https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-157-Palm-Sized-Magical-Puppet-Pet/12572517/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-159-The-Third-Interrogation-Room/12572520/
Chapter 158: Ministry of Magic
Chapter 158: Ministry of Magic
As Vedek entered the room, Harry, who had been sitting in a chair, immediately stood up. "Vedek's here, so it's time to go?"
It was humid and chilly in November, but a thin layer of cold sweat broke out on Harry's forehead.
Professor McGonagall glanced at the time.
"The trial of Sirius Black is still an hour away... But I suppose you don't want to wait here, so we might as well leave now."
Seeing the expressions on Harry and the others' faces, she changed her mind and said, "However, even now, I don't think you should attend this trial, Mr. Potter."
"Professor..." Harry looked at her, eyes wide.
Professor McGonagall sighed. "Remember what I told you. There may be people in the courtroom who will say things that... well... may make you feel uncomfortable. Remember, it's just rhetoric. Don't take it to heart, and maintain your restraint and politeness."
"I understand, Professor," Harry said, though it was clear he wasn't really listening. His mind was already at the Ministry of Magic.
"Well, then... let's go..."
Professor McGonagall looked like she wanted to hug him but ultimately restrained herself.
She took out a bag of Floo powder and said, "Just for today, my office is connected to the Floo Network... You all know how to use it, right?"
"Of course... See you later, Professor," Lupin said politely. He pinched some Floo powder and threw it into the fire, stepping into the emerald flames and clearly stating, "Ministry of Magic Atrium!"
The fire roared, and Lupin vanished in an instant.
Harry, unable to contain his eagerness, stepped forward and sprinkled the Floo powder.
"Good luck to you all," Professor McGonagall said softly, her eyes filled with warmth and compassion as she looked down at Harry.
"See you in a few hours, Professor," Harry said with a smile. "Also, I've finished my Transfiguration homework, Professor!"
"Ministry of Magic Atrium!"
The flames engulfed Harry's figure, leaving only Vedek behind.
"Mr. Grey," Professor McGonagall said, "Although I am a Gryffindor, I must say—some Gryffindors tend to let their emotions cloud their judgment. If... and I'm just saying if... the outcome of the trial isn't what we hope for, I hope you can help them maintain their rationality."
"I will, Professor," Vedek assured her.
He, too, sprinkled the Floo powder.
"Ministry of Magic Atrium!"
The green flames reflected off Professor McGonagall's dark green robes, and Vedek caught a glimpse of her deep blue eyes.
Her lips were pressed tightly together, and her eyes revealed deep concern. Her hands were clasped as if in prayer.
As the green flames swirled around him, Vedek closed his eyes, suddenly thinking of the two people on trial today. They had both been in Gryffindor during their time at Hogwarts... both students of Professor McGonagall.
They must have been exceptional in their Animagus forms, causing the professor both headaches and pride.
But now, the outcome was something no one wanted to see.
Professor McGonagall must also wish she could attend the trial... But as the deputy headmistress, she had to stay at the school when Professor Dumbledore was away and couldn't leave.
Vedek's thoughts turned once more to his plan to improve the two-way mirror.
Professor Mori had once explained the mirror's fabrication principles to him. If he could successfully repair the mirror this time, he could proceed with the next step of his plan.
By enhancing the mirror, he intended to upgrade it from one-to-one communication to one-to-many, thus enabling a live broadcast function for the magical world.
What a pity... Sirius Black's trial would have been a huge draw...
...
Vedek stepped out of the fireplace into a magnificent atrium with walls and ceilings adorned with peacock-blue bricks and golden symbols that slowly changed and moved.
Fireplaces were lined up, embedded in the wooden panels, and witches and wizards were constantly emerging from them. The fireplace that Vedek and the others used was separated, with a sign hanging on the side that read:
[Visitors].
"Hello," said a young, plump witch sitting behind a desk, her voice dull as she mechanically recited, "Please register here."
"Good day, miss," Lupin greeted her. "Remus Lupin, Harry Potter, and Vedek Grey, here to observe the trial of Sirius Black."
"What... Oh my goodness!"
The witch's eyes widened as she suddenly ignored Lupin, her gaze shifting back and forth between the two students before finally settling on Harry.
"You're Harry Potter!" she exclaimed.
Her breath quickened as she stared at him in awe.
After a moment of stunned silence, the witch jumped up from her seat, eagerly extending her hands. "Mr. Potter, it's an honor to meet you! I grew up listening to stories about you! I can't believe I'm meeting you in person!"
"Er..." Harry shook her hand awkwardly. "...Nice to meet you, miss."
"I'm Louise Wenge," the witch introduced herself, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "What a privilege! I'm so glad to have shaken your hand!"
"Well..." Harry reminded her, feeling a bit flustered. "...We're here for Sirius Black's trial."
"Oh, yes, of course. Silly me, almost forgot the reason you're here. This way, please follow me."
Wenge's enthusiasm was infectious, and she eagerly led the trio towards the end of the hall, explaining along the way, "All visitors need to go through security checks and register their wands. Of course, Mr. Potter and your companions won't have any issues, but it's just the procedure."
Vedek turned to look back.
Behind them, green sparks erupted from the fireplace once more, and a wizard and a witch stepped out, only to find themselves alone. They seemed taken aback, unsure of what to do next.
"There are more witches and wizards coming out of the fireplace." Vedek gently reminded the witch, "Would you like some help with them for a moment?"
"It's fine," Wenge waved her hand dismissively. "They can wait a moment. Mr. Potter, I heard that you were sorted into Gryffindor, just like your parents?"
"Yes... yes, that's right," Harry replied, feeling a bit flustered.
"Are you adjusting well to life at Hogwarts? I heard you grew up in the Muggle world. What was that like...?"
Vedek glanced at Lupin, who shrugged helplessly.
Thankfully, they had reached the security checkpoint, and Wenge had to pause her rapid-fire questions. She pulled over a yawning wizard and instructed him to perform the security checks politely.
"This is Mr. Harry Potter!" she announced, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
The wizard's eyes widened in surprise.
Vedek and Lupin anticipated another round of star-struck reactions and simultaneously took a step back.
"Goodbye," Wenge waved enthusiastically. "Remember to come back this way when you leave! Mr. Potter, could I get your autograph before you go?"
"Um... alright," Harry reluctantly agreed.
Wenge beamed with joy and practically skipped back to her post.
"Mr. Potter!" the wizard exclaimed, extending his hand. "I'm Hansen. It's an honor to meet you!"
(End of Chapter)
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