Note: Apologies for this chapter being late. I had a pet healthcare emergency last week and I had neither the time nor the mental or physical energy to prepare the chapter for uploading. (The dog is fine now!) To make up for it, I've posted last week's chapter and this week's chapter this week. Sorry again!
Chapter 6 – Decisions Rendered
Spellman led Harry and Dumbledore away from the courtroom, back into that little antechamber they'd occupied before it began. Soon after they arrived Mim came in with Petunia and Vernon. Vernon had gone purple, while Petunia had gone so pale Harry would have thought she'd died if she hadn't been trying her best to smile.
"Well," said Spellman once everyone was settled down, "that was a disaster."
That was an understatement. In Harry's experience disasters went much better than that.
"That woman—the Undersecretary woman," Vernon said with a great big frown. "She was all over the place. What's her problem?"
"Dolores is self-serving sadist with a lust for power," Spellman said, waving a hand. "She's hitched her broom to the Ministry, see. She'll be angry that Malfoy's brought the Wizengamot into disrepute and she's always been unhappy with his influence over Fudge. She'll be caught between wanting him to hang and wanting all this bother to go away. Too many inches in the press, see."
"Why did she go after Harry like that?" asked Petunia. "She can't seriously be suggesting that Harry needs to be put on trial, can she?"
"I don't think that she is," Spellman said, "though with Dolores, you never can know. No, I think she's looking for excuses to downgrade the trial. If she can cast this as some private feud—some tiff between schoolboys that got out of hand—it's the sort of thing more suited to arbitration than the full criminal treatment." Spellman paused. "Although I'm not sure she wants that, either. I wonder if she thinks this is all a good bit of theatre for the papers to make the Ministry appear competent. As if it's doing something about all those nasty Dark magic rumours without having to actually do anything."
"She might be trying to look unbiased by suggesting Mr Potter is at fault along with Lucius Malfoy," suggested Mim. "I think she wants to see Malfoy censured for this but doesn't want to look like that's what she wants."
"I think," said Dumbledore quietly, "that I am the true target of the Undersecretary's ire. You are simply a suitable proxy, Harry. Had she been allowed to continue I think she would have laid blame upon me. If not directly as the source of your Dark knowledge, indirectly through a failure to act. I am not on the Madam Undersecretary's Christmas card list, I fear."
That was … well, it made sense, even though it still wasn't very nice thinking about. For a moment Harry had been worried that he would be put on trial. Harry chanced a little look at Dumbledore. He looked mostly calm, although Harry could see the slightest hint of a frown. Which meant he was probably furious. But what he'd said certainly made sense, as Umbridge probably held a grudge against Dumbledore for the Ministry's ill-fated Expedition into the Forest during Harry's first year, and whatever other issues she had with him besides.
But it would have been nice not to have been caught in the middle.
"So they won't put the boy on trial?" Vernon asked.
"I shouldn't think so," Spellman said. He nodded to himself as he considered it. "No, they'd have to agree on a charge and then Malfoy would have to formally submit it to the Wizengamot, there'd have to be a proper investigation by the DMLE, we'd need preliminary hearings, we'd have to schedule Wizengamot time…" Spellman shook his head. "No. And even apart from all that, Fudge wouldn't stand for it. The man's a spineless coward, but he's a brilliant politician as well. Too many people would be out for his blood if he put Harry Potter on trial to serve Lucius Malfoy's ego. So, no, that won't happen—and if it does, I'll represent you for free."
That was something, Harry supposed. Although if Spellman managed to lose their current trial even though Malfoy had been messing around with horcruxes and Unforgivables Harry wasn't sure he really wanted his counsel for a second trial.
"But that's something we only need to worry about later, isn't it?" Harry said. "What about today? We've got to go back in there when they call us. So… what are we going to do?"
"Well, we're going to try and win the trial," Spellman said. "We've still got a chance. Should be a very good one, actually—Dolores can behave how she likes, but it's the Wizengamot vote that decides whether we keep this a criminal trial or not. And without a clear reason I don't think even Dolores will try to force a swap. Even if she wants to. She's a stickler for publicly following the rules." Spellman shrugged. "Even if they vote to switch to arbitration, we should win that easily—some of those fence-sitters are more likely to vote with us if it means Malfoy will avoid Azkaban."
Lucius Malfoy, and the bit of Voldemort inside him, free from Azkaban and with a seat on the Wizengamot to boot seemed like a rather poor outcome in Harry's opinion. Still, it was probably better that Malfoy receive a fine and an official ruling of wrong-doing than otherwise, so…
"What happens next?" asked Petunia. "With the trial, I mean?"
"We've heard the testimony from Mr Potter and Malfoy," Spellman said, "so by this point as far as the Wizengamot's concerned we've heard everything we need to hear about the day itself. Oh, Amelia and Dolores might have a couple more questions depending on what they're arguing about right now, but that part of the trial is done. No, I think what will happen next is we'll hear from the various witnesses, I'll read the character references we got, that sort of thing."
"Witnesses?" asked Harry. "But there weren't any witnesses…"
"Not to the assault itself," clarified Spellman. "On our part we've had Poppy Pomfrey in—you know, she saw you right after the assault so she's an excellent witness. I expect the Malfoys will have their healer make an appearance since their lad won't be here."
Harry nodded along at the explanation. He supposed that was fair. Madam Pomfrey had treated him immediately after the incident, so if anyone had any insights to what spell had been used on Harry, it would be her.
"And then… the Wizengamot votes?" Harry asked.
"Just so," said Spellman, nodding.
"It's a pity we can't use Veritaserum," Mim said, speaking for the first time. "Malfoy is definitely lying. Uncle Val, have you noticed how his posture changes whenever he talks about his son? Something's not right there."
"Yes, I've noticed that too," Spellman said. "There's something unusual going on with Malfoy. Not that I know the man intimately, of course, but he does seem off. Perhaps it's just nerves."
"Perhaps," Dumbledore said, although Harry knew he didn't think so. That had Voldemort written all over it. Draco had been similar during his own possession, although much more obviously. Whatever was going on with Lucius and Voldemort, it was much more subtle.
Perhaps because it was complete. Or… Harry shook the thought from his head. No sense getting confused with it while they had the trial to consider. His ruminations on the nature of horcrux possession and its more esoteric effects could – and probably should – wait for another day.
"I do think we need to discuss what we'll do if—when—they switch us to arbitration," Spellman said after a minute or so of silence. "Because I think that's coming. Getting a conviction will be tight, and I'm afraid that the Malfoy gold will have swayed some of the key votes in the criminal trial. So…"
"Er, I'm not really sure what the arbitration would mean," Harry said. "Apart from fines."
"If we get there this whole sorry affair will be recast as a civil dispute," Spellman explained. "So the Imperius Curse charge will go out the window, I'm afraid, but we can go after Malfoy for a lesser version of the other charges.
"I should think it would be quite easy to get the Wizengamot to agree to charges of reckless behaviour from a school governor," Dumbledore said. "Perhaps even negligence and endangerment of a child. Two children, in fact."
"Exactly what I was thinking, Albus," said Spellman. "That's what we'll have to try for."
"As the only adult present he'd technically be responsible for both boys," said Mim, "so we should try and use that, too. They were both using Dark magic on each other—if you believe the counterclaim, anyway. So in that case Malfoy should have acted to stop their duel." She tilted her head to one side. "Should have tried to stop their duel regardless."
"Yes, yes, good work, Mim," said Spellman. "I think we've got the beginnings of something here."
They continued discussing strategy until a loud knock at the door interrupted proceedings, and they were all led back into Courtroom Ten by the auror on duty. Harry found himself sat down in that sad wooden chair with its intermittently menacing chains, once again looking forward at the benches where the Minister and Percy Weasley, Dolores Umbridge, and Amelia Bones had been sat.
None of them were sat there yet. After a few moments of waiting all four of them entered through the doors on the far side of the chamber, Weasley trailing behind.
"Rise for the Minister," said Umbridge once all three officials – and their Weasley assistant – had sat down. This time, Harry needed no prompting and rose along with everyone else and then sat once allowed. "It is the view of this court that we have now heard the relevant testimony regarding the day in question," Umbridge said. "We do not anticipate that there is any further information which we may gain through questioning of our plaintiff or our defendant. With that being the case, we move now to consider auxiliary evidence." She coughed. "Lawmage Spellman, who is your primary witness?"
"We would like to call Madam Poppy Pomfrey, the mediwitch in residence at Hogwarts, to provide a statement," Spellman said.
"Bring in Poppy Pomfrey," Umbridge directed.
As with Moody before, the auror at the door brought in Madam Pomfrey. She was dressed in a formal robe and looked quite unlike her usual self. It was, Harry thought, a little strange seeing her outside of her usual uniform. She didn't appear to be at all nervous, something for which Harry was very glad, as she'd always been very good to him.
She took up her spot between Harry, Dumbledore, and Malfoy and looked forward, right at Umbridge.
"Poppy Pomfrey," Umbridge said, "you have been brought before the Wizengamot today to provide a statement and to answer questions regarding your treatment of Harry Potter after the incident in question."
"I understand, Madam Undersecretary," said Pomfrey.
"On the day in question," Umbridge continued, "when did you become aware that Mr Potter required treatment?"
"When Severus—Snape—brought him to me," Pomfrey said. "That was a few hours after he went missing—by that time they'd finished the duelling tournament and all the guests had gone home. That was an hour or so after Mr Malfoy was seen running through the castle. So it would have been late afternoon, perhaps, or the very early evening."
"And in your professional opinion, this wound. Was it, perhaps, the sort of spell schoolboys often cast upon one another?" asked Umbridge.
"That's a bit of a leading question," said Spellman.
"Then I shall rephrase," said Umbridge with her sickly smile. "Please give your professional opinion of the severity of Mr Potter's wound."
"It's not often I see injuries like that as the Hogwarts mediwitch," Pomfrey said immediately. "Oh, I see all sorts—splinching, potions accidents, beauty experiments gone awry—but that…" she said. She glanced back at Harry. "That was very unusual, yes. Mr Potter had lost a lot of blood by the time he arrived in the Hospital Wing, but that was far less concerning than the curse itself. It was a very Dark spell, one which lingered in the wound and sapped his vitality even as we stabilised him and fed him Blood-Replenishing Potions. The Ministry classification scheme says the curse was a minor one, but the scheme was designed for adults and—"
"That will be all," Umbridge said. "In your opinion, would you say that Mr Potter healed well from the curse? Responded properly to treatment?"
"I—yes, Madam Undersecretary," Pomfrey said. "The treatment for the curse is quite simple when it's caught early, which it was. But it has left a cursed scar, and this particular curse often—"
"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," Umbridge said. She glanced to Bones, then over at Fudge. "Do we have further questions for the witness?"
Fudge shook his head.
"I have one," said Amelia Bones. "Madam Pomfrey, what was the name of the curse in question? You didn't quite get the chance to tell us, and I should like it noted in the record."
"Of course, Madam Bones," Pomfrey said. "It was the Necrovorous Laceration Curse. Most adult wizards can survive the spell, even if treatment is delayed, but children fare… less well."
Bones had gone a stark white.
"I remember," she said softly. "A nasty spell, especially given its history." She turned her gaze towards Harry. "And you say that Draco Malfoy—not Lucius Malfoy—used this spell against you?"
Harry nodded.
"Yes, Madam Bones. The only spell Lucius Malfoy cast on me was the Imperius Curse. But Draco was the one who cut me with the—the Necrovorous—that curse," Harry said firmly. As nice as it would have been to get Lucius for that curse, too, Harry had already pinned it on Draco. And it had been Draco who'd cast it, anyway, and the Imperius Curse was a more serious charge.
"That curse is not one which I would ordinarily expect a child to be able to cast," noted Umbridge during the silence after Harry's statement.
"Well, there were only three people in that room, Madam Undersecretary," Harry said, "and I didn't cast it on myself."
Umbridge didn't seem to like that response at all. Her false smile dropped momentarily, but she recovered soon enough. Harry thought that maybe he shouldn't have said anything, especially since nobody had called on him to speak, but it felt wrong to let Umbridge make her little statements. Draco had cast that curse on him, and Harry wasn't about to let her minimise it.
Or, Voldemort had using Draco's body, but… that wasn't the point.
"You are quite sure that it was Draco who cast the curse on you and not his father?" Bones asked.
"Yes, Madam Bones," Harry said. "I didn't know what the spell was when Draco used it on me, but it was definitely him. When I said Mr Malfoy only used the Imperius Curse on me, that was the truth. He threatened me, but that was the only spell he actually used."
"Hmm," Bones said, just about audible where Harry sat. "I suppose…" She glanced over at Lucius, who was sat in his chair looking forward, almost totally nonchalant. "You say that Draco Malfoy was wearing a crown, yes, Mr Potter?"
Harry nodded.
"A Dark object radiating a palpably evil aura—so says your statement given to the court," said Bones after a few moments. "If that is so, I can understand how a child was able to perform such a spell. And such a spell clearly was used upon you, as we have testimony from the treating mediwitch, Severus Snape, and the report from a later examination at St Mungo's." Bones looked over Madam Pomfrey one last time. "Poppy Pomfrey, there will be no further questions. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter."
Madam Pomfrey nodded and turned. She was escorted out by the auror on duty, and the trial moved swiftly on.
"The Wizengamot calls forward Healer Henry Miller to provide testimony," Umbridge said.
The auror brought forward a youngish wizard, of an age that Harry thought he couldn't have been very long out of his apprenticeship.
The Malfoys' healer, Harry assumed. He seemed a little young, but then, perhaps that made him easier to control with money.
"Henry Miller," said Umbridge, "you have been brought before the Wizengamot to provide further testimony regarding the report which you submitted to the court. Do you understand?"
"I—yes, I understand, Madam Undersecretary," he said, his tone a little unsure.
"Please state before the court your professional opinion of the wounds inflicted upon Draco Malfoy."
Miller nodded.
"I'd never seen anything like it before," Miller said. "Not because it was… what I mean is… the spell damage was quite serious—severe, even—but… that isn't what I mean. I mean, I've literally never seen anything like it before, not in my apprenticeship, not in books. I can honestly say that I don't know what spell caused the damage, and I've discussed it with colleagues and searched through all the reference books I've found." Miller paused. "The damage occurred along a thin band around the front of Mr Malfoy—Draco's—forehead, just above his brow. The primary effect was apparently extreme pain, pain to such an extent that for much of the time I was treating him, Mr Malfoy was not fully aware. Even when the initial aftereffects were calmed, Mr Malfoy experienced moments of confusion. Memory loss and headaches. And… of course… the cursed scar."
"A thin line," repeated Bones, interrupting Umbridge before she could speak. "Consistent with, perhaps, a crown? Or an object of that kind?"
"Perhaps," said Miller. "I saw no evidence of an object," he continued, "merely the effects of spell damage upon Mr Malfoy."
"But—in your professional opinion—could the damage be the result of a cursed or otherwise Dark object?" continued Bones.
"It could," said Miller eventually. "It can be very difficult—impossible, often—to tell the difference between spell damage from a spell or a Dark object. But I saw no object attached to Mr Malfoy, and usually with this sort of damage, the object would be fused to the skin until after treatment."
The 'object' hadn't been on Draco's head because Lucius had already worn it. Of course, Harry couldn't tell them that. But that would be why. It was interesting to him that Draco's wounds, his injury, had only appeared after their altercation. Some sort of by-product of Voldemort's soul moving from Draco's head to his father's? A question for Dumbledore later, perhaps.
"Thank you, Mr Miller," Bones said. "That was very helpful. You may—"
"Hem, hem," coughed Umbridge. "I have a question for you, Mr Miller. Young Draco's recovery. It says in the report submitted to this court that young Mr Malfoy is still in recovery from this Dark spell. In your experience would you say that this long convalescence is indicative of the severity of the attack?"
"I… well… whatever it was," Miller said, "the after-effects were very serious. That being said…" He glanced back at Lucius Malfoy. "That being said, Draco has recovered quite well. Not well enough to withstand the stress of appearing in court, of course, but his condition is stable and improving daily. I do not anticipate that the spell—or the curse on the object, if that is what it was—will result in any lasting illness apart from the cursed scar itself. There isn't…" Miller said. He paused, floundered for a few moments, and then continued. "The long convalescence as you've said is more a result of the kind of spell than the severity. Medically speaking." He shrugged. "As far as I've been able to tell, Draco will recover fully and without complication."
Harry couldn't quite tell how Umbridge felt about that answer. Her expression hadn't changed at all. Harry thought it had been quite promising for his own case, if Draco was going to fully recover and his scar wouldn't even have any lingering effects.
"Your cooperation with the court is appreciated, Mr Miller," Umbridge said. "You may go."
The auror led Miller away. Harry spared him a look as he went, wondering just how much he had been paid by the Malfoys for his service and silence, and whether it had been worth it for him.
"I have a question for Albus Dumbledore," Bones said before Umbridge could speak. "Your statement given to the DMLE in the early parts of this investigation supports the presence of a Dark object in the room in question. Are you prepared to give on opinion on the nature of this object?"
"Of course, Madam Bones," Dumbledore said. "When I was informed by Mr Potter of the events of that day I immediately went to the site of the incident to ascertain whether there was any lasting risk or danger. I found clear evidence of Dark magic. Some, of course, was the obvious result of recently-performed spells—the Necrovorous Laceration Curse—as I noted in my statement to the Department. But there was residue of a much older nature. It was as Mr Potter described: a hateful and evil aura which had seeped into the stones, which had spread its contagion to objects near to it. A report on these objects has of course been submitted to the Department. The object in question—a crown, according to Mr Potter's statement—is likely to have been subject of both a direct and an indirect curse. Those who remember the Defence Against the Dark Arts curriculum well may understand that—"
"Hem, hem," interrupted Umbridge. "This is not a classroom, Dumbledore. We have no need for lectures. Speak plainly, and do not deviate from the point."
Dumbledore inclined his head.
"As you say, Madam Undersecretary," Dumbledore said. "There was, in my considered opinion, absolutely a cursed object present in the Room of Requirement that day, and one of considerable power. I cannot speak to the precise nature of the spell on the object, only that it was extremely Dark in nature. It is clear to me that the indirect curse upon the object was caused by an intense hatred in its owner."
Bones nodded at Dumbledore's explanation.
"Thank you," she said. "Our aurors did note Dark magic residue in their own investigations… That was very helpful."
"Of course, Madam Bones," Dumbledore said with a smile.
"We now call Lawmage Valerian Spellman to read character references for Harry Potter to the Wizengamot," Umbridge said before Bones could say anything more. "Lawmage Spellman, when you are ready."
"Of course, Madam Undersecretary," Spellman said. He stepped into the spot between Harry, Dumbledore, and Malfoy and pulled a parchment scroll from his suit-robe's pocket.
"Our first character reference has been provided by Gwenllian Davis, who is head of the Wales Office here at the Ministry, and her husband Colin Davis. Of Mr Potter, Mrs and Mr Davis have the following to say."
He cleared his throat and began to read.
"'We first met Harry Potter the summer after our daughter's first year at Hogwarts. She and Harry are friends, and we met with Harry briefly as we collected our daughter from King's Cross Station. Later on in that same summer we had the pleasure of hosting Harry for a day in Barcelona while we and he were on holiday there separately. Harry was a polite, courteous, and charming young man. He was and is someone we were very pleased to have as our daughter's friend and he comported himself wonderfully.'" Spellman paused for a moment, then cleared his throat again. "This next part has been written by Colin Davis specifically, as Gwen Davis was not present. 'We were unsurprised to learn that Harry and Tracey had decided to pair up for the Doubles tournament in the Pariturium. When they won, we were delighted for both Harry and our daughter. This past summer I had the pleasure of accompanying our daughter to the European Circuit's Summer Tournament, and Harry was there with his family. Once again I can only say that Harry was polite and courteous. Harry is a talented and hard-working young man and I have never once felt uncomfortable with him as my daughter's friend. He is a credit to his family and a pleasant young man.'"
Harry swallowed. That was… that was a rather glowing report, and not something he'd ever thought to hear from one of his friends' parents. It was almost embarrassing that Gwen and Colin had written it. In any other context Harry would have wanted to curl up and die from the sheer awkwardness of them having said that. But in this particular context, well… that was good. Very good indeed. Not even Umbridge could take offence at anything Gwen and Colin had said.
"And the second reference?" Umbridge said, making no comment on the first.
Spellman nodded and switched the scroll with a new one from his pocket.
"This second reference is courtesy of Algernon and Mairi Macmillan. They write: 'We had the great pleasure of hosting Harry Potter during the Quidditch World Cup as he is a close friend of our son, Ernest. We found Harry to be very good company, being a polite and charming young man. He was an excellent sport and took to life with our family very well indeed. While at the Quidditch World Cup Harry behaved responsibly and comported himself very well. During his stay with us we found Harry to be a very kind and generous young man, and thoughtful too.' Here," Spellman said, "Mairi Macmillan writes: 'I had the distinct pleasure of being able to accompany Harry to Diagon Alley to purchase his school things and a few other accoutrements. I found myself very impressed by Harry's modest and gentle nature. Harry is a delightful young man, and his guardians should be very proud of him. It would be our pleasure to host him again.'"
Such a good reference from people like Algie and Mairi – purebloods who were part of high society, easily on par with the Malfoys in terms of social standing if not quite as wealthy – should surely stand Harry in good stead. That's what Spellman had told him, anyway, and Harry was apt to believe him. Especially since at least a handful of people on the Wizengamot would have social or business ties to the Macmillans and may consider their words to have quite a bit of weight. So was the hope, anyway. Harry fought the urge to look back at the Wizengamot to see whether the assembled witches and wizards were responding well.
Either they would or they wouldn't.
"Thank you, Lawmage Spellman," Umbridge said. "The court is pleased to enter these references into the official record."
Spellman nodded and returned to his position between Harry and Dumbledore. Next, Harry knew, it would be Gavelwood's turn to present character references for Lucius. He wondered just who they'd chosen. Draco made much of the fact that his father and the Minister were 'close, personal friends', but Harry assumed the Minister couldn't provide a character reference for a person whose trial he would oversee.
Although… he didn't quite have enough faith in the wizarding legal system to rule it out totally.
"The Wizengamot calls Lawmage Persephone Gavelwood to relay to the court the character references for Lucius Malfoy," Umbridge said.
"My client has been provided with a reference from Hugo Nightshadow, the Chairman of the Board at St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries in both his professional and personal capacities," Gavelwood said. "Mr Nightshadow writes: 'Lucius has been a close, personal friend of mine for more than a decade now. Not only is he generous with his company, he gives selflessly to charitable causes. Without Lucius I can state categorically that several of St Mungo's most important innovations would have been impossible. There are few alive in this country today who can say they have contributed as much to the health of the nation as Lucius Malfoy has. Lucius Malfoy is a truly compassionate man with a generous heart. I can honestly say I have never met a man quite so dedicated, thoughtful, and considerate. Lucius is a man of rare moral fibre and I am glad to count him among my friends.'"
Rare moral fibre. Harry suppressed the urge to snort. That was true, in a manner of speaking – true evil was rare, and Malfoy was that through and through.
As he listened to Gavelwood read Nightshadow's testimony, Harry wanted to retch. Almost none of it was true. Not a single word, other than that he did give a lot of money away. Although not at all selflessly. It was an obvious – naked, even – attempt to garner sympathy and good will. Even the most kind-hearted and naïve Hufflepuff could see that.
But it was also a reference from a well-respected wizard. The Chairman of St Mungo's, the only hospital serving Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. That would count for something, and Hugo Nightshadow had supplied Lucius with an effusive reference almost saccharine in its praise. No doubt some of the Wizengamot would find it cloying, fake… while others would take it as gospel.
"The second statement is courtesy of Aurelius Selwyn, noted philanthropist and patron of the arts," Gavelwood continued. "Mr Selwyn says of my client: 'Lucius is a wonderful fellow. We have known each other for a very long time and I can say that we have never once had a serious disagreement. Lucius is an agreeable wizard without a single nasty bone in his body or improper thought in his head. He, like myself, is a keen advocate for charitable giving and graciously agreed to help sponsor my passion project providing musical instruction to poor, unfortunate squib children. With Lucius, I know that I always have someone I can count on—in life and in business, in love and in hard times. Lucius is a family man, devoted to his wife and son as any good wizard should be. He is a man of upstanding character, and I am proud to call him my friend.'"
"Thank you, Lawmage Gavelwood," Umbridge said. She glanced over at Bones, whispered something to her. After a short exchange she spoke again. "The court is satisfied with the character references provided. Next, we would like to offer Lawmage Spellman an opportunity to present his prepared statements to the court. When you are ready, Lawmage Spellman."
This was the part of the trial Harry had been most worried about. Not because of Spellman or his ability to persuade the court, but because it was where Gavelwood was likely to try and muddy Harry's reputation. At least she would have to split her time between accounting for Dumbledore and Harry, while Spellman only had to go after Lucius. That was something.
Maybe.
"Charitable giver and man of society Lucius Malfoy may be," Spellman said, "but that does not preclude him from practicing Dark magic and abduction of children. The Imperius Curse is a particularly insidious spell, and my client, Harry Potter, is lucky that he can resist it. It is clear to me that Lucius Malfoy wanted my client to show him the location of the Room of Hidden Things, and that he was willing to resort to Dark and illegal magic to make that happen. It was unfortunate for him that my client is resistant to the spell. But that did not stop Lucius Malfoy from threatening my client with other magic and consequences, and he got what he wished in the end—my client had to lead him to the Room which he sought. Further to this, it seems apparent that Lucius Malfoy had a very good idea what his son was up to inside that room, and that it involved some seriously Dark magic. Draco Malfoy's injuries are consistent with the Dark object described by my client, and even his own healer is unable to discount the existence of such an object. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement's own investigation found evidence for the existence of a cursed object, although no object has been found. Where, then, did it go," asked Spellman, "if not out of the castle with Lucius and Draco Malfoy?"
"Whether or not Lucius wished for Harry Potter to become involved in this is immaterial, because become involved he did. When it became clear that his son was embroiled in Dark magic—and it is obvious that he was, as he later cast the Necrovorous Laceration Curse upon my client—Lucius should have acted to ensure the safety of any children involved."
Spellman paused.
"But he did not. Instead, he allowed my client and his son to duel, and this was no mere schoolyard tussle. This was, as the permanent and cursed scar upon my client will attest, a vicious and aggravated duel. As the adult present—a so-called responsible adult, a member of the Hogwarts Board of Governors even—he should have acted to defuse events. He did not. Instead, he waited until his son had seriously injured Harry Potter and then, when his own son had been injured by the very Dark object he had been messing about with, Lucius Malfoy fled."
Spellman was silent after this. Stood there and looked at Umbridge, Fudge, and Bones, then turned to look at the Wizengamot.
"He fled. Leaving a battered and bleeding young man alone in a secret and secluded room, the location known only to a select few. If Lucius Malfoy had been so concerned, if he had been innocent of the crimes of which he has been accused, why then did he not seek aid in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing? For Draco, and for Harry?"
That was an angle Harry hadn't considered. It would look strange for Lucius to have run all the way from the castle to Hogsmeade where he could apparate or take a public Floo back to his home, and with an injured child in his arms too. Why do that if his actions – and the actions of his son – had been above reproach? Or even merely questionable?
"No, instead, Lucius Malfoy fled along the long road from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade, and risked apparition—Side-along!—despite his injured son. This we know because he did not use the public Floo, and every business approached for comment has denied that he used theirs, too. What reason could an innocent man have for this reckless action?"
At that Harry even heard some murmurs from the peers of the Wizengamot assembled behind him. Side-along apparition was difficult enough even without a heavily injured child, and not something risked when the Hogwarts Hospital Wing was right there. Not without good reason.
"In contrast, my client immediately sought aid. He relayed events to the relevant and appropriate authorities at the earliest point, seeking first the Headmaster of Hogwarts under whose purview the castle falls, and then the aurors as representatives of the Ministry of Magic. Lucius Malfoy had to be contacted after the investigation had started! I ask you, is this the behaviour of an innocent man? A man merely afraid for his son? A man who wishes only to do the right and proper thing?" said Spellman, turning to address the Wizengamot itself. "No, it is not. It is the behaviour of a man afraid for the consequences, a man afraid of due process, and a man afraid that his actions may invite further scrutiny!"
Harry nodded along. That was good. It was exactly the sort of thing they needed to be saying about Malfoy. Put at least some doubt into enough of the Wizengamot's heads and perhaps they'd be willing to convict.
"Lucius Malfoy was at best negligent," continued Spellman. "He is guilty of assault, of kidnapping, and of practicing an Unforgivable Curse—upon a child. His reckless messing about with Dark artefacts has harmed his own son. It would be irresponsible of this court to fail to convict."
Spellman was silent then.
"You have no further statements, Lawmage Spellman?" asked Umbridge.
"None, Madam Undersecretary," confirmed Spellman.
"Then the court shall offer Lawmage Gavelwood an opportunity to make her own statement," said Umbridge. "When you are ready."
Gavelwood stepped away from where she stood next to Lucius with a little flourish.
"My client is a family man," she said. "He is a dedicated father and a loving husband. There are scant few in this country who can claim to be as dedicated a father as Lucius Malfoy is and has been to his son, Draco. My client's significant family wealth ensures that his family is well cared for in all respects—Draco has had the best tutors available; the best diets; all the most appropriate toys. So then it is easy for us to see why my client would take his son home for important medical care, as my client is able to provide the very best medical care to his son wherever he is in the world. It has been my client's sole ambition in this life to provide the very best for his son, and it should be obvious to us all here that he has done so!"
Gavelwood turned to address the Wizengamot directly.
"It is not a crime to use one's monetary wealth to provide the very best for one's family. It is not a crime to rely on one's family healers. It is not a crime to keep one's children away from dangerous wizards. My client has been cast as a criminal, an extremist of some kind." Gavelwood paused, lifted a hand into the air, brandished her finger like a wand.
"He is not this!" she said firmly, bringing her hand down. "Lucius Malfoy is a philanthropist. He does not hoard his wealth and use it only for his own ends—though he would be well within his rights to do so. Lucius Malfoy is a generous man, a man who cares about his community enough to seek election to the Wizengamot, to fund hospitals and cultural programmes. Is this the behaviour of a criminal? No!"
She turned towards Umbridge again.
"Lucius Malfoy is not a criminal. Need I remind this court that Lucius Malfoy is himself a victim of the very spell it is alleged he has used? My client is a victim of cruel Dark magic, and the suggestion that he has gone on to perpetrate that same foul crime on a child is nothing more than vile slander. Foulness aimed right at the most painful years of his past. My client wishes only to protect himself and his family, and yet has been subjected to a targeted campaign against him led by none other than Albus Dumbledore. No crime has been committed here, save by two schoolboys who ought to have been taught better—boys whose education has been overseen by none other than… Albus Dumbledore. Harry Potter is guilty of nothing more than being an unruly child, unwittingly manipulated by the Chief Warlock to score points in some abstruse political game. I ask only that you consider the testimony you have heard today when you render your decision," continued Gavelwood. "My client is no criminal. He is a family man, a man of upstanding character, a philanthropist. He does not deserve Azkaban."
Gavelwood bowed.
"Thank you."
"We will now deliberate," Umbridge said. Fudge and Bones leaned closer to Umbridge and the three officials discussed amongst themselves. Harry wasn't quite sure what would happen next. A vote of some kind, he supposed, although what there was to discuss given that the Wizengamot hadn't voted on anything he couldn't say.
Harry glanced back at Spellman.
"What are they deliberating about?" Harry whispered.
"The precise question they'll ask the Wizengamot to vote on," Spellman whispered back.
Harry shouldn't have been surprised at that answer, but he was. It should surely be a simple 'yes' or 'no' to the question of 'did Lucius Malfoy commit the crimes he was accused of?', at least in Harry's eyes. Instead, the wizarding legal system allowed the officials at the head of the trial a final chance to muck things up.
After an agonising wait, Umbridge spoke.
"We will now take this matter to a Wizengamot vote," Umbridge said. "After hearing the testimony, character references, witness statements and advocates' counsel, we would like the Wizengamot to vote on the question: Is Lucius Malfoy guilty or not guilty of the crimes of which he has been accused? We will allow ten minutes' time for you all to consider the way which you will vote." Her bit said, Umbridge stood, followed by Bones, Fudge, and Percy Weasley, and all four of them strode out of the room.
Harry looked back at Spellman to see what he was supposed to do.
"Stay where you are," Spellman said. "We've got to wait here, unfortunately."
The peers of the Wizengamot filtered out of Courtroom Ten after Fudge and the other officials, leaving Harry, Dumbledore, and Spellman waiting at the front of the hall with Lucius Malfoy and Persephone Gavelwood.
And Mim, Vernon, and Petunia sat way back in the stands, although they didn't make any moves. Harry assumed they weren't allowed.
"We have done all that we can," Dumbledore said quietly after a few moments. "You have done very well, Harry—comported yourself with poise and rationality many an adult wizard would not be able to manage."
"Thanks," muttered Harry. He'd tried, anyway. As frustrating as it all was, he knew that the outcome of the trial didn't really have all that much to do with Harry. There was something else going on, and Harry was a bystander, for all that the trial was ostensibly about his kidnapping and assault by Lucius Malfoy. Umbridge had a feud with Malfoy; Malfoy and probably Voldemort wanted to harm Dumbledore; Fudge wanted everything to go away; and the peers of the Wizengamot likely wanted two dozen different things. Harry was simply stuck in the middle of it.
Without much to talk about, and without any desire for it to be overheard by Malfoy and Gavelwood, Harry, Spellman, and Dumbledore waited silently for the Wizengamot to return and begin the vote. In that time Harry was able to run through every possible scenario in his head, whether the Wizengamot would vote to acquit, to convict, or even some outlandish third option which Harry couldn't totally discount. But it was all pointless, since the decision would be made soon enough, and it was now totally out of Harry's hands. He'd told his story, given his testimony, and presented every bit of evidence he could – short of revealing Voldemort's involvement, and that was likelier to hinder than to help.
When the time was up the members of the Wizengamot came filtering back in slowly, eventually followed by Umbridge, Fudge, and Bones. As well as Percy Weasley following dutifully behind, his role still not entirely clear to Harry. Some sort of assistant to Fudge, Harry supposed.
Once everyone had sat back down Umbridge got up to speak.
"We will now vote. Following the standard procedure, please vote guilty or not guilty," she said.
Harry turned to look at the Wizengamot members to the back and sides of the room. One by one they lifted their wands and sent up either red or green balls of light. Some sent up nothing, which Harry assumed meant an abstention. Harry tried to keep count, but the balls flickered out of existence soon after they had been created, so he didn't get far.
Eventually, Umbridge spoke again.
"Quorum has not been reached," she declared. "A majority of peers abstained."
Notably among them, Cornelius Fudge. As Harry hadn't seen him cast a vote, whereas both Bones and Umbridge had – and both of them in favour of Malfoy's guilt.
Typical Fudge, Harry thought. Keen not to be seen to fall on either side of the argument. A neutral figure.
"Vote again," said Spellman. "This is a criminal trial—we can't allow abstentions. Not when an Unforgivable has been used."
"I agree," said Bones. "We should redo the vote, this time without any abstentions. This is a serious matter and we need to treat it as such."
Umbridge seemed to consider it. She paused and tapped at the table in front of her.
"There is… merit… in what you suggest," Umbridge said after a while. "I find myself drawn to this suggestion, but we must be aware of the sacrosanct right of Members of the Wizengamot to vote—or not vote—as their conscience demands. That is, after all, their civic duty to the Ministry and to their constituents…" For all that Harry didn't like the woman, she seemed genuinely torn. From what he'd been told, a situation like this would be awful for her. On the one hand, precedent and tradition; and on the other, a chance to kneecap a political opponent.
"There is precedent," Bones said. "The Death Eater trials. And back in the eighteen—"
"Now, now," said Fudge, interrupting. "Let's not draw any false equivalences! I hardly think that this—that we should be—what I mean is, this is a very delicate situation!" His gaze jumped from Lucius, to Dumbledore, then to Harry and back again. "I think we've all let it get a little out of hand. With the Wizengamot unwilling to vote either way, why not just move to arbitration instead? Dismiss the criminal case and decide on a civil resolution?" Fudge smiled widely. "Yes, I think that would be most appropriate here."
"Is that really for the best, Cornelius?" asked Dumbledore. "An Unforgivable has been used upon a child. A child has been assaulted at Hogwarts by one of its very own Governors. If this is not a matter for a criminal trial, what is?"
Fudge coughed. When he spoke, he stopped just short of actually looking Dumbledore in the eye.
"Yes, well…" he said. "It's clear to me—based on the evidence and testimony provided—we've got a bit of a 'he said, she said' situation, so to speak. Without any way of ascertaining the truth, and with the Wizengamot unwilling to rule… I think my solution is best for everyone involved." He shrugged. "You can always refuse arbitration if that's what you want. You've always got that right."
Of course, Harry knew that the only reason the Wizengamot couldn't order Malfoy to take Veritaserum was because he sat on the Wizengamot, and they reserved that only for charges of treason. A naked attempt to avoid necessary scrutiny, but one which had apparently worked without consequence to reputation. For Fudge to suggest that their hands were tied, that there was simply not enough evidence to decide one way or another… well, that was more than frustrating.
Harry supposed it was technically up to Dumbledore whether they pursued the case as arbitration, but they had already agreed to do so if it went there, and Harry wanted it to anyway. A fine was better than acquittal, after all, even if both were worse than having Malfoy and the horcrux he hosted stuck in Azkaban.
"I shall say again for the record: it is not appropriate for this criminal trial to be downgraded in such a way. There has been a serious crime, and it should be tried as one. Alas, if the decision of this court is that this should be otherwise, I will abide by that and accept arbitration," Dumbledore said.
Fudge coughed.
"Ahem. Well. Now that we've got there, let's… let's get started," Fudge said. He shifted in his seat and looked from Dumbledore to Malfoy. Then, Fudge gestured at Umbridge. "Go on. Ask for advocates' statements and then we can vote and get this sorry business behind us."
Umbridge twisted her mouth into the start of a frown, but recovered quickly enough Harry didn't think Fudge had noticed. Then she nodded.
"Very well. This court will no longer rule on the matter of assault and practice of Dark magic and possession of Dark artefacts," Umbridge said. Harry thought she was disappointed. He certainly was. "Lawmage Gavelwood, state your case for arbitration," Umbridge said.
"Of course, Madam Undersecretary," said Gavelwood. "Our case is simple: Albus Dumbledore has used the unfortunate events of the day in question as a way to spread vicious lies and rumours about my client and his family. That there was an altercation in Hogwarts between Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy is indisputable; Lucius Malfoy's involvement begins and ends as a spectator to this. Any other suggestion is a lie, a manipulation of the truth, or simply a mistake. The intense level of media scrutiny, and the reputational damage caused by the spurious allegations made, has meant that my client and his family has suffered immensely from this ordeal. As such, the restitution we seek from this court is a formal apology from Albus Dumbledore and Hogwarts School, as well as a token fine of, say, five thousand galleons. We are willing to overlook the maiming of Draco Malfoy by Harry Potter as both boys were involved in a serious altercation."
Harry was just barely able to contain his snort of derision. Reputational damage to Malfoy? It wasn't Malfoy who was in the papers being touted as a Dark wizard. It wasn't Malfoy who was being written of as if he were some sort of manipulative puppet master. That was reserved for Harry and Dumbledore, in pieces written and paid for by Lucius Malfoy.
"And this is your application to the court?" Umbridge asked. "Your final statement?"
"It is, Madam Undersecretary," Gavelwood said.
"Then let it be entered into the record," Umbridge said. "Lawmage Spellman, please state your case. When you are ready."
"Our application to the court is thus," Spellman began. "We believe that Lucius Malfoy—a man in a position of authority at Hogwarts School—was negligent in his behaviour. We believe that through his actions a fight between schoolboys became something much worse, something which should have been mediated properly by a responsible adult—which he had failed to do. Further, his behaviour with regard to Mr Potter was nothing short of coercive and predatory. His actions on the day in question endangered Mr Potter, endangered his own son, and endangered the reputation of Hogwarts School both domestically and abroad. As restitution we are seeking that Lucius Malfoy be barred from serving on the Board of Governors at Hogwarts School in perpetuity, a formal apology to Harry Potter, and a fine of five thousand galleons to be paid to the Hogwarts School estate. We believe that to be fair restitution."
"Then we shall vote once again," Umbridge said. "First, we can consider that we have already heard all relevant testimony as part of the inconclusive criminal trial. As such, we have no need of further discussion. Thus, we must now consider, on the basis of the evidence we have heard, whether Lucius Malfoy was negligent to the point of endangerment on the day in question, and whether this shall be considered sufficient to require formal restitution. Please vote."
Harry watched as the Wizengamot voted. This time, there were far fewer abstentions, and many more people had voted with a green ball of light.
"Next," continued Umbridge without any mention of the result of the vote, "we must consider the form of restitution. Is it the view of the Wizengamot that Lucius Malfoy should apologise to Harry Potter, and should be barred from serving at the behest of the Ministry on the Hogwarts Board of Governors?"
Once again, the votes came back overwhelmingly in favour of that outcome.
Finally a bit of good news, Harry thought.
"And further to this," Umbridge said, "does this court believe that a fine of five thousand galleons, to be payable to the Hogwarts School estate, is suitable restitution?"
Harry thought that one was likely to be more controversial. Five thousand galleons was a huge sum of money. It was more than many people had saved, more than they would get paid for a whole year's work. Probably not any of the peers of the Wizengamot, but many other wizards, anyway. But it was a far less serious sentence than Azkaban, and those who had been unwilling to send Lucius there might be a bit more inclined to hit him in the coin purse.
Hopefully.
One by one the wizards of the Wizengamot voted. The vote this time was far tighter, with a large number of red lights – and more than a few abstentions. But Harry thought that overall, it was in favour of financial restitution.
"This court orders Lucius Malfoy to pay a fine of five thousand galleons to the Hogwarts School estate," Umbridge said.
Harry looked over at Malfoy. He sat there staring ahead with that same calm, detached look on his face, as if the result was totally inconsequential to him. Although Harry supposed it was – five thousand galleons was a lot of money, but not a lot of money to Lucius Malfoy. And an apology wasn't exactly earth-shattering. But it was a formal recognition that Malfoy had done something wrong, even if they hadn't got the criminal conviction they'd wanted. So that was good. Sort of.
"On the matter of reputational damage due to spurious accusations," Umbridge continued, "it is necessary for us to vote once again. This court asks: are the allegations made by Albus Dumbledore on behalf of Hogwarts School likely to have caused irreparable reputational damage to Lucius Malfoy?"
One by one, lights went up, and as far as Harry could tell, it was quite even. A few abstentions, but most of the Wizengamot had voted one way or another… including Fudge, who'd voted in favour.
"The motion is carried," Umbridge said. "Let it enter the record that the Wizengamot finds Albus Dumbledore to have caused reputational damage to Lucius Malfoy. We must now vote on the issue of restitution. Does this court find that a formal apology is suitable restitution?"
Once again the Wizengamot voted. This time it was near-unanimous in favour of an apology. Ridiculous, but Harry supposed it was consistent with their earlier vote.
"And finally, the Wizengamot is asked whether a fine of five thousand galleons to be paid by the Hogwarts School estate to Lucius Malfoy is sufficient and appropriate restitution," said Umbridge.
Harry watched as a sea of red lights appeared above the Wizengamot peers' heads. A few of them had voted in favour of financial restitution, and some had abstained, but the vast majority had voted against it. Harry found that interesting, but perhaps not too surprising. It was easy enough to think Malfoy deserved an apology, he supposed, but receiving a payout after being found to have acted negligently was another thing entirely.
And no doubt all of those who had voted to convict in the criminal trial would be disinclined to offer him five thousand galleons in the civil arbitration.
"Then this court shall order Albus Dumbledore to make a formal apology to Lucius Malfoy," Umbridge said. "Lucius Malfoy is to be barred from serving as a Ministry of Magic representative to the Hogwarts Board of Governors. He is to formally apologise to Harry Potter for the negligence which led to his injury and will pay a five thousand galleon fine. It is the view of this court that this dispute has been mediated successfully. It is the will of this court that all restitution be made no later than Hallowe'en of this year. Failure to comply will result in increased penalties."
With that, Umbridge made as if to get up and go, but Bones stopped her.
"Peers of the Wizengamot are to be reminded that they are not to discuss this case with the press," Bones said. "We have arranged a suitable statement to be provided by the court and will liaise with counsel to provide appropriate statements on the plaintiffs' behalf. You may go."
Bones, Fudge, Umbridge, and Weasley all got up and left. Once they were gone, the Wizengamot followed.
Malfoy stood up from his manacled chair immediately and left swiftly, followed by Gavelwood close at his heel.
"Let's not linger," Spellman said, and left back to the antechamber. Harry and Dumbledore followed. Once back inside they were joined by Mim, Petunia, and Vernon.
"That was a bloody farce," complained Vernon once they were all inside. "Don't see what the point was of even having the trial."
"It could have gone better," Dumbledore said mildly, "but we did not come away empty-handed. Lucius Malfoy was clearly found to be at fault in the arbitration. That I am required to apologise for reputational damage is merely Cornelius's way of helping his friend save face. In truth, most people will see the outcome for what it is: an admission of Malfoy's guilt by a system designed to protect its own."
Harry had far less faith and confidence in the wizarding public's ability to detect nuances such as that, but he stayed quiet. No sense dragging the already low mood down even further.
"And don't forget that Malfoy's got to apologise to Mr Potter there," added Spellman. "The papers will have a party with that. We didn't get the conviction, which is more than a pity because I've never met a guiltier wizard, but we got an admission that Malfoy was at fault. It's Malfoy who's got to pay a fine, as well."
All that felt still like too much nuance for Harry, but perhaps the statements to be given to the papers afterward would clear things up a bit. More than likely not, but…
"Well, at least it's all over now," Petunia said, her tone full of false cheer. "You don't always get everything you'd like in life and at least the outcome here was mostly in our favour. Thank you very much, Lawmage Spellman." She paused. "And thank you, Mim. You've been very helpful—we really do appreciate all you've done for us today."
"It isn't any problem at all, Mrs Dursley," Mim said.
The adults all sat there talking about the outcome of the trial after that. Harry said nothing. He wasn't at all sure what there even was to say, and he still needed to process everything he'd heard.
After a while, though, they seemed to notice that Harry hadn't said anything for a while.
"Are you alright, Harry?" asked Petunia.
Harry shrugged.
"Yeah. I suppose." He shrugged again. "Bit disappointed, honestly." More than a bit – he'd wanted to see Lucius Malfoy sentenced to Azkaban. And the bit of Voldemort stuck inside his head. But that hadn't happened. "At least they agreed he was negligent, or whatever."
There was silence after Harry's statement.
And then Dumbledore spoke.
"In the criminal trial," said Dumbledore, "those who voted, voted in favour of a guilty verdict. We did not secure the conviction, that is true. But there are those on the Wizengamot who have heard the testimony and found Lucius Malfoy lacking. Already there are plans being made and discussions being had. We may not have won today, but we did not lose, either. And that is something good."
"Yeah," Harry said. "Fair enough. And like Aunt Petunia said—at least it's over now."
Although Harry didn't believe that that – the outcome of the arbitration – would be the end of it. Not by a long margin. Even without the toxic and hateful shard of Voldemort stuck in his head Lucius Malfoy bore grudges. The only real difference was that there were two spiteful minds in Malfoy's head instead of just the one.
"There's something I've been wondering," Vernon said after a few moments. "How much is five thousand galleons?"
"Around twenty-five thousand pounds, Mr Dursley," Dumbledore said. "It is a not inconsequential sum, even to one as financially well-off as Lucius Malfoy."
That was a bit of an overstatement given what Harry knew of Lucius Malfoy's finances, but only a bit. The Malfoys had hundreds of thousands of galleons at their disposal, but Harry knew they didn't have literally unlimited funds. Five thousand galleons was a large enough sum that most of the wizarding public would be horrified, even if Lucius Malfoy himself viewed it merely as the cost of doing business.
"Hmm," said Vernon. "Well. Better than nothing, I suppose."
"Indeed," Dumbledore said. "Now, your return portkey is ready for activation when you desire to leave the Ministry. If you are ready, I am authorised to activate it."
Harry shrugged. He was done with the Ministry for the day. For the year, if he had his way. Lucius Malfoy had walked away a free man. Even with his loss at arbitration Harry was sure his paid for journalists would find a way to make it positive.
"Yes, please, Headmaster," Petunia said. "That would be very helpful, thank you."
Everyone said their thank yous and goodbyes, and Dumbledore prepared the portkey – a broken old shovel handle – for activation. Harry gripped tight for the journey and didn't even stumble at the other side. It was nice to be out of the Ministry, but even home felt a bit dull in grey in Harry's post-trial malaise.
He'd perk up in time, he supposed. And it wasn't as if the outcome was totally unexpected, given the Ministry's endemic corruption and incompetence.
"Well," declared Petunia once the three of them were all back inside the living room at Number Four, "now we can think about Greece! Something nice and relaxing after all the… after all the…"
"Bother and fuss," supplied Vernon.
"Yes, bother and fuss," said Petunia. "Something fun for us all!"