Veritaserum is a potion strictly controlled by the Ministry of Magic. Even during the interrogation of ordinary prisoners, it is not allowed to be used. Only those dark wizards who have committed heinous crimes and prisoners who pose a serious danger to the magical world can be used through Ami Use was allowed subject to the approval of Leah Bones and Cornelius Fudge.
There is no doubt about the reliability of this potion. When Peter's trembling voice echoed in the courtroom, the venue fell into silence, and no one had any doubts.
Amosta thought this formal trial would end here, but unexpectedly, Barty Crouch said again,
"Peter Pettigrew, you will also face a second charge from the Ministry of Magic. In November last year, for some reasons, you left Ron Ignatius Weiss, who is currently studying at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Len's side, hiding in the school's owl loft, and using the Imperius Curse to control the third-year wizard studying at the school, Draco Malfoy. This process lasted for three months, giving Draco Malfoy Malfoy caused serious harm"
Barty Crouch leaned forward and stared at Peter Pettigrew with sharp eyes like an eagle.
"--Currently, Draco Malfoy is still receiving treatment at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries--"
Amosta frowned and moved his fingers, trapping the sound around him and Dumbledore.
"Bringing this matter out is tantamount to telling everyone that we have failed in our duties, Principal Dumbledore——"
Dumbledore's silver eyebrows moved, his eyes were not squinting, and he said calmly,
"We have to admit, Amosta, that Hogwarts failed to protect its students, and if people blame us for this, that's what we have to bear."
Amosta snorted coldly, and a strange light flashed in his eyes as he stared at Barty Crouch's back.
"Fudge and Bones seemed a bit caught off guard. This was probably not a question that was planned earlier. Is it Lucius Malfoy? He bribed Barty Crouch to put more hats on Peter's head, right? ?”
Amosta looked cold. If this was the case, Lucius Malfoy had really done a stupid thing. Now that he had spoken to him, he turned around and went to find Barty Crouch privately. This was obviously right. He doesn't trust.
While Lucius's trust was worth nothing to him, this behavior was a form of contempt for Amosta.
"Lucius Malfoy couldn't stand Peter or walking into Azkaban because of Draco, so--"
"If you knew Old Barty as well as I do, you wouldn't have such speculation."
Dumbledore interrupted Amosta,
"Sirius's mistake is a huge stain on Barty Sr., second only to the shame his son has brought to him. Connelly hopes that Barty Sr. will bear the responsibility for the mistakes made by the Ministry of Magic. However, like Barty Sr. A wizard like Dee will not be willing to let his reputation plummet."
Amosta blinked, understanding.
As a high-ranking official of the Ministry of Magic, the fact that his son was a Death Eater was fatal enough, and the wrongful conviction of Sirius' case gave him the reputation of a 'confused man', but Barty Crouch Obviously unwilling to do so, he wanted to do something eye-catching to gain support from some people.
It turned out just as Amosta expected.
"--Peter Pettigrew, accused of revealing the whereabouts of the Potters to a mysterious person, leading to the murder of the two of them, accused of killing multiple Muggles, accused of using the Imperius Curse to control underage wizards, multiple crimes, recommended Sentenced to death!"
When Barty Crouch's cold voice echoed through the trial court, the huge stone chamber immediately fell into a long silence. Many people stared at Barty Crouch's tough back with incredulous eyes. This also includes Sirius Black below!
During these days of being detained by the Ministry of Magic, Sirius had already thought through it. Peter probably saved his most cherished life. So many Death Eaters who had committed many crimes back then were sentenced to serve permanent sentences in Azkaban. , there is a high probability that the Wizengamot will not 'open the back door' for this guy Peter.
But now, Barty Crouch, who personally sent him to Azkaban, actually recommended that the jury sentence Peter to death. Sirius stared at Barty Crouch in shock, not knowing whether to resent him or not for a moment. It's time to thank him.
"Wait a minute, Barty, this is not what we discussed, I mean, according to the law, it should be imprisonment!"
Fudge finally came to his senses, his butt left the stool, he leaned forward, rolled his lips, and spoke quickly.
At the same time, the impact of this suggestion finally spread, and for the first time since Amosta walked into this courtroom, the noise was so loud.
Contrary to his expectation, there were many supporters of the death penalty. Many wizards and people present were blushing and wondering whether Peter should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
"What's your opinion, Dumbledore?"
Seeing that Old Barty ignored him at all, Fudge wiped the sweat from his forehead and thought of Dumbledore expressing his opinion.
The death penalty has not been a violent punishment method for many years. Once the precedent was set for Peter Pettigrew, it would only bring disadvantages to Fudge, who was the Minister of Magic at the time. He could not afford to attract criticism for the support of radicals. Rise up!
"Now, let the jury vote!"
Barty understood Connelly's intention to drag Albus into the water. He didn't give him a chance. He looked up and asked the jury to vote immediately.
Peter's mind finally became clearer now. He covered his face and did not dare to look at the hands that stretched out one after another. His crying voice was sharp and harsh.
No one sitting in the front row raised their hands, including Amosta, who couldn't reveal his intentions in such a scene.
This was just a show. Old Barty didn't expect the Wizengamot to pass the proposal for Peter's death penalty. He just wanted to express his tough attitude towards evil.
"Very well - a show of hands in favor of sentencing Peter Pettigrew to life in prison -"
Barty Crouch said again with a stern face, and this time, this proposal was supported by the vast majority of people.
Peter howled, just because of fear, but this time, because of joy!
He survived in the end, even in a terrible place like Azkaban, as long as he lived there was hope!
Peter was dragged away by several Aurors who were guarding him. Now that the outcome of the trial has been determined, these Aurors will immediately implement the Wizengamot's decision. They will escort Peter to the Department of Mysteries on the ninth floor underground, where there is a room. Contains the key to the door to Azkaban.
Fudge breathed a sigh of relief. No matter what, the execution was stopped, and the Ministry of Magic he led would not be criticized for this. Fudge gave Barty an ugly smile, indicating that he could terminate the trial, but Barty Crouch once again did something unexpected.
Barty Crouch ignored Fudge's hint. He turned his head and looked at the regretful Sirius Black with disgust. His cold voice shocked the jury members who had just relaxed.
"Sirius Black, you will be charged with illegal learning and use of Animagus!"
(End of chapter)
