Hogwarts: The Exemplary Wizard I Am Chapter 976: Sirius' Dilemma - Novel Cool

Chapter 976: Sirius' Dilemma

Chapter 976: Sirius' Dilemma

Back at the Ministry of Magic, the Second Chamber of Judgment was once again bustling with activity. The tiered seating was packed, not a single spot left unoccupied, as even more people attended this hearing compared to the first one.

With Voldemort's recent downfall, numerous Death Eaters were awaiting trial, and it was hard to imagine that so many members of the Wizengamot could spare the time for such a minor hearing amidst their busy schedules.

However, this didn't concern Kyle, who, like before, had secured a spot as an observer thanks to his Second-Class Order of Merlin Medal. He quietly took his place on the last row of stone steps.

Coincidentally, the two elderly wizards he had met during the previous hearing were seated next to him, seemingly there for the gossip and excitement, armed with roasted seeds and a bag of snacks.

"What a coincidence, it's you again," the wizard beside Kyle chuckled, offering him the bag.

Kyle hesitated but accepted, taking a small handful of roasted seeds.

...

Just as he had anticipated, this hearing was merely a formality. Despite the doubled attendance, the proceedings were significantly more efficient than the first time.

Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones, rushed through the process, presenting evidence, voting, and finalizing the verdict in one swift motion.

She immediately announced that Severus Snape was not a Death Eater and retracted all accusations made by the Death Eaters against him.

Bones even praised Snape, commending his calm demeanor, intelligence, and bravery, and promised to nominate him for the Order of Merlin Medal.

Kyle couldn't help but suppress a laugh. Calling a Slytherin student brave—wasn't that an insult? As for the Order of Merlin Medal, Kyle felt it was just a casual remark, as Snape hadn't initially sided with Dumbledore.

Given that Snape had revealed the prophecy, he would never receive the Order of Merlin Medal.

However, Snape didn't seem to mind. All he wanted was a legitimate identity to stand in the open, which was what Dumbledore had promised him.

Thus, he was satisfied with the outcome.

As soon as the verdict was announced, Snape quickly left his seat and headed outside with Conna, not giving anyone a chance to approach him.

His behavior was somewhat inappropriate, but Minister Bones pretended not to notice, feigning a search for something on the floor. Only when Snape had his hand on the doorknob did she look up and declare the hearing concluded.

Some people rose to their feet, but by then, Snape had already exited the room.

As he opened the door, he was met with Sirius' complex expression. Sirius had been waiting outside.

Snape's face showed unconcealed disgust, as if someone had thrown a disgusting mess on the ground.

The next moment, Sirius mirrored his expression.

Forgetting what he had intended to say, Sirius blurted out, "Consider yourself lucky, you slimy git."

He knew Snape was in the clear, as if he had been declared a Death Eater, he would have been escorted by the Aurors and wouldn't have been able to walk out on his own.

"Hmph, you filthy fool," Snape retorted, not backing down.

Neither of them lingered, and Sirius didn't intend to stop him. He watched as Snape entered the elevator with Conna.

Just as some people rushed out, the elevator started to move, carrying Snape and Conna away from that floor.

Sirius didn't leave immediately but waited outside for a while.

Mr. Weasley had just informed him that Molly Weasley had gone to King's Cross Station to pick up Harry, so he wasn't in a hurry to return.

After some unrelated individuals, Amelia Bones emerged from the chamber. She nodded at Sirius in greeting.

Following her was Professor McGonagall, who appeared visibly relieved. With this hearing, Snape's situation was finally resolved.

This was her first official act as the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and she had accomplished it successfully.

"Sirius..." Professor McGonagall looked at him, "What are you doing here? Is it also because of Severus' memory?"

"Yes," Sirius nodded, "I heard that this memory is related to James and Lily."

"Then why didn't you go in?"

"I wasn't invited," Sirius replied casually.

Professor McGonagall didn't say more; indeed, the hearing was crowded, and she had witnessed the seating being insufficient for the first time, even for medal holders like Kyle, who almost couldn't get in.

"Well, then, why are you here? Do you know something?"

"I did, but now..." Sirius paused for a moment before continuing, "I heard some things, and I came here to confirm them. Now I know."

Sirius spoke softly, having been searching for the person who leaked the prophecy, and upon discovering it was Snape, his hatred reached its peak.

But later, he learned that Snape had been protecting Harry all these years.

This contradictory behavior led him into a dilemma similar to Harry's, unsure of how to approach Snape.

However, Snape had just made the decision for him.

At that moment, another group of people emerged.

"Hey, Kyle!" Sirius waved his hand, using the opportunity to change the subject, "Minerva, Molly has prepared a grand dinner to celebrate Harry and Ron's graduation. You should join us; everyone will be delighted."

"If I were to attend, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley might not be too pleased," Professor McGonagall said half-jokingly.

She was well aware of the grudge between Sirius and Snape, but since Sirius didn't want to talk about it, she pretended not to know.

The matter was too complex; even Dumbledore himself might not have a perfect solution.

Professor McGonagall left the Ministry of Magic, and Kyle approached after hearing someone call his name.

"Sirius? Aren't you going to pick up Harry?"

"Molly has already gone," Sirius said, pausing for a moment before asking, "This hearing... so he's fine, right?"

There were things he didn't want to discuss with Professor McGonagall, but he could talk to Kyle.

Sirius couldn't explain why, perhaps due to his extraordinary experiences... Kyle not only helped clear his name but also brought back his brother, Regulus, from the cave.

This elevated Sirius's trust in Kyle to a new height.

Moreover, Kyle was intelligent, a fact certified by Dumbledore himself on multiple occasions.

Instinctively, Sirius wanted Kyle to help him make a decision.

"Well... you could say that," Kyle glanced at him, "Do you still want to take revenge for them?"

Sirius remained silent, his head bowed.

Kyle didn't rush him; instead, he led Sirius to a place with fewer people.

The afternoon sun shone through the magically enhanced windows, casting a slanted light on half of Sirius's face.

After a long while, Sirius spoke, "Do you think I should take revenge?"

"I must say, you've asked the wrong person," Kyle shrugged, "You know, Snape is the only uncle of Sylva, and in this matter, I can't be entirely fair and impartial."

"That's why I came to ask you..." Sirius started but quickly closed his mouth.

"I suggest you talk to Harry," Kyle said.

"Harry is still young..."

"He's already a full-fledged wizard," Kyle said, "Besides... Sirius, I personally think Harry is more suitable to make this decision than you."

Sirius raised his head.

"I know you probably don't agree, but this is my opinion.

"Harry endured rejection and hardships at the Dursleys', and his mental fortitude surpasses that of his peers, even though his flaws are also numerous.

"As for you, in the name of redemption or self-punishment, you abandoned teaching and willingly went to Azkaban.

"Honestly, I still can't understand how you made that decision. To borrow Snape's words, do you have some sort of giant's blood?"

"Hey, I'm a proper Black!" Sirius exclaimed in an exaggerated tone.

But the alternating redness and paleness of his face revealed his unsettled state of mind.

Perhaps he couldn't understand his own decision either...

When he heard about the Dursleys' mistreatment of Harry, he almost stormed in with his wand, ready to cast a few Stunning Spells.

"Talk to Harry about it; it's better than you agonizing over it here," Kyle said again.

This time, Sirius nodded.

He took a deep breath and said, "Kyle, you should be heading home soon, back to St. Katherinesburgh."

"That's right," Kyle replied.

As he spoke, he realized he hadn't been home in a long time. With Voldemort defeated and the crisis averted, it was natural for him to return and check on things.

The two of them stepped into the elevator.

"Are you going back to Number 12, Grimmauld Place?"

"No, I'm going too. Molly has prepared a celebration dinner, and I want to be there too."

"At the Burrow?"

"There are more people there." Sirius said, "I think Harry would like the atmosphere too."

The two of them entered the elevator of the Ministry of Magic, and soon they were back in the room across from the fireplace in Saint Catchpole Village.

---

The Burrow was bustling with activity, and from a distance, they could hear the sounds of the Weasley family playing and laughing, with Fred and George's voices being the most prominent. Harry was among them, playing a game of Gobstones with Ron.

This game had been popular since Kyle started school, and it remained a favorite activity of the Weasley family.

Sirius watched Harry excitedly in the garden, but suddenly he hesitated, stopping in his tracks without continuing forward.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing." Sirius stammered, "I was just thinking, does Harry really want to make this decision?"

"Who knows?" Kyle shrugged.

"Then let me go find him."

"I'm just saying, if you want revenge, you should first ask for Harry's opinion." Kyle said each word carefully, "My point is you, not Harry!"

"You... I..." Sirius stared at him, speechless.

"Of course, as a friend, I'm not doing anything unnecessary...

"How about this, if you two reach an agreement in the end, and if you want revenge, I can give you Snape's address."

Sirius's body paused.

"What, you're not worried that I'll kill Snape... What if Connie finds out the address was given by you, how will you face her?"

"You're thinking too much." Kyle waved his hand dismissively.

"You're so confident, you don't think Connie will blame you?" Sirius laughed, "Confidence is good, but too much confidence is not."

"No, I'm still certain about this..." Kyle looked at him, "Anyway, even if I tell you the address, you're no match for Snape, so what's the point?"

Sirius's body paused, and his expression suddenly became more serious.

Kyle had touched upon his sore spot, his bottom line, his principles!

"You're saying I can't beat that snot-nosed git?" Sirius flung his arms around, "I can hang him up and beat him!"

"Oh... Don't be ridiculous." Kyle glanced at him, "Even as friends, you can't insult my intelligence like this."

"You don't believe me?" Sirius screamed, taking out his wand, "Come on, you tell me the address now, you see if I can't hang him up and beat him!"

His voice was loud, and soon Harry and several Weasley children ran over, attracted by the noise.

"Hang him up... If you're referring to the Suspension Charm, that's Snape's invention."

Sirius was as if struck by a punch, unable to speak.

"He invented at least five spells before graduation, what about you..." Kyle threw him a punch.

"I, I'll be an Animagus."

"I'm referring to self-invented spells... Let's call it a draw." Kyle said casually.

"Then you, after all these years in Azkaban, you can't match up to Snape, and you're not even standing still."

Sirius knew he couldn't do it.

He also knew that perhaps he really couldn't beat Snape, and after these years in Azkaban, his strength had not regressed, but it was already difficult enough.

Although these years he had improved in the fight against Death Eaters, his strength had increased significantly, but Snape had not been standing still either.

Even with Harry, they might not be Snape's match, but he didn't want to admit it, and he was unwilling to admit it.

"What I'm saying, is to give you a way out." Kyle looked at him, smiled, and turned to walk towards his home.

(End of Chapter)

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