Chapter Nine, To Trial or Not to Trial

Previously on In Darkness There Is Light:

"Due to the extent of her injuries it is beyond the capabilities of the combined efforts of Madam Pomfrey, Horace Slughorn and Severus Snape who both have a degree in Healing as part of their Potion Masteries." Professor McGonagall spoke slowly and clearly so Amelia could write down everything. "She's been moved to St Mungo's under the care of Healer Coltrane. These are the statements of her friends and roommates who stopped the attack, and a copy of Miss Potter's medical scan from Madam Pomfrey including a statement from the three teachers, and the list of what spells were used and who used them." McGonagall passed over each piece of parchment as she uttered them, finishing with the printed version of Priori Incantatem.

"I see." Madam Bones said as she looked over a piece of parchment, her eyes widening at the spells used on Lady Potter-Black-Peverell. She couldn't believe these students attacked another student and with the intent to kill. "What would you like to do Professor McGonagall?" Madam Bones asked.
"First, for the heinous and despicable attack on Miss Potter that was unprovoked and the fact that the four of you planned this... ambush with the intent to kill another student I will be removing two hundred points from Gryffindor and effective immediately the four of you are expelled." She raised her voice with the aid of her magic as the students and some of the parents protested loudly.

"I am disgusted with all of you and ashamed that you attended this school and were in the House of Godric Gryffindor and if any of you condone your children's behaviour you are just as bad as them. They attacked with the very conscious thought of killing Miss Potter. Hogwarts has a no Bully Policy and all of you know that. As such they will never be welcome back in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Very well." Madam Bones nodded, pocketing the folder containing the documents and slipping the four wands into an evidence bag before she pulled out magic suppression cuffs. "Miss Brown, Miss Runcorn, Miss Andrews and Miss Burke for attacking a student with the intent to kill you are hereby placed under arrest. You have the right to remain silent anything you do say may be used as evidence.

You have the right to a Law-wixen, if you cannot afford one then one will be provided for you." Madam Bones stated, slipping the cuffs on to the wrists of the ex-students with the help of the Aurors with her. As the four students were led through the fire with their parents following close behind, Minerva McGonagall slumped tiredly into the seat behind the desk removing her glasses to rub the bridge of her nose. With another sigh she slipped her glasses back on and pulled sheathes of parchment towards her to fill out her own statement for the files of the students that she had just expelled. She knew it was going to be a long night as she waited for news on Gwen.

* * *

- Private Ward within the Curse Damage Ward, St Mungo's, London –

The next day Draco sat at Gwen's bedside in the private ward within the Curse Damage Ward in St Mungo's hospital looking weary to the bone with tear tracks drying on his cheeks as he clutched at Gwen's hand. Remus sat beside the young Malfoy looking much the same but with his head in his hands, he'd been there since his daughter had been first admitted and was dead tired, emotionally, physically and mentally. Professor McGonagall had allowed Draco to visit Gwen as she had cancelled classes for the day to address the students and explain the severity of the situation, but he had to be back by five pm which was quickly approaching.
"How could this happen?" Draco bemoaned, begging for answers.

So far he was too worried and distraught for anger to take hold, but everyone would be keeping an eye on the young Alpha to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. "She was supposed to be safe with the old coot out of Hogwarts!"
"I don't know Draco." Remus confessed distraught. "We all knew he had followers, but I didn't think there was anyone at Hogwarts that was so devoted to him or could do something like this. And because of our oversight my cub is paying the price!" Self-loathing coated Remus's entire being that it felt like someone had poured something sticky over him.

"How is she?" Draco begged, hoping for good news.
"She's doing better than last night." Remus revealed hope and relief kindling within him. "Cassiopeia is speaking to Healer Coltrane to find out more and should be back soon."

"But why hasn't she woken up?!" Draco interrupted, his voice wavering as he kissed her knuckles.
"Her body has been through a terrible trauma, Draco, not to mention the severe blood loss. So her mind causes her to sleep this long, so both mind and body can heal as well as her magic as it is healing her as we speak. Rest is the best thing for her, but I swear to you Draco, this will not happen again!" Remus swore his voice tight with his promise and emotions as he looked at his slumbering daughter. He never wanted to see her in this situation or position again. If he could take her place and take all of her pain on to himself then he would do it within a heartbeat.

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Chapter Nine, To Trial or Not to Trial 

- September 3rd 1996, Hogwarts –

The day after Draco had visited Gwen in St Mungo's, an emergency meeting was called in the Great Hall during breakfast by their new Headmistress Minerva McGonagall. To be honest with himself he couldn't see anyone better for the job nor anyone who deserved it more, it was also then that he finally noticed more staff sat at the staff table at the head of the Great Hall.
"Finally noticed, huh Draco?" Blaise, his best friend asked teasingly.
"Shut up Blaise." Draco grouched, an annoyed scowl marring his handsome face. "I do have more important things on my mind than worrying about new teachers."

"Fair enough." Blaise conceded, hands raised in surrender. "How is Gwen?"
"She hadn't woken up when I had to leave last night." Draco whispered so only those closest to him, which just so happened to be his and Gwen's friends from Slytherin (as Luna, Neville, Ron, Kellah, Ginny and Hermione all had to sit at their own House tables, instead of sitting with friends as they normally would during breakfast). "But Remus, Graham and his parents, Mother and Father all promised to let me know the minute she wakes up." Draco added with a sigh, hands running through his hair messing it up a little. He no longer gelled back his hair as Gwen had told him in their third year that it didn't suit him.

"I still can't get over the fact that Lord Montague and Lady Potter are cousins through their fathers." Pansy stated in a shocked tone. "Though if you think about it Graham and Gwen do look really alike. I guess it's another thing we have to thank the old coot for." She added sarcastically, rolling her dark eyes. Before anything more could be said a tap on a glass pulled the Great Hall into silence as all chatter trailed off as their new (and amazing) Headmistress called for their attention as she stood to her feet.

"Can I have your attention please." She called in her Scottish accent, but she sounded tired and more than a little haggard. Almost as if someone had cast Silencio on them all the chatter all trailed off with all eyes fixed among their Headmistress as they wondered what this important assembly would be about as they had been informed on the notice boards that all classes were suspended for the day, but all were compulsory to attend breakfast at the normal time.

"Thank you." Headmistress McGonagall smiled at her students who were no doubt extremely confused. "I know you all must be very confused about the importance of this assembly. First, I would like to reiterate that any and I do mean any bullying will NOT be tolerated at Hogwarts and any who do so will be met with severe consequences! Much like those who attacked Lady Potter-Black-Peverell who have been expelled from Hogwarts, their wands snapped and are awaiting trial with the Wizengamot." McGonagall paused for a moment to give each and every student within the Great Hall with such a severe glare that promised severe retribution to any who crossed her causing a shiver to slide down the spines of all of the students.

"Now, Lady Potter-Black-Peverell despite still being unconscious is doing well and is thankfully, expected to make a full recovery from the malicious attack she endured." Sighs of relief passed from the lips of all who cared for the redhead, including Hagrid and Oliver Wood (which was a surprise to the Gryffindors) who both sat at the head table with red rimmed eyes. "Now, the reason for the lack of classes in the coming days is due to some major changes undergoing at Hogwarts. I have brought back numerous classes that Dumbledore had removed which will be available to all applicable students including students fifth through to seventh year. Your Heads of Houses will call you into their office for one-on-one meetings to discuss the new classes, curriculum, grades, and what the classes will entail and what jobs will become available to you with these classes."

Murmurs filled the Great Hall with a rising excitement that gripped everyone as they eagerly waited to find out what these classes were and who the new teachers were, but especially why Oliver Wood sat at the teachers' table as the last everyone knew he had been signed up to Puddlemere United as a Keeper; his dream that everyone knew as he had worked the Gryffindor Quidditch team tirelessly during his seventh year at Hogwarts. At McGonagall's raised eyebrow everyone quickly quietened down.
"Second, I would like to introduce you to your new teachers before I introduce you to the new classes." She continued once everyone had sufficiently quietened down.

"This is your new Deputy Headmaster Daryl Smith, who had worked at Ilvermorny where he taught Defence, and has agreed to work here." McGonagall started the introductions, a welcoming smile as she pointed to a man sitting directly on her right who had long dark brown hair and bright, clear blue eyes. The man in question smiled at everyone but his eyes travelled over everyone assessing them all as he gathered the measure of them – and correctly so for some – but when he spoke a clear Georgian accent could be heard. "Next, I would like to introduce Billy Jones who has taught at Salem Institute of Magic and has agreed to take over my old position as Head of Gryffindor and has promised to take good care of my Lions, so Gryffindors I want you all to behave and make me proud. Not like the four who I have expelled.

"Katy Johnson has taken the position as Head of Hufflepuff House while Professor Sprout will just have Herbology to better be able to dedicate her time to you students and the numerous Greenhouses on Hogwarts grounds. Professor Flitwick will be remaining as Head of Ravenclaw, while Charms will be taught by Charms Mistress Rowan Murphy. Head of Slytherin House will now be Horace Slughorn, while Potions class will be split in two. Years one through four will be taught by renowned Potions Mistress Charity Zoe Platt, and Professor Snape will go back to teaching Potions but only fifth, sixth and seventh years. As for Defence Against the Dark Arts, I would like to welcome back Remus John Lupin, who is currently with his daughter Lady Potter-Black in St Mungo's.

Oliver Wood, while joining Puddlemere United as Keeper, which we are all extremely proud of, has agreed to assist Madam Hooch as Flying Instructor for first and second years when his Quidditch season is not in session, but not only that he will be a Quidditch Coach for ALL House teams." Another wave of excited chatter rose within the Great Hall that caused several small bangs to issue from Deputy Headmaster Daryl Smith's wand. "Thank you Professor Smith." McGonagall nodded at him before she turned sharp eyes and a thin, pursed lip upon the students which caused everyone to shrink in their seats, as that was never a good sign.

"As I was saying." Again McGonagall fixed them all a sharp glare before she continued. "Transfiguration Master Tony Cox will be taking on the role of your Transfiguration Professor. Muggle Studies will now be taught by Ted Tonks and will be compulsory to all wizard-raised students." She raised her voice with a hand raised, immediately silencing any and all protests. "This is to stop exposure to our world and therefore is needed. For all Muggle-raised students it will therefore be compulsory to learn Wizarding Etiquette and Society which will be taught by Lady Narcissa Malfoy. Astronomy, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy will still be taught by Professors Aurora Sinistra, Bathsheda Babbling and Septima Vector, respectively.

Madam Pomfrey will be taking on the Head Mediwitch in the Hospital Wing but will be joined by Mediwizard Reginald Barker as the Deputy Healer there. History of Magic has been renamed History and Government and will now be taught by Marius Black. Madam Pince is still your Librarian, but Mr Filch has been replaced by Mr Shane Olsson." A raised eyebrow quickly silenced in cheerful, exuberant cheers. "Care of Magical Creatures will now be taught by renowned Magical Zoologist and author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander with Hagrid agreeing to become his assistant to learn his teaching degree in addition to his groundskeeper duties." She paused to let the cheers for the teachers fill the Great Hall for a moment before she finished the last of the introductions.

"On to the new classes and new teachers." She stated that one sentence silencing the Great Hall without effort made some feel jealous of her control and respect she garnered from the students as they all turned eager and excited eyes upon her, literally sitting on the edge of their seats. "First, Alchemy. It will be available to all students and will aid any who wish to become Potion Masters/Mistresses, Blacksmiths, Portrait designers and Curse Breakers. It will be taught by Professor Joseph Ford who studied under Nicholas Flamel. We have Duelling Champion Paul Chaske who has agreed to be the Duelling and Martial Arts Instructor which is available from second year onwards.

Next, is Harriet Williams who will teach Art from third year onwards to any who choose that elective but will also be the new Choir Instructor. Healer Morwen Parker will be teaching Healing as an elective for sixth and seventh years and will aid Madam Pomfrey and Mr Barker in the Hospital Wing if it is needed. It is essential for all of you to know some basic healing but is needed if you wish to become a Healer or a Mistress or Master in Potions, Charms, Alchemy, or a Magical Zoologist. Finally, the following classes are now electives for sixth and seventh years, Magical Languages, Spell Crafting and Warding and Curse Breaking and will be taught by Professors Brad Luna, Serena Yeun, and Jenna Lopez, respectively.

Heads of Houses will now have meetings one-on-one with all of you throughout the year to better support you. The times with your slots will appear on your notice boards in your Common rooms, but outside of these times their offices will be open to you if they do not already have a meeting. It will be specified on their office door, but all of the teachers and I are all here to support you with anything should you need it, so our offices are always open. In the coming days you will have a meeting with either myself and your Heads of House or Professor Smith to discuss your new timetable, and how to get your new books and supplies for the new classes. For now enjoy the free time you have but if you wish to sign up for either the Duelling Club or the Choir then please see Master Chaske or Professor Williams after breakfast."

Finished with her speech Professor McGonagall returned to her seat and breakfast, watching as excited discussions arose within the Great Hall as students discussed the new changes to Hogwarts with their friends, some even running to different House tables to discuss it with friends in different Houses. Despite the smile upon her face as she listened to the happy, cheerful din rising within the Great Hall as her students forgot about the war brewing outside these Castle's grounds, Minerva's mind was far away as she thought back to last night when she was visited by Griphook and Bill Weasley who had traced a Horcrux hidden within the Room of Requirement made by Lord Voldemort.

To think such a dark and heinous artifact had been hidden within the school where any student could stumble across it was unthinkable to the Scottish witch. And the fact he had tarnished not only Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem (which is what had been hidden within the school) but also Helga Hufflepuff's Cup and Salazar Slytherin's Locket was disgusting as he had potentially ruined three of the four Founders magical historical items. Helga's Cup had been found within a vault at Gringotts when Gwen had the one in her scar removed as it had set off alarms deep within the bank.

She obviously didn't know which vault, but she saw that it had angered the goblin. As for the Locket it had been turned in by Kreacher the year before when he had overheard Sirius and Gwen talking about the removal of the one in her scar. It was then that poor Sirius finally found out what had happened to his brother Regulus. The story was that Regulus, who had been a spy, found out the truth of Voldemort's attempt at Immortality and attempted to destroy the Locket but was killed by the Inferi guarding it but not before he ordered Kreacher to leave and destroy it.

She also found out last night that Dumbledore knew of these Horcruxes (more than he let on at his trial) as remnants of two were found in her new office. The diary that had released the Basilisk and opened the Chamber of Secrets four years ago, and a ring that had Gwen's family emblem on it, the Deathly Hallows. Griphook hoped to have the Founders' items, and the ring cleaned and returned to Hogwarts and Gwen by Yule.

But the most shocking news was that Voldemort had made seven Horcruxes - if what Griphook guessed and confirmed by Horace who had appeared last night and confessed to Tom asking him about them when he was a student – were true.
Horace had confessed to everything, riddled with guilt, sobbing after news had got out at Dumbledore's trial that he had been planning to have Gwen sacrificed due to the one in her scar. Minerva knew he felt responsible for what nearly happened to Gwen, a sixteen-year-old witch, all because he kept quiet out of fear.

But she couldn't help but feel anger towards him and had banned him from his little Slug Club and had made him swear upon his magic that should any student come to him in future with such a troubling and disturbing topic he would report it to Madam Bones and herself immediately.
"Everythin' alright Minerva?" Daryl asked gruffly, his eyes assessing her concerned.
"Yes, I'm fine thank you Daryl. Just a lot on my mind." She offered him a reassuring smile. "Just don't understand how everyone can still turn to Gwen to defeat him. I know her power levels are that of Merlin himself, but she is but a child. She should not be made to fight against a wizard fifty years her senior."

"You've known her longer than most students haven't you?" Daryl asked correctly, guessing where her familial concern came from, even if she did hide it from the student body. But anyone with eyes could see how greatly she cared for the redheaded Potter.
"Yes, since she was a baby. She used to call me Grandma Minnie. James and Sirius's fault." Minerva responded with a roll of her eyes, but a fond sad smile graced her lips as she thought of two of her favourite students. But she had to admit that Gwen had stolen that spot from her fathers, a fact she knew they would be extremely proud of.

***

-September 4th 1996, Wizengamot Chambers, Ministry of Magic, London –

Cassiopeia Black sighed, looking around the arguing fools of the Wizengamot. She was so tempted to pinch the bridge of her nose, but she was raised better than that; however, the longer they argued over whether to sentence two of Gwen's attackers as they were only sixteen the stronger that temptation rose. She almost regretted sitting as Proxy for House Black while Lady Rhea Montague sat between herself and her husband Elijah Montague as the Proxy for Houses Potter and Peverell.

Almost being the key word here, as she couldn't resist the desire to put fools in their place then where better to do it than the Wizengamot. Her cousin Arcturus always said she was a wildcard and blamed her for passing that onto Sirius and Andromeda, but more so Sirius. What could she say, she loved what she loved and if she helped her niece and nephew fight against fools then all the better.

"I put forth that all four attackers, Miss Lavender Brown, Miss Abbie Runcorn, Miss Ashley Andrews and Miss Bethany Burke should be tried with the full extent of the law." Elijah stated. "Not only did they attack my niece with the well-thought-out intent to kill her. They ambushed her after she left the shower when they knew the dormitory would be empty and used Dark Cutting Curses and Bone Shattering Curses on her, in places where she would bleed out slowly and effectively kill her while they stood watching gleefully."

"This was a malicious attack which we can all agree on I'm sure." Rhea Montague continued.
"The Wizengamot recognises Lady Montague, Proxy for Houses Potter-Peverell." Madam Bones, Chief Mage (female version of Chief Warlock) for the Wizengamot, stated giving Rhea the floor.
"If it were anyone else this wouldn't even be a debate. They would be sentenced to Azkaban." Rhea glared at all of the other Lords. "But because this is my niece you don't want to own up that the entire Wizarding Britain has done wrong by her. This needs to change. The corruption within our Ministry and society needs to end!"

"THEY ARE ONLY SIXTEEN!!!" Lord Amos Diggory and Lord Runcorn shouted, ever since his daughter had been arrested Lord Runcorn (and Mr Burke) had been arguing for them to be released.
"If they are old enough to attack Lady Potter-Black-Peverell with the malicious and well-thought-out intent to kill her, and slowly at that, then they should be tried and sentenced like the two other perpetrators underage or not." Lady Augusta Longbottom argued, with the majority of the Wizengamot agreeing with her.

"At the end of the day they attacked with the intent to kill, and they attacked a Lady of not just one but THREE powerful Houses, and the actual Leader of the Grey Sector of the Wizengamot as has always been for House Peverell." Cassiopeia interjected.
"Miss Black is quite correct." Lord Malfoy agreed. "At the end of the day there is no argument here. The four of them were of sound mind when they planned out their attack and when they followed through with it. It is now up to us to hold up the law."

"Madam Bones, my other Lords and Ladies, is this the society we want?" Lord Thomas Wood asked, his Scottish brogue thick with his anger and disappointment in those before him. "Do we want to just write off such a malicious attack and give them a chance to actually kill Lady Potter-Black-Peverell? Show other younger wixens that it is okay to attack with intent to kill just because you are underage and get away with it? To attack an Omega with the intent to kill but with no repercussions? If that is what you're suggesting then that is not a society I or my family want to be a part of!"

Everyone, including those who had been advocating for Lavender Brown and Abbie Runcorn to get away with it all because they were sixteen, were finally quiet as they took in what had been said within this meeting. It would seem there would be much to think about. No one even argued with Lord Wood that he was only being protective of Gwen because his son Oliver was not only Gwen's friend but was also a Beta and the mate of Alpha Graham Montague, Gwen's cousin.

As what he said was the truth. If they didn't do what was right there was a chance they could attack Gwen again or other younger witches and wizards could get the idea that they could attack someone with the intent to kill and get away with it. And that is not something they wanted to instil in the younger generation; especially with the war going on.

***

-September 5th 1996, St Mungo's Hospital –

Gwen suddenly woke up with a gasp, her magic surging around her causing things to fly around the room as she quickly looked around her.
"Hey shhh. Shh, cub. It's okay, you're okay. You're safe." Remus quickly soothed, gently carding his hand through her hair as he blinked sleep away from his eyes. Slowly but surely with soothing words Remus spoke to his cub and his hand carding gently through her long blood red locks, Gwen slowly calmed down which in turn calmed down her magic; although the room looked like a small tornado had struck the room.
"Papa?" Gwen croaked; her throat raspy.

"Its okay, Gwen. You're safe. You're in a private ward at St Mungo's." Remus reassured her. "Let me get your Healer."
"NO. No, please don't leave me." Gwen begged, her expressive eyes pleading with him not to leave her alone. It broke Remus's heart to see his cub, who was such a strong woman, become so broken. He had only seen her like that a few months ago....when Sirius was killed.
"I won't. I won't leave I promise." Remus reassured her, seating himself beside her on the bed, pulling her into his arms and sending a Patronus Message to the family and to Healer Coltrane to let them know that Gwen had woken up.

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Author's note: DO NOT ask me to update in any way shape or form. There are other ways of telling me what you thought of this.

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