"Yes, Ted is watching her until we get back. Considering what happened and who was involved, I feel I simply need to be present. I know that my other sister will be there as well. Thanks for standing at my side," Andromeda Tonks told Sirius.
Today was a major day. Today, the trials against the latest batch of caught Death Eaters would be held. Captures didn't happen often, due to many them rather wanting to fight to the death. The 'main attraction' in question would be the Death Eaters who had attacked and seriously injured the Longbottoms mere days ago. For one, the Longbottoms were quite popular. Then there was Bellatrix, who right after Voldemort himself was the second-most feared person in magical Britain. Finally, there was the nugget of Barty Crouch's son having been caught as well at the scene of the crime. Yes, that surely would be a busy day.
To Sirius and Andromeda, Bellatrix being one of the accused in court was why they were present in person. Bellatrix' actions had shaken Sirius and by now he was very close to a final decision. Andromeda knew this probably was the last time she would ever see her sister. Despite being disowned by the Black family and having given up on Bellatrix after accepting her sister was irredeemably psychotic and sadistic, she simply had to do it, even if only to be at peace with herself.
"Ah, yes... Narcissa. Guess she's proud how her hubby managed to weasel out of his just punishment," Sirius grumbled while trying to correct his fine robes. After years of wearing jeans, he'd probably never again get used to these things - not that we would have a need to after today.
Andromeda's grimace was answer enough what she thought of that display of impotent justice. "I knew her well enough to know she is most likely really proud of her husband escaping justice. Lucius is cruel enough on his own and doesn't need any curse to make him."
"Too bad that dear old Mum seems to like him. After all, he represents all the things I rejected. The perfect, bigoted pure-blood," Sirius remarked.
"You know Walburga's views on everything," Andromeda reminded her cousin, still shuddering at the memory of her aunt. "Sirius, I hope you know what you are planning to do after the trial. Seeking the big stage like that..."
"You know me, Andy. Have some faith and please wait until the trial is over. I want to go for maximum effect here," Sirius told her, making Andromeda hope Sirius wasn't making a mistake. "I... oh, what a circus."
It was controlled chaos. Aurors were busy with holding back the press, who were shooting questions at the people walking into the courtroom. Not to speak the magical flashlights of cameras going off. Seeing him together with Andromeda only seemed to set them off worse than they already were. After all, he was rather famous - or in some circles, infamous - as the most prominent Black who broke with the family.
"I have an announcement take make once the trial is done, so have a little patience!" Sirius called, before he and Andromeda ran the gauntlet and got into the visitor section of the courtroom. The declaration had made the reporters only more curious.
The courtroom was packed to almost maximum capacity, which was no wonder considering how many waves the crime that finally got these Death Eaters caught had caused. The atmosphere in the courtroom also vast vastly different compared to outside; it was somber and people only dared to whisper to each other. Considering the Death Eaters that were about to be tried and their final crime, which in a way was worse than simply killing them, it was understandable.
Looking around, they saw that the Longbottoms themselves were not present, which was no wonder. Both of them were still recovering at St. Mungo's, and then would be set for further recovery at home. Clearly, Frank and Alice would not be in the public limelight again. Augusta Longbottom on the other hand was present and looked perfectly capable of killing - which she probably would have done to the accused, if not for her strong discipline.
Dumbledore sat next to Crouch the elder and his wife. Mrs. Crouch looked like a complete wreck, which was no wonder considering that her son turned out to be a Death Eater. Dumbledore looked like he wanted to be somewhere else, but his duties dictated that he had to be part of this trial. The elder Crouch tried to look controlled and cool, but Sirius easily saw through it, there was a volcano of anger and disappointment bubbling underneath the surface.
Looks like someone is not pleased that Junior didn't turn out as planned, Sirius mused.
"I don't want to be in his shoes right now," Andromeda whispered to Sirius, also having noticed Crouch's behavior.
"Oh, people will agree with it for now, but in the long turn, it'll break his neck. Guess he won't become Minister," Sirius replied.
Looking through the crowd, they spotted several known faces. Thankfully, due to having become a recluse after the deaths of Regulus and her husband Orion, Walburga Black herself was not present for the trial. However, Narcissa Malfoy was, clearly having seen them but trying to ignore them as best as possible. That was no news, as she always had been good at ignoring people she didn't like. Thankfully, Lucius clearly felt it was better to not show his face for some time, so he was not present.
Sirius frowned when instead seeing Cygnus Black sitting next to her. The man was doing his best to ignore both of them, and while he didn't care, it clearly was hurting Andromeda. It was a harsh reminder for Andromeda that to her father she was dead and he acted like he didn't have a granddaughter. It was cruel and bigoted, but so was most of the House of Black.