The Return | By : RDWind Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 4361 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. |
Chapter 2 -- Return to the Ministry July 2008
The construction had already begun on the first series of buildings before the meeting to the Wizarding world. The Centaurs had agreed to oversee the construction of the entire project. Their mathematical abilities and strength of character made their buildings stand the test of time. Three of the four Estates had been constructed or supervised by Centaurs, and still stood after 1,000 years.
Giants also came to help with the support structure. Arthur and Mad-Eye Moody had used a small imperious type charm to help understanding and cooperation from those giants that had agreed to help. The charm simply made them cooperate as agreed.
Draco, Luna, and Madison spent time at St. Mungo's with the healers that were specialists in human children with the hope it would give them a head start on the intense lessons of the coming year to be spent in New York City. Both Draco and Madison had both received word that they had been admitted as graduate students in the Advanced Pediatric Specialty classes. Both a bit apprehensive about leaving for another two years questioned whether they would be able to keep up, as they were both just nineteen. Remus, Rowan, Lucius, and Narcissa did not share their concerns.
With construction beginning, the nightmares began as well for two of the adults. Lucius and Narcissa's trial would begin for their crimes as death eaters. They accepted the necessity of this; however, as usual Rowan had an idea. She had been summoned to speak to the Gamut regarding the progress and construction two days before their scheduled trial. After laying out her thoughts to the others, it was decided that she would take that time to implement her plan.
After a morning tryst with Remus, they took a long time showering and caressing one another before Remus appareated her to the ministry. He asked if he could stay, but with a quick chaste kiss, asked him to leave her there and return after the meeting to get her. Her magic had still not returned to full power after the final battle and she used it as sparingly as possible. Remus assured her of his returne and left her there.
Arriving at the ministry early that morning, gave Rowan about six hours before she would have to meet with the Gamut. She walked directly to Percy Weasley's office. Upon entry, she requested that he keep her confidences with the information she wanted to share with him. He agreed and placed a silencing charm on his office. As she requested, he produced parchment, quill and ink and set it on the desk before her.
She looked to him, "Ready to learn something new? As always, he loved knowledge and would be ready for anything she could teach him. She held her hand above the quill. Looking at him, she noted his intent stare at her exact movements. Use your wand, point at the quill and say "Ennerwrite! He did as he was told and with a flash of light from his wand, the quill stood on end and waited for someone to begin speaking. She smiled when she saw the amazed look on Percy's face. "Wait a second, there's more. "˜Begin' And the quill poised as if held by an invisible hand. It began writing only the words spoken as Rowan dictated a letter to the Gamut.
I, Rowan Cowan Black, having been recognized as a fully accomplished witch, and mother of the 49th line of the Cowan family, and two Registered Sorcerer and Sorceress do hereby bring formal charges against one Delores Umbridge, for crimes committed against Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Lee Jordan, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, and other students too extensive to name at this meeting.
Witch Umbridge willingly set a Dementor attack against Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley, prior to Sorcerer Potter's 5th year at Hogwart's School. This resulted in a hearing in which she promoted discourse and mistrust throughout the Gamut. Further, once cleared of any wrong doing, Witch Umbridge did not admit to sending the Dementors in the beginning, instead, she allowed the Gamut to question his ability to tell the truth.
During her tenure as High Inquisitor and Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, she terrorized the students. In particular Sorcerer Potter was subjected to 5 days of detention in her office. These detentions were for telling the truth about the return of Voldemort. Those detentions were set in her office and consisted of writing "I MUST NOT TELL LIES for hours at a time. This perhaps will be viewed by some as a lenient detention. However, the quill he was forced to use did not use ink. When set to parchment, it cut the back of the hand of the user and used the blood of the user as ink. As if this were not enough, Sorcerer Potter, Mr. Jordan, Misters Weasley, and others still carry the scars on their hands as reminders of the torture they endured.
Fred and George Weasley, were forced out of school before completion and graduation by Professor Umbridge. She terrorized and tortured students on a regular basis. She forced them to believe in her ideals and beliefs rather than those of the speakers of the truth.
Additionally, she was known to use the Crusiotis Curse on no less than three students for violation of rules, as punishment. However, the wards surrounding Hogwart's prevented detection. She alienated the centaurs of the forbidden forest when she took Sorcerer Potter and Sorceress Granger into the forest.
She knowingly and willingly deceived the ministry and filed false reports as to the progress of her "˜fact finding mission.'
Her torture and unending desire to punish Sorcerer Potter and anyone associated with him also put Marietta Edgecombe in a serious situation of betrayal of her friends. The trust she broke was evident by the now scars on her face. This beautiful young woman will always be scarred because of the actions of one Delores Umbridge.
In the summer between Sorcerer Potter's 6th and 7th years, Ms. Umbridge was the founding witch who decided to keep him hidden away, without his powers for several weeks that summer. He was drugged and kidnapped, removed to an underground cell in which there was no light or sound other than small animals who came out to taste the boy. She ignored his screams and pleas for release and came to work each day to assist in the Aurors' search for him. Her constant interference with Ministry business forced five Hogwarts' students to perform forbidden magic in order to find him. Three, of which, could have been stripped of their magic for their participation, worked tirelessly the following year to defeat the Dark Lord.
I demand justice on the part of the children she terrorized and held hostage. I demand her wand be broken and her powers stripped for her crimes. I demand that the Ministry deal with their own.
Sincerely,
Rowan Lee Cowan Black
Order of Merlin First Class
Muggle Studies Professor
Mother of the 49th line
"What do you think? Percy was looking incredulously at her. Thinking for a moment, she returned her attention to the quill and said, "Last paragraph resume.
'Her lies forced a wedge into the family of one Percival Weasley and Arthur Weasley. This witch lied, battered, and coerced the younger Mr. Weasley with promises of power within the ministry if he assisted her. Her manipulation of Junior Mr. Weasley caused great distress in the home of the, now Minister of Magic, Arthur Weasley.'
Use your wand again, Percy and say "COMPLETE. Finite As he spoke the words to the quill, it laid itself across the finished letter. She then asked him to check the grammar and spelling by using his wand again. Placing the tip over the parchment he said "GRAMMAR SPELLING CHECK. The quill rose again and set to skim down the sentences, pausing here or there to have the author read. If it was necessary to change a word, Rowan spoke the correct spelling, if there were grammatical errors, the entire sentence in question would glow. When complete, the quill again, laid itself across the parchment. Rereading the parchment, she handed it to Percy.
"Where did you learn that magic? Percy asked amazed as he took the letter from her hand.
"Its better than a 'quick quotes quill' because it only does what you tell it to. The quill doesn't think for itself. Draco couldn't figure out how to use a computer last year in Texas. He and Madison devised the spells. They were deemed unusable for anyone less than Wizard or Witch status by the American Ministry, so we did not even notify Arthur. She answered. Percy did not understand the word computer, but resolved to get to know this woman better.
He repeated the process again for her second letter:
I, Rowan Cowan Black, do wish to give testimony for the upcoming trial for the Dark Activities for Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black Malfoy.
Having only reentered the Magical Community less than two years ago, I have not been witness to the horrors that this couple have shown in the past. I have, however, been involved extensively with the counseling and memory restoration of this couple.
Lucius Malfoy and I were summer friends until the age of fifteen, when he met Narcissa. She accompanied him to my grandparents' home, and when she was rejected by one of my older brothers, she bitterly hated all things Muggle. When they left Texas that summer, it was the last time I saw him until I came to teach at Hogwarts. The dark times of their lives can be attributed to their parents, grandparents, and angry over lost loves. Narcissa, in her quest to hurt my family, and Lucius' in his love for her, followed the one person who promised to grant them power over the American Witches and Wizards.
I met them again, after their son was injured after Halloween. Sorcerer Draco Malfoy was beaten because of his seemingly innocent dance with my daughter Madison at a school dance. The hatred of my family surfaced like some long forgotten explosion and he was forced to endure several days of punishment for his crime of dancing. I went to the estate after seeing Sorcerer Malfoy's injuries. I was very angry and determined to protect him from the two people he loved most. During the short visit, I took their memories and left the manor. I had Professor Dumbledore contact St. Mungo's where they remained until after the final battle.
When the war was complete, and the seven safe, I left Hogwarts and went to St. Mungo's; upon entering the chaos within, I went to their room and began the slow process of returning their memories to them. For four days, I did not sleep. We did not eat. We talked endlessly of their lives, one horrific memory at a time. When we reached the turning point of Narcissa's anger and Lucius' resentment, they could both see how their choices from that moment forward were manipulated by Tom Riddle.
I returned them to the Potter Estate the night of the international minister interview. As you know, that was when the decision to give the seven one year in order to come to terms with their new found powers and abilities. Additionally, over the course of the next days following that meeting, Draco received his first apology from his parents.
Over the course of the past thirteen months, I have watched the healing of this family. Their continued commitment to truth and justice, have resulted in their refusal to return to the darkness of Malfoy Manor. They are parents who have enjoyed learning about their son in a completely non-magical area. They have now lived with and befriended muggles in the United States.
They did not run from their summons to appear before the Wizard's Gamut. They do not deny the sins of their past. I, speaking as one who has counseled the family over the course of the past months and witnessed the strength of the family as it has healed from years of neglect. I also took them weekly to the American Ministry for medical visits and counseling with witches more advanced than I will ever be in this field.
Given the above information as courtesy, I further extend the ancient Wizard Unchangeable Laws knowledge for any who may not be aware of it.
Citing Statute 4, Section 3A, Paragraph E specifically removes your power in this matter, and states:
"When, in dark times, Witches and Wizards, are forced to act within the beliefs of their ancestors, to what they determine to be the end result of betterment for the community as a whole, if that person is found to have acted unwisely or criminally, against the community or individual, any current Sorcerer or Sorceress can be granted exclusive jurisdiction over the named individual for set punishment.
Additionally, if there is more than one Sorcerer or Sorceress living at the time of said hearing, all must assemble and judge the individual(s) based on family, history, and activity.
If more than one Sorcerer and/or Sorceress are in existence at the time of the hearing, all must be present for said hearing and will exclude the International Wizarding Laws. No International Wizard Court shall have precedence over the joining of two or more Sorcerers and/or Sorceresses.
Thank you for your time in this matter. The four Sorcerers and three Sorceresses will convene at the pre-determined trial date and will have said hearings behind closed doors for the final hearings. Please inform the International Wizard Community Representatives of the change of trial circumstances.
Sincerely,
Rowan Cowan Black
Percy stood open mouthed at this woman. "You"¦you can't do that.
"I didn't do anything exactly, except research into the old texts which saved the Wizard community as a whole and learned the old ways and laws before I learn the new ones.
"But you are not going to let Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy stand trial.
"Once again, no, I am not going to do anything of the sort. I am simply acting on behalf of the Wizarding Laws which few seem to remember properly. If you look back, prior to this announcement being made, several law specialists asked the Gamut not to grant the status of Sorcerers and Sorceress' to the seven. They stated without question, that old laws would be reinstated, magically, and if found, that the gamut would find itself with fewer powers.
Percy nodded as he remembered the fierce arguments. He also remembered that Professor Dumbledore and Rowan Lee Cowan Black did not speak during the argument, neither for nor against. They had voted for it, but did not seem to want to sway either side. Dawning comprehension showed on the red-head's face; his ears pink with frustration at what would happen when her letters were read into open court he dreaded being the reporter for the court.
"I have a few hours before I am scheduled to appear. Can you make copies for whoever will need them? He nodded, "Thank you. Now I have to meet with Arthur for a bit. See you at the meeting? He nodded again, speechless as she walked out his office door.
Arthur was waiting for her on Level Nine of the Ministry of Magic. She had asked for time to see the veil. He agreed with reservation, but would allow it; escorting her down the long flight of stone steps to the circular room of entry. She followed him through the adjoining door into the cavernous room of the Veil.
Here was where Sirius had left them, fighting to protect Harry from his insane aunt. Arthur left her a few minutes later, and promised to send Percy to fetch her when it was time.
She walked to the Dias, the veil lightly fluttering. The newest prophecy had revealed itself only the day before. Looking close, she could have sworn that she heard voices behind the veil, but was unable to understand them. It was okay with her; she just wanted to see what wards were here, and what the veil was like. She sat on the floor before it and talked to Sirius Black, much like she had sat on the graves of her parents. She told him everything she could think of about Harry's successes. She talked of Madison's and Mason's achievements as well. She told of her love for Remus and her fears of the future. She told him of the son they lost. The time passed quickly for her.
"Are you ready? It is time. With Percy's words echoing through the room, she said one last quiet to bring him home soon, she said goodbye and left the room.
They ascended into the old court rooms of centuries past to meet with the International Wizard Gamut, Percy opening the door for her as they entered. Rowan waited just inside until the court was convened. After many formalities, she was asked to sit in the center seat to be heard by the court. Her first order of business was to go over the beginnings of the construction of the Orphanage and Hospital. She spoke briefly of the urgent need of items and where the temporary storage would be. She bristled as Cornelius Fudge added that there was a room, almost as large as this one, currently full of donated items waiting to be moved to a holding facility. She noted this and asked to have it moved to the Cowan Estate Ballroom immediately.
When completed, her second order of business was to read the letter regarding Delores Umbridge. The room after seconds of chattering became deadly silent as she read her formal letter. When she concluded, she rose and handed it to Percy for formal entry into the record. No one spoke as she resumed her center seat.
It took several moments for the chaos to begin. 200 international witches and wizards, who were there to learn more about the Children's facility, were suddenly listening to accusations of one of their own. At first, it didn't seem believable to most. However as paragraph after paragraph of specific incidents were revealed, the names of some of the most notorious students in the past five years were listed, the allegations became impossible to ignore.
Madame Bones, who already did not like this woman, rose shaking, to her feet; her loud voice boomed from its seat. Although Rowan doubted it was being magically magnified, she could hear this woman clearly. "Is what you accuse Senior Undersecretary Delores Umbridge of true? Rowan nodded once.
"Former Undersecretary, you mean? Ask her, she's pretty much in the middle of you all; no way out now - huh Umbridge? Rowan mocked her with sarcasm before continuing. "I am sure there is more if we contact every surviving person who graduated when she was there, I am sure you will find more during the course of any formal investigation. The ones involved with Sorcerer Potter's kidnapping have already told this court of her involvement, but you chose to ignore their words rather than admit someone could have possibly fooled you for so long.
Dumbledore's eyes literally flashed as he watched the scene unfold before him. Before it was completed, Delores Umbridge was taken into temporary custody pending the result of a full investigation. Rowan was pleased with that particular turn of events. Taking a deep breath, Professor Marchbanks asked if she had any additional statements for the day. She nodded and asked if they were ready to proceed with another item on the agenda. She was granted permission to continue and did so. She read the letter regarding the Malfoy's upcoming trial.
There was no silence following this letter, instead, the seats were empty, people standing yelling at her. She found it quite amusing. When calm was finally restored, she added in her best mommy voice she could find when she scolded the kids that "You were given the opportunity to remove the titles of Sorcerer and Sorceress' from the ones who saved your world. It was made publicly before no less than 100,000 magical creatures and Humans. No one stood and accepted the invitation to take those titles, even though you were all there. By giving the opportunity to have those titles removed, and no one accepting that invitation, you have allowed the old laws to be reinstated. Last August, when the initial decree was sent to each of you for review, it was accompanied by a letter. That letter was written by Attorney Jesibia Smith, father of Hogwart's student Zachariah Smith, who specializes in ancient laws of our world was on it for the following meeting. Do you remember? She waited while the question was bounced around for a moment before proceeding.
"Percy, can you pull the transcripts for that next meeting in September of last year when Mr. Smith speaks to the Gamut? He nodded. "Thank you.
Percy stood to read the transcript in which Mr. Smith requested time to do additional research of the old laws pertaining to Sorcerers and Sorceresses because he was very certain that it would change the laws we know today. The vote was unanomous negative to delay the title placement.
"Mr. Smith warned each of you, in writing and orally, that should you give them the titles: you give them powers. You chose to do so regardless of his warnings. Luckily, these seven kids were much more concerned with positive rather than negative, however, because you have bestowed these titles, they are responsible for certain items for which you have been responsible for years.
"Judgment and Penalty for any treason hearings among others; they are also responsible for the children of the wizarding world. They have chosen to only be responsible for those children who have no one to care for them, however, if you think of whom the last four were, you realize why Hogwarts is still so strong today. They are also responsible for protection of the world in which we live. Other things also, but the gist of it is that they will not take advantage of these laws; these UNCHANGEABLE LAWS. She amended.
"I realize you are all angry and put out with these revelations. Complete protocol has been followed. The ancient laws have been put back into power; which would eliminate the entire democratic system to which we have grown so accustomed. She loved being Texan; mixing things up a bit and waiting to see what the next bit of information would do for them. She waited until they relaxed a bit. "They do not want your jobs. None of them want the responsibilities of the day to day running of the aspects of the Wizarding World. You are fortunate that they are not Salazar Slytherin. They do not seek fame, power, or glory. These were humble children who grew into fine intelligent adults. What they do seek is simple: Harmony and Peace. They want to rear their future children in a world were injustices are corrected quickly and completely. They all want to be part of a world that tries to do the right thing. A bit idealistic, but there ya' go. They want to develop the orphanage and hospital to help ALL magical children, not just human children or pure-blood children, all magical children.
"You are all lucky to be part of something so wondrous. The ones you have chosen to elevate in status are aware of these laws and none seek to change the status quo. They believe that given proper opportunity, you will make the right choices. They also reserve the rights held by our laws to hold you responsible for those decisions that are made incorrectly or without proper research.
"Do not misunderstand the request to deal with the Malfoys behind closed doors. They will give you the opportunity to deal with your own as they will deal with the parents of one of their own. If you fail to enforce your own laws, they are prepared to protect future generations from the current deceit of one Delores Umbridge. Do you have any additional questions? She waited.
Several were raised from the group at once. Finally, after answering several idiot questions, she raised her hand and told them that her time was done there and any questions that could be recognized as intelligent should be submitted to Percy Weasley for proper procedure to approach the seven. With that, she stood and left the court room. Once she entered the Atrium, she walked to the apparition area where Remus was waiting. He apparated them both out of the ministry and into the foyer of their home.
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