Disclaimer: I don't own anything of this fictional work. Harry Potter does not belong to me in any way. That work of art is owned by J.K. Rowling.

Sorry for disappearing for a while. Life kicked me in jay-jay and left me crying on the pavement. I just started to get back up and get on with all my works. I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up but I am working on it. Thank all of you for your support I hope you enjoy this chapter. I tried to keep everything as real as I could while keeping with the wizarding world.

December 1992- Hogwarts of witchcraft and wizardry, Scotland, United Kingdom

It had been about two weeks since the attack. Vera had met with Madam Bones in private to supply her memories of that night. Three days after she had been released from St. Mungos, Madam Bones had personally came to take her to the court room to watch as Lockhart was tried and convicted. Madam Bones had three aurors with her, while the aurors manners back in the hospital room had irritated her and made her magic wish to lash out from their blatant biasness, she had to maintain an air of calm. She was not to lose control of her emotions. It would not do to strike early and miss her prey. There were too many plans in place for her to let loose. Perhaps she might be able to quicken Dumb-as-fuck's fall from grace a little faster with this trail.

When Vera was walked into the chambers it seemed like it was packed. She knew that she wouldn't have to testify, what with given her memories to Madam Bones. However, she wasn't naïve enough to think that there wouldn't be a corrupt member in the chambers that might try to make her take the stand. There were too many secrets at risk if she were to speak.

Cypress had stayed at her side since she was released from St. Mungos. She refused to leave her sister to the tender mercies of those that would treat her like hippogriff dung for being a slytherin. Another at her side in the chambers was Severus Snape, while he wished to be there in the capacity as her mate, but he couldn't. Instead he was there in loco parentis despite her gaining emancipated minor this summer.

Veratrum looked around her and it was a sad day when most of those packed into the observation deck were there in support of that pedophile fraud instead of her. The twelve year old Lady Peverell. There were reports as well, ready to sell a story for whatever a price and call it news. They had no right to her life and honestly they had no right to being here due to her status as a minor, emancipated or not. With that thought she signaled for her law wizard, Mr. Greengrass, to see if he would be able to remove anyone not needed for the trails. She wanted a closed trail this had nothing to do with any of these sycophants or media sharks.

Greengrass nodded his head in understanding before making his way to the center of the floor.

"Before this trial begins, it has been requested that the proceedings are closed to the public."

There was an uproar from the observation deck in outrage. All the spectators were making demands of the court. Vera tuned them out and focused on her bar wizard. He hadn't raised his voice or anything, only remaining silent until the cries settled.

"In this case, my client is a minor and a victim of sexual assault there is no room for the public to have a say in this. It is within our laws that all cases involving a minor are closed until the trial has finished and a verdict has been reached only if the minor and the families involved wish to release facts. If any other breach of privacy appears then all involved in risking the minor can be tried for contempt and disparagement of character."

The crowd had fallen deadly silent at the unspoken threat of charging any and all of them for their demands in remaining.

"No matter how much the defendant makes or how famous they are, has no baring on how the court shall and will process the evidence shown." Greengrass's voice was cold as ice and left no room for argument. "Unless, of course, you would like to take this to the ICW and allow them to know that this ministry can not hold trials to the exact standard."

The threat was left hanging in the air. Everyone in the ministry knew that if this case or any other was taken before the International conference then they would be the laughing stock of the magical world as well as they would be put under the magnifying glass with everything and this corrupt government didn't want anyone watching them. There was an aura of displeasure as the reporters and observers were led out of the court room by no less than four aurors.

"Please let the record show that if any part of this trial without previous agreement appears in the paper then my client will have the right to sue on chargers of not only slander but also the invasion of privacy as a minor." Greengrass was staring one woman down in particular. Rita Skeeter. The little bug that always seems to get whatever story she wants.

He would not allow this creature to play around with his clients. Not only was that not good for business but this one was the same age as his own daughter. He wouldn't allow anything to harm Lady-Lord Peverell. Once everyone was out Greengrass turned to the minister, who is making a buffoon out of himself.

"Well, we have cleared the room allow the trial to proceed." His voice was nasally and just dripping with self-righteous indignation.

Greengrass only raised an eyebrow, "We shall continue once the wards to keep any eavesdropping or animagi transformation from occurring, as well as keeping this jury panel and members silent on what happens in this court room today are activated."

Lord Greengrass just knew that he was driving every last one of these idiots up a wall because he was using their own measures against them. None of them wanted to ensure the safety and wellbeing of his client. Not if they can profit from it themselves, but he wouldn't allow that to happen. This was his world and he was a master at his game. From the look on Madam Bones face, she would stand on his side of any argument in this case. More than likely because it could have been her niece in Lady-Lord Peverell's spot.

In her position she was able to activate the wards without the approval of the minister, which from the faint glow and humming around the room it was what she had done.

"Now that everything has been taken care of. We will begin with opening statements, may the representatives step forward to make their case." Amelia Bones' voice carried across the courtroom with authority. She had held her position for going on seven years now, having taken time off to care for her niece and no one could say that she didn't earn her position as head of the DMLE.

Greengrass allowed his opponent the chance to go first. He was a snake first and foremost, he was willing to allow his prey to trot in front of him for a few moments before striking swift and hot. Once he got his fangs in that idiot he wasn't letting go.

The man that stepped forward was portly, of average height, his hair was thinning at the temples and along the forehead and was a dark dirt color brown. Pit stains were already viewable from this man's sweating.

"State your name for the record please." Amelia commanded.

"Bar-wizard Douglas McVaughn, representing Gilderoy Lockhart in the case of Lockhart vs Peverell on chargers of sexual molestation and attempted rape of a minor." McVaughn took a moment to allow the scribe to finish and pose his dicta-quill, a quill that had charms from auto-correct and quick quotes quills without their inaccuracies.

"Members of this esteemed body, my client has in many ways contributed to the benefit of the wizarding world. He has documented and record many of his achievements for the future generations to learn from. He had graciously given up his book tour and additional commissions to accept the cursed position of Defense against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, putting his own life in peril. He has dedicated his time to his students and giving additional lessons after hours while trying to prepare for a dueling club which had been disbanded back in 1972 with the unfortunate accident with two students. This is not a man that would willingly and knowingly harm a twelve year old girl. His character does not support the accusation laid against him in this case. It is more than likely a falsified report by an incapacitated child who more than likely never saw her attacker and went for the newest member of the school faculty. My client is willing to allow these allegations to become forgotten memories as long as the plaintiff will withdraw her statement. He will not sue for slander or deformation of his character." His statement was long winded and seemed to have sapped him of his strength as he thudded back to his chair and plopped down like a toddler.

Nicolaus stood with a step out looking graceful and powerful as he made his way to the center of the room. "My client has been attack not only by Mr. Lockhart but also by his supports and even some of our professional aurors. When questioned they didn't failed to remain impartial and were hostile. We as a governing body wish to do what is best by our future generations, by the children of our world and yet my client, Veratrum Peverell, has been slandered and attacked by grown men and woman on top of her malicious assault at the hands of an adult that she should have been able to trust. Law wizard McVaughn is right about the fact that Mr. Lockhart did indeed take up the position of Defense against the Dark Arts instructor. When he took of this posting he became an authority figure and had responsibility to the children under his care. Instead he used his position to force a young woman into a vulnerable place and take liberties with her body that no man has a right to with the exception of her future husband. She had provided memories …"

"Which can be falsified!" McVaughn shouted.

Greengrass turned to Madam Bones, "Silence. The representation will not speak out of turn or this court will see to the immediate use of veritaserum and remove the representation all together."

McVaughn sat back in his seat with a ghastly pale complexion making him look sickly.

"As I was saying, my client has provided memories of the event which have been turned over to Madam Bones and verified by a master of occlumency and legilimency to ensure nothing was tampered with. If further proof is needed for my clients claims to be taken seriously and to see justice done, she has given written and verbal consent to the use of truth serum. I would like to ask if my fellow law-wizard's client would be willing to do the same."

The court was silent for a few moments after the opening statements. Madam Bones was able to regain control of the courtroom without too much fuss. "With the willingness to use veritaserum., this court will not allow any further statements or arguments until both accused and accuser have answered questions as honest as they know the facts to be. In the case of a minor, the questioning will be limited and only pertain to this case alone any other questions are denied and will not be allowed as evidence to this body. She will go first, if that is agreeable with her legal counsel."

Greengrass looked back to Vera, she nodded her head to show agreement. "My client finds these terms agreeable."

"Then, if you could lead your client to the stand Law Wizard Greengrass."

Greengrass held his hand palm up to Vera who seat her hands and stepped down from the viewing section where she was sat behind her representation. She was led to a large wooden chair that was straight back. The chair was too large for even an adult to sit much less a twelve-year-old petite female. She sat with poise and refused to backdown before these sycophants. She opened her mouth slightly when the potion master had the potion.

"Let the record show that three drops of Veritaserum was given to the minor Veratrum Peverell. There will be two test questions to ensure that it is working properly. What is your full name and title if applicable?"

"Lady-Lord Veratrum Aspen Peverell, head of the Peverell family." There was no emotion and no pause in her answer.

"What is your birthday?"

"August 1st, 1980."

"The potion is working as it should. Questioning can continue."

"What event lead to you being in the living space set aside for the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?"

"I had been assigned detention from Gilderoy Lockhart, entering the classroom I was stunned from the back. When I recovered from the stunning spell, I noticed that I was unclothed while tied to a bed. I was unaware of what or who had attacked me until Lockhart spoke up and began to touch me."

"How can you be sure that Mr. Lockhart was the one that attacked you?"

There was no emotion in her eyes not even bored disdain. It was a glazed, almost confused and dazed look in her eyes. "Gilderoy Lockhart had been the one to assign the detention. There would be no reason for anyone else to come along and attack him. When I woke up Gilderoy Lockhart was talking to me and so I concurred that Gilderoy Lockhart was the one to attack him."

"Can you explain to this court what was said to you?"

"When I regained consciousness, the first thing I heard was 'what a beautiful girl. Even if you are a snake, my dear, you are simple exquisite.'. I was not moving and had not opened my eyes. That was when Lockhart said to open my eyes and called me sweetling. I tried to get out of my restraints but he demanded that I calm down and that it would be good for me and said that he had done this before and knew how to make it good for the both of us. I was terrified how what that inferred."

"You mean to say that from what Mr. Lockhart said to you it appeared as though there were other victims of assault that we are unaware of?"

"Yes, I have no proof but it is an assumption that I made from his words."

"Did you open your eyes at any time after your attack to the time that you were rescued?"

"Yes."

"You saw the face of your attacker?"

"Yes."

"Can you name your attack, if so please do?"

"Yes. Gilderoy Lockhart was the person that attacked me physically and sexually."

The questioner saw that that was all the questions from the prosecutor. "That is all. Does that defense have any questions for the witness?"

McVaughn stood up and walked before the court, "did you ever see your attackers face?"

"no and yes."

"Why did you say no first?"

"I didn't see the person that stunned me."

"But you said it was Gilderoy Lockhart, my client?"

"I believed it to be him, yes."

"But you weren't sure?"

"no one is ever certain."

"After the no, you answered yes. What question did you say 'yes' to?"

"you asked me if I could identify me attacker. I had been attacked twice."

"so you are saying you could identify the second attacker? Who?"

"Yes. Gilderoy lockhart sexually attacked me."

"No more questions." McVaughn sadly didn't prove his case at all.

The defense attorney sat down, you could tell from the look on his face that he was trying to form a line of questions which won't see his client in Azkaban for years.

"the witness, Lady Peverell is released from the stand. Please return to your seat." Madam Bones released Vera, who returned to her seat beside her sister.

"Nest this body demands Gilderoy Lockhart to the stand."

Legal-wizard McVaughn leapt to his feet as fast as his portly self could, "my client has not consented to the use of Veritaserum."

Madam Bones' smile was filled with sharp teeth. She was ready to tear this man apart. "law 37 section B line 4 passed in 1867 states that any given case which involves all under the marriageable age of fourteen all parties will receive truth serum of any king to ensure truth and nothing else. This law has never been repelled and no new laws have been written nullifying this law. We do not need your client's consent since Lady-Lord Peverell is twelve."

Ver could barely stop a smirk from creeping on her face. She knew that these old fuddy-duddies would bite themselves in the arse with their laws. By trying to apply pressure to the new bloods they have now shot themselves in the foot as the muggles would say.

McVaughn knew there was nothing he could do. The court aurors yanked Lockhart up by his arms and marched to the seat which Vera had vacated. Vera was pleased to see Lockhart treated like the filth that he was. She watched as his mouth was forced open to take the potion.

"Let the record show that the defendant was less than cooperative but has received three drops of veritaserum." The potion administer said aloud for the scribe.

"Test question one: Is your name Gilderoy Alfred Lockhart?"

"Yes."

"Were you sorted into the Ravenclaw house on September 1st, 1976?"

"no, it was 1975."

"it appears to be working."

Madam Bones nodded her head, "Law Wizard Greengrass, please present your questions."

McVaughn looked ready to protest allowing the prosecution to question him first, but he probably realized that while Madam Bones is more fair than others, she really does not like McVaughn and knows that Lockhart is guilty. Her niece is a fan of his, she refused to allow this man to walk free and prey on other young ladies.

"Thank you, Madam." Greengrass brushed out some kind of invisible wrinkles from his robes. "Mr. Lockhart, what qualifications do you have to be teaching young children?"

"Objection! The question has no relevancy to this case." McVaughn shouted.

Greengrass was cool and collected, "it goes to the objective in proving the defendant applied purely for the position to molest our children."

"I'll allow it."

The stasis that kept Lockhart from answering at the objection, was removed.

"I have no qualification."

"then why did you apply?"

"I was able to gain access to Edmund Potter and little girls that I knew wouldn't say anything."

"So you say you too the Defense Against the Dark Arts to be near the boy-who-lived and to gain easy girls to molest?"

"Yes."

"How were you sure none of those girls would say anything?"

"I oblivated them once the fun was over."

"so not only have you falsified qualifications to continue your perversion but you have also oblivated minors unlawfully?"

"Yes."

"Has anyone else been oblivated by you? Someone that could identify you? Someone that could tell us anything which could put you before this court on different charges?"

"Yes. I have oblivated others that could prove my exploits are lies and identify me after oblivating my partners."

"We will return to that first answer in a moment. You say 'partners' as though this was a consensual act. Do you believe that anyone who you've attacked gave you consent?"

"yes, who wouldn't want to be with me?"

The question was rhetorical, hopefully.

"what do you mean by 'your exploits are lies'? have you taken credit for someone else's work?"

"yes. All my books are lies. I would get the story from the real adventurers before oblivating them and writing my books."

"Why did you feel the need to steal someone's achievements?"

"I am an amazing, handsome man who is a genius that no one would admire or admit that I was better than them. I deserve the praise and recognition that comes with those achievements. Not those simpletons."

Everyone was stunned by the words that spewed from his lips.

"Just for clarification purposes: You attacked young women sexually because you felt that you were the second coming of Merlin and afterwards oblivated them along with stealing stories from others?"

"Yes."

Greengrass stood there with his hands folded behind his back. His eyes were hard as stones, back stick straight clinched with stress, angry, disgust, something along those lines from what Vera could tell.

"I have no other questions." Greengrass walked over to his seat, he couldn't stand to look at this disgusting creature because he certainly was no man.

"Your witness, Law wizard McVaughn." Madam Bones' voice would spit venom if she could.

McVaughn wasn't quick to start. Vera wondered what he will do to try and get Lockhart off. Her representation did bury him under a load of hippogriff dung.

"Have you ever intentionally caused harm to anyone you've oblivated?"

That question raised a few eyebrows, just what was this man getting at.

"Of course, not. I allowed the travelers to get comfortable and plied them with drinks and I am a fabulous lover. I never wanted to cause those girls harm but I was too large for them sometimes."

"Have you ever attacked any child on the job before the night that Veratrum Peverell is accusing you of attacking her?"

"I might use made-up spells but I didn't harm anyone. Even darling Vera wasn't too badly harmed. There was no blood and I didn't see any bruises when I stripped her."

McVaughn's face was stricken with distress. He was trying to show a deluded but harmless man. However, he also got his client to admit to attacking Vera. It was always a wonderful thing when her enemies hand themselves. The defense cleared his throat, "I have no more questions."

Madam Bones nodded her head, "Are there any more witnesses that either side would like to call forward?"

Vera tensed slightly at that, she knew that Severus could still be called forward and she didn't want him to have to expose his secret creature status and being her mate on the stand. That could throw everything off. However, neither man said anything and allowed the court to continue on. Madam Bones nodded her head in understanding, "This body will retreat to converse on the evidence and charges before returning to read the verdict."

Vera stood alongside Cypress and Severus waiting for Greengrass to turn around. "It shouldn't be too long. Lockhart buried himself and McVaughn barely passed the bar. Their defense failed miserably."

Vera didn't do anything, "I know." Her face remained stoic. She refused to allow these people to see her as anything but a powerful young witch. "Isn't there a cafeteria here?"

"Yes, it's on the eighth floor. Come we can grab a quick meal before they read the verdict." Severus led his mate and mate's sister to the elevator.

Cypress looked around her as they walked to their destination, "Why would the café be on the eighth floor instead of the ground floor where anyone could get to at any time for whatever reason they had to be at the Ministry?"

Severus gives Cypress a quick look, "the Ministry was built a single department at a time. When the structure got so large they finally decided to add a cafeteria for employees and visitors there were limited spaces available despite our magic."

Cypress nodded her head in understanding. Vera knew that people do not always think ahead about certain things, but it seems as though if the need for a Ministry building was needed then someone would have left room for improvement. Instead it appears as though they stuck departments wherever and just went about their days without thinking of the layout and what was the most logical. Though if Cypress were to listen to her sister than most wizards don't have much logic and common scene.

The three of them were sitting around waiting for the verdict and sentencing. It took them about an hour and four minutes when they got the notice that the Wizengamot had reached a decision.

All of them filled the courtroom once more preparing for the verdict. Vera sat straight back and stoic. She wasn't sure how if everyone of the judges would be able to ignore their own personal feelings for Lockhart – if they were fans of his. If enough of them liked Lockhart, then he might get off or a short sentencing.

Madam Bones stood before them all, she refused to allow Minister Fudge any power in this. "In the case of Lockhart vs Lady-Lord Peverell, for the charge of sexual assault of a minor we the Wizengamot find you guilty. For the charge of unlawful and illegal oblivation, added after the fact, we find you guilty. For the charge of theft for profit, added after the fact, we find you guilty."

McVaughn hung his head in failure when not only was his client find guilty of the original charge but two were added after the start of the trial. Lockhart was glaring at the judges as though all of his problems were their fault.

"For the sexual assault, we sentence you to five years in a maximum-security cell at Azkaban. For the charge of unlawful and illegal oblivation, we sentence you to three years in a maximum-secret cell at Azkaban. For the charge of theft, we sentence you to a year in a medium-security cell at Azkaban. Your wand will be held in a Ministry Gringotts bank vault with other prisoner wands that have not been snapped. There is no chance of parole." Madam Bones' voice was strong and is no-nonsense. This is a woman that has fought, bleed, and sweat for her position.

Lockhart apparently had enough, "I dare you! Do you know who I am? I am Gilderoy Lockhart! What right to you bastards have to sentence me for these false charges?"

Madam Bones stared down at the man. Her brow was slightly raised as though she was wondering if this man shouldn't have been committed to the mental ward of St. Mungos instead of Azkaban. She sighed and decided to answer the clearly delusional man. "You admitted to each of these charges under Veritaserum. There was no false charge listed. Now be silent or we will silence you."

"All monies in your vault will be turned over to the victims with at least 80% will go to Veratrum Peverell and the rest will be settled with your other victims and the oblivators will examine them and repair their memories. Aurors! Take the man away to await transportation to his cell."

Vera stared after him as he was dragged from the courtroom. It was over and she would not think of these ever again. She sneered at McVaughn when he looked over their way before turning her back on him. She had other things to worry about that was a prisoner.