Chapter 115: The trial of the century

The concert had happened at Hogwarts’ quidditch pitch. Albus had been all for it and despite the cold of the end of December, not only the spectators' stands but also the pitch itself had been full of people who wanted to party and celebrate the end of the war. Fred and George had been hired by Rick to present their new firework products and they had one hell of a time. The event had been broadcasted on the Wizard wireless, including Amelia's speech about Magical Britain having the possibility to move forward and away from the decades of bigotry and corruption for good and make the country once again one of the most respected magical wise. She promised a fairer system for everyone. The public ate it all up. Of course a few didn’t agree with that at all but those ones were the bigots and corrupted so it didn’t matter much.

When the new semester began, many students had quit Hogwarts. Most were in the upper years. Slytherin had been quite decimated. Only Draco, Daphne, Blaise Zabini, Pansy Parkinson, Tracey Davies and Milicent Bulstrode were left of the Sixth and Seventh year. Nott and his sycophants were nowhere to be seen. The young man had taken a hit after his father’s arrest the previous year but was quite loudly proclaiming the Dark Lord would deal with that. Now that his Dark Lord was broken and incarcerated, his House’s reputation gone and soon his assets probably too, his mother pulled him out of school. Rumor is that all death eaters’ families had fled Magical Britain with everything they could take.

House slytherin had not been the only house to which this happened. Just the most afflicted. A few students also had been pulled out from the other houses, even from Hufflepuff and Gryffindor.

“I bloody knew McLaggen wasn’t all right in the head.” Ron commented in the common room about the sudden departure of the seventh year boy.

“Come on, Ron. Just because he was a pureblood with a superiority complex didn’t mean he was involved with the death eaters.” Hermione defended her former fellow Gryffindor more playing devil’s advocate than genuine support.

“Of course not, but it’s one of the requirements.”

“He got you there, Hermione.” Rose commented as she tried to tune the wireless.

“Need help with that, Rose?”

“Thanks, Katie but I got this.” and indeed she did. Soon enough she got the station that would let anyone hear the trial of Voldemort. ‘Anyone’ was in reality probably everyone in Magical Britain.

The student body had petitioned Dumbledore to skip class for the day so everyone could listen to it. After consideration he had agreed on the condition that students stayed in their common room to do so under the watchful eye of their head of house. The students protested, arguing that it was a moment of unity and that it was ill advised to separate them by their houses for that moment. Albus was pleased to see the house rivalry was not what it had been during Voldemort’s first rise and agreed to it too.

“No offense, Susan but it’s really weird to see you here with your puff uniform.” Ron commented.

“I’d change for the dorks’ color but the only red I wear is Rose.” Susan replied, pulling her girlfriend to herself to steal a kiss, making everyone laugh or whistle. Except for one person.

“Miss Bones!” Minerva’s reprimand made the room even more filled with laughter.

“Sorry professor. My cuddly hufflepuff side got out of control for a moment.”

“Make sure you keep a tight leash on it or it will be detention.”

“Promise!”

Ron had something more to say. “Man, I’d like to see what’s happening in the Slytherin’s common room. I wonder how professor Snape is going to handle the twins.” and everyone laughed again.

Minerva did her very best to keep her stern expression on but inwardly she was cackling. She had dealt with seven years of the Maraudeurs, seven years of the Weasley twins, five years of the Potter twins at the same time and miraculously avoided sinking into alcoholism. She honestly felt sorry for Severus having to deal with them, especially with Lyra in the mix.

Speaking of Severus Snape, he was blocking the opened entrance of the Slytherin common room. Looking down, he observed the Potter Twins with his stone and stoic face. They were grinning and batting their eyelashes at him. He knew them well after years of weekly visit to the Potters. Even worse than the Weasley twins. At the very least there was no bullying with their pranks.

“I expect the two of you to behave appropriately. No jinxes, no spells, no pranks. No Gryffindor foolhardiness or rivalry.”

“Don’t worry-”

“We’ll be on our best behavior-”

“Uncle Sev.”

Sage hit Camelia to the side with her elbow for calling Severus ‘Uncle’ and not ‘Professor’. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and let it out. He stepped aside and without a word let them in.

“I’ll keep an eye on them, Professor.”

As he looked at Duncan’s back, Severus wondered how Sirius Black could have sired such a polite and disciplined young man. Looking outside to see no more students from other houses coming in, he turned around and stepped into the common room. Contrary to his expectations, there was quite a small number of hufflepuff present to offer support to his snakes. Ravenclaw students were expected as the house of the eagle and snake had always had some understanding. What wasn’t expected was the presence of two Gryffyndors. Granted they were here for their sister but never in his life had Severus ever imagined that happening. Not even when he and Lily were students themselves. That gave him hope for house slytherin.

In the hufflepuff common room, Sprout was giddy. This get together between houses revealed that her badgers were doing their founder proud. She had her badgers of course but also lions, eagles and even a few slytherin.

“Your common room is really neat, Lea.” Veronica praised as she looked around.

Vega too, had something to say as he buried himself into a comfy couch, next to Atria. “Cosy. The slytherin common room is more elegant and luxurious but quite cold in atmosphere.”

“It reminds me of the atmosphere at the Burrow. Friendly and warm.” Luna added next to Lea.

Soon enough the wireless inside each common room was on and the trial started.

Voldemort was brought to the Courtroom n°1. Dragged by Moody, he was tied up from head to toe in chains inscribed with runes, a courtesy from Rick, which only allowed him to talk. The whole place was filled to the brim. Aurors had to intervene when fights broke out between people trying to get a place at the spectator gallery. All wands had been confiscated leaving only the aurors to maintain the peace and order and the members of the Wizengamot so they could vote with theirs. Voldemort looked quite defeated, haggard and tired. Nobody who saw him now would think he was the worst Dark Lord in history and not a bum.

Tiberius Ogden had asked Rick in advance to silence the whole courtroom with the exception of himself, the accused, Amelia as the Minister and Rufus Scrimgeour, the head of the DMLE. He also asked for protective wards so that the trial would end with Voldemort alive. A proof of the competence Amelia’s administration was all about. This was an important trial that would make history and he wanted it by the book.

“Is there no defense for the accused?” he asked Scrimgeour.

“No, Chief Warlock. As an enemy of the state, he and his followers do not have the right to it. We did ask around to cover our bases, just in case, but no solicitor wanted to defend him.”

“Very well, Director.” Ogden gave a look at Amelia who gave him a nod. “Aurors, close the doors. Let the trial begin.”

Nymphadora and Connie Hammer closed the doors which shone their usual light. It indicated that nobody could enter or leave until the Chief Warlock ended the session.

“Court is in session. The date is Friday 21st of February 1997. Accused: Dark Lord Voldemort.” he dictated to the scribe. “Yes, Director?” Ogden invited Scrimgeour to speak.

“The accused real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, Chief Warlock.”

“You got his name? Interesting. Any other information to share before the list of charges?”

“Born on the 31st of December 1926 at Wool’s Orphanage, London. Mother: Merope Gaunt from the Ancient House of Gaunt. Father: Tom Riddle Senior, muggle.”

Ogden’s eyebrows rose to his hairline when he heard that. He looked in shock at Voldemort and he wasn’t the only one. Everyone was staring at him. The man who had led the pureblood supremacy agenda and wrecked the country was not a pureblood but a half-blood with a muggle parent. That was mind boggling and it presented his pureblood followers in a new light. Not better or worse but different. He was sure that soon enough the stupidity of the bigots pureblood would be put on the inbreeding, a new debate that will rage. That wasn’t his problem however, nor here and now. Still, he gave himself a mental tap on the back for asking Rick to silence everyone because he knew he would never have been able to recover the order in the room from that revelation.

“List of charges?”

Scrimegeour let out a nervous laugh. “Where do I even begin? Tom Riddle was a criminal even before he entered Hogwarts. Petty theft and assault.”

“List the crimes that would have had him tried as an adult and go up from there, director.”

“In that case… 1st and 2nd degree murders, manslaughters, mass murders, larceny, use of all unforgivable, muggle baiting, muggle hunting, treason, torture, endangerment of children, terrorism, mind-”

“Director, perhaps giving us the list of what crimes he didn’t commit would be better?” joked Ogden.

“Rape and line theft.”

“Merlin.” Ogden let out in bewilderment and disgust.

“We’re going to be here for a while, chief warlock.” Scrimgeour commented.

“Then let’s get it over with. Tom Riddle, how do you plead?” He signaled at Rick to unmute the man.

Voldemort was hunched forward in the accused seat in the middle of the room. Moody had to put his wand under his throat and use a sonorus so the Dark Lord’s answer could be heard.

“Guilty.” he said with a tired voice which sounded devoid of life.

“Oh.” Ogden exclaimed in a surprised voice. “I wasn’t expecting that.”

Rufus explained the why. “Lord Potter’s last spell during their duel completely broke him.”

The chief Warlock turned to look at Rick. “What spell did you use?”

“A spell of my own creation, sir. A light one. Headmaster Dumbledore can testify of that, he was present when I created it.” Ogden turned to Albus in the gallery who confirmed it with a nod.

“It does absolutely no damage to the body or the mind. Tom Riddle was particularly affected because he is an evil man. Further information is under family magic laws, I’m afraid.”

“Very well. Headmaster Dumbledore’s confirmation was more than enough. Now what to do? He pleaded guilty so it’s technically a wrap.” He scratched his chin.

It was Amelia who pulled him out of his dilemma. “I think, chief warlock, that after all the crimes he committed or had committed in his name, touching the whole country, it would do some good to hear them all if only to bring closure to the victims knowing or not.”

“Hm… That sounds reasonable, Minister. Director proceed.”

“Yes, sir. The first crime that would have had the accused tried as an adult was in 1942 through 1943. The accused opened the now very much real Chamber of Secrets and had the beast attack the students resulting in the death of one muggle-born. Third year Ravenclaw, Myrtle Warren.”

“Hold on, director. He opened the Chamber of Secrets? I thought it had been Hagrid?”

“No, sir. Hagrid was framed by the accused. It hadn’t been difficult, we all know how Hagrid is regarding dangerous creatures.”

“That’s true. Scribe put a note to reopen Rubeus Hagrid expulsion’s case for a later time. Justice will be met.” the scribe did as instructed. “How did the accused open the Chamber in the first place?”

“He is a direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin and speaks parseltongue.” Scrimgeour answered.

“Truly?”

“Yes. During our investigation, Lord Potter paid for an inheritance test with the Goblins for Tom Riddle which confirmed it.”

“And he’s not Lord Slytherin because of his muggle ancestry, I gather? Very well. It does beg to ask how you could have opened the Chamber, Headmaster? You’re not known to be a parselmouth.”

Albus stood up from his seat and Ogden signaled Rick to unmute him.

“I am not, no. I do, however, speak a few words of it.”

That information did more than surprise just Ogden. “A few words? How is that possible?”

“Contrary to popular belief, reinforced by Tom Riddle’s actions, Salazar Slytherin and his line are not the only parselmouth in the world, nor is it a sign of evil. There are plenty of tribes all over the globe which are parselmouth and are really good people. In my youth, while traveling in India, I came across such a tribe and stayed out of curiosity. I learned to reproduce a few words in parseltongue. It was enough for me to open the Chamber.”

“Well, this is new…” Ogden commented.

“I dare say we shouldn’t judge parselmouths on the actions of Tom Riddle. Many of them practice parselmagic which is very attuned to the healing arts. They are good people.”

“I will take your word for it, Headmaster. What was the beast in the end?”

“A thousand year old, sixty foot long basilisk.”

Once again, Ogden patted himself mentally on the back because the reaction of the public was unhinged.

“... That’s… nevermind. Thank you for your testimony, Headmaster. Director, if you may.”

Albus sat down and was muted again while Scrimgeour went on, listing in detail Voldemort’s crime. More and more the people were appalled by the secrets which were brought to light. The Smith were incensed for the murder of one of their own. Thankfully the fidelius on the horcrux was still present and Voldemort hadn’t remembered about the cup or the locket even though there weren’t horcruxes anymore. Albus didn’t know how to deal with those two objects. Should he keep them at Hogwarts or give them to the Smiths? The idea of talking directly with Godric’s portrait at Potter Manor had crossed his mind to get some advice on how to proceed.

Scrimgeour didn’t tarry on each crime and named them one after the others, reminding everyone the list was just the worst and that plenty of other lesser crimes were recorded. It would probably take a few days to review them all. After three hours, Ogden called for a recess for lunch. Aurors stopped reporters from going on a rampage to have their questions answered. The members of the Wizengamot who had been present for Voldemort’s fall had made themselves scarce as they didn’t want to talk with the press.

“It amazes me that one single use of your philo broke him to such an extent.” Albus commented as he finished his dessert.

“Me too. I thought I would have to use it constantly on him at regular intervals. I couldn’t believe it when Moody told me it was unnecessary. It is as if Voldemort is feeling it on a permanent basis.” Rick replied.

“Love is truly a mysterious thing.”

“It is. Especially the love of a father for his daughter. I poured everything in that philo. I don’t think I will ever be able to make a more powerful one with Storge.”

“You’re still young, who knows what will happen later in life, hm?”

“Too true.”

They were currently in a booth in Diagon Alley for a meal. Lily, Marlene and Bella had decided to have a girls lunch and went to eat elsewhere, leaving Albus and Rick to eat together.

“Any prospect with the school? Lily told me Severus is quitting at the end of the year.”

“He is indeed. I was thinking of offering Lily the post if she wanted it. A change from arithmancy. If she declines well… I was thinking of your mother.”

“My mom?” Rick reacted with surprise. “I don’t know if she would accept. If she does it would be because the children are still in school but I think she would decline. She’s happy with her life. As for Lily…. I think she will go for it. Potion is her second love after charms and arithmancy only her third. That would leave her position opened for someone else.”

Albus dismissed the worry. “I’m not lacking for choices there. Arithmancers are more common and more eager to teach than Potion masters.”

“What about the head of Slytherin house? And please don’t tell me Bella.” Rick half joked, making Dumbledore laugh.

“That would be a very bold and interesting choice. I considered it in fact. Still am but it’s not my first one. Again, I was thinking of Lily.”

“A muggle-born for the headship of the pureblood house of Hogwarts? The Lady Gryffindor at that? That’s not a change, Albus, that’s an earthquake. That’s what you’re going for isn't it?”

“Yes. Lily is practically the poster child of the muggle-borns integrating into the magical world. She knows pureblood customs and etiquettes… I truly believe she could help guide the slytherins to something better.”

“What about divination? I didn’t pay much attention to what the students were saying about Sybil this year.”

“She’s still doing her same old charlatan act but teaches differently. Your textbook really inspired her and the students are very happy with the change. It would be unfair of me to let her go when she’s finally doing her job remarkably well.”

“She stopped drinking?”

“She turned it down a lot. Learning and accepting she was a true prophetess did wonders for her mind. She always felt inadequate to not have the third eye like her grandmother. Now that she knows she’s not a failure to her family legacy she’s more stable. Also learning that divination was possible without the gift gave her a lot of confidence. She now sees little need in drowning her fears and insecurities in alcohol.”

“Sybil Trelawney turning down a bottle. What a concept.” Rick chuckled. “I’m happy for her though.”

“So am I. Such an indescribable good feeling to see someone’s life get better.” Rick noticed Albus small smile and far away look but didn’t comment on it.

“Other changes?”

“Yes.” Albus nodded. “The free quidditch tournament had been quite a success during the triwizard tournament. More students playing, houses intermingling. I will bring it back and create a small quidditch league. Of course the House competition will not be abandoned, it is tradition.”

“And Minerva probably trying to kill you if you ever abolish it, didn’t play any part in that decision?”

Dumbledore had a good laugh at that. “Just a bit. More extracurricular clubs will be created. Like the quidditch league, it is to push students to compete healthily without being limited to their houses.”

“This is good. They are students, they shouldn’t be hostile to each other because of the house they belong to. I remember my time studying… not a great atmosphere. Was it the same during your time?”

“No. Beyond the rivalry between snakes and lions, everyone was getting along. The rise of the pureblood supremacy movement in the twenties, Gellert and Tom was what changed the relationship between houses for the worse.”

“I’m glad we’re dismantling it. Voldemort being unknowingly and ironically the best supporter of that. We will have to make sure history books are factual and that the students are taught properly.”

“Ah, yes. Cubert. You and many will be happy to know that he will be replaced at the end of the year too.”

“About time. Already a replacement in mind?”

“Myself, actually.” Albus chuckled at the dumbfounded face Rick made. “Now that I’m only the Headmaster of Hogwarts, I find myself quite bored most of the time. Teaching Lily and you, then Rose recently, made me remember how happy I am when I teach.”

“I’m sure the students will love history given life through your transfiguration skills.

“That’s… an excellent idea! I haven’t thought of it.”

“Really? I thought it was a given. The history you remember the most is the one you live after all.”

“Oh, I will be quite busy this summer. Preparing my classes will be quite the challenge.”

The girls joined them soon enough, reminding them it was time to go back to the ministry. When the trial was reprised, Scrimgeour began listing Voldemort’s accomplices. Bella was not named as it was well known she had been a spy during the first war. Severus, however, was.

Every student in the Slytherin common room turned toward the man sitting at the back with a different expression. That is until Amelia spoke up for him.

“Severus Snape had been brought into the confidence of the Survival of Tom Riddle at the end of the first war as he was already spying on him. Ever since, he has been acting as a double agent to make sure Tom Riddle’s resurgence would be as short as possible. In fact his role was instrumental in the capture and arrest of the man on the 24th of December of last year. Without him, Tom Riddle and his followers may very well be still at large, wreaking havoc in the country. Headmaster Dumbledore, Lord Potter and many more can attest to that.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

It was a fourth year who said it. And it blew Severus away. Only Lily and Dumbledore had ever thanked him openly for the sacrifices he had made. Years ago he would have dismissed any thanks he received, believing he didn’t deserve them. That he was atoning for his crimes and bad choices. Now? After battling and defeating his demons? After acknowledging his fault but looking forward? It felt like a blessing. It felt like proof. Proof that he was a good man. A man that Lily and Albus always knew he could become. A man they were proud of him to be. A man he was proud to be.

Genuine empathetic and grateful smile, although small, graced Severus lips. He gave the student a polite nod then went back to the book he had in hand.

““You’re the best, uncle Sev!””

“Potters, detention tonight.”

““Awww.”” the twins sounded defeated.

The exchange had been comedy gold and the whole room exploded into laughter. Severus himself had to use occlumency to hold himself back from joining. He had quite the reputation to maintain after all.