#9 First Home for Christmas

Tolliver looked up from his tear at the sound of a hungry child, to which he wished he didn't know all too well. He gestured to the offerings, giving William (then Elizabeth) full permission to enter and grab something to eat. 

'This is your home,' he gently reminded them. 'You don't need permission to eat. Come on in, have a seat.'

He gave them a moment to eat and settle, while mentally going over the list of things they needed to discuss. While there were many important things, it was also not his intention to overwhelm them. And yet, there were some serious things to cover and it was best to get the most unpleasant ones out of the way first.

'Tomorrow, rather unfortunately also being Christmas Day, I'll be attending your parents' trial,' Tolliver said, with a neutral expression. 'As I've mentioned, you're each welcome to attend -- if you wish. Now is the time to ask any questions you have about that.'

He set aside his tea.

'We'll depart early in the morning, as it's expected to be a lengthy trial and is of high priority,' Tolliver went on to explain, keeping his tone just as neutral. 'It takes place at the Courtrooms, deep in the Ministry. You're expected to dress well; a House Elf will take care of that. You're permitted to bring writing materials, but that's about it.'

Tolliver stopped there for now, awaiting to see if they had any questions thus far. 

Elizabeth took a seat and a plate of food, glancing over at William. She found it odd that Tolliver seemed to want to change all the rules, but perhaps it was just so he didn't have to remember a new set at every house.

After she was done gathering things, she decided to sit near her brother, for solidarity. Perhaps one day there would be a way to politely bring up the house's rules to Tolliver, but until then, it was best to just listen and do as they were told.

She looked at Tolliver as he spoke, waiting for him to finish to make sure she had a complete understanding of the situation at hand. She had been waiting for her parents' trial ever since she knew there was a possibility that she could be present.

"I wish to attend, as well." Elizabeth added. She could hardly let her younger brother go and not go herself. She was the oldest, after all.

She wrinkled her nose at the mention of reporters. Reporters, in Elizabeth's opinion, liked gossip and exaggerating situations. A trial should be private, at least until the results were announced. She shot a glance to William when he mentioned their parents possibly being convicted.

It was a possibility, she knew that. But not one she liked, even knowing the Ministry's bias towards their parents.

"Will we be able to speak to our parents before or after the trial?" Elizabeth asked. "Or see them? Will they be able to see us?"

She paused and asked another question. "Is it one trial for both of them? Or will Mother be tried, then Father, or vice versa?"