#10 After the Trial

Dae-hyun Tolliver was well aware of William's tears, though didn't comment or draw attention to it. He quietly led the Doren children out of the Courtrooms, then away from the Ministry for Magic itself. The process of that, then arriving back at the Doren Estate, felt both extremely long and far too quick.

Night had fallen, and the grounds had never seemed so long or foreboding. The manor itself seemed bigger somehow -- and all its lights were lit, as usual... and as though nothing was amiss.

The inside of the manor seemed so normal and unchanged that they could almost expect to see their parents waiting in the Dining Room, about to scold them for the time of their return. Tolliver helped keep them grounded in reality, as did the continued quiet and stillness of the Estate.

'To answer your question,' Tolliver turned to Elizabeth. 'Their custodial rights were suspended during their arrest and pending trial. With the Guilty verdict, including child endangerment, their rights are officially terminated. They have no say or authority in your life and upbringing.'

Had they received the verdict of Not Guilty on all accounts... well, there was no point telling them the alternative. He was sure that the return of their parents would be considered good news to the children, as Tolliver had seen before in cases like this. Hopefully, in time, the children will see the truth and begin to heal from everything that's happened.

'I know this isn't the best first Christmas together, but do try to separate what happened with the festive time of year. Don't let is tarnish Christmas itself. You still have each other, and from now on that will be more important than ever,' Tolliver said gently. 'So please, talk to each other. Spend time together. It'll help more than you know.'

He glanced round the Living Room, at all the Christmas decorations that certainly weren't there to that degree when they'd left. Either the House-Elf or their Uncle had wanted to make things a big lighter for their return.

It seemed that everyone had expected the Dorens to be declared Guilty. Further evidence of that was in the Dining Room, with a delicious feast prepared primarily with William and Elizabeth's favourite treats and meals. There were at least three different roasts, and even some crackers -- which, thankfully, their several Christmases at Hogwarts had taught them the purpose of.

'I'm afraid this is where I leave you, for now,' Tolliver said, checking himself over to make sure he had everything. 'I've a ton of paperwork to process, now we know the verdict. I'm only an owl away, and I do expect to hear from you on a regular basis. I'll be checking in, as you remain Wards of the Ministry. You are my responsibility.'

He said it warmly, as to not imply that was in any way a burden or unwanted. Of course, he would rather keep families together when possible and for things to work out -- but he was there for the times when they didn't. And right now, Tolliver was in charge.

'You'll be back on the train to Hogwarts tomorrow.' He checked some notes. 'Your uncle has requested that he be the one to see you off at the station. Unfortunately, there's still some work to be done before that may be allowed. And depending on your wishes.'

Mrs Dorens' rights were terminated, but there was still a lot of legal stuff to sort out. Especially as some of those things were magically binding. It would be many more months before everything from the trial was sorted out and every boxed ticked or crossed.

'I'll collect you for the train tomorrow. Make sure you're all packed and ready to go by breakfast.' Tolliver gave each Doren an empathetic look, but doubted there was anything he could say right now to make them feel better. 'Eat. Get some sleep. Be there for each other. I'll see you soon.'

And with that, he turned to leave.