Chapter 068

"Lord Black was immediately released, given financial compensation of the sum of one hundred thousand galleons per year pro rata from the time he was incarcerated until today, making it just over one point three million galleons he will be paid, was officially recognised as Lord Potter's godfather and the person who should have rightfully been raising him all this time and is believed to be in the care of a Master Healer, who is nursing him back to full health."

Quite a few students turned to stare at Harry when they heard that. Harry just glared back, daring anyone to say anything.

"After a one hour break for lunch the next trial was of Bartemius Crouch Senior. He had previously confessed to assisting his son, Bartemius Crouch Junior, in escaping from Azkaban within months of his first being incarcerated there; and the repeated use of the Unforgivable Imperious curse on that son since that time and until as recently as the Quidditch World Cup. For the multiple use of the Unforgivable alone, they decided they did not need to hear any further matters raised against him and immediately sentenced the man to life imprisonment in the medium security wing of Azkaban.

"Following that, our own Groundskeeper, Rubeus Hagrid, faced his own trial. Though he did not fight the two charges against him, even going so far as to being completely up front and honest with the aurors during his questioning, he was not found innocent, but faced no punishment due to he having no intent to break the law. Though the orders Hagrid was given by Dumbledore were illegal and he should not have carried them out, he did not know that. As such the Wizengamot chose not to punish him with a conviction. However, Hagrid has now been banned from ever holding a position of authority ever again. That means Hagrid will never be eligible to act as minder if a student is ordered to serve a detention. Further, that means he has lost his position as Professor of Care of Magical Creatures.

"And finally," he continued, before he gave a sigh. "Was my own trial."

He paused a few moments before he said, "As with Hagrid I did not fight the charges against me; and I also freely and honestly aided the DMLE in their enquiries. Furthermore, I also aided the Wizengamot during the trial by providing added information I knew could harm my defence but felt honour-bound to provide, nevertheless.

"I was found not guilty of the charges laid against me―"

That had the Ravenclaws make quiet exclamations of happiness, before he quickly shut that down.

"... but the Wizengamot also decided that, due to the poor choices I have made in carrying out my duties as both a Head of House and as a Professor, I was to be stripped of the position as Head of House for Ravenclaw. I was thankful, though, that I was not also stripped of my post as a Professor; though, personally, I believe I should have been.

"This will give me opportunity to regain my honour; my honour, which I must honestly judge, has been greatly harmed this past few years. There have been times over this past many years during my time as a Professor, let alone as Head of House Ravenclaw, I have wanted to issue severe punishment to a student or students for incidences I strongly felt warranted such. However, the Headmaster - wrongly, I feel - overruled me. If he somehow manages to escape what I believe is his own richly deserved punishment and returns to the castle, he will never be allowed to do that again.

"As example of that... Miss Cho Chang, Miss Marietta Edgecombe, Miss Amanda Brocklehurst, Mister Michael Corner and Miss Shirley Fawcett... stand!"

When the five tentatively rose to their feet, wondering what was going on, Flitwick continued. "You five are the five main culprits in the bullying and other harm that has befallen Miss Lovegood. You are also the five main instigators in the theft and damage of Miss Lovegood's property.

On the evening of the first task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament I informed you all... the whole House... that all of Miss Lovegood's missing property was to be return to her by 8.00am the next morning. You've had four days... rather than just the overnight I gave you... to comply and you have failed."

Turning to one of the aurors along the side walls, one he knew to be a senior auror, he said, "Senior Auror; the five Ravenclaw students currently on their feet are thieves and have caused physical harm to another student. I hereby make formal complaint to you of their actions and, as much as I can in my diminished capacity as a recognised Professor of this school, demand they be removed from this castle. What you do with them after that I couldn't care any less about than I do now."

As the five stood there in shock before three of them burst into tears and another, Mandy Brocklehurst, fainted, five aurors moved forward to take them into custody.

As the five were led out in manacles, with two needing to be practically carried out, Flitwick remained standing there with a firm countenance and stance - even if it was while standing on the seat of a chair.

Once they were gone he continued. The pain for Ravenclaw House was not over yet.

"It is the responsibility of the House Prefects to monitor the students in their House and in the common areas for actions contrary to being a student of good standing. In that responsibility is also included the requirement they be above reproach in their own actions.

"That a student in their House has suffered repeated and ongoing bullying almost since her first day in this school over two years ago is utterly intolerable. That not one of Ravenclaw's Prefects spotted it and either dealt with it directly or reported it to me or one of the other members of staff is completely unacceptable. All Ravenclaw Prefects are to stand up right now."

All six did. And all looked rather ashamed.

"As my last official duty as Head of House Ravenclaw, you're all fired!" the Professor firmly stated. "Miss Quirk," he called to one of the little First Year 'Claws. She stood and looked at him. "Miss Quirk, please go to each of our now ex-House Prefects and take their Prefect badges from them. Then bring them up here to me."

With a short bobbed curtsey she quickly went around the table, collecting them as she went, before hurrying up to silently hand them over to the professor.

As she held them out to him from the other side of the head table he said, "Just place them on the table please, Miss Quirk. And return to your seat."

She promptly did both.

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