Confrontation
The wizengamot was crowded with witches and wizards from all over the country. James and Lily held hands as they walked in and took their seats in the reserved section of the front row, Remus and Sirius doing the same thing right behind them. Monty had suggested that Willow and Tara stay in the public gallery at the back of the hall. The two women had been more than happy to stay out of the limelight. The Daily Prophet that morning had been filled with speculation and gossip surrounding the identity of the traitor and who had brought the wizard to the attention of the Minister of Magic. Now it was time for wizarding Britain to find out.
Regulus watched as James, Lily, Sirius and Remus walked in. He felt a twinge of jealousy at the joined hands but understood why. The fate of their oldest and most trusted friend was about to be decided by a group of much older witches and wizards who cared more about politics than justice or friendships. The room was a riot of whispered conversations and raucous comments as everyone waited for the proceedings to begin. At one point Regulus locked eyes with James. Even from the other side of the large amphitheater Regulus could see and feel the spark between them. He didn’t react. James gave a tiny smile. He couldn’t react. He was the cold, impassive, slightly scary, untouchable Lord Regulus Black. Lord Orion Black, rarely seen in public, had accompanied his son, curious to see who had pretended to be the dark lord.
James was glad Regulus had attended, even if he would get no credit for the capture and delivery of the traitor. Simply knowing they were in the same room helped keep him grounded. Slowly the noise level dropped to a low buzz. The judges assigned to the case filed in and took their places on the raised platform. A full court. James noted. Seven witches and wizards sat in the solid wooden thrones that were always present, though not always filled, during trials.
A tall witch in her mid-fifties stepped forward into the centre of the amphitheater “The trial of the traitor calling himself Lord V de Mort will begin.” She said, her commanding voice naturally amplified by the shape of the space. “Silencio.”
Stunned, audience members looked askance at their neighbours. James and Regulus looked at each other, it was as Regulus had predicted. For the vast majority of the audience, this was unexpected and unprecedented.
“Wizards or witches who wish to address the wizangamot will be required to stand up and wait to be called upon to speak. Any who disagree with this procedure may leave now. Those who choose to stay will only be allowed to leave when a final decision has been made.”
Nobody moved.
“The court is now in session.” The woman bowed to those on the dais and went to stand on the floor to their left before continuing. “Would the parties representing the traitor and the ministry please step forward.”
Two wizards entered the centre from either side. Both were of average height and build, with short greying hair and close cut beards. The only difference between the two was the colour of the sash they had used for their robes. The wizard representing the ministry had a mustard sash, while the wizard representing the traitor had a dark orange sash.
‘Peter’s favourite colour, dark orange.’ James thought. He wondered if it was a coincidence or a mockery to indicate that there was someone on his side.
Sitting together for breakfast that morning, reading the newspaper article, they had agreed that the trial was only for show. Based on the evidence from James and his friends, Peter’s guilt was obvious. Unless Voldemort himself turned up, and even then, Peter would be confined to Azkaban for the rest of his life. A fate far worse than simple death.
“Bring forth the accused.” Commanded the witch.
Peter stumbled forward. His hands were chained behind his back, his ankles hobbled together and another chain linked both hands and ankles. Never a tall person, Peter had always held his own amongst the marauders and order members. Now, in the vast chamber, he looked small, even with his shoulders pulled back and head held high.
‘Small and defiant.’ James thought. ‘A clever rat, over looked because he posed no threat.’ James remembered all the conversations he’d had with Regulus, with Sirius and Remus, with Lily, as he’d tried to sort out his feelings towards Peter.
Sirius had been straightforward. Cold almost. “He betrayed us Prongs. He was our closest friend. A Marauder. We were to be each other's secret keepers. If he wanted even more recognition he just had to say something. To let us know. He didn’t. He went behind our backs. But he wanted more than that. He wanted power. Dark power he had no experience of. I would have told what it would do. I know first hand how it destroys people. I can’t forgive him for anything he’s done. I won’t forgive him.”
Remus shrugged. He understood what it was like to overlooked and left out. His childhood was an endless series of rejections and disappointment. “Peter will get what he deserves.” Was all he said on the matter. James figured that was fair. Remus still had to deal with the nightmares which had resurfaced since Fowey and Budapest.
“I can’t forgive him James. I tried. I really did. I’ve even forgiven Regulus. But Peter pretended to be our friend. A close companion. He was easy to talk to. He was sympathetic when Sam died, even though his betrayal put Sam and everyone else in danger. Ultimately he killed Sam. I can’t forgive that.” Lily said, tears on her cheeks.
“You forgave Regulus.” James had whispered.
“Regulus has never pretended to be anyone other than who he is. He thaws with you, but it’s still him.”
James had nodded. For all his flaws, Regulus had always been honest about where his loyalties lay.
Sitting watching a man he’d known since they were children stare defiantly at the judges and ignoring the surrounding crowd, James wanted nothing more to go back to the days when they used to play in the woods dreaming of being famous explorers. ‘Fame and notoriety’ James thought suddenly ‘That’s all he’s ever wanted. Every game. Every prank. Every win. He made friends with the biggest personalities in the year in the hope it would rub off on him. But it didn’t. He continued to be the fourth, the spare ticket, the extra seat. The last to be picked.’
A tear ran down James’s cheek. Lily squeezed his hand. “So much resentment. So much unspoken.” He whispered. A ghostly hand cupped his cheek. James lifted his eyes. Regulus met his gaze, though he appeared to be looking at Peter. James gave a wan smile. If someone had told him a year ago he would be comforted by a boy he thought he hated and hated him back, James would have burst out laughing and told them not to be so ridiculous. Now he sat, staring at the person who held his heart and face in the palm of his hand. Boys no longer, but young men separated by unfair choices and family expectations.
The trial began. Peter stood straight and smirked as every charge was laid. Every betrayal. Every death. It didn’t matter that Dumbledore and Voldemort both knew the other had a spy in their midst. That some activities were designed to provide misdirection and misinformation, sometimes leading to more harm than good. There was, finally, someone wizarding Britain could watch taking the fall. Most of the death eaters had been captured straight after the war, and the populace had largely forgotten about them. This was a member of the revered Order. The military arm of the ministry. Far more scandalous and salacious to have one of them on trial.
“You have heard the charges laid against you. How do you plead?” Said the witch in charge of the trial’s procedures.
“I did what I was told to do. It was a war. I followed orders.” Peter said, proudly.
“The accused had no say. He was coerced, seduced, into betraying his friends, his family, the Order.” said the wizard with the burnt orange sash, his voice deep and strong. A man well used to commanding the attention and winning the favour of crowds.
Peter laughed. Contempt echoed around the chamber. “Have you ever tried dark magic? Have you felt the power? Try it. Then tell me how you are not seduced?” Peter grinned up at Regulus and Orion. “Ask the Lords Black. They know.”
A collective gasp ran through the crowd. No one ever singled out the Black family or implied they were dark magic users. Regulus stared coldly at Peter. Orion looked smug. This was excellent for the family reputation.
The witch waved her wand and the crowd instantly silenced. “You allowed yourself to be seduced by the dark lord?” She asked
“I may have been a scared, weak boy, overshadowed by those I thought were my friends, but the Dark Lord offered me a way to become so much more. A way to overcome my fear. To become a renowned magician.” Pride infused Peter’s voice. “I am the greatest wizard still living. The war would have been over long ago if the Order had embraced the might of the Dark Lord. They prolonged it. They are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of wizards and witches who could have been useful members of our new world. The purity of magic, all magic, should be preserved and allowed to be used without being controlled by unworthy traitors and mudbloods.” Peter’s voice echoed through the chamber with the same power he had used in Budapest. James shivered. If he caused a riot here hundreds would die.
Peter turned slowly, addressing the now restless crowd as he did so. “You know I’m right. You know that only those pure in blood and intention should rule our world. All worlds. We cannot, should not, bow to the whims of lesser beings. We are greater than they are. We are born to rule.”
The crowd shifted in their seats, the murmuring breaking through the silencing spell. Peter looked at them all. James could have sworn he had grown taller and more powerful as he spoke. A leader. A true leader. Maybe he was right. A ghostly hand brushed his cheek. James held onto the sensation. Bloody hell. What was Peter doing?
“Enough!” The witch leading the trial commanded.
A feeling of calm washed over James and he saw the audience settle down once more. He looked at Regulus. “Thank You.” He mouthed, touching his cheek. Regulus gave the smallest of nods.
“Does the defense wish to add or retract anything for the court's consideration?” The witch asked as silence resumed.
The wizard in burnt orange sash shook his head. Face impassive though his eyes were sad. The wizard in the mustard sash smirked. This case only ever had one outcome. With that small speach the defendant had now made it even easier for the judges to decide.
“The judges will now deliberate the outcome.” The witch waved her wand and a cone of silence descended on the dais and lifted from the audience. The crowd erupted. James watched as Lestrange and Malfoy squeezed their way through to where Regulus and Orion sat.
“Horrible isn’t it?” Sirius observed tilting his chin up at his father and brother.
“What is?” James asked.
“Watching all the death eaters who had avoided Azkaban fawning over each other as though they were responsible for Peter’s betrayal.” Sirius said, disgust in his voice
“He doesn’t feel that way.” James said.
Sirius shot him a look.
“Think about it. Who actually tracked down and captured Voldemort’s spy. Did you notice how none of that has been mentioned?”
“Nobody knows but us.” Lily said quietly.
Sirius sighed. “I know. I still wish he’d come live with us. The fact he can’t or won’t is beside the point. Leave the soul destroyers to their own devices.”
Remus rumbled his agreement. They fell silent. Lily had seen how James and Regulus continued to be drawn to each other and wished she could give them even a tiny slice of the hope and happiness she had with Pandora. Lily lay her head on the broad shoulder. James wrapped an arm around her. Forever friends. Unable to see Regulus, and unable to bear looking at Peter anymore, James closed his eyes and let the noise wash over him.
Regulus remained aloof burying his contempt beneath several icy layers, as the members of his father’s circle traded comments and barbs about those around them and Peter’s speech. He let his gaze roam the different galleries in the chamber. He recognised most clusters eagerly discussing the anticipated outcome. Regulus was unsurprised to see Willow and Tara sitting quietly up in the general public area. They would be largely ignored up there. There were more Voldemort supporters here than he’d expected. It made sense, he supposed. This was the last piece of the war to be caught, and a great many families were struggling to get on with their lives for fear that Voldemort would return and demand obedience. Now they could. Regulus continued to study the crowd until he arrived back at James and Sirius. James had his eyes closed and arm around Lily. He met Sirius’s achingly familiar light blue eyes. ‘If I could brother, I would.’ He thought. Sirius nodded and sat back, pulling Remus’s arm around his shoulders.
A gong reverberated through the amphitheater. The crowd fell silent. An average looking wizard in late middle age with graying light brown hair and ruddy cheeks, wearing red trimmed black robes stood up from the central throne on the dais. Deliberations were over. “Wizards and Witches of the Wizengamot, witches and wizards of the public. There were many arguments put forth to the council of judges for consideration over the last few weeks, with today's trial being the final opportunity for the accused to put forth his case for leniency or acquittal.” The wizard paused. The crowd held its breath. So many unorthodox precedents. So many unknowns. The verdict could go either way. “Weighing all the evidence, my colleagues and I have reached the following verdict.” Another pause.
Regulus glanced across at James and Sirius. He knew he shouldn’t and was grateful that it looked like he was staring at the stage. The four friends had grasped hands and leant forward in anticipation, a mix of hope and dread on their faces.
“We find the accused Peter John Pettigrew guilty of treason and murder, through his betrayal of the Order of the Phoenix and all of Britain in favour of illicit dark arts and power obtained through illicit magic. We also accuse him of attempting to incite riots in Eastern Europe over the past six months and again here today. The accused will be returned to Azkaban for the rest of his natural life with no further recourse to trial or pardon.”
A roar exploded through the crowd. Many of those who had been watching leapt to their feet and cheered. Some sat looking relieved, others dumbfounded as though they had expected a completely different outcome. Regulus surveyed the crowd. He needed to leave immediately or would get caught by too many people who had recognized him and his father. Standing smoothly, Regulus nodded farewell to his father, and slipped away before he was also tempted to seek out Sirius and James. ‘No rest for the wicked’ he thought wryly.
James saw Regulus leave. ‘Take care Reg. See you in Fowey.’ He thought and turned back to Monty who had come to escort the four of them in to see the judges and sign a final statement.
“You okay?” Lily whispered as they exited the judges chamber behind Monty sometime later.
James nodded. It was over. Now to focus on getting his career going. “Yes. You?”
“Yes.” She smiled up at him. “Let’s go watch some quidditch and get drunk.”
“Stellar plan. Let’s find the others, the crowds should be mostly gone by now, and get out of here.” Sirius said. Remus nodded agreement and followed his nose to where Willow and Tara waited with Effie.
“All done?” Effie asked, studying James closely. She’d seen Regulus as he’d left the building. Regulus had acknowledged her but not stopped to talk, which she understood. She hadn’t liked how drawn he’d looked. Like he hadn’t slept in several days. ‘The sooner those two work themselves out the better.’ She thought. ‘Should have destroyed Walburga when I had the chance.’ Her fierceness softened slightly when she saw James grin at something Sirius said. ‘At least one of you has had the chance to be happy.’