Trial[Ian]

[Madeline Speare]

I've never liked my mother's side of the family. Now that dislike evolved into pure hatred. Keeping my temper is a lot harder now that I've spent time in Azakban. It seems that every little trivial thing makes me angry now. But this isn't trivial. Sitting in the Ministry, in chains, opposite a large group of wizards that want to put me away, yes that makes me angry. They're not what I'm focusing on though.
Frowning, my eyes narrow slightly as he shifts in his seat. I hope I'm making the bastard uncomfortable.
Lucius Malfoy.
Logan's voice is still clear in my head and I have to bite down on my lip to stop myself from verbally attacking my cousin.
"You know it was Malfoy that gave them your name."

My fists clench in my lap and my brow furrows slightly as I bite down harder on my bottom lip. Dirty rotten conniving bastard. My hair is falling into my face and I make no move to push it out of the way. If it was possible to kill someone with a glare well Lucius would drop dead in two minutes. I can feel all the eyes in the room on me, and it feels like half of them are burning holes in my back.
Shifting in my seat my chains rattle slightly, and I'm pretty sure they're on too tight seeing as I can't feel my hands anymore.
You go numb in here Madeline, finally get it?
I understand it now. I understand what it's like to be numb.
I'm tired as well. Tied as being treated like scum, tired of having my hopes up only to have them crash back down around me.
I just want to know my sentence so I can either go home or just go back to Azkaban and die.

[Ian Hunt]

I really don't like this. I feel out of place here. This is a place for ministry wizards, pure blood or not, they all seem to be up themselves.
It's incredible, that this is the place where blood is supposed to be irrelevant, yet it's still full of arrogant shits. I suppose, there are a lot of different types of arrogant shits, and for once, I'm glad that I can't count myself as one of the worst people in this room.
It's one of the precious few things that I have to be glad about.

The least of my worries of course, is that I'm risking my neck by being here, as per usual. Every time I've set foot in the ministry, I've been risking my neck. I know they know, or at least, I have Logan's word to go by on that. Much as it's not that reliable...well, he was right about them shadowing him after all if he's now rotting and has been for quite a while.
I can safely say I've barely spared him a thought lately.

Another of my worries, more pressing than the first but not the most important although it potentially should be, is that there seems to be a decided lack of oxygen in here and I seem to be the only one aware of it. More fool all these people when they drop dead of asphyxiation, I suppose.
Or maybe my incapability to breathe properly has something to do with other things.

Like for instance, the most pressing of my concerns...namely, where on earth am I supposed to look when my girlfriend is sitting there in chains awaiting the judgment of all these malicious arrogant fuckers who would probably like nothing more to send her back to Azkaban?
That is a hard question to answer. I've tried looking a the ceiling, but it's really quite high. I've tried looking at other people, but I can't without wanting to hurt somebody. I've even spared one or two brief glances at the door as if I might be able to go and wait this all out in the hallway.
So no, I suppose there is nowhere else to look. I'll just have to look at her without seeing, but that's impossible.

At first, I thought this might be a good thing. When Charlie broke into the house, and I do not use that term lightly, early this morning before anyone was up while simultaneously scaring Abby to death and consequently being attacked by both Alex and Poppy before they realised who he was, just to tell us that they'd finally granted Maddie a trial - well, then I was convinced that this was a good thing.
And then about ten minutes ago I was standing outside in the hallway with Nathan, and decided maybe this wasn't the best possible scenario. The best possible scenario, surely, would be if this had never happened in the first place.
And now, upon finally being in here, things keep seeming worse and worse, because no one here looks all that willing to change their minds.

I was so convinced that just getting a trial would be the key, that I didn't stop to consider what would happen at the trial and how it might be pivotal in the whole freedom versus death in Azkaban decision that hangs in the balance.
No, should have considered that.
Should also possibly have brought something to stop myself from asphyxiating.
Should really not be here in the first place.

[Madeline Speare]

I know understand why trapped animals their own limbs off when they get trapped. Lifting my hands up slightly so the chains rattle, I contemplate how long it would take me to my own arms off. Too long.
Frowning I turn my attention back to the 'jury' glare fixed on Malfoy.
"You know it was Malfoy that gave them your name."
He has some nerve. It's his fault that I even became a fucking Death Eater in the first place. I thought we had gotten over all this . I guess not.

"Madeline Jane Marie, that is you correct?"
No shit. I nod mutely, glare fixed on the one person that I wish would drop dead at this very moment.
"You have been accused of murders, and as a follower of the Dark Lord, how do you plead?"
"Not guilty," I murmur softly. I haven't had to use my voice in a long time and it's still taking some time to get use to.
"That's what they all say," Comes the snide little comment from Lucius.
I swear he's worse then Logan. I just curse him in my head, biting my tongue.
"What proof do you have, Madeline?"

[Ian Hunt]

I force my gaze up the ceiling at this, trying to focus on trying to work out just how high up it goes. Pretty high, I'd say. The walls are stone which is why the room is cold. We're way below ground. The wizard next to me is twitching...or he was a minute ago but I think he's dead now, or he's just really bored. I have a cut on my hand, I don't know how I got it either. Interesting.
None of these things are quite interesting enough to distract me completely.

So maybe I do need to focus on her, so I do, and I focus on how I almost feel pity for the bastard on the receiving end of that glare, before deciding he probably deserves it.
Over the past...however long that I've been with Maddie...well, I know that I wouldn't like to be getting that look. Thankfully, I don't think I have at all, or at least very often.
This thought process isn't enough to distract me either.

And then I come to the conclusion that I can't sit around for this. I've never really been one for suspense, as I'm on edge enough of the time just because that's naturally how I am, and I think if I stay around here-...I just can't stay around here and listen to this.
So I half make a move to stand up, then realise that I can't very well leave either and sink back down almost immediately.

[Madeline Speare]

"They're not going to let you off scott-free, hope you know that Janie. Can't just pull the innocent card and pray for it to you for you."
"What other choice do I have Liam? I can't stand it here."
"Think I could? You've at least got a chance of getting out," He nodded at Logan's cell."You need proof."
"And how do I do that?"
"Play your cards right, and it'll all work out."

"I'm innocent," I say calmly, softly, shifting my gaze briefly towards Ian, and spotting Nate in the back as well. "My record shows that I was an Order memeber..-"
"For all we know you could be a spy,"
"And for all we know you could be a mindless twit, but you don't seem me telling everyone here, now do you Lucuis." I snap.
"Enough, Miss Speare, this is not helping your case."

[Ian Hunt]

I put my head in my hands very briefly at that and I wish that just once Maddie could have a normal person's temper rather than hers.
She can beat the shit out of Malfoy when this is over, and I think that I might too in fact, but it's sort of crucial that she behaves herself for now right at the moment.

Straightening up again after this brief fit of exasperation, I glance once briefly behind me at Nathan but his expression hasn't changed and I wish it would. Charlie is on the other side of the room and he's sunk very low in his chair, so I take this as 'things are going bad'.

[Madeline Speare]

"Then what will help my case your Honor?" I ask, trying hard to keep my temper under control.
I can tell by the look that I just got from Charlie that I'd better watch myself.
"I admit to these crimes, but I have done my time, is that now enough? The the guilt of these people death on my conscience not enough?" I'm getting hysterical again and the only thing keeping me calm is Liam's voice repeating in my head. Just play your cards right.
"I have cause no harm since the Dark Lord's fall and yet your all determined to put me away."
"Your a danger to society Speare,"
I have to bite my tongue hard not to throw another insult at Malfoy.

[Ian Hunt]

No, no, no, no...
I'm actually shaking my head slightly at this before I realise what I'm doing and that I'm getting a couple of strange looks about it from the people around me.
I'm half-tempted to ask them how they'd feel if they were in my position. If they were stuck in an audience of people who were looking at their wives or girlfriends that way, talking to them that way...I'm betting they would not be fairing well. Just like I'm not.

Just stay calm, Maddie. Please.
I don't know what thinking this at her so desperately will accomplish, and even if she could heat me I doubt she'd listen, and even if she did listen then she wouldn't stay calm. Maddie is not calm, she's the complete opposite. Wild. Asking her to be calm is just...fighting a losing battle.

[Madeline Speare]

"Yes, I am a former Death Eater. Yes, there is a mark on my arm that will always be there," I desperately want to wipe the tears that are forming in my eyes away but these fucking chains won't allow me to do so."But that does not mean that I enjoyed any of it,"

"Pity will not get you anywhere Speare,"
I swear, I'll break your nose your fucking..- "I'm not asking for pity Lucius," I reply cooly,"I'm just asking to be sent home. I have a family, children. I don't belong here,"

[Ian Hunt]

And I'm off.
I'm surprised I've managed to stay here this long to be completely honest, but now this is started to get to me and I wish I wasn't here. I wish this was just over now. I wish it'd never even started.
I get to my feet while trying to draw as little attention to myself as possible, which is hard because my height is such that I'm sort of instantly in the way, but I can always pray that people are far too intent on watching Maddie practically beg for her freedom.
This is what gets to me. This shouldn't happen. Justice is fair, and this is not fair.
So I'm going to go by my first thought and wait in the hallway, or maybe I'll just stand by Nathan who seems to have more of an idea of what's happening than I do because he seems to actually be concentrating, but mostly because he's standing at the back near the door, and that's where I start to make my way towards.

[Madeline Speare]

"Do I need to prove it?" I ask, trying to keep the desperation out of my voice.
"Worst comes to worst you give names, that's what got me free."
"I'm not giving names Liam, I'm not that much of a coward."

"Perhaps," The smirk on my cousin's face made me want to punch him even more,"The lady would give names up in exchange for her freedom?"

[Ian Hunt]

I freeze up slightly at that comment, but thankfully I'm already out of the way so no one really notices.
Nathan gives a very brief shake of his head at this, directed at me as I head over to stand next to him, which shows he's confident in the belief that she won't sink that low.
I'm pretty confident too, but then again, I was also confident that Liam would not sink that low but was unfortunately proven wrong about him.

[Madeline Speare]

Should have no dirty rotten little..-
"I have no names to give," I murmur softly.

There's a hushed whisper among everyone. It seems that I've played the right card. If I really was a threat then I probably would give away names without a moments hesitation.

"Is it not true that you murdered one, Pierre Parker, your own cousin?"
That's not the only cousin I'm about to murder. I think darkly clench my fists. I can't bare to look at Charlie, Nate or Jack at his moment. I told Charlie of course, seeing as he's my best friend, and Nate found out too, I'm not sure if I told Jack or not so I'd rather not look up and see.

[Ian Hunt]

Nathan nods promptly at her first statement and I'd quite like to hit him. I've never liked him anyway, he's always been one of my least favourite of all the Speare cousins and I don't know why I chose to stand with him.
Then I glance up at Charlie who's sunk so low in his seat I can barely even see him and do a quick glance for Jack and don't spot him, and then remember that both of them seem to be hiding.
That'll be why I'm stuck standing here with Nathan during one of the single most excruciating experiences of my life.
Brilliant.
God, I really wish this was over so badly.

[Madeline Speare]

I just want this to be over.
"Do we honestly need another arrogant murderer around? I thought I did this world a favour," I murmur softly, keeping my gaze fixed on my hands. "I admit to my wrong doings, and forever will be filled with guilt by them, is that not enough punishment."

"I say it is,"
My heart stops beating for a moment in my chest, and I forget how to breathe.
"Are you familiar with, Albus Dumbledore?"
Have you been under a rock the past sixty years? I nod,"Yes sir,"
"I have a letter here from him, saying on your behalf, that you are an excellent young woman, and how it saddens him that you had fallen in with the wrong crowd, but nonetheless, you've always been a good person with strong morals and he appreciates all that you did for the Order during the war."
I make a brief mental note to thank my former Headmaster.
"I'd be a fool to call Dumbledore a liar, your lucky you have friends in high places Miss Speare,"

[Ian Hunt]

I'm not entirely sure what this means, and whether this means it's over or not, but it does seem to be a turn for the better.
I'm a little wary about breathing out again just yet. Not yet.

[Madeline Speare]

I don't know what this all means, all I know is that I'm enjoying the look Lucius has gotten all of a sudden. Like someone just shoved a bludger down his throat and he's choking on it. Hmm, I like that visual.

My hearts still racing, and I ask softly,"So does that mean...-?"
The nods all I need. I let out a relieved breath, dropping my head into my hands.
It's the second time in my lifetime that Dumbledore's helped me.
When I was sixteen, I learned that it was him that sent Emma to get me off the streets. Now I have this to thank him for as well.

[Ian Hunt]

Now I can breathe again, which I suppose is pretty relieving as I sigh a sort of shaky breath in relief.
Should have known. I did know that this was going to turn out okay. Just a little doubtful during, that was all.
And now this is all finally over. It's felt like it's gone for much longer than it has, but now it's over.