-๐๐-
With the flare of the Floo, Remus stepped out into Mors Cottage's living room. "Well?" Leo asked eagerly, anxious. "Don't know yet, they're currently in deliberations," Remus sighed, taking a seat in the nearest armchair. "Well, how long is that gonna take!? And why can't she stay here with us while they deliberate!?" Leo pouted, taking a seat opposite Remus.
"She should be, I don't like her being kept at the Ministry either. But we have no choice... not until we get the verdict," Remus whispered, sullenly. His eyes couldn't help but shift and linger on the unfinished drawings done by Adhara, left out on the coffee table.
The Floo flared up again, announcing the arrival of Throgar, who stepped out with a scowl. "How did it go?" he grumbled.
"Well, I think it went... hopeful. To say the least. Dumbledore made it a point to bring up my Werewolf affliction. He lied about not knowing I was the godfatherโ" Remus stood to his feet and began pacing with his arms crossed as he continued his rant, "He's clearly lied about the reason for placing a Magical Block on her. The killing curse doesn't leave residual magic! You'd think a well-over-hundred-years-old wizard, as studied as he is, would know that! And to dare say she remains there! What the bloody hell is he thinking!?" He huffed, coming to a stop to look at Leo and Throgar, who in turn, stared up at him in agreement.
"It seems you've got it quite handled, Mr. Lupin," Throgar stated, raising his brow.
"Of course, perfectly handled," he mumbled. Remus then remembered the purpose of Throgar's visit. "Oh, right! The uh... the basement's this way." He gestured down the hall, leading the way to the sky-blue-colored door at the end of the hall. He quickly pulled out his wand and unlocked the door before opening it. Throgar took a step in before grumbling as he glanced around curiously.
"I am not needed, Mr. Lupin." Stepping off the first stair, back into the hall.
"What?" chorused Remus and Leo. "What do you mean? I have to safeguard the basement for when Iโ" Remus worried, only to get cut off by Throgar, "It's already been safeguarded."
Remus and Leo blinked at Throgar, confused. "Whoever made this place has already safeguarded the basement for werewolves. The enchantments, however, are unlike anything I've ever feltโstronger than anything I've ever felt," Throgar stated as he began to walk about and observe the intricately done enchantments of the place.
"W-What do you mean? I don't feel anything..." Remus mumbled in thought, looking around as Throgar does.
"You wouldn't. You're not trained to, as well as not a goblin. There is a reason Witches and Wizards become curse breakers at Gringotts, and not under the Ministry. Goblins have a better intuition for feeling magical enchantmentsโpresences... and such," Throgar explained.
"But it doesn't lookโ" Leo began, only to be cut off by Throgar, "The enchantments appear to be designed to activate the day before the full moon. In the meantime, it looks like any other ordinary basementโmultipurposed," he stated, curiously.
"Mr. Lupin. Would you mind if I were to study such enchantments on your home? It is most curious..." Throgar asked, turning to look at them with a hungry curiosity in his eyes.
"IโumโI guess that would be fine... best to know what we're dealing with and all," Remus stammered.
"Excellent!" grinned Throgar. "Moony! Look! Ministry owl!" Leo spoke up from behind him, pointing towards the window. A large Great Grey owl was standing on the sill, with a letter clutched in its beak with a Ministry wax seal.
Remus immediately rushed to the window, unlocked it, and grabbed the letter. "It's time for the verdict!" he announced after skimming through the contents of the letter. Leo looked back at him with a mixture of worry and determination. "I'm coming!" he stated. "Leo, you can't be in theโ"
"I know that! I'll wait out in the atrium or something. But, I'm coming!" Leo huffed, before adding, "Whatever happens... Adhara will need me." Remus smiled at him before shaking his head and whispering, "All right. But no pranks, no troubleโnothing! You will stay with Kreacher at all times and patiently wait." "Deal!" Leo smirked.
ฯฯฯ
The Wizengamot Trial of Adhara Lovella Potter: Verdict - August 24, 1991
The deliberations had come to an end. There was a lot of back and forth before resulting in a majority rules vote, over what to do. The letters were sent out, and the parties returned for the reading of the verdict. Madam Amelia Bones, acting as the interim Chief Warlock, had heard the arguments and evidence presented in the Wizengamot trial of Adhara Lovella Potter. She knew that the decision she was about to announce would have far-reaching consequences, not only for the young girl at the center of this case but for the wizarding world as a whole.
Madam Bones rose from her seat at the center of the council chamber and addressed the gathered witches and wizards with a voice that carried the weight of authority.
Madam Bones:ย "Members of the Wizengamot, esteemed colleagues, we have been presented with a case of great complexity and gravity. It is our duty to weigh the evidence, consider the best interests of the child, and render a just verdict."
She took a moment to gather her thoughts, her eyes scanning the room, her gaze resting on Remus Lupin, who stood before the council, still bearing the hope of gaining custody of his goddaughter.
Madam Bones:ย "In light of the evidence presented, it is clear that young Adhara Lovella Potter has suffered grievously during her time with the Dursley family. The images and accounts of her living conditions and abuse are both heartbreaking and deeply troubling."
The members of the Wizengamot nodded in agreement, acknowledging the shocking nature of the evidence.
Madam Bones:ย "Furthermore, it has come to light that Albus Dumbledore acted as the Magical Guardian of Adhara Potter without the legal authority to do so, and his actions have been called into question."
She paused, her expression showing the gravity of the situation.
Madam Bones:ย "After careful deliberation, the Wizengamot has reached a verdict. Custody of Adhara Lovella Potter shall be granted to her godfather, Remus Lupin, who shall take on the responsibilities of her guardianship with immediate effect.ย It is with great reluctance that I acknowledge the concerns raised about Mr. Lupin's status as a werewolf,ย but we must also recognize that he has shown himself to be a devoted protector, and it is our duty to act in the best interests of the child. Therefore, an Auror will be sent from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures to insure that Mr. Lupin has safely established a proper and safe place for himself during the full moons. With that being said..."
Madam Bones then turned her attention to the matter of the Dursley family, who had been Adhara's former guardians.
Madam Bones:ย "As for the Dursley family, who are not present at this trial, it is clear that their actions have been inexcusable. They subjected a defenseless child to physical and emotional abuse, and for this, they must face the consequences of their actions. We will issue a warrant for their arrest and conduct a full investigation into their treatment of Adhara Lovella Potter."
Finally, Madam Bones addressed Albus Dumbledore, who had been accused of acting without proper authority and placing a magical block on Adhara.
Madam Bones:ย "Albus Dumbledore, while we understand the concerns you raised about the need for protection, your actions in this matter have raised serious questions about your judgment and your respect for the rule of law. As a result, I hereby issue a formal warning to you regarding your actions in this case. Additionally, you will be relieved of your title as Chief Warlock until further investigation is conducted into your actions. It is imperative that we maintain the highest standards of integrity within our governing bodies."
With her verdict delivered, Madam Amelia Bones brought her gavel down, closing this chapter of Adhara Lovella Potter's life. The assembled Wizengamot members, having taken their responsibilities seriously, knew that their actions would shape the future of a young girl who had already faced too much adversity.
ฯฯฯ
"Well!?" Leo asked, as Kreacher and he stared up at Remus in anticipation. Remus's face broke into a smile. "We won!" he cheered.
"YES!" shouted Leo happily, Kreacher even breaking his usual grumpy demeanor as he began mumbling happily to himself about all the things he'd need to prepare for her.
An Auror came up to them with a small smile. "Mr. Lupin. Right this way," the Auror stated, gesturing towards a corridor before leading the way.
The Auror led him past a few doors before finally coming to a stop and opening the door to their right. Adhara looked up from the book she was reading. "Remy! Leo! Kreacher!" she shouted with a smile and immediately ran over and hugged them. "What's the verdict?" she asked, looking up at Remus hopefully.
"Welcome to the family, Adhara," Remus stated with a bright smile.