Prologue V
The Wizengamot serves as the paramount court of law within the wizarding world, comprising roughly fifty esteemed members. In addition to the judges and the Head Warlock, a Court Scribe is present to meticulously transcribe the proceedings while the Wizengamot is in session. Eminent trials and hearings may be graced by the presence of dignitaries such as the Minister for Magic, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, and Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Occasionally, a British Youth Representative - typically the head boy or head girl of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - who must be no more than 17 years of age, is permitted to attend.
The Chief Warlock position, presently occupied by Albus Dumbledore, assumes the role of a neutral executive figure, presiding over the Wizengamot and ensuring that court procedures are conducted impartially.
Typically, the Auror office's evidence is substantial enough to warrant a brief and succinct hearing. The accused may introduce witnesses to be questioned by the Wizengamot, and an expert in legal matters may be called upon to speak on behalf of the defendant, although such instances are rare and can sometimes be interpreted as a tacit admission of guilt.
The accused is restrained by magical means to a chair situated at the center of the room, while a panel of jurors sits on the prosecutor's right to make the case against the accused and ultimately deliver a verdict. The courtrooms are located on the tenth level of the Ministry of Magic and are heavily guarded, with dementors standing watch over high-profile criminals.
The members of the Wizengamot don robes of a plum hue, embellished with intricate silver insignia in the form of the letter 'W'.
As a vital member of the team that successfully captured Antonin Dolohov, Kingsley had been cordially invited to attend the trial in the company of two other distinguished Aurors: Alastor Moody and John Dawlish. Unfortunately, Dawlish still appeared to be in a state of shame, casting furtive glances toward his colleagues, acutely aware of his humiliating defeat at the hands of Dolohov, who had neutralized him in less than a second.
Meanwhile, Moody was engaged in hushed conversation with the esteemed Professor Dumbledore, who was seated beside him. As Kingsley's eyes were fixated on Dolohov, who remained unconscious, chained to a chair in the center of the room, with a dementor ominously stationed behind him, he couldn't help but ponder the unconventional nature of this trial. Nevertheless, he understood that Crouch had insisted on this approach. Dolohov stood accused of more than just intercepting an official document; he was also charged with resisting arrest and utilizing an unforgivable curse - an offense that nearly resulted in the death of an Auror.
As Kingsley watched Dolohov gradually rouse from his unconscious state, he noted Dolohov's eyes slowly opening, his blinks hesitant before becoming more assertive. The remainder of the courtroom finally took notice of Dolohov, the silence falling over the room palpable. Kingsley observed Crouch rise from his seat, exchanging nods with Moody and Dumbledore before refocusing his attention on Dolohov. Despite his shackles and the looming dementor behind him, Dolohov appeared unperturbed, exuding an unsettling confidence that suggested he was unfazed by his situation.
"Antonin Dolohov," Crouch's voice was curt as he addressed the accused. "You stand before the Council of Magical Law under suspicion of being a follower of the dark lord. A verified source has identified you as-"
Dolohov interrupted him with a loud, mocking laugh that echoed through the high-ceiling court. "So, Daddy's boy has cracked his panties in Azkaban and spilled the beans? I knew he wasn't worthy of joining our noble causeā¦Or is it someone else? Igor, perhaps?"
Kingsley furrowed his brows at Dolohov's interruption, his interest piqued by the mention of a potential traitor. Crouch's son had been arrested and sentenced alongside the Lestranges, then died shortly after his incarceration. A murmur rippled through the court as the wizards and witches on the stands exchanged confused whispers. Crouch cleared his throat, effectively silencing the room.
"Should we consider this as a confession?" Crouch asked. "Are you admitting that you followed the orders of-"
Dolohov interrupted him again with a mocking laugh. "I do confess," he said, a smile spreading across his face. "It was a source of pride and delight to return to the dark lord successful. Although, it took five of us to complete the mission he entrusted to us. Fabian and Gideon Prewett put up a fierce fight, but they ultimately ended up eating dirt and ending their blood traitors' line."
Kingsley's eyes widened as a deep silence took over the court. The desire to leave his seat and dismember Dolohov rose within him. Fabian and Gideon had been his friends at Hogwarts, and the memory of the dark mark floating above their corpses was one of the worst of the war. The court's members rose from their seats and began shooting at the dementor to immediately kiss Dolohov, who seemed to revel in the situation.
"Have you just confessed to the murders of Fabian and Gideon Prewett?" Crouch inquired with a calm demeanor.
"Yes, I have. Are you hard of hearing, old man?" Dolohov retorted.
Crouch nodded and returned to his files for a brief moment before focusing back on the accused. "Can you confirm that Sirius Black was part of your plan? Can you name any other accomplices?" he inquired.
Kingsley's eyebrows furrowed at the confusion that briefly crossed Dolohov's face before quickly dissipating. The man spoke with unwavering certainty, "I can confirm that Sirius Black not only participated but the Dark Lord made him the leader of our group for successfully spying on Albus Dumbledore and his inner circle. Although we were all ordered to conceal our identities, Sirius unmasked himself before finishing off the Prewetts. Wormtail had a sadistic flair that set him apart from the rest of us."
"Wormtail?" Crouch asked with a frown.
"That was Sirius Black's code name," Dolohov clarified.
Crouch nodded. "Very well. Can you provide any additional information? Do you have any knowledge of where Sirius Black might have fled to after his escape?" he asked.
Dolohov shook his head and smirked. "I wish I did if only to see the defeated expression on dear Professor Dumb-Dumb's face," he replied.
Crouch nodded and signed a parchment that he handed to a witch assisting him. "Very well. Now, this court will begin questioning you about the reason for your arrest this morning," Crouch declared.
Dolohov appeared puzzled as he responded, "Didn't we just go through that? I've already confessed. What more do you want?"
"I'm afraid you've jumped the wand by interrupting me earlier. We were unaware of your involvement in the heinous double murder of Fabian and Gideon Prewett. The Aurors were only dispatched to your residence to ensure your safety after we discovered a security breach that could have made Sirius Black seek to harm you," Crouch explained.
"What?" Dolohov exclaimed, his previously composed voice now trembling.
"Months ago, Auror Kingsley Schaklebolt brought a report to my office. I was unavailable to receive it in person, but Schaklebolt and other witnesses have confirmed that he delivered his findings to you. You are not unaware of the significance of every document addressed to the Department of Magical Law, are you?" Crouch said sternly.
Dolohov stared at Crouch in surprise, then chuckled to himself, shaking his head. "My big mouth has gotten me into trouble again," he whispered before turning to the court members and stating, "I would applaud if I wasn't in chains. Very well, I confess. The Dark Lord assigned me to the Department of Magical Law and Justice to provide him with valuable information and spy on you until he decides to dispose of you. I intercepted Shacklebolt's report and destroyed it to assist Sirius in putting as much distance between himself and the Aurors as possible."
Crouch exchanged a glance with Dumbledore and scanned the rest of the court, receiving approving nods. He wiped his glasses clean and cleared his throat before announcing in a resolute tone, "The court has heard the confessions of the accused, wherein he admitted to being a follower of the dark lord, commonly known as death eaters, and the murder of both Fabian and Gideon Prewett under the dark lord's orders and the leadership of Sirius Black. Additionally, the accused admitted to being an infiltrated agent inside the Ministry of Magic, providing valuable information to the dark lord. I now call upon the jury to indicate by a show of hands if they believe that these heinous crimes warrant a life sentence to Azkaban," requested Crouch as he raised his hand.
All the witches and wizards present in the room raised their hands in unison. Crouch continued, "Antonin Dolohov, this court finds you guilty of the crimes of murder, belonging to the death eaters' ranks, conspiracy, spying, and employing the unforgivable killing curse on another wizard. For these crimes, the court hereby sentences you to a life term in Azkaban." Crouch then gestured to the dementor positioned behind Dolohov, who suddenly became enraged and began shouting, struggling against the chains that restrained him. "YOU MAY HAVE WON THIS BATTLE, BUT THE DARK LORD WILL RETURN! YOU ARE POWERLESS AGAINST HIM...HE CONQUERED DEATH ITSELF...ALL OF YOU MUDBLOODS!"
The courtroom fell silent as the dementor took Dolohov away, leaving behind a group of victorious Wizengamot members celebrating their latest success in the war against the Dark Lord's followers. But among them, Albus Dumbledore remained lost in thought. He had seen and heard too much to feel any sense of triumph.
Lord Voldemort's secrets had been haunting him for years, and now, with each passing day, they seemed to grow more ominous. It was not just Dolohov's conviction that had him troubled, but the realization that this was only one battle in a long, grueling war.
For Dumbledore, victory had always been bittersweet. He knew that every victory came at a great cost, and he had seen firsthand the toll that the fight against the Dark Arts had taken on both sides. The casualties, both physical and emotional, were mounting with each passing day, and he couldn't help but wonder if it was all worth it.
As he looked around the room, he saw the elation on the faces of his colleagues, the same colleagues who had fought alongside him for years. He couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation, a sense that he was the only one who truly understood the gravity of the situation.
The war was far from over, and he knew that it would take more than victories in the courtroom to defeat the Dark Lord and his followers. As he left the courthouse, his mind was already turning to the next battle, the next challenge that lay ahead. He couldn't afford to rest on his laurels, for there was too much at stake.
Remus Lupin sat patiently on a chair in the corridor outside the Aurors office, his nerves getting the best of him. He couldn't help but reflect on the last time he had visited the Ministry of Magic, a distant memory from his childhood when he was still innocent and carefree. But tragedy struck when his father, who worked at the Ministry, encountered Fenrir Greyback, a werewolf on trial for the heinous crime of murdering two children. Only his father realized the true nature of Greyback, who had masqueraded as a Muggle tramp. When Greyback was released, Lyall Lupin voiced his outrage and vehemently declared that the vicious werewolf deserved nothing but death. This decision would cost the Lupin family dearly, as Greyback sought revenge by viciously attacking Remus while he slept, infecting him with lycanthropy.
Despite his affliction, Remus was granted the chance to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, thanks to the benevolence of the headmaster. At Hogwarts, Remus not only found a modicum of normalcy, but he also forged lifelong bonds with three other boys from his house, who embraced him wholeheartedly, like family, with unconditional love. For seven years, they were inseparable, and those were the happiest years of his life.
But everything changed when the war erupted, and the four friends joined the fight against the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters. Remus put his affliction to use in the service of Dumbledore, embarking on perilous missions that took him away from his friends for months on end. He missed important milestones in their lives, like one of his best friend's weddings, and even the birth of his godson. He vividly recalled the night before his final mission when James hugged him tightly, and Lily kissed his cheek, their eyes brimming with tears. Little did he know that he would be gone for an entire year and that the next time he heard any news about James and Lily, it would be delivered by a phoenix in a flash of golden flames, bearing news that would shatter his world. Suddenly, a loud voice jolted him out of his reverie.
"Remus, come here!" Kingsley exclaimed, beckoning his old friend towards the entrance of the Auror's office. Remus, taken aback by the sudden call, turned to see Kingsley and made his way over to greet him, extending his hand for a firm shake.
"Good morning, Kingsley," Remus greeted cordially.
"It's been a while since we last saw each other, possibly since our days at Hogwarts. How have you been?" Kingsley inquired.
"I'm doing well, thank you. It's been a busy time for us all since graduation," Remus replied with a faint smile. He nodded towards the badge pinned to Kingsley's chest. "Congratulations," he added.
"Thank you. Let's not dally here. Follow me, please," Kingsley suggested, motioning for Remus to accompany him. Together, they made their way to Kingsley's cubicle, where Remus took a seat across from the small desk.
As they settled in, Kingsley grinned and remarked, "I always thought you might consider a career as an Auror or within the Ministry of Magic. If I recall correctly, you achieved the highest grades in your NEWTs."
Remus nodded in agreement. "Yes, I did, but my career aspirations were less bureaucratic, and the war caused me to drift away," he replied.
"I understand. It was tough to find any hope amidst all that chaos," Kingsley concurred, before leaning back in his chair and laughing. "Do you remember all the pranks you and your friends used to pull at Hogwarts?"
Remus couldn't help but smile at the memory. "Please don't remind me. While it was enjoyable, I always felt a sense of guilt for being a prefect and supposed to stop them," he said with a chuckle.
Kingsley chuckled and shrugged. "Did you keep in touch with them?" he inquired.
Remus sighed, stealing a furtive glance at Sirius' picture pinned behind Kingsley. "I'll spare you the question. I don't know Black's whereabouts or how he escaped from Azkaban. But if we cross paths, I'll take care of him myself," he retorted sharply. He then locked eyes with Kingsley and asked, "Is there anything I can do to assist you? I know you're the Auror assigned to track him down."
Kingsley nodded and rubbed his face before apologizing. "I apologize. You're the only living person who was once close enough to him to have knowledge of his unique magical abilities."
Remus frowned and asked, "Unique magical abilities?"
Kingsley nodded. "We have records of Metamorphmagi in his family, for example. Do you happen to know anything about that? It would have been useful information back in Hogwarts."
Remus shook his head. "He wasn't one. We found ourselves in many situations where such an ability would have come in handy, and he would have bragged about it in front of his family members. But if it would make him untraceable now, I doubt it would fool the dementors."
Kingsley bit his lip. "What if he could assume a non-human form? Would that make a difference?" he asked.
Remus was taken aback. "I... I beg your pardon?" he stammered, his fingers nervously fidgeting with his robes beneath the desk.
"Imagine if Sirius is an Animagus. If he can transform into a rat, for example," Kingsley said, intently scrutinizing Remus.
Remus felt his heart race in his chest, and his voice quavered as he asked, "Do you think that's possible?"
Kingsley looked over his shoulder, then leaned in and whispered, "I have evidence that Sirius is a Rat Animagus. The night James and Lily were murdered, Sirius killed a muggle in Chesterfield. I have a muggle recording showing a Rat transforming into Sirius and slaying the man who stood next to his motorbike."
Remus stared at Kingsley, bewildered and uncertain, and pondered for a long moment before whispering, "Kingsley, I strongly doubt that Sirius Black is the man in that recording."
Kingsley's eyes widened briefly. "Is there something you know that we don't?" he asked.
"Becoming an Animagus is a complex and time-consuming process that takes many years. So he would have had to begin while still enrolled at Hogwarts, where he shared a dormitory with James, Peter, and me. Once the transformation is achieved, it takes weeks to master, and the transformation occurs randomly while the new Animagus sleeps. We would have noticed a Rat sleeping in his bed if that were the case," Remus explained, recalling the morning he woke up to find a stag and a dog sleeping in their dormitory. "Are you sure of what you saw in that recording?"
Kingsley remained silent, and the two of them sat in silence for what felt like an eternity, a long moment that left Remus feeling dumbfounded as if Kingsley didn't believe him. Remus couldn't help but wonder if they had already captured Sirius and if he had confessed his lycanthropy to them, perhaps to bargain for a lighter sentence.
At last, Kingsley let out a sigh, breaking the oppressive silence. "I believe I should review my notes again and rewatch the recording. The quality is terrible, so I may have made an error, even if the motorbike matches the description provided by Hagrid. There is a man on this floor who is fascinated with muggle technology, and he may be able to fix it. Thank you for your assistance, Remus. I won't keep you here any longer, but please do let me know if you recall anything useful."
"Absolutely," Remus replied as they both rose to their feet.
After shaking hands with Kingsley, Remus left the Aurors' headquarters and found himself standing outside the Ministry of Magic. Despite his departure, his mind remained preoccupied with the conversation he had just had. As he replayed the conversation in his head, confusion mounted with each passing moment. The echoes of the Aurors' words continued to reverberate in his mind, as he tried to make sense of what he had heard.
Apparently, there was a video recording that showed Peter killing a muggle. This had taken place on the same night when Voldemort was present in Godric's Hollow. This revelation only added to Remus' perplexity. He wondered why Sirius' motorcycle was there on that fateful night. Did Peter mistake the muggle for Sirius and kill him out of vengeance? But that couldn't be right, as James and Lily were not yet dead, so how did Peter know that Sirius was the traitor? There were no concrete answers, and Remus was left with only questions.
Remus walked outside into the freezing November air, feeling a sense of foreboding as the gray sky and barren buildings loomed over him. He struggled to breathe as he let out a long sigh, feeling alone and powerless in a world that seemed hostile and unforgiving. The full moon would arrive the next day.
Far from the crowded city of London, a figure was thrown by the sea onto the shore, struggling to crawl on the sand, gasping for breath, every inch of his body felt sore and exhausted. He shivered uncontrollably, his skin goosebumps, as the cold wind pierced through his wet clothes, chilling him to the bone. His teeth chattered relentlessly, adding to his misery. With every labored breath, he could taste the salty seawater that still lingered in his mouth and throat, making it difficult to breathe. He mustered all his strength to crawl forward, his limbs feeling heavy and cold as if they were made of lead. Despite his exhaustion, the journey ahead was only just beginning.
END OF THE PROLOGUE
