A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 63

Reposted: January 4, 2022

Classes start up again in two weeks. Yay /heavy sarcasm

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Summary: Remus' trial

Harry stepped into the courtroom. His eyes narrowed upon seeing Dumbledore, who was quietly talking the Weasleys. Did he convince the Wizengamot to let them in, too?

After seeing how Ron, Ginny, and the twins had taken the news, Harry wasn't surprised by the wary expressions on the older children and the parents' faces. Percy was standing slightly in front of Ginny as if to protect her and there were two unfamiliar redheads— Bill and Charlie, if Harry remembered correctly— watching Dumbledore with narrowed eyes.

Madam Bones appeared, her face an inscrutable mask.

"We are gathered here today for the trial of Remus Lupin."

Remus was brought out moments later by dementors. Harry could see he was utterly exhausted, even though he had only spent a week in Azkaban. He hardly seemed to even notice the chains magically latch onto his arms, binding him.

Harry unconsciously gripped the mud ball Azure had given him. This was it.

"Do you consent to the use of Veritaserum?" Madam Bones asked.

Remus started. For a moment, he blinked at her uncomprehendingly. Then he spoke. "Yes."

But as an Unspeakable moved forward, Remus leaned back. A touch of his old spirit flashed in his eyes. "I'm not taking it until it's been checked," he growled, turning his head away.

Several members of the Wizengamot rolled their eyes, but their annoyance changed to shock when the Unspeakable examined the serum and announced, "There's liquid silver mixed in."

Sirius inhaled sharply from beside Harry.

Madam Bones looked just as shocked. "Dispose of that," she ordered. "I think we can resume without it for now."

The Unspeakable dipped his head and hurried off.

"State your name," Madam Bones said, continuing on.

"Remus John Lupin."

"What is your blood status?"

"Half blood."

Madam Bones nodded. "First official question: Have you been helping Lord Voldemort?"

"No."

Dumbledore's eyes, which had been twinkling since Remus was brought out, dimmed.

"Are you implying Tom Riddle is not Lord Voldemort?"

"Yes," said Remus. "Voldemort has been dead for a year now."

Dumbledore couldn't help but speak. "But regardless, you were working to harm Harry."

"I would never intentionally hurt my cub," Remus said, some anger bleeding through. "And neither would Tom."

"And why is that?" Madam Bones said, throwing Dumbledore a sharp glance as he was opening his mouth.

"Because he loves Harry."

"Voldemort is not capable of love," Dumbledore said, shaking his head in disappointment.

"But Tom is. Besides, Tom is—" He paused and took a deep breath. "Tom is Harry's soulmate."

Gasps were heard throughout the courtroom. Harry saw Ginny's eyes widen. She looked at Harry and back at Remus, stunned.

"Impossible!" Fudge shouted in disbelief. "He tried to destroy him as baby! He had your friends killed!"