The Pacifist Necromancer of Hogwarts

Chapter 237 Sirius Black (Big chapter thanks to the leader of Clouds in the Mists!)

The Auror nodded and went out without saying a word. Fudge looked down at Peter with some annoyance, then at Crouch, and announced: The trial will be adjourned temporarily. The trial will continue after Black arrives.

The sound of clothing being rubbed and documents being sorted could be heard in the interrogation room. The chatter became louder, but still sounded like an indistinct murmur, a humming echo. Anthony saw Professor Bubaji stand up from the bench below, turn around and say something to Ms. Bones. Crouch still had a straight face and sat motionless in his seat.

Peter opened his watery little eyes and looked at the people on the bench above, and occasionally glanced quickly behind him, looking at the small door in the corner of the room that Kingsley passed by when he left. The chains tied him tightly to the chair.

Professor McGonagall stood up: Let's go out.

Anthony and Lupine followed her down the steps. Peter shrank toward the corner farther away from them. Professor McGonagall gave him a hateful look, but Lupine just walked over expressionlessly. Anthony paused for a moment and found that Peter was shaking even more violently, and his thin hair was blown wildly by the wind brought in when Professor McGonagall opened the door.

The professors at Hogwarts were still sitting at the door waiting. As soon as he saw them coming out, Professor Sprout stood up and asked, How is it, Minerva? We saw Kingsley coming out in a hurry.

The court is adjourned, said Professor McGonagall. Crouch has asked Sirius to attend. Kingsley has gone to Azkaban to find him.

What? asked Professor Sprout. Suddenly brought up in court?

This is a standard request. Professor Flitwick said, Let me think about what it says in the Wizengamot Charter of Rights... Well, I can't remember the specific provisions, but in general, If a very important witness is unavailable or unable to testify, the entire trial will be deemed invalid. Sirius Black is indeed... a very important witness.

Professor Sprout said: But he is already crazy!

I'm afraid that's what Crouch wants. Professor McGonagall said seriously. Without the testimony of important witnesses, Pettigrew might be acquitted - in this case, Sirius would still be responsible for James' death. The traitors who killed Mu and Lily, Crouch’s sentence back then was not wrong.”

Snape stood up abruptly.

Where is Dumbledore? he asked sharply. What is Dumbledore doing? Showing his compassion and tolerance?

Calm down, Severus. Professor McGonagall said sternly, Albus naturally has his own judgment. The results of the trial have not come out yet, and it is not time to draw conclusions yet.

Anthony said: Maybe Sirius Black is not crazy after all. He hoped that his tone sounded more determined than he did now, but judging from the expressions of his colleagues, he obviously failed.

Professor Sprout said: Perhaps Peter Pettigrew will plead guilty on his own.

Not much hope, I must say, Lupine said quietly, looking at Anthony again and smiling sadly, Both.

Everyone was silent for a while, until Professor Flitwick asked worriedly: Are you okay, Severus?

Only then did Anthony realize that Snape's hand hanging by his side was clutching his powerful Veritaserum so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Don't do anything stupid, Severus, said Professor Sprout.

Professor Flitwick also said: Even if you rush in now and pour Veritaserum down Peter Pettigrew's throat, they can still deny his confession and argue that his memory and cognition have been tampered with by magic.

Snape twisted his face and looked at the door of the interrogation room beside him, with obvious unwillingness in his eyes.

At this moment, there was a sound of footsteps suddenly coming from the end of the corridor.

Anthony looked over with the others and saw a man coming down the stairs. A dirty wizard's robe hung empty on his tall and thin body. His long hair was tangled and spread over his shoulders, almost blocking his sallow and thin face, but no one could fail to notice his eyes that were dancing with fire.

Kingsley followed him, pointing his wand at him.

Professor McGonagall exclaimed, Sirius!

Sirius said hoarsely, Minerva. He sounded like he hadn't spoken for a long time, like a broken bellows.

Kingsley whispered, If you have anything to say, hurry up. Five minutes max.

Thank you, Kingsley, said Professor McGonagall.

But everyone was silent, staring silently at Sirius, a man they all thought had gone crazy.

Professor McGonagall finally said: As long as our interrogation is in compliance with regulations, I think the verdict will be a Dementor's Kiss. ​​The Minister wants a sensational news.

A Dementor's kiss, Sirius repeated. Great.

His eyes slowly moved away from Professor McGonagall and turned to Professor Sprout and Anthony next to him - he looked at Anthony blankly for a while, as if trying to remember who he was, and Professor McGonagall briefly introduced Once, Sirius nodded—and then Lupin.

His eyes lingered on Lupine's face for a long time.

Sirius said hoarsely: Oh my god, why are you so old?

Look who's saying that, said Lupine.

Sirius stared into Lupine's face. He said very slowly: I heard you caught him?

Lupine said: Yes. You have changed people, haven't you?

Sirius nodded slowly, a very complicated look appeared on his face, but he didn't say a word in the end.

Lupine looked at him for a while, smiled softly, and shook his head.

Sirius grinned too, showing his yellowed teeth. His eyes moved down a little and he saw Professor Flitwick. Just like when he met Professor Sprout, he seemed to be struggling to remember who he was.

Long time no see, Professor Flitwick, he said, now much more relaxed and fluent.

Nice to meet you, Mr. Black, Professor Flitwick said sharply.

Sirius smiled and then he saw Snape.

Snape was standing by the wall near the bench, with undisguised disgust on his face. Even though they were discussing how to proceed with Peter's interrogation after Sirius went crazy just a moment ago, seeing a sane Sirius seemed to only fill Snape's heart with disappointment.

What is this Death Eater doing here? Sirius asked scornfully.

Severus is also a professor at Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall said sternly. He has helped us a lot.

Sirius laughed hoarsely: Him? Help?

Snape said in a more scornful tone: More than what you have to offer in prison, of course.

He is indeed here to help, Sirius. Lupine said. He even prepared a powerful Veritaserum for Peter.

The time has come, Kingsley reminded.

Sirius looked at Snape distrustfully and suddenly said: Give it to me.

What? Lupine asked.

Veritaserum, Sirius said.

What are you going to do, Sirius? said Professor McGonagall, I said, what we need is an interrogation that follows procedure!

I told you, Snape, Sirius said, stretching out his hand in front of Snape.

Snape's face showed unforgettable hatred, as if he wanted to break Sirius's skinny fingers off one by one. His nostrils flapped. There was no less disgust in Sirius's eyes, but he stared at Snape stubbornly and stretched out his hand.

Several people's voices rang out: Sirius, you can't use Veritaserum - Don't be impulsive! Mr. Black!

Kingsley also said: Come in quickly. He opened the door of the interrogation room.

Snape thrust the Veritaserum into Sirius' hands. Sirius tightened his fingers, turned around with satisfaction, and walked into the interrogation room with Kingsley's wand pressed against him.

The people outside the interrogation room were too late to stop it. Professor McGonagall glanced at the small transparent bottle in Sirius' hand, turned to look at Snape accusingly, and walked into the room with Anthony and Lupine.

The heavy black door closed behind them again.

…

The important witness has been brought, Minister, Kingsley said. Anthony, Professor McGonagall and Lupine returned to the audience.

There was silence in the interrogation room. Everyone was looking at Sirius standing at the door. Many people's eyes were wide open, surprised that he was still standing, and a few people seemed very happy. Anthony glanced at Dumbledore. He was standing next to Fudge, looking down at Sirius, but the distance was too far and Anthony couldn't see his expression clearly.

Peter huddled up in his chair and peeked cautiously. Sirius immediately caught his gaze, his face twisted into a terrifying smile. As soon as Peter met his eyes, he screamed and shrank back into his chair.

Sirius Black! a member of the Wizengamot said in surprise, as if he hadn't thought he could actually come.

It's me, Sirius said. His answer elicited a few more exclamations.

Peter seemed to be shaking more violently, so much so that the chains on his chair made a rattling sound. A sarcastic smile appeared on Sirius' face. Beside Anthony, Lupine sat up straight, his hand on his wand.

Don't be nervous, Mr. Black is very advantageous. Anthony said. Lupine let go of his wand and smiled at him.

Fudge looked down at Sirius in confusion, as if he didn't understand why he could speak so clearly. But a smile appeared on his rosy face, and he sat down with satisfaction.

Reopen the trial! Fudge shouted. The important witness has attended, Mr. Crouch. The trial has begun!

The members of the Wizengamot hurriedly flipped through the documents, shaking various materials, but Anthony could tell that they were not reading at all, just to find something to do. The scribe picked up the quill and his chin and hurriedly began to record.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask Sirius Black, Fudge said affably. You may begin, Mr. Crouch.

Crouch looked pale and looked at Sirius in confusion. He asked harshly: Are you sure you are sane, Mr. Black?

I've never been so sure, said Sirius, turning his head to stare at Peter who was close at hand, and said softly, Never.

Several faint and strange sounds came from Crouch's throat. Peter whined, as if Sirius had just stabbed him with his gaze. He desperately wanted to sit as far away from Sirius as possible.

The members of the Wizengamot noticed this as well.

Invite the witnesses to speak on the stand, a voice said.

Witnesses can speak next to the defendant, Fudge said.

Anthony whispered to Professor McGonagall: Mr. Fudge's bias is very obvious.

Professor McGonagall nodded, still pursed her lips tightly.

Several people discussed quietly for a while and reluctantly agreed.

Sirius turned around and repeated again: I'm pretty sure I'm sane.

But...but, how is this possible? a Wizengamot member said, Did the guards of Azkaban neglect their duties?

Umbridge said sweetly: Impossible, they will never be merciful to criminals.

But we now have before us a living example, said Crouch, of a man who has passed eleven years under the watch of a jailer to whom you have given all your assurance, and who has remained sane and in good health. It is difficult not to doubt that Those Death Eaters are on vacation in Azkaban.

Please do not discuss matters that are not relevant to this case, Ms. Bones said. Please continue your testimony, Mr. Black.

Ask me a question, Sirius croaked, and I promise I'll answer truthfully.

Please describe to us what happened before the Potters died. A person in the Wizengamot said matter-of-factly, Then tell us whether you betrayed the Potters and whether you were responsible for the deaths of the Potters.

Sirius's eyes sparkled: I will say it. It was Halloween Eve, and we were planning to celebrate a little, but just before setting off, I suddenly received an alert that Voldemort and Death Eaters attacked our people. I was worried He would be in danger— Sirius pointed at Peter, who twitched, —so I rushed to his house immediately. It was clean, empty, and there was no sign of a fight.

Why was your first reaction to go to Peter Pettigrew's home? asked a wizard from the Wizengamot.

Sirius whispered, I was going to say this. I didn't betray James and Lily, never. But... he paused, but I did feel responsible for their deaths because I Convinced James to change the secret keeper to Peter Pettigrew...this traitor...

He took a step towards Peter Pettigrew. Peter's eyes were wide with tears rolling down them.

Sirius—Sirius Black! Peter said in a breathless voice, How can you be so embarrassed? It was obviously you who betrayed James—

Lies! Sirius shouted, rushing towards Peter, his tall and thin figure looming over Peter, You are still lying now - you still have the guts -

He reached out and grabbed Peter's neck, and the heavy interrogation chair almost tipped over. Peter screamed, struggling in his seat, his face red from holding back.

Sirius! Lupine shouted.

Sirius turned a deaf ear and just stared at Peter with a crazy glint in his eyes. He put his entire weight on his hands, and his dry hands dug into Peter's chubby neck. Peter opened his mouth, and a strange rattling sound came from his throat. His eyes bulged horribly.

Several spells shot out from the Wizengamot seat, pulling Sirius away from Peter. Several ropes shot out of the wands bound Sirius. Dumbledore stood up, conjured a chintz armchair out of thin air, and let Sirius, who was tied up, sit on the chair.

Sirius was breathing heavily, leaning his head on the back of the chair.

Professor McGonagall whispered: Conforming to regulations!

He's a madman! A murderer! Peter said sharply, Did you see it? He wanted to kill me in court!

A murmur of agreement passed through the Wizengamot. Several wizards pointed at Sirius and whispered in annoyance, shaking their heads repeatedly, as if they were greatly offended. Fudge opened his mouth and Umbridge glared at Sirius.

Please do not disrupt the order of the court, Crouch said with satisfaction, glancing at Sirius' seat, otherwise you will greatly reduce the credibility of your claim to sanity...In fact, I ask the court to consider it. , is the testimony of such a person really credible?”

I trust members of the Wizengamot will make their own judgment, Ms. Bones said. Please do not try to steer the conversation, Mr. Crouch.

A member of the Wizengamot flipped through the documents and read flatly: Witnesses claimed that Black killed several Muggles... Black stood in the street laughing, surrounded by the corpses of Muggles... Dumbledore Admitting that Black is the Potters' secret keeper...

I was obviously mistaken then, Dumbledore said calmly.

Eleven years have passed, of course Black can say whatever he wants. A wizard in the Wizengamot said sarcastically, Change the Secret Keeper privately, but unless the Potters themselves rise from the grave, there will be no witnesses. can prove……

Anthony said softly Huh. Professor McGonagall glared at him sternly: Henry!

Absolutely not, Anthony said soothingly, I just couldn't help but think about it... the way he worded it made me suspect that he was giving me a hint.

Professor McGonagall shook her head: Not even you...

Lupine glanced at them with some confusion, but the interrogation quickly occupied his attention again.

Eleven years ago, you were sentenced to prison. Why didn't you file a complaint at that time? one person asked. Even in Azkaban, if you asked for a new trial - for example, you suddenly thought of a few Death Eaters Internal information, as proof of his repentance——

Sirius raised his head and said hoarsely: I'm not a Death Eater, how can I have their inside information?

A member of the Wizengamot said: You were accused of being a Death Eater and you didn't deny it at the time.

Sirius seemed to want to say something, but Crouch didn't give him the chance.

Crouch said: At that time, we received evidence that the Black family was a loyal supporter of You-Know-Who. In this case, Sirius Black became a double agent while pretending to be friends with the Potters. , defrauding trust while continuously providing intelligence to the mysterious person. In the end, as a gift to the mysterious person, he betrayed the Potters——

Peter shouted: Black, James trusts you so much, he must let you be his secret keeper, how can you bear it-

Another said: There's no evidence -

You are now asking for a retrial, Dumbledore—

Fudge said: Quiet——

None of them finished speaking, and they were all interrupted by exclamations.

Sirius struggled and managed to break free from several of the ropes, freeing his hands. Even though they were tied to the chair, Peter still closed his mouth suddenly in fear and shrank to the side, looking horrified and pitiful.

But Sirius didn't look at Peter again. He put his thumb and forefinger against the stopper of the small transparent bottle and lifted it up.

The stopper fell to the ground crisply, rolled twice on the rough floor of the interrogation room, and stopped.

It was a very small bottle, and from Anthony's perspective, it was almost impossible to see what was inside. Sirius raised his head and shook his hands impatiently.

Anthony couldn't see what was happening - a drop of potion had probably slipped into his mouth - and Sirius' eyes immediately became vacant.

He lowered his head, coughed a few times, and said hoarsely: Powerful Veritaserum. I swear, every word I said is true. His tone was flat, his eyes were dull, but his expression was There is still a sane madness.

He raised his head, glanced around the Wizengamot, and finally stared at Dumbledore, and said very slowly: I will never betray James and Lily. I would rather die myself than betray them.

The interrogation room fell into silence. Lupine took a gentle breath and leaned back in his chair.

Dumbledore's voice echoed in the interrogation room: I believe it.

Peter screamed: He has gone crazy! He can escape the dementors, who knows if he has any other methods!

“Veritaserum cannot be used as a criterion for the authenticity of a confession,” said another.

“But it adds a lot of credibility,” Ms. Bones said, not hiding her emotion.

Don't you want to know why I'm awake? Sirius said very calmly, facing Crouch. Even though he was sitting at the bottom of the room, tied up with ropes, scrawny and disheveled, he still somehow looked like he was looking down at Crouch.

I'm telling you, he said, I stayed awake because I was so sure I was innocent.

But……

Sirius interrupted, raising the small bottle in his hand and staring at Peter.

There are a few more drops here, said Sirius. Why don't you take a drop too and repeat what I said, Peter?

The 4,000 words of the combined chapter last night + the 2,000 words of the single chapter added!

Because this plot was uncomfortable to end at any point, I simply added a big chapter. The result was that I couldn't hold it in at the end and fell asleep orz