A Courtroom Divided

Amelia Bones stood, "I, Amelia Susan Bones, second the motion."

Elder Ogden said, "Discussion?"

Andomeda Tonks said, "I was not a member of this body when the trial for my cousin was held. I do not believe that my cousin was a Death Eater or betrayed Lily and James Potter however it may have appeared. I know he was godfather to Harry Potter. Therefore he was first in line to get custody of Harry. My cousin wasn't granted the opportunity to speak for himself in the trial that was performed; which makes me question the legality of that trial and the motives of our Chief Warlock who was Judge and a beneficiary in that trial. I would like the wills to be opened to ascertain if the leader of light is as light as he claims."

Elder Ogden said, " Counter arguments?"

Albus Dumbledore looked at Daedalus Diggle and Elphias Doge. They both stood, " How dare you Mrs. Tonks, Albus Dumbledore is of the highest repute whereas your family…"

Albus spoke, "I have always only had the best interests of the wizarding world at heart."

Elder Ogden said, "Anyone else?'

Augusta Longbottom rose, "I for one would like the secrecy of so many years pulled away."

Amelia Bones spoke up, "I have a memory concerning the innocence of Black in this matter in my possession. I believe unsealing the wills will make Dumbledore's motives clear. With the Wizengamot's permission I would retrieve it from my office safe."

Elder Ogden said "Fine. In the mean time Mr. Scott continue."

"Black has apparently continued in his trade as an auror in countries other than England and was running an auror training scenario for the Americans at their Chicago Facility. They were doing an off campus exercise when seven British Aurors and twelve local hires attacked. Trainees and some experienced aurors were stunned however Black and his two bodyguards were attacked with spells of a darker intent. Harry Potter who was also present at the exercise escaped those trying to capture him and got hit by spells intended for Black. One of Blacks bodyguards is dead the other is hospitalized, as are Black and Potter.

"By attacking Black at a WIS training exercise and disregarding the properly filed ICW stay of extradition, we have effectively attacked the sovereignty of the United States. I have spoken to the Magical President. He wants to know if this was the act of the Wizengamot or if it was the act of a few men. If it was the act of a few men he wants them arrested and tried by an emergency convened ICW tribunal. If it was the act of the Wizengamot he regards it as an act of war and he intends to involve the muggles. I have," he checked his watch. "sixty seven hours and twenty minutes to let him know which it is. The clock is ticking." He sat down.

The Wizengamot absolutely buzzed as they discussed the revelations. Amelia Bones entered with on of the Departments projector pensieves the room again grew quiet. She poured the memory of the Secret keeper in and activated it. Many in the room were stunned they had always assumed that Dumbledore knew what he was saying when he said that Black betrayed the Potters.

When the memory came to an end. Elder Ogden had a harsher look on his face. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Wizengamot we have before us a motion to open the wills of James and Lily Potter as the issue of Sirius Black relates heavily to the crisis before us. All those in favor of breaking the seal."

A chorus of Ayes and a sea of raised hands echoed in the chamber.

"All opposed?"

Another smaller sea of hands was seen.

"Motion carries." A clerk was dispatched to get the wills. "Now as to the auror attack and who ordered it. Obviously not the Wizengamot, which leaves Cornelius Oswald Fudge and Albus Dumbledore as suspected instigators. Given the threat of exposure to muggles that has been issued I feel this should automatically include veritaserum. So I ask for a motion from the floor."

"Elder I, Bartemius Crouch, move that veritaserum be used in this matter."

"I, Augusta Longbottom, second the motion."

"Discussion." No one stood to speak. "There is a motion to use veritaserum to acquire the truth on the matter of the attack on the Magical United States all in favor."All but a few hands rose in approval. "Opposed." Elder Ogden noted that the hands that opposed were Albus Dumbledore and those that were die hard supporters of the Chief Warlock. "Motion carries. Now Minister Fudge if you will take a seat in the witness chair. Auror Shaklebolt if you will administer the veritaserum." He waited until Fudge's face had a glazed look.

Montgomery Scott did the questioning."For the Wizengamot's record what is your name."

"Cornelius Oswald Fudge."

"Did you order the Aurors to attack the United States?"

"No."

"What were their orders?"

"I ordered them to capture or take out Black and retrieve Harry Potter."

"Who all knew?"

"I knew, Alastor Moody and because Moody knew I suspect Albus Dumbledore. Moody wouldn't have come to me with this if he didn't have Dumbledore's okay."

"Did you know about Black's stay of extradition?"

"No how would I?"

"ICW Communiques. Don't you get one and have to sign it each week?"

"Yes but they're so boring I never read them." The Wizengamot universally cringed.

"Did you think of the potential consequences when you gave the orders?"

"I thought of the public's reaction to rescuing Harry Potter from Black."

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