Cell 5: Rydiger Von Heap

[Lucius Malfoy]

Understandable.

*He made a note of the response and had another look at what he had previously written.*

Now, ah. This is a major point which will be difficult to get around. You have admitted to the crime of casting an Unforgivable.

[Ophelia Fuilteach]

*Giggles inappropriately in her cell*

Oooh, busted!

*Stifles her laughter by burying her head in her pillow, and snickering into it instead*

[Rydiger von Heap]

*Looks at the wall in the direction of Ophelia's cell.* Uhm... Sure.

*Turns back at Lucius and sits down at a old chair that was placed there, and looked like they were talking it over by a good glass of firewisky. At least on the expression.*

If I didn't got the detail in the statement, that's my mistake, but Rowle did actually infrom me that the Dark Lord didn't like people who failed their biddings, and that he would considered me weak and have me killed. And as a spy, I had the choice of refusing, in which case I either wouldn't gain the trust of the Death Eaters or I wouldn't gain their trust and then be tortured and killed, or I could make it look like I was trying to murder the Minister for Magic while I actually made sure that Scrimgeour wasn't harmed. I know I'm old, but I don't want to die just yet. Plus that in order for me to become the spy Scrimgeour and I agreed me to be, I had to make it look like I was on their side. At the time, It seemed that a harmless wizard controlled by the Imperius Curse to make it look like an attempt of murder without actually planning to go through with it was a small price to pay if it in near future would end up to give the Ministry valueble information about the Dark Lords plans. I am no criminal. If I do something that looks like a crime, it's just for the greater good of the Ministry's future. That, and if I refused and he didn't kill me, Rowle would most likely guess that I had access to the Ministery and forced me to actually kill someone. Which again, is just the opposite of my intentions.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Hmm... I can understand that point of view, and maybe that is acceptable in Germany, but in England the Ministry see the Unforgivables as just that - unforgivable.

It will take quite some convincing for them to take your word that your intentions were in their benefit.

*He glanced at his notes again.*

Now, Devon. What was your reason for being there?

[Rydiger von Heap]

In Germany, the Minister for Magic dosen't threaten you with illegal execution. *Says clamly.*
Unforgivable or not, it was a necessary precaution to save both my role as spy and my life.
They can look up at The International Restrictions for Magical Self-Defence, set by the Confederation in 1720. According to paragraph 5, section 3.1; "After the international ban of the three unforgivable curses, signed by the International Confuderation of the Wizards in 1717. The three unforgivable curses are strictly prohibited, unless it is for the cause of war and/or the curses is necessary for the wizarding community's own safety or in cases of self-Defence."

This was due to a difficul case in Spain between 1719 and 1725 where Aurors where hunting a Dark Wizard who visited different countries in Europe and went to their villages and challanged their strongest wizards to duel and killed him, before he terrorized the place with his so called Deathstick before he went closer. Ayway;

I was looking for Rowle. I wanted to see if he trusted me. Despite the fact that I failed, I managed to get the so-called killer as far as the Minister's own office, which they presumably regard as a huge try, considering the enormous security in the Ministry of Magic. I was hoping he would trust me because of it, although I admit I was afraid he wouldn't. In which case, he would most likely have killed me. I went to a place known as Knockturn Alley, a shopping area off Diagon Alley which is filled with shops devoted to the Dark Arts. I was on my way to the Silver Serpent, the place I first met him. But then I was stopped by a odd stranger. I couldn't see his face, as he was hooded. But he asked if I wasn't the man he had seen in the bar, talking to Thorfinn Rowle. When I said that I might, he told me that if I was looking for him, I wouldn't find him in the Alley. He said "the word on the street." said that Rowle had traveled to the country side to do some muggle torture. So I traveled to. I looked for houers. I must have visited countless muggle towns and villages, which none of them bore any sign of magical misuse or attack. I must have searched for more than a day and a half, at least. I was just thinking of quiting the search and go back to the Ministry to make a plan, when I felt hungry and decided to sit down at the closest resturant I could find. It was in Devon. Randomly, but true. I had a fish soup and was just about to pay and go back when I heard screams. I looked out of the window and spotted a witch who pointed to the sky, with an expression of fear in her face. I walked out, just in time to hear her shout: "The Dark Mark! The Death Eaters are coming! Run! Run for your lives!"

It was of course a clear breake of International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, but who could blame her? I figured she must have paniced. I clamed her down and told her to go home, and of course informed her I was a Law Enforcer from the Ministry, nothing more. Just to clam her down. And as he disapparated, I had to use the Memory Charms on several muggles who had heard her, and then I went in the direction the Mark was conjured, with the hope of catching up with Rowle. Of course, by then I had no idea what the reason for the Dark Mark was made for. Murder...

[Lucius Malfoy]

*He had his quill at the ready to take notes, but found little to work with.*

*He tapped the parchment with its point frustratedly.*

None of that will work Rydiger. Firstly, you will be speaking with high ranking officials who are fully aware that the Confederation do not pass laws.

Secondly, your alibi does not wash. No one is going to believe for a moment that you spent two days searching every muggle village in England for one man without a lead only to find the Dark Mark by pure chance.
Now, I know why you were there and obviously it would be foolish to tell them what we know. Your best hope would be to twist the truth slightly. Tell them exactly what happened, but make them believe that your actions were all part of your spy work.

[Rydiger von Heap]

Even the part about you?

*Says curiously.*

Well, I've allready told them the story I sent to you, but I've might say in the trail that I also lied again out of fear one of the spy's of Voldy was present. - Sorry, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but I've never experienced a name some one is scared of or don't want to say because the name's owner are evil and dangerous. It don't feel natural, so I just used something similar.

If I was to have meet the Dark Lord in own person, the mission "given" to me seems more likely.

Of course the Confuderation gives laws! What do you call the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, if it isn't a law?

[Lucius Malfoy]

There is little need to speak of our previous meeting. It is irrelevant. If questions of your son arise, then maybe it would be wise to keep to the truth as much as possible. Your lies only seem to complicate matters.

*He still had nothing to note at the moment, and simply drew circles on the page.*

The Dark Lords name is unspoken for two reasons. Even coming close to speaking it is foolish and reckless.
Firstly, there is the fear surrounding it. Mentioning the name brings the memory of his dark deeds, and many are not comfortable to be reminded.
Secondly, more importantly, is that his name is cursed. Should it be mentioned, the person speaking it invites the Dark Lord into their mind and reveals their location and thoughts to him.

*He was in no mood to argue.*

I would have thought that the Supreme Mugwump would have some idea of the working of the International ConFEDeration. They are a mediator only, with no real power over any nation. Wizarding Secrecy was proposed by the Confederation and accepted by each country involved. Should a country not have wished to pass the law, it would have been their prerogative.

[Rydiger von Heap]

Remember the International Magical Office of Law keeps track of laws and policies set down by the International Confederation of Wizards, and advises Britain's Minister for Magic and the Wizengamot on matters of international law in order to prevent contradictions between British magical law and its international counterpart. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement actually enforces the international policies and laws of the International Confederation of Wizards on British soil, albiet often relying on the advice of the International Magical Office of Law.

But enough of that. How should I step forward? The truth about my son's part in your first Wizard War? How he was killed my Alastor Moody?

[Lucius Malfoy]

*He gave his notes another look up and down and screwed up his lips in thought.*

During the trial, do not mention anything unless directly asked about it. Keep your answers short and to the point. Too much deviation is likely to confuse matters and raise more questions.

Your sons part in the First War is not entirely relevant to this situation. So unless mentioning it seems vital, I would avoid it. I believe most of the staff here are now aware of it anyway.

What is being questioned is your part in this war. Now, I believe that keeping as close to the actual truth is your best chance. All you need do is maintain that all of your actions were carried out as part of spy work for the Ministry, and that it has backfired due to your misunderstanding of how our country and it's legal system works.

The only thing that needs further twisting would be the attack in Devon. An explanation as to why you were fighting for the Death Eaters.

[Rydiger von Heap]

Well, why don't stick to the "Bellatrix LeStrange imperiused me when she realised I hasitated." ?
She is, as far as I have noticed, a psychopathic sadist who enjoys torturing and killing, and will do anything to please her master. How do we know that she wouldn't go as far as to use the Imperius Curse on an ally, just because she was impatient?

[Lucius Malfoy]

Rydiger.

*He looked up at him through judging eyes shaking his head.*

I know her personally. Bellatrix is not the sort to Imperius a failing ally during a battle. If she paid you any notice at all you would be lucky to receive less than a killing curse. She is somewhat famous for that.
Besides, in the heat of battle, she would be preoccupied with her enemy, not bumbling apprentices.

*He stroked his chin and looked at the notes.*

Let me see... you arrived, in full Death Eater dress, and were ordered to attack. Which you did. An Imperius Curse claim may indeed be your best option... especially as you almost killed one or more Aurors.

*Then it hit him. Thinking of Imperius Curse linked right back to the crux of the case, Barney Colsworth.*

Imperius Curse. Yes. I believe it would be wise to claim that during the entire series of events you were held under the Imperius Curse, being controlled by a highly skilled Death Eater.

Bellatrix Lestrange...

*He quickly starting noting his ideas as they came.*

All you need do is fabricate a story which revolves around you possibly finding yourself in a position in which Bellatrix Lestrange could have cursed you. From there she controlled you to curse Colsworth and go into battle at the Burrow. Your faltering at the battle may have been to her mind being preoccupied by combat.

I suggest something around the time of meeting Rowle. Possibly, he found you untrustworthy, but had you captured and cursed to be used nonetheless.

*The ideas for spin and deceit were coming fast.*

Yes. I believe that has a chance. But be sure to make the facts of your capture unclear. You do not know how it happened, you do not remember being held captive. As far as you were aware, you were acting of your own accord, but now it is clear that you were being controlled the entire time. The repeated mentions of Lestrange in both your case and Colsworths may be a side effect of her being the original caster.

*He was pleased that he had now forged a case that may actually stand. The holes in the story could be easily explained by memory loss or the lack of control he had over himself. Even the lies could be taken as a part of the curse.*

[Rydiger von Heap]

May 3, 2011 16:08:17 GMT Lucius Malfoy said:

Rydiger.

*He looked up at him through judging eyes shaking his head.*

I know her personally. Bellatrix is not the sort to Imperius a failing ally during a battle. If she paid you any notice at all you would be lucky to receive less than a killing curse. She is somewhat famous for that.
Besides, in the heat of battle, she would be preoccupied with her enemy, not bumbling apprentices.

*He stroked his chin and looked at the notes.*

Let me see... you arrived, in full Death Eater dress, and were ordered to attack. Which you did. An Imperius Curse claim may indeed be your best option... especially as you almost killed one or more Aurors.

*Then it hit him. Thinking of Imperius Curse linked right back to the crux of the case, Barney Colsworth.*

Imperius Curse. Yes. I believe it would be wise to claim that during the entire series of events you were held under the Imperius Curse, being controlled by a highly skilled Death Eater.

Bellatrix Lestrange...

*He quickly starting noting his ideas as they came.*

All you need do is fabricate a story which revolves around you possibly finding yourself in a position in which Bellatrix Lestrange could have cursed you. From there she controlled you to curse Colsworth and go into battle at the Burrow. Your faltering at the battle may have been to her mind being preoccupied by combat.

I suggest something around the time of meeting Rowle. Possibly, he found you untrustworthy, but had you captured and cursed to be used nonetheless.

*The ideas for spin and deceit were coming fast.*

Yes. I believe that has a chance. But be sure to make the facts of your capture unclear. You do not know how it happened, you do not remember being held captive. As far as you were aware, you were acting of your own accord, but now it is clear that you were being controlled the entire time. The repeated mentions of Lestrange in both your case and Colsworths may be a side effect of her being the original caster.

*He was pleased that he had now forged a case that may actually stand. The holes in the story could be easily explained by memory loss or the lack of control he had over himself. Even the lies could be taken as a part of the curse.*

LeStrange could simply has mistrusted me more than Rowle, but figured they needed a scapegoat, if you are familiar with the term? And then later made me attend the battle by the Burrow because she figured they needed all help they could in case the Ministry would show up. Which they did.

What about my pain? When I screwed up while trying to heal my leg, the pain was so intense that it could have affected the memory loss, which made me belive the lies I told? Confusion...

[Lucius Malfoy]

*He nodded.*

Possibly. That could have happened. I think we have made progress here.

[Rydiger von Heap]

Obviously... *Nods.* How many morons is emplooyed here? In every other Ministry, I would go free just for taking the risk for the greater good of the Wizarding World.