Unspoken Love

39: THE TRIAL

MONDAY OCTOBER 7TH
     

       That morning Albus and Scorpius woke up somberly, barely speaking as they got out of Scorpius's bed and tiptoed around, looking for the clothes that Rose had freshly ironed for them the night before. Scorpius didn't say anything as they got dressed, not wanting to overwhelm Albus who was probably hungover amongst his other emotions. 

     But he watched his every move, noting every hangnail that Albus tore off with his teeth, every downturn of his lips, and every wrinkle on his forehead. And besides, Scorpius didn't know anything he could say that would qualm Albus's racing thoughts anyways, he hoped his presence would do. They met Rose and Lily downstairs, exchanging quiet greetings before marching down to McGonagall's office where she would accompany them to the Ministry of Magic where the trial proceedings would be held by the Wizengamot. 

     Usually cases such as his wouldn't go straight to the Wizengamot but with Hermione being the Minister of Magic, she saw it fit to place more importance on this trial, especially as it concerned her nephew and because of the horrific details of the case. Albus felt uneasy about this, on the one hand, it would be more likely that Dean would pay for his actions and be held accountable than if he was being tried in a lower court, but this made it seem so real....so big. 

     He just wanted Dean's wand snapped in two and for him to be banished from the wizarding world, simply unable to contact him or Scorpius or anybody he knew ever again. That was all he wanted, all he hoped for.

     The five of them took the floo network directly inside The Ministry. Albus got lost for a few moments in the incredibly crowded, bustling, and shockingly gigantic lobby as he was the last one who had gone through the fireplace. Gratefully, Scorpius had found him standing and looking dumbfounded in front of the green flames that he'd just flew out of. 

     He led him back to the group who was waiting by the large fountain in the center of the room. They all gawked around at their surroundings, none of them, not even Rose had seen the inside of the Ministry of Magic before, well not when she was old enough to remember it. 

"I'm glad you all made it safely and on time." came a familiar voice behind them. Hermione shook McGonagalls hand before hugging each of them one by one. She was dressed different than usual, clad in grand black robes, looking more official than ever. 

     Albus assumed this was the proper minister attire for a court proceeding. She gestured for them to follow her and she led them to a large elevator, "Now Albus, I don't want you to be nervous. This should be a very easy proceeding, we have all of the evidence against him, there will be no argument to whether or not he faces charges. This will be quick and painless, I promise." She said, pushing one of the buttons on the wall panel. 

     They began descending down and Albus nodded anxiously. He felt Scorpius grasp his hand and he squeezed back until his knuckles turned white. Hermione and McGonagall whispered amongst each other until the elevator doors opened again. Albus felt like his feet were made of cinder blocks, he wasn't sure if he would be able to move. 

     It was as if Scorpius read his mind and the blonde took both of Albus's hands and pulled him gently from the elevator. "You can do this." he whispered, staring imploringly into Albus's eyes. Albus nodded faintly, and followed the group through the now, very dark hallways. Loud chatter filled their ears as they entered a very large, circular court room. 

     All around, flanking from the ground to the ceiling, were witches and wizards in maroon and navy colored robes. Albus assumed the crowd of spectators were comprised of members of the Wizengamot and perhaps contained other ministry employees who also participated in court proceedings. Honestly he'd never really listened in class when they discussed the wizarding government, but he did know  for certain that he felt even more dread in the presence of these hundreds of people. The people who would hear his story, hear Dean's story, and make their judgements.