A Boy sat in the waiting room to receive a trial for underage magic usage. "Are you going to defend me?" He asked calmly.

"I'm going to do everything in my power to ensure you receive a fair trial, but I want you to keep something important in mind. The law is the law, and underage magic carries consequences."

He decided to explain the reason for this misdemeanor. "I used the memory Charm to erase a traumatic memory from my sister. It worked, she forgot and she is back to herself now. I was just Doing it to heal her." He said slowly losing steam as he continued defending himself.

"You performed a dangerous spell to help your sister... that is very selfless of you."

he clenched his chaw. "I practiced on myself, erasing small parts to perfect it. I wanted to make sure when I used it on Jully she wouldn't be harmed."

"I know that you are intelligent and cautious. However, I must ask... is the memory completely erased? You did not alter or influence it in any way?"

"NO!" He yelled standing up. "I would never do such a thing, I just wanted my sister back to normal."

Albus gently pushed Cassius back to his seat. "Calm yourself, son. I am inclined to believe you. But one cannot ignore the dangers of memory charms. What was the memory that triggered this drastic action in the first place?"

"She had a traumatic experience and after that, she refused to speak, ate meals, and hid in her bed."

"I understand that this must have been very difficult for you and your family." He remembered when his father was sent to Azkaban after his dear sister was harmed and when she was lost to them. "That is why I believe that you were acting out of altruism. But we cannot ignore the law. How can we be sure that you will not use this spell again in an unauthorized manner?"

"As Long as my sister and brother are safe I will accept any punishment, expel me, send me to Azkaban. I will accept any punishment."

Albus prodded his mind and while there was a thin defense Albus passed through to him to see there was no other Ill intent. "While you acted out of compassion for your sister, your actions were illegal. You have shown remorse, which is a good thing... but you still committed an offense. If I was not convinced of your good nature, I would have expelled you without question. But you are a good boy, and I trust that this will be a one-time incident."

Cassius smiled but it disappeared as he looked at the cuffs. "I Hope disciplinary hearing will be as lenient as you."

Albus took on a confident tone. "Fear not, I shall do my best to talk to the Wizengamot on your behalf. And remember, never cast a spell without proper training unless an emergency arises, in which case you should exercise maximum caution. But above all, remember what I said; sometimes the only magic one needs is the power of heart."

Cassius' worries seem to melt a bit at the older man's kind words.

13:00

The minister of magic Eugenia Jenkins stood as judge with the Wizengamot standing behind her. "Tobias Cassius Snape, you're standing trial for underaged magic and usage of a spell that is only allowed to Ministry officials. Correct?"

Albus stood, looking at the boy with calm determination. "Your Honor, I would like to request that Tobey be granted leniency as he was only trying to help his sister. While his actions were technically unlawful, they were done out of compassion and concern. He did not act with malicious intent. He understands the severity of his mistake and has already punished himself. I ask that we give him another chance to prove his good character."

Cassius stood up to speak. "I just wanted to help my sister, and I will accept any punishment, as long as my siblings face."

Albus smiled walking in front of him. "You are a good boy, and it is clear to me that you meant no harm. And even though you broke the rules, you were acting in the interest of a sibling that you care deeply for. In this situation, I believe that mercy should prevail over strict adherence to the law. I ask that he not be expelled on this first offense and be granted leniency."

Wizengamot murmured between each other and Eugenia Jenkins looked with sympathy.

Albus stood, waiting patiently for the Wizengamot to make a decision. He had already spoken up on his behalf. Now, all he could do was wait and hope for a merciful outcome."We will deliberate, and you will receive your sentence in half an hour."

Albus nodded, keeping his expression calm and composed. He was unsure of the Wizengamot's decision, but he had faith that they would treat the situation with fairness and compassion. He was ready to accept whatever sentence they chose to impose.

"I'm scared," Cassius said, shaking in his hand me down boats.

Albus leaned over and put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Relax. The Wizengamot is a wise group of witches and wizards. They will consider your situation and treat you only with kindness and understanding. Trust me."

"I haven't been this nervous in a long time, Headmaster." He told him while he fiddled with his fingers. "I wish I wore something better than this oversized shirt."

Albus laughed, trying to put the boy at ease. "What you are wearing is not important; the substance of who you are lies beneath the surface, beyond the skin and the clothes. The true character of a person is what is truly important, not what you wear. Remember that."

"I haven't been afraid in such a long time, in Slytherin I know how to use information against those that could hurt me. But here, I don't know anything to protect myself."

"You must not fear. There are many ways of defending oneself; the use of information is certainly one of them. But there is also the use of words, or reason and kindness. All these ways of defending oneself are equally valid and have their own merits. It is not merely a matter of fighting against those who wish to harm you, but of standing by and defending what truly matters: your soul and your character."

"Thank you, headmaster. I owe you debt here don't I?"

"You do not owe me anything, Cassius. I have merely performed my duty and exercised fairness along the way. All of us are deserving of a fair trial, and all of us make mistakes. We must only learn from them and try to be better in the future."

Cassius smiled. "Even if you say so, I will repay this debt one day headmaster."

"If you must repay it, then let it be done by living up to your true potential. Your actions today have proved that you are an honest, courageous, and caring person. These traits are of far greater value than any materialistic reward. And as you strive to meet these ideals, you will find that the true debt you owe me has already been repaid."

Eugenia Jenkins And the Wizengamot filled the court. "We have decided, you will not be expelled or your wand snapped."

A smile of relief and gratitude spread across Albus' face.

"But"

Albus' expression grows serious again as he waits for the "but" that he knows is coming. "You will still be punished for usage of a spell without training or permission from the ministry."

Albus nods, already suspected as much. He knows that no crime can go unpunished. But he is relieved that the boy's future was not jeopardized and that he did not face any more severe penalties for his actions. His punishment is a fair one, and he accepts it with humility and grace.

"With a two-third Majority vote, the Wizengamot has decided that you will spend two weeks in—" Cassius started as if the world around had frozen.

"Azkaban."

Albus gasps at the shocking verdict, shocked that the boy would be sent to a dark and terrible place like Azkaban. He knows that it is meant to be a punishment, but it seems too cruel and harsh considering the circumstances. Albus looks at the boy with concern, wanting to take the boy into his arms and comfort him.

Aurors carried, letting him lean on them as Cassius processed his sentence.

Once the room was empty, Minister Jenkins Came to Albus. "I don't know how I can apologize, Headmaster."

Albus sighs, his face filled with disappointment and concern for the boy's wellbeing. "You need not apologize, Minister. The Wizengamot has decided, and you are merely carrying out their verdict. But I must express my disagreement with the decision. What he did was foolish, yes, but it was done for good reason. He loved his sister and desired to heal her pain. Punishment is needed to deter such practices, I grant you. But Azkaban? It is no place for a boy like this."

Jerkin gulped. "I know, but there has been a rise in blood purists, and the houses like black and then other the lighthouses and some of the elected changed their mind once they learned he was a Slytherin it's just moronic."

Albus nods, he understands the circumstances and how the Wizengamot could be swayed by popular opinion. But he disagrees with the judgment nonetheless. He believes that the boy is a good soul, who made an honest mistake. The fact that he was a Slytherin should not factor into the decision. In his view, the boy's character should be of primary concern, not his house affiliation.

"I did my best, if it's any consolation they agreed to not mark this in his records after Hogwarts." Albus nods his head in acknowledgment.

"It is not the end of the world, I suppose. He can turn this unfortunate event into a learning experience. And indeed, not having a permanent record with the government agencies will be advantageous. Still, the entire experience has been traumatic for the boy. I only hope he can recover from this and move forward in his life with renewed confidence."

"Yes, there has been word of some dark lord calling himself Voldemort, after this he will be a target for recruitment for his side, but I trust he will make the right decision."

Albus nods. "I have been keeping an eye on these dark forces, the rise of Voldemort. I am not afraid of the boy, he is intelligent and resourceful. Even if the dark lord himself came to him, I have faith that he would not yield to temptation and would refuse any evil overtures. He has already proven his character in this instance."

"I know I won't be here when that happens. There have been talks of sacking me since I haven't been able to get a grip of these fringe groups."

"It would be a shame if you lost your position due to the actions of dark forces on which you have little control. I believe that you have done an admirable job in your tenure so far, and I hope that you will be allowed to continue leading the ministry. You know that I would be happy to support you, should that time come."

"I tried my best to talk them down to two weeks, most of them wanted him in Azkaban for a month."

"You are to be commended for your valiant work. Indeed, two weeks is far more merciful than a whole month. Still, I disagree with the whole decision. A fine could have been levied against the boy, or a warning issued. But Azkaban? It is too far."

Jenkin sighed. "Still, here give this to him. He's not a criminal so his allowed to bring his school summer homework and a study aide." She offered a bar of chocolate. "I'm not allowed to interact with him so please give him my condolences."

Albus nods, taking the bar of chocolate from her. He believes that the child would appreciate this small gesture of kindness. He would be devastated after suffering such a harsh ruling by the courts of law, and any token of sympathy would be welcomed. He would pass this on to the boy, and let him know that he had Jenkin's condolences. No matter what she said, he would try his best to ensure that such a young student did not suffer long-term damage from this unfair and unjust penalty.

Cassius sat in the holding cell, while the Aurors prepared the port key to Azkaban. Cassius was humming a lullaby, fiddling with his finger, fighting the anxiety.

Albus would approach the boy, his expression of empathy and sympathy clear. He would wait until the boy stopped humming and calmed down, avoiding the abruptness of surprising him while distracted. He would then offer a few comforting words. He knew that the boy must be filled with nervousness and uncertain feelings regarding his upcoming stay in Azkaban.

"headmaster?" He said with a solemn smile, fighting back the fear and terror he felt. "It's good for someone who isn't moody."

Albus nodded, returning his smile with one of equal somberness. "I am glad it is I, as well. I have come to give you this..." Albus offered the bar of chocolate to the boy, his gaze softening as he thought of Jenkin's message for him. His compassion and empathy were apparent, yet he was also not trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation.

Cassius took it and looked at it. "The only thing in this world that doesn't disappoint." He with a somber expression.

Albus laughed, trying to light up the mood a little. It was a grim situation, but he did not want the boy's spirits to break before his sentence had even begun. "It is indeed a rarity to find something worth trusting in these troubled times. But I am sure this bar of chocolate will bring you some comfort and solace during this terrible ordeal. It will help make the time pass a little quicker, and provide you with a small distraction from your surroundings."

Cassius nodded pocketing the chocolate bar. "Sweets were always the only things that never disappointed me, clothes always too baggy or sewn together, father is a drunk who yells and curses at me, the mother cares but is weak, but sweets, they're always what you accept of them." He looked at Albus. "Are the dementors as Monstrous as the rumors tell?"

Albus' expression grew more somber again, his tone becoming quieter and more solemn. "The dementors are as grotesque and horrible as their tales suggest. They are creatures of pure darkness and misery, who thrive on the suffering and despair of others. In addition to draining away all of a person's happiest memories, they can also cause nightmares and visions of unimaginable horrors. They are indeed quite monstrous"

He chuckled. "They sound like my father."

Albus could not help but smile at the boy's comment, which while funny and apt, was also a little sad as he knew the truth behind the joke. "I suppose they are, in some ways. They seek to suck a person's soul and happiness out of them, just as your father sucks the happiness out of you with his cruelty and bitterness. But I have faith in your resilience and tenacity. I believe you will overcome even the dementors' influence and emerge stronger on the other side."

Cassius focused on him. "Is there a way to destroy a dementor?"

Albus' expression grew thoughtful. "There are ways to defend against a dementor and prevent them from draining your joy and happiness. But a completely successful and foolproof method for defeating one has not yet been discovered. I will say, however, that on rare occasions, some wizards have been known to be able to produce the Patronus charm, that being a magical barrier against their powers."

"What if one created a creature that fed off one's sadness and despair?" He asked thoughtfully. "If dementors can exist there could be a way to create creatures of opposite disposition."

Albus considered the idea for a moment, intrigued by the possibilities it held. He nodded slowly, thinking through the potential of such a concept. "You are correct. It may indeed be possible to create a creature that feeds off of negativity, in much the same way that a dementor feeds off of happiness and positive emotions. Such a creature would be an antidote to the darkness and despair of a dementor, and would perhaps even be a useful tool in the fight against them."

"It would take a great deal of knowledge of magic to do so." He sighed. "I guess I will have time to study these creatures to create their opposites."

Auror Alastor Moody entered the room. "Cassius, your port key is ready." Cassius stood up and the second Auror led Cassius to the port key. "He's going dark I can bet on it." Albus would nod his head solemnly, keeping his concerns to himself. He did not disagree with Moody's assessment of the situation; the boy was certainly going to be surrounded by darkness and despair for an extended period. It would be a difficult journey for him, that much was true. Still, he maintained his faith in Cassius' ability to weather the storm.

As Cassius walked through the front door, his eyes appeared to be deeply sunken into his skull. His face was marked with dirt and grime, and his gaze seemed unfocused and distant as if lost in thought.

Cassius' mother and Severus led him to a bed. "Cass?" Jully asked worriedly. Eileen looked at Jully and Sev.

"Talk to him, he needs all the attention he can get, I can't believe they could be cruel." Eileen said before leaving the room.

"Cass, what happened?" Cassius' eyes widened.

Authors note: feed me review, give reviews.