章 332: 0331 Execution?
Veritaserum, the powerful truth serum potion, is a highly regulated magical concoction, strictly controlled and monitored by the Ministry of Magic's governing body. Its usage is not permitted, even during routine interrogations of ordinary criminal suspects. This potent brew is reserved solely for the interrogation of those wicked dark wizards whose very existence poses a grave and significant threat to the entire wizarding world. Only after meticulous review and explicit approval from the Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and the Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic himself, can this potion be legally administered.
The reliability and accuracy of this potion's effects are unquestionable and beyond doubt. When the trembling, fearful voice of the accused Peter Pettigrew echoed throughout the cavernous courtroom during his trial, an eerie silence descended upon the audience. In that moment, there was no lingering uncertainty in anyone's mind regarding his guilt – the potion's effects had laid bare the factual truth.
Bryan, overseeing the proceedings, initially thought that this trial, a mere formality at this juncture, would swiftly conclude. However, to his surprise, Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, spoke once more in a commanding tone:
"Peter Pettigrew, you shall also face a second, severe charge levied by the Ministry of Magic. In November of the previous year, for reasons unknown, you left the side of young Ron Bilius Weasley, a student currently enrolled at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You then proceeded to hide in the Owlery and, through nefarious means, employed the Imperius Curse, to establish complete mental control over Draco Malfoy, a third-year student at the school. This process of manipulation and subjugation persisted for a staggering three-month period, inflicting severe and potentially irreparable harm upon young Draco Malfoy."
Bartemius Crouch leaned forward, his sharp, penetrating gaze fixed intently upon the cowering form of Peter Pettigrew, as he continued his ominous statement.
"As of the present moment, Draco Malfoy remains under medical care and treatment at the St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, struggling to recover from the profound trauma you have inflicted upon his mind."
Bryan's brow furrowed slightly as he contemplated the implications of this unexpected revelation. With a subtle motion of his finger, he nimbly cast a privacy charm, containing the sound around himself and Dumbledore, ensuring their conversation remained confidential.
"Bringing this issue to light is tantamount to publicly acknowledging our failure to protect the students entrusted to our care, Headmaster Dumbledore,"
Dumbledore's silver-white eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, but he calmly responded, his gaze unwavering, "We must acknowledge, Bryan, that Hogwarts has indeed failed in its duty to safeguard its students. If we are to face criticism for this gap, it is a burden we must bear with humility and resolve."
Bryan emitted a cold snort, a strange, fleeting glint passing through his eyes as he stared at Barty Crouch's rigid back with unveiled contempt.
'Fudge and Amelia seem rather taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. This was likely not an issue they had planned to raise publicly. Could it be due to Lucius Malfoy? Did he bribe Barty Crouch to pile on more charges against Peter?'
Bryan's expression grew increasingly cold and inscrutable as he continued to analyze the situation.
If that were the case, then Lucius Malfoy had done something utterly foolish. Since he had already approached him, turning around to privately find the aid of Barty Crouch clearly demonstrates his lack of trust in his capabilities and commitment to this matter.
Although Lucius's trust was worthless to him, but such behavior was a contempt to Bryan.
"Due to the unfortunate events involving his son Draco, Lucius cannot tolerate the thought of Peter being imprisoned in Azkaban, so—"
"If you truly understood the motivations and character of Barty as I do," Dumbledore interrupted, his tone gentle yet firm, "you would not make such assumptions regarding his intentions."
"Sirius's wrongful imprisonment was a grave mistake, a blemish upon old Barty's reputation second only to the shame and disgrace brought upon him by the actions of his own misguided son. Cornelius hopes that old Barty will take responsibility for the Ministry's errors and misjudgments. However, a wizard of Barty's stature and pride would never allow his hard-earned reputation to plummet easily."
Bryan blinked, understanding what Dumbledore meant.
As a high-ranking official within the Ministry of Magic, the disgrace of having a son who was a devoted follower of Voldemort, a Death Eater, had already inflicted a grievous wound upon Barty Crouch's honor and public standing. The subsequent mockery of misjudging Sirius Black's case and condemning an innocent man to the horrors of Azkaban had further branded him as a "old fool" in the eyes of the wizarding world. It was now evident that the resolute Barty Crouch was not resigned to this tarnished reputation and wanted to undertake a bold, eye-catching action to regain the support and respect of some radical or other influential figures within the wizarding community.
And it turned out just as Bryan expected.
"Peter Pettigrew, you stand accused of the most heinous and unforgivable crimes: revealing the secret whereabouts of the Potters to the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, an act that directly led to their brutal murders; the wanton and unconscionable killing of multiple innocent Muggles; and the use of the Imperius Curse, one of the three Unforgivable Curses, upon an underage wizard. For these cumulative crimes against the wizarding world and its values, the recommended sentence is execution!"
As Barty Crouch's chilling words reverberated through the vast stone chamber, an eerie, prolonged silence descended upon the courtroom. Many in attendance stared in disbelief at Barty Crouch's stern, unyielding face, their expressions a mixture of shock, outrage, and dawning comprehension – including the stunned Sirius Black, seated in the accused's chair below.
During his days of unjust imprisonment and torment within the confines of Ministry custody, Sirius had already realized that the traitorous Peter had likely saved his skin. So many Death Eaters, guilty of committing heinous and unforgivable crimes, had been sentenced to lifelong imprisonment within the confines of Azkaban; it seemed highly unlikely that the members of the Wizengamot would make a special 'exception' for Peter.
But now, the very same Bartemius Crouch, who had personally and unjustly sentenced him to the horrors of Azkaban, was actually proposing to the jury that Peter be sentenced to death. Sirius stared at Bartemius Crouch in utter disbelief, not knowing whether to resent him or thank him.
"Wait, Barty, this was not what we discussed previously. According to the established laws and precedents, he should be sentenced to Life Imprisonment!"
Finally, Fudge snapped out of his stunned daze. He abruptly stood up from his chair, leaning forward with an expression of worry etched upon his features as he hurriedly spoke, his lips curling with displeasure at this unexpected turn of events.
Simultaneously, the full impact of Bartemius Crouch's unprecedented recommendation began to reverberate throughout the courtroom. For the first time since Bryan had entered these chambers, the level of noise and commotion escalated dramatically as a disharmony of voices erupted from the assembled witches and wizards.
Contrary to Bryan's expectations, there appeared to be a significant number of attendees who voiced their passionate support for the extreme measure of the death penalty. Many of the attending wizards and their companions turned red-faced with enthusiasm, vehemently arguing whether Peter Pettigrew should be sentenced to death or condemned to lifelong imprisonment in Azkaban.
"What is your opinion on this matter, Dumbledore?" Fudge inquired, hastily wiping the beads of nervous sweat from his furrowed brow as he remembered to seek Duumbledore's opinion on this volatile issue.
The death penalty, an punishment of such extreme and irreversible finality, had not been carried out for many years within the British Wizarding world. Once the precedent was established by sentencing Peter Pettigrew to execution, it would undoubtedly open the floodgates, bringing with it a list of disadvantages and controversies that Fudge, the current Minister of Magic, couldn't afford. He dared not risk provoking the ire and outrage of more moderate factions by appearing overly strict or draconian in his administration of justice.
"Now, let the esteemed members of the jury cast their votes without further delay!"
Recognizing Fudge's blatant attempt to entangle Dumbledore into publicly taking a controversial stance, Barty swiftly denied him the opportunity. With an insistent gesture, he called for an immediate vote from the assembled jury members, allowing no further discourse or debate on the matter.
Peter's muddled mind finally seemed to clear somewhat as the implications of the situation became apparent to him. He covered his face with trembling hands, not daring to observe the raising of hands that would determine his ultimate fate. The shrill, piercing sound of wailing cries echoed in the air, heightening the already palpable tension within the chamber.
None of the individuals seated in the front row raised their hands in favor of the death sentence, including the stoic figure of Bryan. He didn't need to reveal his intentions in this situation.
This was merely a performance. Barty Crouch did not actually expect the members of Wizengamot to approve the recommendation of death for Peter Pettigrew; he only wanted to express his firm stance against evil.
"Very well," Barty Crouch declared, his stern face betraying no hint of emotion or disappointment at the outcome thus far. "Those in favor of sentencing Peter Pettigrew to lifelong imprisonment, raise your hands accordingly."
This time, the vast majority of individuals assembled within the courtroom accordingly raised their hands in solemn affirmation, supporting the more measured proposal of a lifetime of imprisonment for Peter.
Upon witnessing this outcome, Peter broke into wails once more—earlier out of fear of execution, but now out of sheer joy and relief!
He had managed to narrowly escape from death, even if he would now be imprisoned for life to Azkaban, as long as he was alive, there was hope!
Peter was promptly seized and dragged away by the grim-faced Aurors who were guarding him. Now that the trial had reached its conclusion, these elite Aurors would immediately execute the binding decision handed down by the members of the Wizengamot. They would escort the disheveled form of Peter Pettigrew to the Department of Mysteries, situated on the ninth level deep underground within the Ministry where a room housed the portkey to Azkaban.
Fudge let out a long sigh of relief. Regardless of the circumstances, the death penalty had been stopped. The Ministry of Magic, which he led, would not face criticism for this. Fudge showed a grimace of a smile to Barty, indicating that he could end the trial. However, Barty Crouch did something unexpected once again.
Ignoring Fudge's pointed hint to bring the affair to a conclusion, Bartemius Crouch turned his stern face toward the dejected figure of Sirius Black, his face twisted into an unmistakable expression of deep-seated loathing and contempt. The sudden words that followed left the members of the jury who had just relaxed stunned:
"Sirius Black, you shall face an additional charge levied by the Ministry of Magic – that of the illegal study and unauthorized use of the Animagus transformation ability!"
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章 333: 0332 Fierce Confrontation
If one were to ask what the Ministry of Magic was most concerned about in this series of events, it certainly was not the innocence of the infamous Sirius Black, nor was it the shocking revelation that Peter Pettigrew, who had been posthumously bestowed with the prestigious Order of Merlin, First Class, for his alleged heroic demise, was the actual culprit. Above all else, the Ministry's primary concern was how Sirius Black managed to escape from Azkaban.
The Azkaban prison, guarded by the soul-sucking Dementors—those fear-inducing, sinister creatures whose mere presence could inflict unimaginable psychological torment upon even the most hardened of individuals. This dreadful place served as a sharp, double-edged blade in the Ministry's arsenal, a tool to command awe and respect through sheer intimidation. The place was abhorrent, a true embodiment of despair, loathed by all who knew of its existence. But precisely because of this, the Ministry wielded immense power and influence, their authority bolstered by the prospect of condemning lawbreakers to the merciless confines of Azkaban.
Take the cases of Hagrid or Remus, for example. In terms of sheer magical prowess, they were both accomplished and formidable wizards, individuals who might not cower in the face of death itself. Yet, the mere thought of Azkaban and its soul-leeching guardians was undoubtedly a source of dread for them too.
And now, a wizard had somehow managed to shatter Azkaban's Legend by achieving the seemingly impossible—a successful escape from its clutches. This unprecedented feat had, to a certain degree, shaken the very foundations upon which the Ministry's governance rested, casting doubt upon the security of their most potent instrument of control.
Therefore, after taking custody of Sirius Black from Bryan and Dumbledore, Fudge, immediately issued an order to Rufus Scrimgeour, demanding that he employ every resource at his disposal to get to the bottom of this matter and find out how he escaped.
Barty Crouch, one of the three most powerful and influential officials within the ranks of the Ministry, was also embroiled in these events. He was a man privy to all those secrets, but no one expected him to suddenly turn against them at the last moment.
Dumbledore did not seem particularly surprised by these unfolding developments. For these Ministry officials who now wielded power had, in a sense, grown and matured under his watchful gaze. He possessed a close understanding of their character, their motivations, and how they would inevitably respond to various situations. In stark contrast, Fudge's reaction could only be described as one of sheer, unadulterated panic.
"We had an agreement, did we not?" Fudge spluttered, his face flushed with anger, his rapid breaths punctuating each word. "To let this matter go, as compensation for his twelve years of wrongful imprisonment!"
Amelia Bones, too, furrowed her brow, her gaze fixed upon the side of her colleague's face. She was visibly annoyed, her displeasure evident, by Barty Crouch's unilateral actions, which had blatantly breached their previous consensus.
Barty Crouch, however, seemed utterly oblivious to the fact that he had become the unwitting center of attention, the focal point of everyone's scrutiny. His gaze, cold and impassive, was fixed upon the equally caught-off-guard Sirius Black standing before him.
"Sirius Black, I assume you are aware that the Ministry of Magic has established stringent laws to regulate the dangerous and complex Transfiguration magic of Animagi, correct?"
Crouch's voice resonated throughout the chamber, each syllable dripping with authority.
"Yes, I am aware—" Sirius Black responded, his brow furrowed in contemplation, as he glanced towards Dumbledore and Bryan, both of whom stood coolly behind Barty Crouch, their demeanors showing no hint of surprise at Crouch's unconventional behavior. Sensing their composure, Sirius's own sudden tension gradually dissipated, and he stared back at Barty Crouch with unwavering determination, refusing to display any semblance of weakness.
"You know that the first successful transformation of an Animagus must be meticulously supervised by the Ministry and, if achieved, must be registered, correct?" Crouch's piercing gaze bore into Sirius, his words carrying the weight of authority.
"Yes, I know," Sirius affirmed, his voice steady and resolute.
"And you're aware of the fact that violating this crucial regulation could result in prosecution by the Ministry, correct?"
"Yes, I'm aware—"
"When did you master this magic?"
"At the age of sixteen, when I was studying at Hogwarts."
Barty Crouch paused his aggressive questioning, and the members of the jury gasped in astonishment upon hearing Sirius's answer, their expressions showing their disbelief.
It's worth noting that the Animagus transformation ranks among one of the most challenging and arduous forms of transfiguration magic, a feat that demands immense skill, unwavering focus, and an innate talent for the arcane arts. For Sirius, as well as the recently imprisoned Peter Pettigrew, to have successfully completed this extraordinarily complex transformation relying solely on their own efforts while they were still young wizards studying at Hogwarts was a true testament to their prodigious magical aptitude, a feat that few could ever hope to match.
"The teaching quality at Hogwarts is indeed commendable, Albus?" Someone from the noisy crowd quietly remarked to Dumbledore, offering him a respectful nod of acknowledgment, accompanied by a subtle thumbs-up gesture.
"Thank you for the praise, but Hogwarts did not provide them with much assistance in this particular matter—" Dumbledore replied, his words punctuated by a conspiratorial wink and a mischievous knowing smile.
While most in attendance were still astonished from the revelation of Sirius's extraordinary magical talent, there were those shrewd individuals within the courtroom who had discerned the true intent behind Barty Crouch Sr.'s decision to dig up old events during Peter's trial, that too at a moment when all eyes were fixed upon him.
When Sirius had been arrested years ago, Crouch was the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He had been highly commended for his unwavering stance against the dark forces. It was he who had issued the order to have Sirius Black imprisoned in Azkaban without even going through the necessary trial procedures.
Barty Crouch leaned forward, his hands gripping the stand before him, as he fixed his authoritative gaze upon Sirius Black below. His meticulously trimmed, thin mustache twitched upwards, a subtle hint of his rumbling emotions.
"Sirius Black, twelve years ago, you were sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban by the Ministry for being deemed the perpetrator responsible for the deaths of James and Lily Potter. During this time, did you ever reveal to anyone that you were not the Potters's Secret Keeper?"
"No, at the time, I—" Sirius had realized that something was amiss. He attempted to evade the question, but he could not resist the overbearing interrogation from this high-ranking and powerful Ministry official.
"Answer me!" Crouch demanded, his expression stern and unyielding, the furrows on his eyebrow deepening as his voice resonated with the full weight of his authority. "Can it be understood that you knew of your own innocence, yet chose to remain silent, failing to explain the truth to anyone because you feared a thorough investigation by the Wizengamot? Were you gripped by fear at the prospect of exposing yourself as an illegal, unregistered Animagus in direct violation of the laws you were duty-bound to uphold?"
"That's not it at all!" Sirius finally shouted angrily.
"I did not say anything because I believed myself to be guilty—what I mean to say is that I believed myself to be responsible for James's—no, for James's and Lily's deaths caused by my own foolish suggestion. I believed, at that time, that I deserved to be punished. That was the belief that consumed me in those dark moments!"
Dumbledore sighed helplessly, a heavy exhalation that seemed to convey his helplessness in the face of Sirius's actions, which, though born of noble intentions, were so fundamentally contrary to common sense and reason. Although it had now been irrefutably proven that Sirius was indeed innocent of the crimes for which he had been condemned, Sirius's own testimony still carried some weight in the eyes of the majority of the members of the Wizengamot.
Dumbledore rose from his seat, preparing to say something but Bryan suddenly grasped his arm, his subtly shaking head conveying a silent message not to intervene just yet.
"There's no need to intervene, Headmaster. Someone will handle this situation,"
"I object!" Bryan had barely finished speaking when Madam Bones sprang to her feet, her formidable presence commanding the attention of all present. Her brow was deeply furrowed, creasing the skin around her glasses, which had left a prominent red mark etched into the flesh of her eye socket, a testament to the intensity of her focus. She glared sternly at Crouch, who met her gaze with an indifferent, blank expression that showed no sign of emotion.
"Your questioning is seriously misleading, and your conclusions lack any reliable factual basis, Mr. Crouch!" Madam Bones's voice thundered through the chamber, each word dripping with righteous indignation and condemnation.
The courtroom erupted in commotion, a turbulent sea of murmurs and whispers rose that threatened to drown out all semblance of order. The members of the jury, those individuals present to bear witness to Peter's Trial, stared incredulously at the two high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Magic who now found themselves locked in open confrontation.
This incident had escalated far beyond the boundaries of a mere legal proceeding, transcending into a very serious political event. Within the halls of the Wizengamot courtroom, under the watchful eyes of numerous attendees whose gazes burned with intensity, the two department heads—once considered the trusted right and left hands of the Minister of Magic himself—were openly clashing, their ideological differences laid bare for all to witness. The impact of this event, the repercussions it would inevitably unleash, were severe and far-reaching, threatening to shake the very foundations of the Ministry's authority.
Cornelius Fudge's forehead glistened with beads of sweat, and his cheeks were flushed, revealing the profound discomfort and anxiety that gripped him in the face of this unfolding crisis. His voice trembled as he attempted to intervene, to restore some semblance of order to the proceedings.
"B-Barty, I think—I think Amelia's view is correct. You—"
But Crouch would not be so easily dissuaded. He stood resolute, his eyes bulging with anger,
"I do not believe there are any substantive issues with my questioning or the conclusions I have drawn, Madam Bones," Crouch thundered, his voice reverberating through the chamber like a clap of thunder.
"As every soul present is keenly aware, no one is truly unafraid of the horrors that await in Azkaban, nor of the relentless torment inflicted by its inhuman guards. Sirius Black's concealment of the truth regarding the Potters's deaths suggests that he carries a deeper guilt. The undeniable fact that he is an illegal, unregistered Animagus serves as irrefutable proof that he is not the upright, law-abiding wizard he claims to be. His testimony, therefore, cannot be considered credible or reliable."
Turning his attention towards Madam Bones, Crouch's expression hardened, as he shot an accusatory glare in her direction. "As the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Madam Bones, you should possess a keen eye for detecting even the slightest hint of criminal activities. I would strongly suggest that the Ministry re-interrogate Sirius Black with the utmost rigor, in order to uncover whatever truths he may still be trying to conceal!"
"That's absurd—" Fudge gasped, shaking his head fervently, his already flushed face reddening further as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of Crouch's assault.
"I know precisely what you're trying to do, Barty," Fudge pressed on, his voice strained with the weight of his frustration. "You want to prove that sending Black to Azkaban twelve years ago was the right decision, but—"
"This is a serious slander, Minister Fudge!" Barty Crouch's voice cut through the Minister's words like a razor-sharp blade, his eyes flashing with indignation at the implication behind Fudge's statement.
Raising his head boldly, Crouch's gaze swept over the assembled jury below, each syllable dripping with icy anger as he spoke.
"Perhaps some believe that I am acting out of a sense of personal vengeance, but I would like you all to remember that throughout my long career, there is ample evidence of my consistent and unwavering loathing for those who choose to break the laws we have sworn to uphold. Lawbreakers, regardless of their position or perceived justification, have always been the object of my deepest scorn."
Crouch paused, his chest heaving with the force of his convictions, before continuing, "Of course, I do not wish to conceal the fact that my decision to send Sirius Black to Azkaban in the face of the Potters's deaths was a grave error, a mistake born of haste and incomplete information. So, at this very moment!--"
His eyes sparkled with a passion that bordered on fanatical as he shouted to the assembled masses, "To take full responsibility for my actions, I hereby announce my immediate resignation from the ranks of the Wizengamot judiciary body. But I urge each and every one of you, members of this esteemed jury, to give serious consideration to my statements regarding Sirius Black himself!
Do not allow the truth to be obscured by sentiment or misplaced sympathy!"
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