Sirius stared at his old friend for several seconds before he started. "Peter Pettigrew was my friend. At Hogwarts, he, myself, Remus Lupin," Sirius glanced at the werewolf before turning back toward the courtroom, "and James Potter were best friends. My friend," He indicated Peter who was staring at him, the tears still leaving wet marks down his cheeks, "betrayed us. James died because of Peter. I was falsely imprisoned and almost killed by pursuing Dementors when I escaped to protect my godson, and Remus lost his friends because of Peter. But..." Sirius turned his eyes to the crowd of observers before continuing. "but...even that betrayal pales in comparison to what he did to all of you. He betrayed each and every one of you as well. His actions have resulted in the rebirth of Voldemort, in the rebirth of the darkness that once again threatens our safety and your children's safety. When another good witch or wizard, like the two Aurors earlier, dies because of the evil that once again walks our land, those deaths should be laid at the feet of Peter Pettigrew as much as they are attributed to Voldemort," Sirius took one last look at his old friend and then returned to his seat. For a short time the entire courtroom was silent and then a person started clapping and another followed. Many people rose from their seats and joined in until Sirius was receiving a standing ovation.
Madam Bones leaned over and said. "Keep giving speeches like that Sirius and you might have a career in politics."
"Merlin help us then," Harry smirked.
Dumbledore waved everyone back down to their seats and continued. "Anyone else?"
Minister Fudge could see the effects of Sirius' speech had upon the crowds and knew it would be in the Prophet the next day. He wasn't about to waste the opportunity to capitalize on it. "Chief Warlock, I would like to speak."
"Very well Minister," Dumbledore replied.
"Peter Pettigrew," Fudge addressed the man in the chair. "The Ministry awarded you the Order of Merlin First Class when it was believed you were the hero in trying to apprehend Sirius Black and died in the attempt," Fudge waved his arms upward toward the ceiling of the courtroom. "That award is on display in this very building. It was placed here as an inspiration for those who must go against overwhelming odds and of selfless sacrifice. Obviously that award was a mistake. The trust our society placed in your name was injudicious and I shall rectify that mistake right now. Peter Pettigrew, as Minister of Magic, I hereby rescind your award and any monetary values that were awarded with it," Minister Fudge then turned to Sirius. "Mr. Black, there was a hero that day. One who, through a miscarriage of justice by the PREVIOUS administration, was unjustly locked away. I plan, upon returning to my office, to start the process to award you the Order of Merlin First Class for your actions that night."
Sirius didn't know whether he should laugh or cry as he sat staring at the Minister who was looking at him expectantly. It was only when Amelia Bones leaned over and whispered "It's obviously political, but it will provide a lot of good will for you and for the Minister in the coming times. Accept it."
Sirius nodded and stood again. "I do not believe myself a hero Minister. My best friend and his wife died and I only was trying to avenge their deaths, but if the Ministry believes my actions were above that then I will be...eh...honored if the award is given."
The Minister smiled and reached over to shake Sirius' hand.
Dumbledore turned back to the courtroom and once again asked. "Anyone else? No? Then Members of the Wizengamot, I shall read each charge against Peter Pettigrew. I would like a show of wands if you feel he is guilty of that particular charge."
Once again Percy Weasley provided the list to Dumbledore and he started the query. There was no doubt as every wand went up for every charge. At the conclusion of the list, Dumbledore turned to Percy Weasley. "Mr. Weasley please record that today, two July nineteen ninety-six, Peter Oliver Pettigrew was found guilty of all charges against him."
"Yes sir."
"Members of the Wizengamot, we shall now decide upon Peter Pettigrew's punishment," Dumbledore said and once again Madam Bones rose from her seat. "Chief Warlock..."
"The veil again?" Dumbledore asked.
"As proven earlier, V...Voldemort has an interest in this man. He's been found guilty of many murders and as Sirius Black so eloquently pointed out, his actions will result in numerous more murders by the Dark Lord."
"Chief Warlock?" The timid voice of Peter Pettigrew spoke.
"Yes Mr. Pettigrew?" Dumbledore asked as he turned away from Amelia to peer over his half-moon glasses at Pettigrew.
Peter had seen the nods within the Wizengamot after Madam Bones' statement and knew he was a doomed man. He then had glanced at Sirius who was sitting next to Remus and in front of them was Harry who looked so much like James. Seeing them grouped like that brought back the memories of his happier days; days when a group of very popular boys called him 'friend'. Deep within the man, the spark that the Sorting Hat had found that made him a Gryffindor reemerged and he knew what he must do. "Chief Warlock," He repeated; this time his voice was a bit stronger. "I know what my fate is to be, one way or another. My only hope for my life is to be rescued by the Master I chose and I do not wish that. I know I made mistakes and it is time for me to face the repercussions of those mistakes," Peter stopped and swallowed hard but finally he continued. "I want the veil sir. If possible I would like it to happen today. I do not wish any more blood on my hands..." Pettigrew raised the stump of an arm as much as the chains would allow. "I guess I should say hand," He glanced once more at Sirius and Remus. "I'm sorry," He said to his old friends. "You gave me so much and I was too much of a coward to understand," Peter glanced around the courtroom before continuing, "Let it be known that I renounce my Master, I renounce..." His voice stopped as a look of pain shot through his face. He leaned toward his left arm. "I...I renounce you," The pain obviously worsened as Wormtail started to sweat and writhe. He lifted his face. "Dumbledore..." This time his voice betrayed the pain he felt, "don't let me die by my mark..." Again Pettigrew grimaced but his eyes kept looking at Dumbledore. "Let me die for my crimes, not by his..." He screamed as the pain worsened even further. Finally he gasped "Please..."
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