Chapter 958: Snape's Hearing
Chapter 958: Snape's Hearing
The next day was the weekend, the first one since Hogwarts reopened, and although they had only attended classes for a day, the students looked eager and relieved.
Perhaps to quickly dispel the influence of Voldemort, this was also a Hogsmeade weekend.
Early in the morning, students from third year and above eagerly gathered in the entrance hall, waiting for the professors to take them out.
"How long has it been since we last went to Hogsmeade?" Ron asked excitedly in the crowd.
"I can't remember," Harry thought for a moment, "It seems like after Voldemort started his activities, we were no longer allowed to leave the school."
"That was also for our safety," Hermione said, "Death Eaters might be hiding in Hogsmeade, and it's not as safe as the school."
"Yeah, that time was really oppressive," Seamus turned around and said, "But now it's better, Voldemort is defeated, and the Death Eaters are too busy to dare come out again, haha..."
"Yeah," someone said, "Zippy Bee Sweets, Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans... I almost forgot their taste."
"And Zonko's, I hope they reopened."
"The Galleons I have are itching to be spent."
Everyone stood together, chattering and discussing whether to buy sweets first or head to the Three Broomsticks for a long-awaited Butterbeer.
As for the students in the first and second years, they could only listen enviously from the sidelines.
First and second years were not allowed to go to Hogsmeade, and not even the war could change this rule.
"Oh, why hasn't the professor come yet..." Complaints echoed through the crowd.
"Quiet, everyone, over here!" Filch held a special instrument and scanned each passing student.
This was the instrument for checking Dark artifacts; before Voldemort's attack on Hogwarts, every young wizard entering or leaving the castle had to undergo this inspection.
Although Voldemort had been defeated, the professors had not yet made clear regulations, and Filch had not canceled this step.
After all, this was one of the few opportunities he had to cause trouble for the students.
Filch's actions were as rough as ever, which made the complaints from the crowd even louder.
Fortunately, just then, the professor they had been eagerly awaiting finally entered the castle.
"Why are you all still standing here? Hurry up and line up outside, ready to depart," Kyle waved his hand.
He was the leader of this trip.
The other professors had serious matters to attend to, and only he had the most free time, so if he didn't find something to do, he might provoke everyone's anger.
Moreover, he was going to Hogsmeade himself, so he took on this task.
"Wait, the inspection isn't over yet!" Filch shouted as the students started to move outside.
"There's no need for the inspection," Kyle glanced at him, "And as for that ancient artifact you're holding, I suggest you put it back in the warehouse. After that, students can enter and exit the castle freely as usual, without any inspections... Well, that's it."
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
Only Filch's face turned dark, but he had no choice but to accept Kyle's decision.
Although at this time last year, Kyle was also a student who had to be inspected before entering the castle, his status had now changed to that of a professor.
Even as a professor with the fewest students, specializing in Runes, his words carried more weight than Filch's.
However, Filch wasn't going to let this go.
"I'll go see the Headmaster!" he said coldly.
"Do as you please, if you can find him," Kyle waved dismissively, and another cheer rose from the crowd.
After that, everyone followed Kyle out of the school, chattering excitedly as they arrived in Hogsmeade.
When they saw the distant thatched cottages, some students instinctively broke away from the group and ran ahead.
Seeing that Kyle didn't stop them, more students left the group, and by the time they reached the village entrance, only a few well-behaved students, mostly third-year students, remained in the group.
"As a reward for following the rules..." Kyle looked at them and suddenly raised an eyebrow, "If you go to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and mention my name, you'll get a 20% discount."
"That's great!"
"You're the best professor!"
...
The young wizards cheered and ran off, leaving only one still standing there.
"Hermione, do you have something else?"
"Is this the reward you mentioned?" She had a strange expression.
"Yes, don't you like it?"
"But I heard Ron say that today is Fred and George's celebration of their new branch opening."
Hermione looked at Kyle and said word for word: "Even without mentioning your name, everything is 20% off..."
"But they're happy, aren't they?"
Kyle shrugged, "I suggest you also buy something... Oh, remember to mention my name, and you'll see."
After that, without waiting for Hermione to say more, Kyle walked ahead on his own and arrived at the entrance of the Three Broomsticks.
He had just been here with Headmistress Saxia the day before, and now he was back again.
Kyle scanned the room and quickly found Conna sitting at a round table near the window, having arrived early.
Cedric and Autumn sat opposite each other.
"Don't worry, I've inquired, and Professor Snape is doing well. The Aurors aren't giving him a hard time," Cedric handed Conna a piece of parchment, "He asked me to give this to you."
Conna took it and glanced at it, slightly relieved, "Then when will he be back?"
"I don't know about that," Cedric replied.
Cedric shook his head, "Some things can't be explained in a few words... You know, when the Wizarding War ended last time, many Death Eaters escaped punishment using excuses like the Imperius Curse, but this time it was proven that they were all lying."
"Of course, I'm not saying Professor Snape is a Death Eater, I just mean the Ministry's scrutiny is stricter now."
"I understand," Conna nodded.
At that moment, Kyle happened to walk by.
"Weren't we supposed to meet at 8 o'clock? Why are you all here so early?" Kyle asked.
"If you check the time now, you'll see that we're not early," Cedric said helplessly.
True to Kyle's character, he was ten minutes late yet boldly claimed that they had arrived early.
"Maybe it's because it's my first time bringing students to Hogsmeade, so I might have taken a bit longer..." Kyle took the Butterbeer sent by Mrs. Rosmerta and drank a big gulp, "I also have to maintain order among them, which is quite a task."
"Maintain order... Are you sure?" Cedric looked at Kyle doubtfully.
He remembered when Kyle was a Prefect, he had pushed almost all the work onto him.
Cedric didn't think that becoming a professor would change this habit of Kyle's.
"It doesn't matter," Kyle waved his hand, changing the subject, "So, about the hearing you mentioned in your letter yesterday, what's it about?"
"I've already told Conna the details," Cedric said, clearly not intending to repeat it for Kyle.
Or perhaps there was no need.
He had come to see Conna this time, after all, the hearing about Snape had little to do with Kyle... At least, not for now.
Autumn, sitting beside him, suddenly became nervous upon seeing Kyle.
"Sorry, yesterday at St. Mungo's, I locked you out..." She said apologetically, "I just felt embarrassed that I couldn't participate in the real war."
"No, you're wrong," Kyle looked at her and said seriously, "You were also in a war, just on a different battlefield."
"You don't need to comfort me..." Autumn fidgeted with her hair, "Those Death Eaters in the Ministry, they can't even cast a decent curse."
"Oh my, and I'm a Ravenclaw..."
"You should've been sorted into Hufflepuff," Kyle said, unable to hold back a laugh.
Autumn seemed to think of something and laughed as well.
She looked at the three people in front of her and sighed, "Mediocrity, that's definitely the biggest misunderstanding all wizards have about Hufflepuff."
Cedric, the top graduate of his year, had achieved O in all ten N.E.W.T. subjects.
Conna, also with ten O's, was the youngest member of the Exceptional Potioneers Association.
As for Kyle, he was the graduate who could duel Voldemort, the youngest Hogwarts professor, and a Second-Class recipient of the Order of Merlin... Just listing his titles would take five minutes.
And they were all mediocre Hufflepuff students.
"Let's continue talking about the hearing," Cedric took the opportunity to change the subject, discussing Snape and sharing some details of the hearing with Conna.
As noon approached, the group finally left The Three Broomsticks.
At Kyle's suggestion, they went to the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes (branch store) located at the entrance.
After Fred and George's persistent efforts, they finally succeeded in acquiring Zonko's and opened a branch next to Hogwarts.
In the store, Fred and George enthusiastically welcomed them and enthusiastically introduced some new products. Cedric took a liking to a color-changing tie.
Fred charged him double the price.
Throughout, Conna remained disinterested, and it was clear that she was still somewhat concerned about Snape's situation.
Kyle didn't have any particular solution to this... As long as Snape was still in the Ministry, she couldn't help but worry.
At noon, they had a not-so-lavish lunch at The Three Broomsticks, after which Cedric and Autumn had to leave.
Conna also wanted to go home to search for more evidence to help prove Snape's identity and prepare for the hearing.
Although Kyle didn't think Snape would leave clues about his identity where he lived, he didn't say it out loud.
It was good to keep Conna busy before the hearing.
As the sky darkened, Kyle brought the remaining students back to Hogwarts, marking the completion of the day's work.
...
A few more days passed, and as the hearing drew closer, Professor McGonagall became increasingly busy, frequently traveling between Hogwarts and the Ministry.
One morning, Kyle even covered two lower-grade Transfiguration classes for her, which had never happened before.
"I knew you'd be fine." As Kyle exited the classroom, Professor McGonagall returned, examining him with a nod, "I think you'd make a fine Transfiguration professor as well."
"I still have a long way to go. Ancient Runes suits me better." Kyle politely declined Professor McGonagall's offer.
He glanced at the parchment in Professor McGonagall's hand.
"Professor, what's that?"
"Based on the memories, I've compiled some information about Severus' actions. It should be useful for the hearing later."
"Snape's hearing?" Kyle was taken aback.
"Yes."
"When is it?"
"I'm heading to the Ministry of Magic now," Professor McGonagall said, "I just received the letter this morning, or else I wouldn't have needed your help with the class."
"Can I come along?" Kyle asked.
"You can, but did you receive an invitation?" Professor McGonagall took out an envelope with the Wizarding Council's emblem on it.
"No," Kyle shook his head honestly. He had just learned about the hearing, so how could he have received a letter?
"Then I suggest it's better for you to stay at Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall said softly, "This hearing is very formal, and only those with invitations are allowed to attend. Even if you go to the Ministry, you'll have to wait outside."
"What about my Order of Merlin Second Class?" Kyle blinked in confusion, "I remember members of the Order of Merlin and the Wizarding Council can attend any hearing or trial."
"Second Class... Oh, I forgot." Professor McGonagall patted her forehead.
It had been a long time, and she had almost forgotten about Kyle's honor.
Membership in the Order of Merlin is the highest honor for a wizard, and even a Third Class member is eligible to attend any hearing, let alone Kyle's Second Class.
"Then let's go together." Professor McGonagall didn't refuse further, "Miss Prince is probably waiting anxiously, so we'd better hurry."
"Okay."
This time, Professor McGonagall didn't change the Hogwarts restrictions but left the school with Kyle.
At the entrance, the two used Side-Along Apparition to travel from Hogwarts to the Ministry of Magic.
As soon as they appeared, Conna, who had been waiting there, hurried over.
"Professor McGonagall... Kyle, you're here too."
Seeing Kyle behind her, her eyes lit up, and she instinctively walked over.
"Relax, we have ample evidence," Kyle said, taking Conna's hand, "But you should have told me earlier. If I hadn't met Professor McGonagall, I wouldn't have known the hearing had already started."
"Hmm..." Conna didn't speak but held Kyle's hand in return.
"Both of you, this may be a bit untimely, but we should hurry." Professor McGonagall couldn't help but glance at the two of them.
No wonder Kyle insisted on coming along.
However, Conna seemed to have genuinely calmed down.
"The letter I received said the hearing is on the second floor." Conna took out a folded parchment from her pocket.
"The second floor... Which trial chamber?" Kyle asked.
"The second trial chamber," Professor McGonagall said.
"That's good." Kyle nodded. The Ministry of Magic had ten trial chambers, and the lower the number, the less severe the matter.
"We have sufficient evidence to prove Severus' identity, so they can't mess around." Professor McGonagall said, still looking somewhat displeased,
"They said the first trial chamber is still under repair... What nonsense! It's been so long; they could have rebuilt the entire Ministry by now, yet they can't fix a small trial chamber?"
"This is fine."
"Forget it, let's hurry, or they might pull another trick..." She still remembered how the Ministry had switched trial chambers during Harry's trial a few years ago.
It seemed like Kyle had been tricked into coming to the Ministry then too.
Although Minister Cornelius Fudge was less strict than Minister Amelia Bones, Professor McGonagall still felt it was better to be cautious.
After all, Dumbledore wasn't there to back them up anymore.
The three of them took the elevator to the second floor.
"Minerva, Conna, you're finally here."
Mr. Weasley had been waiting for them and greeted them as soon as the elevator doors opened.
"Oh, Kyle? Did you receive an invitation too?"
"No, but I have a Second Class honor, so I can attend."
"Oh, I see, that's right." Mr. Weasley paused for a moment before speaking.
It was clear that, like Professor McGonagall, he had overlooked Kyle's honor.
It had been a long time, and with Kyle occasionally making headlines for significant events, it was understandable that they might forget.
"How is it, Arthur? Any issues?" Professor McGonagall asked as she stepped out of the elevator.
"No, it's in the second trial chamber," Mr. Weasley said, "I've been keeping an eye on it. It's still early, and many people haven't arrived, but Amelia Bones is already here."
...
(End of Chapter)
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