So I hope you like this chapter. Please review and constructive critic is welcome. I know right now it might seem like the plot is kind of slow, but its getting there. The previous chapter ended with Dorcas' impending trial for underage magic, and this chapter starts with the trial itself after a short time skip of about a month.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by someone else. These are just my thoughts on it.

Chapter 5

In a time of chaos and war there was no time to hold a simple trial for underage magic, hence why Dorcas sat in a chair covered in chair usually used to restrain the more severe prisoners who would most likely be sentenced to Azkaban, located in a dark stone dungeon lit only by torches. Fifty members of wizerngamot sat around her in a semi circle with the minister of magic sitting in the middle.

"I officially call this hearing to order." The minister said.

"You are Dorcas Meadowes of Cornwall orphanage?" He asked.

"Clearly." Dorcas said bitterly.

"Did you receive a note not to use magic during summer at the end of school?"

"Yes." Dorcas answered.

"Yet you knowingly cast obliviate and evanesce in the presence of a muggle while under the age of 17." He said.

"Yes, but if you give me a chance to explain, you will understand that the use of magic was justified and completely acceptable." Dorcas said knowing that no one was there to protect her. She had to take care of herself just like she always did.

"Go on." The minister said slightly intrigued.

"The head mistress of Cornwall Orphanage is not only corrupt but also suppressive attempting to forbid me from attending Hogwarts when by right of our laws that is not her decision to make. While I may have acted a bit hastily, you fail to realize that said muggle has no account of the incident due to the obliviate charm." Dorcas explained. In her own opinion she felt there was no difference between being seventeen and seventeen minus a few weeks like she was at the time of the incident, but apparently to them there was, so she didn't dare to bring it up.

"And when this occurred you knew that your spell would work?' He questioned. "It is after all a very complicated branch of magic generally not known by those who have just completed their sixth year at Hogwarts."

"Yes I did know. By saying generally, you imply that there are some exceptions, and I am one of them. I'm sure if you were to glance at my soon to arrive OWL scores you will find that I greatly excel in charms. Or you could just ask any Hogwarts professor." Dorcas said.

"And yet there are no witnesses." The minister said,

"Well of course not. If there had been I would have been in here for multiple uses of obliviate." Dorcas muttered under her breath.

"Pardon?" The minister said.

"I was just pointing out that since there are no reliable witnesses on your part either I believe we are at a standstill."

The minister smiled at her valid point.

"Those in favor of clearing the witness of all charges?" The head of the wizengamot asked.

Nearly every member raised their hands in favor of Dorcas clearly impressed by her arguing skills.

"Cleared of all charges." The minister said.

Dorcas grinned and as she began to walk out, the head of the wizengamot stopped her. "You know you were quite brilliant out there. I believe you have a future as a member of the wizengamot."

"Oh I know, only it's not really my thing. I'm not sure I want to work in a ministry that holds unjust trials with a full court for something as simple as underage magic. I actually intend to make a difference somewhere." Dorcas said as politely as she could muster. "Good day." She said eager to leave and tell the Lupins the good news which would then calm Remus down.

On her way out however she bumped into a fellow with almost blonde like white hair who reminded her distinctly of Lucius Malfoy. Only she hadn't seen him in a couple of years now. Malfoy had been a couple of years ahead of her and had graduated a couple of years back.

"Watch it Mr.!" Dorcas yelled as she was nearly bulled over.

Malfoy who had all together been unaffected by the collision, paused in his walking to sneer at her insolence.

"What did you say?" He snarled.

"You heard me. I said watch it." Dorcas said.

"Well you watch your mouth you insolent child." He said.

"Why? I thought I was being plenty polite. I even said Mr." Dorcas said smiling slightly.

Furious, Malfoy pulled out his wand unsure of what exactly he planned to do.

Dorcas however was not considered a blooming duelist for nothing however. She had he wand out at the same time, already pointed at him.

"I'd rather not have to do anything Sir." Dorcas said calmly. "You see I was just falsely accused of underage magic and I'd prefer not to go through that tedious trial again."

"And this is why I hate children." Malfoy muttered under his breath.

Pretending she didn't hear that, Dorcas said, "So how about we just calmly put our wands and go our separate merry ways?"

In silent agreement, both put their wands away and without a second glance went back to their walks.

Malfoy however was intrigued. This girl definitely reminded him of someone both in personality and looks. He however just couldn't place her. He did however want to know more, so he paused for a moment and said, "Mind if I know the name of such a charming not at all insolent brat?"

"You first blondie." Dorcas said.

"It's Malfoy. Abraxas Malfoy." HE answered.

"Ah, Lucy's father. The resemblance is uncanny." Dorcas speculated out loud, remembering her intense dislike for his son as well as the family's unsavory reputation. Without thinking about it, Dorcas began to walk away.

"Lucy?" Malfoy said raising one eyebrow in confusion while Dorcas was leaving. "Hey! Wait a second!"

"It's Dorcas." She yelled back. "Dorcas Meadowes. It would do you good to remember it because one day this insolent child is going to grow up and kick you off your high horse."

With the girl gone, Malfoy allowed himself a brief smile. She was rude, loud, and ever so Gryffindor like, but there was something interesting about her. However, as time went on he forgot about her that was until Voldemort called a meeting of all his death eaters a few days later.

Most death eaters were given specific tasks such as gain supporters, torture the masses, kill an individual, or spy on the ministry and order very much like Malfoy himself did. Each individual or sometimes a group of death eaters would report on their tasks.

When it was his turn, Malfoy said, "The ministry is not well. Due to our alliance with the trolls, panic has spread. No one, not even the students are safe from suspicion. They've become wary of you, Rockwood, sure that someone from your department is the rat."

With Voldemort's nod of approval, Malfoy sat back down, and mentally scanned what he had just said making sure it was factual and correct, proof as seen through the underage trial of Dorcas Meadowes, who had "attacked a muggle."

And then it all clicked. Meadowes. Of course he knew that name. Lydia Meadowes had been three years below Malfoy in Hogwarts, in the same year as Tom. She had been exceptionally petite with mousy brown hair and bright blue eyes, slightly resembling Dorcas. But the personality now that was one and the same. However, last Malfoy had heard Lydia was on her way to becoming a healer. But where was she now? Certainly not at St. Mungos.

"Malfoy!" Voldemort called out.

"Yes my Lord." Said Malfoy.

"Do you have anything else to share?" Voldemort asked.

"No my lord." Malfoy said.

"Very well. Please stay behind when the others leave." Voldemort said.

After the others left, Voldemort said, "I know when you're lying to me Malfoy, after all, we have known each other for a long amount of time, but I will not tolerate it."

"I'm sorry my lord." Malfoy said slightly downcast.

"Well then?" Voldemort asked.

"It's this girl." Malfoy began.

"Come now Malfoy. Isn't this girl too young for you? Let her be and stay with your wife." Voldemort said.

"No my lord, it is not like that." Malfoy said slightly embarrassed.

"Well then? What is it like?" He asked.

"She's the one from the trial sir. The orphan who attacked the muggle, arousing the ministries suspicion." Malfoy explained.

"What about her? Nothing sounds unusual to me." Voldemort asked.

"Well her names Dorcas Meadowes, and I couldn't help but think that she's a spitting image of Lydia." Malfoy said.

"Lydia?" Voldemort said in surprise. He hadn't seen that girl since the two had graduated Hogwarts.

"Yes my lord." Malfoy confirmed.

"Well that's unusual. I would have never thought that Lydia would have a child. She was always too focused on becoming a healer." Voldemort said to himself, waving Malfoy off.

"And sir." Malfoy said hesitantly before adding, "She has your eyes." When Malfoy spoke of eyes, of course he was referring to Voldemorts piercing dark ones.

"Well that is interesting indeed." Voldemort said recalling fondly all the good times he end Lydia had spent together. Perhaps too good. "Find out more about her." Voldemort ordered. "And Lydia too. I want to know all about what she's been up to."