章節 111: Neal's trial at Wizengamot (part-2)
Making sure to strike the iron when it is hot, Oakley Avery took this opportunity and further defended his grandson before anyone else reacted to Neal's allegations.
In a clear loud tone, he said, "Even if we ignore the points pointed out by young Neal, as far as I remember, the kid hasn't received any warnings prior to this case. Hence, this is considered a first offense. I want to ask why he was put to trial for underage magic when he should receive a warning from Hogwarts instead?"
As the members of the jury were discussing among themselves while the minister of magic was at the loss of his words, a woman in a pink cardigan who quite resembles a toad opened her mouth. "Excuse me, Mr. Avery. But, it appeared to me as if the both of you are accusing the ministry of deliberately targeting the boy."
Neal raised his eyebrow as he responded to her with a question, "how should I address you?"
"Dolores Umbridge," replied the woman with a smile.
Neal then asked, "And what is your position?"
"Senior Undersecretary to the minister of Fudge," replied Umbridge.
Neal then let out a deep sigh and commented loud enough for everyone to hear, "The ministry is going downhill for sure. Even dimwitted witches are being appointed to such higher positions. No wonder there has been a mistake in this trial…"
"Excuse me!" Umbridge who always keep an irritating smile on her face suddenly furrowed her brows in displeasure.
"Either you are a dimwit who cannot understand what we said earlier or you are deaf who couldn't listen properly." Neal rudely replied to her. He would rather appear as a reckless and conceited brat than a humble and cowardly fellow in the eyes of others. After all, he is going to start a war against the ministry. So, being a humble fellow will not do good, well, atleast, in Neal's opinion.
As several jury members laughed upon seeing Umbridge getting publicly humiliated by a teenager, the woman's face reddened deeply.
The minister finally erupted in anger. He raised his voice, "Boy, mind your tone. You have done another offense by insulting an official of the Ministry of magic."
Neal calmly turned his head to look at the minister and replied, "Sorry but a teenager cannot be punished for speaking rudely. Check your laws first. And not to mention, I was born and raised in an orphanage in a muggle world for 11 years. It hasn't been that long since I was staying at Avery House. So, you shouldn't be surprised if I don't act like a proper noble."
"Well, laws can be changed, boy." The minister indirectly threatened him, saying that he has the power to do that.
Neal replied in a serious tone, "Well, then, you can warn me after the laws are changed. But for now, I would like to need your answer instead, Minister. Why am I held in this trial? On what grounds did you give this order? If the ministry cannot give me a satisfying answer, I'm going to the International Confederation of Wizards for justice. I hope Supreme Mugwump Dumbledore will listen to my woes."
"You…" Cornelius Fudge was at the peak of his anger as Neal tried to use Dumbledore's name to pressure him.
For someone who was afraid that Dumbledore is trying to snatch his post away, he really believed that Dumbledore would do anything to hurt him. In that case, it would become easier for Neal to do what he just threatened everyone with.
If that happens, whether the British ministry of magic wins the case or not, they would lose their face before the others. And as the minister who fu*ked up, he might be forced to resign. Or atleast, that's what Fudge believed.
And there's no way he would let that happen.
The minister tried to fight back with the only statement on his side, "Still, it doesn't change the fact that your wand is registered with the British Ministry of Magic and you admitted that you conjured a forbidden charm. That is enough for us to give an order." The minister tried to fight back.
However, Neal and Oakley were already prepared for the point too. The old man said, "It is a forbidden dark spell, not an unforgivable curse. The authority still lies with the Principal of Hogwarts to give a warning to him on the first offense, minister."
Neal then added, "The international laws of magic also give me the right to use underage magic when faced with life-threatening danger. There was a snow storm occurred in the region. The temperature was below minus 20-degree celsius. I had to protect ourselves. We can produce witnesses, Draco Malfoy, Oakley Avery, and Gringotts Bank's curse-breaker, Patricia Rakepik."
It was at that moment did everyone realize that they really fuc*ed up by underestimating this boy. Not many jury members know these facts. When they saw Neal's rude behavior towards them, they were infuriated for sure but that doesn't mean they would like to make things harder for him. In fact, some of them were even impressed by his talent and shrewdness.
One of those people was Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
She rose to her feet and said, "I guess it is a part of negligence on the minister's part. We will study your case and will give you a proper response. However, on a personal note, I need to advise you that it is not a good thing to use the loopholes of laws to your advantage."
Neal smiled, "I will keep that in mind but you see… I have plans for the rest of the summer. So, I would really like to wrap up this matter today. I have received enough mental damage due to false charges. If the ministry is willing to cancel this trial as if it didn't exist, I'm willing to compromise too…" He then added after a brief pause, "from this issue."
Since they were backing away, Neal decided to push them further while making it look like he was doing a favor to them. It doesn't matter what they think of him. By the end of the same day, his enmity with the ministry will deepen either way.
Amelia Bones didn't mind his cheekiness and she even nodded with a smile further and then addressed everyone, "We will decide with the voting as always. Those who are in favor of postponing the cases?"
The minister's hand shot up in the air at the speed of lightning. But, sadly for him, only four more hands agreed with him.
Amelia Bones then spoke, "Those who are in favor of clearing all the charges?"
Thirty-one jury members, including Amelia Bones, raised their hands with the remaining fourteen not being sure about it.
As soon as he saw that, Neal stood up from his seat and glanced at his grandfather. The latter nodded with a meaningful smile.
Neal turned his attention to the minister, "I'm waiting for the verdict, Minister."
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