Gideon Drake and the Fire Within (Harry Potter Sequel/Spinoff)

Chapter One: The Boy Who Died

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The prosecution had made their case, and a strong one at that, thought Jonathan Grimsby. He stared down at his tightly clasped hands, only faintly listening to the opposition's final summation. Grimsby, the Advocate for the Defence, would have his turn to speak momentarily, but he found himself in something of a quandary.

For the most part, he agreed with what he was arguing. After all, he was widely thought of as one of the Ministry of Magic's more progressive voices. On this occasion, however, with the way he was feeling, Grimsby found himself questioning whether he was worthy to count himself among that small group.

He reminded himself that every case deserved an Advocate's best effort, in spite of any personal views they may harbour. On top of that, his case record could really do with a point in the win column. Even so, he wasn't sure his heart was really in this one.

He knew that his only chance was to appeal to the panel's better nature. Unfortunately, the Head Magistrate, like most on the bench, was a relic of the past. One who had lived through the dark times and whose rulings, Grimsby suspected, were often based on fear rather than any real desire to uphold law or tradition.

Grimsby absent-mindedly noticed the opposition take his seat. He rose from his own with purpose and a confidence that masked his true feelings. His colleagues might think of him as "young", "naïve", or even a "bleeding heart", but he was still good at his job. In addition, unlike his opponent, he was also a handsome man and wasn't above using that to his benefit.

The demands of his heavy workload and a new baby at home had aged Jonathan Grimsby beyond his years, but the slight greying at the sides of his wavy, golden hair was barely noticeable, and his pale-blue eyes shone brightly beyond the dark circles underneath. He swept his golden locks from his face and began his speech, making sure to make eye contact with each of the Magistrates—the women for a little longer.

His monologue touched on magical law, history, and ethics, and even included comparisons from the non-magical world of the Muggles. Grimsby made some strong points and observed a softening of the brow from some of the panel members. Sadly, when he noticed that the Head Magistrate, an older witch with a bouffant hairdo and far too much make-up, appeared unmoved by neither his words nor his charms, he couldn't help feeling he was fighting a losing battle.

Grimsby drew breath and delivered his final point, 'In closing ladies and gentlemen, we judge others based on their actions, but it is only with awareness of those actions that we can hold them truly accountable. This incident was tragic but proceeding with the proposed sentencing is not only unjust, it is an archaic practice that defies nature itself. I plead with you all, let us find another way.'

He took his seat with a final nod to the panel and a steely glare toward his opponent, whose large, white moustache barely concealed a smirk. The Head Magistrate rose and announced in a surprisingly squeaky voice, 'Thank you, Advocates. The panel will now convene and render a verdict within the hour.'

Grimsby left the courtroom side by side with his opponent, quite the achievement given Alfred Gentry was something of a portly man.

Gentry was also rather short, so Grimsby had to bend down to hear his whispers as they made their way from the chamber, 'Come now, Grimsby, my boy,' he said. 'Between us, where do you really stand on this issue?'

Grimsby was surprised to sense sincerity in the older gentleman's voice. He took a moment before replying, 'Honestly? I'm not sure. I know the Ministry has to take some action, especially given the publicity of the incident, but denying a child their birthright when they have already lost so much? I don't know how to reconcile that.'