(a/n): Thanx for the reviews.
Slytherin66 's reviews often help crystalize some of my thoughts, so great thanx. Snape is just a load of bad karma that even in canon, no one could really be said to care about his death. Sorry JKR, I can accept an Albus Potter, but Albus SEVERUS Potter isn't believable after all the abuse. He mistreated how many Years of kids? He belonged in a research center, or as a full time brewer. Dumbledore did everyone a disservice there.
The sets of the 1984 Dune movie are similar to the Ministry sets of the HP movies helped envisioning the Ministry as a great palace, though lacking an actual royal ruler (at least directly), made guest rooms for the nobility at least a possibility. The 'depopulated chamber' ... well I'd been rereading the Lensman series again... saw the word and just HAD to put it in. As for the actual event? Maybe something will click. 'Erstwhile' is another of those words.
I'm hooked on Susan because of how Eleanor Columbus portrayed the non-speaking role in SS & COS. And when you compare that with Amelia's portrayal, Susan would have to grow up to fill that formidable woman's shoes.
Hermione, they only know she's missing. No one who counts (in this case, Ron or the Grangers) has yet said she's dead.
Every once in a while I use Virginia for Ginny, and always for a reason (usually humor). And someone always calls me on it. Guardsman Bane did so then immediately declared "...And now I see you're aware of that. Back to my hole..." I chuckled at those 2 reviews. Cheers!
Sexy Grindelwald? I leave that judgment to others. *chuckles* Though I do like how Michael Bryne portrayed him. And as a plus, he shares my birthday. Another reason I gave GG an important part this time.
Most of this is chapter is about the largely, now gone, Spymasters. No country is happy about outsiders involving themselves where they're not wanted. How do you get rid of the last one?
41 – Short Lived Peace
Susan and Harry's marriage was quite happy. The war against Voldemort had cost them the delirious 'honeymoon' phase, but what nobles often displayed as a wholly artificial storybook love for the masses was very genuine in their case. There was one, not an argument per se, but a something that troubled Harry. It never seemed important enough for Susan to push, that it somehow involved her, she'd worked out long since. So almost a month after announcing the Dark Lord's death and the nearly complete annihilation of the Death Eaters, she found him lolling in the shallow end of the Bones estate's large swimming pool. Stripping off her clothes: Nothing she thought could be less confrontational than wet bra and panties. "Harry, when are you going to tell me whatever it is that's troubling you?" she asked.
"Whooooooooo!" whistled Harry softly as she settled on him "How much did you shrink them?"
She giggled "Just enough. Now answer my question."
"Gimme a sec." he insisted, then cupped a see-through cup in one hand and scratched lightly at a fabric covered nipple with the other. Susan rocked from side to side in the water, dragging his rapidly growing hardon up and down each leg. And thus they continued for much longer than Harry's *sec* until he finally called "Xiddy!"
The Bones House Elf popped in and bowed allowing her ears to flop over her face. It was not appropriate for her to view humans in such antics. "Yes Master."
"We're going to have a meeting here." Said Harry "The Lupins. Please tell Auror Tonks to bring the results of the project. Then go to Grimmauld Place for Sirius. Tell Malfoy it's an internal affair, no offense. Fred Wealey, too, and make sure his girlfriend isn't around. Last, Ron."
Xiddy had been drooping as each name ticked off "Master Ron does not like Xiddy!" the elf protested "Chases Xiddy and turns red!"
"Ron is very lonely." Susan explained quietly "It is up to his friends to help him. And occasionally remind him of his children."
Harry frowned, slightly, but bit his cheek against a comment. One, he could not truly disagree, nor did he want to start an argument when knowing his wife would not be fully pleased with being kept out of the loop for almost a year. Neutrally, he offered "How about we get dressed. Don't want guests seeing us in our birthday suits."
"Yeah, if we were starting an orgy, Sirius would be slightly peeved Luna won't be here." She commented, wickedly.
He apparated out from under her, popping back just a few feet away. And chuckled when without his support there, she tumbled backward "Ooops! Sorry!"
"GRRRR!" she growled and slapped the water.
x
Ron was the last to arrive. The months since the destruction of Malfoy Castle and the wiping out of almost all Death Eaters had not been kind to him. Or rather, he'd been unkind to himself. Any time Molly got within sight of him, she'd demand that he eat. And in this case she was entirely justified, her youngest son displayed none of his former bottomless appetite. Protesting loudly, he was released by Xiddy and sprawled on the floor of Susan's foyer "BLOODY HELL HARRY!"
"Come on there Ron!" Sirius and Remus grunted as they pulled the bedraggled and scrawny young man to his feet "Good to see you again, kid!"
Harry rushed in and embraced him "Ron! How long's it been?"
"How am I supposed to find Hermione if people keep kidnapping me?" the redhead complained.
Harry pounded him on the back and ignoring the generally pathetic appearance, he ordered "Go get cleaned up. Informal enough. I just figured you'd like a hot meal. Plus after leaving you in school, I figured I owed you this."
"Huh?" asked Ron cluelessly. But he obeyed.
Harry glanced at the head on the railing as Ron departed and said "Anti-exit wards, please, Amelia. Just until he at least gets eating."
"Not even Ginny has ever been this stubborn." Fred said "I'll go make sure he gets his fingernails too."
The group caught up on mostly personal affairs while they ate. There were the plans to remove Dumbledore from power and the problem of finding a friendly candidate to replace him. Though the group all knew that too many more Wizengamot votes going against the Minister would force him from office.
"Ok everyone, attention" Harry tapped a fork on his empty glass "Except you Ron. Just keep eating." His friend's face was full of a half-eaten chicken leg. "Before really getting to business a toast to Ginny and Luna who are at Hogwarts. And to our lost friends, Hermione and Dobby."
Ron, who had only casually raised a cup to the girls came as close to as attention as he could manage. He forced down a mouthful of gravy soaked carrots and said "Thanks mate."
"Now… ah Sue, and incidently, you Ron… an apology." Said Harry, and while many might have looked away, his eyes were only on his wife "Back when we were still on Privet Dr. a woman, a spy, stopped one of my morning runs. She told me there were some other participants in your Aunt's murder. I told Tonks to look into it, see if the evidence was real or not."
Susan's reaction was a study in misery. Her shoulders slumped, but she refused to shed a tear "So they all knew?" she accused "Don't you THINK I should have been the FIRST to know?"
"NO!" a shout came from the foyer and Amelia's skull floated in "Harry even discussed it with me. Then was not the time. You did not need that kind of distraction! Nor the additional potential enemies."
Susan flinched, that even the victim, her Aunt, agreed with such a secret being kept.
"Only Tonks, and quite a bit later, Fred knew." Harry offered "And, while Amelia did agree, I did make the decision. We had to know beyond a doubt it was true."
She took several long calming breaths, then said "You and I are going to have a fight… later… what did you learn? Why now? Besides me stripping in the pool of course?"
Harry was at a loss. And there were several repressed sniggers at Susan's comment. Tonks took over "It's true, as far as I know. I didn't even tell Remus, on Harry's orders. She gave us a thick folder of pictures and reports. It seems the Chinese have been poking into our business for some time. Just watching, apparently, not doing any good. Merlin forbid they'd let us know in advance!"
"Not important now." Fred grumbled at her, then apologized "Sue I feel the worst about this because Harry came to me and told me my girlfriend could have been responsible for Madam Bones' murder. Tested my acting talents to the fullest. Harry, I really tried, but either Padma wasn't involved or she's an even better actor than me."
Harry nodded "Thanks Fred, I appreciate you trying."
"Not really a bad job, oh fearless leader." Fred chuckled and mock-saluted "Looking forward to me next mission."
Not even the seriousness of Susan's anger prevented a round of amusement. Even from Susan herself "Your sacrifice is noted." She grinned at Fred "Right. I see the reasoning. I am still very angry, but that's between us, Harry. Let's have the short version. How were Parvati or Padma involved? If so, can we prove it in court?"
"Their Father is head of the Indian Magical Secret Service." Tonks explained "They were, apparently, planted here because Rajiv Patel wanted to monitor your generation from the inside. He was assigned to the Magical Embassy as a junior security attaché in 1985. Initially for two years. A year later, he accepted a five year extension. This permitted him to bring his wife and children from India. At least that's his official record."
Susan cocked an eyebrow at the Auror, indicating this was not her definition of the SHORT version.
Tonks noted the look and shrugged, and continued, unperturbed "Our spies in New Dehli report that he was already India's spy chief for Western Europe. In 1991, his daughters arrived at Hogwarts and found their way into various friendships that were close enough to Harry without raising suspicions. There is not a thing in this folder that's untrue. In fact they both have committed multiple acts of espionage. I dug up enough to fill four of these folders. But, Harry, the only eyewitnesses to either one's involvement in Madam Bones' assassination are your old friends… the Diggorys."
He grumbled "Figures. Just when I thought I could leave them out of my life once and for all. Nothing really against his wife or the kids, but I still hate Amos. I will until the day I die."
"Answer me this" said Susan, looking at Tonks "How hard would it be for you to lock them both up?"
Tonks allowed her nose to lengthen and tapped it with a finger "Best to get them at the same time, even if they're not together." She cogitated "Less than a day to pin down locations and trail them. They'll be in Ministry jail by this time tomorrow."
"I just wonder if you have considered all the ramifications, Harry." Remus offered
Harry fixed a steely glare on him "You mean 'What will my dear friend, the Judge, think?' I couldn't care less Remus. You were there when we killed Bella and Greyback."
"No I wasn't, Harry" replied Remus "Remember, you're taking on one of the leaders of the second largest country on the planet. And this … vendettas are unhealthy. Where does it stop? You've won. Must you wipe out everyone?"
It was Susan who replied "Not everyone, just our enemies. And certainly anyone who participated in Auntie's murder. Do it Tonks. Charges are Conspiracy, Murder, and Espionage."
"Mr. Lupin does have a point." This from the skull of Amelia "You are fighting out of your weight class. Unless, that is, you neutralize Patil himself. There is the alternative, besides the people here only that spy knows. You could let it go, they were minor participants."
Susan just shrugged "Would you have if it were me? What about when Mum and Dad were killed?"
"Huh?" asked Harry, suddenly aware he'd really missed something in his wife's life. Then he bit the question off even as it came to his tongue. This wasn't the time.
Fred, who had been thinking furiously for minutes, had now a full grown plan "Bagging the twins should be a piece of cake. I'll tell George I'm leaving early, you know Parvati's been dating Dennis Creevey? Guess she's trying to pump him for information on you, Harry. We go to some small smancy place, no innocent bystanders, just a double date. Then you show up and take them away."
x
What occasioned the delay was the needs of the Creevey limousine business, which did much of its work in the evening hours. And Dennis had not been brought into the scheme. So a solid week passed, but finally four youthful magicals entered a quite exclusive eatery on a side street within walking distance of Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes. Meals here were known to start at 1000 Galleons. Impeccable art decorated the walls. Silverware was actually silver, or for select clients, gold. While seating might have been along usual restaurant design, clients sat on specially softened dragon scales and every bit of wood came from trees planted in Merlin's era.
"Wizards, witches drinks to start?" asked an ultra-perfect waiter.
As host for the occasion, Fred answered "Pumpkin juice for the meal, I think. Though I will need the champagne list for after dinner."
"Rather quaint, sir." Commented Padma, with an adoring smile. Her boyfriend of long standing had hinted this was to be a special occasion, and she'd gleaned enough clues to make a very good guess as to what it was. The presence of Parvati and Dennis all but clinched it, if clinching was needed.
Dennis, who'd been around wealth for several years now, noted "Even we don't use stuff like this in the limos. And we're drinking Pumpkin juice!"
"So I was chatting with George, yesterday." Said Padma, between bites of lobster "And he told me you had an afternoon with Harry. Anything you can talk about?"
Fred pretended to frown "Sometimes George talks too much. But it's not a secret, not really. They're still trying to figure out who would be a good replacement for Dumbledore. And it is NOT Pius, that's for sure."
"Father told me he overheard one of our diplomats say the Vice Minister is a natural choice." Parvati answered, sounding tactless "Who would know more about the job?"
Talk then strayed to all the minutiae of young people talking about their entirely personal affairs. Fred would frequently glance at Padma in what could easily be thought as lustfully. His hands occasionally explored here and there. She would smile, or glare, or both. And there were similar events on the other side of the table.
"Pink champagne is best, I believe" Fred decided "Though since most of the domestic stuff is Malfoy grown, I'd like an American vintage please."
Waiters had no opinion, naturally, so it was "Splendid choice, Lord. I shall return momentarily." Uneaten food and sundry utensils, plates, bowls and etcetera were cleared. This place did not offer take-home of leftovers and no guest would be so vulgar as to ask.
"Would My Lady mind terribly allowing me to stand?" asked Fred in an overdramatic manner. During which he deftly plucked Padma's wand from her robes. Pick-pocketing is a not unexpected talent of the prankster.
The champagne never arrived. Four Aurors led by Tonks and Remus did. All of them were highly accurate casters. Causing damage here could be highly expensive for The Ministry. Both Indians were stunned, petrified and hit with sleeping spells within two seconds
x
"Where are we, do you suppose?" a groggy Parvati asked of her sister.
Padma, awake a scant minute earlier, answered "A cell is about all I've been able to figure. No windows. Haven't seen a guard. Or anyone else for that matter."
"Figured that all by myself." Grumbled Parvati.
It was several minutes, and in a state of increasing panic, that Padma gasped in relief "Thank Merlin! HARRY! Get us out of here! Is Fred alright?"
"What makes you think I'm here to rescue you?" he asked in a coldly amused tone "My wife would be pissed at me if I did."
Susan, just out of view, rested her hand regally on top of his and appeared. As Vernon Dursley learned, on their last encounter, that Harry was no longer a child: The Patils saw a Susan that was no longer a classmate. "I most definitely would." She declared, tone harder and colder than his "It was at my order you were taken into custody."
"You have no right-" Parvati began, hotly.
Susan cut her off "SILENCE!" she commanded in a tone that compelled obedience "You shall pay for the crimes you committed against my Ancient and Noble House. And against The State."
"I've got no idea what you're talking about!" Padma protested.
Susan sneered at her "Then you're not really the Ravenclaw material the Hat thought you were. Are you?"
"Shut up Padma!" ordered Parvati, then appealing to Harry "We didn't do anything. Why would you want us arrested? Are Fred and Dennis alright? Please! As a fellow Gryffindor?"
He snorted contemptuously "As a fellow Gryffindor? Neither of you knows what that means! We had nothing against either Fred or Dennis. Fact is Fred set you up. Made it so easy to catch you. He's been my man on the inside for months." Harry's leer made his double meaning abundantly clear.
"I don't believe you!" shouted Padma with a hot blush "Freddie LOVES me!"
Susan ignored the outburst "You'll be formally charged in the morning. See you then. My Lord?"
"My Lady." He bowed over her hand and they turned to leave.
Parvati shouted "We demand to see our Father!"
"Not in the cards." Sneered Susan "If you'd paid attention in school, you'd know adults don't get to yell for Mummy and Daddy. You two are in deep shit and you will pay!" And this time they did leave.
Alistair Moody was waiting for them in the control room as they exited "You kids are good, I'll give you that, you got them talking up a storm." He reported "They said everything we needed, except for one thing. It really is too bad we can't put visual spying spells in cells. Listen."
"They know about the Bones operation." Patil #1 concluded "That's the only answer."
Patil #2 asked "But how? That was air tight. Then answered her own question "Diggory. It has to be."
"We'll have to work on our respective boyfriends." Patil #1 suggested.
Patil #2 added "None of it matters. They can't touch us. Diplomatic immunity. It's all bluff and posturing."
"And so on." Moody ended the playback "You'll notice the one thing they did NOT do."
Harry shrugged but Susan answered "Call each other by name. Not once. Neither of them said which fingered Auntie to the Death Eaters. Ah well, this was never really the main plan anyway."
x
"The Mudblood was behind this, this OUTRAGE!" Lord Voldemort snarled. The few remaining of his minions were a more or less even mix of long established, elite Purebloods and the dregs of Magical society. A couple of Werewolves, one who was turned by Fenrir Greyback. In a sense, Remus' evil sister. The rest, while from the elite, were children of the recent casualties. As young as Fifth Years.
Amycus Carrow, whose sister perished in the mysterious attack on Malfoy Mansion was particularly vicious "I say kill every Mudblood in Hogwarts first! After, kill any we can find."
"I council a less extreme approach." The massive ex-Auror recommended. "The school will be too heavily defended."
Amycus sneered "Coward."
"There is an easier target, Master" Delores Dolohov, pointed out. Her Grandfather, Antonin, was another victim. She wore her new Dark Mark with pride and thirsted for revenge with a bloodlust only possible to the Werewolf she was. "In just a few months, the Hogwarts' Express will be setting out for London. The Christmas Holiday."
The entire group gasped at the temerity of a child to address The Dark Lord so directly. The assembled Death Eaters were convinced their scarce numbers were about to be reduced.
Voldemort contemplated his wand for an infinity that was just 30 seconds, then astonishingly, laughed "Hahaha! Marvelous! Well done child! Hahaha! You shall assuredly be among my top followers in the next generation. Now, as to the specific plan-"
"My Lord" said Kingsley Shacklebolt, who had been silent during the last hour of back and forth, "it is my recommendation that you do not appear until towards, or immediately after, the climax."
Still distrustful of the converted Auror, The Dark Lord's eyes narrowed and he grunted "Oh?"
"You would, of course, have more important matters to concern you than such an action." The huge black man rumbled "And it leaves the impression there are more of us than there really are."
x
The Patil twins were not members of an Ancient and Noble House of Britain. They were daughters of a foreign diplomat so that gave them status above ordinary Magicals. Only the actual diplomat enjoyed that status. Nevertheless, a member of the Wizengamot sat at the huge, raised desk.
"Cases 98-1107-042 and 98-1107-042A." the crier barked officiously "The Ministry vs Padma Patil. One count Assassination with Common Intent of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. One count Murder with Common Intent of Amelia Susan Bones. One Count Conspiracy to Commit Murder, namely, of the aforementioned Amelia Susan Bones. And Espionage." After pausing for a breath "The Ministry vs Parvati Patil. One count Assassination with Common Intent of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. One count Murder with Common Intent of Amelia Susan Bones. One Count Conspiracy to Commit Murder, namely, of the aforementioned Amelia Susan Bones. And Espionage."
Emotionlessly, the judge glanced at the defendants and asked "How do you plead?"
"Pranab Sathasivam for the defense, Excellency." Announced a heavy man with graying hair and beard "Legal advisor to our Embassy here in London. My clients offer no plea on the grounds of Diplomatic Immunity."
The judge shook his head "The Treaty of 1947 recognizes Diplomatic Immunity only for the Ambassador and his certain specific personnel. And regardless, murder is not a crime covered by Diplomatic Immunity. Did you honestly believe I would not have consulted the Treaty? Now, a plea?"
"My clients continue to respectfully refuse." Mr. Sathasivam increased the power of his voice to drown out the Patils' less than polite protests.
A dict-a-quill scratched on a scroll and the judge announced "Noted. Pleas of Not Guilty on all counts will be entered into the record on their behalf. The Ministry on bail?"
"Remand, Your Honor." Susan answered "No, I am not qualified and will not try the case. But as an entry-level Prosecutor, I can handle a bail hearing… Under supervision, of course." She nodded to the seasoned official beside her.
The Indian smirked at her "With respect to my learned colleague" he condescended "the Patils are highly respected in our country. Even though you have chosen to ignore the Treaty, Your Excellency cannot ignore the insult, no matter how incorrect the perception of one, that members of our staff would fail to appear. The Embassy will accept custody of our citizens."
"The accused, Your Excellency" Susan immediately stood and spoke "are charged, each with multiple crimes, any one of which carries a possible death penalty. Releasing them, under even high bail and tight restrictions, would be to tempt fate. They have no ties to the community and every reason to flee."
Padma angrily snapped "Fred was about to propose to me!"
"Don't see him here now." Susan retorted coldly "Or Dennis for that matter. Feeling abandoned are we?"
The judge hammered "The prosecution will address the court!"
"My apologies Your Honor." Susan bowed "I was out of line. It might be wise for me to avoid close former associates in the future. However, with respect, it does not alter my argument. These two should, under no circumstances, be allowed free. And I must remind you multiple Capital Crimes."
The defense wizard commented "It may well be wiser to let my clients free. The better to avoid any international unpleasantness."
"Is that a threat, sir?" the judge demanded, coldly "Your clients are remanded. Aurors, Mr. Sathasivam is to be taken into custody. The cell next to the accused, I think. The better to consult for trial."
Parvati, the Gryffindor alumni, the more emotional twin lashed out with what could only be called battle cry. And a vicious, lightning fast, kick. Aimed at Susan's temple. Had it struck its target, the impact would have been fatal. Everyone in the courtroom knew it, after the fact.
There was, of course, no time to think only react. Susan did, ducking. And it might have missed, or not. But that did not matter. Harry was even faster than his wife. He caught the foot and, furious, he yanked on the leg and repeatedly slammed Parvati's foot on the edge of the prosecutor's desk. Then drove it to the floor and stomped on her, quite vulnerable, ankle until he was pulled off. Six Aurors had to pull him off and only Susan managed to calm him.
"Is this how Britain protects foreign nationals!?" Mr. Sathasivam shouted at the judge "This court owes India an apology and reparations!"
Parvati was not screaming any more, she could only whimper in agony.
x
It was Thanksgiving in the United States the day Draco Malfoy finally showed up at Kiln Keep after repeated owls from Harry and neither greeting nor reply was anything to be called warm.
"About time, Malfoy." Harry glared "Almost two weeks!"
Draco's shrug was an eloquent statement of his concern for his host's impatience "It's been taking a lot of my time. Finding an appropriate child. Our agreement only requires mutual access to Lord Slytherin. Not instant. Nor will I allow you on my property until it is absolutely necessary."
"My Lord Malfoy" said Susan, interposing herself and extending a regal hand.
Harry could only glower as Draco took and kissed the proffered hand in exactly correct fashion. Not even the three seconds above the minimum could really be protested, nor the form of his greeting "Honored, Countess Bones. Seeing you is, as always, a singular delight."
"You'll stay for tea, naturally, Xiddy." She said with a smile. Not even blood enemies would refuse, so this was something of a slap at both young wizards. The elf took her orders and they settled on the patio. The trio conversed about the rather late spat of warm weather and other unimportant subjects.
And only when it was polite to, Draco stood, took a tiny object from his robes and snapped his fingers. It instantly became the life-sized portrait of Salazar Slytherin. "I believe it was a mistake for the Lady Potter to involve herself so directly." He said "Your reaction, Lord Potter, will have two quite opposite views. First, that any husband would have done likewise. Second, that you were completely out of line and should have allowed the court Aurors to handle the situation."
"The situation was that Susan's life was in danger." Grumbled Harry.
Draco gave a snort and added "What Lord Slytherin is saying, my violent friend, is that had you merely thrown Parvati into a wall no one would have protested at all. Shattering every bone in her foot tarnishes that golden-boy image of yours. Funny, Granger could have told you that, too."
"However, I do not really believe that would have a truly detrimental impact on the trial." The painting noted "The sheer volume of evidence is staggering. As if they were being followed, which will be noticed."
Harry was confident "As long as that bearded idiot stays out of our business."
"Even I've figured out that won't happen." Said Draco "And I don't like you."
Susan suddenly felt annoyed. She stood and said coolly "We are sure you have a busy schedule and do not wish to keep you. Looking forward to seeing Astoria again, I imagine?"
"Yes." Draco nodded "The limited visits during Hogsmeade days just are not enough. And supervising the construction of the castle means I do not always get there." It was a deliberate dig at Harry.
That the green-eyed wizard ignored. He did stand as politeness required and offer a bow to his guest as appropriate. He spoke as ritual demanded "A pleasure to have you in my home, sir. I look forward to your next visit."
"And you to mine, sir." Replied Draco, returning the bow "Have I your permission to take leave of the Lady? "
Distaste in every line, Harry scarcely nodded. But again, he was trapped by custom. And for once, Susan's lips curled as the guest's lips touched her knuckles. Politely, she offered "A safe trip home, My Lord."
"You are the loveliest thing on this whole estate, Lady Bones." Draco's comment hid an insult that the couple both saw. He backed away, walked to the edge of the grounds and vanished with a *crack*
Harry looked at the empty space and grumbled "I shoulda let Voldemort have him."
x
With all the legal maneuvering at an end, and Christmas fast approaching, everyone involved in the Patil trial wanted it over with. There were only two really important witnesses. Prosecution witness Nymphadora Tonks Lupin went through the evidence rather emotionlessly. The facts were what the facts were. And her investigation only affirmed what the documentation showed. Only the cross examination garnered any excitement "And where did this alleged proof come from?" asked the defense attorney.
"I saw Earl Potter receive a thick sheaf of reports and photos from a woman of apparently Chinese origin." Tonks answered.
Mr. Sathasivam gave a pleased grin "Ah, yes, the so-called spy."
"Stands to reason." Tonks acknowledged "All you foreigners sticking your nose into our business."
There was applause in the courtroom, which the judge was rather tolerant of. In that there was a lack of division, they were all British, offended by interference in their internal affairs. Tonks bowing to the crowd was over the top. The judge's wand exploded in light and noise, demanding (and getting) silence.
"About time." The defense attorney complained contemptuously "Is it justice to blame two young girls for all the troubles of your country?"
It would have been expected that Amos Diggory would testify for the prosecution. But, when it came to honest testimony, he truly gave the best case for the Defense "Yes, sir, I know beyond a doubt that it was one of your clients."
"Which? Choose." Mr. Sathasivam demanded "Your Honor, may my clients approach the witness? There. At a distance of five feet. Who did you meet with, Mr. Diggory?"
Amos sighed, tapped his fingers nervously. He studied one young woman, then the other, intensely. He stumbled over the name "Mr. Sat-hays-i-fannn, sorry Sathah-sisyfam…err… Well, noooo. In full light, and hair pulled back, I can tell them apart … I think. But at night, partly hooded. Even now it's hard to say if … that is … I know one or the other, but which? It's impossible."
"Your witness." As he walked back to his desk, the defense attorney smiled arrogantly at the prosecutor.
Standing, the prosecutor looked deflated and said "No questions for this witness."
The closing arguments are part of the legal record, but not chronicled here. It is the verdicts and the aftermath that are of primary importance. Imperiously, the judge ordered "The defendants will rise."
"No we will not!" Padma snapped, and Parvati who started to rise obeyed her sister's defiance. But, at the judge's order, they were Imperioused and forced to stand. The Indian women, twins, and in some ways almost one mind, broke the spell and sat again.
Anger was plainly visible in the judge's expression, but it was best to avoid further embarrassment "The court finds Parvati and Padma Patil not guilty of; One count each Assassination with Common Intent of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. One count each Murder with Common Intent of Amelia Susan Bones. One Count each Conspiracy to Commit Murder, namely, of the aforementioned Amelia Susan Bones. This due to lack of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt which one, or both of you, are criminally liable. Lastly, Espionage, sufficient evidence has been presented that I am convinced there is not only no Reasonable Doubt, but no POSSIBLE doubt in my mind you are both guilty."
"Any action against these Indian Citizens will result in severe consequences for your country!" came from the gallery.
The judge waved a hand and ordered "Aurors, bring that man forward. Sir, this is a court of law, not an Embassy Ball. An outburst from the average citizen would result in a serious fine, if not jail time-"
"If you-" the Indian cut in.
The judge cut him off with a yell "DO NOT INTERRUPT ME IN MY COURTROOM! Now as I was saying. Espionage is punishable by a maximum penalty of Death. And this court so orders. SILENCIO! Execution will be delayed until review by the executive branch. You, sir, as a diplomatic courtesy are to be taken directly to your Embassy. Do NOT enter my courtroom again!"
"daddy" Padma squeaked weakly, and unintentionally. She and her sister had come within seconds of execution. Nor were they out of danger yet.
Susan was on her feet "Halt! On my personal authority as Head of an Ancient and Noble House I order that man taken into custody!"
x
"Going somewhere, Kingsley?" asked Lord Voldemort in silkily venomous tones.
The former Auror flinched, he'd been caught disobeying the Dark Lord's orders "Master, you cannot deny me the opportunity to notify my children." This was a half truth "Four of my daughters will be on the Hogwarts Express. I will not allow them to come to harm."
"You weren't, then, by any chance," Voldemort questioned "considering the possibility of betraying me?"
Shacklebolt bowed stiffly and lied "I could not possibly betray you My Master. I am only interested in safeguarding my family."
The Dark Lord smiled, not a pleasant image, and declared "I Lord Voldemort, pledge that no one of my followers will harm any Pureblood child in this action. For you, personally, Kingsley, we need to know exactly where you stand. So when I announce the lie of Harry Potter, we shall be standing side by side and the entire Magical World will see your face."
"As you command." Kingsley could only agree.
Voldemort's smile became a sneer "We will see. But until the Express operation, take him to our guest room. He's to be well treated, but not allowed to leave."