"SOREN, IT'S TIME TO GO!"

I quickly throw on my large black robe as I step out of my room, "Coming."

I took a while to get ready since I have to wear formal robes for the trial. Sin is now my tie rather than a scarf, I don't think he really likes it but it's the only way I can bring him. My formal robes are entirely black, they look a lot like what Lucius wears all the time.

Stepping down the stairs I see Auntie, Uncle, and Dirk Garvey. "You look good Auntie," I say seeing that she has on formal robes that are similar to a dress.

She smiles as she holds out a hand "We have no time for compliments, we can't be late." I nod as I take her hand and we step outside.

Outside the front door of our house is a bronze, six-foot-tall, Lady Justice statue holding a scale high in the air.

Dirk looks between us three, "This Portkey is special, it will take us inside the courtroom itself. Once inside Mrs. and Mr. Tonks will head to the benches directly behind Soren and me. Soren, you just follow me."

Seeing us nod he continues, "Touch the base of the statue on one."

"Three"

"Two"

"One"

The four of us touch the statue at the same time and the world whips around us. It isn't like a normal portkey, it is closer to apparation. It's only a moment before the world stands still and we are now standing in the center of a large courtroom.

The statue now stands as the centerpiece of the courtroom, the judge sits on a tall seat a few feet above the statue. The room is large but rather empty as there are only five or so people in the seats.

There is a bench about half the height of the judge's seat, I assume for those called up. Dirk gives me a nudge as he begins to walk over to our table. I follow close behind while Auntie and Uncle sit in the seats behind us.

The table to our right has a man with a mustache standing there his eyes have not left me since we entered the courtroom. The judge is in the same boat, he is wearing a typical judge gown, he has a big frame with a long beard.

His eyes shift between the three of us at the tables, "Since all parties are here we shall start, British Ministry v French Ministry on behalf of Soren Black."

"The plaintiff, Soren Black is suing the accused, French Ministry of Magic for alleged damages made by malicious prosecution and unlawful misconduct." The judge sweeps his eyes over the list of papers and evidence he has been presented.

"The plaintiff is seeking 10 million in damages, Representative Louise, how does the defendant plead?"

"Not guilty your honor." The judge looks at the representative with scrupulous eyes.

The judge sighs as he gestures at Dirk, "You may proceed with your opening statement."

Dirk smiles as he looks around at the total of eleven people in the courtroom, "Before I start this I would like to make it clear to those here today, Soren Black is only thirteen years old. I would like the court to take note of that as we continue forward in this trial."

"The defendant was overzealous with their hunt against young Mr. Black. As a result of which his character and name have been dragged through the mud in papers and word of mouth alike. Despite getting his name cleared he still sufferers the repercussions of the defendant's actions and must be cautious with going out in public now."

Dirk's eyes move to Mr. Louise who is now glaring at him but Dirk keeps smiling, "That is all."

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The judge's eyes move to the representative, "You have the floor."

Louise sighs as he stands up, "The defense stands that Soren Black's reputation was already tarnished and our investigation had no effect. That is all."

The judge's brows raise, "I look forward to seeing your case."

Louise nods as he sits down and the judge continues, "Alright Mr. Garvey you have the floor."

Dirk stands with his classic weasel smile, "Thank you, your honor. As you can see with the evidence I have provided thirty-two articles were written about Young Mr. Black across 8 countries. Sixteen of which were hit pieces attacking Mr. Black's character."

He pauses as his eyes fall on Louise, "Every single one revolved around the case the french ministry vehemently chased Young Mr. Black with. A case that just so happen to have ALL of its information leaked well before the investigation was made public. How can one sit here and think this was not a deliberate attempt at character assassination by the french ministry."

"Objection your honor, that is entirely conjecture," Louise says angrily.

The judge nods in agreement, "It will not be stricken but please keep on track, Mr. Garvey."

Dirk gives an apologetic nod and continues, "Not only was the information leaked but rather than going directly to Soren they went to his SCHOOL. This put him into question by the entire student body as well as some of the staff. Not only did this cause him to almost be expelled but many of the students haven't looked at him the same since."

"That is why today is necessary, even in the future when Young Mr. Black is looking into working at the British ministry he will find his character being questioned. There is no price tag that can be put on this promising young wizards future…. The plaintiff rests their case."

The judge does well keeping his expression unreadable as he looks at Louise, "Defense may plead their case."

With one last glance at Dirk Louise stands up "Thank you, your honor. Like the plaintiff, I would like to direct your attention to the evidence the defense has provided. As you can see you honor, there was already a number of articles written about Mr. Black's poor character."

"Objection your honor, those articles were written by Rita Skeeter, a well knows hit piece writer. She has already come out publicly to apologize to young Mr. Black. I request the evidence to be thrown out," Dirk jumps at the chance to discredit the defense.

Louise gives a worried glance to the judge who waves his hand, "I will take your words into consideration; however the evidence will not be thrown out. Continue representative Louise."

Louise lets out a quiet sigh as he continues, "I would like to call the plaintiff Soren Black to the stand."

I roll my eyes as the judge gestures me to the stand. Being on the other side is odd the judge gives me a kind smile as I sit next to him.

"Now, Mr. Black, is it true on September fifth you got into a physical altercation with pureblood students resulting in you breaking a child's nose and fracturing anothers arm?"

"Yes?" I answer questioningly.

"Objection your honor, I don't see the relevance that this has to the case." Dirk nearly hops out of the seat.

The judge nods his head "I agree, Representative please explain your reasoning."

"I am asking to show the valid cause of concern the Auror's had as to why they so much believed he was the perpetrator."

The judge shakes his head as he turns to the Stenographer "Representative Louise's question and Mr. Black's response will be stricken from the record. Representative, you may continue but I ask you to change your line of questioning."

He nods, "Of course your honor. So Mr. Black is it true that on the twenty-second of September, you struck down and killed your duel opponent at the Youth European Tournament?"

"Objection! It has already been proven Young Mr. Black's opponent was a vampire assassin hired to kill him." Dirk jumps up again this time angrier.

The judge also seems a bit angry, "I would like to remind representative Louise that you are questioning a juvenile. Change your topic, this will be my last warning."

The representative seems nervous as he steps back, "That will be all, your honor."

The judge seems annoyed as he gestures me back to my seat. I happily go back and sit next to the judge who seems sorely disappointed.

"In light of the lack of evidence provided by the defense I find no way to excuse the amount of veracity and cruelty that the French Ministry used against the plaintiff. The French Ministry of Magic must compensate the plaintiff one million galleons. The due date on the compensation will be set at the end of the month. Let this set the precedent for the freedom's wizards must have to maintain a healthy magical society."

With a bang of his gavel, I see the color drain from the representative's face. I give him an odd look, he never really had a chance in this case so I'm wondering why he appears so upset… He will probably lose his job now that I think about it.

I feel a hand on my shoulder to see the gleaming weasel smile of Dirk Garvey. To be fair the man just won the easiest one hundred thousand galleons of his life. He is worth more than a small pureblood family at this point.

Then it dawns on me, I just won nine hundred thousand galleons. My fortune now rivals all of the Black Families' assets. What a terrifying amount of money.

… I can build a fortress around my tower…