Light the candle

~Twenty-one~

In a fortnight' time, it will be the trial of the century...

▬♣▬

They are all gathered in the courtroom. The old wizard Albus Dumbledore stands proudly at the bar. He does not seem the least bit ashamed. On the plaintiffs' side is Harry Potter, showing off his new look, his hair tied up in a bun. He wears his Lord's rings with confidence. He is dressed in a green and gold three-piece suit. He looks like a prince.

"Today, we will begin the trial of Albus Dumbledore, case n°S1145. He is accused of child abduction, theft, abuse of power over children, extortion, identity fraud, and discrimination against magical creatures." Amelia Bones states. "I hereby declare Albus Dumbledore to be under the influence of Veritaserum and the trial will be broadcast live to the entire magical population of the United Kingdom. The old wizard turns pale. "Your Honour..." He tries to call out Madam Bones, but without success. 

"In view of the evidence, we have been given, Mr. Dumbledore, I believe we should not delay." The old wizard remains dignified as he is administered by the serum.

"State your name."

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."

"What is your birth date?"

"The July 19th of 1881."

"Are you a man?"

"Yes."

"It's clear." The court wizard says.

"All right let's begin the trail. Mr Dumbledore did abuse of your power of great chief of wizarmagot to become the legal guardian of Mr Potter, who is present here?"

"Yes." The old wizard grits his teeth. People begin to whisper among themselves. 

"Silence! Did you deliberately place Mr Potter with his maternal aunt without consulting the instructions left by Mr and Mrs Potter?"

"Yes."

"Did you deliberately allow Mr Black to be imprisoned without trial?"

"Yes. He would not have known how to raise him properly."

"Did you know that Mr Black was not the secret-keeper but Mr Pettigrew?"

"Yes."

"Did you know how Mr Potter was being treated by his Muggle family?"

"Of course, I was watching him thanks to a pawn who reported everything that was happening to me. I had to make sure he didn't kill him."

"Scandalous!" Someone shouts.

"Silence! I said silence! Be quiet or I will expulse you out of the courtroom." Madame Bones declares.

"Let us continue. Did you abuse your position as tutor to withdraw funds from Mr Potter's accounts and those of other pupils under your tutelage?" "Yes."

"Did you pay a monthly allowance to Mr Potter's Muggle family?"

"Yes."

"Did you also ask Mr Potter's Muggle family to mistreat him?"

"Yes. He had to be docile and easy to manipulate so that he could fulfill his duty." I wonder what expression he would have if he knew that Voldemort is no more, but has become Soren, a three-month-old baby. Severus wonders, stroking his distended belly. He feels the baby's slight movements. I can't wait to hold you in my arms. I hope you inherit your father's beautiful eyes. His attention turns back to Harry. My husband is handsome. He almost blushes at the thought. But it's true that Harry looks handsome in his suit. He sighs, he knows that the effect of the Veritaserum wearing off.