En Banc

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Harry's week passed quickly. He spent it mostly in his suite trying to understand the enigma that was Lucius Malfoy. After a few short hours of hesitancy, the aristocrat had returned to his manners. However, where before there was an edge of vicious cruelty, there was now only polite self-assurance. His understanding of the blond man had cemented itself when Lucius attempted to explain his perspective.

"Mr. Potter. Imagine that you have spent the better part of three decades observing the most detailed Greek tragedy. Then, suddenly, you are forced to assume the role of the antagonist with no option but to attempt to carve out the life you wanted in a world hostile to your very presence. It would have been kinder of you to not have freed me and for the Ministry to have executed this body."

After that exchange, they were no longer Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter but Lucius and Harry. And while they were no longer enemies and not yet friends, they were dependent acquaintances.

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Despite their progress, Harry would not yet replace the other wizard's wand. Apparating into the Ministry, Harry quickly released his embrace of Lucius but still gathered quite a few stares. He ushered his charge through the corridors until they approached the hearing rooms.

Harry paused, forcing Lucius to mirror the action reflexively, as he saw the crowd of redheads. While he knew he'd have to face them as observers, he had no desire for a hallway confrontation with the Weasleys. Oddly, it was Lucius' hand as it gave a steady warm pressure on his lower back that gave Harry the courage to finish entering the room.

The two heads, raven and platinum, were a sharp contrast at the defendant's table. Just before the proceedings began, Harry stood.

"Before these witnesses, I codify my Right of Merlin over Lucius Malfoy. I claim only the rights of guidance and protection. Otherwise, Lucius Malfoy stands as his own man."

Harry gave a quick, light squeeze to Lucius' shoulder before moving to the seat held for him as a court advisor. Lucius seemed to not quite have the icy impartiality of his last presence in this room, but was still calm.

Madame Bones wasted no time in calling the session to order.

"Let the record show that Lucius Malfoy is appearing pro se before the Wizengamot en banc. Mr. Malfoy, this court recognizes that you have a request."

Lucius stood, no further sign of his concerns or discomfort on his features.

"Your Honors, I desire that this court acknowledge my request that my plea be changed to nolo contendere."

Harry leaned forward slightly in his chair, jaw clenching. Lucius never glanced in his direction even as his Slytherin instincts objected to his very Gryffindor actions. There were no few incredulous glances among the members of the court before Lucius was addressed once more.

"Mr. Malfoy, that is quite a change considering the recent evidence obtained by the court. Do you have a statement to make before this court adjourns to consider the charges?"

Lucius spread his hands on the table in front of him, fingers steepled as if to provide him support.

"Most Honorable members of the Wizengamot…"

The blond voice faltered for a moment but when he spoke again it was sure and strong.

"Lucius Malfoy is known to each of you and each of you have been known to Lucius Malfoy. In my school years, I was a different person. Not necessarily a better person, not by rights someone more pure or trustworthy. But then, by my father's will, I became what he expected of me."

"Lucius Malfoy bent knee to the man known as Lord Voldemort and served him faithfully. As his father before him, he stood as the devil's right hand and concubine. Lucius Malfoy found no shame or degradation in that service, only pleasure and fodder for his lust for power. I do not know, if given free will, I would have denied my father's wishes and refused to serve the Dark Lord. The desire to please one's parents, to meet their expectations, is strong even without magical impetus."

"Lucius Malfoy, in service to his Lord, did commit rape, theft, fraud, murder, coercion, and a host of other crimes. He did this without remorse for laws broken, lives ruined, or a generation raised in fear of a name and symbol. I watched these occurrences in frightening detail, my memory imprinted with every face and every moment."

"The difficulty before this court is that I am Lucius Malfoy. While I did not choose to do these things, they were done by my hand. I cannot say, in all honesty, if the outcome would have changed given different events. However, I do know that until Lord Voldemort died at the hands of Harry Potter, I was a Death Eater and that my actions are crimes before our laws."

"I do not ask for your mercy."

Lucius stopped, standing silent before the court before seating himself. Harry continued to stare at him, an intense look. There was rustling and the barely heard background chatter of the observers before Madame Bones finally spoke.

"This court shall adjourn to consider the charges against the defendant. All parties will be notified to reconvene."

The blond wizard never stirred as first the members of the court and then the general public cleared the room.

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