Padfoot's Puppies

Chapter 7: Trial and Trials

Summary: None is needed

"This is Celeste Warbeck reporting for Wizard Wireless Network on 20th June 1996. Sensation is mounting outside the Ministry of Magic as the trial opens for Arthur Weasley, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks. Three days ago the wizard world was rocked at the surprise arrest. Weasley, Tonks and Shacklebolt have been considered highly respected employees within the Ministry. But now all three stand accused of helping the most infamous Deatheater, Sirius Black, to evade recapture. In November 1981 Black was sentenced to life in Azkaban for the murders of twelve innocent Muggles and one wizard. Three years ago Black rocked the wizard world when he became the first person ever to escape from Azkaban. Black's escape sparked the most intensive manhunt in the history of the Ministry of Magic. The manhunt has lasted for three years. It was finally brought to an end earlier this month during Who-Know-Who's raid on the Department of Mysteries. Officials have confirmed that Black accidentally fell through the Veil in the Death Chamber during the assault, and is now presumed dead"...

..."In a surprise move, Albus Dumbledore petitioned Wizengamots to posthumously try Sirius Black on the very charges for which he was sent to Azkaban. This development has astonished many in the wizard world who have generally considered the case closed. However, Dumbledore points out Black was never actually tried on these charges, and is adamant that Black now be granted one, albeit posthumously. Wizengamots has agreed to these terms. Black will be tried posthumously, alongside his co-accused. This decision has been greeted with both scorn and tremendous excitement that we may finally solve the mystery of how Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban. It is for this reason that Stanley Stonewall, who quickly stepped in as the new Warden of Azkaban in the wake of the Dementors' departure, has declared that he is attending this trial in person"...

"Mr Stonewall, do you have any comment for the Wizard Wireless Network?"

"I sure do! (slow, veiled, bone-chilling voice) All of you out there must think that just because the Dementors have left Azkaban, that Azkaban is going to go soft. Let me assure you that this will not be the case. I am making sure of that. From the very day of my appointment, I have been introducing new (extra emphasis on "new") measures to fill in the gaps left by the Dementors."

"Mr Stonewall, can you give us an example of these "new" measures?"

"(Fiendish, evil, blood-chilling cackle) I'm sorry, m'dear, but I do not want to spoil the surprise for our newcomers. But rest assured; Azkaban will keep up its fine reputation, Dementors or no Dementors. So all of you out there had better think twice before joining up with You-Know-Who!"

"Er, thank you, Mr Stonewall"...

..."The arrests of Weasley, Tonks and Shacklebolt have sparked outrage and even open protests from the wizard world. For the past three days there have been demonstrations at the Ministry. Demonstrators say that Angus Scrimgeour, newly-appointed Head of Magical Law Enforcement, is re-enacting the now infamous Crouch purges, and throwing perfectly innocent people into Azkaban without trial. They cite the arrests of Weasley, Tonks and Shacklebolt as clinching proof of this. Demonstrators say they are further outraged that Weasley's own son, Percival Ignatius Weasley, was instrumental in his own father's arrest. Weasley Jnr has replied that rules have to be obeyed. If he has to make an example of his father, he will do so. Weasley Jnr's comment seems to have inflamed the public condemnation for himself and Scrimgeour. Demonstrators have been calling for Scrimgeour and Weasley Jnr to be turned into bullfrogs. Some even say that bullfrogs are too good for them and they should be turned into cockroaches"...

..."The latest demonstrator is now calling for Scrimgeour and Weasley Jnr to be turned into amoeba. This has not gone down well with spectators who say that cockroaches make a far more satisfying crunch when you stomp on them"...

..."The demonstrator in question now suggests that Scrimgeour and Weasley Jnr be turned into slugs, as they would make a lovely squish when you stomp on them. This has been greeted with far greater enthusiasm..."

..."Rumours are flying that the defence is calling for the Rite of Safe Passage through the Veil. The Rite of Safe Passage through the Veil is an extremely rare ceremony to summon the soul of one who passed through the Veil back into the living world. Apparently the Defence wishes to perform the Rite to summon the soul of Sirius Black himself! This has not yet been confirmed, but tension is mounting. Spectators are asking: What will happen if the soul of Sirius Black, the most infamous Deatheater of all, is summoned?"

..."This is Celeste Warbeck signing off for WWN. We will be bringing you the latest developments of the trial as they unfold"...

*~*~*

Harry had been most surprised that he was not back in that pitch black corridor illuminated only by blue-flamed candles. Instead, he was waiting to come back into that Death Chamber by an entirely different corridor. This corridor was pitch white and illuminated by dazzling candles. Only the cold atmosphere hearkened back to that other corridor. It was here that Harry was waiting to be summoned to testify on behalf of his godfather. And Harry was feeling like he felt when he descended the dungeons to Potions - only a thousand times more so. On the other side of that heavy door was that place he most dreaded to go - that very place where he had lost his godfather.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the prospect of being summoned to yet another trial was bringing back those horrible memories of his own trial a year before. The whole trial had been a fix, Harry remembered with rancour. Fudge kept twisting everything in order to have him found guilty. Including, Harry was now certain, deliberately altering the time and venue of his trial in order to flummox Dumbledore, who was his only certain defence against the Ministry. Not to mention making him look a fool before his trial had even begun.

Would this trial be any fairer than his own? Harry winced in doubt as his mind conjured up images of three chained chairs standing in wait on the other side of the door...

Then he remembered that Amelia Bones would preside over this trial too. Harry remembered her well from his own trial. As strict as Professor McGonagall, but the reports that she was fair had not been exaggerated. In fact, Madam Bones had been the only judge to be fair to Harry at that so-called trial.

*~*~*

Amelia Bones was now on the other side of the door. She was sitting in the middle of the panel, occupying the place occupied by Cornelius Fudge at Harry's trial. Her monocle dazzled like a mirror across the room. Beside her was a man whom Harry would recognise as the heavily-moustached wizard who had voted "guilty" for Harry. And no wonder, for this was none other than Angus Scrimgeour. On Scrimgeour's right was, of course, Percy Weasley, who was just as sanctimonious and ingratiating as when he had sat at Cornelius Fudge's side that day. There was a difference, however. Percy's haughty, sanctimonious demeanour had taken on a whole new hardness. His eyes shone cold as flint and his jaw was set as the kind of steel that would show no quarter - or perhaps, any shame or guilt that he might be feeling inside.

*~*~*

And there was the Veil itself...Harry remembered all too well how mesmerised he had been by it. He had been seized by an inexplicable desire to walk through it. As he recalled it now, he was utterly surprised at himself. What on earth had come over him at the time? Perhaps, to meet the "someone" who, he had felt so unshakably, was on the other side of the Veil? Well, it wasn't going to be that way this time! This time, he was going to avoid looking at that Veil like he would avoid looking at a basilisk!

Harry was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he hardly noticed the charged atmosphere of the corridor. Witnesses, spectators who queued for so long a mile that they couldn't find seats in the courtroom, members of the Press, and no doubt, secret spies for Voldemort who were skulking somewhere in the background. Maybe hidden under invisible cloaks.

As the commencement of the trial crept ever closer, the atmosphere mounted. It was getting so thick, so tense, a manticore could charge through it. People milled around, people buzzed with excitement, people pointed. There was Harry, and his famous scar to point to, of course, but there were plenty of other objects of curiosity.

For one thing, all the remaining members of the Order had turned out to speak for the Defence - even the rather disreputable Mundungus Fletcher. Snape, too was present, and looking very much like he had swallowed acid - especially when he saw Harry. Yet they were risking their careers and possibly even their lives to speak not only for their arrested comrades, but for the supposedly most infamous Deatheater of all time.

Harry had been most delighted that Hermione had come to testify. Hermione had her beloved Crookshanks in train. (after all, Crookshanks had been the first to realise that Sirius was not a bad wizard and that Scabbers was not what he appeared to be). Scabbers sat quietly but apprehensively in Hermione's arms, except when he gave the odd hiss at some witch or wizard who might be lurking in the shadows.

Then there were all of the remaining members of the Weasley family. Poor Mrs Weasley was a heap of tears, and she was rocking back and forth like Winky. She was in such a sorry state that they could not get even a sip of Strengthening Solution down her throat. Bill and Charlie had taken special time off work in order to attend their father's trial. They flanked either side of Mrs Weasley and would not relinquish their embrace for a moment. Even Fred and George looked far more sober than normal; somber, black robes had taken the place of their jaunty dragonhide jackets. Ginny just stood rigid, looking like she was itching to cast her best bat-bogey charm on Percy.

There was, of course, there was Albus Dumbledore. Harry noted with satisfaction that the presence of Dumbledore was drawing awe and cowed looks from the Ministry officials who patrolled the corridor.

Finally, at Dumbledore's feet was a huddle of black dogs, who were squatting quite apprehensively. Now this was drawing most curious attention indeed. The sight was even drawing a few disapproving scowls as some Ministry officials recognised the dogs for what they were. They dared not speak of it, but you could feel their looks of disapproval boring into you. If Dumbledore felt it, however, he did not show it. In any case, it would be water off a duck's back for Dumbledore, for he was an old hand at handling controversy.

As for the puppies, this was the very last place they wanted to be - at the Ministry. Ever since they had fled Marge's house, they had been hiding from the nasty "Ministry". They were the bravest puppies you ever saw (well, maybe one or two exceptions) but being at the "Ministry" was almost more than they could stand. Poor Luna felt it worst of all. She had collapsed in a whimpering heap and had to be nuzzled and licked most anxiously by the other puppies, until Dumbledore gave her a sip of Strengthening Potion. Now Luna had revived sufficiently to emit low growls like the other puppies. Dumbledore had to exercise his rapport with the puppies to the fullest in order to keep them assured and controlled. However much they disliked it, the puppies had to be here. It was all part of the Rite of Safe Passage through the Veil.

Pacing beside them was their Council, one Reginald Gold. Nearing his forties, Gold cut an imposing figure that was to be reckoned with. He was considered one of the best in the business, and they sure needed the best. This was not just because this was one of the most controversial and sensational cases in the history of Wizengamots, but their defence was desperate and audacious. No Council had ever called for the Rite of Safe Passage through the Veil in years. But at this trial Gold was going to argue for the Rite like he had never argued before. The judge might be fair, but the Prosecutor was one of the most ruthless and bloodthirsty that Gold had ever come across.

Gold decided that asking Madam Bones to rule immediately on the matter of the Rite of Safe Passage was far too risky, lest her ruling go against them. Instead, Gold would present his Defence witnesses first. He would ask for the Rite of Safe Passage at the very last before resting his case. But if Madam Bones ruled against the Rite, and declaring Sirius Black's sworn statement inadmissible, they had to fall back their witnesses presenting the best appearance they could. Gold had run them all through their paces, and drilled them through cross-examination until they felt like they had to bathe in Strengthening Solution in order to revive themselves. And still Gold was not happy. For all their best performances, the Defence was just still far too scanty. Such little hard evidence that could stand up to the popular perception of Sirius Black that had dominated since that fateful day in that Muggle street. To say nothing of the likes of Angus Scrimgeour.

It was small wonder that Gold was on the biggest tenterhooks of the entire Defence team. He now bade his farewells to take his own place on the other side of the door. Only Dumbledore seemed at ease, and was gently petting one of the puppies which licked his hand in appreciation.

*~*~*

If anyone had thought Stanley Stonewall's loud assertion that Azkaban would not go soft just because it lost its Dementors was empty air, they should have had second thoughts if they could see Arthur Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt at this very moment. They were being led into the courtroom straight from Azkaban Prison. There had been no dignity granted for cleaning them up or offering them good clothes for the occasion. The trio remained clad in grey Azkaban uniform and their looks were not only dishevelled, but also battered from bruises and encrusted blood.

George had once commented most "bracingly" that his father had returned "weak and shaking" from a mere Ministerial visit to Azkaban. Now after only a brief imprisonment in Azkaban, their poor father was being led into the courtroom so shattered and broken that he could not even walk. The Azkaban guards (Gestapo-like wizard guards rather than the old Dementors) had to half-lead, half drag him in. "Haggard" did not even begin to describe Arthur Weasley's face. A mask of pure frightfulness would be closer. Poor Arthur hardly seemed to know where he was; his countenance seemed to be addled and blank. Even the sight of his estranged son scowling blankly over him failed to arouse any spark.

Tonks looked like she had retained slightly more life than Arthur. But her body, scarcely recovered from a brutal assault from the Deatheaters, looked numb and limp. Her face was haggard, though not as frightfully as Arthur's. However, Tonks' beautiful bubble-pink hair was gone; it had been replaced by the grey, tired hue that betokened an old, old, woman.

Only Kingsley showed any real lick of life and sanity. His face was certainly haggard, but his eyes were alive with alertness, outrage and outright disgust as he eyed up his judges. It seemed that Kingsley had taken a leaf out of Sirius' book and clung onto the outrage at being betrayed by the system and unjustly imprisoned to save his mind from succumbing to the restructured horrors of Azkaban.

From the moment they had been brought into the courtroom, shock and horror swept through appalled wizards and witches who lined the benches. Tonks, Weasley and Shacklebolt had all been respected and popular. Many within Wizengamots covertly shared the demonstrators' views that these people were the victims of an over-zealous and despicable man. Now, the very sight of these haggard, and almost broken people caused nearly everyone in the benches recoil in horror and sympathy. Loud gasps, angry hisses, black looks and grimaces of disgust shot in the direction of Scrimgeour and Weasley Jnr. Neither betrayed any emotion; Weasley Jnr seemed completely unmoved at the wreck his own father had become.

Reginald Gold took his place beside the chained chairs that now snapped their victims in place. Only Kingsley was receptive to his presence; Reginald couldn't rouse a single spark out of Arthur, and only a dim one out of Tonks.

Harry would be horribly shocked when he found that there were actually four chained chairs in the room. The living defendants occupied the first three. The fourth stood as an unavoidable reminder that there was a fourth defendant as well. He was to be tried posthumously. The court did not even have his dead body to prop up in the chair and stand on trial instead, as Muggles did occasionally in Medieval times. If he was summoned from the Veil, Sirius would be obliged to sit in it, just as he would have to do if he were a ghost or living man. In the meantime, his infamous "wanted" poster would have to suffice. And there it was, attached to the chair, shrieking a silent, unending, "NO! NO! NO!"

Well, at least the chains couldn't snap across the poster and bind it in place.

*~*~*

The trial opened, with Madam Amelia Bones, Angus Scrimgeour and Percy Ignatius Weasley presiding; Vera Grisham (the frizzle-haired witch who had also voted "guilty" for Harry) was Court Scribe.

Only Kingsley was in any state to plead "not guilty," which he did in the most meaningful, angry tone he could muster. Gold had to enter not guilty pleas for the other two defendants, as well as the posthumous one.

Only Kingsley was judged fit enough to be interrogated under Veritaserum. Under Veritaserum, the coutroom was most taken aback to hear that Kingsley had indeed been deflecting the manhunt away from Sirius Black. Scrimgeour, however, was most delighted:

"You see, Members of Wizengamots, what a filthy rotten traitor this man is! He had been concealing the most dangerous, most notorious, Deatheater in all of history! Isn't that true, you pile of Doxy droppings!?!"

"No, it is not true," Kingsley replied in the detachment of Veritaserum.

Scrimgeour just about fell out of his chair while most on the benches sniggered.

"How can it be not true? You have been hiding the worst Deatheater in all of history, have you not?"

"No, I have not been hiding the worst Deatheater in all of history."

Scrimgeour's face puffed and flustered while there were even louder sniggers from the benches.

The same line of questioning carried on for a full five minutes before Madam Bones finally decided to intervene:

"Mr Shacklebolt, what do you mean when you say that you have not been concealing the worst Deatheater in all of history?"

"Sirius Black was not a Deatheater," Kingsley replied.

The court was taken aback again. Scrimgeour's face took on an even greater hue of redness. Gold just sat quietly, sniggering to himself. Maybe this Defence won't be as tough as he thought. If Scrimgeour keeps up interrogations like this, he is going to become the laughingstock of Wizengamots.

*~*~*

It certainly seemed that way when it came to interrogating the famous Harry Potter. This time Harry was a whole lot more confident about being interrogated and he would not be bullied or trapped. He would not let himself be interrupted either. His confidence grew all the more as he sensed that this time, the courtroom was listening. Indeed, they were riveted to hear that Harry had in fact formed a relationship with the very man who was supposed to have betrayed his parents.

All the same, it was a tremendous strain to avoid looking at that Veil. Even catching a glimpse of that black gauze had brought tears panging at his eyes. In fact, it had been much better when he had been cross-examined. His mind and eyes could keep busy with Scrimgeour and his bullying tactics instead of worrying about the Veil - at least, for the time being.

When it came to describing the scene where Peter Pettigrew had bound him to Riddle Snr's tombstone and stolen a drop of his blood to restore Voldemort, Harry was in for his roughest interrogation yet from Scrimgeour. Scrimgeour had tried every trick in the book to cast doubt on Harry's claim that he had seen Pettigrew alive in the Shrieking Shack. But that was nothing to what he tried now to throw doubt on Harry's claim that it had been Pettigrew who had taken a direct hand in Voldemort's return. It was a Deatheater using a Confundus Charm, it was Sirius Black using Polyjuice Potion, it was one of those crazy dreams that Harry had been having, etc, etc.

It made little effect. Harry's testimony, and displaying the scar left by Pettigrew's knife to the jury had made its impact. Scrimgeour's tactics had only served to harden the feeling against him - especially when inflicted on the Boy Who Lived. As Scrimgeour finally allowed Harry to step down, even he could not ignore it. He would not admit it, of course, but his bullying seemed to grow more desperate.

As Scrimgeour worked his way through the stream of resolute members of the Order, his tactics grew even more transparent; it was little more than a load of hysterics and bullying. There was nothing he had actually proven beyond establishing that not only had the defendants been concealing Sirius, but so had the entire Order of the Phoenix and even the Boy Who Lived himself. This would have been enough to condemn the entire lot of them, but the panel, despite itself, was growing impressed with these claims that Sirius was innocent and had in fact been fighting against Voldemort. And Scrimgeour's tactics, which had not impressed them to begin with, were actually serving to reinforce this impression.

Nor could the panel avoid watching the goings-on between the Weasley clan and the errant Weasley sitting beside Scrimgeour's seat. Mrs Weasley was still far too upset to testify. She seemed to go utterly to pieces when she saw the wreck her husband had become. The whole family now clustered around her as they sat in one lump on the witnesses' benches. The testimony of the other Weasley members had gone reasonably. Nobody could say how much effect they had made on the panel. But nobody could doubt the effect that the errant Percy Weasley vs the rest of his family was having on the court. Once the family had seen what a catatonic wreck their father had been reduced to, their contempt for Percy had turned into outright loathing. They kept boring on him with looks of betrayal, disgust, and "you are no relative of ours!" Percy seemed to feel it more now, too. He kept looking away from them and keep his eyes fixed on Scrimgeour as much as possible. But now Percy was finding this increasingly embarrassing. Much as he idolised the likes of Scrimgeour, even he could see that Scrimgeour was losing his lustre.

The panel was in for some most impressive light relief when Crookshanks the cat came to testify. It was obvious that this cat was half-Kneazle. Everybody knew that a Kneazle knew a bad lot when it saw on. When Crookshanks snarled at Scrimgeour, they nodded knowingly. The half-Kneazle had confirmed their own stance against Scrimgeour.

It might sound bizarre for a cat to testify, but this could be done thanks to the most unique abilities of Roger McClagan. Roger McClagan was an Animapath. This meant, quite simply, that he could communicate with animals by what Muggles might call "telepathy." An Animapath differed from an Animagus in that he was not an Animagus. Furthermore, it mattered not whether the animal was living or dead, magic or non-magic; an Animapath could translate its thoughts all the same. Finally, an Animapath could communicate telepathically with any magical creature that would otherwise be very difficult, if not impossible. For example, an Animapath could translate the thoughts of a basilisk - although he lacked the Parselmouth's ability to speak to it.

Crookshanks was most happy for McClagan to take him in his arms. Scrimgeour, much to his annoyance, could not harangue a witness who resounded in a deep trance, and could only repeat what he sensed from the animal. And now he translated Crookshanks' early impressions of Sirius Black for Wizengamots to record for all time:

"This is not a dog...it is a man disguised as a dog! Just like that man who is disguised as a rat! The one who has taken that poor wizard boy in so completely! That rat who makes the wizard boy think I am a bad cat! HSSSSS!"

"I do not trust this one...but somehow, I sense he is different from the man disguised as a rat...MEEOWW! He offers me a real rat as a gift of friendship!"

"His eyes say that he needs help...they also say that I am the only one he has met so far who could understand...I am still wary of him...but I will listen...YES! He knows about the man disguised as a rat! He wants to kill the man disguised as a rat! And so do I! We have a common enemy...maybe we can help eachother!"

This was most fascinating testimony indeed. And it was most rare to see the talents of Roger McClagan. It was small wonder that the courtroom was at agog attention.

*~*~*

Gold had to suppress a gulp as he now tried to present Sirius Black's sworn statement before the court. Harry was startled when he saw that the statement was actually a glass orb, just like the ones in the Department of Mysteries. That meant...that once the orb was broken open, a wispy shadow of Sirius Black would arise from the orb to deliver what he had to say before dissolving into nothingness...nothingness...Harry winced horribly and tears stung his eyes yet again.

As Gold had feared, Madam Bones ruled that the orb was inadmissible as evidence once she read on the label that two of the defendants had signed as witnesses.

So now it was time to plead to be allowed to use their ultimate defence. Harry had never felt so numb, so helpless and hopeless before. He just kept on swallowing and swallowing.

The esteemed Dumbledore was recalled to the stand. While Dumbledore had given his own testimony, the courtroom had been hushed with awe. The panel could barely move as they stared at Dumbledore. Those who looked friendly or shame-faced could barely indicate as such. Even Scrimgeour's cross-examination had sounded subdued. During Dumbledore's presence, life finally seemed to stir within Arthur and Tonks. For the first time they managed to raise their heads and kept looking at Dumbledore.

Now curiosity, amazement, and even amusement overtook the court. Dumbledore, having requested a moment to leave the court, had now returned with twelve black dogs trotting behind him. Dumbledore resumed the stand and the dogs clustered in a black lump around him.

Madam Bones finally mustered the fortitude to speak:

"Professor Dumbledore, are these the dogs you spoke of during your testimony?"

Dumbledore had been obliged to tell the court about Padfoot's puppies. It had been part of Dumbledore's own defence when he was pressed to explain why he was so inclined to help snatch Sirius Black from the jaws of the Dementors that fateful June night.

"That is correct, Madam Bones."

Loud gasps and faint shrieks issued from the panel.

Madam Bones scowled at the dogs. "These dogs are the result of Sirius Black...mating with...a Muggle dog...?"

"That is correct. In other words, these dogs are the last blood relatives of Sirius Black," said Dumbledore quietly.

Dumbledore seemed totally oblivious to rising gasps and even some looks of horror and revulsion at these "freaks." The puppies gave low whines and growls, and huddled even closer to their Dumbledore for protection.

Tonks and Arthur now kept their eyes fixed on the puppies as well as Dumbledore, Tonksy, Weasley and Kingsley in turn continued to stare back at their namesakes. They had never met these particular humans, yet they sensed that these were the humans for which they were named. And these humans needed their comfort; how they longed to come over and offer them their puppy-dog nurturing.

Roger McClagan was recalled. He indeed confirmed that these puppies were Sirius Black's offspring. He first recorded the puppies' origins, drawing roars of laughter from the courtroom, especially when they heard the pranks at Muggles' expense. Harry had the best laugh he had had in ages when he heard the antics that the puppies had pulled on his Aunt Marge and his dearly beloved guardians at their barbeque. Fred and George shot brotherly looks at the puppies that seemed to say, "we couldn't do better ourselves! Wish we could have these puppies!"

Sober silence quickly replaced the light fare when the court heard about the puppies' encounter with John Earnest. Madam Madam Bones had to rule that the claims of John Earnest were not admissible to this case, but it had left its impression on the panel. Scrimgeour finally began to bluster that these puppies were just making Wizengamots a laughing stock. What was the whole purpose of these freaks?

The perfect cue for Reginald Gold. Rising firmly to his feet, he declared:

"Madam Bones, you are quite satisfied that these dogs are the offspring of Sirius Black?"

"Yes, yes," said Madam Bones, rather irritably.

"You are aware that blood relatives must be available, and willing to risk themselves when they participate in the Rite of Safe Passage through the Veil?"

For those who find Madam Bones' words surprising: The term "Rite of Safe Passage" through the Veil was something of a misnomer. "Rite of Safer Passage" would be more accurate. The Rite was merely a safer way of going through the Veil than falling or being pushed through it. This did not mean that the Rite itself was safe. There was still an element of risk involved for those who passed through the Veil during the Rite.

"So the rumours are true? You wish to perform the Rite of Safe Passage through the Veil?"

"That is correct, Madam Bones. I hereby request that the Rite of Safe Passage be performed."

"On what grounds, Mr Gold?"

"On the grounds that the defendant has the right to speak in his own defence. Since the defendant in question is declared dead, and you have ruled that the sworn statement of Sirius Black is inadmissible, the Rite of Safe Passage is the only way he may be allowed to testify. Please, Madam Bones, I beg you to allow us to perform the Rite, in the name of justice and fairness!"

Scrimgeour was on his feet in an instant, and he looked like he had well and truly had enough.

"Madam Bones, I must protest! We cannot allow this vile Deatheater to be summoned back from the Veil! Surely you know what happens to criminals who got sent beyond the Veil! They get summoned back as Dementors! That's what's going to happen if we perform the Rite now? You mark my words! Can you imagine what we'll be giving You-Know-Who if we summon back his most dangerous man! The most dangerous Dementor of all time! The King of Dementors! In fact, I'll wager -" Scrimgeour shot his finger at the defendants, spit flying from his mouth - "that these traitors are trying to trick us into performing the Rite! They set up this whole charade to summon this vile Dementor..." etc, etc. Scrimgeour went on like this for ages, ignoring interruptions from Gold, admonishings from the judges, and open scowls and glares from the Wizengamots panel.

Goodness knows how long it lasted before Amelia Bones finally lost patience, pulled out her wand and snapped, "Silencio!"

The virulent bombast was abruptly silenced into speechless, flustered gasps and mouthing from Scrimgeour. The panel burst into sighs of relief, cheering, laughter and clapping.

Amelia Bones now rose very firmly, her eyes square on Reginald Gold.

"Mr Gold, I need to know one more thing before I retire to rule on the matter. As I understand, the blood relative needs to be willing to risk himself or herself during the Rite of Safe Passage. Can I have your assurance that these...dogs...can understand enough of this to risk their lives?"

There was no need for Reginald Gold or Roger McClagan to answer. The words were barely out of Amelia Bones' mouth, before the puppies all snapped in a long line before her in their best begging, endearing, puppy-dog poses. Never had you seen such a cute, adorable line of puppies on your television set; panting so eagerly, and anxiously, to receive your treat.

"Er, well, I suppose that answers my question. Very well, Mr Gold. However, it is approaching 6 o'clock now, so I will have to reserve my ruling on the Rite on the Rite of Safe Passage until tomorrow. In the meantime, I declare this court adjourned until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning."

Amelia Bones stepped down from the panel amid a chorus of ecstatic, grateful, yapping puppies who kept wagging their tails so hard it was a wonder they didn't fall off.

*~*~*

"This is Celeste Warbeck reporting for WNN. We have just heard that today's sensational trial has been adjourned for the night. We can now confirm that the Defence has indeed requested for the Rite of Safe Passage through the Veil. Unfortunately, the judge has reserved her ruling until tomorrow, so we are left hanging in the balance."

"This trial has been sensational enough, but that will be nothing compared with what might happen if the judge rules in favour of the Rite. Or, for that matter, what might happen when the soul of Sirius Black walks back through the Veil. Will he emerge as perhaps the most dangerous Dementor of all? Or will he emerge as something else entirely if, as the Defence claims, Sirius Black is an innocent man? This is Celeste Warbeck signing off for WNN."