The Order of the Pheonix
Chapter Nine
Amestris
Trial of Sirius Black
Sirius was relieved when his trial resumed the next day, even with the Fuhrer and Lt. Fuhrer missing. No one had given him any updates on the situation, but he assumed if they believed him involved with Dumbledore's scheme there at least would have been added charges if not delays until Dumbledore was found.
He was further relieved to learn the missing girl had been found, as his lawyer informed him as everyone was getting settled. Filius, however, did not arrive to sit beside him. No one from his world arrived. His lawyer had informed him that the council had been given a transcript of his interview while using the truth potion and that they may ask him further questions regarding that interview. Otherwise, it was likely they would find a ruling before the end of the morning.
He assumed they would be keeping him in prison. At least it was more pleasant than Azkaban. He hoped that they didn't send him back there, or to a similar one here. Over a decade at the hands of Dementors had nearly torn apart his mind. His musings were interrupted by the arrival of General Armstrong, the trial was once again ready to start.
Surprisingly, Narcissa came in as it was sitting just behind him. When he glanced at her in surprise, she offered him a small smile. Armstrong then called out her name as 'Narcissa Black' instead of Malfoy, surprising him further. He had heard rumors she had left Lucius while Lucius was in prison but hadn't expected to hear she had returned to her maiden name.
"Miss Black, you informed the court that you wish to testify that this man is not a Death Eater?" Armstrong asked after she sat in the front.
"Yes. My former husband, Lucius Malfoy, was a high-ranking member of the Death Eaters. He frequently hosted meetings during my pregnancy with our son, and Sirius Black was never among those who arrived. Even the spy, Peter Pettigrew, arrived once for a private meeting, but never Sirius Black."
"You would recognize Mr. Black even in passing?" the lawyer asked.
"Yes. We did attend Hogwarts at the same time, and he is my cousin." Narcissa replied. "We were not a loving close family, but we did know each other."
"Are you, or were you, a Death Eater yourself?" Armstrong asked with a completely neutral tone.
"No. Several members of my family were, my husband was, a lot of my friends, but no I never took the Dark Mark. "Narcissa sighed. "I will not deny that had I remained with my husband it is likely I would have eventually to keep the peace, but luckily I was able to get away from him and my family."
"Miss Black, regarding these…forbidden? Curses, how familiar are you with their usage?" Armstrong asked, glancing at his notes.
"As much as any witch or wizard living under the shadow of the Dark Lord's reign. Probably more than some if I am to be honest, as my husband was his general." Narcissa said in a tired, frightened voice.
"Can you, to the best of your abilities, explain the usage of these spells." Armstrong said. "To clarify for the court this information is universal among your people."
"Of course, there are three. One can be used to control someone completely. The second is used to torture…to cause unimaginable pain. The third is simply to kill. I believe Sirius used the second and third during his fight here, but not the first."
"Thank you, madam. You may go." Armstrong said with a nod as he noted something in his file.
"Her testimony aligns with the others, as well as your own statements, this is good. It means that they will at least believe you are attempting to be honest." The lawyer whispered.
"The Council has decided to drop our concerns of the use of these forbidden spells. The legalities are not in place to condemn their usage in Amestris; however, they are merely the weapon wielded in this situation. Since we have no intention of returning the prisoner to England, we will not concern ourselves with the magical charges at this time. Now, as to the other charges, we will return after a short recess to discuss our findings. Please remain seated, we will return within five to ten minutes." Armstrong said as he rose, followed by the others.
Sirius looked to his lawyer for explanation, but the man simply continued to shuffle his files, he had other cases to aide aside from this one which was now beyond his ability to argue.
As promised, the Council returned with five seconds to spare, returned to the chamber quietly. After everyone had settled, Armstrong once again took the floor, this time for the reading of the sentence. "Sirius Black. You have been accused of breaking the barrier, attempted kidnapping, and acts of war undeclared. You have provided testimony that you acted alone, and without intent to begin an international incident. However, that said, your actions were that of a hostile force. You admit to the intent to remove a child from the custody of his legal guardians by force. You have engaged in two short brutal battles resulting in the deaths and injuries of several soldiers tasked with protecting the child in question. Further, you have shown no true remorse for these actions or any indication that should you be freed you would cease in this course of action. The council agrees that we believe you have acted alone, therefore no further charges will be levied against you regarding the behaviors of Albus Dumbledore."
Sirius nodded his understanding, as his lawyer frowns beside him and shuffles slightly. "For the crimes of attempted kidnapping, instigating a battle, torture, and border violation you have been sentenced to a term of no less or until the Brigadier General deems appropriate than fifteen years to be served in Briggs. Transfer to commence immediately."
The lawyer sucked in a breath through his teeth and stiffened. Sirius knew immediately that whatever Briggs was, it had to be bad to get this reaction…or perhaps it was the plainly listed crimes he had found to have committed. He didn't know enough about this culture to decide fully which it was. Then the man shook his hand stiffly and said quietly. "I'm sorry, bad luck that. I do hope you aren't bothered by the cold. Try to behave and do everything she asks; you don't want to be on the General's bad side."
"Got it, try to stay on her good side." Sirius said, shrugging off the cold comment. How cold was cold anyway?
"She doesn't have a 'good' side. Never for prisoners, rarely for soldiers, occasionally for civilians. I have met her once. As I said, good luck. She is nowhere near as compassionate as her brother." He then glanced at his watch. "Apologies, I must be going. I have to file the paperwork on this one and am expected in court this afternoon on another case."
Ministry of Magic
England
The news of the disappearance of Cedrick Diggory had upset nearly the entire office. The panic began, however, not then but after the disappearance of Luna Lovegood, who had been the fifth child to disappear in as many days. Cedrick Diggory, Fred Weasley, Dean Thomas, Padma Patil, and now Luna Lovegood had all disappeared outside their homes, while in the company of their parents who had been distracted but noticed the disappearance within five minutes.
Minister Fudge was at his wits end. Parents were demanding answers, immediately. No one could explain the situation. These children were all school aged witches and wizards, all training at Hogwarts with excellent marks, yet someone had managed to snatch them without raising any alarms. His headache grew as he read the rather scathing report that had just arrived from Xing.
Apparently, just the day before Cedrick disappeared, the crown princess of Drachma had been taken. Also, a school aged child, who he presumed was a magic user as she attended Xerxes from the report. Albus Dumbledore stood accused of the crime. Fudge had a hard time believing that though, Albus Dumbledore, a kidnapper?! At least they claimed to have apprehended him so there was no implication he was involved in the local disappearances…unless there were accomplices.
In fact, that made far more sense to him. Dumbledore had clearly been framed by some group to destabilize both the wizard in question and the treaties between the countries. Fudge would send a request to have Dumbledore returned to stand trial and sentencing in Azkaban. Once here, he could find out who was actually doing this, because it was likely Dumbledore would know who was trying to do this to him.
He had just finished drafting the request when there was a knock on his door, his assistant poked his head into the office with a frown. "Sir, there's been another one. Neville Longbottom. This time though, there is a witness. They say it was Lucius Malfoy."
Amestris
Fuhrer's Mansion
Edward and Roy were in Roy's home office, discussing how to handle the Dumbledore situation as Viktor had asked their opinion having dealt more with the Wizard World than Drachma had over the years and Dumbledore in particular. Yuery rushed into the room clearly distraught with a letter clutched in hand and Hedwig on his shoulder. "Dad! Dad! Someone is stealing wizard children, and the latest is Ron's brother!" Yuery announced without waiting for the adults to speak.
He shoved Ron's letter into his father's hand even as Roy reached for the phone to call Severus. Edward quickly scanned the letter as he paced the room, hand to his frowning mouth. Odds were against a larger conspiracy involving the Order, with so many members now against Dumbledore, which would lead him to believe that the other side had finally made a move. To what end though?
Severus and Remus arrived moments later, along with Minerva and Filius. Remus and Filius both carrying newspapers from England. The full list of children missing was in the paper, Five in total. "It's Death Eaters, it has to be." Severus snarled. "Three of the five are children of the order, the other two are both well known for their distaste for both sides. Lovegood runs a paper of his own, Diggory works for the Ministry."
"So not connected to Dumbledore and Black's behavior then?" Roy said with a nod, confirming to Edward he had already come to the same conclusion as Ed.
"The Order wishes to speak to you actually." Minerva said. "I received word a short time before your call. They are hoping you may offer aide as you did the last time death eaters threatened the children."
"Who is in charge of the Order currently? Surely, they are no longer lead by Dumbledore." Ed asked, as the others all shook their heads.
"Currently, we are considering Minerva our leader…though with her out of country until the Black trial ends it is currently being co-led by Longbottom and Weasley. Both of whom some would consider compromised as their children are among the missing." Filius said somberly. "I think we may all be compromised, you included if that is the case."
"Agreed. Minerva, I will officially offer my aide to the Order, I shall even become a temporary Member as requested previously." Edward said after a moment. Yuery stared wide-eyed at his father. His Dad had just agreed to join another war. Something he knew Dad had promised his mom he would avoid. Worse, Yeye wasn't arguing with him over it, but was frowning pointedly at Yuery in the way that meant Yuery should remain silent until they were alone. "We will head to England as soon as it can be arranged, Minerva that means your testimony will no longer be available however, I have faith they have heard enough to determine the laws you brought to them. We need to arrange safety and protection for all remaining children of the Order."
"Of course, sir." Minerva said with a nod, as an Owl knocked on the window. A letter from the Minister of Magic tied to its leg. Roy silently collects the letter as Yuery raised his arm to offer the owl. He nodded to his Father, leaving to care for both owls before the adults continue the conversation. "I assume then that the Ministry is also asking for aide."
"No, they are asking for Dumbledore." Roy frowned. "That I'm afraid, is out of the question at the moment. Edward, I suggest that you meet with the Minister as soon as you arrive and explain the situation to him… Yuery, you know better than to listen at keyholes."
Minerva and Filius were both surprised that Roy somehow knew the boy was there, though Remus and Severus just sighed. Minerva knew Edward could somehow tell when someone was hiding nearby. She assumed it had to do with alchemy, Roy was also an alchemist, so she supposed it would stand to reason…she just had not known.
"I know what you are going to ask Yuery, the answer is no. No, you will not be joining me in England." Edward sighed.
"Dad, it doesn't make sense not to bring me, I'm exactly what they are wanting. It would be easier to find the others then, and we could go to the Black house for whatever we needed to collect in England."
"Are you taking Breda?" Roy asked, instead of responding to Yuery's protest.
"No, Armstrong is still settling the details of the Black Trial. With that and whatever trial Dumbledore lands, Breda needs to be here to help keep my kids safe." Ed sighed before turning to his son. "We have gone over this enough. You are staying here, where you are safe. I will not consider using you as bait as you just suggested. I will not use you as a key to the Black house either. We either get in or we don't at this point."
"…If you need in that badly, I can get in. I am distantly related, and Sirius never removed my invitation." Remus offered.
"How distantly related will it allow access?" Edward asked with a frown, Roy raised an eyebrow, Ed shook his head. They had no intention of releasing information they learned from the journals, but it was made clear that Ed and Al were also distantly related to the Blacks…but then so was Dumbledore.
"Anything passed direct relative also needs invitation. However, distant relatives once issued an invitation can come and go as they please until revoked. I was issued invitation years ago while we were still in school." Remus explained.
"Will you come with us then?" Minerva asked, she had noticed the questions but chose to ignore it in light of everything else they had going on at the moment.
"…Shit. I don't see another choice." Edward sighed, before nodding to the others and leading his son from the room. Yuery looked mutinous as Ed dragged him into the nearest empty room, the front parlor, and frowned. "You are not coming Yuery. I do not have time to argue with you over this. Someone over there is taking children, very likely it is a part of some plan of this 'Voldemort' and I am not placing you in harm's way so no you will stay here. It is not open for debate."
"This is about me Dad. This whole thing is about me, even you can't deny that."
"I never did. I said it isn't your job to fix this. It's because all this is about you that you will stay here. I won't risk your safety, but I will offer my aide. Now let's go find your mother so I can pack."