Night's Pardon (25th September)

[brightwitch]

Once in a while, the Night Council review their list of wanted criminals and convicts and decide, whether for political reasons or to save on paperwork, that this list could do with trimming. That time has come around again, and it just happens to coincide with the purge of ex-Circle Midnight witches from the city. Those who suspect no mere coincidence would be right: this was Sylvia's idea. She's aware that there are a minority of witches who sympathise with the plight of Circle Midnight even after they pledged their allegiance to the Islington Nest. And because it is important for leaders to show mercy as well as strength, this is her show of mercy. Even if no Midnight witches are acquitted, she can still say that the offer was made.

And so here it is: the Chamber of Justice, a large circular courtroom in the Night Council headquarters. It looks much like any regular courtroom except that the five Night Council members sit in place of a judge, and there is no jury, only a select audience to watch the pardons being granted. There is no guarantee that any plea will be accepted, only that it will be heard. One by one, the condemned party and their sponsor are invited to come to the stand in order to make their case.

"Step forward." Sylvia waits for both parties to stand before addressing the sponsor. "Please make your statement on behalf of the condemned."

The sponsor is allowed to make an opening statement outlining their case, which must last no longer than five minutes. After that, the Night Council may question either the sponsor or the condemned until they are satisfied that they can reach a decision. The verdict must be unanimous in order for the pardon to be granted.

Comments

[brightwitch]

"We are all accountable for our actions, Faolan," Sylvia contradicts him. "Even at such a difficult time. But you're hinting. Do you have any actual evidence to present?"

Really, it had seemed an open and shut case. No further investigation had been carried out because it hadn't been deemed necessary. The case report they have written in their notes seems clear-cut and Sylvia is the only one who remembers the trial itself, the other Council members looking to her as Faolan questions them. Here is a Guardian questioning the integrity of the Night Council at the time, and by extension the integrity of the President.

It's a bold move.

[reticence]

It is a bold move, and Faolan knows that he is toeing the line here. But he also believe in his hunters at Hillingdon, and he believes in justice (and vengeance, for that matter). And Sirius certainly did not receive justice, when he had been accused of such crimes.

He bows his head slightly at her, understanding what it is she is saying and what she is not. "I have no evidence to prove his innocence, no," he confirms. "But there was never any evidence to prove his guilt for that matter either. It was my understanding that the Night Council's pardon might offer him a clean slate, and with your blessing, that is what we request. Sirius will be accountable for his actions from here on, just as any man should. But he is not a murderer. And he deserves the chance to prove himself."

Faolan can only hope that he is making sense. The more he talks, the more he's aware of how this could count against him, the more he questions the Council's judgment, the more danger there is for him personally. He would really rather not wind up a statue for trying to argue his case, even if it was in the name of a good cause.