Barty Crouch's powerful words left many people at a loss, including Cornelius Fudge.
In the previous negotiations, Barty Crouch's exclusion from the Wizengamot trial agency had been discussed long ago. However, that had to wait until the trial of Peter Pettigrew was over and all the dust settled. Only the Ministry would push public opinion to make Barty Crouch bear the consequences of Sirius' wrongful trial.
This kind of exclusion is punitive in nature and is an explanation given by the Ministry to the residents of the magical world. But now, Old Barty actually announced directly in the Inquisition that he was quitting the Wizengamot. It was as if he, as a vulnerable person, had been punished. Exclusion in general!
What a smart man--
If it weren't for the wrong occasion, Amosta would have applauded Old Barty.
Some of Barty Crouch's words and actions today cannot fool the truly smart people, but he has retained the hearts of the people and his support in the ministry and the magical community, and this is the confidence for his comeback.
At this moment, even Amosta was thinking whether a minister of magic with this kind of character would be more helpful in inspiring people if the war started, but then he rejected his judgment.
Barty Crouch is indeed tough and intelligent, but judging from various performances, he is too arbitrary. Such a person will not be easily disturbed by him. In comparison, Amelia Bones, It will be easier to value his opinion.
Barty Crouch strode out of the courtroom in full view, leaving the Wizengamot members in silence looking at each other.
"Hey, don't go, Crouch!"
Sirius thought Old Barty was just targeting him, so he jumped up from his stool and shouted angrily at Crouch's back,
"I didn't lie, and I didn't commit any bad crimes. I just wanted to forgive James and Lily for their deaths!"
"Sirius--"
Neither Dumbledore nor Amosta wanted to get involved in the fierce political struggle within the Ministry of Magic, but they certainly could not watch Sirius being sent to Azkaban by the Wizengamot.
On this occasion, Dumbledore obviously had more say. When he stood up, everyone knew that he was here to make the final decision.
Dumbledore ordered Sirius to shut up, then turned to face the trial seat.
"Regarding Mr. Barty Crouch's last accusation, as far as I know, after Sirius was detained by the Ministry of Magic, the Auror Office interrogated him for three weeks. During the interrogation, no trace of Sirius' past was found. There are egregious criminal facts--"
Dumbledore said calmly, looking at Ms. Bones.
Amelia knew she needed to speak now, and she also turned to face the jury,
"Albus is right. The experienced Aurors from the Auror Office under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement used a variety of interrogation methods in addition to veritaserum and memory extraction to confirm that Sirius Black had not violated the law. Crime Facts Beyond the Animagus.”
"grateful--"
Dumbledore nodded politely to Ms. Bones and continued,
"I do not believe that Sirius Black is legally responsible for what happened to the Potters. Of course, we all agree that he is an illegal Animagus without permission from the Ministry of Magic. Should the Ministry of Magic decide to target this?" Prosecution, Connelly?”
"What. Oh, Animagus, I--we decided not to press charges, Albus. But, well, we'll fine you."
Connelly was still angry at Barty's performance when he suddenly heard Dumbledore calling his name and stammering.
"So--"
Dumbledore suddenly raised his voice and asked in a loud voice,
"Now for a show of hands - if you agree that Sirius Black is not guilty, please raise your hands if you do not accept any charges!"
Dumbledore himself immediately raised his hands, and Amosta, Amelia, and Fudge also raised their hands subsequently.
There was like a wave of waves on the trial seat. The wizards from the first row to the last row stood up one after another and raised their hands one after another. Sirius swallowed his saliva. He stood in the audience and watched. When a person raises his hand, his heart will beat hard.
When he first came out of Azkaban, he didn't care at all whether he would be vindicated or free, but during this period of time, the days spent with Remus and Amosta gradually ignited in him Passion for life. Especially, he must take responsibility, right? James and Lily's child, little Harry, is still waiting for him to take care of him!
"Forty-two seats voted in favor and three seats abstained!"
Eric Munch, who was lucky because of Amosta, announced the result with a slightly trembling voice.
"Very good!"
Dumbledore said cheerfully. He looked at Sirius, whose neck was red with excitement in the audience.
"Not guilty of all charges, you are acquitted by the Wizengamot, Sirius—"
"Oh, thank you!"
Sirius' grin was almost as big as his dog form, and he clenched his fist and waved it hard.
The moment Dumbledore announced that Sirius was innocent, the atmosphere in the heavy and solemn court suddenly became lively. Many members looked at Sirius with the curiosity they had at the beginning. Not that no one wanted to go down and talk to him. Sirius chatted for a few words. After all, he was the only direct descendant of the Black family and a natural aristocrat. However, Amosta Blaine had already walked in front of Sirius Black first.
"Congratulations on your freedom, Sirius-"
Amosta patted his shoulder and said with a smile.
"Thanks to you, Amosta!"
Sirius pursed his lips and said gratefully, "If it weren't for you, I mean, you found me in the Shrieking Shack, I don't know how things would have turned out!"
"I hope you can behave more rationally in the future--"
Amosta said, and at this time, Dumbledore also ended his greetings with Fudge. He strode over with a gentle smile,
"I went to St. Mungo's before coming here. Remus cares about you very much. I think you can go see him later and tell him personally about this happy result."
"I will, Dumbledore,"
Sirius took a breath, with excitement in his voice;
"I have to say, it feels so good not to have to hide my head and tail. This result is indeed gratifying. Of course, that guy Peter is still alive."
Bang!
The trial was over. After chatting with acquaintances, the members of the Wizengamot were preparing to leave. But at this moment, the closed iron door of the trial court was pushed open from the outside with a bang.
Under everyone's shocked eyes, Delis, who had just escorted Peter Pettigrew away, broke in. He was wearing a torn robe, his face was covered with mud, and blood oozed from the corners of his mouth. He looked frightened and frightened.
Amosta's eyelids moved slightly, and the corners of his mouth moved imperceptibly.
"Peter Pettigrew is dead!"
Delis's words were like a boulder thrown into the water, causing an uproar.
Many people asked what was going on at the same time. Fudge jumped down from the high platform, rushed to Delis, grabbed his collar, and shook him crazily.
"Calm down, Connelly!"
Dumbledore left the side of Sirius who was in a state of confusion, strode up to Delis, and said in a calm voice,
"Please tell me what happened, Delis. Could it be that the dementors in Azkaban are out of control?"
"No—no—not Azkaban—"
Delis said in despair,
"We just escorted Peter to the room containing the portkey in the Department of Mysteries, preparing to escort it to Azkaban. Someone has tampered with the portkey. The other end is not Azkaban, but a wilderness. ridge."
After saying this, Delis opened his eyes in horror,
"We realized something was wrong and prepared to apparate away, but, but - a giant skeleton as high as a mountain appeared, and slapped it down. We all avoided it, and Peter Pettigrew... "
Delis put his hand into his pocket tremblingly and took out a bloody finger.
"This is the last thing he has left"
(End of chapter)
