Chapter 485 - Pyrites Trial

The walls were made of dark stone, dimly lit by torches. Two Auror's dragged the figure of Pyrites, who had been stuck in a holding cell since being shoved therein, while another two Auror's accompanied them. The air is bleak and forbidding. There are no pictures on the walls, no decorations at all; A doorway slams open to reveal a series of rows of benches, rising in all levels around the room. The seats are positioned so that the viewers may have a clear view of the chair with the chains on its arms.

The two Auror's shoved Pyrites into the chair as the chains began to glow gold and sn.a.k.e.d their way up his arms holding him there. The normally full seats were largely empty except for fifty of them all, all wearing plum-colored robes with an elaborate worked silver W, on the left-hand side of the chest and all staring down their noses at him.

Pyrites sneers as he sees the faces among the Wizengamot but is unable to speak due to the magical binds on his mouth. There sitting at front and presiding is the Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore. His long silvery hair and beard are neatly tucked into his belt. His robes are unusually solemn, and his blue eyes are rather grave behind his half-moon spectacles sitting on his long, crooked nose that had been broken at least twice.

Sitting at his side is the elderly figure much older than Dumbledore by many years, Madam Professor Griselda Marchbanks. On the other side of Dumbledore sits Tiberius Ogden, distant relation of Bob Ogden, the present head of the Auror Department. In the rows that follow the figures of others can be seen such as the Minister of Magic Eugenia Jenkins, Elphias Doge, Bob Ogden, Albert Runcorn, and other prominent Wizengamot members.

"Please present the defendant, Mr. Crouch," Dumbledore instructed.

Barty Crouch, who had been assigned to be the defense to Pyrites much to his dislike furrowed his brow. His short dark hair neatly parted to one side is still almost unnaturally straight. While his narrow toothbrush moustache twitches as if anger.

Standing behind, Crouch is his own protégée, a rather reserved former Hufflepuff with light skin, and short hair, Benjy Fetwick. And though Benjy Fetwick lacked Amelia Bones verbal strength and prowess, the Hufflepuff possessed an incredible work ethic, and a stubborn nature that was her match. In other words, a fitting protégé rivalry to match that of in between their mentors, Crouch, and Flint.

"Yes, Chief Warlock, Crouch sulkily replied.

Clearing his throat, Mr. Crouch lips curl in dislike as he curtly says, "Trial and final hearing on the twenty-first of June, Dearil Pyrites, you have been brought before the Ministry of Magic for the murder of Professor Lye, former Auror, and the attempted murder of Rowan Prince. The accused is to stand trial for said charges in a private trial due to the delicate nature of the present situation.

For the Prosecution stands, Stephen Flint and in addition Interrogators are as follow: Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, Chief Warlock; Madam Professor Griselda Marchbanks, Head of the Department of magical Law Enforcement; Bob Odgen, Head of the Auror Department, Mrs. Prim, Senior Undersecretary; Court Scribe, Tiberius McLaggen."

Crouch took a breath to steady himself as his rival, the dark haired, blue gray eyed wizard with a monocle, Stephen Flint for once sent Crouch a pity filled glance. While Flint's understudy, Amelia Bones nodded her head at Crouch. Those serving in the wizarding court could not always elect who to defend or prosecute merely do their best in upholding their oaths.

Letting out a pointed breath, Crouch continues, "Witnesses for the defense, none.

Witnesses against the accused are as follow: Chief Warlock, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore; Auror's Fabian and Gideon Prewett; Auror Rufus Scrimgeour; and Auror Alastor Moody. At this time there are no further witnesses to be listed nor called." There is a bit of murmuring among the Wizengamot.

Taking another deep breath, Crouch says, "The accused admits to the murder of the former retired Auror, Professor Lye. However, he does not admit to the attempted murder of Rowan Prince." A burst of whispers is heard among those above as those like Bog Ogden snort in disbelief.

"A valiant attempt, Crouch," Stephen Flint honestly said. "However, what would one call chasing a teenage girl through Hogwarts and striking her with a cutting curse?"

"According to my defendant it was merely an attempt to frighten the girl," Crouch flatly replied.

"Oh, and it was just a coincidence given our recent intel that the Dark Lord and Lord Voldemort are the one and the same, who is somehow in cahoots with the murderer known as Tom Marvolo Riddle?" Flint countered.

"That may very well be the case, but according to the defendant, he does not serve the Dark Lord and was merely trying to attack the Princes in a personal fit of revenge," Crouch drily said not believing a word of his own statement.

Flint nods at Crouch, who takes a step back as Flint walks forward and stares down at the dandy wizard, who had not been able to bathe in a week. Wrinkling his nose, he points his wand at the accused and tears the sleeve of his robes. There before everyone on his left forearm a certain tattoo is revealed. A burst of whispers fills the air as many of those seated above can instantly recognize the tattoo as related to the first young man who had been tried for the attacks at the Malfoy wedding a year ago.

"I would like to put into evidence the dark mark which those associated with the Dark Lord also known as Lord Voldemort," Flint said, before taking a step back.

Tiberius Ogden frowns and says, "That is well and done, and we've already heard the Auror's testimonies in a previous preliminary hearing. Why was Rowan Prince not brought forth?"

The room grows silent as everyone turns to glance at Dumbledore for it was a well-known fact, he was her apprenticeship master. The wiry blond court scribe stops writing and glances up. Fair skinned with broad shoulders and a pair of spectacles, Tiberius McLaggen, paused to stare at the accused instead. Tiberius McLaggen was a close friend of Rufus Scrimgeour along with Bertie Higgins. But more importantly an upcoming junior ministry member.

"The elder Prince," Dumbledore slowly said, "Would not allow it. A pensive memory was given to me for us to view. But he absolutely refused to have his only granddaughter and heir in the same room as the man who attempted to kill her."

Turning towards the front, Dumbledore says, "If Mr. Flint would bring in the court's pensive for use that would be most excellent." Nods can be seen in the courtroom as well as dubious expressions.

Flint leaves through a side door and only later returns with a tiny shrunk pensive that he placed in the middle of the room. With a wave of his wand the pensive grew to large pool like proportions where a silver light can be seen. Liquid like gas substance swirled about moving ceaselessly; the surface is like waters being ruffled by the wind. And yet like clouds, they separated and swirled smoothly to look like liquid and very much solid.