Ch 33
A/N: As promised, I managed to write this within one week! I even managed to get a long chapter done! Believe it or not it doesn't even have a cliff-hanger!
Once again a huge thanks goes out to slenderpanda597 for being a great beta. Another goes out to 13Sarah94 who had to put up with me debating as I wrote one part, without her this chapter would not have come through as well as it did.
This contains probably one of my personal favorite parts of the entire story, at least so far. :) This chapter was very interesting to write and I hope you like it.
...
A few minutes later Victoria woke up feeling like her head was filled with a thick fog. She could still hear the fighting, but it seemed to be in the distance. Spells of all sorts still lit up the air as she tried to sit up while a wave of nausea hit her. A searing pain radiated through her left shoulder and her back. As she looked over she saw where Malfoy's spell had hit her. Her robes were slashed clean through and blood oozed out of the wound. As quickly as her head would allow her she healed her wound and got back to her feet.
Looking around she found that by this time most of the Death Eaters had been rounded up and were bound together in the centre of the room. Lupin, Sirius, and Kingsley were nowhere to be seen, but Moody was on the floor, kneeling over an unconscious Tonks. Blood still poured out of his head as he leaned over her, staining her robes.
As she made her way to them he looked up, a gaping hole where his eye should have been startled her momentarily.
"For Merlin's sake," Moody growled, "you've seen worse than this before."
Shaking her head quickly she retorted, "Yes, but usually my head isn't as cloudy." Kneeling over Tonks she quickly cast a few healing spells followed closely by a round of diagnostic spells. "Looks like we got to her just in time, another few minutes and she wouldn't have made it. We need to get her to St. Mungo's right away. Whatever spell they used on her is still causing damage that I can't stop."
He nodded, "Take her and go. I'll be there as soon as I've checked on the others."
…
Victoria had drifted off to sleep in the waiting room at St. Mungo's when Remus found her a few hours later. He had stayed at the Ministry with Kingsley to straighten things out and this was the first chance that he'd had to arrive. The waiting room was empty, as it was nearly 2am. Victoria had found a chair in the corner and was leaning up against the wall, her eyes closed, and her feet curled up underneath her.
Remus smirked at the image in front of him. A surge of brotherly love overwhelmed him at the sight of her looking like a lost little child. Taking off his own worn and tattered outer robe he threw it over her sleeping form. He took a seat next to her and pulling out his book, began his long night of waiting.
The sun had already started to rise by the time her eyes started to flutter open once again. Her eyes were blood-shot and she seemed to be more pale than usual, but a smile lit her face seeing him sitting there. Moving stiffly she croaked,
"What time is it?"
"Around 6," he said offering her a steaming cup. "I just went up to the tea room. I thought you might like something to drink."
She gave him a smile, "Thanks," taking a sip and then placing it on the floor next to her.
"Are you feeling alright?" He asked looking her over again, noticing how much more pale she seemed than normal.
"I'm fine," she said softly. "The healers checked me out when I brought Tonks in. They said I lost a lot of blood, but should be okay in a few days."
"Have they talked to you about her yet?" He asked taking a sip from his own cup.
Victoria nodded solemnly, "The spell that Bellatrix hit her with caused a lot of damage. They were able to stop it, but it did major damage to some of her organs. They want to keep her for a few days at least."
"It sounds as if it's for the best."
"It is," Victoria nodded, looking at the ground for a moment. Looking back up to him she asked, "How are the others?"
"Poppy was able to fix Moody and Kingsley up in a few minutes."
"I would expect nothing less," Victoria said with a smirk. "Where's Sirius?"
"Victoria," Remus said with a sigh looking down at his hands and then back up at her, "Sirius is gone."
"What do you mean, gone?" She asked him, a look of confusion crossing her face.
"I mean, he's gone. He is no longer with us," he answered quietly.
"I don't get it. What do you mean by no longer with us? Did he run away, did he join the Death Eaters, what?" she asked, agitation starting to settle in.
"Victoria, he's dead." Remus finally said plainly.
"No," she shook her head, her eyes growing wide.
"He fell through the curtain. There was nothing we could do." He took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Well," she tried to reason, "just because he fell through some curtain doesn't mean he's…" trailing off as a lump started forming in her throat. She continued to shake her head adamantly, "I mean he could be…"
"Victoria," Remus said gently, putting his other hand over her's, "he's gone."
"No," she shouted, still firmly in denial, pulling herself away from him and getting to her feet. "It can't be…" she said a little quieter, stopping and looking at him again. This time the message nearly managing to stick. "It just can't be," she whispered dropping to her knees as realization dropped on her like a lead blanket, her eyes filling with tears.
He didn't say anything as he pulled her back up into her seat and felt her clutch to him, as her body wracked with sobs.
"Why him Remus?" she choked out between sobs. "Why did it have to be him?"
"I don't know Victoria," he answered, his voice thick with his own tears. "I don't know."
"The last words I said to him were in anger. I'll never be able to take that back," she sobbed into his shoulder.
"I'm sure he knows that you didn't mean it." Remus replied, his voice cracking.
She pulled back to look at him, her eyes still flooding with tears, "That's just it; I did mean what I said. But I will never have a chance to say I'm sorry. I'll never be able to tell him what I was really thinking, or what he really meant to me."
Remus swallowed hard, pulling her back to him, "He meant a lot to all of us."
"I'll never forgive myself," Victoria whispered, "never."
…
Victoria was in nearly the same position that Remus had found her in a few days later when Albus arrived. She was curled up with her legs underneath her and her head leaning against the wall; this time however, she was staring into space. Her hair was once again up in a messy bun, and her robes were wrinkled, looking as if she'd slept in them. Taking a seat next to her he gently said, "Victoria?"
"Hello Professor," she said flatly, not even bothering to look at him.
"Are you well my dear?" He asked, looking over her once more, noticing the dark circles under her blood-shot eyes.
"I'm fine," she stated in a firm tone.
"You look as if you could do with some rest. I can stay with Miss Tonks if you would like to go home for some time." He said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder.
She recoiled from his touch, "I said I'm fine," she stated icily.
"Very well," he said eyeing her cautiously as she curled in upon herself farther. "How is Miss Tonks?"
"Surviving," Victoria answered in the same tone.
"Why are you not with her?" he asked genuinely curious.
"Remus is with her. We've been taking shifts."
"Then surely you may go and get some rest."
"I won't leave her," she said adamantly, giving him a dark look. "Not until she can go home."
"I understand," Dumbledore said quietly. "Perhaps I should go and get us something to drink. I shall be back soon." Victoria didn't even make an acknowledgement that he'd said anything as he got up to leave.
As Dumbledore took the elevator up to the visitor's tea room on the next floor he couldn't help but wonder about Victoria's sudden change in disposition. He had truly never seen her like this. He knew that it was hard on her losing a friend and having another in the hospital, but he felt that there was more to it than she was letting on. For a moment he toyed with the idea of sending a patronus to Minerva to ask for her help, but he dismissed it knowing that she'd just gotten home the day before and was still recovering.
Stepping up to the counter he noticed to his chagrin that the little place did not offer coffee. Knowing that she would most likely be disappointed, he decided to get a cup of tea for her. The witch behind the counter gave him a warm smile as she handed over two steaming cups of tea. He gave her a smile back and made his way back to his daughter.
He found her once again in the same place he'd left her. This time however she sat with her knees pulled up to her chest and her arms wrapped around them. He sighed as he approached her, trying to calm himself for the storm that he knew to be brewing. Offering the cup to her he said gently, "I know you prefer coffee, alas they only had tea."
He saw the emotion erupt in her eyes before she started shouting. "What the hell is with this goddamn country?! Have they never heard of coffee! I have been sitting here for days and still can't manage to get one decent cup! What is it with the English and their love of this crap?!" Jumping to her feet she threw the cup across the room. The top flew off, splattering hot tea on the far wall, narrowly missing her companion as it rebounded. "Who can drink this?! It's nothing but coloured water!"
He didn't even flinch as he watched her. Once she had thrown it he simply took his wand back out and cleaned up the mess, placing the cup on the seat next to him. "What is it that is truly bothering you, Victoria?" He finally asked softly.
Giving a humourless laugh she started to pace the small area quickly, saying,
"If you don't know you're a hell of a lot more stupid than I'd given you credit for."
Looking down at the cup in his hand he said quietly, "Sirius's death was a tragic accident."
"A tragic accident? Is that what you call it? I call it fucking unnecessary!" She shouted.
"Victoria," he said gently.
"What? Have I offended you Professor?" She turned on him, her eyes blazing.
"On the contrary, however, I feel that you have misplaced some of your anger." He stated simply, refusing to look away from her.
"Have I?" she asked starting to pace once again. "Are you sure about that? The last time I looked you were the one to blame for this?"
"I?" he asked slightly taken aback.
"Yes, you!" she turned on him once more, "If you hadn't left Hogwarts, Minerva wouldn't have been hurt. If you would have taught Harry Occlumency he wouldn't have seen the vision of Sirius and he wouldn't have gone to save him, so we wouldn't have had to save Harry. Tonks wouldn't have gotten hurt and Sirius wouldn't have been killed. You know, if it wasn't for you the Order wouldn't exist and there wouldn't be a war in the first place!"
He didn't know what to say for a moment. He reconsidered calling Minerva once again, but knew that he was too far into this. He gave a deep sigh, trying to control himself, "Victoria," he said gently.
"No! You know what, save it Professor," she turned away from him, her shoulders continuing to rise and fall rapidly with each breath she took. "I am fed up with this goddamn war. I'm done! I don't want to play anymore. All it does is get people hurt and killed. I've had enough."
"You surely do not mean this," he countered gently.
She turned around slowly, tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Don't I? What is it that we're fighting for again Albus, because I don't remember anymore? Is it for Harry? I just don't think that's good enough anymore. Why should I fight for one boy when that means losing the people that I love?"
The urge to take her into his arms and hold her overwhelmed him, but he stopped himself for fear of her reaction. He reached out and when she didn't draw back he took one of her hands in his and said, "We do not fight only for Harry. We fight so that the entire world may soon find peace. It is true that we may lose loved ones along the way and we ourselves may be injured, but think of the lives we are saving. We are the only line of defence between Voldemort and the rest of the world. How many people do you think will be killed if we discontinue fighting?"
By this time the tears were flowing freely from her. He stood and pulled her to him, letting her cry herself out on his chest.
"It just…" she choked out, "it hurts so much."
"I know." He said stroking her back gently. Watching as Remus walked out of the hallway and seeing them nodded and turned around.
After a few minutes the tears started to subside. Looking up at him, her face now blotchy and tearstained, "I'm sorry Albus. I'm just so…"
"It is alright." He said with a gentle smile. "This time has been quite trying for you. I would have been surprised if you would have felt less."
"Thank you." She said quietly, giving him a watery smile.
"Come," he said after a while, "your tea is getting cold."
She gave a short laugh, "Is that your answer to everything, tea?"
"It is somewhere to start," he said with a wink.
She shook her head and taking the cup back from him, resumed her seat.
…
Her hands were trembling as reread through, for what was probably the thousandth time in just a few days, the now nearly see-through parchment that was clutched in them. The parchment read-
Dear Miss Knight,
We have received intelligence that on the third of June at twelve minutes after midnight, you committed a violent assault and battery on a Ministry official. As this is a horrible breach of conduct we must hereby suspend you from the Auror office. Your presence is required at a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Magic, courtroom number 2 at 9 AM on the tenth of July.
Yours sincerely,
Gillian Daye, Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Ministry of Magic
Taking a deep breath to try, unsuccessfully, to steady her nerves, Victoria looked up from the paper. Glancing at her watch once more she realized that she had a mere five minutes to wait. Sighing heavily, she clasped her hands together in an attempt to get them to stop shaking.
A hand suddenly appeared over her's and looking up she saw Remus giving her a comforting smile. She smiled back pulling him into a hug. "Thanks for being here Remus."
"I wouldn't be anywhere else." He said pulling back from her, "You'll do just fine. There is nothing that they can get you on."
"What about punching Umbridge? I don't exactly have a get-out-of-jail-free-card for that one," she answered flatly.
"A what?" He asked curiously.
She gave a little chuckle, it was a bit of humor she desperately needed. Shaking her head she said, "Never mind. I don't have any explanation for why I attacked Umbridge."
"You were protecting the students." He answered easily.
"No, there were no students on the grounds." She shot down his theory quickly.
"What about going to the aide of another? Minerva was in the hospital because of what that woman did to her." Remus countered quickly.
"Not good enough. Minerva was already on the ground. They would see it as retaliation." She sighed, now thinking that her fate was sealed.
Remus was quiet for a moment and then the idea suddenly sprang into his mind, "Did anyone else actually see your fist touch Umbridge's face?"
Victoria thought back to that moment. She had already sent Tonks to the hospital wing with Minerva, and Hagrid had run off after taking out the other Aurors helping Umbridge. A smile slowly crept onto her face. "You may have something there."
"If no one saw you hit her, then it is simply your word against hers." Remus smiled.
"Thank you Remus," she said pulling him into another hug. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! What would I ever do without you!"
He laughed pulling her back again, "You would have figured it out for yourself. Now go, it's time."
Victoria took a deep breath and walked over to the doors. Taking another glance back to Remus, who gave her another comforting smile, she pulled the doors opened and stepped inside.
Her hands continued to shake and her knees seemed as if they were going to fail her any moment as she walked through the room and into the middle where there was an old wooden chair, reminding her vaguely of an electric chair. Taking a second to glance around the room she took in the dark glazed stone walls, which seemed to match what she felt, was her fate. She had known from previous experience that courtroom two was a great deal smaller than most of the others, this being the courtroom for smaller infractions. In front of her set a row of benches just long enough for five people to occupy.
Looking across the row she, unfortunately, recognized each face in front of her. The Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, who had been the Head of the Auror Department was in the very center. His wavy hair and beard making him look the image of a lion. On his immediate left was Madam Daye, a tall regal looking witch with light brown hair. Madam Day was the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Next to her was Percy Weasley, once again his horn-rimmed glasses glinting just over the quill and parchment he had in his hands poised to start writing. On the Minister's right was Dumbledore. The twinkle in his eyes was gone, leaving a sinking feeling in the pit of Victoria's stomach. On the end of the bench sat Mr. Robards, the current Head of the Auror Department. His face looking as severe as ever with a long scar running down the length of it, supposedly due to a curse from Voldemort himself, a story Victoria thought to be nothing but a fallacy.
Taking a seat in the chair she swallowed hard, hoping that her voice would cooperate when she needed it.
As she sat down Scrimgeour got to his feet. Stepping up to the podium that stood just in front of the bench he started, Victoria realized his voice held a deep tone making him seem even more like a lion. "This is the misconduct hearing of the tenth of July nineteen hundred and ninety-six into offences committed by Auror Victoria Katherine Knight." He continued on, "Presiding over the trial: Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister of Magic; Gillian Matilda Daye, Head of Magical Law Enforcement; Gawain Nicholas Robards, Head of the Aurors; Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Head Wizard of the Wizengamot, and Court scribe Percy Ignatius Weasley." Finally looking down at her he said firmly, "Please state your full name for the court."
Once again swallowing hard, Victoria willed her voice to work, and to her amazement it did, "Victoria Katherine Knight."
"Where do you reside Miss Knight?" Scrimgeour continued to stare at her intently.
"Above Flourish and Blott's books, Number 10 Diagon Alley," she answered staring back up at him.
"Do you understand why we are here today Miss Knight?" He seemed to study her as he asked this, she could almost feel his eyes boring into her. For a fleeting second she wondered if he was a Legitimens, but brushed it off as her nerves getting to her.
She nodded, "I would like to be reinstated to my position as active Auror."
"Very well, we shall begin," he said finally taking his eyes off of her again to glance at the paper in front of him. "There are four matters in which we shall need to attend prior to sentencing."
She nodded nervously.
"First and foremost, it states here that you are in fact a citizen of the United States of America," he said looking back up from his paper.
"I am." She stated simply, knowing from being in on trials before to answer questions as simply as possible unless you are asked to elaborate.
"Yet you are working for the British Ministry of Magic, not as a liaison with the Federal Bureau of Magical Cooperation?" He asked, his eyebrows furrowing in curiosity.
"That is correct," she answered. Realizing she would need to explain she said, "I have dual citizenship. I was adopted by a family in the US, but I was born in England."
"I see," he said writing something on the paper. "The next item of business, it says here that you did not actually finish your Auror final, is this true?"
"It is," she answered honestly.
"Ah, it seems that we have a witness to this. Please call in Mr. Dawson," Scrimgeour said and watched as Percy jumped from his seat and opened a door on the side of the room. The broad shouldered, square jawed man that walked in behind Percy nearly made Victoria's jaw drop in shock. Scrimgeour looked over the man as he stopped on the left side of the podium, "Please state your name for the court."
"Caden Ryker Dawson," the soft Irish brogue Caden held from years before could still be heard in his voice.
"And what is it that you do Mr. Dawson?" Scrimgeour asked, seeming to scrutinize Caden as much as he had Victoria.
"I am an intelligence operative for the Auror office," Caden answered easily.
"I see," Scrimgeour nodded, seeming to accept this answer. Then he asked, "And your relationship to the defendant?"
"I went through Auror training with Miss Knight," for the first time since he'd entered the room Caden's eyes met Victoria's for no more than a split second. She could tell that something had changed in him, his eyes seemed cold as they met her's.
"What is it that you would like to present to the court today Mr. Dawson?" Scrimgeour asked leaning his elbows against the podium, giving Caden his full attention.
"The reason that I am an intelligence operative instead of an Auror is due to Miss Knight," Caden said in a cold tone.
"How is that Mr. Dawson?" Scrimgeour asked, his brows furrowing again.
Caden started to explain, "On the night of the eleventh of June nineteen ninety-four, we took our final test to complete our Auror training. We were in the final duel before the test completed and I was running to save the hostage when Miss Knight knocked me to the ground. Because I was unable to finish the test I was reassigned, but she was passed."
Scrimgeour looked to Victoria once Caden was done with his story, "Do you deny this Miss Knight?"
"I do not," she answered quietly, her voice now starting to leave her.
"Can you account for your actions?" Scrimgeour asked sharply.
"I can." Pausing to swallow again, her voice came back to her once again, "I pushed Mr. Dawson to the ground, taking three Stunning Spells myself that were originally aimed at him. I spent a week in St. Mungo's for my injuries, and was out of work for another month."
"Do you have any witnesses to this event?" Scrimgeour asked seeming to wonder about the validity of her answer.
"I do. Mr. Moody."
They all watched as Percy once again sprang to his feet and went to the door. Following him was Moody, clomping his way into the room with his walking stick. He seemed to be better groomed than she'd seen him, what little hair he had left was combed back and his robes seemed to be freshly pressed. Victoria couldn't help but smile thinking how Poppy must have had an influence on him.
Scrimgeour started again as Moody stopped just in front of Dumbledore, "Would you please state your name for the court?"
"Alastor Fergus Moody," his usual growling voice gave Victoria a tiny bit of comfort that she'd been begging for since this hearing had started.
"What is it that you do Mr. Moody?" Scrimgeour asked.
"I am currently retired," Moody smirked.
Scrimgeour continued, sounding a bit annoyed, "What was your occupation?"
Moody answered simply, "I was an Auror."
"And your relationship to the defendant?" Scrimgeour asked, the annoyed tone still seeped into his voice.
"I was her instructor for Auror training," Moody said matter-of-factly.
Scrimgeour nodded continuing, "What is your recollection of the night of the eleventh of June, nineteen ninety-four?"
Not waiting a beat Moody started, "I and two others were conducting the final test for Miss Knight, Mr. Dawson, and another trainee by the name of Nymphadora Tonks. As the final battle began we were each assigned to duel one of the trainees. I was assigned to Mr. Dawson. At one point Mr. Dawson cast a spell against me, throwing me back. He then ran to attempt to save the hostage, who was a close personal friend of his." Moody cleared his throat and looked at Caden with a dark glance. "However, I was already on my feet and I cast a Stunning Spell at him before he was able to get to the hostage. At the same time my two other colleagues also sent Stunning Spells in his direction. Seeing this happening Miss Knight, without thought of her own personal safety jumped in front of Mr. Dawson taking the full impact of the three Stunning Spells."
For the first time Madam Daye rose gracefully from her seat asking, "If you were each supposed to take on one of the trainees, how is it that the other two turned on Mr. Dawson?"
"There was a hearing for each of those gentlemen as well," Moody explained, "One is no longer with the department due to his actions on that night. The other," he said glancing up at Robards, "got off without disciplinary action."
"Who was it that allowed Miss Knight to pass her examination if she did not finish?" Madame Daye asked curiously.
Smirking Moody answered with the hint of laughter in his voice, "That would be Minister Scrimgeour. He was head of the Auror office at the time and when I apprised him of the situation he decided that due to her valor and selflessness she would pass although she did not finish."
Clearing his throat uncomfortably Scrimgeour said quickly, "Very well, thank you Mr. Moody, and Mr. Dawson for your illuminating analysis of that night."
The courtroom was quiet once again as everyone watched Moody and Caden make their way out of the room.
Dumbledore was the first to speak as the door shut, "Seeing as how it was you who passed her Minister, perhaps we should drop this accusation?"
"Indeed, moving on." Scrimgeour said hastily not looking up from the paper in front of him. Continuing on he said, "This states that while you were stationed at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, that you failed to identify an illegal student group. Violating Magical Decree number twenty-four instated by Cornelius Fudge, the previous Minister of Magic, which states: No student organizations, societies, teams, groups and clubs may exist without the knowledge and approval of the High Inquisitor. Do you deny this?"
"No I do not," Vicky answered, the sinking feeling returning to her stomach. She really didn't know how she was going to get off of this one.
"I see we have another witness to this." Scrimgeour said looking to Percy once again, "Please send in Dawlish." Percy jumped up once again and was followed into the room by Dawlish who came to a stop on the left side of the podium. Scrimgeour said, "Please state your full name."
"John Bernard Dawlish," Dawlish answered clasping his hands together in front of him.
"Your occupation Mr. Dawlish?" Scrimgeour asked.
Dawlish answered simply, "I am an Auror."
"What would you like to present to the court Mr. Dawlish?" Scrimgeour asked almost sounding bored.
"On the night of the twenty-eighth of March of this year I, along with another Auror, was summoned to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by Minister Fudge to arrest Headmaster Dumbledore. Madam Umbridge had, that night found proof that a student group, calling themselves "Dumbledore's Army", had been meeting in secret for the previous six months."
"Do you deny the existence of this group?" Scrimgeour asked looking at Victoria again.
"I do not," Victoria answered, cursing the court system for not letting people elaborate on their answers.
"How do you account for your ignorance of this group for six months when you were to be watching the school?" Scrimgeour asked scrutinizing her once again.
"The group in question met in secret," Victoria answered, thankful to be able to finally give an explanation, "in a room inaccessible to most of the school."
"You have a witness to this as well?" Scrimgeour asked looking down at his paper once again.
"I do," she stated firmly, "Mr. Shacklebolt."
Again Percy rose to his feet and ushered Kingsley into the room. Kingsley's confident air seemed to fill the room, giving Victoria a confidence she sorely lacked.
"Full name," Scrimgeour said flatly. It was obvious that he knew Kingsley.
Kingsley's deep voice permeated the air throughout the room, "Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"Occupation?" Scrimgeour asked sounding bored.
"Auror," Kingsley answered simply.
Scrimgeour continued, "Your recollection of the night of March twenty-eighth of this year?"
"On the night in question, I along with Mr. Dawlish were summoned to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, to arrest Headmaster Dumbledore. On this night Madam Undersecretary Umbridge had found out about a student group called "Dumbledore's Army"."
"This is the same testimony as Mr. Dawlish has just given." Scrimgeour said irritatedly.
Kingsley explained, "On this night Madam Undersecretary Umbridge had talked to a Miss Marietta Edgecombe who had told her of this group. She had told Madam Umbridge where this group was meeting. However, upon further questioning we were told by Miss Edgecombe that this group had met for the first time prior to Magical Decree number twenty-four coming into effect, and had only met on this one occasion since."
Scrimgeour studied him, "So this group was not meeting for six months?"
"This is correct." Kingsley answered with a small nod, "According to Miss Edgecombe it was only those two occasions."
"I see," Scrimgeour said quietly. "Thank you Mr. Shacklebolt, and Mr. Dawlish," he waited for the men to leave the room before talking again, "As for the last, and subsequently the most worrying of all charges: the assault and battery of Madam Undersecretary Dolores Jane Umbridge. Did you in fact… what does it say…" he read directly from the paper, " 'punch Madam Umbridge in the face' on the night of the third of June, causing two broken bones?"
"No I did not," Victoria said with a tremble to her voice, praying that Remus's theory was correct. This was all that stood between her and going back to being an Auror.
"Please bring in the witness," The words were barely out of Scrimgeour's mouth when Percy was followed into the room by none other than Umbridge. Her pink outfit reflecting off of the dark polished stone walls as she took her place on Scrimgeour's right. "Please state your full name."
"Dolores Jane Umbridge," Umbridge smiled sweetly, "Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic."
"Will you please tell us your account of the third of June," Scrimgeour's tone lightened while he was addressing Umbridge.
"Yes Minister," she simpered sweetly. "On the night in question I was viciously attacked by Miss Knight. She called me a… "bitch"… and proceeded to cast spells at me until she knocked me to the ground. At which time she put her wand away and yelled at me some more. In truth I feared for my life Minister. I in turn told her that she was dismissed from the Auror service. This is when she punched me in the face."
"Do you have any witnesses to your defense?" Scrimgeour asked irritatedly.
For a moment Victoria thought her fate to already be sealed, but she knew she had to keep trying, "I have two, Professor Minerva McGonagall and Miss Nymphadora Tonks."
"Please send in the first," Scrimgeour said flatly watching Percy get up again, somewhat slower than he had previously, obviously starting to ware down from all the jumping. McGonagall enter behind him the picture of severity, her black hair pulled into its customary bun looking so tight that it hurt, her square glasses perched on the end of her nose, and her emerald green robes swishing gently against the floor. She came to a stop in front of Dumbledore who gave her an imperceptible wink. Percy shifted nervously in his seat, suddenly sitting up straighter than he'd done before.
"Would you please state your full name for the court," Scrimgeour asked looking her over.
"Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Head of Gryffindor house, and Professor of Transfiguration," Minerva said, her Scottish accent seeping through her voice.
"What is your recollection of the third of June?" Scrimgeour asked giving Minerva his full attention.
"On the night of the third of June, I had just finished grading my N.E.W.T.s examinations at five minutes to midnight; at which time I looked out the window of my classroom to see Madam Umbridge followed by five others enter the inhabitance of Professor Hagrid. Realizing this was a very strange occurrence, I made my way to the grounds of the castle. Upon reaching the front doors of the castle, I found Madam Umbridge, along with her companions, were trying to apprehend Professor Hagrid by shooting spells at him, to which he was resisting. When I tried to intervene on the situation, four of the people with Madam Umbridge turned on me. They shot four Stunning Spells at me, shooting me directly in the chest," Minerva explained without any emotion in her voice.
Scrimgeour looked at Umbridge, a shocked expression forming over his features, "Is this true Madam Undersecretary?"
"It is." Umbridge answered giving him an innocent look, "I was unfortunately unable to stop the Aurors that accompanied me that night prior to the attack on Professor McGonagall."
"I see," Scrimgeour said while giving Umbridge a dark look, indicating that they would obviously be talking about the situation after the hearing. "However Professor McGonagall, this does not change the fact that Miss Knight attacked Madam Umbridge."
"It does not Minister," Minerva conceded, "But it does give reason as to why Miss Knight may have attacked Madam Umbridge, she was coming to my aide."
Scrimgeour looked at her skeptically, "That may be, but seeking revenge for someone else is not considered coming to their aide. Thank you Professor McGonagall. Please send in Miss Tonks." Percy got to his feet again, this time a bit slower than the last. Tonks followed him into the room looking unlike she'd ever seen. Her usual spiked bubble-gum pink hair was now a shoulder length mousey brown. The Auror trench she wore over her robes looked like it had been recently cleaned as well. Stopping next to Minerva she nodded quickly.
"Your full name please," Scrimgeour said looking at her as if he should have recognized her from somewhere, but couldn't put his finger on it.
"Nymphadora Valeriya Tonks," Tonks answered simply although Victoria noticed the slight cringe as she said her first name.
"What is your occupation Miss Tonks?" Scrimgeour asked, the strange look still on his face.
"I am an Auror," she answered.
Realization seemed to come over Scrimgeour as he looked over her once again and his eyes widened. Taking a moment to recollect himself he asked, "What can you tell us about the night of the third of June?"
Tonks took a deep breath and explained, "On that night at around midnight, Miss Knight and I were just finishing our rounds of the grounds of Hogwarts, where we were stationed. At this time we were meeting up, that being our usual routine, to discuss what we had witnessed on our separate walks. That was when we saw Madam Umbridge, followed by five Aurors, go into Professor Hagrid's hut. We waited for a while, trying to understand the odd behavior, being so late. After no more than five minutes Madam Umbridge, along with the five Aurors emerged from the hut. They proceeded to shoot spells at Professor Hagrid, unsuccessfully trying to apprehend him. During this time Professor McGonagall came running out of the castle trying to stop the Aurors. As she did this four of the Aurors turned and shot Stunning Spells at Professor McGonagall. She took all four Stunners into the chest and was knocked off of her feet, unconscious. Miss Knight, seeing this immediately ran to her aide casting diagnostic spells. When she found out that Professor McGonagall was in fact stunned, but not mortally injured, she instructed me to take Professor McGonagall to the Mediwitch Poppy Pomfrey. Victoria said she had "something she needed to take care of". Then I conjured a stretcher and took Professor McGonagall to Madam Pomfrey."
Dumbledore cut in, before Scrimgeour could ask anything else, "You did not see Miss Knight attack Madam Umbridge?"
"No," Tonks answered honestly shaking her head, "I was already on the way to the hospital wing when Vicky, that is Miss Knight caught up with Madam Umbridge."
Scrimgeour looked at Umbridge darkly, asking, "Madam Umbridge, do you have any additional witnesses to this event."
"I do." Umbridge said clearing her throat quickly, "I would like to call Poppy Pomfrey."
Scrimgeour nodded to Percy who got to his feet once again. He tugged the door open with what seemed to be more force than it had taken previously. Poppy entered the room looking as well groomed as usual. Her white hair shone in the firelight as it trailed down her back. Her burgundy robes looked as if she'd just ironed them seconds before entering. Poppy came to a stop next to Umbridge looking up at Scrimgeour as he said, "State your full name."
"Poppy Althea Pomfrey," Victoria thought that it was curious for a minute that Poppy hadn't taken Moody's last name, but as soon as the thought came to her she realized that Moody most likely wouldn't have let her to keep her safe.
Scrimgeour studied her, "What is it that you do Madam Pomfrey?"
"I am the Mediwitch at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," Poppy answered her back straightening ever so slightly as she spoke.
"What do you remember about the injuries to Madam Umbridge the night of the third of June?" Scrimgeour asked.
Poppy explained pragmatically, "I had just sent an owl to St. Mungo's requesting a bed for Professor McGonagall when Madam Umbridge came into the hospital. She had a large bruise on the left side of her face, and a black eye. I did a diagnostic spell, as per policy when anyone enters my wing. Doing this I found that Madam Umbridge had two broken bones in her face, her zygomatic and maxilla to be precise. I cast a quick spell, repairing the bones in about a second and sent her on her way."
Scrimgeour asked simply, "Do you know how she came by these injuries?"
"I'm afraid Minister," Poppy said, "that would be impossible to tell from her injures. She may have fallen and hit her head on something, or she may have been hit. The most common way I see injures such as these are from a bludger." A light snicker could be heard through the courtroom from this.
Madam Daye rose once again, giving Poppy a cynical look, "Are you saying Madam Pomfrey, that Madam Umbridge was hit by a bludger at midnight?"
"No I am saying that there is no definite way that I can say how Madam Umbridge acquired her injuries," Poppy answered.
"Thank you Madam Pomfrey, that will be all," Madam Daye answered sitting once again.
"Thank you Miss Tonks, Professor McGonagall, and Madam Umbridge." Scrimgeour said and waited while the four ladies left the room. He looked at Victoria again, "Miss Knight is there anything else you would like to add to your defense before we deliberate?"
Victoria took a deep breath and considered her words for a moment. "Yes there is Minister. Everything that I have done since being accepted into the Auror training program has been to protect the wizarding population. I have brought many wizards and witches to justice, as well as keeping the children and staff of Hogwarts safe from harm. Being an Auror is something that I have always wanted to be. However, if I can no longer continue being an Auror, I will still do my utmost to try and keep the wizarding population safe in any way that I can. Thank you." Victoria turned and left the room, no longer shaking as she had when she entered, but she still couldn't shake the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.
After what seemed an eternity, but was in reality closer to five minutes Dumbledore opened the door. "Miss Knight, you may come in." He spoke these words without emotion on his face or in his voice, something that unnerved her even more.
Once she had resumed her seat Dumbledore started again, "Miss Knight, after hearing the testimony of the witnesses you have produced, and some deliberation," he added casting a quick glance at Scrimgeour, "we have decided to drop all charges against you and reinstate you to your position as Auror."
Victoria was suddenly beaming, feeling lighter than air, "Thank you sir, and thank all of you."
"Miss Knight, you are free to go," Dumbledore said with a smile, the twinkle in his eye now returning.
Resisting the urge to run up to him and give him a hug, she instead walked, rather quickly, out of the courtroom. Remus was waiting for her on the other side anxiously. The smile on her face rivaled the sun as she pulled him into a hug, squeezing him for everything she was worth.
"I did it," she squealed into his ear. "I'm an Auror again!"
…
Although she knew that she should be listening Victoria couldn't help her mind from wandering as the Order meeting continued to drone on that night. She sighed looking around the room at the other members who seemed to be absorbing the information with rapt attention. Even Tonks was leaning in to hear all that she could. There was one person however, who seemed to have the same problem that she did.
Hestia Jones who was sitting next to Molly at the other end of the scrubbed wooden table looked as if the meeting couldn't get over soon enough. She sat with her head resting on her arms, not even looking remotely in Dumbledore's direction as he continued to go on about the Death Eater's latest movements. Hestia seemed different than the last time that Victoria had seen her, though that could be due to the fact that she wasn't currently wrapped around Sirius. There was something in the young woman's air that gave the feeling that she'd just given up. Her usually well-manicured straight black hair was unkempt, looking as if she'd run her fingers through it multiple times. Her black robes were wrinkled and dirty in places. Even her pink cheeks seemed to have lost their color. Dark circles found their pace under her eyes, giving her a perpetually tired appearance.
The change in the woman could easily have been brushed off as her mourning Sirius, but Victoria felt that there was something else behind it. She knew that Hestia had truly been in love with Sirius. Although never feeling the same for Sirius, it was a feeling that Victoria understood all too well.
Victoria's attention snapped back to Dumbledore just as he was ending the meeting. As usual most of the members followed him out of the room, making their way home or to another area of the house. Tonks, having just gotten up from the table looked back at Victoria curiously when she didn't move, "Vicky, you coming?"
Victoria took a quick glance down at the end of the table where Hestia was still seated. Nodding she gave Tonks a smile, "I'll be there soon."
Tonks looked between the two and shrugged leaving the room.
Getting up from her place at the table Victoria made her way to the other end. Taking a seat next to Hestia she sat down asking, "Hestia, are you alright?"
Hestia turned away from her for a moment. A rouge tear had fallen down her cheek, wiping it away quickly she turned back to Victoria with her best attempt at a smile, "I'm fine, thanks."
Putting a comforting hand on her shoulder Victoria said gently, "It's okay, you can be honest with me."
When she didn't get a response from the girl Victoria kept on, "I know what Sirius meant to you."
Wiping away another tear quickly Hestia nodded.
Seeing this Victoria went on, "I understand. He was my best friend."
Hestia gave her a watery smile, "He talked about you a lot."
Victoria couldn't help but give a slight smile at this. Looking back at the young woman she continued gently, "If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always available."
Hestia looked up at her curiously, "Why would you do this for me? You don't even know me."
Taking a deep breath Victoria answered, "Because I know that look," she said pointing to Hestia's face. "I know what it feels like to have the person you love torn from you."
With this said tears started to flow freely from Hestia's eyes. Victoria's heart tugged knowing exactly how she felt. Feeling as if she'd been on the opposite end of the situation enough lately. Pulling Hestia to her she held her like a child until her tears started to subside. "Oh Victoria," Hestia sobbed, "what am I going to do?"
Pulling back from her slightly so that she could look her in the eye Victoria said softly, "You're going to keep going, because that's what he would have wanted you to do."
Shaking her head Hestia buried her head in Victoria's neck once more, "You don't understand."
Victoria smiled, even though Hestia couldn't see it, "You'd be surprised."
"No," Hestia said pulling back from her once again. "You don't get it. I'm pregnant."
Looking at her dumbfounded for a moment Victoria didn't know what to say. She shook her head wondering if she was suddenly hearing things. "What?"
"I'm pregnant," Hestia said, tears continuing to stream down her cheeks. "I just found out."
"And Sirius is…" Victoria looked at her for clarification.
Hestia nodded, pulling back into Victoria's embrace.
Victoria was speechless. This had been her worst fear when Sirius told her that he'd already been with Hestia. There was nothing that she could say to make things better and she knew it. The only thing she could do now was to be there for Hestia, and for Sirius's child.
Once Hestia's tears had waned once again, Victoria pulled away from her just far enough to see her face. Giving her a warm smile Victoria said, "Well then, you really do have to keep going. Now you have someone else to live for."
"I don't know if I can do this Victoria. I really don't." Hestia said her voice full of fear as another tear fell down her cheek.
"It seems that you have a choice to make then," Victoria said plainly.
"What do you mean?" Hestia looked at her curiously, not entirely understanding her words.
"Well there is more than one option out there. I mean I was adopted."
"You were?"
Victoria nodded, "It's just one option. If you find a good family it's not a bad idea." Pausing for a moment, she looked down at her hands as she continued quietly, "In all honesty I wish that option would have been given to me."
Hestia looked at her confused.
Shaking her head a stray tear rolled down Victoria's cheek, "I was in the same situation that you're in… well sort of. I happened to be sixteen at the time. When my parents found out about it they didn't give me an option."
"What did they do?" Hestia asked cautiously.
Victoria looked back up at her and said solemnly, "They made me have an abortion."
Hestia's eyes widened, "I could never do that."
Victoria smiled sadly, "Good. It's not something I would ever suggest to anyone. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about it."
Hestia remained quiet for a moment seeming to study Victoria. Finally she said, "Don't take this the wrong way, but there's a lot more to you than meets the eye."
Victoria gave a light laugh, "What do you mean by that?"
Hestia shrugged, "I mean you just look like one of those people that have got everything going for them. I mean you worked at Hogwarts, you're an Auror, you've got friends that would do anything for you. You have it all."
"Hardly," Victoria answered with a smile. "I don't think there's anyone that can really say they haven't been through their fair share of disappointments in their life. I'm just the same as anyone else."
"Thanks Victoria. I haven't been able to talk to anyone else about this. It really means a lot," Hestia smiled.
Victoria looked at her curiously, "What about your parents, or a friend?"
Hestia shook her head sadly, "My parents were killed in an accident a few years ago. And I really don't have many friends outside of the Order anymore."
Victoria smiled placing a hand over her's, "Well now you have another."
Seeing the smile light up Hestia's face Victoria knew that she'd been able to give the young woman some comfort, a simple luxury that she hadn't been given.