Hogwarts: Not Even Voldemort Can Stop My Learning

The 161st Chapter: Sirius's Verdict

Dumbledore's voice paused slightly, as if he hadn't expected Sirius to still be unaware of why he was brought to trial, or perhaps he was surprised that Sirius still had clear thoughts and speech.

After a few seconds of silence, the hand he had on Sirius's shoulder tightened slightly.

"Yes, he's alive."

Dumbledore said, "He transformed into a rat, disguised himself as a child's pet, and lived in hiding for eleven years, only to be arrested recently at Hogwarts."

Sirius stared blankly at the floor, lost in thought, wondering what he was thinking.

Dumbledore continued to elaborate on the crimes Peter Pettigrew had confessed to.

He was the betrayer.

He was also the one who caused the deaths of the Potter couple.

And he was the one who, just as Sirius was about to capture him, used a spell to blow up twelve Muggles.

Some wizards who hadn't attended the previous trial began to murmur amongst themselves, so shocked that even the court's order couldn't keep them quiet.

Moody furrowed his brow.

"That despicable scum should be given a kiss by a Dementor!"

The retired Auror said with intense disgust.

"The Ministry of Magic sentenced him to life imprisonment!" Lupin also seemed unwilling to accept it, but then he added, "Perhaps it's better to let that guy live and endure prolonged torment!"

"Was Peter Pettigrew tried yesterday?" Wade asked.

"A secret trial, not this many listeners," Lupin said, suppressing his emotions. "Originally, Peter's trial was scheduled after Sirius's, but Dumbledore moved it up."

Moody nodded. "Only by confirming Peter Pettigrew's crimes can Sirius Black be declared innocent."

He stared deeply at Sirius, as if trying to discern some hidden emotion on that skeletal face.

He continued, "If you ask me, Fudge lacks a bit of courage these days. If it were Millicent Bagnold, she would never have let Pettigrew have the chance to enjoy the rest of his life."

"But Peter Pettigrew is an Animagus," Wade said. "Will he turn into a rat and escape from Azkaban?"

Moody shook his head. "Though I don't like those creatures, I have to admit, they're the best wardens in the world. No one can break out under their noses—even though those creatures might not even have eyes."

"Since they know he's an Animagus, the Ministry of Magic also has measures in place for Animagi," Lupin added.

As they whispered among themselves, Dumbledore had already presented the limited evidence—primarily Peter Pettigrew's testimony.

Then came Sirius's wand, which had been confiscated years ago. The Ministry of Magic had retrieved it from a dusty evidence room and cast a Prior Incantato on it, examining it spell by spell for over ten minutes.

The spell that had killed a dozen Muggles never appeared from the wand.

The Wizengamot members overseeing the trial nodded to each other, exchanging glances. They had already been briefed on the facts; Dumbledore's words were mainly for the reporters and uninformed audience members.

After the wand was examined, the facts seemed undeniably clear.

Fudge then put forward his own theory—

If they mistakenly acquitted Sirius Black, he would become a significant force in the Mysterious One's return, bringing danger to the entire magical world.

Fudge didn't actually care whether Sirius Black or Peter Pettigrew was innocent.

For him, stability was paramount.

He hoped the wizarding world would remain as calm as a windless lake, allowing him to stay securely in his position, occasionally and safely accrue some political achievements, and fill his private vault to the brim.

He rejected any change.

Peter Pettigrew had been hiding for over a decade; had he done anything? No. His living or dying made no difference.

But Sirius Black was a ticking time bomb. Fudge didn't know what he would do if released, and this uncertainty made him uneasy, even feel a sense of danger.

Moreover, if Sirius hadn't betrayed them, he would have been Dumbledore's man, a point of contention Fudge couldn't voice.

Fudge's concerns seemed to have some merit, and some people nodded secretly.

Amelia Bones looked down at the silent Sirius from above and asked, "Sirius Black, do you have anything else to say?"

Sirius remained still for a long time.

Fudge said, "I think he might not understand your question, Amelia..."

"I am guilty," Sirius suddenly said in a dry voice, slowly lifting his head.

"They were as good as killed by me... I convinced James and Lily at the last minute to switch their Secret-Keeper to Peter... instead of me..."

"I made a colossal mistake... I caused their deaths, it's all my fault... I am guilty..."

"No, that's not true!"

Harry couldn't help but shout.

Everyone in the courtroom looked at him, and Fudge's eyes widened in astonishment. He said angrily, "No shouting!"

Some people, seeing Harry's appearance, guessed his identity and immediately showed expressions of interest.

Harry knew everyone was looking at him, and he knew he might be kicked out any second, but he still used all his strength to shout:

"You're not guilty! Even if my parents were here, they wouldn't think you're guilty! Voldemort killed them, not you! Pettigrew's betrayal isn't your fault!"

Harry calling Voldemort by name in public caused even more of a stir. Many people even disregarded court etiquette, standing up to get a look at Harry.

"Did you hear that… he said his name…"

"Of course, that's… Harry Potter…"

Wade heard the clamor of voices.

Sirius Black, even more so, suddenly lifted his head, trying hard to get a clear look at Harry. His sunken eyes suddenly became moist and shone brightly, instantly dispelling the decay and desolation within them.

"...James?" he whispered, his lips trembling.

Amelia Bones had to rap her gavel several times before the courtroom finally quieted down again.

"Please maintain silence, Mr. Potter," she said. "Otherwise, I'll have to ask you to leave."

Harry immediately sat down, his face flushed as if he had a fever. He stared at his toes, unable to believe how impulsive he had been just moments ago.

Lupin patted his shoulder.

Across the rows of heads, he met Sirius's gaze, his own eyes moist.

"Now then… those in favor of conviction, please raise your hands," Madam Bones said in a loud voice.

Harry suddenly looked up, his breathing quickening, watching nervously.

Some people were still turning to look at him, as if they hadn't heard what was being said.

One, two, three…

A few scattered hands went up.

"Those in favor of acquittal, please raise your hands," Madam Bones said again.

Rows of arms shot up, and some people even nodded and smiled at Harry as they raised their hands.

More than half!

"Not guilty!"

Amelia Bones struck her gavel and announced, "Sirius Black, acquitted!"

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