A/N I always forget to use the English word 'barrister' while writing. But I believe you all have figured out by now that I am an American. So, I am going to leave the American word 'lawyer' in, since that is how my brain wants to think. Lol!

Chapter 31: Headlines

Copies of the Daily Prophet were in the hands of almost everyone in Diagon Alley. Pansy's article seemed to be all anyone could talk about. Well, that, and the fact she had married Arthur Prince not three hours prior to him being arrested. Prince had sat in Azkaban over the weekend and was now being held at the Ministry waiting to hear what his punishment would be. His trial had been short. Harry had all too compelling of evidence against the man, including Susan Bones and Jasper Brown turning on him, in order to save themselves.

Astoria finished reading Pansy's article again for the fifth time, setting it on the table she was sitting at. She was at the little café across from the Ministry with Draco, Theo and Anna. "Pansy must be hoping to win some sort of award for this article. Can you believe that part about her father? She practically blamed her parents for the nasty crap she wrote about the four of you." Astoria said as she laid her hand on the table for Draco to hold.

"It's not entirely untrue Astoria." Draco reached over and took her hand. "I may have finally learned I can't continue to blame my father for my choices. I made them all by myself. But the fact remains, the choices I made, were governed by his beliefs, the ones he passed on to me. It's easy enough to say at sixteen ones doesn't know what they are doing, but I did. I just believed I was doing the right thing."

"But Draco, this Pansy gal ain't sixteen anymore. She wrote all those things, as an adult." Anna smiled sweetly then took a drink of her coffee. "She is just laying the honey on thick now, to save her skin."

Astoria indicated to all the people around them reading the paper, "Well, I think it is going to work."

"You might be on to something Astoria, we have received better service today, then we have in a long time." Theo looked at his watch again. "How long does it take for those people to decide on one mans fate?"

"Settle down mate, it has only been an hour. The Wizengamot is a lot of people, they have to come to some sort of agreement. You, asking for leniency, kind of threw them for a loop." Draco crossed his legs. "I still don't understand why you did it."

Theo sniffed and sat up. "I am tired Draco. Tired of the same battle, with no winner. Tired of the confrontations with people like Weasley and Prince, deciding that because my name is Nott, they already think they know me. I have to find a way to change what the Wizarding World thinks when they hear my name. Are you not tired of people thinking you are evil, simply because you are a Malfoy?"

Draco held Astoria's hand a little tighter. "Yes, I am. That's why I decided to become a healer. I think it is finally starting to work. Not near as many people refuse to let me treat them as did when I first started. But don't you want Prince to pay?"

"I do, but I don't think him sitting in Azkaban is the best way. Besides, he married Pansy, that has to be just as bad." Theo snickered as he took a drink.

Astoria tried to hide a small laugh. "Oh, Draco don't make that face. You dated her a long time ago, when you were kids."

"I suppose you're right." Draco cracked a smile. "She was just as bad then as she now. What did I ever see in her?"

"Over developed breasts for a thirteen-year-old perhaps?" Theo smiled into his coffee cup, as Anna hit his shoulder. "What? Just making a suggestion." He looked at his watch again.

Anna rolled her eyes. "Darlin', it is only two minutes later then when you last looked at that thing. They will send word just as soon as they are ready." Anna picked the paper back up. "I can't believe she just took everything back like that." She started reading from the paper. "'This reporter as made quick judgements in the past, but not ones nearly as wrong as the ones I made about my former Housemates.'"

Theo shook his head, "She clearly is wanting people to just forget everything she wrote before." He pointed at a line in the paper Anna was holding. "I suppose, 'Mr. Goyle is a kindhearted man, who only wants to provide for his wife and unborn child,' is meant to make up for claiming he attacked people days after getting out of Azkaban."

Anna scoffed as she threw the paper down.

"She did say nice things this time around about all four of you." Astoria pulled the paper closer to her and leaned over to look at it. "I mean she did apologize Draco, for the things she said about you. And half the article Theo, was about how wrong she had been to claim you were just trying to finish what your father started. You guys have to admit, her article, no matter the reasons she wrote it, will help each of you in some way."

Draco scrunched his nose. "I suppose you have a point. If Greg and Blaise lost any customers because of her original claims, they are sure to return now. It may help me get a few more patients, who return and request me personally." Draco sighed and looked at Theo. "I am sure you will get back customers who left because of Pansy. I just wish this article would some how help you get Daphne back."

"Who knows mate, it might." Theo shrugged. "I still have no idea why Lord Greengrass is making her marry Flint. For all we know, it is because of Pansy's original claims."

"You don't really think he would make her marry a man she doesn't love because Parkinson claimed you were a Death Eater, do you?" Anna playfully hit Theo on the shoulder.

Theo smiled. "No. One can wish for it be that simple though." Just then Theo noticed Mr. Miller, one of the company's lawyers walking across the street toward them. "Ah, finally. Here comes lawyer number one."

"Why didn't you have Ernie handle this trial for you?" Astoria asked as she sipped her tea.

"He is my personal attorney. Ernie doesn't handle paperwork or legal matters pertaining to the business. That is what I have lawyers' number one and two for. Since the Board of Elders meeting wasn't technically a legal matter, I was more comfortable having Ernie represent me then Miller or Hubbard." Theo stood up to shake Mr. Miller's hand. "I hope you have heard something; I can't stand this waiting."

Mr. Miller shook Theo's hand, then shook Draco's and said hello briefly to both Astoria and Anna. "Good afternoon, ladies. Yes, Mr. Nott, they have come back with a verdict. If you will come with me, we can go hear what they have to say."

Theo held his hand out to help Anna up as Draco stood, tossed some money on the table then pulled out Astoria's chair. The four of them followed Mr. Miller back into the Ministry and to the Grand Hall were the Wizengamot met. Anna, Astoria and Draco took seats in the public viewing area while Theo went with Mr. Miller to the seats, he, Mr. Miller and Mr. Hubbard sat at directly behind the prosecution. Theo found it interesting that Pansy was sitting the area reserved for the press and not with the public. One would think as Prince's wife, she wouldn't want to be covering this story for the Prophet. But there she was, with all the other members of the press, note pad and quill in hand. Preparing to make headlines once again, no doubt.

As the members of the Wizengamot took their seats, Arthur Prince was escorted over to his place at the table for the defense. He looked nervous while he looked over at the public viewing section, scanning the seats for his wife. Once he finally found her sitting with the press, Arthur's face fell even more. Theo didn't think Prince had the ability to look sad or ashamed, but clearly it hit him hard seeing Pansy considering her role as 'reporter' more important than her role as 'wife', and Prince looked dejected.

Kingsley Shacklebolt called for order in the room as the final members took their seats. Theo remembered sitting in this room several years ago, with chains around his wrists and ankles. Laws had changed since then and chains were no longer used to hold prisoners. Instead, their magic was bound by a spell. It was considered more humane than chaining people like animals. Theo always thought it was convenient that the law wasn't changed until the day after the last Death Eater trial took place. He had hated the chains, and felt they were unnecessary. It felt sublime to be sitting back in here, on the other side.

Theo knew many of the members as they looked down at him. Christopher Flint glared at him from his seat, high above the rest. Fredrick Macmillan gave him a warm smile from his seat beside Shacklebolt. Others he knew such as Percy Weasley and Hermione Granger simply looked down at him and Prince with no expression.

"Mr. Prince, please stand while we give out judgement." Shacklebolt called out.

Arthur stood slowly holding on to the table in front of him as if he might fall over. He looked over at Theo, a stone expression on his face. Theo didn't know if the man was scared or angry. Perhaps both.

"Mr. Prince, this Wizengamot finds you guilty of all charges." Shacklebolt gave Prince a stern look. "Do you have any thing to say before we give your sentence?"

Prince slumped forward slightly and looked at his feet. Quietly he responded with, "No."

Shacklebolt looked at him, trying to assess the man for a moment. "Very well, on to sentencing. You have the right to know Mr. Prince, that Lord Nott requested leniency on your behalf. We took it under advisement."

Hushed whispers and the sound of quill to parchment erupted from the press. Prince looked up, his expression changing from stone to shock. He looked quickly over at Theo. Theo made direct eye contact with him but made sure not to change his facial expression from the stern one he hoped was plastered on. He didn't want any one in the room, especially the press, mistaking a smile, for anything other then what it was. A smile.

Shacklebolt cleared his throat. "Mr. Arthur Carl Prince, you are ordered by this Wizengamot to help the Curse Breaker Stephen Cornfoot recover the lost goods from the portkey shipment. You are ordered to pay for the rebuilding of the London Medical Supply Factory which you subsequently were responsible for burning down. Your family vaults will be confiscated to meet that end. If there is not enough money in your family vaults, your wife's inheritance will be used to make up the difference."

Shacklebolt stopped momentarily when Pansy yelled 'What!?' from the press section. Shacklebolt gave her a moment to compose herself before he continued. "You will work as a member of the Muggle construction crew making the minimum Muggle wage during the rebuilding of said factory. You are not allowed to use magic for two years, and your wand will be held by the Magical Law Enforcement Department during the duration of that time." Shacklebolt took a deep breath and looked closely at Prince. "Mr. Prince, do you understand your sentencing?"

Prince looked sick to his stomach. "Yes, I do."

"You understand that these orders, are in lieu of you spending time in Azkaban?" Shacklebolt asked as he tapped the papers on the stand in front of him, putting them back in a neat stack.

"Yes, I understand." Prince became wobbly on his feet and his lawyer had to hold his arm to steady him.

Shacklebolt nodded, "You than understand that an attempt to use magic, non-co-operation with Mr. Cornfoot, or not following the rules of the Muggles whom you will be working for, will result in this Wizengamot revoking all orders expect the paying for the factory rebuild and you will serve no less than five years?"

Prince nodded yes, while holding onto the table in front him.

"I must have a verbal response Mr. Prince." Shacklebolt said loudly.

Arthur looked up him, his face wet from the tears which had fallen. "I understand."

Shacklebolt looked over at the prosecution briefly then hit the stand with his gavel, "We are dismissed. Mr. Prince you will see my clerk to sign your sentencing papers and get things started, after which you will be released into the capable hands of your new wife."

Prince fell into the chair and wiped his face quickly. He looked up toward the press section, looking for Pansy. She gave him an evil look once their eyes met. Theo almost felt sorry for the man, perhaps Azkaban would have been the more lenient choice. Theo stood and shook hands with the company lawyers, then walked toward the public viewing area to meet up with his friends. Pansy was trying to push her way past the frenzy of reporters who had turned on her and began berating her with questions. She tripped and fell into Theo. He caught her and helped steady her on her feet. Their eyes locked only in a moment before Pansy pulled her arm away and walked off toward Prince.

Theo thought about saying something to her, but the only things he could think of were snarky comments that would only make things worse. So, he kept them to himself and let her leave. Draco caught up to Theo as Pansy reached Arthur. Theo rolled his eyes as Pansy suddenly became the loving wife, crying and holding her husband's hand telling him everything would be fine.

Draco scoffed, "She always could cry on que."

"True. Never worked with you though, but she kept trying." Theo turned to his friend. "I cannot believe this disaster is finally over Draco. Thank you for being here and helping me with all of this. You and Blaise have been great. I mean it, from the first theft until today. Thank you."

"It was my pleasure. Now you can focus on Daphne." Draco raised his eyebrows.

Theo smiled, "I only hope things go as well on Friday night."

"They will Darlin'." Anna chimed in as she took Theo's arm and started leading him out of the Grand Hall. "As long as everyone sticks to their part of the plan, it is full proof. For now, let's go celebrate this victory. I think chocolate cheesecake is in order. What do you say Astoria? Feel like eating our body weight in cheesecake with me?"

"I do but can't really do the exercise needed to burn it off." Astoria said as she took Draco's hand.

Draco leaned down and kissed Astoria on the cheek, "Don't worry, I will help you work it off."

"No talk like that while I am an involuntarily single man." Theo laughed as he led Anna out of the building with Astoria and Draco behind them.

xXXx

Theodore's Trial

The morning of June thirtieth Theodore had been taken from Malfoy Manor with four Auror escorts. His wand had been confiscated the day he had been charged. Theodore hadn't been entirely sure why they thought four armed Auror's were necessary to escort him, at least not until they got to the Ministry. As they pushed their way through the crowd of reporters and upset witches and wizards, Theodore soon realized the Aurors were not there to protect people from him, but rather to protect him, from the angry mob.

Theodore was called a Death Eater, scum, a murderer and had people throw things at him. By the time he was placed in a small room and chained to the chair, he felt as though his fate had already been sealed. No way was he about to get off. If the Wizengamot felt in anyway the same as the people outside had, he was doomed. The Auror who locked his chains told him to let him know when the chains were tight. Theodore told him once he felt them pull slightly, but the Auror just smirked at him and gave the chains one more tug. It made the chains dig into Theodore's wrists and ankles. He winced at the pain, but other wise gave the Auror no indication it hurt.

The Auror locked the chains in place then stood up. "Your father will be brought in soon. I believe your legal counsel is in the hall. I will send him in." The Auror turned to leave but turned back with a sly look in his eye. "Sure, is a nice silk suit you have on there Jr. Death Eater. Might fit my son. Perhaps I will have them send it to me once you are locked up for good." The Auror laughed, then left the room.

Theodore wasn't in the room but for a moment alone before the door opened again and the very young lawyer who had been assigned as his legal counsel came in. Jacob Wohler gave Theodore his best and brightest smile. "Good morning, Theodore. I trust your trip over was uneventful?"

Theodore nodded yes. "It was fine Mr. Wohler."

"Good. Look we don't have much time before your father gets here. So down to business. I was able to get two more of the charges dropped. Terrorism and destruction of private property. They simply have no evidence of either charge. So, Theodore, you are facing the remaining three, attending known Death Eater activities, conspiring with Death Eaters and the use of unforgiveable curses. Any questions?" Wohler spoke so quickly Theodore had held his breath to make sure he heard every word.

Theodore let out the breath. "No sir. I think I understand everything."

Jacob Wohler closed his briefcase and looked at Theodore. "I think we have a good chance of at least getting you a short sentence if not getting the case dismissed entirely. They really don't have much evidence and my two witnesses should help. Try and not worry young man. Our biggest block will be your father. They plan to question him about your part in everything."

Before Theodore could ask Wohler what types of things his father could possibly say that would hurt him, the door opened, and Nott Sr. was escorted in. He gave his son a scathing look and Theodore felt his blood turn to ice. Theodore stared at the floor while his father was sat in the chair beside him and chained in. If Theodore felt the treatment, he had received was bad, it was nothing compared to the treatment his father got. Nott Sr. was pushed roughly into the chair and his chains had been made tight enough Theodore was certain they had caused his father to bleed.

Once the Aurors were pleased with the security of Nott Sr. they left the room and Theodore was alone with his father for the first time since the day before his seventh year had begun. They sat in silence for what Theodore figured must have been ten minutes.

Finally, Nott Sr. looked his son up and down, then spoke to him. "You look fit. At least they are feeding you."

"Yes Sir." Theodore knew he was supposed to stand when he addressed his father, but the situation made that impossible. So instead, he did his best to look the man in the eye.

"I am told you are to face only three charges. Is that true?" Nott Sr. sneered at his son.

Theodore fought a shiver as his father looked at him. "Yes Sir. My lawyer was able to get the rest dismissed."

Nott Sr. suddenly coughed violently for a moment.

"You don't look well Sir." Theodore remembered his father looked ill the last time he saw him. But he hadn't thought about it until now.

His father laughed once the coughed subsided. "I haven't been living it up at Malfoy Manor the way you have."

Theodore regretted that he had said anything. "No Sir. I suppose not."

The two of them were once again in silence. Theodore resumed his examination of the carpet in front of him. He wanted to know what his father's plans were for the trial but was too scared to ask.

After a moment Nott Sr. cleared his throat. "Son, I want you to remember that you are my only heir. I expect you to carry on our family name."

Theodore looked at his father slightly confused. How was he supposed to do that if he too was in Azkaban. "I certainly hope I get the chance too, Sir."

"You will Theodore. These charges are mine alone to bare." Nott Sr. took a deep breath and looked away from his son. He was too ashamed to face Theodore as he said what he needed to say next. "Once you are free Theodore, you have my blessing to marry the Greengrass girl, if she will have you. She is Pure-Blood and Scared Twenty-eight. At this point those are the only attributes that matter."

Theodore responded before he thought about whether or not he should. "I don't know where she is father."

"Have you managed to mess it up already?" Nott Sr. almost sounded happy as he asked, a slight chuckle in his voice.

"No Sir." Theodore swallowed; his mouth felt dry. "Her father moved them to France and wouldn't allow us to communicate with each other." Theodore looked back at the carpet in front of him. A sharp pain in his chest threatened to overtake his composure.

Nott Sr. scoffed, "That man always was weak. That's why I didn't approve of her. I didn't want her raising my grandson to be weak like her father." He took a deep breath. "That no longer matters. Find her."

It was an order, not a request. Theodore knew that. The family legacy and passing the fortune and business on to a proper Pure-Blood was all his father cared about. Theodore found his courage and looked back at his father. "I am facing fifteen years Sir. How am I supposed to do that if they lock me up?"

Nott Sr. forgot for a moment that he was chained to the chair and tried to hit his son. Even though he couldn't raise his fist from the chair his action still made Theodore flinch. "Watch your tongue! Whether or not you end up in a cell at Azkaban is not up to me."

"Yes Sir. Sorry Sir." Theodore looked at the door and began to wonder when they would finally come and get him and his father.

Nott Sr. stared at this son for a few minutes. "If there is something on your mind, now is the only chance you will get, just say it."

Theodore looked back at Nott Sr. He wasn't sure what to say, so said the first thing that came to his mind. "Have you ever loved me, Sir?"

"That is a ridiculous question, Theodore. You are my son." Nott Sr. looked from the door to his son and noted the disappointment on his face. "But that is not enough for you, is it?"

"I only wanted to know what you will tell them when they ask about my participation father." Theodore tried to look his father in eye but found it difficult.

Nott Sr. smiled at his son. "I will tell them what they need to hear, nothing more, nothing less."

Before Theodore could ask his father for an explanation the chairs started to move upward toward the ceiling. Theodore thought they would hit the ceiling just as it opened up to a bright light. He closed his eyes and attempted to look away. Before long he found himself along with his father seated in the middle of the Grand Hall as the Wizengamot stared down at them. There were loud voices which yelled crude things at both of them. The floor closed, and Theodore was able to rest his feet again, as the chains suddenly felt tighter than they had while they waited in the small room below them. Theodore couldn't see his lawyer, but he could hear the man try to calm and reassure him from somewhere behind them.

Soon the temporary Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt called for the trial to begin. Shacklebolt's position was only supposed to be a temporary one, until an election could be arranged. But rumor was it would be made permanent before long. He turned to the prosecution. "Mr. Douglas, you may present your cases against Notts Sr. and Jr."

The prosecution began to lay down detail after, after detail. He claimed Theodore had attended several Death Eater meetings and activities knowingly with his father and had never attempted to do otherwise. His claim was at sixteen, Theodore was old enough to know better, and still choose to stand beside his father and participate. Theodore couldn't stop the tear that fell when he looked over at his father, while Mr. Douglas called him, 'his father's protégée', being molded into the perfect young Death Eater.

His lawyer whispered in his ear at one point not to worry. "We will get a chance to tell the truth Theodore." Theodore shivered as he thought about the truth. The broken bones and bruises he received whenever he told his father he didn't want to attend. The truth was he had walked into each of those 'events' under his own power. Sure, his father had coerced him through violence and the threats of far worse, but he had made the choice to go and not endure those punishments. Would the Wizengamot see things his way, or the prosecution's?

Mr. Douglas called other Death Eaters as witnesses who were able to say they saw Theodore and his father together at many 'events'. When allowed to question, his lawyer would ask what condition Theodore had been in when he arrived. Wohler was able to establish that each time Theodore attended a meeting he had a black eye, a broken nose or a limp. Wohler had called it 'laying the groundwork' for later.

The prosecution had four students testify against Theodore to support the two charges that remained. Susan Bones told how Theodore seemed to enjoy cursing the other students. When Theodore's lawyer asked how she knew he 'enjoyed it', she couldn't give details, only that she knew he had.

Padma Patil seemed nervous on the stand when she told about how Theodore cursed students during detention. By the time Wohler was finished with his questions though, she had flipped on the prosecution and told the Wizengamot how all the seventh years were forced to do so and if they didn't, they were cursed themselves. It took Shacklebolt several minutes to regain silence in the room so the next witness could be called.

Dennis Creevey took the stand after Patil left but had not been able to give much testimony since he couldn't stop his tears from the loss of his brother. Both Creevey boys had snuck back into the castle for the Battle of Hogwarts although they were underage, and Colin had been lost. It seemed perfectly clear the prosecution had hoped Dennis would tell a story about how Theodore had worked with the Death Eaters. But Dennis just cried, and eventually was escorted from the stand.

Jimmy Peakes was the final witness. A Half-Blood in Gryffindor, he had joined Dumbledore's Army along with Colin. He had been very clear and told how strong Theodore was when he cursed other students. Jimmy told them how Theodore seemed unaffected by the actions he was asked to perform, when all the non-Slytherin's were distraught when being forced to do so. When Wohler got his turn to question Jimmy however, Jimmy's demeanor changed. He went from ridged and sure, to nervous and unclear. He admitted to having seen Theodore fight for Potter during the Battle and even admitted to witnessing Theodore as he helped younger students with injuries throughout the school year. Wohler told Theodore, all in all he thought it went well.

Douglas's evidence against Nott Sr. was almost airtight. Nott Sr's lawyer hardly cross examined. When he did, he asked meaningless questions. Theodore's father mumbled something about not being allowed to hire his own lawyer. He told Theodore he already planned to file an appeal.

Eventually Douglas rested his case, with a confident smile and spring in his step as he went back to his seat and lightly tapped his papers on the table before he sat down in his chair.

Shacklebolt told Wohler he was welcome to begin. The first-person Wohler called to the stand was Ernie Macmillan. The room got eerily quiet, and Theodore could feel his heartbeat so loudly in his chest he was certain everyone in the room could hear it.

Ernie! Ernie was to testify on his behalf. Theodore could hardly believe it. He was so stunned he couldn't make himself smile, although a smile was what he felt on the inside. A rush of admiration for the Hufflepuff overtook him and Theodore wanted to yell something, anything to his friend, but held his tongue, and hoped he would get the chance to thank him later.

Ernie took his seat and swore to tell the truth, but never looked down at Theodore. Was it strategic or not? Theodore didn't know, but the fact that his friend wouldn't look at him, scared him. He did his best not to show it though, instead he tried to clear his mind so he could hear what Ernie had to say.

Wohler walked slowly to the front to make sure everyone in the room had time to take in just who was about to testify. "Mr. Macmillan would you please tell us how long you have known Nott Jr."

"My whole life sir." Ernie sounded confident.

Wohler smiled at him, "Can you describe his personality for us?"

"Certainly." Ernie took a deep breath. "I would describe Theo as proud, confident, clever and ambitious. But he is also kind, caring and capable of great compassion."

Mr. Wohler nodded. "Would you describe him as a Pure-Blood Supremist?"

"Never." Ernie cleared his throat.

"But he didn't join Dumbledore's Army. Was he not interested or not invited?" Wohler gave Ernie a serious look.

Ernie chanced a glance down at Theodore. "He was invited but felt joining us would be dangerous if his father found out. So, he declined to be an active member."

"What do you mean by 'active member'?" Wohler looked at the spectators instead of at Ernie.

Ernie let his eyes follow Wohler's to the spectators and swallowed hard. "I was an active member. Someone who openly opposed Voldemort. Theo secretly passed information on to us when it was safe for him to do so."

Wohler continued to look at the crowd of witches and wizards. "Can you give us an example of said information?"

"After Christmas last year, Theo passed on to me spells he found to lessen the pain caused by certain curses. Spells the one casting them could use, or that the victim could use. The spells were immensely useful." Ernie started to look nervous.

Wohler turned and looked at him. "Mr. Macmillan did you ever cast the torture curse on another student during the last year at Hogwarts?"

"Yes. It's all in my statement." Ernie wrung his hands while a roar amongst the spectators rose up and the members of the Wizengamot erupted into whispers.

Mr. Wohler smiled politely while he waited for Shacklebolt to get the room silent again. "Mr. Macmillan, do you feel Nott Jr. was fairly charged in this case?"

Douglas jumped up. "Objection. The opinion of the witness does not matter. It is the opinion of this court that matters."

"You are correct Mr. Douglas." Shacklebolt said, then he took a deep breath. "Mr. Wohler, what evidence are you hoping to provide with this question?"

Wohler smiled. "I am hoping to prove Mr. Minister that the charges against my client were prejudicial and bias. They were not based on fact, but simply based on his parentage and what house he had been sorted into."

Shacklebolt conferred with the members of the Wizengamot who sat on either side of him for a moment. "Mr. Macmillan, you will answer the question."

Ernie nodded and then ran his fingers through his hair. "No. I believe he was charged extremely unfairly."

"Why? Can you explain?" Mr. Wohler looked through his notes while Ernie answered.

"Because Theo didn't do anything the rest of us didn't do. If you are going to charge him with using unforgivable curses and conspiring with Death Eaters, then you need to charge me as well. You need charge almost everyone in the seventh-year class, not just the Slytherins." Ernie was instructed to pause a moment while Shacklebolt once again quieted the room down.

Mr. Wohler walked up behind Theodore and patted him quickly on the back. "Mr. Macmillan, are you saying you also conspired with Death Eaters?"

Ernie looked over at his father who sat three chairs down from Shacklebolt on the Wizengamot and swallowed hard. "If doing as instructed so you or someone else didn't get tortured or hurt worse is considered conspiring with Death Eaters, then yes, I did."

Wohler gave the witness over to Douglas, who tried to get Ernie to admit Theo had performed the curses because he wanted to, not out of fear of repercussion. But Ernie wouldn't wavier. Eventually, Douglas had to end his cross examination and allow Wohler to move on to his next witness. Ernie finally looked down at Theodore as he left the witness box and gave him a smile meant to show encouragement. Theodore gave him a soft smile and nod and hoped he had conveyed the heartfelt 'thank you' he felt.

Wohler asked Theodore if he needed a break, before the next witness. Theodore shook his head no, and Mr. Wohler looked up at the Wizengamot and announced his next witness as Fay Dunbar. Theodore's hand began to shake, and it caught his father's attention.

Nott Sr. whispered to his son, "Sit still boy."

Theodore looked over at his father. He wanted yell at him, tell him that the nerve damage was his fault. Instead, he nodded and tried as hard as he could to control his hand as it shook, even though he knew it was a pointless effort.

Fay took the seat and smiled politely to all the people in the room. She closed her eyes and tried to block out the crude comments from the spectators as many called her a whore. Wohler had done his best to prepare her for this. He told her many people would assume she had been romantically involved with Nott Jr., and that would be the only reason she would want to testify on his behalf. But as she heard the names called out for real, it made her sick to her stomach for a moment. She tried to focus on the ring she wore on her left hand and hoped somehow Justin would give her strength from the grave.

Mr. Wohler smiled warmly at Fay. "Miss Dunbar, can you explain the nature of your relationship with Nott Jr.?"

Fay hesitantly looked up from her ring. "Yes. We were classmates at Hogwarts, in the same year."

"Go on, Miss Dunbar." Mr. Wohler continued to smile at her.

"During our seventh year, Theo and I had detention duty together a few times." Fay closed her eyes and forced herself to relive the pain. "During one such time, I was cursed extremely badly by Professor Carrow. After which Theo tended to me. He made sure I recovered and comforted me."

There was silence for a moment. Wohler realized Fay needed another prompt, so he spoke again. "Did he do anything else for you?"

Fay blushed and took a shaky breath. "He taught me how to perform the curse using a counter spell so I wouldn't hurt the person I was cursing as badly."

"Why not simply refuse to curse other students like you had before?" Wohler asked Fay in a monotone voice.

She was prepared for questions like this, but it still made her flinch. "Sometimes I did, when I felt strong enough to endure the punishment for refusal. which was normally the Carrows cursing you instead. Other times, when I wasn't feeling strong enough, I used the spell. We all did, at some point."

Wohler asked Fay to tell the court about the final battle. Fay described Theo and Blaise fighting for Potter, how they had saved Justin and her when they had become overwhelmed at one point. She described in clear detail Theo clutching his left arm in immense pain but fought against it and continued fighting the Death Eaters alongside Zabini.

Once Fay was done with her testimony for Mr. Wohler it was Mr. Douglas's turn. He gave her an evil glare and looked her up and down. Douglas walked around the room a few times, then looked at Fay and cocked his head to one side. His eyes darted between Fay and Theodore as if he hoped to pick up on an unspoken message between the two of them. A message that wasn't there. Theodore had made sure to look at a spot on the floor instead of at Fay. Fay would look at her ring or at Mr. Wohler, to afraid she would give herself away if she looked at Theodore.

Eventually satisfied Douglas addressed Fay. "Miss Dunbar did you have a romantic relationship with Nott Jr.?"

Fay twisted the ring on her finger around again then looked up. "No. We were only friends." Fay smiled at Mr. Douglas, confident with her answer. He had asked if she had a romantic relationship, not had she had sex with Theodore.

"So, you are telling this court, you never engaged in any sort of romantic relationship with the defendant?" Mr. Douglas leaned forward and glared at Fay.

She smiled sweetly. There was the word 'romantic' again. Wohler had told her to remember, romance and sex were two different things. As long as Douglas didn't ask directly 'did you have sex with', an answer of no, was not technically a lie. Fay sat up straight. "No, never."

Theodore closed his eyes. He wasn't sure how Fay could answer no so confidently, but he wasn't about to show emotion or make a movement that would break her resolve. If she didn't want people to know about them, he wouldn't to be the reason anyone did.

Douglas hissed as he turned around and rubbed his chin and tried to think of something else to ask her. After a moment he reluctantly said he had no further questions.

Mr. Wohler rested his case.

Nott Sr.'s lawyer rested without having called a single witness. Clearly the man wanted to lose. Theodore felt sorry for a second for his father, but only for that long.

Shacklebolt conferred with other members of the Wizengamot then turned back to address the group. "Nott Sr. we have a question for you regarding your son."

This was it. Theodore sat up as tall as he could and looked at his father. Nott Sr. had the same stone expression he had the entire trial so far. He didn't look at Shacklebolt or at his son. He almost seemed to look off into nothing. But gave a small nod, to indicate he had in fact heard Shacklebolt.

"Nott Sr. what was your son's role during the last year in regard to the Death Eaters and Voldemort?" Shacklebolt's voice boomed throughout the room.

Nott Sr. barely made a movement while he took a breath. "He had none. He job was to finish school."

Shacklebolt quieted the room quickly. "Did your son join you as a Death Eater, did he take the mark?"

Again Nott Sr. didn't move. He sat ridged in his chair. The rise and fall of his chest were his only movement. "He was forced to take it, or face death and the death of those he held dear."

"What was your son's role during the Battle of Hogwarts to your knowledge?" Shacklebolt's question quieted the people down all by itself.

At this Nott Sr. made is only movement, his eye flickered to Shacklebolt then back to whatever he had stared at. Nott Sr. scoffed. "My deplorable son, chose to fight for Potter."

"Your son fought for the right side, and you call him deplorable for it?" Shacklebolt asked, but Nott Sr. didn't respond, he only shot Shacklebolt a nasty look.

Shacklebolt turned to the rest of the Wizengamot and cast a charm so the court could discuss without the rest of the room being able to hear what was said. They stayed like that for almost an hour while member after member stood up and spoke. Finally, Shacklebolt turned around, lifted the charm and addressed the court.

"Nott Jr., we have only one question for you. Do you feel that any of the charges against you were fair?" The look Shacklebolt gave Theodore was like ice.

Theodore took a second to think. Were any of the charges fair? He hadn't thought so when he was charged, but now when he thought about, perhaps one had been. "Only the charge about my knowingly attending Death Eater activities."

Shacklebolt looked surprised. "You felt that charge was a fair one?"

"In a manner of speaking." Theodore could feel his father's gaze upon him, but he didn't look at him. "I did walk into each of those meetings of my own free will. It is easy enough to say I was forced or frightened of the punishment I might receive if I had refused. But when it comes right down to it, I always choose self-preservation, and almost always walked in on my own."

Shacklebolt smiled at Theodore. "Theodore William Nott Jr., after discussing the testimony heard today, this court as decided to drop all charges against you. Your wand will be returned to you, and you are free to go." He paused a moment. "Theodore William Nott Sr. you are found Quilty of all charges and are hereby remanded to Azkaban for the remainder of your life."

The room erupted in chaos as the spectators and press went into a frenzy. Questions were loudly asked, and many made their dislike of the outcome for Nott Jr. known. The chains which had held Theodore to the chair disappeared. He looked down at them in disbelief. Was this really over?

Theodore looked at his father for some sort of instruction. "Father?"

"Go boy." Nott Sr. looked at his son but showed no emotion. "Get back to the Manor and make sure those damn Auror's didn't leave it in shambles. Our family's legacy is now in your hands, just as I said it would be. Don't let me down again." Then several Aurors surrounded Nott Sr. and Theodore was pushed out of the way.

He looked around and finally saw Mr. Wohler who stood in front of him and waited to lead him out. Theodore looked at his father one last time. He had no way of knowing it would be the last time he would ever see the man. "Good luck, Sir."

Nott Sr. said nothing, just continued to sneer at the press and spectators as they called rude remarks out toward his son. Theodore was led out of the court room by Mr. Wohler who stayed with him until his wand and personal effects were given back to him. The two shook hands and Mr. Wohler disappeared down the hall.

Theodore found himself in the Ministry alone. He didn't know what he should do next, or where he was supposed to go. His father was headed to Azkaban, and a Mr. Prince was in charge of the factories. Theodore felt suddenly lost. After a moment he saw a familiar face.

Tim walked quickly toward Theodore with a bright smile on his face. Theodore almost ran to the man he had come to think of as his dad and embraced him.

"Where to Theodore?" Tim put his around Theodore once they pulled apart and started to lead him to the lobby.

Theodore beamed at Tim. "Have you been here all along?"

Tim gave him a squeeze. "Of course. I was at the entire trial. I saw everything."

"Thank you." Theodore smiled at Tim. "I need to get a portkey to France. Then I need to go close up the Manor. You're coming with me, right?"

"I am staying as long as you want me too. Tom is already back in Tennessee." Tim let go of Theodore's shoulders.

"How is he?" Theodore asked as they entered the lift for the third floor.

Tim's smile softened. "They were able to save his leg. But it will never be the same. His days riding horses may be over."

Theodore was quiet for a moment, unsure how to respond. After the lift doors opened, he grabbed Tim's arm to stop him from getting out just yet. "Thank you, for being here, dad."

Tim pulled Theodore into another hug. "I wouldn't have been anywhere else son."

The next day Theodore sat on his bed in his childhood home and stared at the portkey. He would be headed to France at six p.m. the day, after Draco's trial. Tim was downstairs in the kitchen making dinner. He had offered to go to France with Theodore, but finding Daphne was something Theodore wanted to do alone. Theodore glanced at the Daily Prophet, the article on the front page told the story of his and his father's trial. He hated how the reporter had said Wohler was only out to make a name for himself and had let the Wizarding World down, by not having made sure Jr. and Sr. Nott shared a cell. Theodore knew this was the beginning of many trials he would face in years to come. He looked at the picture of Daphne, back in its silver frame and smiled. He hoped he would at least get to face them with her by his side.