The First Trial - The Case of Dolores Umbridge
The grand courtroom of the Wizengamot Hall was filled with an almost tangible tension, its enchanted ceilings casting soft, golden light over the assembly. The room, usually echoing with the lively debates of magical law, now stood silent, brimming with anticipation for the trial of Dolores Umbridge. Everyone present knew this was more than just another court case—it was the first trial in this new world, a test of the justice they had worked so hard to create.
At the center of the room, Minerva McGonagall sat as the judge. Her demeanor was as stern and commanding as ever, but there was an added weight to her expression today, a gravity that reflected the importance of this moment. A quill scratched softly against parchment as the scribe, Ramon, diligently recorded every word spoken, ensuring no detail was missed for future records.
The court's layout had been meticulously designed, blending the functionality of muggle courts with the solemnity and magical ambiance of the wizarding world. A gallery for spectators lined one side of the room, filled with magical citizens and foreign leaders. The other side housed the tables for the prosecution and defense. Between them was the witness stand and in the middle of it all, Dolores Umbridge sat at the defendant's table, her pink cardigan and saccharine smile looking out of place amid the serious atmosphere.
McGonagall's voice rang out, cutting through the air. "The trial of Dolores Umbridge will now commence."
Ramon's quill never hesitated, continuing to record every motion and word as the trial began. The prosecutor, Elias Greystone, stood and moved to the center of the room, his sharp eyes locked on Umbridge. Greystone was known for his thoroughness and relentless pursuit of justice, and today would be no different.
"Dolores Umbridge stands accused of crimes against the wizarding world, acts of cruelty, abuse of power, and disruptions to the peace of this new world," Greystone began, his voice firm. "We will hear testimonies from victims of her regime, evidence of her misdeeds, and proof that even here in Astaria, she has sought to sow discord."
The first witness was called: a former student from Hogwarts, now an adult, who had once been subjected to Umbridge's punishments. The man's voice trembled slightly as he recounted the painful memories—being forced to write lines with a blood quill, the oppressive atmosphere of fear that had pervaded the school during her tenure.
As the testimony concluded, the gallery murmured quietly. Harry sat among the spectators, his gaze never leaving Umbridge. He recalled all too well the terror she had inflicted on Hogwarts. He remembered the scars she had left—not only physical but mental.
More witnesses followed, each recounting their experiences with Umbridge. Journalists scribbled furiously, capturing every word, while Ramon, the court scribe, methodically transcribed the proceedings for the permanent records of Staros.
After the witnesses, it was time for the defense. Umbridge stood, smoothing her pink cardigan with her hands, attempting to appear composed. Her voice, sickly sweet, filled the room.
"I have always acted in the best interests of the wizarding world," she said, a false sincerity coating her words. "I sought to maintain order, to protect the magical community from chaos. Everything I did was to uphold the values of our society."
Greystone, watching her closely, waited for the right moment before standing to challenge her. "Order at the cost of freedom? At the cost of terrorizing students? At the cost of turning against your own people?"
The room fell silent again. Umbridge faltered, her confident facade beginning to crumble under the weight of her actions being laid bare. Her voice trembled as she tried to respond, but the words came out weaker than before.
"Everything I did... was necessary."
The jury, a collection of respected magical beings from various continents, whispered among themselves as Greystone presented the final pieces of evidence—documents, letters, all showing Umbridge's true nature. Each piece added another layer to the mountain of accusations that had built against her.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The jury retired to deliberate, leaving the courtroom in a hushed anticipation. Harry exchanged glances with Minerva McGonagall, who sat still as a statue, her eyes focused ahead but her mind deep in thought. Ramon, the scribe, continued his methodical recording, as though the weight of the moment did not affect him.
After what felt like an eternity, the jury returned. The foreman, a tall witch with a calm but stern expression, stood to deliver the verdict. The room held its breath.
"We, the jury, find Dolores Umbridge guilty on all charges."
The room remained eerily quiet for a moment, as if everyone was absorbing the full impact of the words. Then, a collective sigh of relief seemed to sweep through the gallery.
Minerva McGonagall rose from her seat, her face impassive but her eyes reflecting years of hard-earned wisdom.
"Dolores Umbridge, you have been found guilty of heinous crimes against the magical world. Your actions were not born of a desire to protect but of a hunger for power and control. You will serve life imprisonment on Prison Island, where you will remain under constant magical surveillance. There will be no further appeal. Take her away."
Umbridge's eyes widened in horror as she was bound in magical restraints. The reality of her situation finally seemed to settle in, her usual bravado fading into a panicked desperation. "No! I—I was doing the right thing!" she cried as she was led from the courtroom, her voice echoing in the now-silent hall.
As the doors closed behind her, the tension that had gripped the room finally began to release. McGonagall gave a firm nod to Harry, who sat still in his seat, absorbing everything that had just transpired. It was over. Umbridge's reign of cruelty had come to an end, at least in this world.
With a final flourish of his quill, Ramon finished the last notes of the trial. The court was adjourned, and the spectators began to disperse, murmuring quietly amongst themselves about the outcome. The trial, a symbol of the new justice system they were building in Astaria, had been a success.
As Harry made his way out of the courtroom, he was greeted by Sirius, who had been waiting just outside. "So, how did it go?" Sirius asked with a grin, his usual irreverence masking his curiosity.
Harry shook his head, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "She's been sentenced to life on Prison Island. Justice has finally caught up with her."
Sirius chuckled. "Good. Someone like her deserves nothing less." He paused, then added, "Let's hope that's the last of our old world's problems we have to deal with."
"I hope so," Harry replied quietly, though he couldn't help but feel a lingering unease. As they walked away from the courtroom, Harry's thoughts wandered to what other remnants of the past might still surface. For now, though, he was content with the knowledge that justice had been served.
The trial of Dolores Umbridge would stand as a reminder to everyone that this new world was not just a fresh start—but a chance to do things right.
As they walked toward the main square, the last rays of the setting sun bathed the city in a golden glow, a symbol of the new dawn they were building together.