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Video (backdated to Sunday Night)
[ Arthur's hands are shaking, and therefore, so is the Forge. But it's obvious, even in the dim light, that he's blood-spattered. But underneath the gore sluiced across his face, his jaw is firmed, his breathing slow and deliberate. ]
I'm so sorry. If I'd realized, I never would have —
[ No, he needs to start earlier than that. ]
If — someone who knows Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks could collect their bodies from the ruins...
[ No, that's not the place either. He swallows, hard, guilt shadowing his eyes. ]
[ Filter: Priscilla, Byakuya. ]
I have done — a terrible thing. I'll be stepping down from my position as Vice Commander, of course. And I would like to turn myself in to be judged at Themis.
Someone will have to be assigned to bring in Bellatrix. She fled into the Mist. I honestly thought she was no longer a threat to anybody, but I was wrong.
I've been wrong in a lot of things.
I'm so sorry. If I'd realized, I never would have —
[ No, he needs to start earlier than that. ]
If — someone who knows Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks could collect their bodies from the ruins...
[ No, that's not the place either. He swallows, hard, guilt shadowing his eyes. ]
[ Filter: Priscilla, Byakuya. ]
I have done — a terrible thing. I'll be stepping down from my position as Vice Commander, of course. And I would like to turn myself in to be judged at Themis.
Someone will have to be assigned to bring in Bellatrix. She fled into the Mist. I honestly thought she was no longer a threat to anybody, but I was wrong.
I've been wrong in a lot of things.
[Voice | Private]
[ She'd harmed Remus and Nymphadora so much; how could he be surprised? But he'd misjudged his friends' hearts, and that twists at him. ]
And yet. You're right. I am certain she planned this.
[ Just as she'd forced Tonks to kill senselessly for her. ]
Byakuya's going after her, and I believe Merlin intends to.
[ In fact, there's a small mob of people out for her blood. ]
[Voice | Private]
[A sigh.]
Perhaps the thought that it might be manipulation didn't occur to you because you wanted so much to believe she had not fooled everyone, not just you. It's unfortunate that you were wrong, but you alone are not to blame for believing that.
There were many who were convinced she might be . . . better. At least better than she was.
[Not Isley, of course, but that's because he's been out for her blood since she killed Yachiru.]
Byakuya . . . I hope that man doesn't intend to go on his own in his state. Will Merlin be accompanying him?
[Voice | Private]
I don't know. Merlin seems to think he can sit beside me in Themis and drag Lestrange back by the hair simultaneously.
[ A pause, his brows wrinkling as he considers that that may not actually be ludicrous, for Merlin's gifts. He doesn't know, and he doesn't want him doing either thing. ]
But I'd rather he didn't. Perhaps he'll wake Riza, she's good at combing the Mist.
[Voice | Private]
[Isley obviously disproves of this, nevertheless . . . ]
If it is a Trial by Combat, I will be your Champion.
[That will free up Merlin to apprehend Bellatrix, because it would be harder for Isley to manage that in his present state.]
[Voice | Private]
[ A breath of exasperation. He thinks there's a much better chance of Isley winning for him than of his peers judging him totally guiltless. And some part of Arthur would like to spend the time in Themis for the sense of atonement. ]
[ But as Isley had pointed out earlier, that was a selfish desire. And he has duties in the city. As much as he'd found the combat system of justice foolish and disreputable, it seems his best chance of avoiding the morass of confusion about exactly what happened, especially if they don't find Bellatrix in time. ]
All right. If you'll stand for me, then I'll have you.
[Voice | Private]
I will not see you convicted for something that witch has orchestrated.
When will your trial be held?
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