Twist of Fate

Chapter 18

They walked into Hearing Room D with trepidation. The lawyers were already seated. Goldstein sat with Malfoy by his side. The blond was staring at the table in front of him, not lifting his head to see who was entering the room. Goldstein was leaning towards him trying to get his attention but Malfoy did not seem to hear him. Harry saw with surprise that Narcissa Malfoy sat by her son's side. She looked better, Harry thought, than she had the month before at her own trial. He supposed that being out of jail would improve anyone's looks. She had her hand gently on Malfoy's arm, her face tense with concern. It had been months since they had seen each other. Both had been held in separate cell blocks since their arrest and after her sentencing she was immediately sent to server her sentence under house arrest at Andromeda Tonk's house.

He forced himself to look around the room to see who else was present. With relief he realized that only the six-members of the Wizengamot counsel would attend this viewing. He saw the Pensieve basin waiting, across from it was a screen that he knew would project the images from the Pensieve for all to see. Harry felt his stomach begin to twist again, and looked away. Nothing could be worse than what he'd already seen. No matter how many times he told himself that though, he still didn't believe. it.

Arthur Weasley checked with the officer of the court and asked where they were to sit and they were shown to a table on the far side from Malfoy. After a few minutes delay, Kingsley Shacklebolt entered with Aberforth Dumbledore. Harry hadn't seen Aberforth since the day of the memorial service at Hogwarts, days after the final battle. Clearly the older man felt uncomfortable in his surroundings. He was tugging nervously at his beard and robes. Aberforth looked around and his eyes fell on Harry. He swiftly moved over towards their table.

"Harry, I'm sorry. I didn't know about the trial. I've been so caught up with helping with the repairs at Hogwarts, I hadn't seen the Prophet in weeks." Aberforth reached out to grasp Harry's hand.

Harry shook his hand, "I don't understand."

"If I'd known that Malfoy was coming up for trial I would have come forward sooner, of course." Aberforth shook his head, "Albus trusted me with the vial of memories and told me I would know when to turn them in. But I messed up."

"Do you know what is in the memories?" Harry asked half-hopeful, half-dreading.

"No, just that they have to do with you and that Malfoy boy. And Dumbledore said it was essential I keep them safe. Told me I had to give you this before-" he was cut off as Kingsley called the hearing to order.

"We are here to witness the Pensieve memories that Aberforth Dumbledore has volunteered. The memory vial has been examined and has proven that the seal is unbroken and is as it was created on September 1st, 1996. I will tell you that this hearing has a Ministry Secrecy level of five. Nothing revealed here may be discussed by anyone not in attendance without my express approval. With no exceptions." Kingsley looked sternly over at the Prosecution lawyer. "Very well. I will not make the interested parties wait any longer. Let us proceed." He gave a nod to the technician who stood by the Pensieve. The lights dimmed and the man picked up the vial and carefully poured it into the basin. He touched his wand to the basin and immediately the image came on to the screen.

It was the Great Hall, Harry realized with a start. He watched as Dumbledore made his way from the staff table to the Gryffindor table. "Welcome Feast," Hermione whispered. "Sixth year," Harry wondered how she knew but then saw himself, his face still swollen from Malfoy's kick that he had given him that day, and his hair even more a mess than usual.

"Harry, welcome back." Dumbledore gripped Harry by the shoulders and stared into his eyes. "How are you?" memory-Harry stiffened and shrugged. Harry remembered that he had not wanted to tell about Malfoy breaking his nose on the train. He could deal with Malfoy on his own, he hadn't needed Dumbledore's help.