Optionless with Draco Malfoy

35. I Must Not Tell Lies

Juliette

After all of this time at my aunt's flat, I still haven't been able to snatch the locket from Umbridge. 

However, today, I planned on taking it. Draco brewed another dose of the Drowsiness Potion and I had enough for one goblet of the Polyjuice Potion.

I downed the potion, transforming into one of the Witches that worked at the Ministry of Magic. Quickly, I changed into a set of work clothing. I used Floo Powder to get into the Ministry and I followed the same path which I took the last few times I invaded.

When I found the department Umbridge worked in, I sought the courtroom where she was always found. I checked my watch; there should be people coming in any minute now. Krogee the house-elf informed me that Umbridge had a trial scheduled in five minutes.

I waited impatiently until people finally began to flood into the room taking seats all around. I spotted a man who I had seen before, specifically at the Malfoy Manor. It was Yaxley. I suddenly felt like I had a huge ball in my throat. He worked for the Dark Lord. If he recognized me as myself, I would be dead. Therefore, it's vital for me to make sure that I get out of here before the Polyjuice potion wears off.

Umbridge had entered the room, wearing her pink skirt and sweater as usual. Today, she seemed more tense and stiff, with a fierce look on her toad-like face. I stared at her timidly, searching for a golden locket. It hung around her neck.

The trial commenced. There was a very long formal introduction, going through the laws which the Ministry had created if the victim was lying. After, Umbridge began her investigation. The victim today, was Mary Cattermole. She was a pale brunette witch, seeming afraid and worried. I could see her legs and hands shaking uncontrollably from where I sat. She mentioned that she had a husband and children.

I pitied the witch. Every question Umbridge asked, Mary would answer, but Umbridge would deny it was false. It seemed like the woman in question had almost no chance in winning her case. 

I stared at Dolores Umbridge trying to hide my rage. She was being completely unfair to Mary Cattermole. There was another witch behind Umbridge who seemed very stressed and concerned. Her eyes were wide and I noticed that she constantly bit her lip. I became interested in what she was doing when she inquired Umbridge where she got her locket from.

"It was a Selwyn family heirloom, pure-blood credentials," Umbridge muttered under her breath and proceeded with another question to Mary.

"I will ask you again, Mrs. Cattermole. Where did you buy your wand?"

The pale woman seemed like she was on the verge of tears, "I-I-I told you-I bought it from Ollivander's when I was eleven-"

Umbridge shook her head for her to stop and continued to ask her several questions. The witch seemed to answer truthfully, but Umbridge denied anything she spoke about. It was far into the trial and the same thing happened over and over again.

Out of nowhere, two men stumbled into the room. They looked so confused and lost. One of the men had faded orange hair and the other wore a leather trench coat, he had dark brown hair. The man with the coloured hair was soaking wet. No one stared at the two men but kept their focus on the woman who was being questioned. The scene seemed so peculiar, yet no one had noticed.

Mrs. Cattermole began to speak, "It chose me," she stated wearily.

Dolores denied her once more, "You're lying. Wands only choose witches, and you are not a witch."

The man with orange hair nearly tripped on his way towards Mary. I assumed he was her husband. She grasped onto his arm tightly, intending not to let go.