Malfoy was fuming. He had just received word from his solicitor that Gringotts had frozen all his funds, and that his wife had just filed for divorce. What nerve! Didn't they know who he was? When he got out, he'd be taking Gringotts to court. Luckily for him, the Malfoy main vaults weren't the only vaults he had. In case of emergency, he had placed a substantial fortune in France as well. And his wife! He clenched his fists in anger. He had barely touched her, the last time he chastised her. It had taken so much money to erase that complaint. From then, he had been very careful not to hit her where it was visible. He smirked. Lucius Malfoy had been a Slytherin for a reason. He would fight this, not with Gryffindor stupidity, but with his intelligence and his skill of manipulation. Of course, he knew that he most probably couldn't do it on his own; instead, he had hired top-flight lawyers: Beck and Grey. 

Beck and Grey had already helped Karkaroff off, and they had managed to get his sister-in-law, Bellatrix Lestrange, off the Kiss. He abruptly snapped out of his reverie, when he heard footsteps coming by. Last time had been the guards, who ridiculed him. Those, he vowed, would be fired too.

"Lucius!" Ah, it was Minister Bagnold. He stood up, and tried to look as aristocratic as he could with rumpled clothing. Things were looking up, if the Minister was still on a first-name basis with him.  

He nodded. "Minister Bagnold, how can the House of Malfoy help you today?" Internally, he smirked. Subtle, real subtle. 

She batted an invisible fly. "Don't call me that, dear. Millicent, remember?" At his nod, she continued. "I've such dreadful news for you! The Wizengamot has been called, and I have been asked to step down as presider. Something about partiality. I never!" 

Malfoy nodded sympathetically, but he seethed internally. This was what happened when he put an incompetent into office. "So who is presiding then?"

"Albus Dumbledore was suggested -" 

Malfoy interrupted, scoffing. "He is the least impartial of all of them." 

Bagnold ate it all up. "I quite agree," she said indignantly. "Hmph!" 

"I'm sure it'll all be cleared up," said Malfoy. "You of all people know I am innocent." 

She nodded. "They've chosen someone from the House of Zabini...I forget his name." 

Malfoy gulped. This wasn't good at all, but he had a part to play. "Preposterous! You should appeal the decision and get yourself re-instated." 

Bagnold preened. "I should, shouldn't I?" 

Malfoy nodded. "And ask my lawyers to help you." 

Bagnold had left fairly quickly after that, but Malfoy remained standing, snapping at the guards to arrange a visitation with his lawyers. 

********

Alex woke to a blaring noise in the early morning, and he immediately jumped out of bed, ready for his day. To his surprise, he found Merlin asleep in Matt's room. He smacked himself in the head. When Merlin left, he should probably move the little boy into his own room...maybe arrange a baby alarm system as well. He resolved to do so after his classes. Quickly pulling on his clothes and taking care of everything else, he walked into the Great Hall. There was no one there, except Professor Ryan. 

"Professor Ryan!" greeted Alex. "You're early." 

"So are you," chuckled Ryan. "You should call me Kevin. None of this Professor Ryan junk except in the classroom." 

Alex nodded, and helped himself to the feast the elves had set in front of him. "So, what're you teaching today? You've got fifths in the morning today, right?" 

"Yeah," responded Ryan. "They're the worst of the lot, I think." 

Alex looked up surprised. "Isn't this their O.W.L year?" 

"They don't act like it," said Ryan with surprising bitterness. "Always goofing off, and they never pay attention." 

"Hmmm..." said Alex thoughtfully. "Then I probably shouldn't show my face in there until I teach." 

Ryan looked at him in surprise. "I thought you wanted to watch?" 

"I didn't say I wasn't going to watch," said Alex mischievously. "I'll just Disillusion myself." 

Ryan smirked. "We should probably scare the wits out of them." 

Alex had an equally impish smile on his face. "Good idea. If I see anyone misbehaving, I'll just jinx them, with say, a Cheering Charm. Or better yet, make them dance." 

Ryan nodded. "All right...but what if they ask where you are?" 

"Just tell'em I'm not coming in until next week," said Alex. "Taking care of my kid or something." Then, remembering, he asked, "You don't teach Tuesdays or Wednesdays, do you?" 

"Just the younger grades," said Ryan. "Why?"

"My Mastery tests are tomorrow and Wednesday," said Alex. "But since you don't, it should be fine." 

Ryan nodded. "Don't you already have two? Why do you need another one for?"

"Oh," said Alex. "Won't it look weird if I have Potions and Transfiguration Masteries, but not Defense?"

Ryan gaped at him. "Are you joking?"

Alex nodded, smiling impishly again. "Nope."

"You must be a freaking genius!" said Ryan. 

Alex shook his head. "Just hardworking." 

"What are you, twenty?" asked Ryan. "I'm still working on my Defense Mastery, and I'm twenty-seven. Most people don't get theirs until they're at least forty!" 

"Whoops?" Alex shrugged, then amended his earlier statement. "Must have been talent and hardwork, then." 

"I'll bet," said Ryan disbelievingly. "So, how come you don't wear the symbols of your Masteries then?" 

"Don't want to show off," said Alex. "Besides, they're awfully inconvenient when people are staring at you." 

"I suppose," said Ryan, his disbelief evident on his face. "Oh, I should go prepare for class. You wanna come?" 

"Sure," said Alex, but at that moment, was interrupted by McGonagall. "Mr. Potter!" 

Alex looked apologetically at Ryan. "Sorry, I'll catch up with you." Turning to McGonagall, he asked, "Yes, Minerva?" 

She pulled him aside. "Mr. Potter...you've received the notice for your cousins' funeral, right?" 

"Funeral?" asked Alex. "No, no one's contacted me. When is it?" 

"It's this afternoon," said McGonagall. "At Godric's Hollow...will you be going?" 

"I think so," said Alex. "Should I bring Matt...?" 

McGonagall shook her head. "It'd be better not to. I'm sure Mr. Erlin can take care of him." 

"Yeah..." mumbled Alex, shifting in his shoes. "Yeah, I'll go." 

"Meet me outside my rooms at four," said McGonagall. "Albus has already taken care of the funeral arrangements." 

"A-All right," said Alex, somewhat shaken. "I'll be there." 

McGonagall nodded. "See you there then." 

Alex left, heading towards the Defense classrooms. 

********

Snape paced in his rooms. Alex Potter had sent him into a frenzy, but he hadn't seen hide or hair of Aurors for half the morning already. Should he just run for it? On the other hand, his trial could clear him... 

A sharp knock on the door sounded. "Open up! Open up in the name of the law!" 

Snape smirked. And so the games begin. Opening the door, he asked, "And how may I help you gentlemen today?" 

The Aurors looked at him, their mouths agape. "U-uh..." 

"Intelligent," drawled Snape. "Now, desist from wasting my time. Time, after all, is precious. My time especially." He paused, observing the dumbfounded Aurors. "Nothing? Good day, gentlemen." He moved to close the door, but was stopped by a beefy hand. 

"Now see here, bloke," said one Auror. "We've got your arrest warrant here." 

"Oh, really," said Snape, elongating the syllables. "And the charges?" 

"Treason and being a Death Eater," said the Auror self-importantly. 

Snape looked at him with a mock disbelieving look. "Very well." He held up his hands, and when the Aurors did nothing, he snapped, "What are you waiting for? Or have you changed your minds?" Snape sighed. "Or do I have to teach you to do your job?" 

"No, sir!" shouted a younger Auror, who was promptly cuffed on the head. "I mean, no, of course not. We know what we're doing." 

"Then show me, and stop wasting my time," said Snape, holding his hands up again. 

Finally, the Aurors snapped to attention, and the particularly large Auror roughly snapped the cuffs on to his hands, causing Snape to wince.  "Your wand, Mr. Snape?" 

"On my kitchen table," said Snape. "I trust you'll convey to the authorities that I've been quite cooperative?" 

"Of course," said the young Auror again, but this time no one objected. They marched out of the his apartment, and Apparated. 

When they got to the Ministry, he was escorted to a Ministry holding cell, where the cuffs were taking off. Rubbing his wrists, he said to the same Auror escorting him, "Incidentally, do you know when my trial will be?" 

"No, sorry, Mr. Snape," said the Auror apologetically. "And about earlier...Normally when we arrest Death Eaters, they resist. You just surprised us." 

"Then you'll be happy to know I'm not one," said Snape. 

"But Karkaroff said..." 

"You can look at my arm, if you like," said Snape, who rolled up both his sleeves. The Auror gasped. "So...you're not a Death Eater?" 

"I believe the answer is redundant," said Snape. "Now, would you please find out the time of my trial for me? I would like to owl my solicitor." He didn't have one, but he was sure Dumbledore would like to know. 

"Yes, sir!" said the Auror. "I'll get right to it, sir!" 

Moments later, he returned, saying that his trial would be later the very same morning, at 11. Snape nodded his thanks, and began composing a letter to Dumbledore, and on an impulse, sent one to Alex Potter as well. Finishing, he carefully sat down on the filthy cot (which looked like something had died on it) and began to meditate. It was nine ‘o' clock now...he would have to take the Veritaserum-suppressor at ten.

********

Dumbledore was working on last-minute arrangements for the funeral when a Ministry owl flew into his office, barreling in at a speed unimaginable in a normal owl. "Well, hello there," said Dumbledore, feeding the owl a treat. "What do we have here?" 

He opened the letter in the owl's grasp, and the owl zoomed off. Had he been paying attention, he would have seen the owl heading to the Defense classroom. As it was, he was quite preoccupied with the letter, and with each line, his frown deepened. Musing, he placed the letter on his desk. He knew that this day had been soon in coming, but not this early. And Severus had only been arrested that morning! He shook his head. There was something very off about this. 

Down in the classroom, Alex and Ryan had been having the time of their lives pranking the students.  The first student to make fun of Ryan had found himself dangling in the air, courtesy of Alex's Winguardium Leviosa. A second student who had been about to throw a dungbomb found himself holding slugs, and he couldn't stop laughing. From there, the class had been relatively quiet - that is, until an owl barreled towards their classroom. Alex gulped, betting it was his. He quickly ran out of the room (thankfully, the door was already open), and rushed into an empty classroom. 

"Woah," exclaimed Alex. "Slow down!" 

The owl extended the letter towards him, and flapped its wings at Alex. "You want to get paid?" More agitated motion. "You want something to eat?" The owl began flapping harder. Then, Alex realized the problem. It was Dumbledore's Lemon Drop. Alex laughed. "You want me to unstick your beak?" As soon as he banished the hated lemon monstrosity, the owl hooted indignantly and left. 

Alex looked at the letter in his hand. "So what do we have here?" He frowned when he saw the Ministry seal. "Odd, what does the Ministry want with me?" 

Opening it, he scanned the letter quickly. "Snape's trial already? I thought it was going to take a week!" 

He quickly checked the time. It was almost ten thirty. Would he make it in time? Swiftly, he made his way back to the Defense classroom, and knocked. "Come in," came the call. 

"Professor Ryan, I'll be unable to observe your class today," said Alex. "Something's come up." I'm sorry, will you be all right? 

"That's fine," said Ryan, smiling. "I'll see you later, Professor Potter." 

"Yeah," said Alex, and proceeded to run all the way to the gates of Hogwarts.  From there, he disApparated to the English Ministry of Magic. This would be tricky. 

********

At ten, Snape poured all the contents of the vial into his throat. At ten-fifteen, he had been stripped down - which was quite humiliating - and his pain potions had all been confiscated. After dressing, his hands had been shackled again, and he had been brought out and led down into the lower chambers of the Ministry. 

Outside Courtroom Ten, he could hear the bustle and the movements of the Wizengamot inside. Merlin, where they loud! He winced. These were the people who would judge him. He shuddered. Crouch Sr. would be inside. It was funny, he mused, he would have thought Crouch would have been ousted out already, what with the controversy surrounding his son. Abruptly, he was pushed into the room, where he was escorted into the courtroom, to the very menacing chair in the centre. His shackles were taken off, and he was chained to the chair. He looked up, and breathed an internal sigh of relief. Dumbledore and Potter were here. As much as his atonement pushed him to just accept Azkaban, his self-preservation indicated otherwise. 

Alex smiled at him, and winked. Snape almost laughed aloud, but managed to maintain his normal stoic face just in time. Dumbledore was conferring with the people around him, probably trying to sway people's opinions. He would be surprised. 

Suddenly, the Judge at the front slammed his gavel. "Order!" 

The courtroom stilled. The Judge addressed Crouch, "Mr. Crouch, what are the accusations against the defendant?" 

Mr. Crouch stood. "Treason, participation in the terrorist group: the Death Eaters, and murder of the Minister of Magic, your Honour." 

"Thank you," said the Judge. "Mr. Snape, how do you plead?" 

"Not guilty on all charges," said Snape. 

"Very well," said the Judge. "At this time, do you have a solicitor?" 

"N -" Snape started to say. 

"Yes, he does," interjected Alex, running down the stairs down to the defense table. "Sorry I'm late, your Honour."

"And you are?" asked the Judge, raising his eyebrow.

Alex reached into his pockets and came up with his papers. Merlin had managed to whip them up - just in time, which was why Alex hadn't been on the main floor in the first place. "Alexandre Potter, sir," and showed his identification papers and license. 

The judge perused the papers. "These look to be in order, Mr. Potter. Please do not be late again in my courts." He turned towards Crouch. "Mr. Crouch, you may begin." 

Crouch paced dramatically. "In 1978, Severus Snape received his Death Mark, joining the Death Eaters. He participated in multiple terrorist attacks, one of which killed our late Minister of Magic, Howard Randall." He paused. "As well, Igor Karkaroff has attested under Veritaserum that Snape is indeed a Death Eater, and that he was a part of You-Know-Who's Inner Circle." 

Gasps could be heard in the courtroom. And then mutterings, and finally, accusations. Snape remained calm, as did Alex. 

The Judge frowned. "Mr. Crouch, what evidence do you have?" 

"A known Death Eater gave him away!" cried Crouch. 

The Judge shook his head. "I'm not sure that's enough, Mr. Crouch. Do you have any witnesses?" 

Crouch paled. "We could bring in the other Death Eaters..." 

"Then do so," said the Judge. "I am not convicting an innocent man based on one man's claim." 

Crouch whispered to the closest Aurors who rushed out of the room. In minutes, they were back with Bellatrix Lestrange. Crouch cleared his throat. "The prosecution moves to present Bellatrix Lestrange as its witness." 

The judge nodded. "You may begin." 

Crouch, surly now, turned to Lestrange. "State your name and...occupation for the record." 

Lestrange smiled ferally. "Bellatrix Lestrange, follower of the Dark Lord." 

"Thank you," said Crouch, who didn't look thankful at all. "Now, Ms. Lestrange. Is Severus Snape a Death Eater?" 

Bellatrix smiled again. "Why do you need to know? Don't you know how to do your job?" 

Alex had to stifle a laugh. 

The Judge barked, "You will contain your witness, Mr. Crouch!" 

Crouch paled. "Ms. Lestrange, answer the question." 

She nodded, and then cackled, already showing the signs of a chronic Azkaban inmate. Crouch frowned. "State your answer verbally, please."  

"Severus Snape was a Death Eater," said Lestrange, bored. "Are we done? I just can't wait to go back to Azkaban." 

Crouch, not known for his patience, snarled, "Get her out of here!" 

The Aurors hauled Lestrange out, and Crouch smiled. "There you have it, folks, Snape there is a Death Eater." 

"Objection!" exclaimed Alex, jumping to his feet. 

"Yes, Mr. Potter?" asked the Judge. 

"The Wizengamot must form their own opinions, and not those of Mr. Crouch's, your Honour," said Alex. 

"Sustained," the Judge answered. "The Wizengamot, please disregard Mr. Crouch's previous statement." 

Crouch turned red. "Y-you -" 

Snape had to admit he liked this. Alex decided to continue. "Your Honour, may the defense present its case?" 

"You may begin, Mr. Potter," said the Judge. 

Crouch muttered something, but Alex disregarded it. "In 1978, Severus Snape did indeed join the Death Eaters -" The crowd rose in an uproar.  

The Judge hammered the gavel several times. "Order! I will have order in my courtroom!" 

The crowd quieted. Alex smiled. "But is not a Death Eater himself." 

The Judge frowned. "How is this possible?" 

"Simple," shrugged Alex. "He was a spy." 

"Objection!" cried Crouch. "Where is your evidence?" 

"That too, is also simple," said Alex. "I would like to call Albus Dumbledore to the stand." 

Dumbledore looked surprised, but he walked to the witness stand. Alex paced in his narrow strip of floor. "Headmaster, please state your name and occupation for the record." 

Dumbledore folded his hands. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts and Chief Mugwump of the Wizengamot."

"Thank you, Headmaster," said Alex. "Now, can I ask how you know the accused?"

"Certainly," said Dumbledore. "He approached me at the end of '78, with an offer to become the spy within the Death Eater ranks."

"And how were you certain you could trust him?" asked Alex.

"He willingly submitted to Veritaserum, of course," said Dumbledore.

"Continue please," said Alex.

"From there, he and I slowly worked to place him within the Inner Circle," said Dumbledore. "Many of the attacks the DMLE stopped were thanks to this man."

Alex nodded. "Your Honour, I would like to present Documents 1 and 2 to support this statement."

The Judge nodded, and looked through the documents Alex had given him. "This looks to be in order."

Crouch jumped to his feet. "Why hasn't the defense presented them before?"

Alex turned to him. "As Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, naturally I thought that you would have no need for these. After all, you should be well acquainted with them on a daily basis. Document 2 was signed by you, after all."

Crouch blushed a deep scarlet, and sat down, not knowing what else to say.

Alex again began his line of questioning. "Headmaster, on the night of the late Howard Randall's murder, can you attest to where Mr. Snape was?" 

Dumbledore looked surprised. "Yes, indeed I can. I was in my office at Hogwarts, perusing some documents, when Severus Floo'd into my office. He came to alert me to the attack on the Minister. He told me himself that Voldemort did not want him there (for what reason, I'm not quite sure). When I arrived at the scene of the crime, the Minister was still alive. In fact, we caught several Death Eaters that day. Unfortunately, the Minister died of his wounds only minutes after we arrived. After the incident, and carefully filing the report, I Floo'd back to my office, where Severus waited for me." 

"Can you account for where he was the entire time you were gone from your office?" persisted Alex. 

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, I can. You see, in my office, I have installed several memory lens, which record everything a visitor in my office does." 

"Can they be in any shape or form duplicated?" asked Alex. 

"No, I don't believe so," said Dumbledore. "They can only be used once. Any attempt to duplicate the memory or falsify it would destroy it." 

"The defense would like to present Exhibition 1," said Alex. "If I may?"  

"Approach," said the Judge, and quickly verified it. "Is there some way we may see it?" 

Dumbledore sighed blissfully. "This was one of the pieces I did when I did my Transfigurations Mastery, actually. Since then, I have drastically improved it. My most recent of these improvements was to project the contents of this lens onto a greater surface." He said something in Gaelic (or what sounded like Gaelic, anyways), and the memory projected itself onto the blank white wall. "I can also adjust the speed of the clip - or we'll have to watch all five hours of this." 

The lens showed Snape sitting, napping, reading, and pacing. Not once until Dumbledore came back into the memory did Snape leave. 

"Thank you, Headmaster," said Alex. "Your Honour, I am finished with the witness." 

"Very well," said the Judge. "Now, Mr. Crouch, you may begin your cross-examination." 

"Thank you, your Honour," said Crouch, pacing. "Now, Mr. Dumbledore, are you sure that Mr. Snape over there wasn't really a Death Eater? That you, the great symbol of Light, was mistaken and deceived?"

"Objection!" exclaimed Alex. "Badgering the witness." 

"Sustained," said the Judge. "Mr. Crouch, please mind your words."

Crouch grunted. "I'll amend that. Mr. Dumbledore, how can you be certain that Mr. Snape wasn't spying on you instead?"

"Objection!" exclaimed Alex. "Leading the witness."

The Judge shook his head. "No, it's a valid question. Overruled."

Alex sat back down, and Dumbledore answered. "I mentioned earlier that I used Veritaserum. He answered my questions clearly and without pause. If you like, I can give you my memory of that night..."

"No, it's all right," said Crouch, clearly disgruntled. "No more questions."

He turned, and walked back to his table. The Judge asked the both of them, "Do you have any other witnesses?"

Alex shook his head. "Not at this time, your Honour." Crouch just nodded.

"Then we will begin with the examination of the accused," said the Judge. "You may begin first, Mr. Potter."

"Thank you," said Alex, and then abruptly turned back to the Judge. "May we administer Veritaserum? My client would like to prove his innocence without any qualms." 

"Excellent idea," said the Judge. "Mr. Crouch, could you supply us with Veritaserum?" 

Crouch's eyes gleamed, and he quickly called an Auror to him. Taking the vial, he handed it to the Judge, who passed it onto Alex. "Mr. Potter, would you like to take a look at this?" 

"Yes, please," said Alex, who inspected it. "Yes, this is a Ministry-standard potion." He handed the vial to the Auror, who brutally poured it down Snape's throat. "I'm done, guv'nor." 

"Thank you," said the Judge distastefully. "Mr. Potter, you may begin."  

Alex turned to Snape. "Please state your name and occupation." 

In a monotone voice, Snape began. "Severus Tobias Snape, Potions Master." Alex had to give him  credit; Snape showed all the signs of being under Veritaserum. Alex continued, "The prosecution has accused you of being a Death Eater. Is this true?" 

"No," said Snape. "I serve only the Light."

"Objection!" said Crouch. "This is irrelevant. If he bears the Dark Mark, then he is a Death Eater. Roll up his sleeve so we can convict him!" 

"You can't read a book by its cover," argued Alex. "It's a known fact that he was a spy!" 

"Overruled," said the Judge. "Mr. Crouch, you are allowed to cross-examine later. Please keep your comments to yourself." He turned to Alex. "Please continue." 

"While spying, what were you required to do?" asked Alex. 

"The Dark Lord required me to brew potions to heal the Death Eaters, as well as several other potions," said Snape, then muttered, "...and beauty potions for himself." 

The crowd laughed uproariously. The Judge could barely contain himself, and he too quirked a smile. In a few moments, they were stilled again. "So did you commit any acts of murder, vandalism, or terrorism?" 

"No," said Snape. "I persuaded the Dark Lord that were I to take part in their revelry, I would no longer be able to make potions for him." 

"No further questions, your Honour," said Alex, sitting down again. 

"Very well, Mr. Potter," said the Judge. "Mr. Crouch, you may begin your cross-examination." 

Crouch nodded. "Do you bear the Dark Mark?" 

"No," said Snape. 

Crouch reddened. "Are you sure? Aren't all followers required to bear a mark?" 

"Yes," said Snape. "But through a pure, wild magic ritual, the Dark Mark was cleansed off of me."

"Couldn't this ritual be used on any other Death Eater?" asked Crouch, seeing his chance. "Anyone could claim not to be a Death Eater if they used this ritual -"

"No," said Snape firmly. "This ritual entails only the intentions of the Marked's heart. If they in themselves have selfish intentions, and only to harm, they would be killed."

"Can anyone verify your claim?" asked Crouch.

"Yes," said Snape, but he didn't continue.

"What's their name?" persisted Crouch.

"Alexandre Potter," said Snape, and pointed to Alex. "Over there."

Foiled! Alex gulped. How would he explain it? "Then I call Alexandre Potter to the stand," said Crouch, smiling maliciously.

Alex walked slowly to the witness box, and sat down.

"Please state your name," said Crouch. "And occupation."

"Alexandre Matthieu Potter," said Alex solemnly. "Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts, Captain and Sub-Head in le Section de la Police de Magie de France, Potions and Transfigurations Master."

Crouch gulped. "Y-you're the one they sent over from France!"

Alex nodded. "Yes, I am."

Quickly regaining himself, Crouch continued, "And this ritual...what does it entail?"

"Like Mr. Snape said, this ritual only works on those who possess good intent," said Alex, shrugging. "And it's impossible for anyone else but me to make, as I am the creator of this particular potion. I've only ever made it for Mr. Snape, as my affinity for wild magic indicated to me, that for all intents and purposes, he is a good person."

"Define ‘good'," said Crouch.

"Hmm..." said Alex. "Well, can I give you an example?" At Crouch's nod, he continued. "For you, you have a semi-grey aura. I think it's because although your actions are good, your intent is not. You seem a bit misguided..." When Alex looked at Crouch, and saw that he was rapidly turning purple, Alex quickly continued before Crouch could explode. "Snape is different. Though he has done several regretful things, his intent is pure and honest." 

"Very well," said Crouch. "But what makes you think you're the only one who can brew it? Could someone else not have stolen the formula and done it?"

"Well, for one," said Alex. "My notes are all in French. Granted, someone who could read French would be able to do it, but the other requirement would render the task impossible and incomplete, as I am possibly the only person on this planet currently who has an affinity for wild magic." 

"And you would say the same thing under Veritaserum?" asked Crouch, a bit skeptical. 

"Yes," said Alex firmly. "And if you still don't believe me, you could always ask Albus Dumbledore over there. I defeated the curse over the Defense position at Hogwarts." Among other things. 

"Thank you," said Crouch, a bit disgruntled. 

"You may step down, Mr. Potter," said the Judge. 

Crouch began his cross-examination of Snape again (the Wizarding World seemed a bit chaotic to Alex...but that was just his opinion. It seemed as if there were no set rules and regulations in the courtroom). "Mr. Snape, you said that you had imbibed this potion, but we have not seen if your Dark Mark has truly disappeared. Do you mind showing us?" 

Snape shook his head, and a nearby Auror rolled up both sleeves. Of course, they were bare. Gasps broke out in the courtroom (really, were they that surprised?), and the Judge had to call for order again. 

"Mr. Crouch, do you have any more questions?" asked the Judge. At Crouch's shake of his head, the Judge announced, "We will be taking a ten minute recess, after which the Wizengamot and I will be announcing the verdict." 

********

Daily Prophet

December 14th, 1981

 

Severus Snape Innocent, Made War Hero!

by David Sanderson

                Severus Snape, the youngest Potions Master in a century, was arrested and accused of being a Death Eater two days ago. The Ministry so far has been quite on-the-target in catching these terrorists; however, it seems this streak has been broken today.

                In Mr. Snape's trial, it was revealed that he was a spy within the Death Eater ranks, and only through his work that the Ministry was able to suppress several attacks, including the attempted mass attack on Dover two years ago.

                Mr. Snape was rewarded the Order of Merlin, Second Class, and has been rewarded monetarily by the Ministry.

                As happy as the ending is, it is quite likely that without the help of his solicitor, this would not have come to light. Bartemius Crouch Sr., with his usual hard fist of justice, tried to convict this innocent man, with no thought to what Mr. Snape did in order to ensure victory on the Ministry's part. In this trial, the writer feels that Mr. Crouch has been shown to be entirely too zealous, going so far as to try to convict an innocent man, and that he may not be entirely suitable in his current role as the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. (also see Bartemius Crouch Jr., D3)

                Speaking of Mr. Snape's solicitor, Alexandre Potter is the cousin of the late James Potter, who gave his life to protect his son, the Boy-Who-Lived. This man is indeed incredible, as well as a solicitor, he is also a sub-head in the French DMLE, the newest professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts, and Potions and Transfigurations Master. He is also rumoured to be taking the test for the Defense Mastery soon. Mr. Potter is also a single man with a young son, who is almost two, according to a source in Hogwarts. The Wizarding World may indeed have much to thank this young man, who concluded the trial with this, "Those who look guilty may not always be so. We must take care never to judge a book by its cover...today's trial was a result of one individual who refused to submit to the pressure of his peers...In order for the Wizarding World to succeed, we must be ready for change. We must eliminate our biases and approach our new chance at re-starting our lives with this: be wary of old biases, and be open-minded. Without such outlook, we may again be faced with sending innocents to prison, or Merlin forbid, another Dark Lord on the rise..." Mr. Potter also went on to say that perhaps a reconstruction of the Ministry may be necessary.

Mr. Snape, Mr. Crouch, and Mr. Dumbledore were unavailable for comment.

                Tomorrow, Mr. Lucius Malfoy will be tried as a Death Eater. The trial will not be opened to public, but this writer will endeavour to report upon it as soon as possible. If there are any questions, please owl the writer at the Daily Prophet. Howlers will be disposed of.

********

Albus Dumbledore was frustrated. No, perhaps that wasn't the best word. He was irritated, angry, confused...the list went on and on and on. What was Alexandre Potter doing? If Voldemort was coming back - which Alex Potter had agreed with - then he would need Severus as his spy in within the Death Eater ranks! Now with even his Dark Mark gone, there was no possible way for him to do so.

And to add insult to injury, it seemed as if Alex Potter knew everything. Even things he had taken a great deal of time to have concealed. It was quite unnerving. Was he really getting feeble in his old age? He shook his head, and at that moment, his phoenix, Fawkes, hopped down from his perch onto his desk.  

And whacked him.

"Dear Merlin!" cried out Dumbledore, clutching his head. "What in Merlin's name has gotten into you, Fawkes?"

Fawkes looked at him disdainfully, as if to say, you know full well what is wrong, and it's not me.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "I don't suppose you're telling me to trust Mr. Potter?"

The phoenix didn't answer, but looked at the old man condescendingly. Dumbledore shook his head, lost in thought. "And you believe this?"

Fawkes trilled, and flew out the window. Seeing the magnificent bird enjoying himself, Dumbledore quietly spoke out loud to himself, "Perhaps it's time to let go of old habits, isn't that right, old friend?" He paused and shifted in his seat, before deciding to seek out the enigmatic Mr. Potter. Exiting his office, he paused to greet several people, before bumping into Severus Snape. "Why, hello there, my boy," said Dumbledore cheerily. "I trust you are settling in well?"

Snape gave a non-committal nod. "Yes, Headmaster. The lodgings are...appropriate."

"That's good, Severus," said Dumbledore. "Do you by any chance know where Mr. Potter is?" 

Snape looked at him, before answering, "I believe he's outside flying with his son." 

"Thank you, Severus," replied Dumbledore. "I'll be seeing you around, then." 

"Very well," nodded Severus, and he walked away, leaving Dumbledore continue on his little journey. Soon, he had reached the Quidditch Pitch, where he could see Alexandre Potter holding on tightly to his son, with only one hand on the broom. Thankfully for Dumbledore's heart, they weren't flying very high, which was just as well. "Alex!" 

The two figures on the broomstick waved back at him, and headed towards his direction, landing just inches away. "Yes, Headmaster?" 

"I just wanted to congratulate you on your excellent job in the courtroom," said Dumbledore. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone defend so eloquently. Are you and Severus acquainted?" 

"Relatively," shrugged Alex as he hoisted little Matt on to his shoulder. "Professor Slughorn introduced us. Besides, I wanted justice done." 

"Ah, I see," nodded Dumbledore. "And he didn't object to you?" 

"No," said Alex, frowning. "Should he?" 

"Ah, well, Severus and your cousin...weren't on the best of terms," said Dumbledore delicately. "I'm afraid Severus rather hates your surname, actually." 

"Oh," said Alex. "I didn't know that. Maybe I should ask him, then." 

Dumbledore waved the suggestion aside. "It's of no consequence, my boy." 

"All right, then," said Alex, but fuming inside. Really? Bullying was of "no consequence"? Or maybe he was trying to hide things again..."So, Headmaster, I heard Malfoy's going on trial tomorrow. Are you going?" 

"Of course," said Dumbledore. "It is my duty as Chief Mugwump. The true question is: are you going?" 

"I don't know," said Alex, shrugging. "I might, I might not. But I hope Malfoy gets convicted. He's too dangerous to be left on the streets." 

"I agree," said Dumbledore. "Perhaps I could ask the DMLE to hire you for the day?" 

"Well," said Alex, biting his lip. "My Defense Mastery exam is Tuesday afternoon and all of Wednesday. Malfoy, being as influential as he is, will probably have a long trial...so I'll be unable to." 

Dumbledore looked troubled. "I see...well, I suppose it can't hurt to try, can it?" 

Alex shrugged. "You're welcome to try to change it, but it was almost impossible to book a time this week."

"Very well," said Dumbledore. "Shall I see you at dinner, then?"

"Umm..." said Alex. "I was planning on going to The Three Broomsticks tonight with Severus and Kevin." 

"Enjoy yourself, then," said the old man. "If you ever want to talk, my office is open."

Dumbledore left the pitch even more confused than he had before. If the man was so concerned about justice, why wouldn't he accept the position of prosecutor? 

********

Dumbledore had seemed abnormally surprised when  Alex showed up at the funeral. Really, why wouldn't he be there? After all, he was a Potter. McGonagall moved over and greeted him. "Thank you for coming, Alexandre."

Alex nodded. "I-I thought it would be best if I did," he said softly. "Did you know them well?" 

McGonagall dabbed her handkerchief to wipe away her tears. "I was their Head of House for eleven years, and we worked together after they graduated. Lily and James were both like my children..." 

"My condolences," said Alex, deeply uncomfortable. Even in this life he didn't know his own family well at all. "I-I wish...I had known them." 

"You would've loved them," said McGonagall, tears welling up again.

"Yeah," said Alex. "I think so too." 

Alex stood respectfully near the front, watching as people after people made their speeches about his parents. Some, he knew, like Remus and Kingsley, others were new, like Mary MacDonald. But each speech brought something precious to Alex: with each word, he was brought closer to knowing the parents he had now forever lost. At the beginning of the funeral, everyone had been in tears, but as stories of the Marauders were brought out, there were tears - not from sorrow, but overflowing from laughter. 

McGonagall inched her way back to him. "I suppose this is the way they would've have wanted to be remembered," she said fondly. "James had always been such a prankster." 

A low baritone voice behind him agreed. "Lily would have enjoyed this."  

"Severus," greeted Alex. "I didn't know..." 

"Yes, well," said Severus, but he didn't continue.

After several long minutes, Albus Dumbledore concluded the funeral reminding the people left behind of their heroic actions, and cautioned them to live up to the legacies of the Potters. When he finished, the coffins were lowered into the ground, and around the plots rose up little flames. When Alex left, they were still burning, a bright contrast to the black and dismal night. 

********

That night, Alex was preparing for bed when a little tap came from the window. He frowned. Who would be owling him this late at night? Taking the letter gently from the owl, he quickly fed him and then opened the letter. 

Dear Mr. Potter,

                I would like to congratulate you on your success today. Seeing your excellent record, as well as a recommendation from Albus Dumbledore himself, we at the DMLE would like to extend a temporary position as primary prosecutor against all Death Eaters, including Lucius Malfoy. We are aware of your previous appointment, and have already arranged another date for your exam. If you are willing, please meet me at my office in the DMLE tonight, before eleven. Burn this note after you read it.

Sincerely yours,

       Bartemius Crouch

Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement

What in the world? What was Dumbledore up to? He thought he had made it abundantly clear that he hadn't wanted to show up visibly at the trial. He sat down, and looked over the note. Well, there were two hours before eleven. 

He had already started his war on Malfoy; why not just finish it? With luck, he could get Malfoy the Dementor's Kiss...what a thought. Slowly, he began to weigh the pros and the cons. With Malfoy out of the way, Voldemort's key funding was cut off. Without Malfoy, the younger Malfoy would perhaps never be tempted to turn "astray", especially if there was a positive influence in his life. Fudge would never become Minister. The world seemed brighter without him. But still...getting rid of Malfoy would be opening a power vacuum. That would mean someone he could trust needed to step into it, but there was no one at the moment, except for Alex himself. And Dumbledore, but Alex knew he didn't want it. And he knew that the only other choice was to install a puppet he could control...but that made him no better than Malfoy. Was Malfoy a necessary evil? 

Lost in thought, moments ticked by. By ten-thirty, he was no closer to a decision than he had been at nine. He trudged to Merlin's room, and quickly told the man he would be out for a while. He immediately set out to the Ministry. He could decide later; if necessary, he could throw the trial, or make concessions. For now, though, he needed to talk to the Head of the DMLE.  

He rapidly made his way to the Floo, and called out his destination. In a few moments' time, he was out of Hogwarts, and in front of the Ministry of Magic. The streets behind him were still and quiet, with only an occasional yell from a drunken brawler. The lights in the street flickered once, and then one by one, they all turned off. 

Alex's senses heightened. Off to the side he could hear water dripping, one drop at a time, onto the street. He heard a faint echo of music from one of the houses on top of the businesses, and he paused. There. A little shuffle off to his left... 

Alex moved, dodging the punch thrown. "How may I help you, friend?" 

A guttural laugh, and the man threw spells at him. Unforgivables, Dark spells...but no one came out of the Ministry. Thoughts spun rapidly in Alex's mind, weighing in all the possibilities, all the while dodging the curses thrown at him. "Do you do nothing but run?" 

Alex laughed disarmingly. "I don't like hurting people." 

"You've killed my son, my wife. You've destroyed my career. What more do I have?" the man moaned, deranged as he sounded. "And you embarrassed me. A Frenchie!" The man paused from attacking. "But it matters not. You will die tonight...and no one will ever know." 

"Mon Dieu!" Alex mock-exclaimed. "You're Crouch Senior!" 

"Give one point to the boy," sneered Crouch. "Now come. I would like to finish this before the next shift begins." 

"Why should I?" asked Alex, and tried to disapparate. 

"My dear boy," drawled Crouch. "Surely I am more intelligent than that. Anti-Apparation Wards come to mind? Portkeys, Dark Magic detectors...they're all down." 

"Well, then," said Alex, a feral grin lighting his face. "Let the games begin." 

Crouch threw a barrage of spells at him, and Alex rolled, dodging them in time. "That all you can do, Crouch? Use the same curses you've denounced? Show you're a big man?"  

Crouch snarled. "I was an Auror for nigh on thirty years." 

"What'd you do the last twenty?" taunted Alex. "Sit at a desk, gaining a potbelly?" Then, the Crouch's first words hit him. "What d'ya mean, your son?" 

"There's only one Frenchman on English soil," said Crouch. "It wasn't hard to connect the dots, Matthieu Rousseau." 

Alex shrugged. "You're not the only one who's figured out. By the way, your wife isn't dead, is she?" 

Crouch fingered his wand. "Dead men don't talk, do they?" He smiled. "She was dying...she wanted little Barty out so badly, so we Polyjuiced her. She's dead, now. Barty ‘took sick quickly and died', is the official line. As for my son, he's comatose and he won't ever be a functional member of society ever again. They're dead, and it's ALL YOUR BLEEDING FAULT!" 

With a roar, he launched himself at Alex. Alex dodged, throwing up his arms to block the punch, and then quickly retaliated with a kick. For a sixty year old man, Crouch was still incredibly spry and quick. He dodged, and threw a roundhouse punch. Alex saw his chance, ducked, and rammed the man's stomach with his own punch. Without giving the man time to breathe, Alex wandlessly and soundlessly bound the man, and trudged into the Ministry. 

"Sir?" a woman scurried to the front. "I-Is t-that M-Mister C-Crouch?" 

"He attacked me," said Alex grimly. "I would like to have charges brought against him...and have him arrested." 

"B-But you can't do that!" exclaimed the woman. "H-He's the H-Hea -" 

"He admitted to aiding a criminal's escape, and contributing to his wife's death," said Alex, frowning. "So I suggest you get Rufus Scrimgeour or whoever it is down here and finish the job. I'm not leaving until I file every single copy of my memory of tonight into the evidence vault." He looked at her intently. "So, are you going to call them, or shall I?" 

"Y-yes, s-sir, r-right a-away, sir," said the woman, and scurried behind her booth. Within seconds, Aurors had rushed out, with their wands trained on Alex. 

"Put your wand down, and let go of our boss!" It was Blair again. 

"Blair!" greeted Alex. "And we meet again!" 

"Who are you?" asked the Auror suspiciously. "And put down your wand!" 

"Matthieu Rousseau, also known as Alexandre Potter? Ring a bell?" asked Alex. "And no, my wand is fine where it is." 

"Wait..." Blair indicated to the other Aurors to hold off. "What're you doing with Crouch then?" 

"He asked me to rendezvous with him, and I had just arrived outside the building when he attacked me," said Alex. "I want to file charges against him, and I'm going to give you copies of my memories tonight, whether you want them or not." 

Blair indicated to a younger Auror to take Crouch, and he dismissed all the other Aurors, except for young Conrad. "Why were you meeting with him tonight?" 

Alex reached into his pocket and took out the note from Crouch. "Here," said Alex. "He wanted me to meet him to see if I could be prosecutor for tomorrow's case." 

The Auror took it, and told Conrad to file it away in the evidence folder. Soon, Alex had also given all his memories of that night, and was dismissed. On his way out though, he bumped into a very familiar person, someone too familiar for comfort. It was Kingsley Shacklebolt. 

"Mr. Potter, may I have a word?" asked Shacklebolt politely, but his tone brooked no argument. Internally sighing, Alex stepped aside. 

"Yes? How may I help you?" asked Alex, crossing his arms in a defensive gesture. He had always felt like a child around this man, despite the fact that they were less than ten years apart now. 

Shacklebolt smiled. "Yes, well, with all your evidence, Mr. Crouch has a long stay waiting for him in Azkaban. However...we are now missing a prosecutor, and we would like to convey to you that Mr. Crouch's offer still stands. Amelia Bones - our new Head - and Rufus Scrimgeour, the Head Auror, have agreed, seeing as they witnessed your spectacular performance today. As in the terms, Crouch has moved your examination date to Thursday and Friday already...so I would accept, if I were you." If only to take Death Eaters off the street. 

Alex nodded. "All right...Could I see the evidence you have against Malfoy?" 

"We only have Karkaroff's testimony," said Shacklebolt. 

"Then you have no hope of convicting him," said Alex, his eyes narrowing. "Raid Malfoy Manor tonight. Check the drawing room...according to sources I gathered, there's a secret chamber underneath the drawing room filled with Dark Artefacts. I want all Malfoys' lawyers' accounts checked...they may be bribing people in the Wizengamot." 

"How do you know all of this?" asked Shacklebolt, amazed. 

"I was in charge of gathering information on Death Eaters and Voldemort back in France," said Alex dismissively. "Fenrir Greyback is still being kept in one of our prisons."

"That's where he disappeared off to..." said Shacklebolt. "I'll finish everything tonight - err, today - before the trial. I'll meet you here at seven, all right?"

"Crystal," said Alex, then saw Shacklebolt's puzzled look. "Sorry, it's a Muggle thing. Means...I understand perfectly." 

"Ah," said Shacklebolt. "Goodnight, then." 

"Good luck," said Alex. "And check Malfoy for accounts in France. His family's originally from there." 

"We've got it," said Shacklebolt. "Goodbye." 

"Bye," said Alex, and he walked out of the Ministry, eager to catch several hours of rest before the fate of the world twisted upside down - again.

********

Alex woke up bright and early, throwing on his best robes, and ran out the door. Then he ran back in, quickly writing a note to Merlin, and he rushed back out again. Destination? The Department of Magical Law Enforcement. 

"'Morning!" said a cheery Shacklebolt, who was sipping delicately on his coffee. "You were right, by the way." 

"About what?" asked Alex, startled. 

"About everything," said Shacklebolt. "We've even owled all the people who have taken Malfoy's money. If they have any common sense, they'll be staying home today." He paused, and took another sip. "Mrs. Malfoy was also very helpful. Though I've heard she'll be Ms. Black again, from the way the rumours are going around..." 

Alex nodded. "What did you do about the bank account?" 

"We're going to freeze it just after the trial," said Kingsley, his white teeth flashing in direct contrast to his ebony skin. "As to not tip off his lawyers."

"Good," said Alex. "What time does this thing start?" 

"In about forty-five minutes," said Shacklebolt. It was about 7:45 at the moment; Alex still needed to file things appropriately and work out his arguments.

7:55. Alex had gone through all the evidence. 

8:10. He filed them away, labeling them in his file and in his mind. 

8:20. Alex walked down with Shacklebolt and Amelia Bones to Courtroom Ten. Settling down at the table prepared for him, he carefully laid out everything in the appropriate order. Following that, he presented his credentials to the same Judge as the day before, who looked back at him with a twinkle in his eye. As he headed back, he caught the eyes of Malfoy's lawyers, and nodded. They smirked back at him - in that hateful, arrogant way. Pride comes before a fall...or so the saying goes. Alex was going to prove that today. Behind him, he could hear the chatter of the Wizengamot. He smiled. 

8:30. It was time to begin: to chaos, to justice, to order. 

"Order! Order!" The Judge's gavel landed once, then twice. As the Wizengamot calmed, the Judge called out, "Bring forth the defendant."  

Lucius Malfoy looked unruffled, but with a sense of self-indignation. He was dressed in his normal clothes, but shackled, nonetheless. Good, Shacklebolt had pulled through then. It was time the arrogant sod learned his real position in life. The crowd began murmuring began, when they saw Malfoy chained to the chair. 

"Your Honour!" cried out the defense. "I must object to this indignation my -" 

The Judge looked at them sternly. "All are tried equally under the law. To give your client less would indicate favouritism, or perhaps even corruption. Is that what you are trying to imply?" 

"N-No, Your Honour," came the reply, not as haughtily as they had been before. 

"Very well," said the Judge. "Mr. Beck and Mr. Grey, please refrain from such comments." He paused. "Now, Mr. Potter, what are the charges brought against the defendant?" 

"Treason, participation in the terrorist group: the Death Eaters (whereby being he is a follower of the fallen Dark Lord, Voldemort), genocide, extortion, bribery, and first-degree murder of the previous Minister of Magic, your Hon -" 

"Your Honour, might I add on to that?" came a smooth voice behind him. Alex turned around, frowning. Who was this woman? 

"Is there any relevance to this case?" asked the Judge. 

"Yes," said the woman. "If I may talk to Mr. Potter?" 

"Very well," said the Judge. 

The woman proffered her hand, and Alex took it. "Diane March, it's nice to meet you." 

"Alexandre Potter," returned Alex. "But you can call me Alex. How may I help you?" 

"Diane, please. I'm Mrs. Malfoy's solicitor," said March. "I've been trying to press charges against that rat of her husband for years now for domestic abuse. This is the first opportunity we've had..." 

"Why didn't you come see me earlier this morning?" asked Alex.

"The Floo network jammed up," said March apologetically. "I'm sorry..." 

"It's all right," said Alex. "What did you have in mind?"

"Well, I have this," said March, taking out a rather large file. "I've documented every time that bastard hit her. He's caused her to miscarry twice now." 

Alex began flipping through the file, and gasped. "He...he did this to her?" 

March nodded grimly. "Yes. Will you help us?" 

Alex nodded affirmatively. "Stay here, on the bench. We'll need you. Can she testify?" 

"If she's given protective custody," said March. "But at this rate, she'll do anything."

"Deal," said Alex, then he walked up to the Judge, and indicated he was ready to begin. "Your Honour, the prosecution would like to amend the charges." 

"Yes?" asked the Judge. 

"The charges are as follows: treason, participation in the terrorist group: the Death Eaters and follower of the deceased Lord Voldemort, genocide, first-degree murder of the previous Minister of Magic, extortion, bribery, and domestic violence and abuse," said Alex calmly. Across the floor, he could see the defense whispering. They seemed to be losing their edge. Malfoy, on the other hand, was beginning to turn red. 

"And how does the defendant plead?" asked the Judge. "For treason?" 

"Not guilty," said Malfoy. "By reason of the Imperious Curse." 

"For participation in the terrorist group?" 

"Not guilty, by reason of Imperious." 

"For genocide?" 

"Not guilty, by reason of Imperious." 

"For the first degree murder of the previous Minister of Magic, Howard Randall?"

"Not guilty, by reason of Imperious." 

"Extortion and bribery?" 

"Not guilty, by reason of Imperious." 

"For domestic violence and abuse?" 

There was a whispered conference between the defense and their client before Malfoy finally answered, "Not guilty, by reason of self-defense." 

March gasped. "That bastard!" 

Luckily, only Alex heard it. "We'll win, don't worry." 

"You better," said March. "I'm doing this pro bono." 

"Oh, really?" asked Alex. "Mrs. Malfoy couldn't pay you?" 

"Her husband controls all her funds," said March. "But her cousin and I were close when we were at school, so he asked me to help out." 

"Oh," said Alex. 

The Judge cleared his throat. "Prosecution, you may begin." 

Alex nodded, and began. "Lucius Malfoy joined the Death Eaters in December of 1971. Since then, he has been a central figure in Voldemort's Inner Circle. Many of the various ravages of Muggles and Muggleborns have been instigated and planned by this man. He was able to infiltrate the Ministry of Magic in 1975, upon his father's recommendation, and was immediately given the title of Junior Undersecretary to the late Minister, Howard Randall. He continued to provide information, up until this very year. According to Rabastan Lestrange, who testified under Veritaserum, Mr. Malfoy was responsible for ordering the attack on Longbottom Manor, after Voldemort's death. Igor Karkaroff has done the same, as has Severus Snape. 

"As to the first-degree murder of Howard Randall, Bellatrix Lestrange - also under Veritaserum - has verified that Mr. Malfoy both planned and personally killed the late Minister. As well, he was responsible for many of those who joined the Death Eaters, through means of extortion." Alex nodded to March, who continued. "For the domestic violence and abuse claims, I have several documents to prove such claims." She walked up to the Judge, and handed him the file of the various injuries Narcissa Malfoy had suffered. 

"Thank you, Ms. March," said the Judge, who seemed to already know the woman. "Now, Mr. Potter, have you any evidence?" 

"Yes, your Honour," said Alex. "Exhibit 1 through 5 are available. Exhibit 1 details all his acts with the Death Eaters within the period of 1971 to October 31, 1981. Exhibit 2 is Malfoy's actions after October 31, 1981, Exhibit 3 details all Mr. Malfoy's actions of extortions and blackmail, Exhibit 4, his actions of bribery and his bank accounts, as well as those who received money -" Here, many people gasped, having taken money at one time or another. Alex continued, unfazed. "And Exhibit 5 is the one you just saw." 

"Very well, Mr. Potter," said the Judge. "Defense?" 

"As my client has stated earlier, these actions were committed under duress of the Imperious Curse casted by Abraxas Malfoy, and then He-Who-Must-Not-Be Named," said Beck (or maybe it was Grey). "As for the other charges...the Black temper is infamous." He shrugged. "Several times my client was obliged to defend himself from her attacks." 

"Thank you," said the Judge. "Now, Prosecution, you may call forth your first witness." 

"Yes, your Honour," said Alex. "The Prosecution would like to call upon Severus Snape as their first witness." 

Snape stepped into the witness box, looking a bit ill at ease. Alex addressed him, "Please state your name and occupation for the record." 

"Severus Tobias Snape, Potions Master, and Potions Professor at Hogwarts School of Magic," said Snape. 

"Thank you, Mr. Snape," said Alex. "Now, can you tell me how you know the defendant?" 

Snape closed his eyes. "We were first acquainted in my first year, he was in his seventh...and a prefect, at that. He and I became...friends, I suppose, in some manner. He was the one who encouraged my gradual foray into the Dark Arts, and eventually was responsible for my introduction to the Dark Lord. After initiation, I began to ascend in the order of the Death Eaters, and as I did so, Lucius became more open-mouthed, and began confiding to me. I have already provided my memory of several key events, including the assassination of the late Minister, and the massacre at Dover." 

Alex stepped forward. "I would like to present Pensieved memory #32 for the Wizengamot." 

"You may proceed," said the Judge. 

Alex, using the same projecting spell Dumbledore had used, was able to show the entire memory. Many people, after seeing it, began to throw up, having witnessed the callous murders and torture of both Muggles and Muggleborns. Few in the room were unaffected. When it was over, Alex began questioning again. "Mr. Snape, what can you tell me about the occurrence at Longbottom Manor on October 31, 1981?" 

Snape clenched his hands on the chair's arms supports tightly. "We were uninformed of the Dark Lord's demise. Bellatrix Lestrange, having heard from Voldemort that Neville Longbottom was a threat to her master, decided to eliminate the boy. Lucius agreed, and devised an entry plan. They tried to persuade me into joining them, but I claimed to have a volatile potion brewing, and as such, could not join them in their fun." He spat out the last word like it was a foul taste in his mouth. "His son, Draco, had become ill, and he was unwilling to leave his heir alone." 

"Thank you," said Alex. "Did you know of his activities within the Ministry?" 

"He boasted of his deeds often," said Snape. "I believe he has the current Senior Undersecretary under the Imperius Curse. He was also responsible for the rise of Millicent Bagnold, having funded most of her platform. In addition...several families have been forced to align with Voldemort, including the Goyle family and the Nott family. Their youngest children are still being kept at Malfoy Manor, I believe." 

Alex looked enquiringly at Shacklebolt, who gave him a thumbs up. So they had already been rescued then. "They have been found already, Mr. Snape, but thank you for your forthrightness. The bank accounts of all those in question, as previously stated, can be found in Exhibit 3. Documents 2 and 3 indicate the conditions of the children of the Nott and Crabbe family, and there are others as well. No further questions, your Honour." 

Alex could practically see the defense quaking in their boots. The Judge looked the two men, and said, "You may cross-examine now, gentlemen." 

"Yes, your Honour," said Grey (or maybe it was Beck...). "Mr. Snape, you are a Death Eater, are you not?" 

"Objection!" cried out Alex. "Mr. Snape has already been cleared of all charges and has been rewarded for his service as a spy." 

"Sustained," said the Judge. "Please be more careful, Mr. Beck." 

"Yes, your Honour," said Beck. "Mr. Snape, earlier you said that you had met my client in your first year. What was he like?" 

"He was eager to use people for his own benefit," said Snape, his lips curling upwards. "Cruel, malicious...but friendly to those he felt could benefit the cause." 

The defense was clearly expecting something else. "The cause? Please elaborate." 

"Voldemort," sneered Snape. "Or should I spell it for you?" Alex could almost hear him say, dunderheads. 

"Uh..." said Grey. "No, it's quite all right." 

Beck took over. "Do you have firsthand knowledge of all that you previously spoke of?" 

Snape sneered again. "Yes, or have you not taken a look at the memories?" 

The two men gulped. "No further questions for this witness, your Honour." 

"Very well," said the Judge. "Now, Prosecution, you may call your next witness." 

"I call upon Healer Gregory Laurie of St. Mungo's," said March. Alex gave a small smile of encouragement, and March smiled - nervously - back. "Please state your name and occupation for the record." 

"Gregory Laurie, Healer at St. Mungo's, Physical Trauma Unit," said the man, who limped a bit. 

"Now, Healer Laurie, when was the first time you met Mrs. Malfoy?" asked March. 

"She was first brought in after taking several hits by her cousin, Regulus Black in mid-1974," said Laurie. "She continued to come in at irregular intervals, as much as maybe twice a week, or none at all in a month." 

"For the record, let it be known that Lucius Malfoy wedded Narcissa Black on July 5th, 1973," said March, and when the Judge had finished acknowledging her, she continued. "Can you describe the nature of these wounds?" 

"Some were nerve damaging from the Cruciatus Curse, others were direct blows to her body. She has suffered 18 broken ribs (some have been broken over and over again), broken arms, broken ankles, broken fingers, a cracked skull, bruising on her face, and has also suffered two miscarriages due to blows to the stomach," said Laurie. March turned to the Wizengamot, and Alex helped project some of the pictures of the injuries Narcissa had suffered. "Could these injuries have been caused by self-defense on the defendant's part?" 

"No, most certainly not," said Laurie. "This was done in a calculated rage. All the broken limbs would have been easily mended at home with a simple Episkey. With her fingers, they had been repeatedly broken, healed, and broken again. I have already placed her records on file, and I have informed the DMLE of these occurrences." 

March pulled the records out of Exhibit 4. "How many times has she been to see you at St. Mungo's this year?" 

Laurie looked her square in the face. "Five hundred and sixteen times." 

"Thank you, Healer Laurie," said March. "No further questions, your Honour." 

The prosecution stepped forward. "Could these injuries have been caused accidentally?" 

"No," replied Laurie. "As I said earlier, there is no possible way they were done accidentally. Before she came to me, she had had already been beaten by her husband several times, and medical scans cannot lie." 

"And what are your credentials, Healer?" sneered Grey. 

Alex could see March wanting to object, but he restrained her, laying his hand on hers. 

"I have been in the field for nigh on fifty years," said Laurie. "I am currently the Senior Healer of the Physical Trauma Unit at St. Mungo's, and will be moving up to the Board of Directors the next year." 

"Uhh...no further questions, your Honour," said the two men. 

The Judge indicated to Alex to call his witnesses, and time after time, their stories added up with each other, and they made a thoroughly strong case against Malfoy. When it came time for Narcissa's testimony, there was nary a woman in the courtroom had a dry eye, and many of them were glaring viciously at Malfoy. The men were similarly discomfited, and many seemed about ready to jump onto the floor to kill the man. 

Then came the moment of truth: Lucius Malfoy's own testimony. 

Alex immediately jumped up, and requested that Veritaserum be administered. Of course, the defense objected, and asked the Wizengamot to crush Alex's move. To their surprise, Alex was allowed to administer Malfoy his own batch of Veritaserum. Malfoy's eyes grew wide with terror, no longer able to keep his face cool and collect. Needless to say, Alex destroyed him, and the Wizengamot, in an unprecedented move, voted unanimously for the Kiss to be administered, and granted the divorce to Narcissa Malfoy, as well as the rights to the Malfoy estate.

********

"Thank you, Alex," said March. "Without your help, we couldn't have done it." 

"Don't say stupid things," said Alex, smiling. "Diane, you were amazing yourself. I'm sure you have a fantastic career ahead of you. This is just another step along the way, isn't it?" 

"Yeah, I guess," said March. "Say, let's go out and celebrate our victory tonight! The Leaky Cauldron sound good?" 

"Sure," said Alex, smiling. So she wasn't a fancy kind of girl, was she. "But I have to be back before eight. My son's waiting for me." 

"Oh...your son?" asked March. 

"My wife died earlier," said Alex. "I've been taking care of him alone...he's with a friend right now back at Hogwarts." 

"I'm so sorry," said March, horrified. "Maybe we should go to Hogsmeade instead? It would be quicker." 

"Don't worry about it," said Alex, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. "But The Three Broomsticks is pretty good." 

"That sounds good," agreed March. "I haven't been there in ages." 

Arriving, Rosmerta called out a greeting. "Alex Potter!" 

"Hey, Madam Rosmerta!" said Alex. "This is Diane March. She worked with me in court today." 

"I heard you won!" said Rosmerta. "Congratulations!" 

"Thanks," said March and Alex at the same time, blushing. They seated themselves at the back, Alex remembering to act like a gentleman. They quickly ordered meals, and they talked. Turned out March was the same age as him, and had been a Ravenclaw at Hogwarts. "You sure don't look like a Ravenclaw," said Alex when he heard. "More like a Gryffindor to me." 

"Nope," said March, grinning. "A ‘Claw I am, and a ‘Claw I forever shall be." 

"I see," said Alex, who picked up his Butterbeer. "Well then, to victory and friendship?" 

March seemed to falter a bit, but then she smiled. "To victory and friendship!"

They sat there for the rest of the night, unknowing of the events they had just set into motion. In the Forbidden Forest, centaurs, unicorns, and other creatures stood still, and looked up. A centaur observed, "Mars is bright tonight." And in the heights of the Divination Tower, Sybil Trelawney, with no observer but Dumbledore's lens, spoke a new Prophecy, one that would forever alter destiny.