CHAPTER 8
The Trial (Part II) - 12:00PM
"Please state your name before the Court."
"Bellatrix Lestrange." The monotone voice replied, a complete opposite of the maniacal screeching it'd been doing before. The woman in question was kneeling within the Witness Stands' cage, her pale limbs firmly shackled within the chains. Her waist-length ink-black hair was a frightful frizzy mess as it fell in a knotted curtain around her, made all the more wild by a stark white streak that ran through the middle of her head. Fathomless dark eyes stared blankly from a sharply aristocratic face, rendered all the more haunting by hollowed cheeks, chapped lips, and sallow pale skin. Her prisoner's uniform was filthy, covered in all manner of dirt and stains, with patches missing in some areas.
"Do you know why you are here today?"
"Yes, I know why I am here today."
"Do you share responsibility for the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom by use of the Cruciatus Curse?"
"Yes, I do." A quiet wave of muttering arose, as all in attendance were well aware of the woman's fearsome reputation as the Dark Lord's highest-ranked lieutenant. She bore a personal killcount well within the hundreds, a morbid mix of aurors, Lords, Ladies, and countless unnamed civilians, both magical and muggle alike. She was the most dangerous of the Death Eaters apprehended, and the attending aurors (as well as other present members of the DMLE) were on high alert to subdue her if need be. Sirius was particularly tense, his tightly-gripped wand poised to strike at the drop of a hat. His expression was particularly furious, gray eyes focused and blazing.
"Please iterate to the court exactly when and how the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom took place, and what you and your comrades' involvement was."
As Bellatrix droned on with her testimony, Tom went through his mental catalog of everything he knew about the woman, including what all he gleaned from his brief interactions with her. Born Bellatrix ('I prefer Bella') Black to Cygnus Black and Druella Black (née Rosier), she was sorted into Slytherin House upon entering Hogwarts. She was rather shy and a touch awkward, preferring to keep to herself and her books than to make many friends. The only thing Bellatrix loved more than her books and the library were her sisters Andromeda and Narcissa, fiercely protective of them and quick to reprimand (verbally and magically) anyone who dared to insult or belittle them.
To all her professors' delight, she'd proven herself to be academically and magically gifted during her Hogwarts tenure, demonstrating great ability in all of her classes, especially Defense Against the Dark Arts, Arithmancy, Charms, Transfiguration, and (surprisingly) Herbology. She'd expressed wanting to become an Auror, and after gaining seven OWLS in her Fifth Year, was placed on the student track to the Auror program. Her parents on the other hand, had other ideas about their daughter's professional desires. They'd outright refused to pay for her Auror schooling, threatening her with disownment.
As the eldest daughter of an Ancient and Noble House, there were expectations for her to be betrothed to an eligible Heir and be married upon graduating from Hogwarts. Her parents had created a Betrothal Contract between herself and Rodolphus Lestrange, uniting their two Houses. Their marriage would render House Lestrange a Vassal of House Black until a viable male heir and two daughters were produced, wherein House Black would terminate the Vassalship and support House Lestrange's promotion to an Ancient and Noble House. Once of age, one daughter would be married to the Black Heir, and the other would be married to a son (preferably Heir) of House Black's allies. Bellatrix (understandably), did not want to go through with the marriage, and in a desperate bid, had begged her Head of House Horace Slughorn to assist.
Horace had reached out to Tom directly via the Magical Youth Liaison Program to assist. The Program - Tom's brainchild - had been established in 1951, a year after Tom reclaimed the Gaunt Seat. The Program was introduced as a privately-run charity endeavor to support all underprivileged magical youth (regardless of blood status), to provide financial assistance for Hogwarts tuition, funding for Mastery pursuits, Auror Academy tuition, etc. It served as an extensive post-grad network and mentorship program for less-privileged magical students (mainly muggleborns and some Halfbloods) to have a chance at fulfilling career prospects they otherwise would not have had in Wizarding England. Upon Tom's introduction to Bellatrix, he'd immediately agreed to have the Program sponsor her impending Aurorship and even pay for the remainder of her Hogwarts schooling should she require it. To sweeten the deal, Tom had even offered to tutor her in Occlumency to help her for the remainder of schooling and improve her standing when she started the Auror program.
Already knowing of her academic prowess, Tom was already impressed with Bellatrix and wanted to foster all of her potential. A cursory legilimens scan of her mind revealed a burning desire to prove herself capable of her dreams, a general indifference to blood status, an urgent need to be free from her parents' thumb, and to be in an even greater position to protect her sisters, all very noble causes Tom was eager to support. That he'd be winning away a prized daughter of House Black from the odious 'Cygnus-fucking-Black' was the gratuituous cherry on top. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. A few months after their initial meetings, Bellatrix had (rather rudely) informed Slughorn to let Tom know that 'she wanted nothing to do with some jumped-up mudblood charity' and that 'she was no longer interested in such a foolishly pedestrian pursuit to be an Auror', instead choosing to fulfilling all duties demanded of a 'good pureblood daughter.' The next time she and Tom crossed paths, he and his Knights would be fending off her lethal curses as Miss Demeanor.
'Toujours Pur indeed.' Tom thought sardonically, Bellatrix's voice in the background. It seemed that in a short span of time, she had been thoroughly brainwashed into following her parents' pureblood fanaticism, her initial indifference turned to seething hatred of muggleborns and Halfbloods. Her near-prodigious magical ability had been fine-tuned into that of a ruthless killer, the Dark Lord's personal assassin. Tom swallowed down his latent feelings of disappointment at the unfortunate outcome of Bellatrix's promising future, which now would certainly end in Azkaban.
"That is all the questions I have. Members of the Wizengamot, please bear in mind the admittance of the prisoner's casting of the Cruciatus Curse, and her further confirmation of its detection with the use of the Priori Incantatem Spell. Bailiff, please administer the antidote to the Veritaserum, and have the attending aurors reapply the standard prisoner charms." The antidote was swiftly applied and the three aurors immediately cast Silencing Spells and Immobulus Charms, which rendered Bellatrix mute and frozen. Satisfied with her compliance, Dumbledore again called on Scrimgeour to deliver his testimony. As Scrimgeour gave his account, Tom kept his focus on Bellatrix. Gone was the burning look of crazed mania; in its place was a look of collected calm, unblinking in its intensity. She looked too calculating, too present, too focused. 'She's planning something,' Tom thought, as his wand subtly slipped his palm from his holster. He briefly used his cuff to alert Lily and Severus to have their wands at the ready, satisfied that they informed him that they'd already done so. A few minutes passed as the Chief Auror finished his testimony, taking his seat once complete.
"Thank you again Chief Auror. Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, please bear in mind both the eyewitness testimony of the Chief Auror who helped facilitate the prisoner's arrest, and the Healers' Report cataloging Frank and Alice's injuries, confirming repeated exposure to the Cruciatus. Bailiff, please have the on-duty Aurors escort the prisoner back to her waiting cell and once complete, have them bring in the next prisoner." The bailiff signaled the aurors and they strode to the Stand, wands at the ready. They cast simultaneous Silencing and Incarcerous Spells, even a strait jacket, rendering her completely silent and immobile. As they moved to place the prisoner's bag over her head, she struck.
In the span of seconds, Bellatrix sharply headbutted the Auror to her right, causing him to scream in pain as his nose broke, blood splattering everywhere as he staggered backwards, clasping his face in pain. Screams of shock and anger rang out as she repeated the move with the Auror to her left, her movements a blur. She dove headfirst for a dropped wand, suddenly dropping like a rock when multiple Stunning, Disarming, and Incarcerous Spells hit her dead center. James and Scrimgeour simultaneously leapt over their tables and trained their wands on her prone form, ready to use lethal force if need be. Dumbledore descended from the Chief Warlock's podium, his wand a blur as he cast what Tom (and a few others) recognized as an advanced Stasis and Modified Coma Charms over Bellatrix's entire person. Dumbledore, James, and Rufus levitated her out of the Chamber, while Kingsley escorted the injured Aurors away for treatment.
Tom hadn't been idle, casting Protego Aegis Maxima, causing a deep pulsing yellow shield to cover the entire section of the assembled Lords and Ladies. He was pleased to see Severus, Sirius, and Lily also at attention, wands poised ready to attack. Many gawked at his open display of power (Cassilda even licked her lips!), only dispelling the shield and resuming his seat when Dumbledore and Scrimgeour returned unharmed. Libra squeezed his hand in support, a gesture he gladly returned. Dumbledore took his seat and banged his gavel several times to get the assembled party back in order.
"Bellatrix Lestrange has been rendered completely incapacitated and is now within her holding cell. Sr. Auror Potter will keep guard off her until she is brought back into the chamber for the verdict and subsequent sentencing. In light of these events and the attending Aurors' injuries, I request that Sr. Aurors Varens and Moody please bring in the remaining prisoner so we may continue this proceeding." Moody nodded sharply as he and Varens exited the room, his artificial leg thudding heavily. They returned with an unconscious and levitating Barty Crouch Jr., placing him in the cage and manacling him firmly, dispelling the levitation and hitting with a Rennervate once he was firmly sequestered in the cage. They each stood guard a few feet on either side of the cage, wands at the ready just in case. The bailiff approached the prisoner and gave him the standard dose of Veritaserum, verbally confirming when it'd taken effect. As such Dumbledore began his questioning.
A Few Minutes Later…
"I am sorry, I do believe we misheard you. Please repeat to the court exactly when and how the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom took place, and what your involvement was."
"I was not involved in the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom." A wave of muttering went through the entire Chamber, as various members looked on in shock. In a moment of true rarity, Rita Skeeter was rendered speechless. For his part Dumbledore looked momentarily stunned, giving his head a tiny shake before resuming his questioning.
"I will ask again, what was your involvement in the torture and use of Cruciatus against Frank and Alice Longbottom?"
"I had no involvement in the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom, and I did not use the Cruciatus against them." The muttering increased in volume, both in shock and disbelief. Tom stared intensely at Barty Jr., who was seemingly telling the truth. As far as he knew, the man was not an Occlumens, and he should not have been able to bypass Veritaserum and the Truth Circle. The glowing blue circle pulsed a steady blue, confirming that the prisoner was indeed being truthful. Dumbledore looked uncommonly troubled, as members of the DMLE looked increasingly disconcerted.
"I will ask a third and final time: what was your involvement in the torture and use of Cruciatus against Frank and Alice Longbottom? Did you provide the wardbreaker that allowed yourself, Bellatrix Lestrange, Rodolphus Lestrange, and Rabastan Lestrange to invade Longbottom Manor? Are you guilty of using the Cruciatus against Frank and Alice Longbottom?"
"I had no involvement in the torture and use of Cruciatius Curse against Frank and Alice Longbottom. I did not provide a wardbreaker that would allow myself, Bellatrix Lestrange, Rodolphus Lestrange, and Rabastan Lestrange to invade Longbottom Manor? I am not guilty of using the Cruciatus against Frank and Alice Longbottom." Just as before, the Truth Circle pulsed a steady blue, again confirming that Barty Jr. was telling the truth, in spite of the contradictory testimony. The muttering had grown to a dull roar of disbelief and some outrage, prompting Dumbledore to bang his gavel to renew order. This prompted Tom to make another telepathic call using his cuff:
Tom: "It seems he is telling the truth."
Severus: "Yes, it seems that way. I am not certain how, but it certainly seems like he is. Clearly I do not need to reiterate how concerning this is."
Lily: "Obviously, because it should be impossible. Tom's long confirmed that he is not an Occlumens, in any capacity, way, shape, or form that would enable him to effectively bypass the truth serum and the Truth Circle."
Tom: "Indeed. Unless he suddenly acquired the psychic abilities equivalent to a Level 3 or higher Occlumens within the span of just three months since his arrest and detention in a solitary confinement Ministry cell. This should not be possible." Tom's concern was palpable, and both Severus and Lily exchanged (mental) sharp looks. Tom quickly terminated the call as Dumbledore resumed speaking.
"At this time, I will ask the attending Potions Mistress, Madam Melantha Hipworth, to evaluate the Veritaserum to confirm its structural integrity and effectiveness." The Potions Mistress - the thrice great-granddaughter of famed potioneer Glover Hipworth - rose from her seat in the Ministry box and approached the bailiff, who placed the vial in her outstretched hand. Reaching into a pouch fastened on her hip, she retrieved a small crystal dish and a vial of smoky black potion, more gas than liquid. Using her wand, she decanted three drops of Veritaserum into the dish, then decanted six drops of the black liquid. The potions combined to resemble a yin-yang symbol, swirling rapidly before turning bright and clear. She vanished the dish and placed her potion vial back in the pouch before addressing Dumbledore:
"The Veritaserum's structural integrity is completely intact, rendering it fully effective." Dumbledore gravely nodded and politely dismissed her, addressing the court when she resumed her seat.
"Let the Wizengamot note that the Veritaserum is structurally intact and fully effective. At this time, I will ask the attending Unspeakable to evaluate the prisoner for any existing Occlumency abilities." A nondescript man in nondescript robes rose from the Ministry-seat section, steadily walking towards the Witness Stand, wand at the ready. He stopped mere inches from the cages' bars, using his wand to raise Barty's head to eye-level. He stared unblinkingly into his eyes for three full minutes, before turning to address Dumbledore:
"The prisoner is not an Occlumens. He does not possess the standard structural mindscape associated with Occlumency, shields or otherwise."
"Thank you Mr. Unspeakable, you may be seated. Bailiff, please administer the antidote and Sr. Aurors Varens and Moody, please reapply the standard prisoner charms. Chief Auror, I will ask you to give us your testimony." Barty Jr. immediately began screaming once the antidote was administered, swearing to Merlin, Circe, and on his own life that he was innocent. He was reduced to weeping once he was Silenced and restrained. As with the other three, Rufus rose and tonelessly went through his testimony, staring curiously at Barty Jr.'s weeping pathetic form as he did.
"Thank you again Chief Auror. Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, please bear in mind both the eyewitness testimony of the Chief Auror who helped facilitate the prisoner's arrest, the previous testimonies of the other prisoners, and the Healers' Report cataloging Frank and Alice's injuries, confirming repeated exposure to the Cruciatus. Sr. Aurors Varens and Moody, please escort the prisoner to the waiting cell while we deliberate."
The Verdict - 3:00PM
The prisoners had been ushed back into the chamber, dragged none too gently to stand on the raised dais of the Witness Stand, magically expanded to fit all three. The cage had also been expanded, and all three prisoners (magically silenced and restrained) stared out of the bars with varying expressions: Rodolphus and Rabastan sneered hatefully, Barty Jr. openly wept, and Bellatrix snarled in rage, spittle flying from her lips.
"Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, Voting Members of the Ministry, and Order of Merlin Recipients, we have heard all relevant facts pertaining to the case of the People of Wizarding England vs the defendants Bellatrix Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, Rodolphus Lestrange, and Barty Crouch Jr. You have all had the time to deliberate on the Veritaserum-prompted testimonies of the aforementioned prisoners, along with corroborating witness testimony and evidence from the Chief Auror. While Barty Crouch Jr.'s testimony - verified by Veritaserum - did contradict the given evidence and eye-witness testimony, please bear in mind that the testimonies of the former three prisoners, did in fact confirm Barty Crouch Jr.'s presence and participation. If you believe the defendants to be guilty, please raise your wand with a red orb. If you believe the defendant not-guilty, please raise your wand with a blue orb. Let us proceed." Dumbledore paused to take a sip of water, before clearing his throat to resume.
"In the case of the defendant Rodolphus Lestrange, how do you all vote?" Every applicable wand rose with a red orb. Augusta's pulsed brightest of all.
"In the case of the defendant Rabastan Lestrange, how do you all vote?" Just as before, every applicable wand rose with a red orb.
"In the case of the defendant Bellatrix Lestrange, how do you all vote?" There were a few moments of hesitation before all wands eventually rose with a red orb. Sirius' eyes were blazing, wishing he could strike the psychotic witch down.
"In the case of the defendant Barty Crouch Jr., how do you all vote?" There was significant hesitation, with only a few wands rising with a red orb. Slowly, more and more wands raised, their tips glowing red. Soon enough, all eyes trained on Barty Crouch Sr., who had been silent and unmoved for the majority of the trial. His eyes were trained firmly on the form of his weeping son, who was openly (but silently) begging for his father to believe him, tears falling unbidden down his face. A few moments passed, before Crouch Sr. raised his wand, the tip a deep pulsing red.
"Thank you all for your votes. In the case of the People of Wizarding England vs the defendants Bellatrix Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, Rodolphus Lestrange, and Barty Crouch Jr., you four are hereby found guilty in the use of the Cruciatus Curse against Frank Lord Longbottom and Alice Lady Longbottom. You each are granted a Life Sentence in the Maximum Security Tower of Azkaban Prison, where you all will remain for the rest of your lives. Sr. Aurors Moody and Varens, please escort the prisoners out of the courtroom and begin their processing to Azkaban." The two Aurors wasted no time Stunning all three prisoners, binding them in iron chains before levitating them out of the chamber.
"Before I end this proceeding, Lord Black has requested the floor to conduct urgent House Black business. If you may, Lord Black?" Dumbledore gestured for Sirius to stand, which he immediately did. His usually cheery countenance was drawn and severe, eyes cold. He stood straight and proud, exuding every bit the pureblood lord. Many curious looks were sent Sirius' way, with the noted exception of Augusta and Tom.
"Thank you Chief Warlock. In my capacity as Lord Black, I hereby invoke Clause 21 sub-clauses a, b, and c of the marital contract between Bellatrix Lestrange née Black and Rodolphus Lord Lestrange. In the event of Lord Lestrange's incapacitation and/or incarceration and in lieu of an applicable Regent and/or Heir Apparent, the power of attorney of House Lestrange falls to Lord Black, automatically making the ruling Lord Black Regent and Proxy for House Lestrange and its relevant votes. I, as Sirius Orion Lord Black, hereby claim the Lestrange Seat as its Regent and Proxy, and claim its five votes for House Black. Additionally, for her guilty conviction of the crime of Cruciatus torture against Frank Lord Longbottom and Alice Lady Longbottom, Bellatrix Lestrange is hereby expelled from the Black Family in disgrace. For her flagrant violation of the sacred bonds of life and sanctity between wizards and witches, she is denied the succor of my house in her time of need, and denied the right to sanctum in the hearth of any House Black abode. So I say, so it will be." The sound of a gong ringing washed over every gathered member of the Wizengamot and the Viewing Gallery, most staring with eyes widened in shock. Rita Skeeter's Quick Notes Quill was once more a blur as her eyes greedily took in the scene, her photographer's camera flashing every second. Augusta nodded fiercely in Sirius' direction, as Tom gave him an imperceptible nod of his head. Dumbledore stared intently at Sirius before nodding his head in acceptance.
"Very well Lord Black. For the sake of posterity, I will ask the records keeper to confirm the existence of the contract and its invoked clauses, as well as Bellatrix Lestrange's expulsion from the Black Family." He turned to the records keeper who was still gawking in shock, before Dumbledore's sharply cleared throat startled him into action. Using his wand, he traced a rune on the Book of Records. Since the Lestrange marriage contract was considered a public record, a facsimile could be viewed through the Book of Records. A few seconds later the book opened and pages rapidly flipped, before settling on a page. Adjusting his glasses, the record-keeper painstakingly read the page, before looking up to address Dumbledore.
"Yes Chief Warlock. The Book of Records shows the existence of the Lestrange marriage contract, the existence of Clause 21 sub-clauses a, b, and c, and Bellatrix's formal expulsion from House Black. House Black's overall votes have increased from eleven to sixteen." He closed the Book as Dumbledore nodded his assent.
"Thank you. Lords and Ladies of the Wizengamot, esteemed members of the Ministry, and gathered guests in the Viewing Gallery, this judicial proceeding is hereby complete. We are adjourned."
Post-Trial - Lord Gaunt's Office - 4:30PM
After a brief recap with Libra, Severus, and Lily, Tom had declined dinner, citing the need to catch up on some paperwork in his office. Giving goodbye hugs to Lily and Libra, the former's mothering instincts had all but demanded he eat a 'real meal', to which he'd laughingly agreed. Now, Tom was eating a hearty bowl of creamy tomato parmesan soup and a heaping serving of buttered rolls provided by Mab, his personal house elf. Upon delivering the meal, the elf had sweetly fussed over him, insisting on tucking his napkin in, setting out his cutlery, and pouring him a tall glass of iced tea, all of which Tom (amusedly) took in stride.
The office was a standard-sized room, provided by the Ministry for any sitting Lord and/or Lady of the Wizengamot, to be personalized to his or her tastes. In addition to his complex security wards, Tom's room was painted in varying shades of warm greens, with each wall outfitted in a small magical sconce that glowed a warm yellow light. The base of each sconce bore a raised snake mold, a subtle homage to his Slytherin roots. A large table dominated the center of the room, an 'office-warming gift' given to him by Libra. 'An antique Hepplewhite, one-of-a-kind' she'd called it, the table was a beautiful and masterfully crafted creation with a solid mahogany top with an inlay of rich maple, equipped with matching drawers and elegantly tapered legs, inlaid with sinuous carvings of snakes.
The top of the table was filled with moving pictures of Tom's closest friends and all his mentees, all of whom waved and smiled at him whenever he sat down. Interspersed were various knick-knacks; most of them cheeky snake-themed gifts from his friends, colleagues, and mentees. His current favorite (gifted to him by Severus) was a small silver boa constrictor statue outfitted in a brightly colored zarape shawl, purchased from a magical gift shop in Oaxaca, Mexico. The boa was enchanted to hiss "Hola SsSseñor!" whenever Tom petted it. Naturally, as a Parselmouth, Tom could make it do much more than that.
The middle of the expansive back wall was fashioned into a large floor-to-ceiling window depicting the skyline of muggle London. On either side of the wall was a portrait; the left a (non-moving) painting of Salazar Slytherin, the right an animated painting of Tom's first best friend, his brother-in-all-but-blood Norbert 'Nobby' Leach (Muggleborn, Hufflepuff Class of 1945). A tall and stately man with warm brown eyes, a neatly groomed auburn beard, and a tangible joie de vivre, Nobby was depicted in his personal study in his home, a place that had served as both sanctuary and a base of operations for both Nobby and Tom, especially during the former's brief tenure as Minister of Magic. Tragically, Nobby and his family (a wife, two daughters, and house elf) had been personally slain by the Dark Lord, as a clear message to Tom and Wizarding England. Tom had nearly succumbed to his grief, blaming himself for their deaths. There wasn't a day that went by that Tom didn't miss them. He was eternally grateful to still have the sageness of Nobby's advice and the comfort of his presence, even in death.
As he ate, Tom shared the day's events with Nobby, who attentively listened and offered commentary when appropriate. His eyebrows shot up in shock upon hearing about Bellatrix's bold attempt at escaping, letting out a low whistle when Tom relayed Barty Sr.'s damnation of his son.
"Blimey! Can't say I'm really surprised by that, Bellatrix has always been a very powerful witch, even before she went all screwy." He made a corkscrew motion at his head, while mouthing 'coo-coo!' "Not really shocked by either of the Bartys; Senior hates Death Eaters just as much as he loves the law. There should have been no doubt that he would convict his own son; almost all the man's children were killed by Death Eaters. I will say it is very strange that Junior was able to lie so convincingly, bypassing Veritaserum and the Truth Circle. That's something only the most advanced of Occlumens can do (he gave Tom a knowing look), and we know for a fact that Junior is not an Occlumens."
"That is true," Tom said, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers. "I confirmed this several times in my interactions with him. Barty Jr. somehow was able to gain the unique abilities of an Occlumens without ever being one. Psychogenic retrograde amnesia - a fugue state if you will - can neither grant anyone those Occludic abilities nor can it be the sole reason for someone committing gruesome acts of terroristic violence. This is an unprecedented complex brainwashing; a complete psychic rewriting of a person's mind that transforms them into a cold-blooded killer, that not only forces him to disassociate, but compels him to forget in complete totality! While we both have our theories as to exactly whom may be responsible (Nobby's face darkened in anger) something more sinister is at play here, and the sooner we discover exactly what it is, the better."
"Aye I agree, who knows just how many other Juniors are out there, brainwashed into being psychotic killers and they don't even know." Nobby's expression looked deeply troubled, the possibility of such an occurrence crossing Tom's mind many times over. The two friends spoke for a few more minutes, before a tinkling chime rang through the room.
"Ah, time for work then, aye Tom?" Nobby teasingly asked, eyes sparkling in merriment. Tom chuckled, vanishing the remainder of his meal, before bidding his best friend goodbye. Smiling, Nobby gave him a mock salute before reclining in his study chair, eyes closing in sleep. Tom stood and made his way over to the darkest right corner of the room. Obscured in a magically altered shadow, the corner contained a Vanishing Cabinet, emblazoned with the Gaunt family crest and covered with a multitude of complex and arcane runes visible only to Tom's eye. Pressing his right palm against the handle, he felt a light sting as a small bit of blood was taken.
A few seconds later, the handle glowed a soft blue. Tom then hissed the password, causing the handle to glow a bright yellow as it made a series of soft clicks. Turning the handle, Tom entered the cabinet and felt it lock behind him. A series of inlaid magicks conferred a Glamor Charm and changed his robes into a (well-tailored) deep navy uniform. A soft ding sounded through the Cabinet, signaling that he'd appeared in its linked counterpart at its designated location.
And so, Thomas Riddle Lord Gaunt aka Unspeakable 018 aka the Associate Director of the Mind Division exited the Cabinet and went to work at his real job.
AN 1: Finally! The Lestranges and Barty Jr. are officially convicted and (for now) will be languishing in Azkaban.
AN 2: And now we know what Tom does for a living! What did you all think? I've always envisioned a (whole-souled) Tom Riddle being an academic first and foremost, and being an Unspeakable allows him the means to explore the depths of his brilliant mind (pun intended). We're also introduced to his OG BFF Nobby Leach, who will make many more cameos as this story progresses, with some full flashback scenes. We can credit him for helping Tom retain his humanity.
AN 3: Casting is as follows: Andrew Garfield as Barty Crouch Jr., (youngish) Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange, and Ewen Bremner as Nobby Leach.