Chapter Twenty-Five

The Hearing

A/N: This is slightly shorter than normal, for which I apologize. Please read the end notes for more information. Thank you.

Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OC's. Remember, I will occasionally use quotes from both the books or movie, depending on the scene; I do not own direct quotes or phrases.

~ oOo ~

"Aurora!"

Turning, the woman wasn't surprised to see the infamous three calling for her. Having just stepped off the bridge, Harry, Ron and Hermione caught up to her position. Smiling at her students, she ruffled harry's hair as she glanced at all of them.

"I see you two," she pointed to Ron and Hermione. "Stayed for the holidays."

"Yeah, we didn't want to leave Harry behind," the young witch offered, stealing a peak at her friend.

This had Aurora smiling even more, pulling her coat tighter against her frame. "Well that's very sweet of you! So what brings you out here into the cold?"

"We wanted to see Hagrid," Ron answered. "He's seemed down lately so we wanted to stop by."

"Then come with me! I was just headed there myself." Stepping pas the unknown stone formation, the four o them carefully maneuvered through the snow down the steep mountain path.

"So what made you want to see Hagrid too, Aurora?" Harry asked.

"I agree with what Ron said and was thinking the same. Hagrid seems to be sad and I thought he'd like a cup of tea and some company."

They fell silent, all wondering and hoping their giant friend was doing alright. Trekking through his snow covered garden, Aurora knocked on the door. No sound came from inside the home. Peeking back at the students, Aurora knock again, tapping her knuckles against the thick, heavy wood.

"Hagrid! You've got some visitors who'd like to see you! Are you there?"

Nothing. Even after a few minutes, there were no sounds. Knocking once more, Aurora was about to turn to the others when the sound of Fang barking lulled her attention back to the door. Heavy footsteps entered their ears as the door suddenly opened revealing their friend on the other side.

"Hello," the giant muttered, keeping the door open as he walked back inside.

Allowing the students to enter first, Aurora closed the door behind her. As the three claim their usual seats around the living room, Aurora stood next to Hagrid.

"Hey," she said softly. "We've missed you. Is everything alright?"

Hagrid shook his head. "Did Albus send ya 'ere?"

"No? Why would he? What's going on?"

Lifting his hand, Aurora first noticed the seal from the Ministry on the parchment. Taking it into her own hands, she glanced at the others, curious to know what it was. Quickly reading through the contents, Aurora's mouth fell open, only for a hand to cover her lips.

"Aurora? What does it say?" Hermione asked, voice full of concern as she glanced at her professor. Knowing Hagrid would want them to understand the situation, she thus read the entire letter:

"Dear Mr. Hagrid,

Further to our inquiry into the attack by a hippogriff on a student in your class, we have accepted the assurances of Professor Dumbledore that you bear no responsibility for the regrettable incident."

"But that's…that's good then, right?" Ron ignorantly asked; Aurora merely shook her head and continued reading.

"However, we must register our concern about the hippogriff in question. We have decided to uphold the official complaint of Mr. Lucius Malfoy, and this matter will therefore be taken to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. The hearing will take place on April 20th, and we ask you to resent yourself and your hippogriff at the Committee's offices in London on that date. In the meantime, the hippogriff should be kept tethered and isolated. Yours in fellowship…Hmm…it only lists the school governors after that."

"Oh," Ron said. "But you said Buckbeak isn't a bad Hippogriff, I bet he'll get off!"

"Yeh don' understand, Ron. Those monsters are the Committee for the Disposal o' Dangerous Creatures - they's only got it in for interestin' creatures!" It was quiet for a moment, all eyes peering at Buckbeak in the corner, chewing on something delicious as it paid them no heed.

"Well then," Aurora stated. She folded the letter, placed it back on the table then crossed her arms. "I've been in the works with these three right here. You'll need a strong defense, and I'm fairly certain we'll be able to give you just that!"

"She's right, Hagrid! I've been reading non-stop books from the library on magical creatures and different cases throughout the years. I don't see why you won't win. It was a class lesson and Malfoy went against your own instruction on how to properly approach a hippogriff."

Harry interjected, holding his chin in thought. "What's the purpose of this class if there's the possibility we could get hurt?"

"You've got a point, Harry. It's true. I mean, I saved myself several times during my travels because of what I learned through this class. This…committee is in the wrong. And we'll show them, Hagrid. I promise." Aurora placed a hand on the giants shoulder, who had grown quiet, listening intently to his friends.

"Er…shall I make a cup of tea?" Ron said through the silence. Harry and Hermione merely stared at him. "It's what my mom does when someone's upset!" he exclaimed.

"Tha' sounds lovely, Ron," Hagrid admitted, blowing his nose in what seemed to be a tablecloth sized handkerchief. In no time at all, Ron had the water boiling, pouring in Hagrid's favorite mix as he handed the giant cup to his friend. Sipping the warm, tea water, the giant placed it onto the table, smacking his lips. "Alrigh', it seems I gotta pull meself together." From his spot across the room, Fang walked over to Hagrid, placing his muzzle into his owner's lap. Aurora smiled at the gesture, bending down to scratch the dog's ears.

"There's bus' so much goin' on this year. I don' think the students are liking me classes…then there's the Dementors…makes me feel like I'm back in Azkaban."

Swallowing, Aurora finally took a seat. This was a subject the two hadn't discussed at all. It was during the time she was petrified and had no knowing the poor giant was imprisoned for a crime he hadn't even committed fifty-years ago. "It's…not the prettiest there, huh?" she stupidly asked.

"No' at all, Aurora, no' at all…Never been anywhere like it. Thought I was goin' mad. Kep' goin' over horrible stuff in me mind…the day I got expelled from Hogwarts…day me dad died…day I had to let Norbert go…"

"Oh Hagrid…" she rubbed a hand against his arm.

"Yeh can't really remember who yeh are after a while. An yeh can' see the point o' livin' at all. I used her hope I'd jus' die in me sleep…When they let me out, it was like bein' born again, ev'rythin' came flooding back, it was the bes' feelin' in the world. Mind, the Dementors weren't keen on letting' me go."

"But you were innocent!" the four of them roared.

"Think that matters to them? The Dementors don' care. As long as they go' there humans to leech the happiness out of 'em, they don' care whether they be innocent or no'."

"I wasn't there last time," Aurora suddenly said. Truthfully, she wanted Hagrid to stop speaking of Azkaban, in fear of the memories he was riling up. "I wasn't there to defend you when I was petrified, but I'm the perfect witness you have. Not only was I there, I'm another Professor who you asked for assistance to make sure the students knew, full well, what they were getting into with hippogriffs."

"Tha'…tha' is true, Aurora. I haven' really though' abou' yeh being there but…you wouln' mind, would ya?"

"Of course not!" The woman suddenly stood to her feet. Draco wasn't seriously hurt, and Lucius has no right to do this to a magical creature, especially when said creature is part of the damn curriculum you have to teach!" Blushing, the woman covered her mouth, sitting back down. "I-I apologize. This whole situation has me riled up. It makes me sick."

Hagrid gently patted her leg. "Yeh are the nices' friend anyone coul' ask for, Aurora. I thank you."

"No thanks is needed, Hagrid. You've always been a close friend of mine, and you helped me a lot after my father died when I was still in school. It's time I pay you back for that kindness. I promise, we'll save Buckbeak."

~ oOo ~

With the holidays now gone and past, the weeks after Christmas were such a blur for Severus and Aurora. Though they spent as much time together as they could, there still wasn't enough in the day or night to be with each other as much as they wanted. Creating potions for Remus; extra patrols at night because of Sirius Black; then let's not forget the day-to-day activities of being a Professor. They accepted all and every duty that was placed upon their feet.

Didn't mean they liked it.

With weeks now gone, Hogwarts ground had blossomed from a snowy castle into a fair spring. The snow had melted, flowers were blooming once more, leaving the students in high spirits as the term would soon come to an end. For some, it would be drastic. Others, it would be magical.

Having spent the last week grading exams and papers, Severus had stayed inside his chambers whilst Aurora either helped or took on patrols through the night. As before the Holidays, she was now keeping an eye on her health, letting Severus know when the patrols were becoming to much, so she wouldn't have another collapse. For the most part, she was simply tired and hadn't had another accident. For this, Severus was grateful. Still, despite the way Second Term had been fairly easy, there was something within the air.

Buckbeak's Hearing.

Severus knew Aurora would be attending, as did the rest of the staff. Once she learned of the date, Aurora informed Albus she would be unavailable that day as she would be in London with Hagrid all day. The Headmaster obliged with her request, knowing she was a witness and wanted to be there on her own accord. In the evenings she had spare time, she would work on her defense. Some nights she would have Severus glance over her notes, other nights, she practiced her speech in front of the man to prepare her wits and mentality. Aurora hadn't gone in front of a committee since the meeting with Fudge years prior regarding Sapphire. This was to be all new to the woman.

One night in late March, Severus had taken on the nightly patrols, as he was to scour the top half of the castle. Having kissed Aurora goodnight, he left the woman in their chambers where she would stay warm, cuddled in their bed with her animals until he returned several hours later. Each and every time she attempted to wait for him, though it never worked in the woman's favor. She would always grow too tired and would wind up having fallen asleep. Severus has caught her passed out on the couch, in their bed, even upon the table one time.

Chuckling as he maneuvered through the castle, Severus smiled to himself. Hw allowed himself to do such an action as he was all alone. The portraits surrounding him? Oh they were all asleep. Even if they had seen the man smile, they knew not to speak about the man cloaked in black.

Regardless, the man trudged through the castle. Some corridors he used his wand for light, others, there was enough from the bright moon outside he could adjust his eyes to see in the dark. Tonight was no different. As he trekked from one long hallway into another, he flicked his wrist, causing the light at the tip of his wand to extinguish. All he had heard throughout the night was the whispers of the wind through the old castle, as well as the loud snoring from some of the portraits. Able to withstand such sounds, there was one in particular he wasn't used to on his nightly patrols.

Footsteps.

Increasing his speed, the wizard was sure he heard mumbling, even noticing the flicker of light just as he rounded the corner. He knew it was a student, and could only guess exactly who it could be.

"Mischief Managed…Nox."

Oh he knew that voice. He knew that voice indeed.

Igniting the light once more form his wand, there the boy stood. "Potter. What're you doing wandering the corridors at night?"

"I was sleepwalking."

Tch, of course you were, the wizard couldn't help but think. "Extraordinarily like your father, you are Potter. He too was exceedingly arrogant. Strutting about the castle."

"My dad didn't strut. And nor do I. Now if you don't mind, I would appreciate it if you could lower your wand."

And so, Severus did just that. He dropped his found several inches until it was focused on the pouch of the boy's sweatshirt. "Turn out your pockets." When Harry didn't do as instructed, Severus stated his order once more. "Turn out, your pockets." And when Harry did so, Severus couldn't understand exactly what the boy withdrew. Why was he carrying such a thing around this late at night? "What's this?"

"…spare bit of parchment," Harry stated, matter of fact.

"Really? Open it." As Harry had done so, Severus dropped his wand onto the folded parchment, watching as ink appeared as he said, "Reveal…your secrets." As the ink began to unfold, Severus could make out words and designs, bit exactly knowing what it said. "Go on…read it."

Glancing upward at his professor once, Harry then read, "Messers Mooney, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, offer their compliments to Professor Snape. And…" He stared upward at his teacher not sure if he sure actually read what was on the paper.

"Go on."

"…and request that he keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business."

"Why you insolent, little…!"

"Professor."

Quickly turning around, Severus was met with that of Remus Lupin. "Well, well…Lupin. Out for a walk…in the moonlight?"

Remus merely tilted his head, turning to see Harry behind his colleague. "Harry, are you alright?"

"That remains to be seen." Snatching the parchment from Harry's hands, he turned to Remus. "I have just now confiscated a rather curious artifact from Mr. Potter. Take a look, Lupin, it's supposed to be your area of expertise. Because clearly it's full of dark magic."

"I seriously doubt it, Severus, it looks to me as if it's merely a parchment designed to insult anyone who tries to read it. I suspect it's a Zonko product. Nevertheless," Remus quickly stated as Severus moved to try and capture the parchment from his colleague's hands. "I will investigate any hidden qualities it may possess, it is after all, you say, my area of expertise. Harry, would you come with me, please? Professor? Goodnight."And then the two were gone, leaving Severus alone to watch their backs disappear into the night.

"Are you deaf? Put that light out!"

Begrudgingly, Severus did as the portrait snapped. Flicking his wrist the light flipped off, sending the man into total darkness. As it was nearing the end of his patrol, Severus decided he was done. Trekking down towards the dungeons, he defended the steps in a fit of rage, wondering if Aurora would still be awake. As it was a Friday evening, there was the possibility she might. Severus wanted to discuss the even that just occurred, not knowing what the woman would say.

Nearly throwing the portrait door open, Severus hastily walked inside. Cloak thrown over the back of his chair, the wizard noticed Aurora was laying on the couch, peacefully sleeping. Arm draped over her chest, Merlin lay upon h er stomach whilst Sapphire curled on the armchair behind her head. If his mood wasn't as dark as it was, he would propose to capture the moment in a picture. Shaking his head, the scowl returned.

Gently lifted Merlin from his perch, Severus received a slight meow in return as the cat was then placed onto the table. Lifting Aurora into his arms, Severus knew he would not be able to have the conversation he wanted, so he decided it was best to leave it until the morning. Carrying the woman into the bedroom, he placed Aurora on her side, staring in wonder as she curled into her pillow. Pajamas already on her small frame, the wizard covered the witch in the black comforter, leaving her side to change.

Hastily removing his one frock, Severus threw the garments across the room, not giving a damn where they landed. Donning a t-shirt and flannel bottoms, the wizard rested his head against the pillow, a sigh escaping past his lips as a smile soon formed. Aurora had curled from her side into her arms.

"Mmm…what're you doing back already?"

Eyes cast downward, Severus was surprised to see Aurora awake, blinking into the night. He sighed. "My patrol was almost over, so I decided just to come back."

Yawning, she curled tighter into the wizard. "Alright what happened."

"What do you mean?"

"You usually stay out later than your assigned patrol." She yawned again, rubbing her eyes awake. "So, what happened that caused you to come back?"

"And what if I just wanted to see you?"

"As cute as that is, I know you're lying."

Severus rolled his eyes. "I don't even want to ask…ugh, fine. I ran into Potter in one of the corridors on the third floor."

This awoke the woman even more. Sitting up onto her elbow, she stared at the man. "Harry? What was he doing out of bed this late?"

"I wondered the same thing. However, he had some strange folded parchment hidden in his sweatshirt, and when I tried to discover what it was, ink appeared on the page. Do you even know what it said?"

"I can only guess."

"It said the codenames for Lupin and his friends when they were students."

Rolling to sit cross-legged, Aurora also folded her arms, head tilted to the side. "You mean…like Padfoot and Mooney?"

"Yes those exact names!" Severus roared.

Holding her hands up in defense, the woman flinched. "Hey now, I haven't done anything. So what happened?"

"…then Potter read the rest of the message. It said my name specifically and that I needed to…" Severus cast his face away, muttering the rest of his sentence. "…that I needed to keep my abnormally large nose out of other peoples business."

A hand gripped his face, turning his attention back towards Aurora. She was smiling, a finger reaching upward to trace the contour of his abnormally large nose. "I love this nose. And it is not abnormally large!" The woman seemed infuriated, and Severus could understand. He knew she didn't like it when others complained about his features, despite the wizard being used to such words.

"You love this nose, but I don't."

"Your opinion on the matter doesn't count; as long as I love it, that's all that matters."

"…Lupin suddenly showed up."

Aurora knew he was just changing the subject, and allowed him to do thus. "Remus? What was he doing there?"

"I have no idea, but he was there. I took the parchment from Potter and gave it to Lupin, saying it was his area of expertise to investigate the item. He claimed it was merely a product from Zonkos and then took Potter away."

"…so why're you still seething?"

"Because I know it wasn't from Zonkos. I doubt Potter knew the nicknames his father and his friends gave each other, but for the parchment to state their names? Something doesn't sit right with me."

"And why would that be?"

Severus inhaled sharply, his glance peering at her. "Because I know it's the map Potter and his friends made while in school."

"Wow. Y-You think?" Aurora shuddered, remembering exactly what map he was referring to. Most Gryffindors, no matter what year, knew of the map, they just hadn't seen to confirm it actually existed. "How would Harry have gotten his hands on it though? I mean, I doubt it was just given to him at random."

"I'm not sure, but if that is the map, I don't want Potter to have it at all."

Aurora tilted her head again. "…and why not?" This made Severus frown. "Come on, the boy deserves something from his father."

"He already has the Invisibility Cloak."

"So? That's one thing; he gets one item that belonged to his parents? Come on, that's cruel Severus. The boy deserves more than that."

"It's just going to give him to right to wander around the castle without anyone knowing!"

She chuckled. "Well, whoever had it before him had been doing so already. Severus, students sneak out and use the infinite number of secret passages all the time. Just let Harry have this one item, and leave it be, alright?"

An eyebrow raised slightly at her comment. "Why so eager to give it to him, Aurora?"

Another roll of the eyes. "Alright, let me put this into perspective. Say, in the future, we have kids, alright?" His cheeks instantly turned red, head cast away from the sudden thought. "And what if both you and I were to die, leaving them all alone? Wouldn't you want your own children to have something of yours to remember you by?"

"I…I mean…"

"Well?"

"Tch, would we ever have kids though? Aurora, I would be the worst parent out there."

"No you wouldn't, you'd be the best because you know what the worst is from experience. And don't try and change the subject!" She lightly smacked the man's arm. "It's a simple question. Wouldn't you want them to have something?"

Taking several breaths, Severus was trying delay the inevitable. But Aurora wasn't having it as she tapped he fingers against his leg, waiting for his answer. So he gave it. "…yes, you're right. I would want our children to have something to remember me by."

"Good! I knew that's who you would answer."

"Then why ask me?!"

"Because you needed to say it yourself," she said. "Listen…I know you suspect my close relationship with Harry, I cannot deny that. But I also empathize with him. The only difference between us is he was a baby when he lost his parents and I was older. But we still lost our parents and only want what was theirs to be ours."

Rubbing his brow, Severus exhaled. "I will never understand why you're so protective over the bot, but…fine. I'll drop the matter. But if I find he is overusing the map, I will confiscate it."

"And I will support you if the time ever comes."

~ oOo ~

And so, second term continued on, and before Aurora could realize, the end of April had finally arrived, which only meant one thing:

Buckbeak's Hearing.

She had worked extensively with Harry, Ron, Hermione and Hagrid to confirm exactly what happened, the situation and their defense. Aurora even coached Hagrid on how to answer their questions and what he should say. It seemed to work. The closer the specified dat grew, the more confident, and scared, the gentle giant grew.

On the morning of the twentieth, Aurora had prepared herself in a different attire, stepping before Severus to determine if she looked appropriate for the part. Twirling, she glanced aside to the mirror. She had donned a black dress, albeit, very similar to what she wore on a day-to-day basis, with a bow belt tightly wrapped around her waist. Black pumps and her jacket, she was ready for the Hearing. Severus gave his approval, handing her all the notes she had collected. Kissing her for good luck, Aurora made her way towards Hagrid's hut where she apparated them straight towards London.

Maneuvering through the crows within the Ministry of Magic was relatively easy with Hagrid by Aurora's side. The crowd moved out of the way

"So, where are we ta go, Aurora?"

Glancing at the watch on my wrist, Aurora noted where had more than enough time before the beginning of the Hearing. Glancing at her head whilst still maneuvering through the cluster of witches and wizards, she finally said, "We need to head to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, which is…on the ninth floor. From there we…" She held a copy of the secondary notice hearing letter Hagrid had received just a few weeks ago, a reminder of the hearing along with the location. "We are to proceed to room forty-seven upon arrival. Once there, we will be instructed when to enter the room."

Ya soun' like ye've done this before."

"Unfortunately I have. When I pleaded against my own Hearing regarding Sapphire so I could keep her with me at all times. And, as you can see, that worked in our favor."

"Tha' it did. She's a very good dragon."

She patted her friends arm. "I know you miss Norbert…I'm sorry Sapphire reminds you of him."

"Tis ok, Aurora. Norbert needed to be with his own kind. Sapphire couldn't, which is why she's with you, am I right?"

The witch nodded as they continued to trek through the crowd, finally making their way towards the elevators which were finally in sight. "She wouldn't eat as a baby unless I fed her, and she wouldn't leave my side. You know, after we fin this hearing, how about we hit the Leaky Cauldron and order a drink for winning?"

"Yeh really think we'll win?"

"With me as a witness and all the research I've done with our three young friends, I'd be utterly surprised if we didn't."

Silence fell upon the two friends and they traversed the elevator, leading them deep into the pit of the Ministry of Magic. Thankfully with Hagrid's size, they were the only two in the elevator, giving Aurora ample enough time to calm her ever-beating heart. As the elevator doors dinged, she stepped out first, waiting for Hagrid to maneuver his way out the doors. Trudging through the musty hall, they walked. The clicks of their shoes the only sound made through the defining silence of what was to happen.

How long would the hearing last? Would Lucius even be there? What about Draco? He was involved in the incident, but not his father.

Questions, questions and more questions filled the witches mind. Palms grew sweaty, her heart erupted with caution inside her chest. Breathing as deeply she could, Aurora tried to calm herself when Hagrid must've sensed a change in her demeanor.

Hand clamped lights on her shoulder, he whispered, "Don' worry so much, Aurora. We'll be jus' fine."

"Yes…yes you're right Hagrid. Thank you."

As they trekked towards the appropriate room, Aurora noticed a figured standing outside of room forty-seven. It was Cornelius Fudge. "Head snapping to attention at the sound of their footsteps, he weakly nodded, taking note of Hagrid's attire. What did the Minister of Magic expect a half-giant to wear to a Hearing? A classic two-piece dress robes? No, Hagrid was perfect the way he was with his ever-so furry brown coat and pole-dotted tie. Aurora loved it as he was still trying his best to be presentable and professional regarding the incident.

Cornelius nodded to the half-giant. "Hagrid, thank you for being here on time. And, Aurora! It's good to see you, I didn't think you'd be here to watch the Hearing."

"No sir, I'm Hagrid's witness today as I was there the day of the incident."

The Minister's face fell slightly at her words. "O-Oh? Well, I am glad you came for Hagrid's defense. Right now, the Committee members are preparing themselves, so sit tight right here. We will call you shortly."

Aurora bowed her head. "Thank you, Minister." She could feel Hagrid lean down towards her ear.

"Is tha' why ya didn' want to tell them you were comin'?"

"That's exactly why," the woman smiled evilly, voice quiet as she responded. "There's no restriction regarding who can and cannot attend a hearing. By suddenly appearing, they're not ready for my opinion in the matter regarding what I saw. It gives us an advantage. Did you see the way the Minister's face when I said I'm a witness?" Hagrid nodded. "That's the response I was looking for."

'Well, well, look who we have here."

Sharply turning, low and behold, Aurora noticed Lucius standing off to the side, his walking stick- wand held tightly within his grasp. Nodding slightly, Aurora said, "Lucius. I didn't think you'd be here."

"Of course I'd be here, Aurora. Why would I want to miss such an event? I mean," Lucius turned his attention over to Hagrid, who was silently seething. "You're beast of an animal injured my son."

"Las' I checked, he didn' follow proper instructions, Mr. Malfoy."

The white-haired man tilted his head. "Oh, did he not? Or was it you were incompetent to give a proper lesson?"

"You watch your - !"

Aurora held up her hand. "Lucius," she stepped forward, notes held tightly against her. "I would please advise you to leave Hagrid alone. He is suffering enough from this unnecessary trial of yours."

"Unnecessary?" Lucius seemed bewildered at her statement. "You do realize my son was injured because of this monster, correct?"

"I am well aware, I was the one to examine his injury. But for now, you'l just have to wait for my defense because I'm not just here to support my friend. I'm here as his witness." And just as the reaction with the Minister, Lucius, too, recoiled slightly.

"Excuse me?" Turning to see one of the Committee members open the door, the woman stared directly at Hagrid. "We're ready for you now, Follow me, please. Mr. Malfoy, you can enter from the opposite side for the bench seats."

Cloak trailing behind him as Lucius left, Aurora followed Hagrid into the large, circular room. Similar to the Hearing she attended previously, the back wall was for those who wanted to attend as a visitor, which is where Lucius was currently seated. The from section was for all the Committee members, which, as of then, was full to its max. The central round section had one chair specifically designed for the one individual who was to be questioned. And any all witnesses were to sit off too the side.

The Committee member turned towards Aurora and Hagrid. Please wait off to the side. Hagrid, we'll call on you in one moment."

"Thank you," he nodded his head. Taking their seats off to the side, the two waited when a booming voice echoed across the room.

"Mr. Hagrid, please step forward and take the seat in the center of the room." Cornelius called from his center seat within the Committee. Boots pounding against the floor, he managed to sit in the seat provided as the Committee saw to give the man a seat he could actually sit in. "Mr. Hagrid, please state your full name and occupation for the Committee members."

"Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Games at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as well as the teacher fer Care o' Magical Creatures."

"Thank you, Mr. Hagrid."

"Please," the half-giant interjected. "Jus' Hagrid."

Cornelius seemed surprise, though let the man's statement slide. "Of course. Appearing before the court, you wished to defend yourself, is that correct?"

"Yes."

"And…" Cornelius stole a quick glance over at Aurora. "It seems you have a witness here with you today."

"Tha' is correct, sir."

"We will first interview you, and then will will interview your witness. For now, you have been brought here before this court due to an incident that involved one of your students during one of your lessons. Is this correct?"

"Yes, tha's correct." Aurora noticed Hagrid was beginning to fight in his seat, one leg unable to sit still as it bounced up and down.

"In detail, please describe the incident in its entirety."

"Well, it all started with me askin' my colleague, Professor Warrington, ta assist with me first class…"

Hagrid then spent the next several minutes describing everything he and Aurora had gone through in the days prior. He recited, perfectly mind you, all that had occurred, with him asking her to help him, all the way to the moment Draco suffered his injury. Sitting with her knees crossed, Aurora was congratulating Hagrid in his presentation and everything he remembered.

"Thank you for your explanation, Hagrid. Please, take your seat towards the side. Now, we will call Rubeus Hagrid's witness, Ms. Warrington." Clapping Hagrid on the arm as he reclaimed his seat. Maneuvering towards the center of the room, Aurora claimed the large seat, sitting on the edge so she could keep her legs crossed. "Ms. Warrington, please state your full name and occupation."

"Aurora-Nyx Helen Warrington, and I am a Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

One Committee member raised her hand. "Ms. Warrington, what is it you teach, as you teach multiple subjects, do you not?"

"Yes, that is correct. I currently teach Medicinal Potions to Second Year students, as well as a Muggle Appreciation course for First Years. However, Albus Dumbledore and I have had numerous conversations in adding an additional course for me to teach, though nothing had transpired with the concept."

"Thank you for that input."

Aurora nodded. "You're welcome."

Cornelius tapped several papers against his small desk. "Now, Ms. Warrington, as we have asked Hagrid, the Committee would appreciate your side of the story. Exactly what happened the day of the incident?"

"Well, my story won't differ any from that of Hagrid's. He asked me the night before if I would be willing to assist and watch his first class of the year. This would be his first time as a teacher and, as his friend, I wanted to be there for him. I appeared before the class started as we waited for the students to arrive when he informed me the lesson would be about Hippogriffs.

Once the students arrived, myself and the students followed Hagrid into the forest where we met the paddock where Buckbeak, the Hippogriff in question, was staying. As he left to go fetch Buckbeak, he instructed the class in how to open their textbooks, soon arriving again with the Hippogriff. Once the creature was before the class, the first fact Hagrid made towards the class was informing then that you do not insult a Hippogriff.

He then had me demonstrate not only the proper way to greet a Hippogriff, but how to properly approach one as well. As part of the lesson and what the textbook claims - "

Another Committee member, a male, interrupted Aurora. "How are you aware the classes textbook states this if you are not the Professor?"

Straightening her back, Aurora merely replied with, "I read the section. The textbook states, which we have a copy of, on page twenty-nine, 'Hippogriffs are proud creatures,'" she recited from memory. "'Never insult one. To approach a Hippogriff, gain their attention and bow. Only move when the Hippogriff has bowed back. Once it has, slowly step forward with your hand outstretch and wait for them to approach you.'

That is exactly what the textbook says. Also, I remember this lesson from when I was a Third Year student. I knew exactly what to do. So, I bowed, and Buckbeak bowed back. I waited patiently for him to approach me and petter his beak once he did so. Next, Hagrid called upon a student next to copy what I had just done. The student he called was Harry Potter who, with exemplary skills, did exactly what I had done, and Buckbeak was able to approach the student."

"We were here about the incident regarding one Mr. Draco Malfoy. Please skip to that moment in time, please, Ms. Warrington."

"I'm sorry Minister, but you asked me to provide you with all that had happened. That is why I am providing you every single detail that occurred that day." When none of the other Committee members spoke against her, Aurora continued her report. "Hagrid had Harry ride around on Buckbeak who soon returned Draco comes to play the moment Harry returned, as he pushed past all the other students and immediately approached Buckbeak. He did not bow, he did not wait for Buckbeak to approach him,. And what did he do, I ask you? He insulted Buckbeak as he walked towards him. That's the only reason Buckbeak attacked Mr. Malfoy."

All the Committee members turned towards each other, concern written across their faces. Their murmurs echoed throughout the circular hall, and only when Cornelius held his hand upward did the voices stop.

"Thank you, Ms. Warrington. Please take your seat off to the side." Face falling, Aurora new confused. THat's it? They didn't need anything else? Moving towards her previous seat, she sat next to Hagrid whose leg still bounced. Their heads turned sharply to the Committee members when the Minister slammed on his gavel several times on the wooden desk. "I believe the Committee has heard all valuable knowledge that will be necessary in coming to a conclusion. Hagrid, Mr, Warrington, we ask that you step outside while we convene; we'll call you back once we have made a decision.

Glancing at Hagrid, they stood, slowly making there way through the same door they entered, knowing full well there were stares penetrating their backs. Once the door had closed, Aurora wanted to talk. She needed to talk. Something in her wanted to speak with Hagrid because something wasn't sitting right with her heart. They should've asked more questions than gaining two testimonies and that was it.

She was sure Lucius Malfoy had something to do with it. It was slightly conspicuous how he was the only other individual in the room that was not part of the case. He was the sole individual to watch the Hearing as there was no one else there. That specifically gave Aurora goosebumps. Sure, the wizard wasn't part of the school board anymore, but if he could threaten all of the school governors to sign a letter of resignation against Dumbledore, there wasn't anything that could stop Lucius in gaining what he wanted. And if he wanted Buckbeak taken care of, then there really wasn't any point in the Hearing.

They'd already lost.

"Hagrid, Ms. Warrington, we're ready for you to return."

Aurora hadn't even heard the door open. Stepping once more, the Committee member who guided them back inside instructed Hagrid to stand in the middle of the room whereas Aurora was sent to her seat off to the side. Something was definitely strange, and Aurora was sure he gut was screaming the truth.

Clearing his throat, the Minister whacked his gavel lightly to gain the attention of everyone in the room. "Rubeus Hagrid, as stated earlier, you have been summoned to this court regarding the beastly behavior of one 'Buckbeak', the hippogriff in your care. This Hearing was called to determine whether the creature has become a threat to the students at Hogwarts School. By order of this court and its Committee members, we declare the verdict as thus…"

~ oOo ~

When the two had apparated back, they headed straight for Hagrid's cottage, not so surprised to see the infamous three already waiting for them to arrive. Not wanting a cup of tea, Hagrid led Aurora and the younger three into the forest to the lakes edge. Immediately Aurora took a seat away from the others, her bare feet reading the water as she sat in silence. The younger three weren't sure how to take this.

"How'd it go Hagrid? Aurora? What happened at the Hearing?" Hermione questioned as she, Harry and Ron all stood on the shore bank whilst Hagrid resumed his position inside the lake. Aurora didn't answer. The only movement she gave was waddling her feet into the icy water.

"Well, first off, the Committee members took turns talkin' about why we were there. Bah! As if we didn' know that already!" Aurora wanted to snicker. Her voice grew into a small smile then quickly fell. With the rocks in his hand, Hagrid tossed one, the smooth stone jumping across the water in perfect motion. "And then I got up and did my peace, and said how Buckbeak was a good hippogriff, always cleaned his feathers! And then Lucius Malfoy got up…well you can imagine he said…'Buckbeak was a deadly and dangerous creature who would kill as soon as he look at ya'."

He threw another rock.

"And then?" Hermione asked.

When Hagrid didn't say anything, the three turned towards Aurora who, from her position on the nearest rock, brought her knees up to her chest, head falling down in silence.

"And then he asked for the worst, that Lucius…"

"They're not sacking you, are they?" Ron questioned. I shook my head, knowing they were glancing between the two of us.

"No, I'm not sacked…"

"Buckbeak's been sentenced to death!" Aurora merely cried. That's all she could do knowing she failed.

What kind of witch was she if she couldn't even save one magical creature?

~ oOo ~

I did not even try to edit this chapter. It is very raw, so please don't say anything if you see any mistakes. With that now comes the part where I cry.

I have had…an extremely horrible week. My eldest cat of 20 years (!) is not doing good at all and I have decided that it is time. I will be putting her down in a few days. Considering the topic of this chapter, I was having a very difficult time writing all that I wanted to, so if certain sections seem out of place, I wanted to get this chapter done, posted and out of the way.

Please as my faithful readers, and any who are new, please leave a nice comment, something to lift my spirits. I would love something, anything that could make me smile. I know I generally say "please review!", but not like this.

If not, I love you all the same. Your reads, favs, kudos, hearts, any and everything always make me happy. I write because I'm good at it. Which is why, during this difficult time, I forced myself to get this chapter out as a way to cope.

Thank any and all who are reading this. I needed to vent and you have given me that.

DragonGoddess629