Rita's punishment - Open.

[magicministry]

Who : A note from Big Brother & anyone else.
When : September 5th, around noon.
Where : Sitting room.
Rating : TBA
Summary : TBA

Comments

[poisoned_quill]

Rita was rather grateful that the first person into the room was Neville. The illusion that no one might come in didn't last long, and she was getting more and more concerned about what she would be asked.

She imagined she could feel the potion creeping through her veins, disarming her thoughts and loosening her tongue, even though that was surely her imagiation.

She regarded Neville silently as he spoke, then sat down across from her. When he asked his question, she considered it. Well asked; specific and broad at the same time - and really, not one she minded answering, especially since he'd ended their conversation so abruptly.

"My own family, of course. My sister ran off with a muggle during the first war. Mum and Dad were terrified, with Voldemort striking muggleborns and blood traitors. They cut all ties with her, and they packed me off to France just in case. That did... irreparable damage to our family, and... well. We weren't on the hit list, were we? If I'd spoken out, though, who knows what could have happened? My parents ruined their relationship with their younger daughter to keep both of us safe - how could I have been so foolish as to make a fuss about the new regime and endanger their lives? Stella's husband and children wouldn't have been able to defend themselves against Deatheaters."

She watched him carefully, and decided to give him one piece of information for free. "I also knew, without a doubt, who would visit both of us if such a thing were to happen. And the games Bellatrix liked to play in seventh year weren't very fun at all."

[nevilletherebel]

Neville listened, and although he couldn't understand even after all that, why she wouldn't fight, he did consider things settled. Knowing her reasons soothed the anger inside of him a little bit. He stood back up, looking down at Rita, thinking that she was done.

Just as he was about to turn away, however, Rita spoke again, and Neville turned to face her.

There was no denying that something ugly passed over Neville's face at the mention of Bellatrix Lestrange. For a moment he felt terribly sick, furious, suicidal, homicidal...and then he closed his eyes and breathed in slowly. She was dead. Bellatrix Lestrange was dead. Nothing to worry about. She had earned her just reward for what she had done.

He tilted his head slightly. "Is that why you were at the trial?" he asked, his eyes on Rita's. "To see her earn her just desserts?" And then he froze, realising he'd asked a question. "Nevermind that...you don't have to answer that. I'll just..." He stepped back.

[poisoned_quill]

She didn't have to answer, she knew that, 'I don't have to answer that' would be as much truth as the actual answer, but the potion made the whole truth easier to say, and at this point she didn't mind answering that one.

"I was at the trial because of the Prophet, but it was also... of personal interest. Glad to see her go away, but painful too, because... well, love of a friend, or the memory of it never quite leaves you, does it? Even when she's turned into a monster and you despise her at the same time."

[nevilletherebel]

"I...thank you, Rita," he said, slowly, then backed off a step. "G-good luck with the nominations," he said, nervously, then turned around and left, still thinking about what he'd heard.