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Trial
Author: Minerva McGonagall
Date: 02-24-08 11:29
Four prisoners were escorted into Courtroom 10 at the Ministry of Magic and seated in four identical chairs in the center of the room. Magical bindings on the armrests kept the prisoners secure, though the measures weren't at all necessary. The prisoners were vastly outnumbered, had long been relieved of their wands and had no where to go. Appearances suggested the bonds were security precautions in the wake of Harry Potter's recent escape from Ministry custody. However, the reality of the situation was that many members of the Wizengamot liked to see traitors and other individuals not in their favor in as much discomfort as possible.
Berwyck Oldridge cleared his throat loudly. "We have called this special Saturday session of the Wizengamot to try Filius Flitwick, Rubeus Hagrid, Minerva McGonagall, and Severus Snape for treasonous activity, among other things. I will state the individual charges, and after what will surely be brief deliberation, a judgment will be set for each of the defendants.
"Filius Flitwick, you are accused of being a member of the group the Order of the Phoenix and executing acts of vigilantism on behalf of said group. You are accused of using the darkest of magic to raise an army of Inferi and of indirectly contributing to the death of several individuals, including one Tom Riddle. How do you plead?"
Flitwick, looking miniscule in his average-sized chair, particularly with gargantuan Hagrid seated next to him, spoke clearly, "I freely admit that I am a member of the Order of the Phoenix and that my involvement with said group directly or indirectly contributed to the deaths of known criminals just over two years ago. I am, however, wholly innocent of raising the Inferi. Not guilty."
"Let it be known that the defendant has willfully committed perjury," Oldridge remarked, before turning to the next wizard.
"Rubeus Hagrid, you are accused of all the aforementioned crimes. How do you plead?"
"I'm not pleadin' guilty ter any trumped up charges. Inferi! Was Lestrange who dunnit, not any o' us." Hagrid's thighs hung off the average-sized chair. It was quite surprising that it held his weight.
Oldridge moved to the next defendant. "Minerva McGonagall, you are accused of the aforementioned crimes as well as resisting arrest. How do you plead?"
"You seem to have your mind made up already, regardless what we tell you," Professor McGonagall snapped.
"Add to the record that the defendant refuses to cooperate," Oldridge said to the room at large. His eyes finally rested on Snape.
"Severus Snape, you are accused of being involved in the vigilante group the Order of the Phoenix as well as being a Death Eater. You not only indirectly contributed to several deaths on the fourth of March in the year 2000 but also killed one Ulfin Applebaum in December of 1999. How do you plead?"
"I have already admitted my guilt in the death of Applebaum and served a term in Azkaban as penance. Although no expert in the law, it is my understanding that I cannot be tried twice for the same crime."
"Since you freely admit that you are no expert in the matter of the law, I suggest you answer the question and do not question me."
"Very well. I am guilty."
"Let us proceed to the sentencing," Oldridge said. "Treason carries a life sentence. With murder charges added to it, I fear the lot of you won't see life outside Azkaban's walls ever again." To his colleagues he said, "All those in favor of sending the defendants to Azkaban for life terms, say aye."
Hands went up around the room with a chorus of ayes.
"All those against?"
Not a soul spoke or made any movement.
Oldridge allowed himself a smile. "You are all hereby sentenced to life in prison, beginning immediately."
(Rodolphus) Examination and Discussion
Author: Bellatrix Lestrange
Date: 02-24-08 17:46
Rodolphus found Bellatrix in the conservatory. She had spelled the ceiling to reflect a myriad of stars, prominent ones shining brightly up above – specifically, anyone in the family named after a star. Hands in pockets, he admired the shoulder of the constellation Orion, with the star Bellatrix outshining everything else. He noticed the dog star Sirius was not present; no wonder to be honest.
The whole effect was somewhat spoiled by Catweazle, still wearing a red bow around his neck and snuffling in a bowl of what he imagined was yesterday’s roast beef. It was disgusting.
“Don’t forget the Brandon’s are coming to dinner next week,” she said, pouring him a cup of tea.
He took the offered cup and saucer and sat down on the sofa opposite Bella. “How can I forget,” he drawled. “Do I detect a certain curiosity on your part to learn if her family heritage is actually as bloody as history dictates?”
She snorted. “Of course. The Bathory name is steeped in the blood of muggles and innocents. She’s perfect. Revan has no idea what he’s got himself into.”
“Collecting like minded individuals around you?” He paused, watching Bellatrix. “Be careful, darling. The Ministry is doing just fine without Voldemort.”
“I’m not a Dark Lord in waiting, Rodolphus,” she warned.
“Just checking.” He continued to watch her from the corner of his eye. Finally he said, “Did you change your hair or something?”
“What?”
“You look different.”
“I do not.” She sat up in the chair. “Frankly I’m quite upset, Rodolphus,” she snapped, going on the defensive. “Never comment on a woman’s appearance unless you are absolutely sure you have all the facts.”
“You are glowing, dear,” he commented flatly.
“I am not.”
Deeming it wiser to stay quiet, he sort for another topic of conversation. “I hear Rabastan is enjoying his new community.”
“Is he?” Bellatrix patted Catweazle, scrubbing his back. The pig grunted happily. Feeling she should add more, she said, “I hear he’s got Anglesey or something?”
Rodolphus laughed. “Yes, the bloody north of Wales! Glad I took Brecqhou when I had the chance; at least it’s somewhat warmer.”
“And how are the Nons? Keeping in line I hope?” She pushed the pig away, and sat up, tucking her legs under her on the sofa.
“We had our first fatality this morning, that’s why I got called in.” Rodolphus poured more tea, gesturing to one of the house elves to bring another pot. “One of the Nons decided to try to escape, some former auror or other. He obviously thought he had what it took to make a break for it, and I’m pleased to say he was wrong. I was inclined to let the dementors deal with it, but an example had to be made. I don’t forsee any future problems in that regard now, unless they continue to force me to act against my will.”
“Well that’s nice dear,” she said.
“Are you sure you are all right?” Rodolphus shifted in his seat, blatently watching his wife. “You seem rather absent of late.”
Bella pulled out the newspaper and began perusing it. “I’m fine, I told you. Now go off and do something useful, I’ve got things to do later.”
Letter to Brett and Apparition Lesson Eight
Author: Oreileah McCoi
Date: 02-25-08 14:32
Dear Brett,
It's official. Hogwarts needs Dumbledore back. Professors Flitwick, McGonagall, Hagrid, and Snape have all been sacked, and rumor has it, arrested. Two of the new professors for the Nons are positively cruel, they've sent possibly half a dozen or more students to the Hospital wing after using Unforgivable curses in their classes. There is even a rumor that Yaxley used an unforgivable on a student and resulting from it Mrs. Lancaster fell down the stairs.
I hate what the Minister has done, I really do. I miss you. Hopefully I will see you on the next hogsmeade weekend, whenever that is. I think I might end up signing up for Harry the Snide's stupid P.U.R.E club, because it will hopefully get me off campus more often. Give Aussie and Yuri a hug for me. If anything, the next Gryffindor quidditch game is going to be on April 27th, so I will see you there. Gotta get going, have my eighth apparition lesson today.
Love always,
Orei
Owl sent before Orei headed down to the great hall for her apparition lesson. She was getting better, still not entirely confident, so she had to keep going to the remainder of the lessons.
Standing in her hoop she looked at the one across from her, she'd applauded Alanna Beck last week after she'd managed her apparition without splinching herself and having to deal with the uncomfortable feeling of leaving a body part behind. However, Orei was too distracted and she couldn't seem to get it right today no matter how hard she tried to push other thoughts from her mind and focus only on the task at hand.
"You can do this Orei, you've done it before!" She grumbled to herself beneath her breath, attempting to clear her head once more. A deep breath and a few seconds later there was a loud, resounding pop that filled the great hall and Orei now stood (well part of her anyway) in the hoop where she'd started. The part that remained was her right forearm from the elbow to fingertips was hovering in the air.
Steps were taken to correct the splinching and she was taken to the hospital wing and the lesson carried on without her.
Too Many Other Thoughts
Author: Sage Porter
Date: 02-25-08 16:32
Sage stares at his hoop. He's splinched five times already and the lesson is only maybe two-thirds along. He's trying to stay focused on moving from there to there but his mind keeps wandering. Sage had thought that when he turned seventeen, his birthday being last Sunday, March 17th, that alot of his worries would go away.
Was he ever wrong!
Sage ended up not even wanting much of a birthday party. His big day came just a week after Mary Lancaster had died and Deak's friend Jack suffered the first staff inflicted Cruciatus curse. The Thursday just before had been Mrs. Lancaster's funeral and memorial service.
Then there are Aaron's relatives who are among the Nons who've gone missing, like Alastor Jenkins's father Samson and Jill Prewitt's father Lachlan. Drake's got friends in prison plus he's close friends with Plum Lancaster, whose mother it was who died. Aaron was really worred for his sister but Natalie and her husband Rory went back to America, taking their younger daughter with them. First chance he gets, hopefully over the upcoming spring break, Aaron's taking Cora away and she won't be returning. Aaron and Saffron have also been talking with his relatives with kids here who are Nons about getting them out as well.
What's more is Lohengrin and Birdy have been flooding Sage with letters, pestering him to join the P.U.R.E. club. It didn't help that in the middle of the week, Da came to do a special cooking demonstration followed by a meal for the group and Snider encouraged Sage to attend, which mean he had no choice. Having Da there in person putting on the pressure was something Sage could have done without.
Sage feels the odd sensation that goes with apparating. He finds himself inside his hoop but one foot is still on the other side. Make that sixth splinches this lesson. Coach Batuti waves at Sage to let him know she's on her way to set him right again.
A couple of minutes later, Sage is standing facing his hoop again, trying once more to clear his mind enough to have one successful go at apparating today.
Taking A Packing Break
Author: Brett Kingston
Date: 02-26-08 15:44
Brett finishes packing the clothes from closet then walks into the living room. It takes him a few minutes with the bit of mess things are in while he's packing up the flat but Brett manages to locate a quill, ink, and fresh parchment. Moving a box packed with living room items, Brett sits down to reply to the letter from Orei received this morning, not all that long ago.
Dear Orei,
There's been a lot in the news about McGonagall, Flitwick, Hagrid, and Snape. More has been reported this morning about all four of them. With you having an apparition lesson you wouldn't have heard the breaking news story on the WWN but might have heard a news report by the time this letter arrives. In a combined trial this morning the four were found guilty on a number of charges and all were sentenced to life in Azkaban.
Be careful around the newer staff, especially the most recent additions. You should probably also be careful about putting anything negative in letters. Who knows if mail will start being monitored?
That said, I've gotten a semi-inside scoop about a couple of things. I've run into Kody Reese-Emerson and Drake Bennett a couple of times over this last week. The student in the Yaxley incident was Jack Emerson, Kody's cousin. Kody and Drake are also good friend, and bandmates, with Plum Lancaster. The rumors going around are pretty much true from what they've told me.
In a combination of bad news and good, Australia and Yuri are moving to Canada. The decision was made just two days ago. I'm going to move into the Hosgmeade house and Yuri's going to rent the London flat out if he can find a taker. They're planning to be out of Hogsmeade no later than Tuesday. With working part-time and trying to get the flat packed up I've been busy these last couple of days.
Only join the P.U.R.E. club if you really feel it's necessary. Since the upper year Pures who have no detentions or marks against them are getting to go into Hogsmeade once a week, we'd get to see each other around my work schedule, your class schedule, and my class schedule when the next term at St. Emrys begins.
I need to get back to packing. I want to get the boxes I have filled so I can get an idea of how many more boxes I'm going to need.
Love,
Brett
New Neighbor
Author: Ethan Somerset
Date: 02-26-08 18:12
Pumpkin juice in prison didn't taste quite as sweet as it did outside Azkaban's walls. Ethan had this same thought every morning when he ate his breakfast, which more often than not consisted of a small, round bowl of oatmeal, a plain muffin and the pumpkin juice. Having long-finished his meal but having not finished his drink, Ethan drained it now and set the cup down on the tray on which his breakfast had arrived.
He heard the door at the front of the corridor open.
Just in time, he thought. Ethan climbed to his feet (he'd been sitting on the floor with his back to the wall) and carried the tray to the door to his cell. A guard usually came by at this hour to collect the breakfast trays. Ethan prepared to slide it through the narrow slot in the door, when he realized that no one was coming to collect it.
Instead, a single guard had come through the doorway behind a tall, dark-featured man Ethan recognized immediately. The pair passed Ethan's cell but stopped at the empty one directly to his right. With a flick of the guard's wand, the door slid open. His prisoner stepped into the cell and turned to face his keeper. Another flick of the wand banished the silvery cords that had been bound around the prisoner's wrists. The door slid shut with a loud clang, and then the guard left the block.
Ethan walked over to his cot and put the tray he'd been holding on it.
He sank down next to it and said, "And what are you in for, Severus?"
The low, velvety tone had a tinge of sarcasm. "Treason, murder. For all I know a number of crimes I actually haven't committed."
"Seems to be quite common these days. What's the news on the outside?" As a prisoner of Azkaban, Ethan only received updates on the happenings in the world at large when someone new arrived.
Snape leaned on the bars of his cell and picked at the itchy gray robe he wore. "Hagrid, Filius and Minerva are here as of this moment as well. We were all unceremoniously removed from Hogwarts, one after the other."
"Harsh," Ethan mused.
"I can't help but wonder if I'm better off here than wherever they are 'relocating' the so-called nons."
"What do you mean?" Ethan hadn't heard anything about the Relocation Assistance Committee or how so many wizards were currently unaccounted for in the entire country.
Snape proceeded to tell Ethan all he knew, which admittedly wasn't much. Only those truly in the know knew exactly what was going on––that nons were getting shipped off to what were basically concentration camps––and Snape certainly wasn't one of the elite members of society and among the Ministry with access to that kind of information.
The more Ethan heard, the more disgusted he felt. He didn't so much worry about his own well-being, since he'd gone through a lot in his life already, but he didn't at all like hearing about how conditions had only worsened for the others who weren't purebloods. Snape finally fell silent, and Ethan, lost in his thoughts, didn't say anything for the rest of the morning.