Klaas Spaan's testimony passed fairly uneventfully, a rehashing of details, a description of his finances, a statement of his commitment to remain in Britain with his British wife and British children. They were prepared for many questions by the defense, trying to prove Klaas and Charlotte unfit, or perhaps proving Adriana unfit retroactively.

The final question, one he had planned for: "Is there anything you would like this court to be aware of?"

Klaas cleared his throat, looked for his niece, and began speaking. His voice was lightly accented Dutch, and his demeanor was calm, confident,d and solid.

"My sister made it abundantly clear that she did not trust Mr. Dempsey with his daughter's upbringing, and I promised her that I would care for the girl after she passed away. Mr. Dempsey made no attempt to know her until this year — 1895. Kaatjie will be twelve in August.

I brought my niece to Bartonburg in 1893, after writing Mr. Dempsey to inform him of his wife's death. I know that we have discussed this already, but — over two years have passed.

She gained fluency in English, because at home, I am the only one who speaks Dutch. Kaatjie can be dramatic, but she is well-behaved, and she liked her English governess very well. She grew four inches last year and kept knocking things over because she did not realize how long her arms had become. Her aunt often has to add rows to her dresses because of how quickly she grows.

She enjoys fairy-tales like those by Beedle the Bard. Her favorite friend at Hogwarts is Miss Ramona Pendergast, who she met last summer. She is supposed to wear eyeglasses, as she is nearsighted — you will notice that she is not, right now — but she often doesn't, because she thinks them unfashionable. Her favorite color is teal, because of the ocean, but she will now tell you it is gold and red because of how proud she is to be a Gryffindor. She is very talented at Defense Against the Dark Arts, and rather proud of that, too."

Despite himself, Klaas was containing a smile. This had started off for the Dempseys, but — partway along it had become for Kaatjie.

"I tell you these things because Mr. Dempsey does not know them. He does not know his daughter. With us, Kaatjie is cared for — she is loved — we know her. Kaatjie, put on your eyeglasses."

With this, his lawyer wrapped the questioning and submitted him to the cross-examination.