It was clear from the facial expressions on the Chief Warlock's and the Minister's faces that they hadn't been made aware of Madam Bones' intention to stand down, rather than overseeing the trial herself.
The stern faced auror in full dress uniform took the offered seat from his boss, who then stepped down and joined the team of prosecutors on the courtroom floor, once again surprising the chamber.
...
Turning his attention back to Rufus Scrimgeour, he mentally named the man, 'old lion.' He had never met the senior auror personally, but that was nothing new, but from everything he had heard from Sirius and Madam Bones he knew that this man was to be respected for his ability with his wand, and for the leadership and courage the man had shown during the war. The simple fact was that the man was both capable and professional.
After all, Madam Bones wasn't the type of person to promote someone based on personal contacts and friends over personal ability. He also knew Scrimgeour himself had suffered several family loses during the war to the Death Eaters, and had had a long career mercilessly hunting down dark wizards for the Ministry, in fact Scrimgeour was only second to the famous Mad-Eye Moody in his passion for justice. "I bet no one saw that coming," he voiced to his godfather with a smirk.
"Madam Bones' idea most likely, never knew she could be so sneaky," Sirius offered with a grin as the courtroom settled again, after realizing that the game of musical chairs was finally over.
The Chief Warlock then stood up, Scrimgeour acknowledging the old wizard thus granting him his permission to address the floor. "Senior Auror Scrimgeour, I recall that your own son was killed by several death eaters during Lord Voldemort's initial rise to power," the court room collectively flinched at the use of the Dark Lord's real name. "Do you believe that you can uphold the responsibilities of the office you are holding for these proceedings without any personal basis against the accused," the Chief Warlock asked gently, but the chamber and audience above heard every word.
"Chief Warlock, that was over a decade ago and I have made my peace with it," Scrimgeour replied in a calm, but firm tone, which reminded him of polished granite. "I highly doubt that you could find anyone of sufficient rank and knowledge to fulfil the duties of this office that doesn't have some type of personal bias or personal experience relating to the criminal terrorist group known as the Death Eaters. I would also remind you and this audience that I have served the law and the Ministry to the utmost of my ability for over four decades. I have no personal knowledge of this case nor had any involvement in Madam Bones' investigation, nor do I have any type of personal relationship with either the victims or the accused," Scrimgeour added, but it was more than likely meant more for the benefit of the chamber at large, than the Chief Warlock.
"Therefore I am as unbiased as can be realistically expected in this matter of justice. I'll uphold the law as it is written, no more and no less. Now, are there any other objections?" the Senior Auror asked the chamber. Scrimgeour's impromptu speech nicely brushed aside any arguments against his appointment whilst also stating why he was the best candidate available to fill the position. There was some light muttering amongst the chamber, but the crowd seemed to approve.
It was clear that some of the Wizengamot Lords and Ladies felt otherwise, but weren't willing to publically oppose the man with the mob against them. Scrimgeour then surprised him further by taking the initiative by going on the attack whilst he had the advantage. "Shall we call a vote on the matter? Since it is clear by your whispering that some of you disagree with my appointment, but are unwilling to publicly voice that opposition," Scrimgeour spoke calmly, but clearly, the room falling silent at his bold move.
It was then that he saw what Scrimgeour was cleverly doing; he was forcing people who might otherwise object to his appointment to publically reveal themselves in front of the mob watching above. It was a sound tactic, with a vote of the entire Wizengamot on the matter, his appointment later on would be unassailable. "All against my appointment to the role of Chief Warlock for the duration of this trial, please stand and be counted," he called out, but no one stood even after several moments pause, many clearly unwilling to single themselves out in front of the mob.
"All those in favour?" Scrimgeour barked from the podium, carrying on with the vote without pause.
If no one had reacted or acknowledged Scrimgeour's authority, the unofficial vote could have been dismissed as the auror overstepping his temporary position of authority, but the effect was instantaneous, as almost a quarter of the courtroom stood up, including both him and Sirius.
He looked over to see Lord Greengrass also standing, along with the aging Lady Longbottom, as more and more Lords and Ladies were forced to their feet rather than risk being labelled a Death Eater sympathiser by the audience above. Even the Minister of Magic and the Chief Warlock reluctantly got to their feet, clearly understanding that this fight was truly lost, and didn't want to be seen going against the will of so many Lords and Ladies.
Surprisingly, even Lady Malfoy got to her feet in agreement. Draco's mother clearly understood that despite her vote not being counted for the duration of this trial, it was best to publically show her support for justice, rather than stay sitting and risk being singled out.
"Motion carried," Scrimgeour stated calmly, with a hint of smugness at his well played victory. "Please be seated," he commanded, everyone then retaking their seats.
Retaking his own seat, he turned to his godfather, "That was rather anachronistic; I didn't expect we would have to physically stand for a vote," he stated, disguising his question as an observation.
Sirius smiled, "We used to cast votes that way for centuries, and many traditionalists still want to, but it was realized after a while that the voting system we used could easily be rigged with a couple of well placed confundus charms or even something as simple as purposefully miscounting the standing/sitting members, etc. I think Scrimgeour chose that method to ensure that the crowd saw how everyone voted. It also prevented certain parties from claiming that they put their wand in the wrong voting slot," the former Auror explained amusedly, as he pointed out the two holes in the wooden post by both of their seats, labelled 'aye' and 'nay.' Harry nodded in understanding.
"It's easier and simpler just to use the wand method, rather than standing and sitting most of the time. Just a bit of common sense really. Voting this way also ensures that the votes are tallied magically and records kept as to how each family voted on each law."
"That's rather surprising, most wizards I have encountered lack that type of common sense," he replied, before turning his attention back to the floor as his godfather looked at him in amusement.
...
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