Hey everyone,
Wow! I am ending the year on some REALLY content heavy chapters. The Trials of Umbridge and Sirius in this story, the Trials of the Dursleys, Figg and Pommel in To Read Into the Universe, one half of the Final Battle in The Moving Of The Light, Dumbledore escaping justice in Child of All and much, much more in the rest.
Personally, I won't deny it, I am looking up against writing these chapters a little, but that is because, in winter, things are dreary and dark enough. Therefore I would rather just write happy, go-lucky chapters, but I am not going to drastically change the stories around just to make writing the chapters easier.
Let's do this,

Venquine1990
PS. Get ready to HATE!


Chapter 10
The Criminal And The Innocent

25th of December 1995
Trial Room, Ministry For Magic
Rufus Scrimgeour's POV

If anyone ever asked me if I would expect myself to exonerate a man that has been considered a criminal for years on Christmas, I would have laughed in their faces. If anyone ever asked me if I would be putting the Secretary of the Minister on a Criminal Trial on Christmas I would have them checked for Confundus charms.
If anyone ever asked me if I would believe myself to be where I am now, seated in the Head Chair of the Wizengamot Trial room, at the Heart of the Ministry and with the floor of the room divided in two sections, one with Sirius Black sitting next to Harry Potter and Kingsley Shacklebolt and the other housing Umbridge, I'd say: "No."
Yet I am here, Amelia has given me full responsibility over all this and she has actually gotten in contact with all of Susan's friends and had their books and their forms checked for spellwork. And a lot more of said students than I would have expected have come back with positive results, the spellwork horrible and intrusive.

"Bordering on Dark, even." I think to myself, making me grimace at the woman, who has been fighting the officials trying to help by offering their services to her every step of the way and who had been ordered to be under heavy medication until shortly before she will be questioned and who now sits slackly in her seat.
I then look at the other side, the two sides separated by a single low wall that is raised just enough neither party can see the other, yet this doesn't seem to be enough. Cause while Potter can't see his tormentor – as some Aurors are now calling the woman – is he still gripping his scarred hand with his other quite reflexively.
"An aftereffect of the curses." I remember some of the Aurors that have been helping me set these two trials up having told me and while they obviously wanted to remove the curses, did Kingsley keep them as the curses were evidence. Instead, with the boy's permission, did he get shackled to the seat he was offered.
Black hadn't been happy with this and had muttered: "He wouldn't have needed that if people here would just use their common sense." And yet again I started wondering which of the two Blacks was the true Sirius Black; the teen that was friends with James Potter or the adult wizard that betrayed him to that monstrous murderer.

I then shake my head as I realize that the entire room has gone silent and I notice that, while Umbridge is gazing in front of her with a glazed look, everyone else is looking up at me, which I take as my signal to start all this. And while this all still feels seriously surreal, do I push that feeling away, behind my sense of duty.
"This meeting of the Wizengamot, to decide over the fate of Sirius Orion Black and Dolores Jane Umbridge, is now in session. The date is now the twenty-fifth of December 1995 and it is now exactly 23.55 PM. Auror Westrom, how long until the Dazing Potion has left Umbridge's system?" At this the Auror steps forward and says:
"The potion will leave Dolores Jane Umbridge's system in exactly 22 minutes and 30 seconds." At this I nod and say: "Then we will commence with the trial of Sirius Orion Black first. Head-Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt. Do you attest that you are here to provide testimony and defense for Sirius Orion Black?"
The bald, tanned wizard voices that he does and I turn to the wizard on his other side as I ask: "And do you, Harry James Potter, attest that you are here to provide testimony and evidence for Sirius Orion Black?" And while the boy has changed his grip and is now gripping his arm rests, does he too voice his own confirmation.
I nod, slightly feeling for the boy as I am sure that he – and for some reason Black – wants nothing more than to have the spells on him removed, do I feel a slight bit of respect grow within me as the way the boy is gripping his arm rest is the only sign that the boy is fighting off the spells that must be raging within him.

"What is the evidence you wish to present to this court, Mr. Potter?" I then ask the boy, if only to distract him and he loudly says: "The letter send to me by Sirius Orion Black on the 30th of June 1994 in which it can be confirmed that the Firebolt I used on the 24th of November of the same year came from him for Christmas."
This actually shocks some of those around me and then Kingsley says: "I would like to add to that the report of one Minerva McGonagall, started on the 27th of December and finished on the 10th of February 1994, where it is proven, through various and diligent testing, that only one spell was found on the broom in question.
Let it be known that this spell has been diagnosed as one to increase positive emotions of the flyer and that witnesses who have been at the matches between Gryffindor and the other Houses after Harry Potter got the Firebolt in question back can attest that this spell has not caused any problems or harm for Harry Potter."
At this I nod and turn to the scribe who sits near me and the younger adult, who decided to replace Percy Weasley considering his previous bond with Harry Potter as well as his current bond with Umbridge, states: "It has been noted." At which I turn back and ask: "Please bring in these pieces of evidence for this court to see."

And two Aurors who have been waiting at the doors move over to one of the two tables in front of Potter and the others and lie both rolls open, their written text for all to see. I wave my wand and copies of each document appear in front of all those who will play a role in deciding Black's fate at the end of this trial.
I read through both the letter, shocked to read the name of the Hippogriff that was sentenced to death that same year, amazed that Black would risk his soul to get the Dementors away from Hogwarts, shocked at how Black managed to buy the Firebolt and even more shocked to read that Black met with Potter when he left his uncle's.
"Mr. Potter, why did you not report to Minister Cornelius Fudge that you had encountered Black the night you performed the Swelling Charm on Marjorie Dursley?" I ask, but instead of the boy, does Black answer: "He didn't, because he didn't know it was me. I was in the form that allowed me to survive Azkaban."
This confuses me, but then Kingsley says: "Let it be noted that I found files registering James Potter, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew as a Stag, Dog and Rat Animagus respectively and that these files were located in the file of Charlus Potter." And while I wonder why Kingsley looked here, does the scribe state: "It has been noted."

Yet the reason Kingsley said this does explain everything and I look back at the two documents in front of me. Yet other than the spell mentioned does the other document not have anything interesting or important to mention and I lie it to the side to take another look at the letter, trying to find anything I missed earlier.
Then I spot something and ask: "Mr. Potter, what exactly was enclosed along with this letter?" And Potter calmly answers: "A signed permission slip to visit Hogsmeade. Albus Dumbledore accepted it as he was already aware of Sirius Black's – side of the story." And while I wonder of his change of words, do I nod nonetheless.
I then notice the PS at the end of the letter and ask: "What can be said about the owl that delivered this letter?" To which Percy Weasley actually steps forward and says: "It was given to my brother, Ronald Bilius, but he would never tell us from who. I now understand why. The owl is small, energetic and quite loud in his hoots."
"Is there anything that can be considered wrong with this owl, Mr. Weasley?" I ask the elder lad and while I know that he and his family are at odds with each other, does his sense of duty seem to override this as he shakes his head and says: "No, the owl might be too energetic from time to time, but otherwise it is a Mail Owl."

I nod and say: "The report has been found as legit, the letter has been studied and questioned and the Firebolt has been in Ministerial hands long enough to be considered safe. We will now hold a temporary vote. All those willing to exonerate Sirius Black on this newly provided evidence, please raise your wands."
And while I notice Black clenching his muscles, Potter gripping his arm rests even tighter and Kingsley lying a hand on the hands of both men closest to them, do I then count all the wands that are raised. And to my great consternation, do I realize that the vote would be in Black's favor by only three raised wands.
Yet then, to everyone's shock, does Percy step forward and say: "All those who didn't vote positive just because they believe Harry Potter a liar and ignore the evidence in light of their beliefs, raise your wands." And to my amazement does three quarter of those that held their wands down before raise their wands this time.

Instantly I notice Potter's body sagging down in utter relief and I send him a short smile before glaring at those around me before I snap: "Let it be noted that the Wizengamot members, chosen for their sense of duty, were just incapable of keeping their personal opinions out of their voting in regards to the fate of a fellow wizard."
And while this makes many of those who now have their wands raised cringe and grimace, does the scribe loudly state: "It has been noted." And while I am quite sure that this won't happen a second time, do I then notice how Black and Kingsley seem to be sharing a quick silent conversation between the two of them.

My fellow Auror then stands up and says: "Let it be noted that Sirius Black wishes to speak his own side of the events of October 31st, 1981 and will then desire to answer a single question while under the effects of Veritaserum." And while I wonder why the question is specified this way, do I ask: "Any objections to this offer?"
And curiosity seems to reign supreme as no one raises their voice in objection and so I say: "Sirius Black, the floor is yours." And the man nods before he takes a deep breath and says: "On the 31st of 1981, I was on my way to check up on one of our own, Peter Pettigrew, yet found his home abandoned without any sign of a struggle.
Instantly I realized what this meant and remembered the plan James Potter and I myself concocted behind the backs of everyone, including Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix. This plan included a secret switch of Secret Keepers, which can only be done by the Secret Keeper from myself to Peter Pettigrew.

This together with seeing Pettigrew's house in the state that it was, made me fear for James Potter and his family and so I rushed for Godric's Hollow. Yet upon arrival, did I instantly see evidence that I was too late. The house where my best friend wished to raise his family was in ruins, the nursery room damaged the worst of all.
I rushed inside and found James, lying upon the ground right before the staircase. He and I had been friends for so long that staring upon his body was too much for me to bare, so I dashed upstairs. There I spotted Lily Potter, in a similar state as James Potter. Yet it was the crying sounds of Harry Potter that drew my attention."
The man then looks up and says: "Let it be noted that Harry Potter, at this time, was already showing signs of Accidental Magic and that these signs were the strongest when he tried doing something his infantile mind believed would benefit his family." At this I nod, yet at the same time I wonder why the man brings this up.
And when the Scribe has stated that it has been noted, does Sirius Black continue and say: "I rushed for the child and yet, when I picked him up, I felt as if I was disrupting some kind of Accidental Magic that he was trying to cast. I laid him down again and this is when Rubeus Hagrid, on orders of Albus Dumbledore, came in.
I told Hagrid to keep Harry close to Lily and James, which was because he kept crying for both of them as he seemed to be using some kind of magic, but while neither of us knew what or why, did Hagrid promise he would do so until Dumbledore would come to sort things out. This, I was told, happened on November 1st 1981."

I nod, yet wonder: "Why would Black put so much emphasis on Baby Potter using Accidental Magic?" Then Black goes on: "After this was established, did the site and the knowledge of what I saw become too much for me to handle. I give into the famous Black Madness and desired nothing but to avenge my friends.
I went straight after Pettigrew and used my own former role as Secret Keeper to find the little bastard. Please let it be known that if a Secret Keeper switches his role to another, he gains the magical ability to track that other down until either of the two are no longer upon this plane." The Scribe notes this down and Black continues:
"I managed to track Pettigrew, yet he predicted this. He made me believe I had him cornered, yet his shouts combined with the Black Madness kept me from being the trained wizard I was when in battle against Death Eaters. And before I knew it, Pettigrew had reached for my wand and broke my wrist as he screamed a spell."
At this I look at one of the wizards who was there when Black was arrested and the man says: "Black was indeed sporting a broken wrist when we arrested him. It was the whole reason we put elbow shackles on him instead of the usual ones." I nod and make sure that the Court Scribe has this noted down before Black goes on:

"Heh, you all know what happened next. The street blew up, Pettigrew escaped, using the rat form that has a file registering him as such in Charlus' file, and the Madness overwhelmed me beyond all reason. I laughed my head off, got arrested and because my laughter was drawing attention, did the Aurors stun me.
Yet when I woke from the Stunner, I was in a most unfamiliar place, at least unfamiliar at the time. However, the situation of the area around me made me realize quite quickly where I was and since then I have waited. At first for my chance at a trial and later for a chance to protect Harry James Potter from the traitor to his House.
And that is my entire tale." The man states strongly and I nod before I ask: "Based on this tale, who here will exonerate Sirius Black of all charges?" And bar only four wands, do all those around me raise their wands, making the three wizards at the table smile before Kingsley asks: "Is the Veritaserum still required?"
To which I look around before I state: "It is preferred. I, as Judge Wizard, have a question I wish to ask Sirius Black." At this Kingsley nods, yet for some reason do I feel as if I just played into whatever plan the man has. Then I remember why Kingsley is doing all of this and I think: "I'm helping him further pass his test."

To which I smirk at the man as he draws a small bottle of Veritaserum from his robe, has an Auror verify that it is the bottle provided to all Head-Aurors and Hit-Wizards and then has Sirius take the required three drops. And when it has been established that the man is truly under its effects, do I ask the one question I want to:
"Sirius Black, why are you putting such emphasis on the Accidental Magic Harry Potter cast on the 31st of October 1981?" And in a monotone voice the man answers: "Because the Accidental Magic was apparently enough to fight the remnants of the Killing Curse in such a way it changed the effects of the spell on Lily and James Potter.
They have been de-aging their forms in a state just like dead ever since and have been woken from their state several hours ago." And this utterly astounds me before I shout: "Where was the file on your Animagus form found?" And this silences the shouting crowds before Black answers: "In the file of Charlus Fleamont Potter."

AN: An explanation on how Sirius could have stated this as "Truth" will be given in the upcoming chapter. Please understand that it has to do with Harry being a guardian and a Potter.

And the fact that this is indeed true quiets everyone, all of them looking at the man in shock before Harry says: "Let it be noted that James and Lily Potter are standing just outside this very room, hidden under the Invisibility Cloak that has been in our family for generations." And instantly a wizard asks: "Why would they be here?"
To which Black himself answers: "Because their son is part of this trial." And the answer seems to calm the wizard down before Kingsley asks: "Sirius Black, now that your trial is nearing its end, what do you intend to do after all this has been wrapped up?" And everyone leans forward in their seats as the monotone wizard answers:
"I plan to gather Molly and Arthur Weasley, Kingsley Shacklebolt, James, Lily and Harry Potter together and perform a ritual that will grant fatherhood over Harry, James and Lily Potter to me, motherhood over Harry Potter to Molly Weasley, make Arthur the uncle and Kingsley Shacklebolt the godfather of Harry Potter."
And to this I think: "And that is the whole reason Kingsley did all this. To prove his worth." Yet this doesn't seem obvious to others as a witch asks: "Why Kingsley Shacklebolt?" And Black – no, Sirius – answers: "Because he has proven to go above and beyond to do what is right and help Harry Potter in anyway he is capable of."

The witch seems to accept this and I say: "Let us wrap this up. For the last time, all those in favor of exonerating Sirius Orion Black of all charges, please raise your wand." And this time the entire hall raises their wands, even those I know have been personal enemies of Sirius when he was still in his teenage years at Hogwarts.
I smile at this and say: "Let it be noted that the trial for Sirius Orion Black ended with the man being fully exonerated from all charged pressed against him since the 1st of November 1981." And the court scribe once again states that it has been noted. Yet while Sirius gets fed the antidote, do I notice something that startles me.

Harry Potter, who should be feeling exhilarated, seems to actually exclude an aura of defeat and seems to be struggling against something. And suddenly I realize I remember something and I turn to the other side of the wall, having been so focused on Black and his trial I completely forgot that wall was even there in the first place.
"DOLORES JANE UMBRIDGE, SEIZE YOUR ACTIONS THIS INSTANT!" I shout as I notice the woman smirking deviously while her gaze is firmly on where she has obviously spotted Potter to be and the woman looks at me, her eyes wide and I instantly turn back to Potter, feeling relieved to see him sag down again.
Sirius and Kingsley both instantly move over to both of the boy's sides as he gasps and pants, proving he has been fighting a silent, mental battle and I think: "And that while he was also working his hardest to help in the trial that just got him his family back. How strong is that kid?" And I feel my respect for him growing.

"It has been noted that Dolores Jane Umbridge cast a Silent spell upon Harry James Potter to increase the effects of the spells already found upon Harry James Potter previously. This attack on Harry James Potter has hereby been added to the list of crimes Dolores Jane Umbridge has been arrested for." The Court Scribe then states.
This makes me smirk at the slightly younger man, while Umbridge lets out a shocked: "What?" But then I turn to the boy in question and says: "Now that it has been noted that Harry James Potter just suffered from a magical increase of the effects of the spells cast upon his person, does this body deem it time to release him?"
And instantly all wands are in the air, concerned, shocked and disturbed faces showing all around and I nod before I say: "Harry James Potter, you have the Wizengamot's permission to seek out a Healer, so you may have the spells, put upon your person by Dolores Jane Umbridge, removed. You are free to leave this room."
And the boy lets out a soft: "Thank you, Judge Wizard Scrimgeour." As Kingsley undoes the shackles on his person and the bald man works alongside Sirius to gently guide the clearly exhausted boy out of the room, all eyes bar Dolores' following him with concern and worry showing on the face of the entire Wizengamot body.

Yet the minute the heavy oak-wooden doors close behind him and the wall that separated him from Umbridge falls, does every face turn to the woman in question, Umbridge visibly reeling back as she sees how fury, rage and disgust are on every face that is aimed her way and how some are even fingering their wands.
I myself look at the woman while trying to hide my own disgust and hatred behind my sense of honor and duty as I say: "Now onto our next point of this meeting. Dolores Jane Umbridge. You have been offered plenty of chances to have someone represent you and offer you defense, yet you fought and refused each chance.
Because of that and because of the charges already filed against you, we will simply administer Veritaserum. And before you even try, Mss. Umbridge, the Minister himself has pulled all hands off of you and your case and has vouched under vow that he was in no way aware of your actions or the crimes you committed."

Yet the woman seems unwilling to submit as she snaps: "That doesn't matter. I'm a Pureblood. That means –." But I interrupt her and snarl: "You are not. Head Auror Shacklebolt did his job and informed us that you have been lying to your coworkers for years. You are a Halfblood with a Muggle for a mother.
Therefore, the clause you just tried to implement doesn't work for you. Auror." And while the woman seems horrified that I just revealed her actual heritage to the entire Wizengamot, does a wizard who is only two years younger than me move over from behind her seat and make use of her shock to supply her with the three required drops.
And instantly after does he slam a hand over her mouth and use his other hand to close off her nose, forcing the woman to swallow. He keeps his stance like this until the woman's eyes glaze over and I make sure to ask her the questions that Percy provided for me. The woman gives the answers he told me she would and I decide to start.

"Dolores Jane Umbridge, you have been caught by Kingsley Shacklebolt with an item that is considered, by law a Class XXXXX Dark Object and it has been proven that you have, actually, used this item on a minor. This alone can get you a sentence in Azkaban of several years. How do you plead?" And the woman answers:
"Not guilty." Shocking and causing for several of those around me to shout in disgust, yet I slam my mallet to calm them down and snap: "Explain yourself.""I am the Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic. All I do is for the betterment of the Wizarding World. I only do what can improve the future of our world, nothing more."
And even with the Veritaserum turning her voice monotone does it sound as if she is preaching and I feel my disgust for her growing as I ask: "So you believe that a position such as yours should be above the law?" And the woman makes me snarl inwardly as she says: "No, I believe my position is above the law, that it is the law."

Lots of voices grumble words of disgust and hatred at hearing this and I think: "There is no way I can stomach someone like her for long. I need to just get to her worst stuff and then judge her based on that." And with that do I focus on the one thing Amelia was most worried about before she went home to check up on her niece and I say:
"Dolores Jane Umbridge, because your crimes concerned a student of Hogwarts school, will you now be asked one single question in regards to several students that we, the Wizengamot, believe or suspect you to have committed similar or other crimes against. You are not to object and are only to answer yes or no. Do you understand?"
And to my revulsion does the woman answer: "Yes, but I won't be answering yes for any question as I didn't commit any crimes." To which I think: "If that's what you think you haven't met me yet, you blasted witch." And I loudly ask: "Dolores Jane Umbridge, have you gone against the English code to in regards to Ronald Weasley?"
And for a short second do I feel concern fill me up as the woman answers: "No." Yet I think: "We only just started. She might have left him alone in favor of Potter." And so I ask: "Have you gone against the English Code in regards to Ginerva Weasley?" And this time the woman struggles before she answers: "Yes."

"Now I got her." I think and so I go on: "Have you gone against the English Code in regards to either Fred or George Weasley?" And the woman again struggles before she answers: "Yes and yes." And because I know the Veritaserum has now recognized my question, do I know I now just need to give out names and so I commence.
"Hermione Granger?""Yes.""Lee Jordan?""Yes.""Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell or Alicia Spinnet?" And here the woman answers: "Yes, no and yes." This instantly catches my interest and I turn to the Scribe as I say: "Let it be noted that Dolores Umbridge only answered yes with the Muggleborn known as Katie Bell."
And the Scribe makes sure to note this down together with the answer of the woman and while I think: "Not that such a thing would matter for anyone other than this bloodline liar." And I continue my spiel: "Colin or Dennis Creevey?""Yes.""Luna Lovegood.""Yes.""Dean Seamus?""Yes.""Seamus Finnegan?""No."
This I again take notice of and I turn to the Scribe, who quickly makes the same note as before and nods at me when he's done. I grimace as I can only imagine how many other Muggleborns suffered under this woman. I then take a deep breath and decide to see if I can officially confirm Amelia's concerns as I ask:

"Susan Bones?" And to my growing sense of disturbance does the woman answer: "Yes." At which I think: "She is so lucky Amelia's not here right now. But that means that her punishment falls on my shoulders. And for Amelia's sake – for Susan's sake – for the sake of all students – I can't fail." And this increases my determination.
"Hannah Abbot?""No.""Ernie Macmillan?""No.""Cho Chang?""Yes." This makes me cringe as I know that Amos has really taken a liking to Cho after Cedric started dating her and that Clarisse has taken the girl under her wing after her son's death. "Marrietta Edgecombe?""Yes." This causes for the girl's mother to gasp.
Yet I look at her, telling her silently that I got this and that Umbridge won't get away with it. And while I notice how Albus is silently closing the door the room behind him, proving he is here to hear the end result, do I gather all of my determination, inner strength, sense of duty and need for justice together and ask:

"Demelza Robbins?""Yes." Leanne Embers?""Yes.""Padma Patil?""Yes.""Parvati Patil?""No." And this almost feels like a breath of fresh air, relieving me a little before I continue: "Lavender Brown?" "Yes." And this breaks that breath to pieces, making me grimace before I think: "Some of those – were pretty random."
And this makes me grimace as I think: "Does that mean that – she would go above and beyond? That she really has no clear distinction between who she will and will not hurt?" And while I hope I'm wrong, do I decide to take a risk and I ask: "Draco Malfoy?" While knowing that Lucius is currently in the visitor part of the room.
And to the shock of both the blonde and myself does the woman actually answer: "Yes." To which I think: "That woman has no limits whatsoever. I need to get to the bottom of this." And I quickly ask on: "Daphne or Astoria Greengrass?""No and Yes." This instantly catches my attention, yet I ignore it for now and ask:
"Victor Crabbe or Gregory Goyle?""No and No.""Blaise Zabini?""No." This actually relieves me, yet the fact that she would target the son of the man that has been supporting her boss all this time doesn't escape me and neither does the knowledge that this woman has no limits and I send Albus a quick look before I ask:

"Albus Dumbledore?""No." This makes the man silently sigh in relief, but then I ask: "Minerva McGonagall?""Yes." The man instantly tenses up, but I won't give him a chance to break my streak and ask: "Severus Snape, Pomona Sprout or Filius Flitwick?""No, yes and yes." And this actually makes sense to me.
"She must not have touched Snape because she knew of his history as a former Death Eater. She must have not wanted to take that risk." Yet the fact that this woman would dare to break the law in regards to the Hogwarts staff has me really worried and I decide to have them be the last I will use to get to the bottom of this.
And so I ask: "Rubeus Hagrid?""Yes.""Aurora Sinistra?""No.""Charity Burbage?""Yes.""Bathsheda Babbling?""No.""Sybill Trelawney?""Yes.""Septima Vector?""Yes.""Buthbert Binns?""No." And while I am sure the answer would be what it was, did I still feel like making sure. Yet then I get curious and ask:
"Argus Filch?" And to even Albus' shock, does the woman answer: "Yes." To which I think: "She would even curse the one who is on her side?" Which really worries me before I decide to ask one last question and I ask: "Madam Rosmerta?" And the woman, to the shock of many actually answers: "Yes." Once again.

Shock goes through the hall, yet then suddenly Albus steps forward and asks: "If I may?" And I nod before the man says: "Dolores Jane Umbridge, because I knew you and I would be in conflict, did I desire to have Harry Potter guarded by ones other than the teaching staff. Were you aware of this?" And the woman answers:
"Not at first." Making the man grimace before he asks: "When did you find out?" And the woman answers: "During Potter's first detention. I had enchanted my door to ensure that no one, without my permission, would be able to enter my office or complain if they couldn't come in. I sensed them activating as he came in."
At this Dumbledore turns to the scribe and says: "Please let it be noted that Dolores Jane Umbridge most probably used Dark Magic to ensure of this as there are actually already wards set in for teacher's offices for these purposes, yet they can only be activated by the Headmaster and Dolores Umbridge did not ask me for this."
The scribe nods and then Albus asks: "Did you do anything other than keep Harry Potter's guards out of your office?" And the woman answers: "Yes." But then I notice that she is slightly smirking and I think: "The effects are wearing off. We need to sentence her now." And I raise my hand to tell Albus to stop asking his questions.

The man grimaces, but steps back and I think: "Going by what we know already, she can either be sentenced to Life to Azkaban or the Veil even. But we only know that she attacked these people, not what she did to them. But we can't keep questioning her, the Veritaserum is wearing off. So, how do I compromise between all this?"
And I take a quick look through the record that has been self-writing itself upon my desk, courtesy of the scribe sitting slightly off my side, yet just by looking at the start of the document and the notes that the scribe added to several names, do I get the perfect idea and I start to smirk in a way I haven't smirked in a long, long time.
I look up, not at all disturbed by the fact that the Veritaserum seems to have completely lost its effects as Umbridge is now smirking at me in a way that asks: "So, what are you going to do now?" Yet the way I smirk back at her seems to take the wind right out of her sails, making her look at me in confused concern as I say:

"Dolores Jane Umbridge, you have been caught red-handed with several charges now added to your name and with several families now properly and utterly against you. You have lost even the support of the one man who believed in the cause of you and your boss and yet, there is still so much of your crimes yet to uncover.
However, just based on the crimes we now have against you, you would have more than surely receive a Life sentence to Azkaban, if not a straight transport through the Veil of Death. You would have – if I didn't know a punishment that is much, much better and much more fitting to someone of your unlimited disturbing kind.
Because of that, do I hereby ask my fellow members of the Wizengamot. Raise your wand if – you wish to see Dolores Jane Umbridge stripped off her magic, her memory blocked by the Unspeakables to make her able to remember, but not speak of magic, see her receive Life Sentence in Muggle prison and have her under Muggleborn Surveillance."
And while shock rings through the room for only a second, is every wand in the audience raised the next, Umbridge being halted in her attempt to protest by her own shock at seeing this and I smirk as I say: "It is a unanimous vote. Aurors, take Dolores Jane Umbridge away to the Department of Mysteries for her sentence."

And the Aurors in the room, who have the same smirks on their faces as I am sure is sporting on mine, step forward. Yet as the struggling, screaming woman is pulled away by her arm pits, trying to reach for the wands of the Aurors, but being denied this and thus insulting and trying to order the Aurors, do I turn to Albus and sternly say:
"Now that that has been taken care of, must I enforce upon you, Albus Dumbledore, the order to keep Hogwarts school close until everyone, both your staff and your students, have been checked by a certified Healer and until an Unspeakable or Curse Breaker has come to scan the DADA office and remove any potential curses."
At this the man nods and says: "I understand. I will also see if, once I am sure who of the Potter guard is clear of spells and who isn't, those who aren't would be willing to extend their guarding abilities to any of the students that desire their aid. Please be ensured that they are experts in their roles and their abilities of stealth."
Yet while I nod at this as I have no doubt that there will be students who will have moments of feeling unsafe and who will desire this kind of assurance, can I not help but think: "And how far exactly do those stealth abilities reach? And shouldn't it be the job of the Heads of House to offer that kind of security to their House?"
Yet I ignore this for now, just glad that, if nothing else, Albus is indeed still looking out for the health and safety of his school. And while I really hope that all this will lessen the crap going on between him and Fudge, do I say: "Let that statement end this meeting of the Wizengamot." And I slam my mallet one last time.


Well, merry Christmas,
So what did you guys think? Did you get curious about these crimes? Trust me, some of them are bloody disturbing. I have the names of those Umbridge harmed written down and I need only look at them and I remember what crimes I have planned for them to be revealed. I'm just not sure how I will reveal them.
Part of me feels like having them revealed through the Muggleborn who will offer "therapy to the confused prisoner", but another part of me feels like having them revealed through the tests that the students will all be going through now that it has become known that Umbridge has no limits on who she does and doesn't target.
Personally, I'd rather do the latter as that will be more in sync with the genres this story falls under and will also allow students to realize they have more in common with each other than they first knew or thought. That and I'd rather put Umbridge's arc on the backburner and only mention it from time to time.
Either way, onto something else that is just as important. Next chapter: Harry gets his curses removed and he and his family return to Grimmauld to let everyone know the good news. After this Harry goes to bed, yet with the promise that, come morning, there will be a huge party to celebrate the wonderful Christmas miracle.
But, of course, not everyone in the house believes this and certain characters decide that, Christmas or not, their opinion matters and things should go their way. This, however, has consequences they didn't expect or know about and those consequences push both Sirius and one other over the edge in regards to their patience.
Guess who,

Venquine1990
PS. Next chapter there will also be another RotG character that will make an appearance. Care to guess who? Also, HAPPY NEW YEAR!