The grand courtroom of the Ministry of Magic was a place of solemnity and stark formality, reflecting the weight of the proceedings taking place. As the light from the enchanted chandeliers cast an eerie glow over the room, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation and anxiety. The members of the Wizengamot, dressed in their distinctive plum-colored robes adorned with silver “W” insignia, were seated in their high-backed chairs, their faces a mix of curiosity, sternness, and indifference.
Rufus Scrimgeour, now the Minister for Magic, took his place at the front of the room with an air of authority. His presence commanded attention, and his steely gaze swept over the courtroom. Beside him, seated at the defense table, was Dolores Umbridge, who had assumed the role of the defender in Sirius Black’s retrial. The sight of her was unsettling to many, not least to Sirius, who had vivid memories of her from their school days. Her smug expression and the oppressive aura she radiated were enough to set anyone on edge.
Sirius Black, recently given a measure of hope by his treatment at St. Mungo’s, appeared somewhat improved from his earlier appearance. His gaunt face and scruffy hair remained, but his overall demeanor seemed more alert. His chains clinked as he was brought into the courtroom, a grim reminder of his confinement. The moment he saw Harry Potter sitting among the spectators, his heart twisted. The resemblance between Harry and his own lost friend, James Potter, was a painful reminder of what he had lost.
Harry sat near the back with Ron and Hermione, his face a mask of concern. Despite his attempt to maintain composure, the stress of the situation was evident. Sirius’s eyes locked onto Harry’s for a moment, and the sight of him made Sirius’s resolve waver. The memories of James and the love he had for his friends stirred within him.
As Sirius tried to make sense of his surroundings, Rufus Scrimgeour rose to address the room. “The trial of Sirius Black is now in session,” he declared, his voice resonating through the cavernous space. “We are here to re-evaluate the evidence and the circumstances surrounding Mr. Black’s imprisonment. Any outbursts or disruptions will be met with immediate consequences.”
Before Sirius could react to the announcement, a commotion at the door caught everyone’s attention. Another prisoner, smaller in stature but no less important, was being escorted into the courtroom. The chains that bound this new arrival were just as heavy, but the figure's diminutive size contrasted sharply with Sirius’s imposing presence.
As the figure drew closer, Sirius’s eyes widened in recognition. It was Peter Pettigrew, the traitor who had betrayed his friends and set in motion the events leading to their deaths. Anger flared in Sirius’s chest, and he attempted to lunge at Pettigrew, his rage threatening to overwhelm him. However, as he tried to move, he found himself unable to do so. A powerful spell, Petrificus Totalus, had immobilized him.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Rufus Scrimgeour stepped forward, his wand still extended. “I sympathize with your situation, Mr. Black,” he said coldly, “but if you disrupt this court again, I will personally see to it that you are returned to Azkaban. Consider this your final warning.”
For a moment, Sirius’s fury was palpable, and the urge to kill Pettigrew was almost overpowering. He looked at the traitor with a seething hatred, his eyes promising vengeance. But then his gaze shifted to Harry, who seemed a bit frightened, and Remus Lupin, who stood nearby with a look of deep disappointment. The sight of his old friend’s disappointment and Harry’s fear made Sirius take a deep breath and regain control over his emotions. He knew that giving in to his rage would only jeopardize his chances of ever being free.
Dolores Umbridge, surprisingly seated at the defense table, was a sight that shocked many. Sirius, recognizing her from his school days, knew her to be a figure of cruelty and deceit. But today, she was ostensibly his defender. Her presence stirred a mix of hope and dread in Sirius.
As the proceedings began, Umbridge took her turn to speak. Her voice was syrupy with false sweetness as she addressed the court. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Wizengamot, today we are faced with the opportunity to correct a grave miscarriage of justice. Sirius Black has been wrongfully accused and imprisoned for crimes he did not commit."
The courtroom fell into a tense silence, the members of the Wizengamot exchanging glances of surprise and curiosity. Rufus Scrimgeour, seated beside her, kept his expression neutral but his eyes betrayed a hint of skepticism.
Umbridge continued with a fervent tone. "The evidence against Mr. Black was obtained under duress and with blatant disregard for his rights. It is time to right this wrong. Sirius Black is not guilty of the crimes he has been accused of."
Sirius blinked in astonishment. Umbridge’s sudden turn in his favor was unexpected, and the shock was visible on his face. He had never imagined that she would defend him, especially given her reputation.
"I understand that many of you may be skeptical," Umbridge said, her gaze sweeping over the Wizengamot members. "But I assure you, the truth will prevail today. We will demonstrate beyond doubt that Mr. Black is innocent and that his imprisonment was a result of gross injustice."
Rufus Scrimgeour stood up and addressed the court. "While Ms. Umbridge’s sentiments are noted, it is imperative that we proceed with caution. The trial must be conducted with integrity and fairness. The evidence must be weighed meticulously."
The atmosphere in the courtroom grew charged as the trial continued. Sirius’s emotions were a whirlwind of hope and fear. As he watched Umbridge argue on his behalf, he tried to focus on the potential for redemption, even as the memories of his past and the sight of Pettigrew, bound and subdued, threatened to overwhelm him.