The room fell silent as Minister Fudge's commanding voice resounded through the chamber.

"Are we all ready to start?" he inquired, his eyes scanning the room.

"Yes, sir," Percy replied promptly, sitting next to the minister and picking up a pen, ready to record the proceedings.

"Bring the accused, please," Fudge requested with authority, and the heavy oak doors at one end of the room creaked open.

In walked Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape, both handcuffed and flanked by six Aurors. Dumbledore appeared calm, his piercing blue eyes scanning the assembly of the Wizengamot. Snape, on the other hand, seemed visibly nervous, his hands trembling slightly, and dark circles under his eyes. His gaze darted around the room, his eyes reflecting a hint of madness.

"Disciplinary Hearing of the second of April," Fudge began, his voice deep and resonant, "into offenses committed under the International Ban on the use of Dark Magic and the Ban on the use of Unforgivables by Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. Interrogators: Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic; Rufus Scrimgeour, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement; Dolores Jane Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. Court Scribe, Percival Ignatus Weasley. Are there any witnesses for the defense?"

"No," Dumbledore replied calmly.

"Very well," Fudge said, unrolling a parchment scroll, "Albus Dumbledore, you accused of knowingly and deliberately torturing Evan Rosier using the Unforgivable Cruciatus Curse and subsequent use of the Sectumsempra Curse, resulting in Evan Rosier's death."

As Fudge read the charges, a murmur of surprise rippled through the Wizengamot, but Dumbledore remained composed, his hands folded in his lap.

"Order in the Court!" Fudge roared, bringing down the judicial gavel. "You are also accused of knowingly and deliberately torturing yourself using the Unforgivable Cruciatus Curse and subsequent use of the Sectumsempra Curse on Severus Snape, who is present here."

Fudge's stern gaze turned to Dumbledore. "Do you deny any of the charges brought against you?"

"No," Dumbledore said shortly, his voice steady.

"Very well," Fudge continued, taking up a second scroll. "Severus Snape you accused of being the creator of the Sectumsempra curse, a curse that Albus Dumbledore used, resulting in the death of Evan Rosier, thus making you an accessory to first-degree murder."

"It's not my fault!" Snape shouted, his voice laced with desperation. "It's not my fault!"

Fudge's tone remained stern as he pressed on. "The Wizengamot should note that this curse causes deep mortal cuts and, as of today, will be included in the list of Unforgivables. Its use will mean immediate entry into Azkaban. You are also accused of endangering the safety and health of Hogwarts students, as the book containing the Sectumsempra curse belonged to you during your school years and was found on your Potions classroom, leading to Draco Malfoy, a Slytherin fourth-year student from Hogwarts, to use the curse against His Royal Highness, Jonathan Christopher Beaufort-Grimaldi, a fifth-year student from Durmstrang."

"I haven't done anything!" Snape yelled, struggling against the grip of the two Aurors who kept him seated in the chair.

Fudge's gaze remained unwavering as he asked Snape, "Do you deny any of the charges brought against you?"

"I... I," Snape hesitated, his voice faltering, "no."

"In light of what we have heard," Fudge declared, his voice grave, "I sentence Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape to life imprisonment in Azkaban. All in favor?"

Gradually, the members of the Wizengamot began to raise their hands, one by one, until a clear majority had cast their votes. Even Percy Weasley and the Minister himself raised their hands in agreement. Fudge banged the court gavel with finality, bringing an end to the trial, and the Aurors led away Dumbledore and Snape.

Sirius Black leaned back in his chair, a contented grin on his face as he looked at James across the table.

"How are you feeling, Prongs?" Sirius asked. "We've managed to put them in Azkaban."

James let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing. "It was all thanks to Barty," he told Sirius, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"He's a bastard, I have to admit that I'm not even that dramatic." Sirius chuckled

"I've gotten Fudge to exonerate him," James informed Sirius.

Sirius raised an eyebrow, curious. "Have you told Barty?"

"Fudge himself sent him a letter," James replied, "but Barty told me that he knew what he had done and he didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him."

Sirius nodded, a sense of understanding in his eyes. "If someone had told me ten years ago that a Death Eater was going to help us catch Dumbledore and Snape, I would have laughed in their face. How things change."

James leaned forward, his expression serious. "I'm going to send you to Azkaban."

Sirius feigned horror, placing a hand over his heart. "Why me? What have I done to you?"

"They are going to put Dumbledore and Snape alone in a separate cell on an Azkaban floor," James explained. "I don't trust anyone but you, and I also promised Barty."

Sirius arched an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What did you promise Barty?"

"I promised him I would put you watching Snape and Dumbledore after Trelawney confessed," James revealed. "It was all Barty's doing."

Sirius laughed heartily. "What did he ask you in return?"

James shrugged. "Why do you assume he asked for something in return?"

"Because he's a pureblood Slytherin and he's my brother's friend," Sirius replied with a smirk. "They always want something in return. So, what did he ask you in return?"

James leaned in and lowered his voice. "He's going to sneak into Azkaban and kill Dumbledore and Snape."

Sirius's eyes widened in surprise. "How? Barty is a free man; he can do whatever he wants."

"It's the only thing he asked of me," James said, his tone grave.

Sirius looked skeptical. "Does Barty know that if any Auror catches him, they will arrest him and put him in Azkaban?"

"He knows it perfectly," James replied. "Although considering that no one knows that Barty is the one who gave us the information for the arrest, he will have no problem avoiding the Dementors and the Aurors."

"So," Sirius said, "basically, I'm going to be there for what exactly?"

"I don't know," James admitted. "I guess he knows you're my best friend, and I really don't know, but he has something planned."

Changing the subject, Sirius asked, "What do you know about Mia?"

"Very little," James replied, rubbing his face in frustration. "The only thing Lily and I know is because Harry sends us letters."

"And what does Harry say?" Sirius asked cautiously.

James sighed. "That his sister is fine, but she hasn't been to Hogwarts since the incident."

"The incident?" Sirius quipped, "Is that what you called it? Better call it 'The Prank 2.0.'"

James groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Why do I feel like my daughter is living a parallel version of our years at Hogwarts?"

"Because your daughter is literally a copy of you," Sirius said, amused. "Sometimes it's scary how much you look alike, but my niece definitely has the Black temper, combined with Lily's..."

"Precisely," James exclaimed in frustration. "Draco was chasing my daughter in the same way I did with Lily."

Sirius grinned. "Yes, but Lily finally married you after a long, and I repeat, a long time. I doubt Mia would want to kiss the boy who almost murdered her best friend."

"If you put it that way," James said with a smirk, "what happened to Jace is like what happened to us with Snivellus and Moony."

"Okay, okay," Sirius conceded, "maybe you're right. Your daughter is a lot like you because Harry is literally like Lily, except for his hair. Seriously, Prongs, if Harry didn't have your hair, you'd think Lily cheated on you."

"Shut up," James told him, laughing.

"It's true," Sirius exclaimed with mock indignation. "Who prefers the Beatles over Queen? People who think that way should be arrested.

James chuckled, pushing his chair back. "Anyway, I have to go. I'm meeting Lily for lunch. See you on Sunday."

Jace sat on the bed, a hand over his racing heart as he tried to catch his breath. The dream he'd just had was incredibly strange. He and Mia were only friends, best friends, not a couple. But the dream felt so real, too vivid to dismiss as mere imagination.

Jace knew Mia meant a lot to him, more than he could put into words. He had always thought of her as his princess, Mia held a unique place in his heart. They were close, undoubtedly, but Jace had never allowed himself to think of her as more than a friend, not since their second year.

In his dream, Mia had been dressed as a bride, and the sight had left him utterly speechless. He had often daydreamed about what it would be like if he and Mia had taken the risk to become more than friends, but all those fantasies paled in comparison to the beauty he had witnessed in that dream.

Frustration welled up within him, and he groaned, burying his face in a pillow. Of all the girls in the world, he had to fall in love with his best friend. His heart ached, and he wished he could shake off the dream and these newfound feelings. But then, as he inhaled deeply, he was hit by the scent of Mia's perfume on the pillow. Confusion and embarrassment swirled within him.

"Why does my pillow smell like Mia's perfume?" Jace muttered, frowning in bewilderment.

In a flash, the memory of the dream returned, particularly the playful teasing Mia had engaged in about their hypothetical wedding night. His cheeks flushed, and he realized he was starting to react physically to those memories.

Jace shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his thoughts. He and Mia were friends, nothing more. Determinedly, he rose from the bed, swaying a little as he walked to the closet in the grotto. He grabbed a blue linen shirt and white pants and headed for the showers.

The hot water cascading over him in the shower provided a temporary distraction. As he toweled off his damp hair and began to get dressed, he caught sight of thin scars crossing his chest in the mirror. He touched them absentmindedly, his mind drifting.

Suddenly, a soft voice interrupted his reverie. "You're... You're standing"

Startled, Jace spun around to find Mia standing there in her dragon rider attire. His cheeks flushed crimson. Mia gazed at him, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions, a tenderness that took his breath away. They stood there in silence, neither finding words to break the spell that enveloped them.

Mia's gaze fell upon the scars on Jace's chest, and her blush deepened. She turned away, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry... I didn't know you were changing."

Jace blinked, snapping out of his stupor. He quickly grabbed his shirt and buttoned it, his own blush matching Mia's. He scratched his neck, his discomfort palpable.

"I'm decent now, princess," Jace managed to croak.

Mia rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him, tears streaming down her face. Jace closed his eyes, holding her tightly.

"I thought I was losing you," Mia sobbed.

"I'm so sorry, princess," Jace whispered, his voice filled with remorse.

"When I saw you on the floor, I..." Mia began, her words choked with emotion.

"I know," Jace said, hugging her even tighter. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I made you worry."

"Don't do it again," Mia pleaded, her voice trembling. "I can't lose you."

"You're never going to lose me," Jace assured her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'm so sorry."

Mia sat by Jace's bedside, her eyes still glistening with tears, but now they were tears of relief and happiness. She reached out and gently wiped her cheeks as she smiled at him.

"I... I'm glad to see you up," Mia told him, her voice trembling with emotion.

Jace struggled to sit up, his gaze fixed on her. "How long have I been in a coma?"

Mia's smile grew warmer. "You've been in a coma for three weeks," she informed him. "I woke up two weeks ago."

Jace's brow furrowed as he tried to process the information. "What day is today?"

Mia chuckled softly, amused by his drowsy confusion. "It's the beginning of May. You're a sleepyhead, Jace."

Blushing slightly, Jace couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Mia's laughter filled the room, a sound that was like music to his ears.

"Magnus wants to see you," Mia said, her expression turning serious. She summoned her Patronus, a silvery direwolf, and whispered something to it.

A few seconds later, Magnus Bane appeared in the room, holding a martini glass in his hand. He looked as if he'd just stepped out of a fabulous party

"I'm sorry," Magnus said with a chuckle, placing the martini on the bed, "you caught me right in the middle of a party."

Jace offered a weak but appreciative smile. "No worries, Magnus."

Magnus snapped his fingers, and blue flames danced in the air. He examined Jace with a critical eye, a mischievous glint in his gaze. "How are you feeling, Jace? I see you well, considering you've been in bed for three weeks."

Jace couldn't help but feel reassured by Magnus's presence. The warlock proceeded to conduct a thorough examination, and when he was done, he wore a satisfied smile.

"You are definitely recovered, Jace," Magnus declared, "just don't make too much effort."

Jace turned to Mia, a triumphant look on his face. "See?"

Mia's smile widened as she shook her head in amusement. The two of them shared a silent moment, their eyes locked into each other. Meanwhile, Magnus, with his characteristic wisdom, wore a knowing smile looking at both teenagers.

With a small smile and the martini glass once again in his hand, Magnus bid them farewell. "Guys, it has been a pleasure seeing you, but I have to go and continue with the party. Please, the next time I see you or call me, let it be to share good news."

"Goodbye, Magnus," Jace and Mia chimed in unison. Magnus nodded, opened a portal with a flourish, and stepped through, winking at them before disappearing.

Theo considered himself a reasonably intelligent boy, despite Mia's occasional teasing about him being a bit slow to grasp certain things. The truth was that Theo had a knack for noticing the important things, but for some reason, he hadn't quite comprehended what was happening with his best friends, Jace and Mia.

Jace and Mia had been inseparable since they were little. Wherever Mia was, Jace wasn't far away, and it was always Jace who took it upon himself to protect Mia, with Theo offering his support whenever needed. Essentially, Jace was the one who prioritized Mia's happiness above everything and everyone else. There wasn't anything Jace wouldn't do for her.

Theo hadn't confided in Jace, but there had been a time when he'd been temporarily infatuated with Mia. Eventually, he realized that what he felt for her was deep admiration. Falling for Mia was something that seemed to happen without one even noticing, and most of the time, Mia herself didn't realize the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her.

Returning to the subject of Jace and Mia, the two of them had always been affectionate with each other. Jace was constantly in physical contact with Mia, whether it was an arm around her waist, a hand on her back, or her head resting on his lap. He'd kiss her forehead, let her lean against his chest, or even rest his chin on top of her head. Mia, on the other hand, was more reserved in her physical expressions. She would subtly intertwine her pinky finger with Jace's while walking, or run her fingers through his hair when he fell asleep while she was reading.

However, since Jace had woken up from his coma, Theo couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something felt different about his best friends. They continued to act the same, yet there was an underlying strangeness that Theo couldn't decipher. Jace's hugs seemed to linger longer, and when his arm was around Mia's waist, he would involuntarily pull her closer. Mia's touches seemed more delicate, and there were moments when she would watch Jace sleeping, her eyes sparkling brighter than ever.

What had truly thrown Theo off were the incidents of the past week. During a training session, Mia and Jace were practicing with their staffs, and Jace had disarmed Mia, stopping just a hand's breadth from her face. They had stood there, frozen, Jace's intense gaze locked onto Mia's, and only when they realized that Theo was present did they quickly look away, their cheeks flushing.

Another peculiar incident had occurred during a friendly Quidditch match. To ease Harry's nerves before the third task of the Triwizard Tournament, Mia had proposed playing Quidditch. This time, Mia played on Harry's team, pitted against Jace and Theo. Even though Harry had managed to catch the Snitch, Jace's team had won the match. In celebration, Jace's teammates had tossed him into the air, but Mia had stood watching Jace with a soft smile, her eyes gleaming with an unmistakable fondness. When she noticed Theo looking at her, she blushed and looked away.

Lying on his bed, Theo began reflecting on everything he had observed. Longer hugs, lingering looks, soft smiles, blushing cheeks, brighter eyes—it all suddenly made sense. Theo sat up in his bed, his eyes widening in realization.

"OH SHIT!"