A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 67

Reposted: January 27, 2022

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Azure has had a smaller role the further into the story we get... that's not right, but I don't know what to do with her.

Anyway, *pushes update toward you* have this.

Summary: Dumbledore's trial; Harry prepares for his O.W.L.s

Sirius was awoken by someone shaking his shoulder. He opened his eyes to see Severus standing over him. "We have an hour and a half to get ready," he said before retreating.

Remus was still sound asleep in Sirius' arms. Careful not to disturb him, Sirius climbed out of bed and headed out to the living room.

He and Severus ate breakfast quickly and quietly, only speaking to thank their elves and tell them to look after Harry and Remus. Then they left for the Ministry.

As they walked to the courtroom, Severus cast a sidelong glance at Sirius and saw the apprehension on his face. "Are you all right, Sirius?" he asked softly.

Sirius jumped slightly. "Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Look," he said before Severus could say anything else, "there's the courtroom." He lengthened his stride so Severus had no choice but to pick up his own pace.

Upon entering, they saw many people were there already. Sirius caught sight of Elphias Doge glaring at those around him. No doubt what he'd decide when the time came.

Madam Bones was speaking quietly with Cornelius Fudge and a couple other older wizards. She gave a slight nod as Sirius and Severus took their seats.

At exactly eight, Madam Bones called for the session to begin.

Dumbledore was brought out, looking weary. He raised his head as Madam Bones banged her gavel, his eyes missing their twinkle. They seemed to grow even dimmer as she listed off the charges.

"How do you plead?"

"Guilty."

Sirius' eyebrows shot skyward.

He wasn't the only one surprised by the admission. Severus had stiffened beside him, and murmuring had broke out around him. Doge looked like he wanted to protest but held his tongue.

Surprise flitted across Madam Bones' face, but she recovered. "Very well. Please allow for the Wizengamot to make their decision."

Sirius watched Dumbledore carefully. His expression was that of defeat, which was much different than Sirius would have expected. The Dumbledore he knew would have portrayed a calm, confident air even if he did not feel it. What was he playing at now?

Madam Bones returned to her post. "Albus Dumbledore, you have been found guilty of all charges and sentenced to Azkaban for one hundred and fifty years."

Dumbledore merely nodded in resignation and didn't fight back as Aurors moved forward to take him away.

Sirius and Severus remained seated for a moment.

"What in the world was that?" Severus muttered.

Sirius shrugged. "Trying to catch us off guard?"

"He better not be."

They waited a little while longer until the Aurors came back and said Dumbledore had successfully been locked away before standing.

"Let's go," said Sirius, taking Severus' arm. "The others will be waiting."