AN1/2: *Waves away the smoke and coughs* Hello *starts coughing again* As promised, here is chapter 19. Be warned, it's very long, so you may want to read it over a few days. Now, there is quite of bit of references to shows, manga/anime and the books. Cookies if you can find them… and cookies with chocolate if you can name source (TV show etc.) and character. Without further ado, and actually ahead of schedule as it isn't my birthday yet, here is chapter 19 of 'Dark Phoenix'.

Chapter 19: Trials

Harry stared nervously at Nico di Angelo, sitting in the same chair Harry had occupied this past August, not even six months ago. However, there were several big and noticeable differences from then. Firstly was that the chains had come to life and chained his pale friend down, and they had kept glowing even after binding him, if only dimly. From what he could gather from the murmurs around him, the chains were actually Suppression Seals, limiting Nico's power further.

That was another thing: This trial had an audience… and a large one. Not counting the around fifty members of the Wizengamot, the courtroom was filled to the brim: Reporters and photographers bustled on the rows and on the floor, taking as many pictures of the accused and judges as possible, pushing each other and the other audience in their scramble for the best position to see and hear the proceedings. There were about fifty witnesses, all students of Hogwarts, and most of them wore Slytherin's sigil. Draco Malfoy wasn't among them down on the floor, but Harry had seen him sitting next to his father close to the chair.

Harry wasn't sure what to think of Nico at the moment: One part of him admired him, another part thought him incredibly stupid. Reason? Nico was looking around the room with eyes that changed from curiosity to blatant boredom; the latter most obvious when his eyes settled on the witnesses and the Wizengamot members with a, in Harry's opinion, lazy smirk threatening to appear on his face. And he seemed perfectly at ease, if only a little annoyed with all the people looking at him and murmuring.

But as Nico's eyes wandered again, Harry noticed a drastic change. They settled on one of the spectators and instantly narrowed. Following Nico's line of sight, Harry quickly found the reason… and he felt his blood leaving his face to the point he was sure he was as pale as a ghost. Nico was staring at Lucius Malfoy. Or, more likely, the one sitting next to him. It wasn't, however, Draco sitting on Lucius' right that the pale youth's dark gaze settled on, though Harry noticed Draco started squirming when he realized Nico had found them, but the one on Lucius' left.

'What in the name of Merlin is Jason doing here?'

Nico's cousin was hard to spot among the throng of wizards, Harry had to give him that, but there was no mistaking it: Jason Grace was sitting next to Lucius Malfoy, eyes guarded and wary as he glanced between the man on his right and the boy who was about to stand trial.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on how you looked at it, Harry didn't get to dwell on the implications of Jason sitting and talking with Lucius Malfoy, for Minister Fudge chose that moment to stand and speak.

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"Let us begin. Trial of January 5th. Standing accused of various crimes: Nico di Angelo, 15 years old, current guest student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Head Interrogators: Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Minister for Magic. Madam Amelia Bones, Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement and Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic, High Inquisitor and Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. Court Scribe: Percy Ignatius Weasley. Accused Nico di Angelo has not brought any Defender."

Hard eyes shifting from Nico to the papers in front of him, Fudge continued.

"The charges against the defendant are as follows: In early October, assaulting and threatening fellow students Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe, as he, through Parseltongue, set three snakes on them." Fudge looked at Nico, only for the boy to look back at him with a calculating gaze. Slightly startled by the piercing black eyes, he continued. "In late October, he endangered fellow students with his powers. The defendant also stands trial for bearing and creating illegal weapons on school grounds. He furthermore stands accused for instigating a fight with the gang of witches called the Hunters of Artemis, jeopardising the lives of students and two professors at Hogwarts."

Nico remained impassive. Not once during Fudge's listing of his crimes had he moved, giving no indication to what he was thinking. No sign of anger, no sign of regret, no sign of fear, nothing. Only a stone mask of cold indifference.

Gritting his teeth lightly, Fudge forged on. "In November, the defendant once again assaulted fellow student Draco Malfoy, this time with a mental attack by the use of Legilimency, a dangerous art usually only used by law enforcement." He took a deep breath, preparing for the finale. "And in December, the accused once again endangered the lives of the students and staff of Hogwarts when he willingly engaged a rogue Water Elementalist by the name of Percy in a duel to the death. During this fight, the accused made use of two very dark and illegal powers: Umbrakinesis and Necromancy." He turned his gaze towards Nico. "Are you Nico di Angelo, current guest student of Hogwarts?"

The son of Hades turned his gaze towards Fudge, giving him his full focus. "Yes."

Ignoring the slight mutters behind him, Fudge spoke again. "The charges against you are enough to condemn to you to a lifetime in Azkaban. Are you aware of this?"

Nico nodded. "I am."

Madam Bones spoke up next. "And yet you have not given any names of witnesses you wish to bring forward to speak for you, nor have you applied for legal counselling?"

Nico nodded again. "That's right. After the battle, when the trial was announced, I was unconscious and unable to leave the Hospital Wing. In other words, I had no time to make a list of witnesses that might speak on my behalf." He smirked slightly, wondering how his next words would be perceived. "Though, I did manage to find someone to help me with your laws and stuff like that. A very friendly man by the name of Remus Lupin offered quite a bit of counselling."

Instantly, murmuring broke out among the spectators, but Amelia Bones quickly restored order again by sending out sparks. Once the room quieted down, Fudge spoke again, voice disbelieving. "Remus Lupin, the werewolf?"

Nico smiled slightly, enjoying the flabbergasted reaction he had gotten from the man. "That's him. I believe he worked at Hogwarts a few years ago."

More murmurings broke out among the crowd, but they fell silent when Fudge spoke up. "According to a legislation made by Professor Dolores Umbridge, those affected with lycanthropy are forbidden from approaching minors with legal advice, unless authorized by the Ministry or with the consent of the minor's parents or guardian. So you got your counselling illegally."

Nico tilted his head. "I don't think so. Firstly, I was the one to seek him out for the job after a couple of glowing recommendations. Secondly, my father has given me permission to seek out and deal with people as I see fit."

This time, Dolores Umbridge spoke up. "How did you seek out Remus Lupin for counselling? The Ministry had posted Aurors to arrest you, should you try to flee before the trial."

The son of Hades' eyebrow rose mockingly. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that they were there to protect the students, should my cousins try getting entry to the grounds again."

Maybe it was just Nico, but he seemed to spot a slight pink tint to Umbridge's skin. It didn't stop her though, as she continued. "But you still left the premises, despite the Aurors being there to arrest you."

Nico just shrugged. "I did. Though, perhaps that says more about your Aurors than me."

Umbridge sneered. "So you admit to attempting to escape?"

At this Nico couldn't help himself. "Considering that I'm sitting here, I wouldn't say I fled anything." He deadpanned. "I would call it going on a well-deserved holiday. Besides, I haven't been handed an official note about me being forbidden to leave Hogwarts' grounds." 'Well, that was circumventing the truth a bit.' Nico thought to himself. 'But oh well, not my concern… for the moment at least' Deciding to give them another little poke, he continued. "And seeing how I haven't been brought up in the news as a wanted fugitive, only that I left Hogwarts grounds, I would think it quite clear that I wasn't placed under house arrest. Ergo, I was free to leave the school as long as I came to this trial today."

The pink hue of the High Inquisitor's skin increased, but before she could say anything, Amelia Bones took charge. "You may have a point. But I'm curious. How did you manage to leave the grounds of Hogwarts? According to reports, there was no sign of Portkey or Floo Network activity, and no one passed through the entrance hall of the castle. Did you get someone to remove the Suppressing Seals?"

Nico shook his head. "No. The only one I would trust to do it around here is the headmaster, but Professor Dumbledore refused."

Fudge was losing his patience. "Then how?"

Nico cocked his other eyebrow. "I'm under no obligation to tell you, since, as we have just concluded, that me leaving the premises of Hogwarts was quite legal."

Fudge was growing an interesting shade of red, but before he could say anything, Madam Bones spoke. "You might have a point, Mr. di Angelo, but beware: Omitting how you left Hogwarts' grounds might hurt your case."

Nico nodded. "I understand."

The Magical Law Enforcement Head nodded. "Very well. Let us proceed: How do you plead to the charge of assaulting and threatening, through Parseltongue, fellow students Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle by setting snakes on them?"

"Not guilty."

Ignoring the small mutterings among the spectators, Bones forged on. "How do you plead to the charge of endangering fellow students with your out of control powers?"

"Not guilty."

"How do you plead to charges of carrying and creating illegal weapons on school grounds?"

"Not guilty."

"How do you plead to the charge of instigating a fight with the witch gang called 'The Hunters of Artemis'?"

"Not guilty."

Madam Bones frowned at the young wizard chained to the chair, before glancing down at her papers. 'He must know we have witnesses… what is his game?' Returning her gaze to Nico, she continued. "How do you plead to the charge of assaulting fellow student Draco Malfoy, using Legilimency?"

Nico tilted his head. "Not guilty."

Amelia Bones let out a resigned sigh, already having an idea what his answer to the last charge would be. "How do you plead to the charge of using Umbrakinesis and Necromancy against a Water Elementalist, endangering the students and staff of Hogwarts?"

Nico smirked. "Not guilty."

Incredulous silence reigned for a few seconds, only broken by the scribbling of pens against parchment. Then, Fudge leaned forward, the reddish hue diminishing as his face became incredulous, though Nico could spot smugness in his eyes. "So, you deny all of the charges against you?"

Nico nodded. "I do."

Fudge's lips curled slightly upwards in triumph. "So you deny setting three snakes on fellow students Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle?"

"No."

Fudge frowned in momentary confusion, before grinning. "So you admit to assaulting them then?"

"No"

The Minister for Magic glared at Nico, only to have cold black eyes staring back. And maybe he was wrong, but it looked like the boy was highly amused. And maybe it was just him, but di Angelo looked smug for some reason. Biting back his frustration, he growled. "This is not a game, Mr. di Angelo. You stand accused of assaulting and threatening three fellow students by setting snakes on them. First you deny it, then you confess to it, and then you deny it seconds later. So I will ask you once more: How do you plead?"

Nico smiled. "Not guilty. But I will admit I set the snakes on them."

Madam Bones frowned, ignoring the triumphant look on Umbridge's face. "Let me get this straight: You plead innocent to the charge of assaulting and threatening your fellow students, but you admit to setting snakes on them?" Nico gave a short nod. "You do realize how these two statements contradict each other?"

Nico felt his lips curling upwards in a minor smirk. "They aren't contradicting each other, Madam Bones." Upon seeing the witch's frown deepen, he explained. "Draco Malfoy was the one to conjure those serpents and then he set them on me. Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, he hadn't taken into account that I am a Parselmouth. Otherwise, he might have silenced me as he did to Harry. So basically, what I'm saying is that I set those snakes on them in self-defence."

Murmurings and shouting broke out at this. Some sounded shocked, others sounded angry. It didn't really matter to Nico. 'Let the game begin.'

Releasing several small explosions from her wand, the head of Magical Law Enforcement restored order to the courtroom. Order restored, Fudge leaned in, sneering at the chained boy. "Self-defence, eh? Coming from a Parselmouth, I very much doubt self-defence is the case."

Nico just narrowed his eyes. "Well, I call it self-defence seeing how it was Malfoy who conjured up the snakes and had them attacking me in the first place. And I don't believe being a Parselmouth is, no matter what some people may want, a legal offence"

Fudge spluttered, but before he could regain control of his voice, and the spectators could get too rowdy, Madam Bones spoke up. "You are not on trial for being a Parselmouth, Mr. di Angelo. We are here to find out if you, among other things, are guilty of assaulting and threatening fellow students."

Nico nodded. "Indeed we are. And I plead not guilty to that charge, seeing how they were the ones to make the opening strike."

Amelia just frowned. "Very well. We will get to the truth of this. But for now, let's proceed to the next charge. You pleaded not guilty to the charges of endangering your fellow students and carrying illegal weapons at Hogwarts." Nico nodded. "Despite that there were several eyewitnesses to both?" Once more, di Angelo just gave a nod in response. "What is your defence?"

The son of Hades exhaled slowly. "The incident in October was the result of Draco Malfoy pulling a prank on me… most likely in retaliation for the incident with the snakes. He thought it would be amusing to unleash three Boggarts on me." Eyes hardening, he stared up at the Wizengamot. "I lost control of my emotions, and as a result, my magic… or Mana, if you want to be political correct… as most fifteen-years-old would. As for my weapons: I believe that was settled with Headmaster Dumbledore."

A dumpy member of the Wizengamot leaned forward, his moustache flaring. "So you admit to carrying and forging illegal weapons at Hogwarts?"

Nico shifted his gaze, quickly taking in the man's appearance, before responding calmly. "Carrying weapons and forging them, yes. Illegal weapons, no."

Small murmurs broke out again, but they quickly died down when Fudge spoke, disbelief colouring his voice. "So you wouldn't call a sword, a war fan and a double-bladed scythe for illegal weapons?"

The demigod turned back to Fudge, barely keeping his annoyance in check. "No. They are weapons, yes, but not illegal."

Fudge leaned backward, making exaggerated gestures in Nico's direction. "Well, now I've heard it all. This boy actually sits and says that deadly weapons aren't illegal."

Nico smiled slyly, ignoring the whispers of the Wizengamot, spectators and reporters. "Deadly weapons… like wands?"

Mutterings broke out, but they fell silent when Fudge spoke. "You can hardly compare wands with…"

"Can't I?" Nico interrupted, popping an eyebrow. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe there is the Killing Curse, curses that produce fire and explosions, spells that can transform things into knives… sure, not a weapon at all. Compared to that, my sword and other weapons seem rather tame."

The same dumpy wizard spoke up. "What we can do with wands are hardly…"

"Relevant?" Nico's voice was icy. "Begging your pardon, sir, but I think it's very relevant. Especially, if a weapon is defined by its deadly potential. My sword can slit someone's throat and pierce flesh and bone alike… a cutting curse fired from a wand can do the same. And given the diversity of curses, a wand's deadly potential far exceeds that of my sword and other weapons." He looked around at the Wizengamot, spectators and reporters. "It's strange. Sitting next to you is someone with the weapon to snuff out your life in the blink of an eye… yet you are all so focused on the boy who is chained down to a chair. Maybe the Ministry should consider restricting permission to carry wands to Law Enforcement only?"

The Wizengamot and spectators alike stared at Nico, absolutely baffled at what he had said about weapons… and more than a little horrified about what he had suggested.

Nico allowed himself a little smirk as Fudge and Umbridge turned an interesting shade of red. He had caught them, and they knew it. And they knew that he knew. But they couldn't deny his points about wands being far more diverse weapons than his. Well, unless he volunteered any information regarding the true natures of his gunbai and scythe; something he wasn't about to do.

But it still bottled down to this: If they continued pressing charges for his weapons being illegal, they would have to consider wands as possible illegal weapons as well. And although it most likely wouldn't come to pass, it was funny for Nico to imagine the outcry of all the outraged wizards and witches if the Ministry tried banning wands from the general populace. What was more, they would have to rethink their entire education and defence system and possibly a lot of other things that Nico didn't bother his brain with.

Amelia glanced around the room, assuring she had complete silence from the Wizengamot and audience alike, before continuing. "Let's proceed to the final charges: Instigating a fight with a gang of witches, endangering fellow students and two professors and engaging a Water Elementalist, once again endangering the lives of numerous students and Hogwarts staff by utilizing Umbrakinesis and Necromancy."

Fudge cut in with a silky voice that belied his anger. "Forgive me Madam Bones, but can we stop wasting time playing his game? He is going to plead innocent and then spin the words around, so that his offences will sound less severe." Lips curling upwards in a mocking smile, he looked down at Nico. "We will now begin hearing the testimonies of the witnesses to the fight between the gang called the Hunters of Artemis, and then the witnesses for the fight against the Water Elementalist." Straightening up, he spoke in a loud and clear voice. "The Wizengamot will now call its first witness: Pansy Parkinson, step forward please, and tell us what you saw."

As Pansy took a seat in a chair that rose from the ground, the son of Hades smiled a small secretive smile, a gleam entering his eyes. 'Let the endgame begin.'

Leaning back in the chair, he listened with half a mind to what Parkinson was telling the court and audience, while the other half was busy moving the pieces on the board, preparing for checkmate. His defence had been worn down, as predicted, but it was still holding. Now it was time for the trap and the counterattack. Plan firmly in mind, he returned his focus on Pansy.

"… and then di Angelo emerged from the lake, standing atop the Basilisk's head."

All was silent in the courtroom for a few seconds, but as the murmurs started, Madam Bones silenced them. "A Basilisk? Miss Parkinson, you are aware that the largest reanimated beast recorded was a griffin, raised and controlled by Lich King Neclor in 1419?"

Pansy nodded. "I know Madam, but please, you have to believe me! That…" she broke off as she contemplated her words, gesturing violently towards Nico. "That… monster summoned Slytherin's Basilisk from the depths of the Chamber of Secrets and then summoned some sort of dragon!"

The nervous silence that followed was broken after ten seconds by a derisive snort. "Oh please. Are you really accusing me, a fifteen year old boy, of summoning two great undead magical beasts? Well, I will give you points for effort, but that was a bad joke."

All was silent for about five seconds, but then the audience found their voices and let out angry clamours, and it took Amelia Bones almost thirty seconds to silence the last of the spectators. Once that was accomplished, she turned her sharp gaze towards Nico. "Mr. di Angelo, during the testimonies, you will not speak unless asked."

Nico nodded, but his eyes and voice was like steel. "Understood, Madam Bones. But if they are all going to make such outrageous claims, I fear their testimonies aren't going be worth much. And their credibility is low to begin with, considering about two thirds of the witnesses are from Slytherin and are likely to have received payment from Draco Malfoy or, more likely, his father, to say whatever he or they want them to say."

Once more, the courtroom was filled with angry yelling, and the Head of Law Enforcement had to release several bangs from her wand to restore order. Once the audience and Wizengamot had quietened down, she looked at Nico with hard eyes. "Those are serious accusations, Mr di Angelo."

The Ghost King gave a tight nod. "But they have some merit. It's no secret that Draco Malfoy's father bought the Slytherin Quidditch Team a new set of brooms a few years back. And it's no secret that Miss Parkinson clings to Draco like fleas to a dog. As for the rest of them…" his eyes narrowed and he had to suppress a smirk upon seeing the rest of the witnesses flinch. "They are likely to have been bought or bullied to testify against me. And even if they aren't, who is to say they won't give false testimonies? Lastly, considering no one was close by, meaning closer than one-hundred meters, during my fight against the Hunters of Artemis or Percy, so they might mix up facts regarding who did what. Especially after the story has been through the Hogwarts rumour mill a few times."

Fudge smiled a satisfied smirk, his voice smooth and oily. "Fortunately, the witnesses have given the Wizengamot, audience and reporters permission to view their memories in this very room. Their memories will confirm what truly went down that day."

Nico smiled to himself. Just one more little push… "People can create their own memories of events… they just need to tell themselves the story enough times, and the created memory will gradually bury the true memory until it only exits in the person's subconscious mind. And because the true memory has been buried so deeply in the subconsciousness, the person will believe that the created memory is the real one; it's basic psychology."

Keeping his smirk to himself, he continued, already predicting their reactions to what he was about to say. "And considering how often the Ministry modifies memories, I cannot say I would feel sure I would be getting a fair trial."

During his little speech, Fudge's face had, once more, turned interesting shades of colours, starting with light pink. Now, however, his face was almost puce-purple. And when he spoke, it was more of a hiss. "Are you questioning the integrity of the Ministry?"

"No." Nico calmly answered, his voice heard by all. "I am, to make a quote from a TV show, denying its existence."

"How dare- !"

"Fourteen years ago," Nico calmly cut off Fudge. "The Ministry of Magic imprisoned Sirius Black for life… without a trial. And Igor Karkaroff, a confirmed Death Eater, was released from a lifetime sentence in Azkaban, after feeding the Ministry names of other Death Eaters. It was, however, a time of war, and I have full understanding for that, as in times of war, some rules and principles may be set aside." He raised his voice a bit as he continued. "However, three years ago, the Ministry sent out a warning to underage wizard Harry Potter for using a Hover Charm in a Muggle house, despite the charm being cast by a house-elf. The year after, the Ministry kindly ignored a bout of accidental magic from the same wizard; the outlet of the accidental magic, I believe, resulted in his aunt being inflated like a balloon. And this past summer, the Ministry called in Harry Potter for the use of a Patronus Charm, having a full criminal trial for a case of underage magic."

He cocked an eyebrow, meeting's Fudge enraged gaze. "Do you want me to go on listing the most recent bummers by the Ministry? Because I can… for, like, an hour."

The son of Hades was projecting a challenging visage to the Wizengamot, but on the inside, he was laughing at the reactions he had caused among them and the spectators. As it was, however, he couldn't really enjoy the show. Instead, he started inspecting the chessboard in his head. The next two moves would be the decisive ones. 'Time to give them an offer that is too tempting to refuse in this game: The queen.'

Letting out a dramatic sigh, the Ghost King spoke with confidence. "It's a shame that you don't have anything to ensure that the witnesses are telling the truth."

An ominous silence filled the courtroom, and the silence and tension was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. Then Fudge leaned forward, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Oh, but there is. You see, we have a very powerful truth potion called Veritaserum. Its use is strictly controlled by the Ministry and is rarely used… but I believe we can make an exception in this case." Straightening up, Fudge called out. "I, Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Head Interrogator and Minister for Magic, in the name of Justice, authorize the use of Veritaserum for this trial."

Whispers broke out among the audience at this, and they only rose when Umbridge joined in with a sweetly smile. "I, Dolores Jane Umbridge, Head Interrogator and Senior Undersecretary, concur."

Amelia Bones frowned. "As the vote is already two in favour, my vote will not matter. Court scribe, let it be noted that I, Amelia Bones, Head Interrogator and Head of Magical Law Enforcement, would have voted against the authorization of the use of Veritaserum, as it cannot prove definite guilt or innocence. And as the accused supposedly is a Legilimens, it stands to reason that the he is an Occlumens as well, meaning that he might have some resistance to the Veritaserum. Therefore, I advise my colleagues to reconsider their decision about subjecting the defendant to Veritaserum."

Fudge nodded, glancing at the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, before focusing on the boy staring up at him with alert eyes. "I understand your misgivings about this Madam Bones, but I fear it is the only way to stop this charlatan from wasting our precious time with his small and pointless game." Straightening up, the Minister looked around the courtroom, making sure everyone heard him. "Let it be noted that the witnesses and their legal guardians have given their consent for the witnesses to be subjected to Veritaserum, should it be necessary to let justice be served."

Eyes returning to gaze at Nico, he spoke loud and clear "The Wizengamot will now recall its witness, Pansy Parkinson. The Veritaserum will be administered by Auror Dawlish." A note of triumph entered his voice. "Let justice be done."

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"The Wizengamot will now recall its witness, Pansy Parkinson. The Veritaserum will be administered by Auror Dawlish. Let justice be done."

Harry felt his breath hitch as he watched the Auror open a secret panel in the floor, bringing out a wine sized bottle containing clear liquid. Veritaserum… the most powerful truth serum known in Wizarding Britain was about to be used in a trial against one he had come to see as a friend. Eyes following the Auror holding up the bottle for all to see, the Boy-Who-Lived bit his lip. He couldn't see how Nico would get out of this one. So far, Harry had had to bite his lip to refrain from laughing as Nico either plainly denied the charges against him or started playing mind-games with the Wizengamot by twisting their words and taking control. But now, as the Auror tipped a few drops of the truth potion into Pansy's mouth, Harry feared it was game over. Which was why he was so confused. For as Pansy was questioned once more, he thought he saw something flash in the other boy's eyes alongside a small smirk.

'Nico is difficult to read at the best of times.' Harry thought with a frown as Pansy finished with a rather accurate summary of the battle by the lake. 'And it's likely that I'm wrong, but… for a moment… he looked almost pleased.'

To Harry's mounting trepidation, Nico remained passive as witnesses upon witnesses were called to testify under the use of Veritaserum, allowing the Ministry to build a stronger and stronger case against him. But to Harry's confusion, and this time he was sure of it, Nico seemed oddly pleased. But he wasn't the only one feeling his anxiety grow. His bodyguard, Moody, let out a small mumble.

"Lad, I don't know what your friend is planning, but he better do it soon… if he actually has a plan, that is."

Harry nodded, biting his lip. "Yeah. He just said he would need my help in the endgame… whatever that is supposed to mean."

At this, Moody startled slightly, blue eye quickly snapping in Harry's direction, before resuming scanning the courtroom. Keeping his normal eye on Harry, he whispered. "Did you just say he would need your help in the endgame?"

Harry nodded again, drawing blood from his lip as one of the last witnesses was called forth. "Yeah… but I don't see how I can help him. With all of them saying pretty much the same thing… the testimonies will be too much to deny."

The old Auror nodded, a contemplative frown on his face. "Aye. Even with the limitations of Veritaserum-"

"Limitations of Veritaserum?" Harry cut off the grizzled Auror in surprise. Surprise that turned to sheepishness at the look the older man gave him. "Sorry. But what do you mean by limitations? I thought Veritaserum would force the drinker to tell the truth."

Moody kept his disapproving look for a few seconds, but then he sighed, turning his attention back on the witnesses. "For starters, it's possible to fight its effects. Like one can fight the Imperius Curse with willpower, so can one fight the Veritaserum, though I believe it to be harder to fight off the effects of the latter. Another flaw is that the drinker will only state what they believe to be true."

He glanced at Harry, before turning back to the proceedings, just in time to see the last witness being called to testify. "That, and a possible suspicion that Black would have used some sort of trickery to make himself immune to Veritaserum, is why the Wizengamot most likely wouldn't have cleared Black of the charges back then, had he been given a trial. Firstly, he would be the only one to give testimony to what happened. Another reason is that back then, while I was still employed, most of the Ministry's Veritaserum had been used up during the early stages of the war and later batches were polluted… courtesy of Rockwood."

Harry was startled at that. But it answered why more Death Eaters hadn't been found out in the aftermath of the war. The bigger punch in the gut, to him at least, was that if what Moody had said was true, had Sirius been given a trial and submitted to Veritaserum, it was likely he wouldn't have been cleared because few would have believed his story to be true. But before his blood could start boiling, it ran cold, for Fudge chose that moment to speak.

"Thank you for your testimony and willingness to let justice be done, Miss Davis" Harry glanced at the girl being administered the antidote, recognizing her as fellow Fifth Year Tracey Davis, but he quickly returned his focus to Fudge as he continued.

"We have now heard the testimonies given by the witnesses under the influence of Veritaserum." Harry didn't have any trouble hearing the smugness in the Minster's voice. "We will now give the defendant one last chance to speak or call forth a witness." A pause. "Nico di Angelo, do you wish to speak or call forth a witness to testify in your defence?"

Harry looked at his fellow Gryffindor, wondering what he would do. He didn't have to wait long either, for after a poignant pause, the pale teen spoke. "I would like to call a witness to my defence and request that he be questioned under the influence of Veritaserum."

Murmuring broke out in the courtroom, but it quickly stopped when Fudge spoke. "You have not given the Wizengamot a list of witnesses you would wish to speak for you." A small pause, then the sneer was replaced by smugness. "Let me guess. You are trying to prolong the trial."

The Boy-Who-Lived bit his lip, his confusion and anxiety returning full force when Nico, neutral impression still in place, declared. "I'm not trying to prolong anything. And I believe we already covered my reason not for providing a list of witnesses."

Umbridge gave a honeyed smile. "But if you haven't brought a list of witnesses, how will you call them forth? Surely you don't expect the Ministry to find them?"

Harry could have hit her, but he had come to expect that kind of behaviour from her. As it was, apparently so had Nico, for he just gave a polite smile. "Of course not. Expect nothing from the Ministry, and you won't be disappointed." Harry had to bite down his laughter as the embers of outrage almost got to burn among the spectators again, but his friend wasn't done. "Besides, my witness is already here."

The angry mutterings continued in the background, but somehow, Harry managed to keep his focus on the exchange between Fudge and Nico, the former speaking with a derisive voice. "And who, exactly, is the witness among us, you would like to call forth to speak in your defence?"

The Gryffindor fifth year thought he saw Nico give a smile like a hungry jackal or hyena just having found a fresh kill, giving Harry a foreboding feeling, but before could contemplate it, Nico spoke. "I would like to call Harry Potter to testify on my behalf."

The mutterings rose in volume and would most likely have ended in shouting if Madam Bones hadn't raised her wand, releasing several flashes to restore order. Once order returned to the courtroom, Fudge spoke, trying to cover his bafflement. "Harry Potter? You wish for Harry Potter to testify on your behalf?"

Nico inclined his head slightly. "Yes."

Fudge opened his mouth, but whatever he wanted to say was cut short by Madam Bones. "Calling a last minute witness is his right, Minister."

The Minister for Magic grimaced, but quickly schooled his features into a neutral mask as he acquiesced. "If Mr. Harry Potter is present in this courtroom, please stand."

Harry couldn't feel his feet, but whether it was from confusion, nervousness or the anticipation of the courtroom, he couldn't say. Suppressed murmurings broke out all around him, but he paid it little mind. It was as if the confusion Nico's declaration had brought a fog with it, blocking out all sound and sense. What the fog didn't block, at least not fully, was pain. It wasn't bad pain, just jarring. Though, the second wave hit harder.

"Come on lad, stand up. C'mon, Potter."

A third jab to his side and Harry jerked his head to look at the source of the pain, eyes landing on Mad-Eye Moody preparing to elbow him again. Seeing that he had his attention, the gruff Auror whispered. "I don't know what help you can be to di Angelo, Potter, but if you and he are going to pull something, better do it now."

Harry nodded numbly, just as Fudge called out again. "Mr. Harry Potter, if you are present, would you stand up?"

Feeling his legs shake a bit, Harry slowly stood up, painfully aware of all the eyes of the present wizards and witches staring at him. Some, he noted, looked astounded, others angry, but most of them looked at him with curiosity or scepticism. But the only pair of eyes that really mattered to Harry, at that moment, was the pair belonging to the black-haired youth staring up at him, gaze calculating. But now that he was looking, really looking, Harry could see something behind the calm gaze. It was very faint, barely there, but Harry was fairly certain he saw a sudden genuine nervousness that hadn't been present before… or maybe he simply hadn't seen it until now?

But he would give Nico this: He was much better at hiding his nervousness than Harry was. Taking a deep breath to calm his mind and racing heart, Harry slowly, but steadily, made his way down the stairs, pointedly ignoring the stares he got by the wizards and witches he passed. Reaching the witness chair, he glanced at Nico who gave him a slight nod and seemed to mouth something to him, and oddly enough, he felt himself calming slightly.

'It's kinda funny, actually. I'm not the one on trial, yet I'm still as anxious as last time. And Nico, the one who should be the one most nervous, is calming me.' Venturing another glance at his fellow Gryffindor, the Boy-Who-Lived noticed how Nico seemed to be perfectly calm, his eyes now focused on Fudge. 'What is your game, Nico? You probably have some sort of plan, but what is it? And how can I help your case if I am under Veritaserum? Even if I try to fight it…'

"Don't try to fight the Veritaserum, Harry."

Harry almost jumped out of his chair and skin. Turning his head sharply, he stared at Nico. From the murmurings among the spectators and Wizengamot, no one but he had heard the unmistakable hissing produced by someone speaking in Parseltongue. Making eye contact with Nico, calm black eyes staring into confused green, Harry bit his lip and spoke.

"Nico… if I don't at least attempt to fight the Veritaserum… I will be forced to tell everything I have seen and-"

"I'm counting on it." Giving him a slight smile and an encouraging nod, Nico turned his focus back to Fudge. "I have a plan, Harry. Trust me."

Swallowing down his questions about what Nico was playing at, speaking Parseltongue in the middle of his trial, and still slightly freaked out that Nico had known what he had been thinking, Harry focused on Fudge, eyes drifting nervously to the Auror holding the Veritaserum, mentally preparing himself. And he didn't have to wait long, for the mutterings died down, and Fudge spoke, derision clear in his voice.

"Let us get this farce over with." Giving Harry a look like he was something unpleasant, the Minister spoke. "You are Harry James Potter, the one called for by the accused?"

Harry nodded, feeling righteous anger and disdain for Fudge and Umbridge fill him up, effectively squashing down his nervousness as he nodded once, trusting Nico when he said he had a plan. "I am."

Fudge grimaced, and Harry to fight back a smirk. "And you consent to testify under the use of Veritaserum?"

Harry's heart skipped a beat, but he nodded. "Yes."

Something predatory made its way over Fudge's face, and Harry could hear triumph in the man's voice. "Very well then." Straightening up slightly, the Minister for Magic spoke with confidence. "The accused, Nico di Angelo, has called upon a witness to testify on his behalf. After the witness has given testimony under Veritaserum, the Wizengamot will pass a verdict and serve justice." He smiled a superior smirk. "Auror Dawlish: Please administer the Veritaserum."

Harry felt his nervousness return tenfold as the Auror, a tough-looking wizard with short and wiry grey hair approached, holding the bottle with Veritaserum, and with the nervousness came a lot of thoughts, most of them making him second-guess himself… and definitely Nico's supposed plan. Venturing another quick glance at Nico, he was rewarded with a barely visible inclining of Nico's head. Gulping and swallowing down the worst of the bile threatening to burst past his lips, he gave the approaching man a slight nod as a sign to go ahead, opening his mouth slightly before the man could ask him to. Apparently, the Auror had expected some resistance, for it took a small nod from Fudge for him to gently place the bottle to Harry's lips, tipping it slightly and carefully, causing a small trickle of the clear potion to run past Harry's lips and down his throat.

Harry had seen what Veritaserum did to someone. Now, he experienced it on his own body. But he knew what to compare the feeling to. The sensation of every worry and thought was gently cleansed from his mind, leaving only a vague sense of unexplainable happiness behind. Sitting there, barely aware of the entire courtroom watching him with anticipation, he just had one thought: 'Like the Imperius Curse… but more powerful. There is… no way I can fight this.'

Then, the interrogation began.

11111

This was it; the moment of truth. The next few minutes would either make or break his plan. And while he was fairly certain his plan would work in his favour, he was starting to feel nervous. Nico was taking a huge gamble, and he knew it. Many lives now depended on his ability to read and predict people, his studies and research, and his ability to time his counterattack.

Guessing Harry's doubts and thoughts had been too easy, almost ridiculously so. And while he felt badly, if only slightly, for doing so, he had played on those fears and thoughts to weaken Harry's willpower to fight the truth serum. Nico had done his research: The effects of the Veritaserum could be fought, just like the Imperius Curse. And from what he had heard, Harry had been able to fight off the Imperius Curse cast by an imposter and later Voldemort, but the strength of the curses had been questioned.

But for his plan to work, he didn't need Harry to fight the Veritaserum; especially if he was successful in resisting the potion, and tried lying about what he had seen during the fight at the lake. No, he needed him to tell the full truth. So to distract Harry from possibly preparing to counter the effects of the Veritaserum, he had spoken in Parseltongue, knowing that it would give Harry something else to think about… and hopefully make Harry understand that he had a plan.

Taking a deep breath to crush any nervousness and the little twinge of remorse he was feeling, the son of Hades focused his gaze on Harry. And he had to be honest with himself: He was happy he wasn't in Harry's situation right now. And he was even more glad that neither of the camps had anything like Veritaserum at their disposal. It was tricky enough to trick Reyna's dogs without being found out, but he had a feeling that resisting the Veritaserum would be something totally different.

Harry's face had gone slack, and his otherwise startling green and almond-shaped eyes were glazed over and swimming, like one with a fever or cold. Harry was, in other words, not fighting the truth serum… or perhaps it was just too strong for him to fight. But Nico didn't get to think too much on whether it was because of the Veritaserum's natural strength, Harry trusting him, or his slightly underhanded tactics, for Fudge spoke up.

"The Veritaserum has taken effect. We will now start the interrogation of the witness." He looked at Nico with distaste. "Would the defendant like to be the one to start the questioning?"

Nico smiled. "No sir. You can ask him all the questions you would like and I promise you, I won't interrupt you, as long as I get to question him in the end."

Apparently, if his dumbfounded expression was anything to go by, Fudge had expected him to say something different. But to his credit, he got over his surprise fairly quickly. "Let us begin then." Turning to Harry, he asked. "Can you hear me?"

Harry's eyelids gave a tiny flutter as he answered, his voice thick. "Yes."

Fudge nodded curtly. "Very well. Are you Harry James Potter, current fifth year student at Hogwarts?"

"Yes."

Fudge nodded again. "We will now begin the questioning."

And question him they did. For the next ten minutes, they questioned the so-called Boy-Who-Lied about every misdeed Nico had committed while at Hogwarts, confirming what the rest of the witnesses so far had said: He arrived at the castle with a sword, was later seen wielding some sort of war fan against the Hunters of Artemis, and later, some sort of scythe against the Water Elementalist, Percy. And the Potter boy had indeed seen the accused utilize Umbrakinesis, conjure up Black Fire and mix them into Shadow Lightning. But to Fudge's, and most of the people in the courtroom, confusion, the more incriminating testimonies Harry gave, the wider the defendant's smile seemed to grow.

'It matters not' Fudge thought. 'His supposed friend has just confessed to seeing him use enough dark powers to sentence him to Azkaban for years.' He frowned, looking at the boy who, true to his word, had remained silent. 'I don't like sentencing someone so young to Azkaban… but it will send a clear signal to the people that the Ministry will not tolerate practise of the Dark Arts, no matter how old the practitioner is. It will show the populace that, no matter what rumours Dumbledore spreads, there is nothing to fear from Dark Wizards rising again. And it will send a signal to that gang of witches and the Water and Fire Elementalists, that we will catch them and hold them responsible for their crimes. And… it will send a message to Dumbledore. It will tell him who is in charge here.'

Giving the accused one last look of contempt, Fudge decided put this trial to an end. "Mr Potter. During his fight against the Water Elementalist, did the accused, Nico di Angelo, at any point make use of necromancy?"

A few seconds passed by, but then Potter answered. "Yes."

Stunned silence filled the room, but before the audience started shouting, Fudge forged on. "I have no more questions. Madam Umbridge, Madam Bones, do you have any more questions to ask?"

Both of the women shook their heads in the negative, signalling they had no further questions. 'Though,' observed Nico with slight amusement, 'they are expressing two different things: Umbridge is triumphant, Madam Bones looks rather rattled. Oh well.'

Fudge addressed him. "You may now question the witness."

Nico smiled. "Thank you." Turning towards Harry, he spoke clearly. "Harry, this is Nico. Can you hear me?"

Once more, Harry answered with a thick voice. "Yes."

"I want you to answer me this," Nico began. "Have you seen me carry a sword, a war fan and a scythe? And if yes, can you tell me when you saw me wielding them?"

"Yes," Harry answered monotonously. "When you first arrived, I saw you with a black sword. Later, when you came to fight the Hunters of Artemis, you wielded some sort of fan. And when you fought Percy, you used a double-bladed scythe"

Nico nodded, only slightly rattled by how monotone Harry's voice was. Ignoring the murmuring of the crowd, he continued "Did you see me make use of Black Fire and shadows during my fight with Percy?"

"Yes."

"And… did you see me use necromancy during that fight?"

"Yes"

Nico leaned back in his chair, grimacing slightly as the chains gnawed at his arms, drowning out the muttering and shouts of the crowd. Glancing up at Fudge and Umbridge, he saw poorly masked glee on the face and in the eyes of the High Inquisitor, while Fudge looked like he couldn't quite believe his ears. The astonishment on the man's face changed quickly though, Nico noticed, going from disbelieving to triumphant.

"Order! Order in the court!" Fudge's shout brought silence to the room almost instantly. Straightening up to make himself better heard, Fudge spoke clearly, addressing the crowd. "The accused's own witness has confirmed it: The accused, Nico di Angelo, have indeed carried weapons on school grounds, and have used Black Fire, Umbrakinesis and necromancy. The fine for carrying illegal weapons and dark objects is sixty-two Galleons per weapon or object, so with the accused carrying at least three illegal objects, a fine of a total of one-hundred and eighty-six Galleons."

When he looked at Nico, the son of Hades made sure the man only saw a teenager staring at him with indifference. This, as Nico intended, prompted the man to continue, his voice rising slightly. "The penalty for the use of Black and Umbrakinesis, however, warrant a sentence to Azkaban. And the use of Necromancy is on the level with the use of the Unforgivable Curses; a lifetime sentence."

Looking around the Wizengamot, his voice lowered slightly. "Ladies and gentlemen… I do not like to do this, especially since the defendant is so young, but I fear what will happen if we continue to allow the accused to go unchecked. Wizengamot, by a show of hands, all in favour of conviction…"

Deciding now was a good time to intervene, Nico spoke loudly. "If I may, before you pass your verdict, I would like to ask the witness one last question."

Fudge stared Nico with annoyance at being interrupted, but then gave him a sardonic smile, triumph in his eyes and voice. "I suppose one more question doesn't matter… we have heard enough testimonies, so ask your question if you think it will make any difference."

Nico felt his lips tug upwards in a small smirk, baring his fangs for the kill, before asking his final question. "Harry, did you see and fight Lord Voldemort in his resurrected form this past June?"

Without hesitation, the still Veritaserum-effected Potter answered in that dreadful monotone and thick voice. "Yes."

For a moment, everything and everyone were completely silent. Then, Courtroom Ten exploded into a true pandemonium of noise, as the Wizengamot and spectators alike started shouting and yelling. And all the while, Nico leaned back with a smirk.

'Checkmate.'

11111

Returning to full consciousness after having been drugged with Veritaserum was a slow trip. But the first thing Harry noticed was the pandemonium around him. The other was that he was sitting next to Moody again, the grizzled Auror glaring threateningly at any of the spectators who even dared to turn in their direction. Blinking his eyes a few times, he blearily spotted the Auror, Dawlish, walking back down towards the centre, where Nico sat in the chair, smirking at the ruckus around him. Rubbing his eyes, he glanced towards the corner where Tonks and Shacklebolt stood guard. Both had their hands inside their robes, no doubt ready to draw their wands, but he noticed how they kept shifting their eyes toward him and Moody, their gazes lingering there longer than the rest of the courtroom. Both were masking their emotions, but Harry was fairly certain he could see amusement dancing in Kingsley's eyes, while Tonks looked to be on the edge of laughing.

Feeling rather sluggish and sporting a massive headache, Harry rubbed his temples in a small attempt to alleviate both; a task complicated slightly as he was also trying to block out the yelling of the spectators, the shouts from Fudge and other Ministry officials, and the flashes and small explosions released by wands.

"What… what is going on? What did I say?"

Moody chuckled, his magical blue eye going in all directions while his normal one shifted from Nico, to Harry, before returning to Nico. "Something very upsetting to the people around here: The truth."

Harry felt the colour leaving his face, and he stared disbelievingly at Nico who looked very happy. Swallowing the bile he felt rising in his throat, he forced down the last sluggishness and spoke shakily. "But… if I told the truth… then Nico is going to-!"

"To be cleared of most of the charges… most likely." At Harry's questioning and disbelieving look, the ex-Auror shook his head, glowering at the few people who leaned closer to eavesdrop on them, and only continued when he was sure they were sufficiently cowed. "Now I see why Lupin enjoys playing chess with the kid so much."

Harry frowned. Over the Christmas holidays, Nico and Lupin were often found playing chess for hours in the library at Grimmauld Place, heavy tomes and newspapers spread out around them. And while their matches were great, especially when they stopped looking at the board, opting instead to call out commands to the pieces among their chatter, Harry didn't really see how that could be of help. "I'm sorry Professor Moody, but how is them playing chess going to help…"

"No reason to call me that, boy. I didn't get to teach you much, did I?" Alastor cut him off gruffly, neon eye turning in his head while his normal eye focused on Nico. "Now, Potter, be quiet. Listen and watch, and you might get what I mean. You might even learn something."

Frown deepening and scowling slightly, Harry shifted his green gaze to the centre of the room, settling on Nico, who was looking at Fudge, Umbridge and the rest of the Wizengamot with a full-blown smirk adorning his face. And it was only when Fudge spoke that, Harry realized with a small startle, how silence once again had descended over the court.

"What is the meaning of this?" The Minister demanded, his shock and anger right beneath the surface. "What is this? Do you think that by sprouting the lies and delusions of Dumbledore and Potter that you will-"

"Lies and delusions, you say?" Nico cut in smoothly, an eyebrow rising. "Interesting. I was under the impression that the Veritaserum would guarantee that the drinker speaks the truth."

Even from his vantage point, Harry could see Fudge's skin colouring again, and the Boy-Who-Lived had to strain his ears to hear the man hissing out. "What they perceive as the truth, yes!"

Nico nodded, apparently finding the situation very amusing. "What they perceive as the truth, huh? This just got very interesting… though, I'm afraid that means that your case against me may fall."

"Oh really?" Fudge seemed to snarl at Nico. "Our case against you may fall? And what makes you think that?"

"Simple." Nico smiled up at the, from Harry's view, enraged Minister. "If you accept the testimonies given under the influence of Veritaserum, you will have to accept all of them, and what they say, as the truth. According to your laws, whenever a witness gives testimony while under the effect of Veritaserum, you don't get to pick what best suits your case: You either accept all of it as the truth… or none of it at all."

Fudge spluttered, but before he could say anything else, Nico forged on. "Though, I suppose, it's possible that the Veritaserum was faulty… in which case none of what the witnesses said can be trusted."

"We have several witnesses testifying under Veritaserum that you made use of necromancy during your fight with the Water Elementalist!" Fudge barked.

"Indeed you do." Nico nodded, a small smirk on his face. "Among them, someone I consider a great friend. However, that friend also repeated what he has said since June, this time under Veritaserum: That Lord Voldemort has returned… something that the Ministry has gone to great lengths to deny."

All pretences of politeness vanished from Nico's entire demeanour and voice, being replaced with coldness. "It would appear you have a choice: You can either accept all the testimonies the witnesses have given while under Veritaserum as the truth; or you can declare the testimonies unreliable because of faulty Veritaserum. You can, of course, call for another bottle of Veritaserum, but I promise you this: I will keep asking my witness the same questions again and again. But if everything said under the effects of your most trustworthy and powerful truth potion may be false, or at least of questionable validity, you have no concrete proof for most of the charges against me."

Taking a deep breath, Nico's voice returned to cold indifference as he spoke, though, a small smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. "All I can do now is to wait for you to make your decision, and for you to pass a verdict. I rest my case."

Harry thought he felt his heart skipping several beats, if not stopping completely. He definitely felt the bile rising in his throat again. He remembered his own hearing all too well, and he knew for a fact that he would never be as flippant as Nico was being. And Nico had a lot more to risk. So how he could be so indifferent, so carelessly rude, towards the people who would decide whether or not he would be sentenced to Azkaban was beyond him.

And from the sounds of it, he wasn't the only one. Spectators were kicking up a storm again, their screams making it impossible for Harry to discern what was being said between the three leading interrogators. From his vantage point, before the ones in front of him rose to their feet, effectively blocking his view, he had seen Umbridge, Fudge and Amelia Bones engaged in what appeared to be a heated discussion.

But just as he was forcing down the bile and getting his heart to beat normally again, a deep chuckle reached his ears. Turning towards the source, Harry felt his heart skip half a beat at the smile Mad-Eye Moody was wearing, making his scarred face twist into an almost grotesque mask. And the amusement in his normal eye didn't make the picture any better.

"Professor?" He asked, completely disregarding Moody's earlier words about not having taught him "You alright?"

The grizzled ex-Auror gave him a quick glance with his normal eye, giving a barely perceptible nod, before turning his normal gaze towards where his electric blue eye was gazing. "I'm fine, Potter. Just thinking."

Harry tilted his head, trying his best to catch a glimpse of Nico through the masses of bodies blocking his view, and to block out their shouting, before giving up and looking at Moody with slight curiosity. "About what?"

"That di Angelo would make one hell of an Auror." Moody glanced at him again for a few seconds, before refocusing on, Harry assumed, Nico. "Lupin's mind for strategy and uncanny ability to guess what his opponent is thinking. Black's willingness to take big risks. And raw magical power to back it up… he would make one hell of an Auror indeed. Quite ironic, considering what he is on trial for. You keep some strange friends, Potter. Though, in this case, you would be smart to keep him as your friend, or you will be outplayed… like Fudge just was."

Harry frowned. "What do you mean? They still have to make a decision about whether they will accept the testimonies given under Veritaserum. And if they do-"

He was cut off by Moody's gruff mutter. "They won't. And even if they do, do you really think we will let him be taken to Azkaban, to be held among You-Know-Who's most fanatic supporters? No, we have a contingency plan, should it come to it… which I doubt. Di Angelo has already won this game."

Harry's frown deepened. "You keep saying that, but I-"

"In a game of chess," Moody interrupted him smoothly, "The pawns open the game. Then the officers are brought into play." Glancing at Harry and around him, the ex-Auror noticed how the shouting of the spectators was dying down, so he hurried on. "In this trial, the pawns for the Ministry were the charges being pressed. Fudge opened aggressively by listing them in quick succession, while di Angelo's counter simply was to deny them. Then, di Angelo tested Fudge and the Wizengamot by twisting his words, effectively riling up Fudge, allowing him to gain a better understanding of his opponent and make readjustments to his plan. Are you following me?"

Harry shook his head. "Not really."

Mad-Eye let out a sigh. "Think Potter, what happened next?"

Harry frowned, this time not in frustration, but in thought. "Next Fudge called the witnesses, but Nico questioned their trustworthiness. Then Fudge thought to use memories, but Nico called that into question as well."

The grizzled ex-Auror gave a nod, now focusing on the centre of the courtroom, where Nico was seated. "Aye, lad. That was Fudge and di Angelo bringing their rooks and bishops to clash. Go on."

Harry looked around, now noticing how the yelling was dying down to a loud muttering, meaning that they didn't have much time to continue their conversation lest someone overheard them. "Nico said something about it being a shame that they didn't have anything to ensure that the witnesses told the truth, and then…" His breath hitched as realization dawned on him. "No… no way. You don't think that he-"

"Said it deliberately?" Moody cut him off with a low chuckle. "Aye lad, I think he did. If I'm not mistaken, he planned getting Veritaserum into play from the very start."

"But… but…" Harry stammered, his mind struggling to wrap his head around the idea that Nico would willingly have the Ministry bring out their strongest truth potion against him. "But that is insane! What was he thinking?! Doesn't he realize-?!"

"I think he realizes more than you think, Potter." Moody said calmly, just as the wizards and witches in front of them sat back down. "I think he realized that we wouldn't let him go to Azkaban, no matter the outcome of this trial." He chuckled. "They say there is a fine line between bravery and stupidity… between brilliance and madness. For the latter, I think di Angelo might be that very saying in the flesh. Ah… it seems Fudge is ready to announce how he wants to lose."

Moody seemed to be right, for all around Courtroom Ten, spectators and the members of the Wizengamot were returning to their seats, quietening down in anticipation, though a few mutterings were still heard in the corners.

Harry would have preferred the mutterings, for once complete and utter silence filled the room again, the tension and anticipation were so thick you would have needed a chainsaw to cut it. Harry couldn't see Fudge's face, but if the suppressed rage in his voice was anything to go by, his face must have been scrunched up and red with anger.

"Court scribe, please write down the following notion." Harry heard the Minister take few deep breaths, making it clear how difficult the coming was for him to say. "With the votes two to one, the Head Interrogators of the criminal trial against Nico di Angelo, have decided to declare the Veritaserum faulty and-" His voice rose in volume as a few of the spectators, and a few of the first witnesses started up again. "And thus declare the testimonies given by the witnesses untrustworthy! As such-!"

"No!"

"No, he is guilty!"

Harry faintly heard Pansy Parkinson in the chorus of voices yelling out Nico's guilt. But before the crowd could gather more steam, Madam Bones rose to her feet and sent a few beams of red light towards the ceiling where they exploded, illuminating the room in an eerie glow for a few seconds, allowing Harry to get a good look at the Head of Magical Law Enforcement as she turned to look around the courtroom.

He almost wished he hadn't, for the woman's usual stern face showed signs of deep fury. A fury that was clearly being suppressed, something that was made clear as the Head Interrogator took a few calming breaths before she spoke, her voice laced with her fury and disdain.

"As the Minister said, the Head Interrogators have decided to declare the Veritaserum mistakenly brewed, and thus declare the testimonies given by all the witnesses untrustworthy. The Minister and his Undersecretary will answer any questions the press might have, right after we are done here."

Shooting a heated glare at both Fudge and Umbridge, she turned to glare at Nico, who once more looked indifferent to the proceedings around him, save the little smirk tugging at his lips. Madam Bones seemed to shake slightly, from anger Harry figured, before she continued.

"As we lack magical forensic evidence, and with the Veritaserum being declared faulty, and the integrity of the witnesses having been called into question, the Head Interrogators have, with the votes two-to-one, decided to proceed as follows with the charges against Nico di Angelo: The charge regarding usage of Umbrakinesis and Necromancy during his fight with the Water Elementalist… is dropped. The charge of endangering fellow students and two Hogwarts professors by instigating a fight with the witch-gang, the Hunters of Artemis… is dropped."

The yelling starting up was almost deafening, but the Head of Magical Law Enforcement silenced it with a few red sparks, this time not even bothering with pocketing her wand. Taking a few deep breaths, she continued.

"The charges regarding threatening and assaulting fellow students Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe are dropped and will be regarded by the Wizengamot as a schoolyard fight, meaning it will be up to the Headmaster to dole out punishment according to the Founding Laws." Glancing around the courtroom and raising her wand threateningly, she stopped any shouting before it could begin. "We all know that accidental magic can be dangerous, and the defendant is still a teenager, an age when ones' emotions are harder to control. Thus, the charge of endangering fellow students in late October is dropped."

She sighed, taking another deep breath. "Engaging in a duel is a part of our culture, and it carries its own risk for participants and spectators. As such, the charge of endangering fellow students by engaging the Water Elementalist in a fight is dropped."

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. The charges against Nico were being dropped, one-by-one. And if Moody's smile was anything to go by, that was exactly what the ex-Auror had figured they would. But just as he opened his mouth to share his relief, Moody shushed him.

"Not yet, Potter. Amelia isn't done."

A slight frown appeared on Harry's face, but he turned his focus back on Madam Bones. And it was just in time too, for she chose that moment to continue.

"We have, however, concrete evidence of the defendant bearing and creating magical weapons at Hogwarts grounds. The weapons in question are currently under Headmaster Dumbledore's care, but that is irrelevant for this case. The penalty for creating illegal magical weapons or artefacts is a fine of sixty-two Galleons per weapon. However, given the nature of the weapons, and the fact that he has forged more than one, if found guilty of the charge, he will be fined one-hundred and seventy-five Galleons. Wizengamot: By a show of hands, declare: Those in favour of conviction?"

As one, all of the Wizengamot raised their hands. Harry had to suppress a smile. Being fined one-hundred and seventy-five Galleons was nothing compared to a sentence in Azkaban. Hell, after making a fool out of Fudge, Nico just had to ask, and Harry would gladly pay the bill for him. Merlin knew he could afford it. And he had a feeling that Sirius would be more than willing to pay as well. Shaking his head slightly, he chose to redirect his focus on Madam Bones again as she continued.

"By the defendant's own admission, in November the accused used Legilimency on fellow student Draco Malfoy, causing the victim to lose consciousness. However, the victim has been unwilling to testify to the extent of the attack on his mind, and as the victim doesn't seem to be suffering any long term effects, the Head Interrogators will see the charge of him assaulting Draco Malfoy as a schoolyard fight of special dangerous character. Given the nature of the magic used under the fight, and it being the second time the defendant has been in a fight with the victim, the Head Interrogators have decided that, if found guilty of the charge, the defendant will be fined to pay fifty Galleons in compensation to the victim. Wizengamot, by a show of hands, declare: Those in favour of conviction?"

Once more, the Wizengamot raised their hands, causing Madam Bones to nod. "Very well." Turning her gaze towards Nico, she spoke, for the first time, in a somewhat tired voice. "Nico di Angelo, you have been found guilty by the Wizengamot in two of the charges against you, and have been sentenced to pay two-hundred and twenty-five Galleons in fines and compensations that are to be paid within the end of this month. Nico di Angelo, do you wish to lodge an appeal against the conviction?"

Nico shook his head. "No ma'am."

Harry saw the Head of Magical Law Enforcement nod her head tightly "Very well. Regarding the Suppression Seals, none of the crimes you are convicted of warrant your continued subjection to them. Would you like for the Ministry to remove them now or would you like to hire your own Seal Master to break them?"

Nico gave her what Harry could only call an appraising and calculating look before coming to a decision. "If you can remove them here and now, please do so Madam Bones."

Harry watched with trepidation as Amelia Bones pointed her wand at the golden chains keeping Nico chained. At first, nothing seemed to happen, but then they started to glow with a silvery light. Silvery light that soon was tainted with black, and it was only Harry's training and experience as a Seeker that allowed him to see some blackish substance being pulled from Nico's hands and into the chains, where it seemed to be turned into vapour. Ten seconds later, the chains stopped glowing and Nico let out a pained gasp. But then he, with great difficulty Harry noticed, turned his hand slightly, and a small look of excitement and satisfaction crossed his features, and Harry knew that his friend could feel his power returning, coursing through his body once more.

It was only with his trained Seeker eyes Harry noticed it, but he saw how Nico kept flexing his fingers, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as his gaze wandered in the direction of the Malfoys and Jason. The three had different looks on their faces. Draco's expression was, perhaps quite understandably, one of pure terror. Jason looked rather aggravated, his facial expression a mix between resignation and a scowl. Malfoy Sr., however, looked rather flustered. But before he could ponder it any further, Nico's gaze seemed to shift back to the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. His face and bearing was the picture of politeness, but Harry was fairly sure he heard an ounce of smugness in his voice.

"Thank you, Madam Bones. Nice to see that at least someone in the British Ministry of Ministry of Magic have some integrity left."

Harry couldn't see Amelia Bones' face, but if her tense and terse voice was anything to go by, she did not appreciate the comment one bit. "We are done here. You are free to go, Mr. di Angelo." Harry released a breath he hadn't been aware he was holding when the chains holding Nico glowed once more before releasing him. "Auror Shacklebolt, Auror Tonks, please escort Mr. di Angelo out. Court is adjourned."

With that, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement swept down the stairs, past Nico and his escort faster than Harry had thought possible. For a few moments, silence reigned, but then audience and reporters started shouting as they got to their feet, turning on the Minister and his Undersecretary like packs of hungry wolves. Feeling a hand grasp his wrist, Harry turned to Moody.

"Let's go kid. I'm not as fast as I used to be." Turning to the crowd around them, he let out a single loud bark. "MOVE!"

The former Auror's shout caused several of the nearby bystanders to jump in fright, eliciting quite a lot of cursing as people around them fought to keep their balance. But Moody didn't stop to apologize, opting instead to muscle past spectators and reporters, dragging Harry with him, ignoring everyone trying to ask him questions. Quite a lot of pushing and shoving later, in a surprisingly short amount of time, they were out the door and hurrying up the stairs, heading towards the lifts. It was only when they reached the elevators and Moody pushed the button number eight for the Atrium, that the grizzled ex-Auror released his hold on Harry.

'Not as fast as I used to be.' Harry grumbled in his mind, rubbing feeling back into his wrist and lower arm. 'For an old man, you move pretty damn fast.'

Once the door to the lift opened, Moody gave it a quick scan with his magical eye before entering, Harry in tow. Once they were inside, and Moody had closed the door, Harry spoke.

"I… I don't believe it. He did it… he actually did it."

Moody chuckled, rummaging for something inside his cloak. "Aye lad, he did. Quite a feat, all things considered. Well, better let the rest of the team know. Now, where is that damn thing… ah, here it is. Now, if I remember correctly... Dumbledore and his eccentric ideas..."

He trailed off, mostly talking to himself, but Harry didn't question him, for he was staring at the object in Moody's hand, his expression one of utter astonishment, all the shock and surprise of Nico going free temporarily blown from his mind. But all things considered, one could hardly blame him. For Moody was, despite being underground and inside one of the largest magical buildings of the country, typing on an old cell phone, apparently sending an SMS.

"Professor, what…"

"For the last time, lad, there is no need to call me professor." Moody grumbled, looking up from the phone. Noticing his questioning look at the device, Moody sighed. "Dumbledore and Arthur have tinkered a little with these things, making them able to work despite magical interference like found here or at Hogwarts. All Order members have one. And before you ask, no, you and your friends won't get one." At Harry's look, he sighed. "Phones and other Muggle electronics aren't supposed to work at Hogwarts. So imagine the questions that would rise if someone found several working cell phones, filled with codenames and whatnot, among the students of several Houses? No, cannot risk it."

Glancing at the screen, someone apparently having sent him a reply, he nodded and pocketed the phone again. "All good on both fronts. So, Potter, do you understand how, or should I say why, di Angelo was cleared of most of the charges? What his plan was?"

Harry frowned at the change of topic, but it definitely wiped away any thought about the Order from his mind. "I think so… but I still can't believe his plan actually worked."

Moody nodded. "Sounds about right. If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I wouldn't have believed it either. Quickly now boy, before we reach the Atrium. What did di Angelo do?"

Harry's frown deepened, but he quickly recalled it. "First, he countered Fudge's opening by denying the charges. Then he started twisting his words when they started going deeper into the charges, pissing off Fudge, buying himself some time and getting a better understanding of Fudge, allowing him, at least according to you, to make adjustments to his plan. Then came the witnesses and memories, but Nico questioned their trustworthiness. Lastly, Fudge resorted to Veritaserum, which, for some reason, was part of Nico's plan all along."

The retired Auror nodded, just as the lift came to a stop and the door opened up into the Atrium. "Aye, lad. But you got the last part slightly wrong. Getting the Veritaserum into play wasn't just part of di Angelo's plan… it was his plan. He was three moves ahead of Fudge and the Wizengamot the entire time, and they didn't realize it until it was too late."

He chuckled. "First, he drew up the battle lines with his pawns. Then, he probed the defences of Fudge and the Wizengamot, getting Fudge really riled up. Di Angelo studied the reactions of the Interrogators all the time, getting a better understanding of them. Then, Fudge brought the witnesses and the possibility of seeing their memories into play, but di Angelo brought the integrity of the witnesses and the Ministry into question, angering Fudge even further. Then Fudge resorted to Veritaserum, all the time thinking it was his idea, when actually, di Angelo was manoeuvring him right into his trap, completely blindsiding him… and then, Fudge was caught. Heh, now that is how you play the game."

Harry stared as they stepped into the Atrium, no one paying them any attention. "But that's… that doesn't explain why they dropped most of the charges against him."

Moody sighed. "Use your head, Potter. Veritaserum forces the one drinking it to tell the truth… or at least, what they perceive to be the truth. With so many witnesses telling the same thing under Veritaserum, it would be really strange if at least one of them isn't telling the truth. Having you, who di Angelo considers a friend, saying the same thing as the rest, should drive the nail into his coffin."

The ex-Auror smirked. "Except… di Angelo asked you about You-Know-Who's return. And when you answered truthfully under Veritaserum, and having said the exact same thing as the other witnesses, you placed Fudge in checkmate. He could either convict di Angelo of all charges, but in doing so, he would be forced to accept all of the testimonies given under Veritaserum as the truth, thus admitting that he and the Ministry have been denying You-Know-Who's return, and slandering you and Dumbledore, for over six months. On the other hand, he could drop the most severe charges, and thus let one of the most significant trials ever held for usage of dark magic fall to ground. To make matters worse, the case should be completely fool-proof, so dropping it would make him and, by extension the Ministry and Wizengamot, look like complete fools after being outsmarted by a fifteen-years-old boy. So no matter what he did, Fudge would lose, and he knew it. But di Angelo took a big gamble on Fudge's decision, I will give you that… and it seems your friend has managed to find trouble… again."

Harry followed the Order member's line of sight and, sure enough, near the telephone booth that served as guest entrance, Nico was leaning on his crutch, his entire posture as tense like a snake ready to strike. Though, Harry couldn't exactly say that he blamed him. It was hard to see through the throng of people still in the way, but Nico was facing three people: The Malfoys and Jason. Or perhaps more correctly, he was facing down Lucius Malfoy and Jason, seeing how Draco appeared to be doing his very best not to draw Nico's attention. Near them, not close enough to be visibly guarding, but just enough to be inconspicuous if one didn't know what to look for, stood Kingsley and Tonks, ready to jump in.

And if the exchange between Nico and Lucius was anything to go by, the interference from the two Aurors and Order members could quickly become necessary.

"…don't know who you are dealing with."

"Neither do you. None of you have a clue who you are dealing with."

Harry could have cut the tension with a knife as he and Moody reached the group. A tension, that only rose when Lucius spotted them, his cold eyes narrowing and his hand tightening its grip on his cane. In response, Moody tightened his grip on his staff as he shifted slightly, putting himself between the Malfoy patriarch and the two dark-haired youths.

"Well, well" Lucius drawled. "Who do we have here? Mad-Eye Moody and Patronus Potter. I have to admit, Potter, you surprise me. You have a very uncanny habit of obstructing justice… very much like a snake slithering away."

Jason frowned. "Patronus Potter?"

"Indeed." Lucius said, eyeing Harry, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Last summer, young Potter made use of a spell called a Patronus in front of a Muggle, which is an offence under the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery and the International Statute of Secrecy. Much like young di Angelo here, Potter was cleared because of technicalities and walked free from any sort of justice."

Harry couldn't believe his ears, his blood having started to boil when Lucius came with, more or less, the same jab about him being a snake. And when the elder Malfoy mentioned walking free from justice, his disbelief at Lucius' audacity only added to his anger. Hands and teeth clenching, Harry glared at the elder Malfoy, but before he could utter any of the scathing remarks on his tongue, Moody beat him to the punch.

"That's rich indeed, Malfoy, coming from you. Tell me, did you get off the hook on technicalities as well?"

"As you might remember, Mad-Eye, there was never an ounce of evidence to back the charges against me. Only eyewitnesses, whose testimonies were, ah, incoherent, seeing how they were still recovering from the horrors they had gone through."

"Aye," Moody growled. "Recovering from horrors you put them through. Tell me Lucius, does your whelp-"

Lucius' hand on the cane twitched, causing a chain reaction. Moody shifted and raised his staff slightly while his other hand went inside his coat, causing Lucius to shift so he stood between the ex-Auror and his son, even as the latter went for his wand. Jason, who had had a troubled look on his face, took a slight step forward, a faint trace of ozone filling the air. At the same time, Nico flicked his right wrist, and it was only because he stood as close to Nico as he did that Harry registered it, but the moment Nico flicked his wrist, he heard a soft click from within Nico's sleeve. Glancing down, Harry almost choked. There, poking out of Nico's sleeve, hidden from sight of the other group, was the silver tip of a knife.

'Nico, are you crazy?' Harry had, despite everything he had seen Nico do, a hard time believing what he was seeing. He simply couldn't believe the gall of the other boy. He had been charged and convicted for carrying illegal weapons, and yet here he was, ready to draw a knife. And Harry would eat the Sorting if Nico didn't have the other knife hidden somewhere on his person.

Glancing around at the two groups, Harry felt a pearl of sweat running down his neck. He didn't believe the two groups would come to blows here in the middle of the Ministry, but the way Lucius and Mad-Eye acted told him that they had clashed some time during the last war and that they would love nothing more than to have a go at the other. And from the way Nico and Jason kept shifting their gazes from each other to the two older men, it was clear to Harry that both were simply waiting for someone to make the first move.

A few seconds ticked by, and Harry was just beginning to wonder if they really were stupid enough to start fighting, when a deep and commanding voice cut through the tension like a calmly wielded knife. "Is there a problem here, gentlemen?"

Turning to his right, Harry breathed small sigh of relief upon seeing Kingsley coming to a stop between them, Tonks right behind him, the latter giving him a subtle wink before frowning at the scene, her hand moving towards her wand.

A few more seconds ticked by, but then Moody let out a breath and relaxed his hold on his staff, responding with his usual gruff tone. "No problem here, Kingsley. Just an disagreement between two old war veterans and a pair of hot-headed youngsters over who should enter the lift first to leave this rat nest." As if seeing her for the first time, his face crinkled up in another one of his rare smiles, the grizzled Auror definitely put on a show for the gallery that seemed to have gathered. "Hello Gum-Hair. How are you holding up with Shacklebolt here?"

Tonks' hair turned from a dark black to a vibrant pink, her face scrunching up in part annoyance, part mischievousness. "Would you stop calling me that, Mad-Eye? I'm not that young girl anymore, you old geezer."

Moody just chuckled. "Sorry Nymphadora, but you will always be Gum-Hair or Gum-Gum to me." Ignoring Tonks' protests of "IT'S TONKS!" the retired Auror turned towards the elder Malfoy. "I would love to continue our discussion, but you are blocking the lift, Lucius."

Harry saw Malfoy Sr.'s lips curl slightly in a snarl, but Harry also noticed how his eyes kept flickering from Jason, who had relaxed his stance, but now wore a deep pensive frown, to Draco who now tried making himself as small possible. And if Harry wasn't mistaken, there was a faint trace of worry in the usual cold grey eyes. But just as soon Harry caught the worry in the Death Eater's eyes, just as quickly it disappeared, cold fury replacing it.

Whether it was the worry, if that indeed was what Harry had spotted, and he was fairly sure it was, or because he didn't want to create a scene that might besmirch his public image, or the knowledge that he would be facing three Order members, who were also Aurors, possible concern for his son, or something else entirely, Harry didn't know, but Lucius relaxed the grip on his cane and stepped aside, glaring at Mad-Eye and Harry. And when he spoke, his voice was so cold that it could have given the breath of a Dementor a run for its money.

"Sorry to have bothered you, Auror Shacklebolt. As Mr. Dunder said, it was just a disagreement between two acquaintances. We are leaving now. Come Draco, Mr. Grace."

The last part had the undertones of being an order, and while neither Draco nor Jason made any complaints, the way Jason's face scrunched up told Harry that the blonde usually didn't get ordered around and that he didn't appreciate Lucius trying it now. But apparently he knew when to pick his battles, for he stepped aside as well, giving Nico an unreadable look.

Keeping a steady magical eye on Lucius, Moody addressed the two Order members first, then the two boys he was escorting. "Well, that was dramatic. Good to see you again, Kingsley, Gum-Gum. Well lads, off you go. I will be up shortly."

Harry nodded, and together he and Nico entered the lift, and, Harry noted dryly, it seemed far more spacious compared to their trip down and his trip with Mr Weasley. But just as he was about to close the door, Nico called out.

"Mr. Malfoy, Jason, wait. I almost forgot."

Both turned at the voice, and both tensed when Nico drew something from his pockets, tossing something to each of them.

Whatever they were, both objects were small, but they caused quite the reaction. Lucius lips curled back in a silent snarl while Jason's eyes narrowed dangerously as they took in the objects resting in their respective palms. Lucius was holding a Knut, while Jason was frowning at a black coin that Harry didn't recognize. But he didn't get a chance to ponder it though, for Nico chose that moment to speak.

"For your trouble." Nico said, before waving cheerfully at Draco. "See you at school Draco!"

Draco paled, but before anyone could say anything, the door closed and they were moving upwards through the darkness. Letting out a breath he hadn't realized he been holding, Harry spoke in a soft voice. "I can't believe you got so many charges against you dropped."

Nico sighed, leaning against the side. "Me neither. I have a feeling that if Madam Bones had been in charge, I would have been convicted of most of the charges. The testimonies and evidence should have been enough… fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your point of view I suppose, that guy, Fudge or something, wanted to save face more than admitting the truth. I took one hell of a gamble, and it could just as easily have backfired on me."

Harry bit his lip. "Nico, Fudge and Umbridge are really going to be out for your blood now."

Nico just snorted. "They can get in line. Besides, if I'm not mistaken, they are going to be busy with damage control. They just got showed up big time in front of reporters… and not just from the Ministry controlled Prophet. I'm fairly certain I spotted someone from Witch and Wizard Weekly and other various small newspapers and magazines, not to mention a few radio reporters. Umbridge and the Ministry are going to be hard-pressed if they want to stop them all."

Harry frowned, uncertain. "If you say so." Giving the other boy a slightly uneasy look, Harry asked the question that had bugged him ever since the trial. "Nico… when you asked for my help in the trial… why didn't you tell me your plan? It would have given me time to prepare-"

"And that is exactly why my plan wouldn't have worked, had I told you." Nico interrupted him, his voice calm. "If you had known you were going to be a witness, the Wizengamot might have called you in too early and my plan would have fallen apart."

Harry felt like Nico had punched him in the gut. He had been expecting a cryptic answer, not a blunt one. And definitely not the one he got. Feeling the same spark of anger he had felt when confronted by Lucius re-igniting, he felt his brow scrunching up in a frown.

"I would have lied for you." He said quietly, scrutinizing Nico for anything that would give away what he was feeling, but as he expected, he got nothing except a calm gaze. "I would have lied for you, to help your case. As your friend."

Nico nodded, and for the first time since they started this conversation, Harry thought he saw a troubled shadow cross his face. "I know Harry… and that is why it wouldn't have worked. I told you before: If you want to beat your opponents, learn the rules they play or don't play by."

Harry stared for what, to him, felt like a long time. Feeling at a loss for words, he asked the first thing that came to mind. "Why wouldn't it have worked?"

Nico crossed his arms. "In that courtroom… who did you see?"

Harry frowned in confusion. "What? What does who I saw have to do with anything?"

Nico sighed and closed his eyes. "Just tell me… who did you see? Especially among the witnesses, jury and spectators?" Upon opening his eyes and seeing Harry confused face, Nico let out a sigh that, to Harry at least, sounded somewhat like one of annoyance and suffering, like he couldn't believe he was having this conversation. "I'm not talking about names, Harry, just who did you see in general? I will give you a hint: You were sitting next to Moody, an Order member, weren't you? Who else did you see?"

Harry's frown deepened, but he decided to play along for now. "Well, there were Moody, Kingsley and Tonks, all Order members. The witnesses were mostly Slytherins. Then there was Lucius Malfoy, a Death Eater. As for the jury and spectators… there was Umbridge and Fudge, a lot of Ministry employees, journalists… and a whole lot of people I don't know. But what does that have to do with me lying for you not working?"

Nico nodded, and let out a sigh. And this time Harry definitely heard a hint of exasperation in it. "You named a lot of people… do you know what they have in common?"

Harry stared, feeling his own annoyance grow, causing him to do something he probably wouldn't have dared to do after seeing Nico fight Percy… he snapped at him, his temper flaring. "Enough games already, Nico! Just get to the point you apparently think I should be getting!"

Nico didn't as much as flinch at Harry's outburst, but simply raised an eyebrow and gave him a cold look. "The point, Harry, is that they are liars." He sighed, but this time, there was only weariness to be traced. "The Slytherins, the Ministry, the Death Eaters, the Order, Voldemort, Dumbledore… me: We are all liars, and every one of us is a far better liar than you."

"The Order and Dumbledore aren't liars!" Harry burst out angrily. Sure, the Order and Dumbledore had admittedly kept him in the dark in the beginning of summer, but once he got to Grimmauld place, they had, especially Sirius, told him what was going on. And Sirius had been ready to tell him more than the others, he was sure, but the Order hadn't lied to him. And the fact that Nico was now staying in the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters and had the audacity to call them, thus calling Sirius, Lupin and the Weasleys, for liars was simply something he wouldn't let slide.

Apparently, Nico had run out of patience, for he snapped as well. "Oh for crying out loud, Harry! Stop being so naïve! Do you really think that the Order would have survived the first war if they weren't excellent liars? They needed to be excellent liars, being outnumbered and with a spy in their midst. The Order, the Death Eaters: Both organizations did deep covert operations… and they still do. Do you really think they would be able to pull that off to this day if they weren't really great at lying?"

Nico closed his eyes as he took a deep breath, and for a moment, Harry thought, still reeling from Nico's words, that the other boy wasn't going to say anything else and leave him to his thoughts, but then he spoke again, and Harry thought he heard a mix of emotions in the softly spoken words. He heard genuine happiness, but there was also an ounce of bitterness, making for a rather interesting combination.

"Do you know what one of the first things my father taught me was? He taught me the most important thing that deceit and truth has in common."

Harry frowned, feeling a great mix of emotions himself. The spark of anger directed at Nico for not telling him about his plan was still there, but it was taking a backseat to the confusion and curiosity that Nico's words had brought. Curiosity at Nico for willingly, and probably for the first time while at Hogwarts, opening up to his home life, and confusion as to why his father would teach Nico something like that. And he could hear his own confusion, and concern, when he spoke next.

"What deceit and truth has in common? Nico, that doesn't make any sense. Deceit and truth… they are the complete opposite of each other."

Nico chuckled, but there wasn't much humour in it. "At first glance, maybe. But they have one very basic thing in common: They are words… and words are weapons." He sighed, ignoring the shocked look on Harry's face. "And he taught me another thing. He taught me that just as important as it is to know how to use your weapons, just as important, if not more so, is it to know when to use them. And when you get experienced enough… you can use them both at once, or simply switch between them at a whim."

Another sigh, though he finally opened his eyes to look at Harry. "You see now? That is why I didn't tell you about my plan, or called you in to testify earlier. I needed you to be interrogated under Veritaserum at the very last moment, so that they wouldn't get a chance to build a defence against it. Had I called you in too early, you would have tried lying to the entire Wizengamot, which would have blown up in my face once the Veritaserum was brought into play… if it would be used at all. Your distaste for the Ministry is quite clear, and they would have brushed off your explanation as a lie to try getting your friend out of trouble. Which wouldn't have been good for your rather unfortunate nickname, The-Boy-Who-Lied… which is more ironic than anything, since you told the truth… and absolutely suck at lying."

Harry was completely aghast. Nico's father's way of thinking of truth and lie, and Nico's for that matter, was simply disturbing. And while a little voice in his head told him that Nico had raised a few good points in his explanation as to why he didn't tell him of his plan, he felt the spark of anger flare up, but he did his best to keep it in check when he spoke.

"Nico, that way of thinking… is just wrong… surely you can understand that? Switching between truth and lying at a whim… don't you see how messed up that is?"

Nico shrugged, but then winced, taking hold of his shoulder. "It might be messed up… but you might find it necessary… and it's very few who can change between lying and telling the truth effortlessly. It takes more skill than you think."

The Boy-Who-Lived stared at Nico for a long moment, before asking a question he almost dreaded the answer to. "And can you? Switch between telling the truth and lying at a whim?"

All he got was a question back. "What do you think?"

Harry frowned deeply, a slight uneasiness beginning to form as the anger seemed to drain from him. "Nico, after everything you have just said to me… then how can I trust you?"

Nico gave him an unreadable, but still rather shrewd, look. "That is the wrong question to ask, Harry. There is a far better one… and I think you know what it is."

Harry's frown deepened. To him, how he could trust someone was a really good question. But as he looked at Nico, reflecting upon their conversation, he had a feeling he knew the question Nico was hinting at. "Why do I trust you?"

The corners of Nico's mouth twitched into a small smile, though it seemed somewhat regretful and sad. "That, Harry, is the right question to ask."

Phone booth reached the surface, and Harry blinked his eyes against the harsh light, having grown too accustomed to the darkness.

00000

"You look annoyed, Jason. Let me guess: Your plan failed. Don't feel bad though… most plans against Nico tend to do that."

Percy winced in sympathy when the sound of a fist hitting flesh resounded in the cellar, followed by Leo's pained grunt.

How long had they been in this miserable cellar? Or more likely, dungeon? More than a week, that much Percy knew. But had it been two weeks, a month? Percy had tried keeping track of the days, but with the only sources of light being the torches along the walls and the magical barrier in the room, it was impossible to tell. And with no watches at their disposal, as they had been taken with the rest of their equipment upon capture, it was impossible to tell how many hours had passed between meals.

Meals… it was kind of funny. When Percy thought of all the stories of war prisoners, whether it was documentaries or movies, they all told of the prisoners being starved and beaten or mistreated in some way or another; usually for information gathering, to ensure submission or just cruel fun. So far, the only beating they had gotten was when Leo, Grover and Annabeth had tried overpowering their captors. Tried, being the keyword. And even then, it was not as much as a beating as their captors simply subduing them. Something made easier once his friends and himself was completely disarmed.

As one could expect, upon capture, the Romans and their strange allies had taken everything that they could identify as possible weapons or tools for escape: Leo's hammers and toolbelt, Grover's flute and Annabeth's cap and dagger. All taken. Of course, they had initially ignored the pen that was Riptide, but during their first attempt at escape, that had been confiscated as well. And of course, as usually, it soon returned to Percy's pocket. Percy would never forget Jason's surprised face when Annabeth attacked him with a sword he himself had taken away the previous day.

Unfortunately, the Romans and their allies had quickly caught on to the magical properties of Riptide, and after, what Percy guessed to be, their fifth day of capture and tenth attempt at overpowering their captors, they were stripped of their clothes and given some grey shirts and pants without pockets.

And Percy had to hand it to their captors. Aside from the weird black markings covering his and Leo's bodies, that somehow was suppressing their powers and weakening their physique, they also understood psychological warfare. Percy's and his friends' equipment was right in the room with them, kept under the dome-formed magical barrier, which gave off a bright blue light and a crackling like electricity, making it harder to sleep.

And the lack of sleep, combined with their confinement, had definitely caused a lot of tension in their little group. Leo and Annabeth had taken a day longer than Percy and Grover to regain consciousness and another day to recover fully, most likely the courtesy of the Roman daughter of Apollo's induced flu, but in his frustration and worry for Annabeth, Percy had snapped at Grover, blaming him for their capture, calling him a terrible protector. He had of course regretted his harsh words right after, but Grover's hurt look wasn't going away from his memory anytime soon. And his almost tearful confession had made perfect sense, making Percy feel even worse. And it had given him something to think about.

"Percy… the reason I couldn't smell the Romans… after hanging out with powerful demigods like you, Leo… and… and… Nico… I need to concentrate to pick… to pick up the scent of strong demigods… and in that snowstorm…"

Percy had never considered how being so close to powerful demigods would affect a Satyr like Grover. But he supposed it made sense that Grover would become too accustomed to their smell, making it harder for him to pick up the scent of other demigods. Catching scent of a demigod among mortals was easy, according to Grover at least, but detecting a group of powerful demigods when you are together with another group? That couldn't be easy.

Grover had forgiven him long ago, not that it lessened his guilt any, but at least there wasn't any tension between them. The same, however, couldn't be said of Leo and Annabeth. Leo had gone from exploding red anger to chilly blue. But it had bettered somewhat. At least now they could speak to each other. If Percy had to describe the relationship between Leo and Annabeth, he would say they were those two guests at the same party that cannot stand each other, but not wanting to ruin the party, keeps their forced conversation polite.

It was kind of funny, Percy mused. When Leo had first gotten to camp, he had been scared of Annabeth… that definitely wasn't the case anymore.

As for his own relationship with Annabeth? That was, well, complicated, to say the least. He somewhat understood Annabeth's motivations and reasoning for doing as she had, but he simply couldn't forget that she hadn't trusted him with something so important. And as result of Annabeth's mission, Percy now stood in an impossible situation: Choosing between his girlfriend and his cousin who was like a little brother to him… a sentiment that the younger boy obviously didn't share anymore, if he ever did. His heart gave a painful clench. He didn't want to lose any of them, but it felt like he had already lost them both. That Nico kept secrets from him used to bother him, but it was nothing new. But that Annabeth would keep such a big secret from him… they were supposed to be best friends, and girl-boyfriend, and that built on trust. A trust that now had been broken, maybe beyond repair. And even if he managed to forgive Annabeth, he wouldn't forget it anytime soon… and neither would Nico. And the son of Hades definitely wouldn't forgive her any time soon, if ever. Sooner or later, Nico would come for the blood of those who harmed his sister, and thus he would hunt Annabeth. And the Ghost King had made his intentions about what would happen to them, once he caught them, quite clear.

Percy sighed internally, out of tiredness and bitterness. He wanted to mend his relationship with Annabeth without antagonizing Nico, and he wanted to appease Nico in a way that didn't involve the son of Hades killing Annabeth and whoever else had been with her. Something that he felt would be far easier said than done. He wanted to do right by both of them, to do the right thing.

The son of Poseidon sighed again. The right thing… he didn't even know what that was anymore. If you had asked what the right thing was a few months ago, he would have been able to answer that. Now… now, he simply didn't know what to do. 'Gods… when and why did my life get so complicated? When and why did it all go wrong all of a sudden?'

"I have a feeling I know what you are thinking, Percy." A softly spoken voice interrupted his gloomy thoughts, causing him to open his eyes, giving the speaker a guarded look as he sat down opposite him, back supported by one of the pillars, his arm draped across left knee. "How do I know? I know because… I am wondering the same thing."

Percy allowed his eyes to wander the cellar, taking in as much as he could. On his right, Leo was nursing his left eye, undoubtedly where whoever had slugged him, his right eye shifting between Percy and Jason, sharp and alert. On his left was Annabeth, tense like coil ready to spring, hands desperately gripping a weapon that wasn't there, her keen grey eyes locked on Jason, scrutinizing every twitch he made.

'Not that it would matter much.' Percy thought sullenly. 'Jason has already proved he is a more than a match for them… especially now with those weird markings on me and Leo.'

It was true. Leo had tried creating a fireball during one of their escape attempts, but hadn't even produced a spark. Instead, the markings on his skin had flared up with a bright red light, and Leo had fallen with a scream of agony. And stupid as he was, attempting something like that in his weakened state, Percy had tried calling upon his own powers, only to get the same result.

His eyes reached Grover standing next to Annabeth, the satyr's eyes flickering nervously from the two demigods sitting opposite each other and the two guards, this time Frank and Marcus, standing a little way off, ready to intercept them should they move for either the door or Jason.

Percy frowned, eyes lingering on the two guards. That was unusual. Usually, when they got their meals or got a bathroom break, there would be at least four guards; two from Jason's group, and two from the group of that man, Malfoy, or something like that, keeping watch, making it impossible for Percy to try to do anything with any nearby water. Percy had to hand it to their captors… they didn't take any chances, and they knew what they were doing… so why had Jason only brought two guard with him? And why did they look so uneasy?

Percy had become accustomed to the two male Roman demigods glaring at them with thinly veiled loathing, but today, or tonight he supposed humourlessly, something was different. They still glared at him and his friends, but their gazes constantly roamed the room, and they shifted uneasily on their feet. And their uneasiness made Percy anxious. Glancing around the cellar once more, he didn't see anything but the walls and magical barrier that he had grown to hate. Filing away Frank and Marcus' uneasiness away for further pondering, Percy turned towards Jason, a scowl on his face.

"And what makes you think you know what I'm thinking?"

Now that he got a good look at him, Percy saw how haggard Jason looked. His blond hair was matted, and he had black lines under his eyes, a clear sign that he wasn't getting as much sleep as he would like. However, at his remark, Jason's lips curled up in a smile that somehow seemed to dim the tell-tale signs of mental and physical exhaustion, and Percy felt his scowl drop a bit at Jason's response.

"So you do talk after all? That is good, makes communicating much easier." His smile dropped a bit. "As to what makes me think I know what you are thinking and feeling… well, let's just say our situations might not be as different as you think."

Percy gave a slight snort. "Dude, our situations couldn't be much more reversed. I'm your prisoner, unable to go outside without someone guarding me, while you are my captor and could order me killed anytime you want. So how exactly are we in the same boat?"

Something seemed to flash in Jason's sky-blue eyes, but before Percy could start interpreting it, the Roman leader seemed to calm himself, as his voice remained soft. "Frank, Marcus, leave us for a moment."

That seemed to startle the two Romans, as their full attention seemed to snap towards Jason. But while they suddenly seemed more focused than before, the son of Poseidon could tell they were hesitant as they stared at Jason for a few seconds longer than was necessary before exiting and closing the door to cellar after them.

Raising an eyebrow, Percy returned his focus to Jason, but before he could speak another voice spoke up.

"I have to admit Sky Boy, you are full of surprises. Not many macho leaders would leave themselves alone with their prisoners."

Jason chuckled at Leo's remark. "Macho leader? That's a new one. But I think we both know that in your current state, I'm still more than a match for the four of you." As if to prove his point, a faint smell of ozone filled the dungeon, and Percy felt his hair rise the same way as if he had gotten an electrical shock. His smile dropped. "But I don't want to fight and hurt you, much less kill you. I just want to talk with you… especially you, Percy."

Percy was silent for almost a minute, observing the Roman leader. He seemed genuine enough, and aside from the constant smell of ozone in the cellar, an effective reminder that despite being alone with them, Jason was the one in control here, he didn't seem to have any intention of hurting his friends. But Percy knew, having learned it the hard way, that looks could be deceiving and that one who appeared to be a cordial and generous host could soon turn into someone wanting to kill them. Watching the praetor with a guarded expression, Percy decided to do something that most would call stupid, all things considered: He gave a flippant remark, hoping to provoke the other demigod.

"Well, too bad buddy, but I don't really feel like talking to you."

Annoyance seemed to flash in Jason's eyes, but his lips twitched upwards in a slight smile. "Well, I figured that might be the case. And that's fine, as long as you just try to listen to what I have to say."

Percy raised an eyebrow. That was not the reaction he had expected. "And why would I do that?"

Jason sighed, closing his eyes for a few seconds, before he opened them again and spoke with weariness in his voice "Because it might help you to understand me. And if we understand each other, we can help each other."

The son of Poseidon didn't say anything, just kept staring at the son of Jupiter, waiting for the blonde to continue. And he didn't have to wait long for Jason's soft voice to fill the dungeon.

"Just like you, I'm one of leaders of my camp. As such, it's my responsibility to protect my camp... my friends… my family. So when we are attacked or threatened, it's up to me to protect it and to find out who was behind the attack so they can be punished for their crimes… even if the offender is one of our own."

The son of Jupiter closed his eyes, taking a few breaths before reopening his eyes, giving Percy a steady gaze, even as his voice shook a little. "Hazel was one of my closest friends, Percy, and her death hit me hard… but just as I thought it couldn't get any worse, I find out that one of her attackers most likely was my own sister, Thalia."

The blonde once more closed his eyes, and when he spoke, Percy could hear the pain in his voice. "All I have ever wanted, Percy, was to find my sister. But then I found out she might be responsible for the death of one my friends, tearing my heart apart once more."

Jason chuckled, but there wasn't any humour to be found in his voice, only pain and bitterness. "You asked me how we are in the same boat? What makes me think I know what you are thinking? Well, you can tell me if this sounds even remotely familiar: You are caught between two evils, trying to find a solution. In my case, I'm caught between my duty to my camp by catching those who attacked a dear friend and stopping a war… and following my own selfish desires to find and protect my sister from a rogue on a rampage… and my own camp. To put it simply, I'm caught between duty and personal desire… trying to do the right thing."

Percy stared at Jason for a long while, not quite knowing what to say. He hadn't thought about the sort of trouble the Roman leader could be facing. And while he hadn't really thought of defending Camp Half-Blood and its campers as his duty, he understood the sentiment. How many times had he not drawn his sword to protect the camp and its people against all sorts of enemies? But he had never thought of it as his duty, even if he had been appointed their leader during the battle of Manhattan. But he couldn't ignore Jason's words… they had hit a little too close for comfort. Especially since they made Percy think that his and Jason's situations weren't all that different. They were both trying to find a balance between two extremes that didn't seem to have any sort of middle-ground.

Keeping Jason's gaze for a few more seconds, Percy lowered his head, mulling over his words, before raising his gaze once more, his voice barely above a whisper. "What do you suggest?"

Both ignored the sharp intakes of breath from the two other demigods and satyr. Percy simply focused on his counterpart, face seeming to relax and light up a bit. "That we work together, as we did in the past."

Percy frowned, his suspiciousness momentarily drowned by confusion. "What? We have never worked together."

Jason smiled. "I think we have. A few years ago, you defended Mount Olympus in New York, didn't you?" Upon seeing Percy's confused nod, the Roman leader actually smiled. "While you were doing that, I was leading an attack on Mount Othrys, where I toppled granddad's chair."

Percy felt his eyes widen almost comically, and he barely heard the shocked and surprised gasps of Annabeth and Grover, as he managed to choke out. "You… you did what?"

Jason just nodded and smiled. "I did. But I couldn't have done it, if not for your party entertaining granddad and his friends. We were able to pull off an impressive defence and offense, something we wouldn't have been able to alone. So you see, things go much smoother when we work together. And since we have worked together before, we should be able to work together now."

Percy almost nodded. Almost. Jason's revelation had surprised and shocked him, but it made sense. Back at Camp Half-Blood, they had always assumed that Mount Othrys crumbled into ruins because Kronos was defeated, but seen in hindsight, something else must have occurred. The Titans were powerful, so it didn't make sense for their fortress to just crumble away. And fact remained that Camp Half-Blood had been in no shape for launching an attack, much less a siege, on the Titan stronghold. Another camp full of demigods that didn't have to be on the defence, however, might have been able to.

And still he hesitated. Roman and Greek demigods working together didn't sound so bad… but Percy knew that actually getting them to work together would be another hurdle altogether.

"Teaming up sounds good, Jason…. But I have a question. With the current tensions between our camps… what do you want for us to be able to work together?"

Jason's eyes and face darkened, and his voice changed from being soft to an almost dangerous hiss. "What I want? What I want? I want to go home, Percy! I want to find my sister! To go home to my family! To my friends! I want to go home to my camp, where I can disguise myself as a regular Legionnaire or Probatio, so that I can join in on the War Games, instead of just being a referee, and then get scolded by my girlfriend for not taking my responsibilities seriously enough! But most of all, I want to stop a stupid conflict before more blood is spilled! Before more people are killed!"

Jason had gone from an angry hiss to shouting at the end, showing Percy his mix of frustration, fear and anger. Emotions that Percy knew all too well; after all, these days he felt them almost constantly. Still, he knew that he couldn't give in to those emotions now. Not if he wanted to find out what Jason had in mind. Instead, he allowed Jason to regain his breath and mental balance, allowing the blonde to calm himself. And he was soon rewarded for his actions, when Jason slumped against the pillar again, running a hand through his golden locks.

"I'm sorry." Jason said, rubbing his forehead. "I didn't mean to shout… I just… well, I suppose the stress of it all is just getting to me."

Percy nodded, feeling a bit of camaraderie mixing with his understanding of the Roman demigod leader. Still, his understanding and camaraderie were heavily mixed with anxiety. And it only grew when Jason spoke again.

"You asked me what I want for our camps to be able to work together… I think you know what we want, as a minimum."

Percy swallowed, but didn't say anything. He had a pretty good guess at what the Romans could want, but he couldn't bring himself to speak the words, afraid that saying them out loud would make them become much more real. As if sensing his reluctance to talk, Jason continued.

"We want those responsible for the attack on Hazel to be handed over to our custody. And we want Nico di Angelo apprehended and handed over as well."

Percy swallowed again. He had expected that would be the case, but it didn't make it any easier to hear. And he dreaded the answer to the question he was going to ask. "And if we hand them over, what will you do to them?"

Jason gave him a long look, a mix of emotions in his eyes; anger, sadness and regret warring with each other in his gaze and voice as he answered with a soft voice. "I will not lie to you, Percy. Those handed over will be put on trial and, if found guilty, most likely executed. All I can do is to make sure that their deaths will be swift and painless."

Percy felt like someone had punched him in the gut, and his voice sounded oddly weak in his own ears. "Executed?"

Jason nodded. "Yes, executed. How else would you deal with those attacking and betraying your camp? Forgive them? I don't know how you do things in your camp, but in Camp Jupiter, criminal offenders are punished according to their crimes. In this case… acts of war in peace time and high treason. The attack on Hazel might have been an accident, but Nico di Angelo spied on us… and on you… for more than a year. He might have had good reasons for doing what he did, but he still spied on us. Hell, we made him an ambassador of Pluto, allowing him in on secret meetings. And then we find out that he was Greek, spying on us? We can't let that go unpunished."

Percy was silent, his thoughts and emotions running all over the place. And he almost jumped when Jason stretched out his hand and spoke. "There is no reason for us to be enemies, Percy. We can be friends… but you need to hand over those who attacked Hazel and help us catch Nico. Those terms are not up for debate, but everything else is. And, if you agree to my terms, I will come to your camp in a show of good faith." His voice turned almost begging. "Please, Percy. I can't make you a better offer for peace than this. So for the sake of both our camps… accept my terms, and I will make sure that Hazel's attackers and Nico get a fair trial."

Percy looked at Jason's hand, then at Jason himself. The blonde looked at him with bated breath, his sky-blue eyes shifting from Percy to his outstretched hand, urging, almost pleading with him, to take his hand and accept his offer. And he wasn't the only one waiting with bated breath. Doing a quick survey of the room, Percy saw the son of Hephaestus leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed, a neutral look on his face, giving none of his thoughts and emotions away, making Percy briefly wonder if Nico had taught Leo more than just harnessing his power over fire. Next was Grover, who was chewing nervously on his clothes, his eyes darting between Percy, Jason's hand and Annabeth so quickly that the son of Poseidon almost got dizzy.

Lastly, there was Annabeth. She looked so broken, so scared and desperate that Percy almost started crying all over again as she mouthed something to him, begging him with her eyes. He closed his eyes. Peace between their camps… a horrible civil war avoided… going home... all good. He reached out towards Jason's hand, knowing exactly where it was despite his closed eyes, listening to Jason's frantic, excited, and yet relieved breathing, as his own hand closed the distance. Closer… closer…

And he hears the almost deafening silence from his friends and Jason sharp exhale when he slaps away the offered hand. Letting out a small exhale, Percy could barely recognize his own voice when he spoke. "I'm sorry… but I can't accept those terms."

Slowly, he opened his eyes and ventured a quick glance around the cellar. Leo tried looking indifferent, but his eyebrows were raised and his eyes wide, but he quickly schooled his expression when he saw Percy looking at him, though one of his eyebrows remained cocked. Moving on to Grover, the Satyr looked like he might faint. He was deadly pale and his mouth was opened wide enough that Percy thought he could swallow a watermelon whole. Eyes lingering on Annabeth for a second, he saw her shocked and pained expression, her eyes wide and terrified and hands covering her mouth. All of this happened in matter of seconds, but it felt like forever. Then, he turned his eyes on Jason.

The Roman demigod's entire posture had changed. His entire body had stiffened up, his eyes and facial expression the epitomes of shock and surprise. The blonde's shock seemed so great that he seemed unaware of his hand pointing out in the room. His pleading demeanour had been replaced with one of utter shock and disbelief, as if he couldn't believe that Percy had just rejected his offer. However, soon, much too soon for Percy's comfort, Jason posture and expression changed again.

For a brief moment, the son of Jupiter looked lost and desperate. But only for a few seconds. Then, the blonde praetor's face darkened like a thundercloud, the smell of ozone grew far more noticeable in the dungeon, and it might just have been Percy's imagination, but he could have sworn that Jason's sky-blue eyes seemed to flare with lightning, as they turned an almost searing blue.

"You… you reject my offer for peace?" Jason still sounded surprised, but his voice turned into a dangerous growl. "You reject… Percy, do you have any idea of what that means!? I'm giving you the best I can under these circumstances, Percy! And that is more than what most of my friends would give you!"

Jason didn't seem aware that he was shouting again, much less back on his feet, but as he towered over Percy, it struck the son of Poseidon that he and Jason were around the same height. And how similar he was to his sister when enraged… it was almost scary. Looking up to meet the Roman demigod's enraged stare, Percy heard his voice shaking as a plea entered it.

"I'm sorry Jason. But there has to be another way… there has to be a way that doesn't end with anyone dying… please… there has to another way…"

"What other way, Percy?!" Jason exploded, waving his arms around. "If you have any ideas on how to solve this without someone dying, while also making sure my camp isn't cheated of justice for the attack on Hazel, I will gladly hear them!"

Problem was that he didn't. He tried to stop himself, he really did, but he glanced at Annabeth once more, before turning back to Jason. "I'm sorry… but I can't agree to your terms. I can't hand over my friends knowing they will be killed… nor can I allow them to give themselves up."

Jason was silent for a long time, his eyes scrutinizing Percy as the two camp leaders eyed each other. But just as Percy thought the other demigod would strike him with something, Jason did something far worse… he spoke.

"You are loyal to your friends, Percy… I can respect that... admire it, even. But your loyalty to your friends has blinded you, making you unable to see the bigger picture." His blue eyes drifted to Annabeth for the fraction of a second, before focusing on Percy again. "You don't know when to cut your losses. To save your friends, you are willing to risk the lives of everyone else. In any hero, that is extremely dangerous… in a leader, even more so."

Percy couldn't help it. He flinched, his heart skipping several beats as it seemed to lodge itself in his throat. It wasn't the first time someone had said those words to him, if only with a different phrasing. Mind flashing to a winter solstice years ago, Percy couldn't help but wonder if he really had pissed off the Fates or some other god so much, that they now had decided to break his heart, mind and spirit by forcing him to make an impossible choice based on what a certain goddess had called his fatal flaw.

Taking a few deep breaths, the son of Poseidon forced his heart down to where it belonged, schooling his face into what he hoped was a mask good enough to veil how deeply affected he was by Jason's words. "I'm sorry. I really am."

The Roman praetor let out a sigh of bitterness. "Sorry isn't going to cut it, Percy. Not for Hazel… not for the others."

Percy didn't know how many times one's heart could skip its beats before you died, but he knew that his heart couldn't take many more shocks. Unfortunately, before he could ask what Jason meant, he got his answer, as the blonde boy slowly put his hand inside his cloak, pulling out several photos. And Jason answered Percy's questions before the son of Poseidon even got to open his mouth.

"Natasha Grey." Jason spoke in a low voice, barely above a whisper. But still all heard his voice clearly as he tossed a photograph of a young girl with red hair in front of Percy. "Daughter of Venus, killed by a spear through her chest." He tossed another photo, this time of a brown haired boy. "Dennis Stone, Camp Jupiter, son of Ceres. Was still a Probatio, got his throat slit."

Percy felt like he was going to be sick, but Jason forged on, showing him more photographs, the first of a boy in his late teens with dark hair.. "Brian Tomson, son of Ares, killed by a sword slash across his chest." Another photo and name, this one of a girl around Nico's age with blonde hair. "Joselyn Monroe, daughter of Demeter, killed by an arrow to her heart." Two more photos, the persons eerily familiar in looks. "From my camp, Andrew Southwest, son of Apollo, killed by an explosion… and from your camp, another son of Apollo, Will Solace, killed in the same explosion… we don't know who caused it, or attacked first, but one of our friends died by friendly fire."

Percy had to muster all his self-control to stop the tears from flowing, only managing to whisper out. "I'm sorry."

Jason nodded, the fight seemingly having left him, as he spoke. "So am I." Then his eyes hardened. "Cohort X, reveal yourselves and restrain them."

It happened in a flash, literally. Percy had barely frowned and opened his mouth to ask who Jason was talking to, before the cellar was flooded with a blinding red light. Then, over the surprised yells and cries of his friends, he heard a whistling sound, coming straight towards him. But before he could as much as shift his arms to flatten himself against the floor, he felt something coil tightly around his chest, arms and wrists, forcing his arms behind his back. Then, a dull thud, as if something was burying itself into the floor behind him, and he was forced into a sitting position as the chain, or whatever it was, tightened up.

The red light faded just as quickly as it had come, and after taking a few seconds for his eyes to readjust, Percy looked around. And what he saw made his heart jump right back up his throat. As if having materialized out of thin air, twelve people had appeared in the dungeon. Or rather, eleven. One was still seemingly materializing from the wall, a red fog around him slowly dissipating. Three of the others were already holding his friends in grips that enabled them to break their necks at a moment's notice.

All of the new arrivals wore the same clothing: Black combat cloaks with hoods pulled up and porcelain masks obscuring their faces. But these masks weren't like those skull masks Malfoy and his cronies wore. No, these were animal masks, painted in different colours.

"Cohort X, awaiting orders."

If Percy had to guess, he would say that they were eight boys and four girls. And if their voices were any indication, they were different ages too. It had been hard to hear, but one of them sounded like his voice wasn't finished breaking.

The last of the red fog vanishing around the last one, Percy got two shocks. First shock was that he was the one having immobilized him with what seemed to be some sort of whip or chain. Second was that he was the smallest one. The cloak made it harder to assess, but compared to the others, he was slim of build. Still, his small stature and slim build did little to ease Percy's nerves… if anything, it put him even more on edge.

The guy's mask was painted with red, forming the visage of a snarling dog. But what really made Percy nervous was the red chain or whip coiling around him, keeping him in place… especially because the tip of it seemed to be buried in the ground, keeping it taut and tight.

Craning his neck, he took in the others holding his fellow Greeks. The one holding Leo wore a yellow painted mask that, if Percy had to guess, looked like some sort of bird. The one gripping Grover also wore a yellow painted mask, this one painted like a ram. Lastly, the one keeping Annabeth wore a mask painted with green, making the dragon visage all the more frightening.

Returning his gaze towards Jason, Percy managed to growl out. "What is the big idea, Jason? I swear, if you hurt them..."

"You are in no position to make threats, Percy." Jason didn't sound smug or happy, nor did he sound afraid. He sounded tired of it all. "As to whether or not they will be hurt… well, that is up to you." His right hand went inside his cloak, causing Percy to tense up. But when he withdrew his hand again, he wasn't holding more photos, nor was he holding a weapon. Instead, he was holding a big jar filled with water.

Percy frowned. He estimated that there was about a litre and a half in the jar. But it still made him feel uneasy. The water carried some sort of power, and it didn't feel friendly. But before he could ask Jason what he intended to do with the water, the blonde son of Jupiter spoke, his voice full of remorse.

"I'm sorry, Percy, I really am. This is nothing personal. I hate to do this, but you have left me no choice. I can't let an enemy keep a powerful blessing like the mark of Achilles."

To say Percy was shocked would be an understatement. But before he could ask how Jason knew about the Curse of Achilles, the Roman demigod leader's voice went from remorseful to firm. "Wolf, Griffin."

Instantly, two of the masked guards walked towards Jason, kneeling beside him with their heads bowed. And when they spoke, Percy felt a shiver going up his spine at their monotone voices, despite the one named 'Griffin' clearly being male and 'Wolf' being a girl. "Awaiting orders."

Percy followed with wide eyes as Jason handed Wolf the jar of water, obviously not liking what he was about to order. But then his eyes and facial expression tightened, his resolve steeled once more, and he gave the order. "Wolf, Griffin, make sure the enemy leader, bound by Commander Dog, drinks every bit of this water from the Little Tiber… if he refuses…" For just the briefest of moments, Jason's resolve seemed to falter, but his voice remained relatively calm. "If he refuses, you have my permission to apply any force necessary, but not lethal." He glanced at the other Greeks, making Percy thrash in his restraints. And when Jason continued, Percy heard the genuine regret in the Roman leader's voice. "Start with the girl if he refuses. You have your orders."

Barely had the words left the blond boy's mouth before the masked Griffin and Wolf began carrying them out. Despite his thrashings in his bounds, Percy quickly found his head forced backwards by Griffin forcefully gripping his hair and jaw, forcing his mouth open. Meanwhile, Wolf had opened the lid of the jar, which now seemed more like a bottle filled with poison to Percy, and before he knew it, she was pouring its contents down his throat.

Percy really wanted to spit it out… and he most likely would have, had it not been for Griffin and Wolf anticipating it. The moment they detected that the water was about to overflow and he was about to barf it up, Griffin forced his mouth shut while still keeping his head bend backwards, while Wolf covered his nose and started massaging his throat, forcing him to swallow.

Normally, having water in mouth and throat wouldn't be a problem at all for Percy… but this water was different. It was icy cold as it went down his throat, but it left a burning sensation in his oesophagus, like if you had just downed a cup of freshly made tea. Then, the screams started, as an inferno of pain exploded in Percy's chest. But if he thought it was over, he was wrong.

Without flinching at Percy's screams, and without as much as reacting to the cries, sobs and screams of his friends, Wolf and Griffin repeated the procedure, forcing the Little Tiber water down Percy's throat, until he had drunk every last bit.

Percy felt like he had been screaming forever, and he was barely conscious when Griffin and Wolf released him. As such, he didn't hear Jason, his voice shaking, giving Cohort X orders to conceal themselves and keep guard until he returned. Nor did he see the tears and look of misery on the Roman praetor's face as he left the cellar.

And he was barely aware of the red chain releasing him, causing him to lurch over the very movement it retracted, nor was he aware of landing on the ground, causing pain and nausea to spike and spread through his body. And while it was a sad thing to admit, the part of Percy that was still lucid wanted to vomit, for he could handle that sort of internal burn and smell. Instead, it felt like every fibre and nerve in his body was ablaze. As such, he didn't register his friends being released by the their captors, nor Annabeth's arms circling around him as she and Grover tried holding down his flailing limbs and later getting him into a more comfortable position. And he definitely didn't register the red chain growing shorter and sharper as it turned into a red-bladed ninjato with a black tip in Dog's hand.

Then, the pain intensified, and any remaining shred of lucidity Percy might have had evaporated faster than a slow drizzle over a forest fire. All thoughts and feeling of where he was, who he was, who was with him, his friends and family, Nico, camp… it all got blown away by the pain.

All that existed to Percy, was the excruciating agony as the Curse of Achilles was slowly being washed away by the Little Tiber water… from the inside out.

End chapter 19

New record for chapter length

Holy crap! Twenty or so reviews after years of absence? More than twice what I had hoped for, and definitely more than I had expected

To answer what might be bothering you: How did the Romans know about Percy having the Curse of Achilles? If you remember, Frank was watching the fight between Percy and Nico. And let's face it; no demigod could withstand the pounding Percy took if he wasn't invulnerable. From there, it would just be have a matter of skimming through the myths and finding something similar. It has always puzzled me how no one but Nico was able to figure out that Luke took a swim in the Styx and gained the invulnerability of Achilles. Invulnerability is a rare occurrence, even among demigods and heroes, so the gods and especially Chiron should have been able to figure it out, even if they are some thousand years old.

Nico walking more or less free from the charges: Well, I will admit I think it's a big stretch of imagination, but to me, Fudge only admitted Voldemort was back when he saw him. So to me, he still thinks that Dumbledore and Harry are bigger fish compared to Nico… but as hinted in the chapter, it was, and is going to be, a bitter pill for him to swallow.

About the Order using cell phones to communicate: During the meeting between Dumbledore and Harry after the battle at the Department of Mysteries, Dumbledore said that the Order had better (or something like that) way of communicating than the Floo Network. Made me wonder: What ways? Two-way mirrors? Effective, but requires all the Order members to carry a mirror at all times and the Death Eaters would see through it too quickly. Patronuses? Not very subtle… especially in the dark. So I decided to play around a bit. Though, cannot say I'm the first to think of cell phones as a means for communications for the Order. Some time ago, there was an author on called 'sarini' writing Harry Potter fanfics. While not a fan of her pairings and a few other things, I cannot deny that she had some talent and great. And if memory serves, she was the first author I came across who had the Order use cell phones.

Regarding Harry after his talk with Nico: No, he is not going to turn Mastermind!/Dark!/Manipulative!Harry or any other crap like that. He is, however, going to try to use that head of his a bit more.

Will Solace dying: Well, I planned on killing Arthur Weasley, as Rowling originally planned, but couldn't quite wrap my head about the ramifications if I killed him now… and I might have use for him later, so for now, he is in the clear. Plus, killing OCs is easy and boring… killing canon characters… provides a challenge and is more fun. And just to warn you, I'm just winding up in the 'killing characters department'.

Lastly: No, Jason isn't a villain in this story. He is just caught up in an impossible situation. And I have to admit, despite being older than Jason, I have no idea what I would do if I was facing the problems he is. And can you really blame him taking away the advantage from a possible enemy?

Kind of funny: I'm so happy I got to write that scene like this… and mostly, it just wrote itself. It was part of my plan to have Jason and Percy have this talk since I introduced the Romans… and I intended to get rid of the Curse of Achilles for just as long… so I have been planning to use the water from the Little Tiber like this since chapter 5 or so. Though, in the original drafts, it was Jason, Frank and Marcus forcing Percy to drink the water, but that changed when I got the idea for Cohort X.

Bonus info for those interested: 1 Galleon = 5£ = 7,34 $ 1$=6,86 DKK 1£=9,66 DKK (March 3, 2016)

At any rate, hope you enjoyed the chapter:

Time for the anonymous reviews:

Oiiii chapter 18 . Mar 23

Love the story so much I almost had a heart attack when I saw chapter 18. Could you have the wizengamot mention Donald trump during the trial and how much of a douchebag he is

Response: Glad to hear you enjoy my little story here Now, regarding your request: Sorry, but don't think that will be possible. While I think very little of Donald Trump and I think the American gun laws are stupid as shit, I generally try keeping mine and others' political views out of my story.

Drake chapter 18 . Mar 17

Ooooooooo crap's about to get real

Also is the nico/hermione thing gonna last the entire fic? Like, I get why you did that, but I can't really see them working out long term? I dunno maybe it's just me.

ANYWAYS this is a fan-freakin'-tasting fic and I really hope you finish it someday!
3 3 3

Response: Yeah, shit is about to hit the fan… big time. About NicoxHermione: Well, my original plan was that they should break up someday. But will not say whether or not that has changed. But happy to hear that you enjoy the story

Guest chapter 18 . Mar 8

*Sees machine sputter to life* "Now what do we have here?" This reviewer thinks, "I should probably keep an eye on this one." Also, please put a Kane Chronicles reference in here somewhere no one should be able to use a massive quantity of magic without them knowing. (Giant Elemental duels for example)

Response: Hello there Well, glad to hear you will be keeping an eye on this old machine… glad that it can still draw in a few people As for a Kane Chronicle reference… sorry, haven't really considered using the Kanes or Magnus. Got more than to keep track of without involving the Egyptians and Norse as well.

Guest chapter 18 . Feb 11

Hello! I'm back, and here with more love for your story!

I absolutely love the interaction between Lupa and Chiron- and I definitely agree with your reasoning as to why they would be aware of the wizarding world. I also very much agree with how it would be difficult for Chiron to explain to parents who are unaware of the Gods that their child is A) dead
Or B) MIA
I am extremely excited for the trial scene and I am really happy with what has gone down so far! I also really like the fluff between Nico and Hermione!

Thanks for rebooting this, it has so much potential and I'm excited to see what's to come!
~Guest

Response: Glad you liked the interaction between Lupa and Chiron And glad to hear that you approved of my notion of them keeping tracks, if only loosely, of the wizards. And glad to hear that you approved of my notion of it being Chiron telling the mortal parents when their children are missing or dead when the gods cannot/will not do it themselves.

Glad to hear that you were excited for the trial and what has happened so far. Hope the trial met your expectations/hopes And have a fluff scene or two more if I deem it fitting

Thank you for the kind words and your faith in its potential

Guest chapter 18 . Feb 8

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!
Finally! Finally!

Response: Yeah… been a long, long time time since I updated… also far longer than I ever intended.

Guest chapter 18 . Feb 7

Aaaaahhhhhhhhh! Another chapter to me to read over and over and over again! This is so incredibly amazing, and I envy your skills. During the very long wait, I was really worried you'd stopped, but you have returned with a great chapter. Nico is very cheeky with Hermione! Anyway, I don't care how many more years you take, just keep going at the quality you are at, and I won't have to kill you

Response: Thank you for the high praise And I will not lie, at times I came close to posting an Author's Note with a discontinuation note. But glad you liked the return chapter And yeah, Nico is very cheeky with Hermione… he is a teenage boy after all XD Hehe. Glad to hear it, but killing me would be rather counterproductive to me updating XD

Guest chapter 18 . Feb 7

Fuck. I'm psyched to read this new update. But I can't remember anything that's happened since last time I read it was 2 years ago. Honestly the name and its connection too the God teir showdown between Percy and Nico is what immediately made me hit the link...

Hell one of my favorite fix quotes I have saved is from that battle.

"Nico sighed softly as he loosened the clasp. "Justice… revenge… Once, when I was a child, I pondered the difference. Now, I have to come to understand it. 'Justice' is dealt out by people who have not felt the pain of the wronged. 'Revenge and vengeance' are dealt by people who have felt the pain. Tell me, Percy, what is most fair: That the people who attacked me and my sister are punished by someone who didn't feel our, or that they are punished with the wrath of the wronged?""

Shit. Time to read through 240k words...

Fuck this is gonna be a wild ride.
- NewWorldFiction

Response: Hehe. Don't worry, I would be more than impressed if you could remember every little thing happening since chapter 17… would be an almost godly feat if you could.

I remember that quote somewhat… more surprised you did

Hehe. Well, here is another boatload of words for you to (hopefully) read. Hope the ride, and this, was as wild as you had hoped for

Shadow Warrior chapter 18 . Feb 7

I love this story! Can you please kill off Octavian? Also I just recently found this story finished chapter 17 to find out you posted anither while I was reading 16 and 17! Great timing! Can't wait for more!

Response: Thank you Happy to hear that you enjoy the story As for killing off Octavian: Sorry, not giving out spoilers. Hope this chapter was worth the wait considering the previous timing XD

imhereforPJ chapter 18 . Feb 7

Dude! I came here just hoping and I see this! I thought you might've given it up, I'm so happy, I squealed in joy. Thank you thank you thank you. You don't understand how much I love this story and just kept hoping every day that'll there be a chapter update! Thank you.

Response: Great timing then I suppose XD And yeah, I will not lie, there were times where I came close to quitting it altogether. Thank you for your praise and your faith in this story.