Chapter 64 - Retrial (2/2)

Morfin seemingly calms down and hoarsely says, ”The signet ring, the ring of Salazar Slytherin, our ancestor.”

”I see,” Flint said with a glint in his eyes. ”Do you recall, what you testified years ago about the muggle family that you murdered in cold blood?”

”I didn't kill 'em!” Morfin roared. ”Dat whore ran off with 'em and the muggle went and left her. I didn't kill 'em cuz dat whore deserved it!”

The council lets out gasps of aghast and shock at the vile words filled with the brutal truth. An old man, but still younger than Madam Marchbanks, cleared his throat. ”Ogden did the idea of Gaunt's confession being tampered with ever come up in his original trial?” Tiberius Ogden solemnly asked his distant, much younger cousin.

”No, sir,” Bob Ogden replied. ”The trial was rather clean cut as Morfin Gaunt confessed, before being sentenced to Azkaban.”

”And that did not at all seem strange given his temperate?” Tiberius Ogden suspiciously asked.

”No, sir. At the time, no one protested nor suggested to do so,” Bob Ogden steely declared.

A hunched up bald wizard born in 1881, coughed rather loudly. (And despite his great age, he was still younger than Madam Marchbanks.) ”We were all present, Tiberius. Not one of us protested,” Elphias Doge said. ”There is no use in pointing fingers now, what is done is done. The least we can do now is rectify our mistake and ensure that this poor man is freed and that the culprit is brought to justice.”

”Yes, that is an excellent point. Thank you, Doge,” Madam Marchbanks said. ”Auror's please escort Morfin Gaunt out.”

”Yes, Madam,” the auror's said, before aiding Morfin Gaunt to his feet and escorting him out.

”Madam Marchbanks, if I may,” Flint said as he took a step forward.

”Yes, Flint, you may.”

”Gaunt does not have much to live and if possible, I would like to provide a rest home for him to spend his final days at the seaside.”

”Is this true?” Madam Marchbanks asked.

Elphinstone Urquart, borderline forty with dark hair slicked back and a widow's peak speaks up. ”Yes, Madam Marchbanks,” Elphinstone said. ”The medical staff performed a swift review upon his arrival and found dark, sickly masses within him. At best he has a year to live and at worst only a month or two.” Bob Ogden nodded his head in approval at his able-bodied officer, Elphinstone for his swift response.

”In that case, the council will release custody of Morfin Gaunt into your hands, Stephen Flint,” Madam Marchbanks said. ”Are there any opposed?” The room is silent as Madam Marchbanks solemnly nodded in thanks. ”Then this trial is adjourned.” The room is filled with sound as wizard and witches began to move and speak in whispers over the topic.