The Darkness Within

Chapter Fifteen - The Day of the Trial

Chapter Fifteen

The news had spread like wildfire throughout the wizarding world; the Dark Prince was going to stand trial. The surprisingly quick trial was announced only a day ago and since then all newspapers, magazines, wizarding wireless networks, every media outlet only had one topic of discussion; the Dark Prince's fate.

The Daily Prophet boasted a number of exclusive interviews with the Minister for Magic, claiming that the Minister had pledged to give the son of Voldemort an 'objective and fair' trial. It also claimed that the Minister had personally pushed all other dates back and brought forward the trial of the Dark Prince, so he could be sentenced quickly, on the fourth day of capture. But the majority of the wizarding world wasn't bothered in the least if the trial was fair or not. They argued why there was a trial at all. All they wanted was for the boy to be thrown before Dementors and that would be the end of it.

On the day of the trial, the Ministry of Magic was buzzing with excitement. A spectacular number of people arrived, in the hope of catching a glimpse of the boy. So far, there had been very little revealed about the son of the Dark Lord, but today he was to be brought before the Wizengamot to be judged. Journalists were among the public, trying to get as close to the courtroom entrance as possible, so when the Dark Prince was brought, they would be able to get a picture of him.

But not everyone at the Ministry was excited about the trial. There were two people, in particular, that were trying all they could to stop the trial altogether. James and Lily Potter had been at the Ministry since the early hours of the morning, having had no luck the previous day, to see Minister Fudge. Ever since Dumbledore informed Fudge, two days ago, who the Dark Prince really was, the Minister had refused to meet with either James or Lily. Of course it would all be denied once the trial had concluded and the sentence was carried out. The Potters would be told that it was unfortunate that the Minister couldn't be reached, that he was a busy man and meetings weren't always possible.

But on the day of the trial, James and Lily refused to be ignored. Both tried to get to a member of the Wizengamot so they could speak with them. James finally caught sight of Julian Reid, the Senior Under-secretary to the Minister.

"Reid, I need to speak with you." James said, hurrying to him.

"I can't speak to you right now, Potter." Julian answered quickly, walking away from him.

"I just need a minute to speak to you or the Minister." James pleaded as he hurried alongside the wizard.

Julian barely looked in James' direction as he walked briskly to the elevator.

"Minister Fudge is too busy to speak to anyone right now." he answered.

"I've been trying to speak with Minister Fudge for almost two days now!" James exclaimed, "He's avoiding me and so are you!"

Julian stopped and turned to look at James, a deep sigh escaping the blond haired man.

"I'm not avoiding you." he assured. "But I know why you want to speak to me. Minister Fudge told me about his conversation with Albus Dumbledore." the brown eyed man looked sadly at James. "I'm sorry, Potter, I really am." he said. "I know that you're trying to protect your son but there is nothing that can be done. He has to be held accountable for his crimes."

"But that's what I'm trying to tell you!" James said, desperately trying to make the man understand. "Harry's been brainwashed! Merlin knows what that monster has been filling his head with ever since he was a baby!" James said hatefully. "It's not like Harry's done anything on his own accord. Everything he has done has been on Voldemort's orders!"

Julian bristled horribly at the name of the Dark Lord and he looked sharply at James.

"God damn it, Potter!" he hissed. "How many times do I have to tell you not to say his name!"