Dumbledore studied the man writhing in the chair in obvious pain. He'd never heard of a Dark Mark taking the life of its wearer. Even Karkaroff had been found murdered. "But he didn't actually renounce his Master did he? He only fled in fear. Then again Voldemort had booby trapped Pettigrew's hand, so maybe he knew that Pettigrew was weak-minded and likely try to switch allegiances again and I would require Peter to renounce his Master," Dumbledore lifted his wand and stunned the main who was crying out as he still stared at him. While the courtroom fell silent as Pettigrew slumped against his chains, Dumbledore continued to study the man for a few seconds. He'd seen the remorse in Pettigrew's eyes as he pleaded not for his life, but to allow him to pay his debt to society. He felt pity for the man. Dumbledore turned to the Wizengamot and in a very quiet voice he addressed the members who were all looking stunned. "Please display a vote to give the guilty party his desire. Who votes for Pettigrew to be sent through the veil immediately?"
At first no one did anything. Each member looked at their companions trying to determine what was the general consensus before committing themselves. Finally Madam Bones said, "It is his desire and it is obvious he will die by He-who...I mean Voldemort's magic otherwise. I vote yes," Her wand lifted in the air and illuminated. Slowly wand after wand followed hers until almost all were lit.
"Very well," Dumbledore said. "Mr. Weasley...Mr. Weasley," He had to repeat himself because Percy was still staring at Pettigrew. When finally Percy turned toward Dumbledore he continued. "Mr. Weasley, please record that at this time, on today's date, Peter Oliver Pettigrew has been sentenced to death. The punishment will be carried out, per his wish, immediately."
"Yes sir," Percy answered.
"Please keep your seats," Dumbledore said to the people who were beginning to rise. "Madam Bones, how do you wish to proceed with this unusual event?"
"I think myself, you, the Minister and three additional members of the Wizengamot should accompany the Aurors to the Veil room."
"I'd like to attend if possible," Sirius said.
"I'm sure that is acceptable, don't you Madam Bones?" Minister Fudge asked still wanting to capitalize on the situation. "Mr. Potter?" He asked the young man who had stood as well.
Harry nodded to the Minister then added. "I'd like myself and Hermione to be there as well."
"Of course, of course," Fudge replied.
"Minister Fudge," A woman's voice rose above the murmuring. "I believe a reporter should also be in attendance."
"And what makes you think it should be you Rita?" A gruff looking man sitting near her asked.
Rita turned to the man and with a cold glare replied, "Because unlike the rag you write for, the Prophet is actually read."
"Why you..."
"Enough," Dumbledore commanded. "This is a courtroom. If either of you would like to be in the chair of the accused at some later time, please by all means continue your disruptions."
Rita and the man stared at each other for two more seconds before the man sat back down.
"I do think it is a good idea for a reporter to witness the event," Amelia said.
"Excellent," Rita said and started moving down toward the Wizengamot area.
It took another five minutes for the members of the Wizengamot to select their three representatives but finally the group of people including six aurors made their way to the Department of Mysteries.
The tattered black curtain filling the archway didn't seem as ominous now to Harry as they descended toward the raised dais. In his mind it no longer represented Sirius' death, but of justice to Death Eaters. He felt the Hermione squeeze his hand and he responded. "I love you."
"I love you too," Hermione replied.
"Well let's get on with this," Fudge said, trying to take charge. He wanted to be able to say he personally made sure the man who had brought back He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was dead by the Ministry's hand. "Are you just going to levitate him through Dumbledore?"
"It would be the most humane thing..." Dumbledore started.
"No!" Sirius interrupted. "Peter wanted to accept his responsibility. Let him do it awake."
"But the pain his mark..."
"Is his own doing," Sirius argued. "He wanted to die for his crimes, so let him. Let him prove he truly regrets what he did."
"I agree Albus," Rita Skeeter said. It would make a much more interesting story if the man walked through the veil himself.
"I'm sure you do Ms. Skeeter," Dumbledore replied. He looked around but no one spoke up for Pettigrew. "Very well," He maneuvered Pettigrew onto the Dais only a few feet from the archway before reviving him.
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