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Chapter 161: Sirius Black's Verdict
Chapter 161: Sirius Black's Verdict
Dumbledore's voice paused slightly, as if he hadn't expected Sirius Black to still be unaware of why he was brought to trial, or perhaps he was surprised that Sirius still possessed a clear mind and the ability to speak.
After a few seconds of silence, he gently pressed his hand on Sirius' shoulder.
"Yes, he is still alive," Dumbledore said. "He survived by transforming into a rat, disguising himself as a child's pet, and hiding for eleven years. He was recently captured at Hogwarts."
Sirius stared blankly at the floor, deep in thought, unsure what to make of this revelation.
Dumbledore continued to elaborate on the crimes that Peter Pettigrew had confessed to.
It was he who betrayed them.
He was the one responsible for the death of the Potters.
And it was he who cast the spell that killed twelve Muggles when he was about to be caught by Sirius.
Some of the witches and wizards who had not attended the previous trial murmured among themselves, shocked by the revelations. Even the court's order couldn't keep them from whispering their disbelief.
Moody furrowed his brow. "A despicable scumbag like him deserves a Dementor's Kiss!" he growled.
"The Ministry sentenced him to life imprisonment!" Lupin added, his voice laced with frustration. "But perhaps it's better this way. Let that rat suffer a long and painful life."
"Was Peter Pettigrew's trial held yesterday?" Ved asked.
"It was a secret trial, without this many spectators," Lupin said, his emotions restrained. "Originally, Peter's trial was scheduled after Sirius', but Dumbledore had it moved up."
Moody nodded. "Only by confirming Peter Pettigrew's crimes could we prove Sirius Black's innocence."
He stared intently at Sirius, as if trying to discern any hidden emotions lurking behind that skeletal face. "In my opinion, Fudge lacks decisiveness. If it had been Millicent Bagnold, she would never have given Pettigrew a chance to enjoy the rest of his life."
"But Peter Pettigrew is an Animagus," Ved pointed out. "Couldn't he turn into a rat and escape from Azkaban?"
Moody shook his head. "As much as I detest those creatures, I have to admit they are the best guards in the world. No one can escape their watchful eyes—or whatever they use to watch."
"Knowing that he's an Animagus, the Ministry has measures in place to deal with such cases," Lupin added.
As they spoke in hushed tones, Dumbledore presented the scant evidence—mainly Peter Pettigrew's testimony—and the wand that had been confiscated from Sirius all those years ago. The Ministry had retrieved it from a dusty evidence room and cast a Revelio charm on it, inspecting it for over ten minutes.
The wand showed no signs of having cast the spell that killed a dozen Muggles all those years ago.
The Wizengamot members in charge of the trial nodded to each other, exchanging glances. They had already been briefed on the facts, and Dumbledore's words were mostly for the benefit of the reporters and uninformed spectators.
With the inspection of the wand, the truth seemed indisputable.
Fudge presented his own theory—
If they had misjudged Sirius Black's identity, he would become a crucial asset to the mysterious person seeking resurrection, endangering the entire wizarding world.
Fudge didn't care whether Sirius Black or Peter Pettigrew was truly innocent.
What mattered to him was stability.
He wanted the wizarding world to remain as calm as a windless lake, allowing him to stay in his position of power, occasionally reaping the benefits of a safe political achievement, and filling his private vault to the brim.
Fudge refused to accept any change of events.
What had Peter Pettigrew done after hiding for over a decade? Nothing. There was no difference between him living and being dead.
But Sirius Black was like an unpredictable time bomb. Fudge didn't know what he would do if released, and this uncertainty made him feel uneasy and threatened.
Moreover, if Sirius had not betrayed them, he would have been Dumbledore's man, a grudge that Fudge could not bring himself to vocalize.
Fudge's concerns seemed to hold some weight, and a few people quietly nodded in agreement.
Amelia Bones looked down from above at the silent Sirius and asked, "Sirius Black, do you have anything else to say?"
Sirius remained still for a long moment.
"I believe he may not be able to understand your question, Amelia..." Fudge interjected.
"I am guilty," Sirius suddenly said in a hoarse voice, slowly lifting his head.
"It was as good as I killing them... It was I who convinced James and Lily to switch their Secret-Keeper to Peter at the last moment... instead of me..."
"I made a terrible mistake... I killed them, it's all my fault... I am guilty..."
"No, that's not true!"
Harry couldn't help but exclaim.
Everyone in the interrogation room turned to look at him, and Fudge stared at him in astonishment, angrily saying, "No noise!"
Some people recognized Harry from his appearance and guessed his identity, showing interested expressions.
Harry knew that everyone was looking at him and that he might be kicked out at any moment, but he still shouted with all his might, "You're not guilty! Even if my mom and dad were here, they wouldn't think you're guilty! Voldemort killed them, not you! Peter's betrayal wasn't your fault either!"
Harry's public mention of Voldemort's name caused quite a stir, and many people even disregarded the court's order and stood up to get a better look at Harry.
"Did you hear that... He said that name..."
"Of course, he is... Harry Potter..."
Ved heard the noisy discussion.
Sirius Black suddenly lifted his head, trying to get a clear look at Harry. The sunken eyes suddenly became moist and shone with a bright light, dispelling the decay and withered appearance.
"...James?" he whispered, his lips trembling.
Amelia Bones had to tap her gavel several times before the interrogation room quieted down.
"Please keep quiet, Mr. Potter, or I will have to ask you to leave," she said.
Harry immediately sat down, his face red as if he had a fever, and lowered his head to look at his toes, hardly believing how impulsive he had just been.
Lupin patted him on the shoulder.
Beyond the rows of heads, he made eye contact with Sirius, and his eyes were also moist.
"So... those in favor of a guilty verdict, please raise your hands," Ms. Bones said in a loud voice.
Harry abruptly lifted his head, his breathing becoming rapid as he watched anxiously.
Some people were still turning their heads to look at him, as if they hadn't heard what was said before.
One, two, three...
A few scattered hands were raised.
"Those in favor of a not guilty verdict, please raise your hands," Bones said again.
Rows of arms were raised, and some people even nodded and smiled at Harry as they raised their hands.
More than half!
"Not guilty!"
Amelia Bones banged her gavel and announced, "Sirius Black, you are hereby acquitted!"
(End of Chapter)
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