The Trial
THE UNEXPECTED TRIAL OF ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
Well, my rabid readers…do I have a story for you…as you know, the Daily Prophet is working tirelessly to provide you with the latest news, inside scoops and much, much more.
I, Rita Skeeter, journalist extraordinaire, was at the Ministry today, to write about the trial against Vernon and Petunia Dursley. The Muggles who had the responsibility to care for the Savior of the Wizarding World, but instead, abused her so badly, that the girl died, at merely 10 years old. (For more about the Girl-Who-Lived, see pages 6, 7 and 8).
These last few days I know we all grieved for the young girl, who vanquished You-Know-Who. I know I myself have mourned her loss. To die at such a young age…to die because someone had not your, but their best intentions in mind. But I diverse, my dear readers, for there is much to tell you all. In this special edition of the Daily Prophet, I bring you today’s events.
As you all know, today was the day that the Muggles that had custody of Regina Potter, had their day in court. We published earlier, also exclusively, that these monsters had not only abused the girl but that they were responsible for her demise. I know this is shocking, but what I am about to divulge, is so shocking, that I had to take a Calming Draught before I could write it all down.
I arrived at the Ministry at 9 A.M. today, a good half hour before the trial would begin. The place was brimming with activity and I had a lovely chat with Lord Malfoy, who ensured me that I would have the opportunity of a lifetime. This lead me to wonder, my dear readers. What could he have meant by that very statement? In my dizziest daydreams, I could not foresee what the day would bring.
The trial for Vernon and Petunia Dursley took place in Courtroom 10 and the entire Wizengamot was present. Minister Fudge was talking to his undersecretary, Madam Umbridge and the Head of the Auror Office, Amelia Bones. I noticed, dear readers, that they looked as if they had a secret…later on would I find out what.
Presenting the trial was none other than Chief Warlock, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. (to read more about this Muggle-loving Leader of the Light, see page 13)
The Muggles were being brought in, looking worse for wear. Bags under their eyes, pale and looking sickly. Would they have remorse for their actions? I wondered. Since we all know they had already admitted their guilt, this trial was merely a trial for the records.
The trial started with the Muggle man, Vernon Dursley. A huge fellow, arms like hams, cruel little eyes. I must tell you all, the image of this huge whale of a man and what he did to that little girl, one can only imagine the horrors he put her through. He was given a dose of Veritaserum and to the shock of every witch and wizard in the Courtroom, the Muggle man stated he simply wanted to beat the freak out of the girl. This caused an uproar, as you can imagine. Never have I come across such a vile individual.
I daresay even the likes of Bellatrix Lestrange had nothing on this creature.
After this, the man was led out and the woman, Petunia Dursley was questioned. This woman is the sister of the late Lily Potter. To think she abused her niece, her own flesh and blood…wizards and witches, the hatred towards this woman was palpable in the courtroom.
After her testimony, both the man and the woman were sentenced to a lifelong stay in Azkaban, for the murder and lifelong abuse of a magical child. Their own son, a boy of 10 years old, is to be de-aged and sent to live in a foster house, as the aunt of the child is not deemed a proper caretaker. (to read more about de-aging, see page 16)
But then…my rabid readers, just as the Muggles were led away and the trial was about to close, none other than Lord Malfoy asked the Chief Warlock for the floor. This was unexpected and unusual, but Dumbledore allowed it. To my utter shock, and the shock of everyone there, Lord Malfoy accused Albus Dumbledore HIMSELF of being complacent in the death of Regina Potter and asked for his removal as not only Chief Warlock, but also his removal as Supreme Mugwump and…Headmaster of our very own Hogwarts!!!
After that statement, as you can imagine, pandemonium broke out! Dumbledore tried to silence the members of the Wizengamot, but he did not get a chance, as Amalia Bones marched over to him and demanded he be seated in the chair of the accused.
Dumbledore refused at first, but when more Aurors came into the courtroom, and the Minister himself ordered him to obey, he did what he was told and my readers, it was a sight to behold. We all know this man, he is the defeater of the Dark Wizard Grindelwald and one of the most powerful wizards known to our people. He took the seat of the accused, and I saw he was enraged. To say that I was more than concerned is putting it mildly. All around me I could hear people whispering that this was not a good idea and that we needed Dumbledore.
I saw how Amelia Bones took her time to gather her papers and Dumbledore was asked if he wanted legal representation, which he refused. In my opinion, that was a huge mistake, for the hours that followed pictured a man, who used people as chess pieces.
The first one who took the stand against Dumbledore was non-other than Potions Master Severus Snape. You remember this name, for this man was once a Death Eater and it was Dumbledore who vouched for him at that time. Now, Snape told the court that Dumbledore had not only lied about the girl and her situation but that he also placed compulsions on him, starting at 11 years old! This story was backed up by evidence. During the testimony of Snape, I closely observed Dumbledore, who looked murderous at his younger colleague.
The next person who took the stand was Minerva McGonagall, Transfiguration Professor and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. She stated again that Dumbledore had lied and that she too was under compulsions. Dumbledore took the opportunity to speak when she stepped down, but he was silenced by Amelia Bones.
The next one who testified against Dumbledore was the Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt. He stated that he had investigated Dumbledore in secret and found out that Dumbledore had no right to place Regina Potter with her aunt and uncle. The will of the Potters stated clearly that Sirius Black should receive custody, as he was the child’s godfather. (for more about Black, see page 3)
This of course caused another uproar in the courtroom, as you can well imagine. But I am afraid I must be the bringer of more bad news…as the next one to testify was a Goblin. This Goblin, with the name of Ragnok, told the court that Dumbledore had not only sealed the Potter’s will, but he also took control of the Potter vaults and had, for the last couple of years, withdrawn large sums of Galleons.
At this point, I must confess, my readers, that I became afraid of the man sitting in the middle of the courtroom. Dumbledore was furious and kept trying to interfere, to no avail. Several people left the courtroom, I think they became too scared to be in the same room as little sparks left Dumbledore’s hands.
At the end of the trial, the members of the Wizengamot voted almost unanimous that Dumbledore was to be removed as Chief Warlock, removed as Supreme Mugwump, and removed as Headmaster of Hogwarts. And then my readers, Dumbledore finally completely lost it. He screamed at Severus Snape and Minerva McGonagall that they betrayed him. That he did everything for the greater good. That He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was not dead and would come back. That the Wizarding World needed him.
He also accused our Minister that he was nothing without him and that the Minister would be sorry. Aurors then moved in to apprehend the wizard, but the phoenix of Dumbledore appeared and whisked the wizard away, leaving the Courtroom in a mist of fog. (to read about phoenixes, see page 20)
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Molly and Arthur Weasley, both members of the Order of the Phoenix, who had always trusted Dumbledore, read the article in the paper. They quietly conversed about it, since the children were at home. Behind a flowerpot in the kitchen was a fat rat, who listened intently to what the witch and wizard were saying. This was interesting information. Perhaps it became time he left. With Dumbledore gone, his master could come back…
The rat was content. For the past 10 years, he had been the family rat. He could eat and sleep around all day and was in tune with the latest gossip. He could secretly read the paper and every once in a while he would disappear, turn back into a man, have some fun with a filthy Muggle and come back. They almost never missed him.
Yes, it was time for him to leave. He waited until far past midnight before he left the Burrow. Time to find his master.
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Dumbledore was seething. How dare they, after all he had done. That bastard Snape, that ungrateful Scottish trollop. And Malfoy, who started it all. He never expected this…how could he not have foreseen this? He was in his childhood home in Godric’s Hollow. Angrily pacing from one end of the room to the other end. They had taken everything from him. He swore to himself he would get his revenge, one way or the other. Fawkes, the Phoenix, sat on a chair, looking at his Master.
He had come to his Master’s aid, not out of loyalty, but because he was bound to do so. Fawkes didn’t like Dumbledore. He was not a good Headmaster, as he would manipulate and lie to order people around.
What Dumbledore didn’t know, is that he was not alone in his house. Two Endless were watching him. Death had accompanied her brother to this house, as she too, wanted this man punished. He might not have abused the girl himself, but he was the reason she had to endure it in the first place. Dream and Death looked at each other and made themselves visible.
Dumbledore was most surprised to see them and quickly drew his wand but to no avail. Spells of mortal men didn’t work on the Endless. At least, not this kind of spell. He tried to Stun them, when that didn’t work he tried several other spells, but the man and the woman simply stood there and looked at him.
Dream moved his hand and Albus dropped to the floor, in a must ungraceful manner. ‘Who are you, what do you want?’
‘Justice, old man,’ came the reply of the woman. Around her neck she wore a symbol, that Dumbledore recognized…’You!’ he uttered. ‘Recognize me?’ Death cheeked. ‘About bloody time.’
She picked up the Elder Wand from the floor and examined it. ‘Still a most beautiful wand,’ she mused. ‘Where is the Cloak Albus? I know you have it…tell me.’ She ordered him. Of course, she as Death knew where the Cloak was, but she asked it, so Albus would understand what she was implying. When Albus stubbornly remained silent, she shrugged and looked at her brother. ‘I’ve had my fun, go ahead.’ She walked over to the Phoenix and gently stroked his feathers. ‘I release you from your bond to this man.’ With a little tendril, Fawkes bowed down and disappeared in a fiery flame.
‘You are a despicable human being, and I have met some of the worst. For what you did I think it is fitting that you should suffer this fate.’ With those ominous words Death unleashed several of his nightmares on the old wizard, after he put him in a sleep, he would not wake up from. Only Dream had the ability to wake him up, and he was in no way inclined to do that. It wasn’t long until Albus started trashing around and mumbled pleas to something only he could see.
In his sleep, Albus was confronted by his sister, his former lover Gellert, a young Tom Riddle, Severus Snape, Sirius Black and more people he either betrayed or used. They all shouted at him, showing him his mistakes and would eventually drive him insane.
His sleeping body was found two weeks later, by his brother Aberforth, who was assisting the Aurors by looking for Albus. Since he was not waking up, no matter what they tried, he was transported to St. Mungo’s. He was admitted and after a week transferred to the long stay department. It was there Albus would remain. Alive, but asleep, atoning for his sins.