The Trial of Sasporilla Bucket
A Harry Potter UNIVERSE/ Sasporilla Bucket Fan Fiction
by Darren Kelly
The Wizengamot, the high criminal court of law, gathered in court room seven, in the tenth level lower sub-dungeon of the Ministry of Magic. The fifty members of the Wizengamot wore plum-covered robes with the elaborate silver initials "W" on them. The prosecutor, deputy Minister Advanish stepped into the prosecutors box followed by his assistant Hermione Granger. Kingsly Shacklebolt recused himself from prosecution as he was witness to the events.
"Please bring in the accused!" Deputy Minister Advanish asked of the bailiffs.
Sasporilla Bucket was lead into the court room, her hands and feet shackled. It had been a week since Sasporillas arrest and she had been held in solitary confinement in the Ministries dungeon cells. She'd had no access to conversation, clean clothes or a shower. Sassy looked up at the gallery to see who showed up.
Karry and Zac Curtiss sat next to Karrys family in the gallery. Mr. and Mrs.Curtiss watched with genuine concern. Kate Curtiss waved then though the better of it. Korry sat there holding Madrigal Neelanders painfully tight. Sassys god father, Nick Owlmore, the aurer who had been forced by duty to place her under arrest sat next to her friend and his partner Lyra Lee-Ashwolf, who accompanied Katelynn as her family guardian. Myron Wagtail was ordered to "Sit Down!" by the bailiff or leave the court. Professor McGonagall, professor Sprout and Rubius Hagrid were all in attendance Representing Hogwarts. It was of no surprise to see Rita Skeeter in the galleries front row. Perched like a vulture primed to be the first to pick at her unwashed carcass.
The bailiffs lead her to a chair in the center of the court room. She forcefully placed into the accused seat and magically bound, much to the protests of members of the gallery.
"Silence!" The deputy minister commanded. "This is the only warning that I will give to the gallery. Any further out bursts will see the lot of you tossed out on your ears!"
The crowd went silent.
"That's better." The deputy minister said. "Sasporilla Bucket. You stand accused of the murder of wizard Salizar Slytherin. As unbelievable as these charges sound I understand they are well founded. Who represents this witch?"
"I do." A strange flamboyant older man said walking into the court. "Sorry I'm late but as this kangaroo court is such a farce I thought I'd have an extra bagle at breakfast."
"Do you want to start this trial with charges of contempt Mr.???" Deputy Minister Advanish said angrily.
"Barrister Hilask Wolfharr; RcoA" The man said giving Sasporilla a wink. "and I apologize for my statement Deputy Minister I withdraw it."
Some of the women of the jury, which sat on the right of the prosecutor, giggled at the older mans charms. He was tall and thin with a drawn face with sharp severe features and a shock of white hair. The RocA after his name meant he was a Barrister of the royal court of Avalon. That meant this trial had caught the eye of the royal court.
"How does your client plead?" The Deputy Minister asked.
"No idea." The man smiled looking down at Sasporilla.
"If I hadn't turned him to stone he'd have killed everyone who wasn't pure blood." Sasporilla said.
"She pleads Guilty!" The Barrister smiled making everyone in the court gasp. "Justifiably guilty."
"Justifiably?" The deputy minister asked.
"Yes." Sasporilla's barrister smiled walking over to the jury box. "After you here what the witness and my client have to say, you will see that you have no choice but to acquit this sweet, noble, young woman."
"Thank you Barrister. " The deputy minister said. "Sasporilla Bucket. This is not the first time you have taken a life. You brutally took the life of William Bombaduck, a young Death Eater, during the battle of Hogwarts. This has been over looked as it wasep0Remove the prisoner back to her cell until we have need of her testimony!"
The dungeon guards entered the court room and helped Sasporilla out of the chair and out of the court room.
"Call your first witness Barrister Wolfharr." Deputy Minister Advanish.
"Thanks Cecil," the barrister smiled playfully, "I mean Deputy Minister of course, my apologies. I call my first witness, Mrs.Karry Curtiss."
Karry stepped down from the gallery and was shown to the witness seat by the bailiff.
"Karry Curtiss." Hermione Granger said being given the chance to swear in witnesses. "You have been called before the Wizengamot as a witness for the defence. Do you solemnly swear that your answers will be the truth and actual to the facts of the matter?"
"I do." Karry Curtiss said. "Moving up in the world Hermione Granger?"
"Indeed." Hermione smile politely embarrassed. "How have you been Karoline?"
"Been better." Karry said coldly, absolutely contemptuous of this whole procedure against her friend.
"Mrs.Curtiss." Sasporillas Barrister smiled. "May I call you Karry?"
"If you like." Karry said.
"Wonderful." The Barrister said. "Karry is Sasporilla a cold blooded psychotic killer like the death eaters that murdered her mother and your friends at Hogwarts?"
"No!" Karry answered surprised at the cavalier form of the question.
"No!" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr said. "I turn her over for the Wizengamots review."
"Yes well," Deputy Minister Advanish said ,"Mrs.Curtiss how long have you known the accused?"
"The 'ACCUSED' has a name!" Karry said crossly, "It is Sasporilla Imaginarium Bucket! She is my best friend, and I love her like my own sister."
"Yes very well." The deputy minister cleared his throat nervously. "How long have you known Sasporilla Bucket?"
"We've been in Hufflepuff house together for seven years, but we didn't really get to know each other untill second year. So six years."
"Would you say Sasporilla follows the rules?" The court asked.
"The ones set down that are fair and just yes." Karry answered Honestly. "Not like the ones set down by the death eaters that the ministry placed in Hogwarts like Umbridge, and Snape!"
"Were you witness to the murder of William Bombaduck?" The deputy asked.
"No." Karry said. "I was fighting for my life and was a bit busy."
"It is said that the boy death eater was subdued and unable to defend himself when Miss Bucket Blew his head off with an explosive spell." Deputy Minister Advanish said smugly.
"I hurt and killed death eaters too." Karry said with quiet anger. "When it's a war, it's you or them."
"Yes indeed." The deputy minister turned his papers over. "You discovered references to the chamber of secrets in the papers of Albus Dumbledore that you had been assigned?"
"Yes." Karry said.
"You first suspect after they were stolen was Sasporilla Bucket was it not!" Advanish grinned.
"We checked everyone's rooms!" Karry protested.
"Yes but you started with Sas-po-rilla-Buck-et! Did... you... not?" The deputy minister attacked.
"Yes but...." Karry stammered honestly.
"Next question. You were married at sixteen?"
"What does that have to do with the bloody price of tea in China?" Karry asked.
"Let the record show," Hermione Granger said, "the witness is hostile."
"Really Hermione Granger?" Karry Curtiss yelled. "Yes I met the love of my life, Zac Zarcazzian and married him as soon as we could do so legally! Why? Because he asked me, I love him, and we learned how fast the actions of evil stupid people can take it all away from you! So we got married while we were still alive to do so! Does that answer your bloody question?"
"Yes." The deputy minister smiled as if a little mouse had wandered into his trap. "Would you like yo redirect Mr.Wolfharr?";
"Mrs.Curtiss." the Barrister asked. "Do feel in anyway harassed or intimidated by the series of useless questions the prosecutor has asked."
"I never!" The deputy minister protested.
"Oh come on Cecil of course you have!"
"I've warned you once about contempt Hilask! Deputy Minister Advanish yelled on frustration.
"That's Barrister Wolfharr to you deputy minister. Let's try to keep things professional and on point shall we?" The barrister smiled and gave Karry a wink see that he clearly unnerved the Ministry Lackey as much as he had unnerved the witness. "No further questions."
Karry stood up and walked back up yo the gallery shaken. She was welcomed by Zac's loving arms that held her tight.
"Your next witness." Deputy Minister Advanish growled.
"For my next witness," the barrister flourished like a circus ring master, "I call the Hufflepuff Head Girl Hufflepuff at Hogwarts school for witch craft and wizardry ,and recently revealed blood heir of Helga Hufflepuff, Miss Blossom Kowalski."
Blossom straightened her outfit as she walked down the gallery steps to the Wizengamot floor. She politely smiled and said "Thank you" to the bailiff which showed her to the witness chair. Hermione Granger swore her in and the Barrister began. "How are you today Miss Kowalski?"
"I'm quite nervous actually." Blossom smiled, nervously.
"Just try and relax, I'll try to make this as quick and pleasant as I can." The barrister smiled reassuringly. "Did you know you were a descendant of Helga Hufflepuff?"
"No." Blossom beamed with pride. "It came as very much of a surprise when her ghost appeared and called me forward as her heir. There were rumors that my great grand father was actually the son of a squibb that had chosen to have his memories of the wizarding world obliviated and chose the muggle life."
"That was the Kowalski side I assume?" Hilask smiled.
"Yes." Blossom said proudly.
"What was it Helga Hufflepuff, your ancestor asked you to do?" The Barrister asked.
"She said that I," Blossom said, "and the other heirs were to carefully cast a spell that would release Salazar Slytherin from his prison. To save Zac Curtiss from a fate worse than death."
"Why?" The barrister asked in mock-shock. "What was it Helga Hufflepuff said Salazar Slytherin was going to do?"
"He, Salazar Slytherin that is, was going to transfer his consciousness into Zac's body, and Zac's into his! Then he would walk free to fulfill his master plan!"
"Were you told what that plan was?" The barrister asked a bit more seriously.
"Not by Helga Hufflepuff." Blossom said.
"Then by who?" The barrister asked with deathly seriousness.
"Salazar Slytherin announced it bold as brass to everyone!" Blossom said. "He intended to kill all the half-bloods and muggles and leave only pure blood wizarding families."
"Well that is most of us!" The barrister smiled playfully so where's the harm?"
"I highly disagree!" Blossom said stiffening. "Muggles and half-bloods, elves and beasts all have the right to share this world with us and we have the responsibility to see our power is not perverted to harm them!"
The gallery, some of the jury and some of the members of the Wizengamot itself, including Hermione Granger, applauded Blossoms words.
"Not to mention we saw Slytherins records." Blossom continued. "He had quills taking records of births and deaths. Following blood lines in volume after volume. There was only one book left with very few pureblood families left. Billions of people would have died at that mad mans hands."
"Thank you miss Kowalski." The barrister winked and 'nodded good job'. "Your witness Cecil!"
"Fmfff!" The deputy minister cursed under his breath. "I have just one question miss Kowalski. Knowing of the plans of Salazar Slytherin to destroy 'BILLIONS' of lives as you've alleged, would you have brutally murdered him?"
"No." Blossom answered honestly. "I would have turned him stone to stop him, and not concerned myself further with his well being."
"Any redirect barrister?" The deputy minister scowled.
"Not one bit!" Hilask Wolfharr chuckled as the youngest bailiff, John a Hogwarts graduate from Gryffindor house showed Blossom back to her seat.
"If you don't mind me saying miss." John said to Blossom, "I think you're quite wonderful and wondered if you might like to go out with me some time?"
Blossom simply could not believe the utter cheek of the young man. How forward! How inappropriate. How... "Ya, alright." She smiled shyly.
"My next contestant on "Burn the witch" is Katelynn Ashwolf." The barrister laughed.
"This is your final warning Barrister." The deputy minister said.
"And this is your first Cecil!" Hilask Wolfharr shouted. "You just remember who your talking too."
Many on the Wizengamot wondered just what the history was between the two wizards. If nothing else it was extremely entertaining.
Katelynn Ashwolf was lead from the gallery by her cousin Lyra who held her hand. The Bailiff sat her down and Hermione swore the girl in.
"Auror Lyra Lee-Ashwolf." Hermione said. "To confirm for the record you are the legally recognized guardian for your niece Katelynn during these proceedings?"
"Yes." Lyra said in a tone do serious and professionally respectful it unnerved everyone who knew her.
"Katelynn," the barrister began, "you are American?"
"Yes." Katelynn said. "And you're a lawyer?"
"A barrister yes." The man smiled. "You seem more like a game show host."
The court erupted in laughter. Barrister Wolfharr blushed.
"Quite right!" The barrister smiled. "Why did you help Ms.Jasmine Lee steal the documents from Mrs.Curtiss?";
"Ms.Lee said we were family." Katelynn hung her head ashamed. "And she promised she'd get me into Slytherin house."
"But you're a Hufflepuff recently revealed as an heir of Rowena Ravenclaw! Did you want to be a slytherin?" The barrister asked. "I thought I did," Katelynns lower lip quivered. "I was wrong. I'm not a Slytherin. I want nothing to do with them!"
"Not all Slytherins are bad people Katelynn." The barrister smiled. "Why, Mr.Zac Curtiss there is a nice young man and he's a Slytherin. I myself was a Slytherin! I'm not a bad sort am I?"
"Well..." Katelynn said feeling Lyras hands tighten a bit on her shoulders. "You are a lawyer!"
Laughter erupted in the Wizengamot again. The girls innocent sence of sarcastic comic timing was spot on. When asked why she helped release Salazar Slytherin her answer was almost identical to Blossom Kowalski's.
"One last question." The barrister asked calmly. "Why did Jasmine Lee want to free Salazar Slytherin?"
"She wanted to kill him." Katelynn said. "He cursed her family line. A maladictus curse that passed from mother to daughter down through the years. A curse that made them both human and snake. She knew that to kill him would break the curse. But he killed her before she could kill him."
"Your witness Deputy Minister Advanish." The Barrister stepped back and took a drink of water.
"Miss Ashwolf why did you go back to the chamber of secrets secret opening?" The deputy minister asked.
"To try and Rescue a missing classmate that I knew was down there." Katelynn said defensively. "Poppey Rosegarden."
"Why not just tell your house matron?" The deputy asked.
"Ms.Lee said if we told anyone she'd blame it all on us." Katelynn said.
"Why did you not rescue the girl when you had the chance?" The deputy minister asked.
"Ms.Lee commanded we come with her." Katelynn ssid. "We had no choice."
"The Maladictus serpents are known for their hypnotic control powers sir." Hermione Granger added.
"Thank you miss Granger." The Deputy Minister said. "One last question Miss Ashwolf. If I were to tell you I intended to murder Billions of absolutely innocent people for nefarious reasons, would you kill me?"
"In a heart beat." Katelynn Ashwolf said. "And anyone who shared your ambitions or was sympathetic to your cause!"
The court gasped at the girls frankness.
"No further questions." The deputy minister said turning to his assistant snd telling her quietly. "I believe miss Ashwolf should have court mandated psychiatric evaluation and counseling."
"Yes Minister." Hermione took note.
"Any redirect Barrister Wolfharr?" The deputy minister asked.
"A point of clarification if I may?" The barrister asked politely.
"Proceed." The deputy minister said concerned.
"Katelynn, by your accounts snd your beliefs, do you believe that Sasporilla Buckets actions against Salazar Slytherin were justified?"
"You bet I do." Katelynn said.
"Nothing further." Barrister Wolfharr ssid.
"The Wizengamot will now take a thirty minute break to address two issues." The deputy minister said. "May I see Barrister Wolfharr, Auror Lee-Ashwolf and young Katelynn in my chambers please. This court will reconvene in thirty minutes at approximately eleven am."
The Wizengamot broke for thirty minutes. Many went for water or a pumpkin juice in the cafeteria. There was a quick meeting in the back chambers about counseling for young Katrlynns aggressive attitude. There were good arguments to made that was seen as overtly aggressive behavior was common American behavior. Sasporilla sat alone in her sell humming tunes and thinking of Melvin.
It was in the cafeteria that Barrister Hilask Wolfharr found the Minister of Magic and the Hogwarts Headmistress enjoying a cup of tea.
"Wonderful!" The Barrister yelled excitedly running over to the table. "I was hoping to find you two together."
"Would you care to join us barrister?" Kingsly Shacklebolt asked.
"Ah that's most kind." Hilask Wolfharr smiled. "But no. I just wanted to warn you that I've been playing fast and loose to throw your deputy minister off his game. After the break I shall be acting much more serious and will be a bit rough on the two of you."
"I see." Minerva McGonagall pursed her lips.
"Good!" The barrister smiled at the old witch. "Keep that rigid stick up ypur back side Minerva! I'm counting on it being there when I need it!"
Hilask Wolfharr walked away bowing to colleagues and stopping to flirt with the old woman behind the cafeteria counter who looked like Mad-eye Moody in a hairnet.
"You never liked Hilask Wolfharr." Kingsly smiled.
"I always found him to be a preening popinjay." Headmistress McGonagall frowned. "Full of himself, with little concern for others. Frankly I'm amazed he is regarded as the best Barrister of the Royal Court!"
The Wizengamot reconvened at about five minutes after eleven. Barrister Hilask Wolfharr always had the most negative of effects on Deputy Minister Advanish's nervous stomach and irritable bowl syndrome.
"If it pleases the court," Barrister Wolfharr smiled. "I would like to call, for my next witness, Headmistress of Hogwarts School for witch craft and wizardry, Minerva McGonagall."
Professor McGonagall walked down from the gallery and took a seat before the court.
"Headmistress." Wolfharr asked. "How was the disappearance of Katelynn Ashwolf brought to your attention?"
"Our Hufflepuff Head Girl discovered Miss Ashwolf missing at bed check. She in turn went to her house matron Professor Sprout who brought her to me with the disturbing note that was found."
"I would like, at this time, to enter into evidence the note left by Katelynn Ashwolf, begging for help to be sent."
The barrister handed the letter over to the barrister who used an engorgio spell to increase its size so that all may read it clearly. Then reducing it back to size to be handed in, to be entered into evidence.
"Headmistress McGonagall." The barrister asked. "Who's responsibility was it to form a search and rescue party?"
"That responsibility was solely mime." Minerva scowled.
"And your first instinct was to form a party of professors and professionals?" The barrister asked.
"Yes." The mistress said. "But we had few who were suited to the task. My staff is aging. It would be time before the minister could bring a team from London."
"So what did you do?" Hilask Wolfharr smiled.
"I sent word around the school asking for seventh year volunteers." The headmistress said.
"Ah!" Hilask Wolfharr grinned. "And it was from this call for help that Miss Bucket and her friends stepped up?"
"No." Minerva lowered her head knowing where his line of questioning lead. "We went into Hogsmead..."
"Could you specify who the 'WE' were for the record, Headmistress." Hermione Granger asked.
"The WE were myself, Professor Sprout and Blossom Kowalski. The three of us went into Hogsmead to find Karry Curtiss, Zac Curtiss and Sasporilla Bucket, at the Curtiss home. We awoke them and told them what had happened. Karry Curtiss was working on the documents of Albus Dumbledore and had some idea of the chamber of secrets back entrance. She volunteered to help as did her husband Zac."
"And what of Miss Bucket?" The barrister asked seriously.
"She was dressed and ready to go before the others." Minerva McGonagall said. "Sasporilla was concerned because it was her friends cousin, a fellow Hufflepuff and a young student in a very dangerous situation."
"Were you concerned when Sasporilla Bucket volunteered?" Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"I was relieved!" Headmistress McGonagall said looking sharply at the barrister which unnerved him as much now as when she'd done it to him all those years ago in transfiguration class.
"Relieved!?" The barrister asked surprised. "Why?"
"Sasporilla Bucket is by and far the most powerful witch of her generation. I'm sure the ministries files have revealed that! There could be no one who was more suited to take on the magical horrors of Salazar Slytherin than her. Because of her involvement, and sheer knowledge of Karry Curtiss and Blossom Kowalski, we stood a very good chance of rescuing the girls and seeing everyone return."
"Indeed." The barrister said. "But you did not go yourself... chicken?"
"I beg your pardon?" Minerva McGonagall asked as the gallery gasped. "I may be many things Hilask Wolfharr, but a coward is not one of them. I was asked to stay behind to coordinate a secondary rescue effort should the first team not be heard from in twenty four hours, by the Minister of Magic."
"My apologies Minerva." The barrister said.
"So the next time you saw Miss Bucket was when?" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"The next day, in the corridor by the Slytherin common room, at Hogwarts." The headmistress said. "She was placing the stone form of Salazar Slytherin at the end of the hall, to block the new entrance to the Chamber of Secrets."
"So you didn't actually see her turn Salazar Slytherin to stone?" Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"No." The Headmistress conceded.
"When you discovered Sasporilla Bucket turned Salazar Slytherin to stone, what did you do?" The barrister asked.
"I tried reversing the spell but it was pf no use." Headmistress McGonagall said. "Sasporilla had use elven magic."
"Oh dear." Barrister Hilask Wolfharr remarked. "Elven magic! No witch or wizard can undo elven magic! But wait, elves can. Does Hogwarts have any elves on staff?"
"Yes of course." Minerva McGonagall said surprised. "We have a full cooking and cleaning staff of house elves."
"Did you ask any one of the elves to undo the turn to stone spell?" The barrister asked.
"No." The headmistress said. "It never occurred to me."
"I have no further questions." The barrister said.
Deputy Minister Advanish turned to his assistant. They quietly discussed something between themselves, then he turned to the witness. "Headmistress, in your opinion, is Sasporilla Bucket guilty of the charges against her?"
"I object!" The Barrister slammed his hand on the banister. "The witness opinion is irrelevant in a court of fact."
"Yes but the question is allowed." The Deputy Minister smiled.
"Do I feel her reasons were just and sound, yes!" Headmistress McGonagall said. "Do I think Miss Bucket is as good and honest a human being as she is a powerful young witch, yes!"
"The witness will answer the question!" Deputy Minister Advanish sneered.
"As I didn't actually see her cast the spell," Minerva McGonagall said defiantly, "for all I actually know this could all be a statue of Salazar Slytherin and a most elaborate hoax!"
"Yes!" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr smiled.
"No further questions." The deputy minister of magic sighed. The bailiff showed the Hogwarts Headmistress back to her seat.
"I would like to call my next witness, arresting officer Senior Detective Nick Owlmore of the Magical Justice Division." Barrister Hilask Wolfharr called.
Nick Owlmore stood and Buttoned his suit jacket. He headed down to the witness chair and took a seat. Once sworn in the barrister attacked.
"Why did you arrest your God daughter?" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"Just doing my job?" Nick said.
"Just doing your job." The barrister said. "Just...following...orders. The cry of the yellow bellied beurocrat."
"Excuse me?" Nick asked as the barrister turned and peppered him with questions.
"Did you see Sasporilla Bucket turn Salazar Slytherin to stone?"
"No"
"Why arrest her?"
"She confessed to turning Salazar Slytherin to stone."
"Confessed?"
"Yes."
"You interrogated her?"
"No she just told me." Nick frowned.
Barrister Hilask Wolfharr backed off for moment, turning his back and walking to the jury box. "So you're saying Sasporilla Bucket admitted to you that she turned Salazar Slytherin to stone."
"Yes she did."
"What sort of spell is that?"
"A curse."
"Was a curse breaker called?"
"No."
"Was it an unforgivable curse?"
"No."
"Ah!" The barrister smiled and turned back towards Nick. "Then may I ask you a question?"
"I would be surprised if you didn't." Nick sighed.
"If the curse was not UNFORGIVEABLE then why arrest her?" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"Because she killed Salazar Slytherin." Nick said.
"Dead?"
"Yes Dead!" Nick said.
"Ah!" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr said. "Is he dead?"
The court room went silent.
"I would like to enter into evidence the stone form of Salazar Slytherin." The Barrister smiled. "Who will also be a future witness!"
The court audibly gasped and murmured much to the barristers delight. "Your witness deputy minister."
"Thank you barrister." Deputy Minister Advanish said. "Senior Detective Inspector Owlmore, in your professional opinion as an aurer, did you view the admission of guilt of casting the curse that turned Salazar Slytherin irreversibly to stone, just cause for your god daughters arrest?"
"Yes." Nick said. "Unfortunately the laws of the department of Magical justice are clear."
"The witness may return to the gallery."
"I'd like to call my next witness." Barrister Wolfharr said. "An expert witness in dealing with mad despots who would enslave or kill those of us deemed unworthy. Harry Potter."
Harry Potter was escorted into the court room. He looked around and acknowledged those he knew as he was sat in the witness seat and sworn in by Hermione Granger.
"How are you Hermione?" Harry asked.
"I'm very well Harry, and you?" Hermione smiled.
"Ya I'm all right." Harry smiled.
"Wonderful!" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr said spreading his arms. "Everyone's ok, and do you know why? Because this young man, Harry Potter stood up to you know who and fought him at every step!"
The Wizengamot erupted in applause.
"That's right ladies and gentlemen!" Hilask Wolfharr said. "Applaud the selfless act which saved billions from Lord Voldemorts tyranny or worse. All it took was to turn the dark lord to ash!"
Deputy Minister Advanish rolled his eyes at the blatant manipulation of the court. "Yes we are all aware of the similarities of your clients case and the Heroic actions of this young man Barrister Wolfharr. You forgetting your own argument that it was an act of war, kill or be killed."
"On the contrary." Harry Potter said. "It may have been an act that ended a war, but killing Tom Riddle was very personal to me! If I had to face him off again I'd kill him straight off and avoid the pain and suffering of everyone else."
"No further questions." Barrister Hilask Wolfharr said.
"Mr.Potter." Deputy Minister Advanish said sitting forward. "Are you telling this court you a guilty of the murder of Thomas Morvollo Riddle?"
"Absolutely!" Harry Potter said. "As guilty as he is of killing my mother and hundreds more."
"What if we through you in Azkaban for your confession?" The deputy minister asked.
"Then that would be your choice." Harry said firmly. "The same choice most of you burocrsts made to hide your heads in the sand rather than pick up your wands snd stand up to Voldemort and do what had to be done. The acts of cowards standing behind laws, letting the children fight for you. Then, historically, that has always been war, hasn't it?"
Many witches and wizards of the Wizengamot hung their heads in shame. They knew the young wizard was right. Many of them got out of England and hid elsewhere rather than joining the fight. Others just kept their heads down and ignored the evil around them. Some even had a hand in the hainous acts of Voldemort and his death eaters. Justifying their actions by claiming 'just following orders' or claiming 'I was just doing my job.'
"Thank you Mr.Potter," Deputy Minister Advanish sneered. "That will be all."
Harry stood and walked up into the gallery to sit beside Headmistress McGonagall.
"For my last witness." Barrister Wolfharr smiled playfully, "I call none other than Salazar Slytherin himself."
"Alright Barrister Wolfharr enough!" The deputy minister said as a rather small elf walked in to the court room carrying some metal circlets on his stumpy arm. "I have enough of your games and you making a mockery of this court. This is not a joke Hilask!"
"And I assure you Cecil I am not joking." The barrister smirked. "In fact, I'll ask that you all put the circlets, found under your seats, on to your heads! Deputy Minister Advanish, Jury foreman Mrs.Bloomsberry, and Chief Magistrate of the Wizengamot, Mr.Vernan Pennywhistle, please step down to the court room floor please."
"This is preposterous!" Deputy Minister Advanish yelled.
"Is the innocence of my client preposterous?" The barrister shouted. "Have minds already been made up?"
Rolling his eyes the deputy minister joined the others on the floor of the Wizengamot by the stone form of Salazar Slytherin. The small elf handed each of them a circlet.
"Now if you would all be so kind as to put the circlet on your heads like this." The barrister said placing the silver circle carefully over his hair.
The others followed suit as directed. The barrister slipped the last circlet onto the head of the stone cursed old wizard.
"These circlets will hopefully protect us all." The barrister said.
"Protect us from what?" The deputy minister asked.
"From the wrath of Salazar Slytherin." The barrister smiled nodding at the small elf who snapped his fingers. The stone began to turn to flesh and cloth. Salazar Slytherin took a deep breath and hissed the word "FREE!"
"Salazar Slytherin!" The deputy minister said. "He lives."
"Of course he lives!" The Barrister said. "He was never dead, this great wizard was preserved in stone!"
"This is some sort of trick!" The deputy minister scoffed as Salazar Slytherin pulled his wand from within his robes.
With a silent wave a book appeared in the old wizards hands. It was the single volume from his library of names of pure blood families. He placed his wand tip on the cover of the book and cast "MalaPerdere!"
All but the deputy minister fell dead before the power of Salazar Slytherin.
"What have you done?" The deputy minister screamed.
"Cleansed the world of the impure." Salazar Slytherin said. "Those worthy and pure of blood have been spared. You and your line will serve me as we burn the world and rebuild it in my image."
"You're bloody mad!" Deputy Minister Advanish said drawing his wand. "By the power vested in me by the ministry of magic I here by..."
"Avada Kedavra." Salazar Slytherin cast killing the deputy minister in a ball of green death. The ancient wizard left the ministry to walk amongst the billions of Dead that lay across London. Slytherin waved his wand in large circles casting flames which expanded in wide rings immolating the bodies, burning down the muggle buildings and scorching the earth. Salazar Slytherin laughed as he walked off, alone through the smoke and flame.
Circlets were pulled from the heads of the members of the court but was left on the statue.
"What was that?" Deputy Minister Advanish asked.
"A few minutes inside the very living mind of Salazar Slytherin." Barrister Wolfharr said. "As you experienced, he is quite evil and will not be stopped from killing everyone and destroying everything. The questions are, having seen this, do you still believe Salazar Slytherin is dead? And do you believe Sasporilla Buckets actions were not justified? I rest my case."
The jury needed very little time to deliberate. Sasporilla Bucket was lead back into the court shackled and chained. She stood before the Wizengamot, dirty and disheveled.
"Sasporilla Bucket." Mrs.Bloomsbury, the jury foreman stood. "We the members of the jury have taken all evidence and testimony into account and have unanimously agreed on our recommendation."
The bailiff took the written decision from the jury foreman and carried it to the chief magistrate of the Wizengamot.
"The jurys recommendation on the charges of the murder of Salazar Slytherin," Chief Magistrate of the Wizengamot, Mr.Vernan Pennywhistle read, "is NOT GUILTY. All those in favor of the recommendation?"
All but three raised their hands.
"Opposed?" The magistrate asked.
The three who raised their hands felt vindicated and just, but should have felt more worried for their future careers.
"The Wizengamot has ruled." Chief Magistrate Mr.Vernan Pennywhistle said. "Not guilty."
The courtroom erupted in cheers. Sasporilla Bucket smiled as the chains fell from her hands snd feet. She held out her hand until a bailiff handed Sassy her wand. Karry ran to her friend and hugged her.
"I've never had any doubt." Karry smiled.
"Glad you didn't." Sasporilla said. "I thought I'd have to plan a break out from Azkaban!"
"Hi kid." Nick Owlmore said stepping up to his God Daughter. "Look I hope there's no hard feelings?"
"Oh there are a ton of hard feelings." Sasporilla said. "But nothing I won't get over and forgive you for eventually you fascist prig!"
Nick found the words hurtful but knew they were well enough deserved. For now he'd take the hug from her and leave it at that.
Myron grabbed Sassy and hugged her tight. "I'm glad you're going to be all right."
"Thanks Myron." Sassy smiled. "I need to talk to you after. I need to know everything you know about Melvin losing his memory."
The Deputy Minister adjourned into the hall outside the court room. There he met up with the minister of magic Kingsly Shacklebolt.
"Fine job Cecil." Kingsly said shaking the mans hand. "I'm happy with the way you handled that whole mess. If I hadn't been witness to it all, I would have had to deal with it."
"I'm just glad things worked out for the girl." The Deputy Minister smiled as Barrister Wolfharr came around the corner. "And why do you have to be so bloody playful all the time?"
Barrister Wolfharr came up and kissed his husband with a smile. "Because that's how you love me you stodgy old poop!"
"Please bring in the accused!" Deputy Minister Advanish asked of the bailiffs.
Sasporilla Bucket was lead into the court room, her hands and feet shackled. It had been a week since Sasporillas arrest and she had been held in solitary confinement in the Ministries dungeon cells. She'd had no access to conversation, clean clothes or a shower. Sassy looked up at the gallery to see who showed up.
Karry and Zac Curtiss sat next to Karrys family in the gallery. Mr. and Mrs.Curtiss watched with genuine concern. Kate Curtiss waved then though the better of it. Korry sat there holding Madrigal Neelanders painfully tight. Sassys god father, Nick Owlmore, the aurer who had been forced by duty to place her under arrest sat next to her friend and his partner Lyra Lee-Ashwolf, who accompanied Katelynn as her family guardian. Myron Wagtail was ordered to "Sit Down!" by the bailiff or leave the court. Professor McGonagall, professor Sprout and Rubius Hagrid were all in attendance Representing Hogwarts. It was of no surprise to see Rita Skeeter in the galleries front row. Perched like a vulture primed to be the first to pick at her unwashed carcass.
The bailiffs lead her to a chair in the center of the court room. She forcefully placed into the accused seat and magically bound, much to the protests of members of the gallery.
"Silence!" The deputy minister commanded. "This is the only warning that I will give to the gallery. Any further out bursts will see the lot of you tossed out on your ears!"
The crowd went silent.
"That's better." The deputy minister said. "Sasporilla Bucket. You stand accused of the murder of wizard Salizar Slytherin. As unbelievable as these charges sound I understand they are well founded. Who represents this witch?"
"I do." A strange flamboyant older man said walking into the court. "Sorry I'm late but as this kangaroo court is such a farce I thought I'd have an extra bagle at breakfast."
"Do you want to start this trial with charges of contempt Mr.???" Deputy Minister Advanish said angrily.
"Barrister Hilask Wolfharr; RcoA" The man said giving Sasporilla a wink. "and I apologize for my statement Deputy Minister I withdraw it."
Some of the women of the jury, which sat on the right of the prosecutor, giggled at the older mans charms. He was tall and thin with a drawn face with sharp severe features and a shock of white hair. The RocA after his name meant he was a Barrister of the royal court of Avalon. That meant this trial had caught the eye of the royal court.
"How does your client plead?" The Deputy Minister asked.
"No idea." The man smiled looking down at Sasporilla.
"If I hadn't turned him to stone he'd have killed everyone who wasn't pure blood." Sasporilla said.
"She pleads Guilty!" The Barrister smiled making everyone in the court gasp. "Justifiably guilty."
"Justifiably?" The deputy minister asked.
"Yes." Sasporilla's barrister smiled walking over to the jury box. "After you here what the witness and my client have to say, you will see that you have no choice but to acquit this sweet, noble, young woman."
"Thank you Barrister. " The deputy minister said. "Sasporilla Bucket. This is not the first time you have taken a life. You brutally took the life of William Bombaduck, a young Death Eater, during the battle of Hogwarts. This has been over looked as it wasep0Remove the prisoner back to her cell until we have need of her testimony!"
The dungeon guards entered the court room and helped Sasporilla out of the chair and out of the court room.
"Call your first witness Barrister Wolfharr." Deputy Minister Advanish.
"Thanks Cecil," the barrister smiled playfully, "I mean Deputy Minister of course, my apologies. I call my first witness, Mrs.Karry Curtiss."
Karry stepped down from the gallery and was shown to the witness seat by the bailiff.
"Karry Curtiss." Hermione Granger said being given the chance to swear in witnesses. "You have been called before the Wizengamot as a witness for the defence. Do you solemnly swear that your answers will be the truth and actual to the facts of the matter?"
"I do." Karry Curtiss said. "Moving up in the world Hermione Granger?"
"Indeed." Hermione smile politely embarrassed. "How have you been Karoline?"
"Been better." Karry said coldly, absolutely contemptuous of this whole procedure against her friend.
"Mrs.Curtiss." Sasporillas Barrister smiled. "May I call you Karry?"
"If you like." Karry said.
"Wonderful." The Barrister said. "Karry is Sasporilla a cold blooded psychotic killer like the death eaters that murdered her mother and your friends at Hogwarts?"
"No!" Karry answered surprised at the cavalier form of the question.
"No!" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr said. "I turn her over for the Wizengamots review."
"Yes well," Deputy Minister Advanish said ,"Mrs.Curtiss how long have you known the accused?"
"The 'ACCUSED' has a name!" Karry said crossly, "It is Sasporilla Imaginarium Bucket! She is my best friend, and I love her like my own sister."
"Yes very well." The deputy minister cleared his throat nervously. "How long have you known Sasporilla Bucket?"
"We've been in Hufflepuff house together for seven years, but we didn't really get to know each other untill second year. So six years."
"Would you say Sasporilla follows the rules?" The court asked.
"The ones set down that are fair and just yes." Karry answered Honestly. "Not like the ones set down by the death eaters that the ministry placed in Hogwarts like Umbridge, and Snape!"
"Were you witness to the murder of William Bombaduck?" The deputy asked.
"No." Karry said. "I was fighting for my life and was a bit busy."
"It is said that the boy death eater was subdued and unable to defend himself when Miss Bucket Blew his head off with an explosive spell." Deputy Minister Advanish said smugly.
"I hurt and killed death eaters too." Karry said with quiet anger. "When it's a war, it's you or them."
"Yes indeed." The deputy minister turned his papers over. "You discovered references to the chamber of secrets in the papers of Albus Dumbledore that you had been assigned?"
"Yes." Karry said.
"You first suspect after they were stolen was Sasporilla Bucket was it not!" Advanish grinned.
"We checked everyone's rooms!" Karry protested.
"Yes but you started with Sas-po-rilla-Buck-et! Did... you... not?" The deputy minister attacked.
"Yes but...." Karry stammered honestly.
"Next question. You were married at sixteen?"
"What does that have to do with the bloody price of tea in China?" Karry asked.
"Let the record show," Hermione Granger said, "the witness is hostile."
"Really Hermione Granger?" Karry Curtiss yelled. "Yes I met the love of my life, Zac Zarcazzian and married him as soon as we could do so legally! Why? Because he asked me, I love him, and we learned how fast the actions of evil stupid people can take it all away from you! So we got married while we were still alive to do so! Does that answer your bloody question?"
"Yes." The deputy minister smiled as if a little mouse had wandered into his trap. "Would you like yo redirect Mr.Wolfharr?";
"Mrs.Curtiss." the Barrister asked. "Do feel in anyway harassed or intimidated by the series of useless questions the prosecutor has asked."
"I never!" The deputy minister protested.
"Oh come on Cecil of course you have!"
"I've warned you once about contempt Hilask! Deputy Minister Advanish yelled on frustration.
"That's Barrister Wolfharr to you deputy minister. Let's try to keep things professional and on point shall we?" The barrister smiled and gave Karry a wink see that he clearly unnerved the Ministry Lackey as much as he had unnerved the witness. "No further questions."
Karry stood up and walked back up yo the gallery shaken. She was welcomed by Zac's loving arms that held her tight.
"Your next witness." Deputy Minister Advanish growled.
"For my next witness," the barrister flourished like a circus ring master, "I call the Hufflepuff Head Girl Hufflepuff at Hogwarts school for witch craft and wizardry ,and recently revealed blood heir of Helga Hufflepuff, Miss Blossom Kowalski."
Blossom straightened her outfit as she walked down the gallery steps to the Wizengamot floor. She politely smiled and said "Thank you" to the bailiff which showed her to the witness chair. Hermione Granger swore her in and the Barrister began. "How are you today Miss Kowalski?"
"I'm quite nervous actually." Blossom smiled, nervously.
"Just try and relax, I'll try to make this as quick and pleasant as I can." The barrister smiled reassuringly. "Did you know you were a descendant of Helga Hufflepuff?"
"No." Blossom beamed with pride. "It came as very much of a surprise when her ghost appeared and called me forward as her heir. There were rumors that my great grand father was actually the son of a squibb that had chosen to have his memories of the wizarding world obliviated and chose the muggle life."
"That was the Kowalski side I assume?" Hilask smiled.
"Yes." Blossom said proudly.
"What was it Helga Hufflepuff, your ancestor asked you to do?" The Barrister asked.
"She said that I," Blossom said, "and the other heirs were to carefully cast a spell that would release Salazar Slytherin from his prison. To save Zac Curtiss from a fate worse than death."
"Why?" The barrister asked in mock-shock. "What was it Helga Hufflepuff said Salazar Slytherin was going to do?"
"He, Salazar Slytherin that is, was going to transfer his consciousness into Zac's body, and Zac's into his! Then he would walk free to fulfill his master plan!"
"Were you told what that plan was?" The barrister asked a bit more seriously.
"Not by Helga Hufflepuff." Blossom said.
"Then by who?" The barrister asked with deathly seriousness.
"Salazar Slytherin announced it bold as brass to everyone!" Blossom said. "He intended to kill all the half-bloods and muggles and leave only pure blood wizarding families."
"Well that is most of us!" The barrister smiled playfully so where's the harm?"
"I highly disagree!" Blossom said stiffening. "Muggles and half-bloods, elves and beasts all have the right to share this world with us and we have the responsibility to see our power is not perverted to harm them!"
The gallery, some of the jury and some of the members of the Wizengamot itself, including Hermione Granger, applauded Blossoms words.
"Not to mention we saw Slytherins records." Blossom continued. "He had quills taking records of births and deaths. Following blood lines in volume after volume. There was only one book left with very few pureblood families left. Billions of people would have died at that mad mans hands."
"Thank you miss Kowalski." The barrister winked and 'nodded good job'. "Your witness Cecil!"
"Fmfff!" The deputy minister cursed under his breath. "I have just one question miss Kowalski. Knowing of the plans of Salazar Slytherin to destroy 'BILLIONS' of lives as you've alleged, would you have brutally murdered him?"
"No." Blossom answered honestly. "I would have turned him stone to stop him, and not concerned myself further with his well being."
"Any redirect barrister?" The deputy minister scowled.
"Not one bit!" Hilask Wolfharr chuckled as the youngest bailiff, John a Hogwarts graduate from Gryffindor house showed Blossom back to her seat.
"If you don't mind me saying miss." John said to Blossom, "I think you're quite wonderful and wondered if you might like to go out with me some time?"
Blossom simply could not believe the utter cheek of the young man. How forward! How inappropriate. How... "Ya, alright." She smiled shyly.
"My next contestant on "Burn the witch" is Katelynn Ashwolf." The barrister laughed.
"This is your final warning Barrister." The deputy minister said.
"And this is your first Cecil!" Hilask Wolfharr shouted. "You just remember who your talking too."
Many on the Wizengamot wondered just what the history was between the two wizards. If nothing else it was extremely entertaining.
Katelynn Ashwolf was lead from the gallery by her cousin Lyra who held her hand. The Bailiff sat her down and Hermione swore the girl in.
"Auror Lyra Lee-Ashwolf." Hermione said. "To confirm for the record you are the legally recognized guardian for your niece Katelynn during these proceedings?"
"Yes." Lyra said in a tone do serious and professionally respectful it unnerved everyone who knew her.
"Katelynn," the barrister began, "you are American?"
"Yes." Katelynn said. "And you're a lawyer?"
"A barrister yes." The man smiled. "You seem more like a game show host."
The court erupted in laughter. Barrister Wolfharr blushed.
"Quite right!" The barrister smiled. "Why did you help Ms.Jasmine Lee steal the documents from Mrs.Curtiss?";
"Ms.Lee said we were family." Katelynn hung her head ashamed. "And she promised she'd get me into Slytherin house."
"But you're a Hufflepuff recently revealed as an heir of Rowena Ravenclaw! Did you want to be a slytherin?" The barrister asked. "I thought I did," Katelynns lower lip quivered. "I was wrong. I'm not a Slytherin. I want nothing to do with them!"
"Not all Slytherins are bad people Katelynn." The barrister smiled. "Why, Mr.Zac Curtiss there is a nice young man and he's a Slytherin. I myself was a Slytherin! I'm not a bad sort am I?"
"Well..." Katelynn said feeling Lyras hands tighten a bit on her shoulders. "You are a lawyer!"
Laughter erupted in the Wizengamot again. The girls innocent sence of sarcastic comic timing was spot on. When asked why she helped release Salazar Slytherin her answer was almost identical to Blossom Kowalski's.
"One last question." The barrister asked calmly. "Why did Jasmine Lee want to free Salazar Slytherin?"
"She wanted to kill him." Katelynn said. "He cursed her family line. A maladictus curse that passed from mother to daughter down through the years. A curse that made them both human and snake. She knew that to kill him would break the curse. But he killed her before she could kill him."
"Your witness Deputy Minister Advanish." The Barrister stepped back and took a drink of water.
"Miss Ashwolf why did you go back to the chamber of secrets secret opening?" The deputy minister asked.
"To try and Rescue a missing classmate that I knew was down there." Katelynn said defensively. "Poppey Rosegarden."
"Why not just tell your house matron?" The deputy asked.
"Ms.Lee said if we told anyone she'd blame it all on us." Katelynn said.
"Why did you not rescue the girl when you had the chance?" The deputy minister asked.
"Ms.Lee commanded we come with her." Katelynn ssid. "We had no choice."
"The Maladictus serpents are known for their hypnotic control powers sir." Hermione Granger added.
"Thank you miss Granger." The Deputy Minister said. "One last question Miss Ashwolf. If I were to tell you I intended to murder Billions of absolutely innocent people for nefarious reasons, would you kill me?"
"In a heart beat." Katelynn Ashwolf said. "And anyone who shared your ambitions or was sympathetic to your cause!"
The court gasped at the girls frankness.
"No further questions." The deputy minister said turning to his assistant snd telling her quietly. "I believe miss Ashwolf should have court mandated psychiatric evaluation and counseling."
"Yes Minister." Hermione took note.
"Any redirect Barrister Wolfharr?" The deputy minister asked.
"A point of clarification if I may?" The barrister asked politely.
"Proceed." The deputy minister said concerned.
"Katelynn, by your accounts snd your beliefs, do you believe that Sasporilla Buckets actions against Salazar Slytherin were justified?"
"You bet I do." Katelynn said.
"Nothing further." Barrister Wolfharr ssid.
"The Wizengamot will now take a thirty minute break to address two issues." The deputy minister said. "May I see Barrister Wolfharr, Auror Lee-Ashwolf and young Katelynn in my chambers please. This court will reconvene in thirty minutes at approximately eleven am."
The Wizengamot broke for thirty minutes. Many went for water or a pumpkin juice in the cafeteria. There was a quick meeting in the back chambers about counseling for young Katrlynns aggressive attitude. There were good arguments to made that was seen as overtly aggressive behavior was common American behavior. Sasporilla sat alone in her sell humming tunes and thinking of Melvin.
It was in the cafeteria that Barrister Hilask Wolfharr found the Minister of Magic and the Hogwarts Headmistress enjoying a cup of tea.
"Wonderful!" The Barrister yelled excitedly running over to the table. "I was hoping to find you two together."
"Would you care to join us barrister?" Kingsly Shacklebolt asked.
"Ah that's most kind." Hilask Wolfharr smiled. "But no. I just wanted to warn you that I've been playing fast and loose to throw your deputy minister off his game. After the break I shall be acting much more serious and will be a bit rough on the two of you."
"I see." Minerva McGonagall pursed her lips.
"Good!" The barrister smiled at the old witch. "Keep that rigid stick up ypur back side Minerva! I'm counting on it being there when I need it!"
Hilask Wolfharr walked away bowing to colleagues and stopping to flirt with the old woman behind the cafeteria counter who looked like Mad-eye Moody in a hairnet.
"You never liked Hilask Wolfharr." Kingsly smiled.
"I always found him to be a preening popinjay." Headmistress McGonagall frowned. "Full of himself, with little concern for others. Frankly I'm amazed he is regarded as the best Barrister of the Royal Court!"
The Wizengamot reconvened at about five minutes after eleven. Barrister Hilask Wolfharr always had the most negative of effects on Deputy Minister Advanish's nervous stomach and irritable bowl syndrome.
"If it pleases the court," Barrister Wolfharr smiled. "I would like to call, for my next witness, Headmistress of Hogwarts School for witch craft and wizardry, Minerva McGonagall."
Professor McGonagall walked down from the gallery and took a seat before the court.
"Headmistress." Wolfharr asked. "How was the disappearance of Katelynn Ashwolf brought to your attention?"
"Our Hufflepuff Head Girl discovered Miss Ashwolf missing at bed check. She in turn went to her house matron Professor Sprout who brought her to me with the disturbing note that was found."
"I would like, at this time, to enter into evidence the note left by Katelynn Ashwolf, begging for help to be sent."
The barrister handed the letter over to the barrister who used an engorgio spell to increase its size so that all may read it clearly. Then reducing it back to size to be handed in, to be entered into evidence.
"Headmistress McGonagall." The barrister asked. "Who's responsibility was it to form a search and rescue party?"
"That responsibility was solely mime." Minerva scowled.
"And your first instinct was to form a party of professors and professionals?" The barrister asked.
"Yes." The mistress said. "But we had few who were suited to the task. My staff is aging. It would be time before the minister could bring a team from London."
"So what did you do?" Hilask Wolfharr smiled.
"I sent word around the school asking for seventh year volunteers." The headmistress said.
"Ah!" Hilask Wolfharr grinned. "And it was from this call for help that Miss Bucket and her friends stepped up?"
"No." Minerva lowered her head knowing where his line of questioning lead. "We went into Hogsmead..."
"Could you specify who the 'WE' were for the record, Headmistress." Hermione Granger asked.
"The WE were myself, Professor Sprout and Blossom Kowalski. The three of us went into Hogsmead to find Karry Curtiss, Zac Curtiss and Sasporilla Bucket, at the Curtiss home. We awoke them and told them what had happened. Karry Curtiss was working on the documents of Albus Dumbledore and had some idea of the chamber of secrets back entrance. She volunteered to help as did her husband Zac."
"And what of Miss Bucket?" The barrister asked seriously.
"She was dressed and ready to go before the others." Minerva McGonagall said. "Sasporilla was concerned because it was her friends cousin, a fellow Hufflepuff and a young student in a very dangerous situation."
"Were you concerned when Sasporilla Bucket volunteered?" Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"I was relieved!" Headmistress McGonagall said looking sharply at the barrister which unnerved him as much now as when she'd done it to him all those years ago in transfiguration class.
"Relieved!?" The barrister asked surprised. "Why?"
"Sasporilla Bucket is by and far the most powerful witch of her generation. I'm sure the ministries files have revealed that! There could be no one who was more suited to take on the magical horrors of Salazar Slytherin than her. Because of her involvement, and sheer knowledge of Karry Curtiss and Blossom Kowalski, we stood a very good chance of rescuing the girls and seeing everyone return."
"Indeed." The barrister said. "But you did not go yourself... chicken?"
"I beg your pardon?" Minerva McGonagall asked as the gallery gasped. "I may be many things Hilask Wolfharr, but a coward is not one of them. I was asked to stay behind to coordinate a secondary rescue effort should the first team not be heard from in twenty four hours, by the Minister of Magic."
"My apologies Minerva." The barrister said.
"So the next time you saw Miss Bucket was when?" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"The next day, in the corridor by the Slytherin common room, at Hogwarts." The headmistress said. "She was placing the stone form of Salazar Slytherin at the end of the hall, to block the new entrance to the Chamber of Secrets."
"So you didn't actually see her turn Salazar Slytherin to stone?" Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"No." The Headmistress conceded.
"When you discovered Sasporilla Bucket turned Salazar Slytherin to stone, what did you do?" The barrister asked.
"I tried reversing the spell but it was pf no use." Headmistress McGonagall said. "Sasporilla had use elven magic."
"Oh dear." Barrister Hilask Wolfharr remarked. "Elven magic! No witch or wizard can undo elven magic! But wait, elves can. Does Hogwarts have any elves on staff?"
"Yes of course." Minerva McGonagall said surprised. "We have a full cooking and cleaning staff of house elves."
"Did you ask any one of the elves to undo the turn to stone spell?" The barrister asked.
"No." The headmistress said. "It never occurred to me."
"I have no further questions." The barrister said.
Deputy Minister Advanish turned to his assistant. They quietly discussed something between themselves, then he turned to the witness. "Headmistress, in your opinion, is Sasporilla Bucket guilty of the charges against her?"
"I object!" The Barrister slammed his hand on the banister. "The witness opinion is irrelevant in a court of fact."
"Yes but the question is allowed." The Deputy Minister smiled.
"Do I feel her reasons were just and sound, yes!" Headmistress McGonagall said. "Do I think Miss Bucket is as good and honest a human being as she is a powerful young witch, yes!"
"The witness will answer the question!" Deputy Minister Advanish sneered.
"As I didn't actually see her cast the spell," Minerva McGonagall said defiantly, "for all I actually know this could all be a statue of Salazar Slytherin and a most elaborate hoax!"
"Yes!" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr smiled.
"No further questions." The deputy minister of magic sighed. The bailiff showed the Hogwarts Headmistress back to her seat.
"I would like to call my next witness, arresting officer Senior Detective Nick Owlmore of the Magical Justice Division." Barrister Hilask Wolfharr called.
Nick Owlmore stood and Buttoned his suit jacket. He headed down to the witness chair and took a seat. Once sworn in the barrister attacked.
"Why did you arrest your God daughter?" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"Just doing my job?" Nick said.
"Just doing your job." The barrister said. "Just...following...orders. The cry of the yellow bellied beurocrat."
"Excuse me?" Nick asked as the barrister turned and peppered him with questions.
"Did you see Sasporilla Bucket turn Salazar Slytherin to stone?"
"No"
"Why arrest her?"
"She confessed to turning Salazar Slytherin to stone."
"Confessed?"
"Yes."
"You interrogated her?"
"No she just told me." Nick frowned.
Barrister Hilask Wolfharr backed off for moment, turning his back and walking to the jury box. "So you're saying Sasporilla Bucket admitted to you that she turned Salazar Slytherin to stone."
"Yes she did."
"What sort of spell is that?"
"A curse."
"Was a curse breaker called?"
"No."
"Was it an unforgivable curse?"
"No."
"Ah!" The barrister smiled and turned back towards Nick. "Then may I ask you a question?"
"I would be surprised if you didn't." Nick sighed.
"If the curse was not UNFORGIVEABLE then why arrest her?" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr asked.
"Because she killed Salazar Slytherin." Nick said.
"Dead?"
"Yes Dead!" Nick said.
"Ah!" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr said. "Is he dead?"
The court room went silent.
"I would like to enter into evidence the stone form of Salazar Slytherin." The Barrister smiled. "Who will also be a future witness!"
The court audibly gasped and murmured much to the barristers delight. "Your witness deputy minister."
"Thank you barrister." Deputy Minister Advanish said. "Senior Detective Inspector Owlmore, in your professional opinion as an aurer, did you view the admission of guilt of casting the curse that turned Salazar Slytherin irreversibly to stone, just cause for your god daughters arrest?"
"Yes." Nick said. "Unfortunately the laws of the department of Magical justice are clear."
"The witness may return to the gallery."
"I'd like to call my next witness." Barrister Wolfharr said. "An expert witness in dealing with mad despots who would enslave or kill those of us deemed unworthy. Harry Potter."
Harry Potter was escorted into the court room. He looked around and acknowledged those he knew as he was sat in the witness seat and sworn in by Hermione Granger.
"How are you Hermione?" Harry asked.
"I'm very well Harry, and you?" Hermione smiled.
"Ya I'm all right." Harry smiled.
"Wonderful!" Barrister Hilask Wolfharr said spreading his arms. "Everyone's ok, and do you know why? Because this young man, Harry Potter stood up to you know who and fought him at every step!"
The Wizengamot erupted in applause.
"That's right ladies and gentlemen!" Hilask Wolfharr said. "Applaud the selfless act which saved billions from Lord Voldemorts tyranny or worse. All it took was to turn the dark lord to ash!"
Deputy Minister Advanish rolled his eyes at the blatant manipulation of the court. "Yes we are all aware of the similarities of your clients case and the Heroic actions of this young man Barrister Wolfharr. You forgetting your own argument that it was an act of war, kill or be killed."
"On the contrary." Harry Potter said. "It may have been an act that ended a war, but killing Tom Riddle was very personal to me! If I had to face him off again I'd kill him straight off and avoid the pain and suffering of everyone else."
"No further questions." Barrister Hilask Wolfharr said.
"Mr.Potter." Deputy Minister Advanish said sitting forward. "Are you telling this court you a guilty of the murder of Thomas Morvollo Riddle?"
"Absolutely!" Harry Potter said. "As guilty as he is of killing my mother and hundreds more."
"What if we through you in Azkaban for your confession?" The deputy minister asked.
"Then that would be your choice." Harry said firmly. "The same choice most of you burocrsts made to hide your heads in the sand rather than pick up your wands snd stand up to Voldemort and do what had to be done. The acts of cowards standing behind laws, letting the children fight for you. Then, historically, that has always been war, hasn't it?"
Many witches and wizards of the Wizengamot hung their heads in shame. They knew the young wizard was right. Many of them got out of England and hid elsewhere rather than joining the fight. Others just kept their heads down and ignored the evil around them. Some even had a hand in the hainous acts of Voldemort and his death eaters. Justifying their actions by claiming 'just following orders' or claiming 'I was just doing my job.'
"Thank you Mr.Potter," Deputy Minister Advanish sneered. "That will be all."
Harry stood and walked up into the gallery to sit beside Headmistress McGonagall.
"For my last witness." Barrister Wolfharr smiled playfully, "I call none other than Salazar Slytherin himself."
"Alright Barrister Wolfharr enough!" The deputy minister said as a rather small elf walked in to the court room carrying some metal circlets on his stumpy arm. "I have enough of your games and you making a mockery of this court. This is not a joke Hilask!"
"And I assure you Cecil I am not joking." The barrister smirked. "In fact, I'll ask that you all put the circlets, found under your seats, on to your heads! Deputy Minister Advanish, Jury foreman Mrs.Bloomsberry, and Chief Magistrate of the Wizengamot, Mr.Vernan Pennywhistle, please step down to the court room floor please."
"This is preposterous!" Deputy Minister Advanish yelled.
"Is the innocence of my client preposterous?" The barrister shouted. "Have minds already been made up?"
Rolling his eyes the deputy minister joined the others on the floor of the Wizengamot by the stone form of Salazar Slytherin. The small elf handed each of them a circlet.
"Now if you would all be so kind as to put the circlet on your heads like this." The barrister said placing the silver circle carefully over his hair.
The others followed suit as directed. The barrister slipped the last circlet onto the head of the stone cursed old wizard.
"These circlets will hopefully protect us all." The barrister said.
"Protect us from what?" The deputy minister asked.
"From the wrath of Salazar Slytherin." The barrister smiled nodding at the small elf who snapped his fingers. The stone began to turn to flesh and cloth. Salazar Slytherin took a deep breath and hissed the word "FREE!"
"Salazar Slytherin!" The deputy minister said. "He lives."
"Of course he lives!" The Barrister said. "He was never dead, this great wizard was preserved in stone!"
"This is some sort of trick!" The deputy minister scoffed as Salazar Slytherin pulled his wand from within his robes.
With a silent wave a book appeared in the old wizards hands. It was the single volume from his library of names of pure blood families. He placed his wand tip on the cover of the book and cast "MalaPerdere!"
All but the deputy minister fell dead before the power of Salazar Slytherin.
"What have you done?" The deputy minister screamed.
"Cleansed the world of the impure." Salazar Slytherin said. "Those worthy and pure of blood have been spared. You and your line will serve me as we burn the world and rebuild it in my image."
"You're bloody mad!" Deputy Minister Advanish said drawing his wand. "By the power vested in me by the ministry of magic I here by..."
"Avada Kedavra." Salazar Slytherin cast killing the deputy minister in a ball of green death. The ancient wizard left the ministry to walk amongst the billions of Dead that lay across London. Slytherin waved his wand in large circles casting flames which expanded in wide rings immolating the bodies, burning down the muggle buildings and scorching the earth. Salazar Slytherin laughed as he walked off, alone through the smoke and flame.
Circlets were pulled from the heads of the members of the court but was left on the statue.
"What was that?" Deputy Minister Advanish asked.
"A few minutes inside the very living mind of Salazar Slytherin." Barrister Wolfharr said. "As you experienced, he is quite evil and will not be stopped from killing everyone and destroying everything. The questions are, having seen this, do you still believe Salazar Slytherin is dead? And do you believe Sasporilla Buckets actions were not justified? I rest my case."
The jury needed very little time to deliberate. Sasporilla Bucket was lead back into the court shackled and chained. She stood before the Wizengamot, dirty and disheveled.
"Sasporilla Bucket." Mrs.Bloomsbury, the jury foreman stood. "We the members of the jury have taken all evidence and testimony into account and have unanimously agreed on our recommendation."
The bailiff took the written decision from the jury foreman and carried it to the chief magistrate of the Wizengamot.
"The jurys recommendation on the charges of the murder of Salazar Slytherin," Chief Magistrate of the Wizengamot, Mr.Vernan Pennywhistle read, "is NOT GUILTY. All those in favor of the recommendation?"
All but three raised their hands.
"Opposed?" The magistrate asked.
The three who raised their hands felt vindicated and just, but should have felt more worried for their future careers.
"The Wizengamot has ruled." Chief Magistrate Mr.Vernan Pennywhistle said. "Not guilty."
The courtroom erupted in cheers. Sasporilla Bucket smiled as the chains fell from her hands snd feet. She held out her hand until a bailiff handed Sassy her wand. Karry ran to her friend and hugged her.
"I've never had any doubt." Karry smiled.
"Glad you didn't." Sasporilla said. "I thought I'd have to plan a break out from Azkaban!"
"Hi kid." Nick Owlmore said stepping up to his God Daughter. "Look I hope there's no hard feelings?"
"Oh there are a ton of hard feelings." Sasporilla said. "But nothing I won't get over and forgive you for eventually you fascist prig!"
Nick found the words hurtful but knew they were well enough deserved. For now he'd take the hug from her and leave it at that.
Myron grabbed Sassy and hugged her tight. "I'm glad you're going to be all right."
"Thanks Myron." Sassy smiled. "I need to talk to you after. I need to know everything you know about Melvin losing his memory."
The Deputy Minister adjourned into the hall outside the court room. There he met up with the minister of magic Kingsly Shacklebolt.
"Fine job Cecil." Kingsly said shaking the mans hand. "I'm happy with the way you handled that whole mess. If I hadn't been witness to it all, I would have had to deal with it."
"I'm just glad things worked out for the girl." The Deputy Minister smiled as Barrister Wolfharr came around the corner. "And why do you have to be so bloody playful all the time?"
Barrister Wolfharr came up and kissed his husband with a smile. "Because that's how you love me you stodgy old poop!"
PLEASE REMEMBER
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.
I am in no way affiliated with Warner Bros. or with J.K.Rowling. My work is purely that of fan fiction & do not ask for, nor accept money, gifts or other compensation for my work. If you really feel you must do something, research which charities J.K.Rowling donates to, then donate to them as such.