Swallow your pride

The Trial

Sebastian looked around the packed courtroom, his anxiety swelling with every passing moment. He tried to ignore how nervous he felt, but his hands were trembling slightly. He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry.
Finally, the door opened and the council, led by the judge, entered the room. Sebastian's heart hammered against his chest as he watched them take their places. This was it, the moment they would learn Yarra's fate.

Sebastian's gaze darted between each of the council members, studying their stern expressions. The judge cleared his throat and addressed the room. "Bring in the prisoner," he commanded. Guards led Yarra into the room, her hands and feet shackled. Her eyes caught Sebastian's for a brief moment and a flash of recognition passed between them. But just as quickly, her gaze flickered away, and her expression returned to one of aloof indifference, her once vibrant spirit now diminished. The sight of her in shackles, her usual spark of life gone, was almost too much to bear. He longed to run to her side, to take her in his arms and assure her that everything would be alright. However, he was forced to remain rooted to the spot, watching as the courtroom procedures began.

When the judge spoke, his voice rang out cold and authoritative. "Yarra Yaxley Gaunt," he stated, "you stand here today charged with crimes against the wizarding community."
As the judge droned on with the list of charges against her, Sebastian's mind raced. He couldn't believe they were actually charging Yarra with crimes. It all seemed ludicrous. Wasn't it clearly an act of self-defense?
But as he looked around the room at the stern, unflinching faces of the council members, he realized that they were not seeing it that way.
"Murder, the use of dark magic, and...," the judge continued, his voice taking on a grave tone. "The attempted manipulation of magic. You stand accused of actions that are against the natural order of things. If found guilty, the consequences will be dire." Sebastian couldn't believe what he was hearing. The charges were becoming increasingly outlandish. He chanced a glance at Ominis, seated beside him in the courtroom. Ominis sat rigidly, his face drained of color, as he, like Sebastian, listened in horror.

I call the first prosecution witness, Liam Carter," the judge announced and Sebastian's blood froze in his veins. The judge turned his gaze to Liam, his expression stern and unforgiving. "Mr. Carter, please state your account of the incident in question."
Sebastian's stomach churned with dread, knowing that Carter would undoubtedly paint a scathing picture of Yarra. He clenched his fists by his side, his knuckles turning white as he braced himself for what was to come.
Liam rose from his seat, his expression one of careful calm. "I witnessed Mrs. Yaxley Gaunt commit a heinous act," he stated in a cold, measured tone. "She used magic in a manner that defied our established laws and order."
His expression changed into one of horror and hatred. "She brutally killed my father, right in front of my eyes! His body literally exploded, his blood was everywhere!" he said in a broken voice. He pointed his finger at Yarra and said ominously, "She deserves the same fate!"

Sebastian felt a mix of anger and distress as Liam spoke. The cold, measured tone of his voice, the calculated expressions, made Sebastian's blood boil. But what made Sebastian's heart ache was seeing Yarra's reaction. She was shaking, her face down, and Sebastian could see the tears streaming down her face. She looked so small, so vulnerable. It took all his strength not to jump up and run to her. The mutterings and murmurs in the hall seemed to echo the collective shock and horror of the situation. Sebastian could feel Ominis tensing beside him.

"Does the defense have any questions?" The judge called, after which Marvollo stood up and appeared in front of Liam. "Mr. Liam Carter... is it true that you and your father kidnapped the defendant from her own wedding celebration, to your mansion?" Marvollo asked.
Liam's eyes narrowed as Marvollo approached him. "Yes, it is true," he admitted. The hall erupted into whispers at Liam's answer. Sebastian could feel the tension in the room growing. The fact that Carter had admitted to kidnapping Yarra could be a small victory for the defense.
Marvollo continued, "And is it true that you tortured her, even using the Cruciatus curse?"
Liam's expression darkened, his jaw clenching as Marrvolo mentioned the unforgivable curse. "Yes," he ground out. The hall shifted with an uneasy murmur, the information clearly a surprise to many in attendance. The fact that Yarra had suffered extreme torture could be a crucial point in her defense. Marvollo straightened up and asked another question, "How many times have you used the Cruciatus Curse on the defendant in the weeks you have held her captive?" Liam's face twisted into a scowl as he thought about the question. "More times than I can count," he admitted reluctantly. The hall was suddenly full of whispers, the information causing a shockwave of shock and horror. Sebastian wanted to look at Yarra, but he could hardly bear to see her distress any longer.