Dream Of Me, To Keep You Safe

No Exceptions

"The Wiznagemot is gathered here today to assess the charges against those accused of the crimes of treason, terrorism, and the abominable acts of murder, torture, and the use of unforgivable curses. Please take your seats." the judge gestured, presiding over the whole bloody circus. It wasn't one I recognised, The Ministry probably deliberately brought in someone new and impartial. I would imagine it was difficult finding someone who wouldn't be trying their co-workers.

The courtroom was dismal, a dank, rocky, underground chamber at the Minsitry with torches that flickered on the walls, casting hideous shadows and filling the room with a slight whiff of smoke. The flames in the large fireplace quivered, like they were scared for my fate. For some reason, the fire added no warmth to the room, it just cast an eerie green glow.
"We shall begin with the man before us, Mr Draco Malfoy."

I took a breath and nodded my acknowledgement. A woman stepped forth with a vial of liquid I knew was veretaserum. She unstoppered it and reached through the cage bars and pressed it to my lips. I turned my head aside to the benches, cutting my cheek on the cage spikes.
I saw my father's eyes light up at my defiance.
"I can do it myself!" I snapped at her. I took one last look at the pride of my father's face. Pride. For once, I saw him have pride in me where I'd only ever seen him have pride in himself.
I reached out and took the vial but didn't drink it. I could feel the growing unrest but also the unsurety of the jury. The judge held a hand to stay the guards.
I dropped the vial, a gasp rippled the audience.
"I plead guilty," I announced, feeling my father's pride twist to betrayal, "To every charge set against me. I admit to the crime of being a Death Eater... but I did it out of protecting those I love."
The room reacted with silence, shattered only by the sound of the minute-keeper's quil dropping with a dull, almost indiscernible thunk against the black slate.
I then started dead ahead for who knows how long until the judge spoke with a stutter, "Well, I suppose that settles it." he sighed.
"NO! Please,  he's just a boy!" my mother shouted.
The Inquisitor continued like she hadn't spoke, "Draco Malfoy, you have admitted to crimes against the Wizarding World and your involvement in the group known as the Death Eaters. You are to be sent immediately by Portkey to Azkaban, for a minimum of ten years and awaiting further sentencing. There are no exceptions to the terms of your sentence, and there is to be no appeal or reduction of years for your sentence. Do you understand?"
I nodded briefly, no protest. My mother's screaming and sobbing fell dull against my ears.
Deep down I knew I deserved everything I was sentenced to.