence of Veritaserum, are you not?" Fudge asked, his tone less stern than before.
Kate nodded. "Yes, Minister, I am."
Fudge nodded. "Officer, we're ready now."
The court officer, with a nod, disappeared through the side door nearest the members' entrance. When he returned a moment later, he was accompanied by the tall, dark figure of Severus Snape.
"Professor Snape, please administer the Veritaserum to Ms. Morgan," Fudge requested.
Snape nodded once and approached Kate. "Please, open your mouth," he asked, his voice more gentle than Kate could recall hearing it.
She felt three cold drops of potion fall onto her tongue and she swallowed obediently. Taking her seat, Kate felt the effects of the serum overtake her and she waited quietly for the questioning to begin.