Summoning Strength

Harry sat in a wheelchair, his body still weak from everything Bellatrix had done to him. Dr. Stevan had advised against attending the trial so soon after his release from St. Mungo's, but Harry had been adamant.

"She has to see that she didn't break me," he had said, his voice hoarse but determined.

Ron and Hermione flanked him on either side as they entered the packed Wizengamot courtroom. The walls seemed to close in on him, memories of his own trial here years ago creeping in. But this time, he wasn't the one on trial. This time, justice would be served.

The room was silent when the doors creaked open again. A pair of Aurors entered, leading Bellatrix Lestrange in heavy enchanted shackles. Her wild hair was matted, her once-proud sneer replaced by a look of pure venom when she saw Harry sitting there. Behind her, Rodolphus Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, and Augustus Rookwood followed, all of them bound in similar restraints.

Bellatrix's eyes locked onto Harry like a predator spotting prey. Even bound, she radiated danger.

"You filthy little brat," she hissed, straining against her shackles as Aurors forced her to sit. "You think this is over? You think they'll protect you forever?"

Harry didn't flinch. He had prepared for this. But when he looked at the others the same Death Eaters who had destroyed Neville's parents anger burned in his chest.

The trial began, with Kingsley Shacklebolt presiding.

"Bellatrix Lestrange," Kingsley's voice echoed in the chamber, "you stand accused of kidnapping, illegal use of the Cruciatus Curse, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit treason against the Ministry of Magic. How do you plead?"

Bellatrix smirked. "Oh, I don't plead, Minister."

A murmur spread through the courtroom. She turned her gaze back to Harry, her lips curling into a sadistic smile.

"I'd say it was worth it just to hear you scream, Potter."

Hermione gripped the arms of her chair so tightly her knuckles turned white. Ron looked ready to lunge across the aisle. Harry remained silent, refusing to give Bellatrix the reaction she wanted.

The witness testimonies began. Neville Longbottom was among the first to speak, his voice steady as he described what had been done to his parents, how these same Death Eaters had tortured them into madness. The room was deathly quiet when he finished.

Then came Harry's turn. He pushed himself up, standing despite the weakness in his legs.

"When they took me," he began, his voice firm, "they wanted to break me. The same way they broke the Longbottoms. The same way they've done to so many others." His green eyes locked onto Bellatrix's. "But you failed."

Bellatrix snapped.

With an inhuman shriek, she broke free from her chair, tearing through the wards placed on her bindings with sheer, raw magic. Before anyone could react, she ripped a wand from one of the Aurors' belts and aimed it straight at Harry.

"CRUCIO!"

A golden shield erupted around Harry. Kingsley had already anticipated this. The courtroom shields activated instantly, repelling the curse before it could reach him.

But Rodolphus, Rabastan, and Rookwood took their chance. In the chaos, they managed to wrench free from their restraints, grabbing wands from stunned guards.

A battle exploded inside the courtroom.

Spells flew. Kingsley took down Rabastan with a single, well-placed Stunner. Hermione and Ron had their wands drawn, fending off a furious Rookwood, while Harry despite his injuries threw himself backward to avoid another Cruciatus Curse from Bellatrix.

"You should have died with your parents!" Bellatrix shrieked, slashing her wand through the air. "You think you can stand here, Potter? You think you can escape me forever?"

Harry barely dodged as a blue flame ignited at his feet.

Aurors finally overpowered Rodolphus, forcing him to the ground. Rookwood fell next, hit by a combined Stunner from Ron and Hermione.

That left Bellatrix.

She lunged for Harry, but before she could reach him, Kingsley raised his wand and roared: "INCARCEROUS!"

Thick magical chains burst from thin air, wrapping around her limbs and slamming her to the ground. Bellatrix struggled, but the bindings were reinforced this time there would be no escaping.

The room fell into silence.

Harry's chest heaved as he stared at her, his heart pounding in his ears. She had tried to do it again. Right here, in the middle of the Ministry. And she had failed.

"Take them away. Maximum security. No trial delays. No chance for escape. They rot in Azkaban." Kingsley's voice was sharp as steel.

Aurors dragged the Death Eaters away. Bellatrix was still laughing as they forced her through the door, her voice echoing through the chamber.

"This isn't over, Potter," she whispered, grinning. "I'll see you soon."

The doors slammed shut.

Harry sat back down, his legs trembling beneath him. Ron and Hermione were at his side immediately.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked, her voice thick with concern.

He let out a shaky breath. "Yeah," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I just… I knew she wouldn't go quietly. But…"

"She's gone now," Ron reassured him, his hand on Harry's shoulder. "She won't be getting out again."

Harry wasn't so sure.

Because as Bellatrix had been dragged away, he had seen it the way she had smiled at him.

And deep down, he knew.

She wasn't done with him yet.