The next day, the sun shone through the majestic windows of the Hogwarts Great Hall, casting dancing patterns of light on the floor. Iris, with her bright eyes and tousled hair, took her seat at the long wooden Hufflepuff table, settling down next to her friends, Hannah and Susan.
Susan, always observant and curious, was the first to break the morning silence. "Hey Iris," she greeted, leaning in closer, trying to share a piece of new gossip or perhaps a fresh discovery.
Iris looked up, her attention momentarily shifting from her breakfast plate. "Yes?"
Susan's gaze darted to the staff table, her finger discreetly pointing at a figure unfamiliar to most. "Do you know who that is?" she asked, genuine curiosity evident in her voice.
Iris followed her line of sight, her eyebrows knitting together as a sense of familiarity washed over her. "No, but she looks eerily similar to someone I came across in a history book. It was about the wizarding war of the 1970s."
Hannah, who had been engrossed in her own thoughts till now, piped in, her voice filled with intrigue. "And who might that be?"
"Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black," Iris responded, her voice just above a whisper as if sharing a well-guarded secret.
As murmurs filled the hall, Dumbledore, the wise and venerable headmaster, stood up. His clear voice echoed, bringing an immediate hush to the bustling hall. "Everyone, a few announcements," he began. His eyes, twinkling with a hint of seriousness, continued, "Starting today, the new potions professor will be Professor Andromeda Tonks. This change is a result of recent events concerning our previous professor, Snape, who is now pending a trial with the DMLE. The trial is scheduled for today. In light of this, Harry and Iris Potter will be excused from their classes." He paused, letting the information sink in. "Professor Tonks will also take up the mantle as the head of Slytherin House. Thank you."
A buzz of whispers spread like wildfire. Susan's gaze once again found Iris, a mixture of surprise and concern evident. "Iris, you never mentioned the trial!"
Iris sighed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I got the subpoena just yesterday. I intended to tell you both, but then I had to dash off to save my twin from a troll."
Hannah nodded in understanding, her eyes wide. "That makes sense. But it does explain the resemblance. She looks so much like Bellatrix Lestrange."
Meanwhile, at the Gryffindor table, Harry Potter was engaged in a quiet conversation with Neville Longbottom. He noticed the distress in Neville's eyes. "Neville, are you okay?"
Neville looked down at his plate, "Yes, I am."
Harry wasn't convinced. "No, you aren't. What's bothering you?"
Neville hesitated, "She looks so much like Bellatrix Lestrange… the woman who tortured my parents."
Harry nodded understandingly, "That's because she's her sister. But Andromeda was disowned. She's nothing like Bellatrix and certainly not a Death Eater."
Neville took a deep breath, "I know. I just… it will take time for me to adjust."
Harry placed a reassuring hand on Neville's shoulder, "I might be away for the day, but if you ever need someone, remember I'm here."
Neville managed a weak smile, "Thank you, Potter."
Harry grinned, "It's Harry. Always Harry."
Iris could feel the butterflies in her stomach as she stepped out of the castle and saw Harry waiting alongside Professor McGonagall and Amelia Bones. A wry smile touched Amelia's lips as she addressed them both. "Are you two ready?"
Harry and Iris nodded eagerly in response.
"Have either of you taken a portkey before?" asked Amelia.
They shook their heads, curious but uncertain.
"Okay, it will be a bit unpleasant, you will feel a pull on your navel, but it is relatively safe," said Amelia, her voice calm and reassuring. "We will be taking two portkeys. The first is to meet up with Satele and Silandra, the second will take us to the Ministry of Magic office."
McGonagall looked at them both sternly. "Amelia, I leave them in your care. I expect them back before dinner tonight if that is not possible then before curfew."
Amelia extended a lengthy piece of wood in their direction, its polished surface catching the light.
"Each of you, grip this firmly," instructed Amelia, her voice steady and clear.
Without hesitation, Iris and Harry clasped the stick alongside Amelia, their fingers brushing against hers.
Bracing themselves, Amelia began the countdown, "Prepare yourselves. 3… 2… 1… Portus."
The world twisted around them, an intense sensation pulling at their navels. In a brief moment of disorientation, they found themselves standing in a new location. Before them stood Satele Shan and Silandra Comoran, both looking as poised as ever.
Recognizing them, Amelia greeted, "Satele, Silandra."
Satele nodded, her eyes sharp, "Madam Bones."
Anticipation hung in the air, and Amelia cut to the chase, "Is everything in order?"
Both women replied in unison, "Yes."
Amelia swiftly produced another piece of wood, similar to the first but somehow distinct. "We don't have much time," she informed them, urgency evident in her tone. "The trial of Severus Snape is set to commence in half an hour. We need to move swiftly."
Without further ado, they all grasped the new stick.
Amelia began the now-familiar countdown, "3…2…1…Portus." And once again, the world shifted around them.
They touched down in the midst of a majestic fountain, water cascading around them. Iris, with the grace of a dancer, stepped onto the solid ground, her landing mirrored by Satele, Amelia, and Silandra. Harry, however, had a less elegant descent and met the floor with a thud. Picking himself up swiftly, he used his wand to whisk away the dirt from his robes.
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic," Amelia greeted with a warm smile, her voice echoing slightly. "Please, follow me."
The group trailed behind her, their footsteps silent against the polished floors, until they reached the foreboding door of courtroom 10.
The room inside was abuzz, but silence fell as Minister Fudge took to the podium, holding himself with an air of authority. His gavel rapped loudly, the sound echoing through the room.
"Order, Order!" Fudge called out. "We are here to begin the Wizengamot Session on this day, Friday, November 1st, 1991." His gaze shifted to an elderly, wise figure seated nearby. "Chief Warlock Dumbledore, what business do we attend to today?"
"The matter at hand, Minister," Dumbledore replied, his voice steady, "is the trial of Severus Tobias Snape."
Before further proceedings could take place, Amelia stood up, her wand reflecting the dim light.
"Yes, Madam Bones?" Fudge queried, his eyebrows raising in curiosity.
Amelia took a deep breath. "Given the circumstances and the charges against Mr. Snape, both Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore and I find ourselves in a position of potential bias. It would be prudent for us both to recuse ourselves from these proceedings."
A murmur spread across the room. Fudge, trying to maintain order, inquired, "May I ask the nature of this conflict?"
Drawing herself up, Amelia clarified, "Mr. Snape stands accused of unauthorized use of Legilimency on a minor, being an accomplice in the murders of James and Lily Potter, relaying critical information to Lord Voldemort, and the attempted murder of both Iris and Harry Potter. Many present may be aware that James Potter was my younger sibling, making Iris and Harry my relatives. Furthermore, it's no secret that Chief Warlock Dumbledore shares a close relationship with the accused, Mr. Snape. Given these connections, our impartiality could be called into question."
Madam Longbottom spoke up, her voice firm, "I concur with Madam Bones' sentiments."
After a moment of contemplation, Fudge called for a vote. "All in favour of Madam Bones excusing herself from this trial?"
A sea of wands was raised in agreement, with 190 out of 220 signalling their assent.
"And now," Fudge continued, "all in favour of Albus Dumbledore stepping back from this trial?"
An almost unanimous show of wands, 219 in total, filled the air.
"It is decided," Fudge declared. The room echoed with the sound of his gavel striking the wood, signifying the importance and finality of the decision. "Madam Bones and Albus Dumbledore shall abstain from participation in this trial. We need to temporarily fill their roles for the proceedings. Nominations are now open."
Before he could even finish, an aged but commanding figure stood up. It was Madam Augusta Longbottom, known for her stern demeanour and involvement in various ministry activities. She held her wand aloft, indicating her wish to speak.
Fudge acknowledged her with a nod, "Yes, Madam Longbottom."
"Considering the gravity of the situation and the need for experienced leadership, I nominate Madam Marshbanks for the position of acting chief warlock," she proposed with unwavering confidence.
A murmur spread through the chamber before a voice from the back reinforced her nomination, "Second."
Seeing a consensus forming, Fudge proceeded, "Very well. A show of wands for all those in favour of Madam Griselda Marshbanks taking on the mantle of acting Chief Warlock for this trial."
A sea of wands lit up the chamber, glowing with their support. With 200 of the 220 wands raised in affirmation, it was evident where the council's favour lay.
After a few more emphatic gavel strikes, Fudge pronounced, "It is settled. Madam Griselda Marshbanks will serve as the acting Chief Warlock for the duration of this trial. We now need a nomination for the acting head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
Another figure rose from his seat, holding his wand up high. Recognizing him, Fudge addressed, "Yes, Lord Greengrass."
With clarity and poise, Lord Greengrass announced, "For the role of the acting head of the DMLE, I nominate the Wales Head Auror, Gawain Robards."
Another voice echoed the sentiment, "Seconded."
Fudge, recognizing the unanimity of the council, moved swiftly, "All in favour of Head Auror Gawain Robards for acting head of the DMLE, raise your wands."
In an unbroken sea of luminescence, all 220 wands shone brightly, signifying unanimous support.
"Unanimous! Head Auror Gawain Robards," Fudge announced, his voice echoing with gravitas, "you shall assume the role of acting head of the DMLE for this trial."
Gawain Robards stood up and walked to where Amelia was seated while Amelia sat next to Harry, Iris, Satele, and Silandra. Fudge then took a seat as Gawain Robards took the Podium. "Since we are here on such short notice," announced Gawain Robards, "Let the Trial of Severus Tobias Snape Begin" he declared. He glanced around at the Aurors who stood against the walls, then commanded them, "Aurors…bring in the accused!"
Mad-eye Moody and another Auror came through the doors with Snape each at his flank. They marched him forward until he was standing in front of the entire Wizengamot, whose members leaned forward as if to get a better look at him. His black robes had been replaced by a jungle green uniform, standard issue for prisoners in Azkaban. On his wrists were magic-suppressing cuffs that chained his hands together, but they didn't seem to have a writ or seal on them, so they must not be official. On his feet were two more magic-suppressing cuffs that had a chain just long enough for him to walk in small steps. He looked like an overgrown toddler who couldn't go more than three feet before the next set of manacles stopped him.
Robards looked sternly at Severus Tobias Snape as he stood in the courtroom, his hands clasped in front of him. "I am going to read out each charge against you," Robards began. "You will answer with either 'guilty' or 'not guilty'. Do you understand?"
Snape nodded curtly.
Robards cleared his throat and began reading the charges. "On the charge of unauthorized use of Legilimency on Harry James Potter - how do you plead?" he said.
"Not Guilty," Snape answered confidently.
Robards moved on to the next charge. "On the charge of Accessory to the Murder of Lily Victoria Potter Nee Evans, how do you plead?" he asked Snape, who was standing before him.
"Not guilty," Snape said calmly.
Robards moved on to the next charge. "On the Charge of Accessory to the Murder of James Fleamont Potter. How do you plead?"
Snape's gaze did not waver as he replied, "Not guilty."
"On the charge of the Attempted Murder of Iris Lily Potter. How do you plead?"
Again came a resolute: "Not guilty."
"On the charge of the Attempted Murder of Harry James Potter. How do you plead?" Robards inquired.
"Not guilty," Severus answered without hesitation.
The Auror Robards shifted in his seat before stating flatly, "On the Charge of Treason against the Ministry Of Magic by providing Vital information to the Insurrectionist Lord Voldemort. How do you plead?"
The accused met his eyes with an even stare as he declared, "Not guilty."
The atmosphere in the courtroom changed palpably when Robards spoke again; "On the Charge of Obstruction of Justice by willingly not providing information that proves the Innocence of Sirius Orion Black who will be getting a retrial after your trial." His voice echoed around them like a thunderclap.
Finally, Snape replied, all traces of calmness gone from his voice: "Guilty."
"Chief Warlock the DMLE would like to show the following memory as Secondary Evidence," said Robards.
Madam Marshbanks paused and watched the man carefully before responding, her voice low and cautious. "May I ask why as Secondary Evidence?"
Robards stepped forward, a stack of papers in his hands. "It's Secondary Evidence because it was given to us by a Seer. However, it will allow us to question the accused with Veritaserum for Primary evidence."
She nodded slowly. "Very well. Motion approved."
Robards stepped to the center of the room, where a large pensive rested on an ornate wooden stand. He placed the memory into the bowl, and it immediately began to swirl with liquid silver mist that illuminated the room with a soft blue light.
Outside Potter cottage three men stood. The first had white skin and long wavy hair and was cloaked in black robes. The second had the face of a rat and shaggy dirty blond hair, also wearing black robes. The third wore robes that completely obscured his features.
"Snape destroy the wards, Pettigrew you will stand guard and kill anyone who tries to interfere," commanded the man with a robed face. "With the death of the Potters, no one will be able to stop me. Snape, I will try to keep the girl alive."
Snape slowly sliced through each ward with precise cuts as alarm bells inside the house began blaring.
"Lily, take the twins and run!" yelled James as he stumbled about in search of his wand. "He is here, Voldemort is here. If I survive this, I am going to kill that rat."
Lightning lit up the sky as the door swung open and James lunged forward, tackling Voldemort away from the threshold. A fight ensued on the ground until eventually, Voldemort threw him back and with a burst of rage shouted "Avada Kedavra!" A blinding green beam shot out and struck James square in the chest, instantly killing him.
Making his way cautiously up the creaking stairs, he was met with a plethora of debris that filled the hallway. He skirted around it as he headed towards the room at the end of the hallway, but as soon as he opened the door he felt an unfamiliar presence in the air. Through the haze of dust particles, he saw Lily Potter standing between her two children, wand raised and ready to protect them from whatever horror had arrived.
Voldemort shouted "Crucio!" and a red light flew from his wand, narrowly missing Lily and hitting the wall behind her instead. "Step aside girl," he said menacingly.
The brave mother held firm and declared defiantly: "You will not kill my babies today; you will have to kill me first before you even think about killing the twins."
Though trembling inside, she stood tall and sent a black and purple beam of magic zooming toward Voldemort from her wand. He recognized this spell from when he fought Charlus—a curse from House Potter meant to cause immense pain—and replied quickly with "Avada Kedavra!" The green beam of the Killing Curse clashed with Lily's black and purple stream, but eventually overpowered it, slamming into her chest and sending her limp body crumpling to the ground. For a brief moment, both twins' skin glowed a dim red colour.
Pointing his wand at Harry's head Voldemort yelled again "Avada Kedavra!" But a bright red curtain surrounded Harry and reflected Voldemort's curse back upon him—leaving only a lightning bolt-shaped scar on Harry's forehead and a mysterious misty substance settling into Harry's own scar.
The shimmering light and echoed memories of the Pensieve receded, leaving an echoing silence. All around, a sea of seated witches and wizards exchanged anxious glances, while some shifted uncomfortably in their seats. For many, the tales and rumours of that fateful day were well known, but seeing it unveiled in its raw form was something else entirely. It made them question and ponder, their thoughts whirling like a whirlwind.
Head Auror Robards slowly stood from his seat, the gravity of the moment evident in the weight of his steps. He confidently walked back to the podium, casting a glance at the figure seated in the defendant's chair. "Permission to Question the Accused with Veritaserum," he requested formally.
"Permission granted," intoned Madam Marshbanks, her voice stern and authoritative, her posture giving away no emotion.
With a solemn face, Robards approached Severus Snape, holding a transparent vial filled with a clear liquid - Veritaserum, the truth potion. Methodically, he administered three precise drops onto Snape's tongue, ensuring the potion would take its full effect. Returning to the podium, Robards began his line of questioning.
"What is your name?" Robards's voice was steely.
"Severus Tobias Snape," Snape replied mechanically, the effects of the potion evident in the emptiness of his tone.
"Was the memory that was just played the actual events that occurred on July 31st, 1980?" Robards probed further.
"Yes."
"Did you attempt to perform unauthorized Legilimency on Harry James Potter?" Robards continued.
"Yes," Snape answered.
Robards's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why?"
"After his outburst in class, I was determined to shatter his psyche, erasing even the basic recollection of his own identity. I saw it as my ultimate revenge against James Potter. Once I was finished with Harry, my next target would be Iris. Her resemblance to Lily was unsettling. If Lily wasn't to be mine, then I would have Iris," Snape stated coldly.
"Mr. Snape, are you aware that Iris Potter possesses the rare ability of a Level One Metamorphmagus?" Robards questioned.
"Yes. But it doesn't matter. A few well-crafted loyalty potions and I could manipulate her to always resemble my beloved Lily," Snape responded chillingly.
From her seat, Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, clutched a terrified Iris Potter close to her. Iris's eyes, filled with shock and distress, found some solace in Amelia's comforting embrace. Amelia whispered assuring words into the young girl's ear, "Iris, I promise, I'll never let him hurt you."
Madam Marshbanks interrupted, "Are you aware that you are confessing to another crime, Mr. Snape?"
"I am," Snape's voice dripped with indifference.
"So noted," Madam Marshbanks remarked, scribbling something onto a parchment.
Robards pressed on, "What information did you relay to the Dark Lord, Voldemort?"
"I conveyed a prophecy to him, leading him to target both the Longbottom and Potter families. In collusion with Peter Pettigrew, I betrayed the Order of the Phoenix by revealing their every move and strategy to the Dark Lord," Snape admitted.
"Give him the Antidote," commanded Madam Marshbanks, her tone demanding immediate compliance.
Mad-eye Moody, with his distinctive magical eye rotating, quickly closed the distance between himself and the Potion Master. He held up a vial containing a clear liquid – the antidote for the Veritaserum, a powerful truth serum that forces the drinker to reveal the truth. He carefully administered it to Severus Snape, ensuring that no harm came to him in the process.
The courtroom was filled with murmurs. Whispers flew like spells, as the attendees speculated about the next testimony.
Auror Robards stood up, breaking the tension. "The Department of Magical Law Enforcement calls Harry Potter as a witness," he announced, his voice echoing in the silent room.
The name alone sent a ripple through the crowd. Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, was now being summoned to the witness stand. But before he could make a move, Madam Longbottom sprang to her feet, her wand raised threateningly.
"Objection, Auror Robards!" she exclaimed. "Mr. Potter is an 11-year-old boy. He's currently consoling his twin sister, a direct result of what Snape has confessed. Furthermore, they've both just witnessed a harrowing memory of their parents' demise – a traumatic vision that no child, let alone someone as young as Harry, should ever be exposed to. To ask him to testify, especially now, is not just cruel, it's inhumane."
The attendees could feel the weight of her words. The courtroom was silent, all eyes now on Madam Marshbanks, awaiting her decision.
"Objection Sustained," declared Madam Marshbanks, her voice carrying authority. She looked over at Robards, awaiting his next move.
Robards, seemingly undeterred by the setback, adjusted his robes. "Very well," he began, his voice a touch colder. "The DMLE would like to submit a memory as primary evidence. This memory was provided by Satele Shan, and an Unspeakable has confirmed its authenticity, verifying that it hasn't been tampered with."
Madam Marshbanks nodded, "Proceed."
Robards drew forth a small, shimmering vial. Carefully, he poured its contents into the Pensieve, a magical instrument used to view memories. The courtroom watched with bated breath as the memory began to play.
Inside Dumbledore's office, Satele and Silandra sat face-to-face with Harry while Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout sat behind the desk.
Satele leaned forward. "Let me start with this" she declared. "Master Snape, what possessed you to attempt to mind rape my apprentice?"
Snape spat back his reply. "That arrogant brat! A liar just like his father. The brat is obviously lying."
The air around them seemed to still as Satele steepled her fingers in front of her mouth. "Oh really," she said quietly.
Silandra interjected. "I have known Harry and Iris Potter since they were four years old. One thing that stands out about them is they do not lie. Yes, Harry may stretch the truth and use every loophole in the rules to get out of trouble, but he does not lie."
Satele nodded sagely. "Also Master Snape, it is useless to try to lie to us; we know if you are lying or not simply by the aura you emit." Her voice dropped an octave lower as she continued gravely. "Silandra, notify Madam Bones; if the Potions Master wants to lie about his actions, we will see how he fares in a prison cell."
Silandra left the room, and a tense silence enveloped the air. Dumbledore's lips were pursed in a thin line, while Professor McGonagall shot Snape a fierce glare before turning her attention to Satele. Professor Sprout clasped her hands together tightly as she watched Harry nervously.
"Ms. Shan that will not be necessary," Dumbledore said stiffly.
"It is absolutely necessary considering that Harry looked into his mind and saw your potions master tear down the wards of his parent's house when and was smiling with joy has the darksider killed their father," Satele replied evenly.
Snape took in a sharp breath, and his eyes widened in shock. Professor McGonagall's gaze turned to steel as she glared at the potions master, while Professor Sprout gasped in horror.
"Judging from everyone's reactions the headmaster already knew, while everyone else didn't," Harry commented quietly.
Satele turned to look at him. "Harry silence don't think you are not in trouble," she said sternly. "You at the end of the day used the dark side and attempted to choke him."
"Yes Master," Harry murmured obediently.
Satele rolled her eyes. "Harry, I told you to not call me that," she scolded.
Snape snapped out of his stupor and spluttered, "I don't know what you are talking about."
Silandra pushed open the door and reentered Dumbledore's office. "Madam Bones and Head Auror Scrimgeour will arrive in approximately ten minutes," she announced.
Satele gestured towards Harry. "Tell us what happened yesterday in your Potions class," she said.
Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Professor Snape walked in and started talking. I was writing down his words when he suddenly turned to me and asked a series of questions about ingredients not covered in the book assigned for first-years." He cleared his throat before continuing, "The first one was what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood? The second question was Where, Mr. Potter, would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar? And the third question was and what is the difference between monkshood and wolfbane?"
McGonagall shook her head disapprovingly. "Those questions were meant for sixth-, third-, and seventh-year students respectively; certainly not a book intended for first years."
Silandra nodded slowly. "It seems that Master Snape was deliberately trying to target Harry," she concurred.
Satele leaned forward, her eyes boring into Harry. "Please continue," she encouraged.
Harry took a deep breath before launching into the tale of his latest class with Snape. "I did my best to ignore him when he started in on me for valuing fame above all else. But then he deducted five points from Gryffindor just because I pointed out that Hermione had her hand raised." His voice rose with indignation as he continued. "And during the potion brewing, he refused to give any instructions beyond what was written on the board and spent the entire class sneering at anyone who wasn't a Slytherin while praising their work."
Professor Sprout interjected, "Well, he is the head of house for Slytherin."
Ignoring her comment, Harry pressed on. "Then a cauldron behind me melted and Snape immediately docked more points because I supposedly didn't warn the person behind me not to add an ingredient. I finally lost it and said some things I shouldn't have that's when he entered my mind and dismantled several of my mental shields."
Satele nodded grimly, already knowing what came next. "That was when I threw him out of your mind, correct?"
"Yes," Harry admitted, his voice barely more than a whisper. "My anger turned into a dark form of hatred and I couldn't control my emotions. When Iris pointed out what I was doing, I used the Force to choke him before I ran away."
Wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace, Satele murmured, "We must take you to St. Mungos to assess the damage done to your mind, and then we'll begin to work on controlling your emotions."
Auror Robards rose, his voice clear and filled with an official tone, "The DMLE rests its case."
Madam Marshbanks, the imposing lead of the council, acknowledged him with a nod. "Thank you, Auror Robards," she said. Her gaze then moved to the man standing on trial. "Severus Snape, we are now poised to recite your charges. Subsequently, the Wizengamot will vote. If members believe you to be guilty, they will raise their wands. In the event of a tie, I will cast the deciding vote. Do you understand the proceedings?"
With a brief pause, his voice low and laden with resignation, Snape responded, "Yes, Madam Marshbanks."
The matriarch continued, "On the charge of unauthorized use of Legilimency on Harry James Potter…" She paused, allowing the members to vote. Glancing around the chamber, she counted the raised wands, "130 of 220 find you guilty."
From a distance, Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, clutched his twin sister, Iris, sharing a moment of relief.
Madam Marshbanks continued her solemn duty. "On the charge of being an accessory to the murder of Lily Victoria Potter, née Evans," she announced.
This time, 150 wands out of the 220 present levitated in agreement.
"The Wizengamot finds you guilty," she declared. Without skipping a beat, she proceeded, "On the charge of being an accessory to the murder of James Fleamont Potter."
A staggering 210 wands soared upwards.
"The verdict is clear. Guilty," she pronounced. She moved on to the next accusation, "On the charge of the attempted murder of Iris Lily Potter."
Surprisingly, only 80 wands from the 220 emerged this time.
"Not Guilty," she declared, causing whispers to ripple through the chamber.
"On the charge of the attempted murder of Harry James Potter," she proceeded.
A dominating 190 wands indicated their belief in Snape's guilt.
Without hesitation, Madam Marshbanks confirmed, "Guilty."
The room was heavy with anticipation as she declared the final charge, "For treason against the Ministry of Magic by providing critical information to the insurrectionist Lord Voldemort."
Every wand in the chamber rose, a unanimous decision.
"You stand guilty," she said firmly, her face a mask of solemnity. "Furthermore, you have already pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice."
She took a deep breath, holding the weight of the moment. "By the power vested in me, you are hereby sentenced to the maximum penalty for these heinous crimes — 600 years in a high-security cell atop Azkaban."
And with finality, echoing the gravity of the decision, Madam Marshbanks brought down her gavel with a resounding thud.
A/N: review please, I read and try to respond to every review.
Chapter 11 might be a bit late but that is becoming the norm with this fic.
Next Chapter: Quidditch.
