Chapter 281
"The core issue of this trial," Albus Dumbledore said calmly, "is whether or not I falsely accused my student, Draco Malfoy."
"Everything else may only be considered secondary details. If proven, those matters could perhaps serve as supporting evidence for crimes I may have committed and may even influence sentencing."
"However—"
"If the accusation of slander itself cannot be established, then all such claims are meaningless."
Dumbledore first clarified the focus of the hearing before slowly shaking his head with a helpless expression.
"As for evidence, I believe I already presented it quite clearly during the Triwizard Tournament's award ceremony."
"The witnesses and material evidence were both obvious and convincing."
"At the time, we were still attempting to persuade him to turn back and surrender peacefully. Unfortunately, he unexpectedly chose to attack us instead."
"Of course, this is merely my own testimony."
"There were many teachers and students present that evening. I believe anyone with proper judgment can distinguish truth from lies."
"For the purpose of today's hearing, I have invited not only the previous witnesses, but several additional ones as well in order to further strengthen the credibility of my testimony."
He folded his hands together calmly.
"First, I would like to request that Mr. Crouch testify on my behalf."
"Mr. Dumbledore."
Amelia Bones suddenly interrupted him.
"Please forgive the interruption."
"According to evidence submitted by Mr. Lucius Malfoy, as well as certain previous statements made by the defendant, Mr. Crouch suffered significant psychological trauma and mental instability due to prolonged torture."
"Therefore, the reliability of his testimony may be questionable."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Dumbledore's blue eyes quietly shifted toward Lucius Malfoy for a brief moment.
Something flickered within those eyes.
However, he did not reveal any further reaction.
He merely nodded calmly and cleared his throat.
"In that case, I would like Professor McGonagall to testify."
"Request granted."
Professor Minerva McGonagall, dressed in her plain black robes, stepped forward from behind Dumbledore and stood beside the defendant's seat.
"Headmaster Dumbledore rarely interferes personally in matters of student discipline," she stated coldly.
"The claim that he deliberately favors certain students is entirely baseless."
"If anything, he is excessively tolerant toward all students and is always willing to give them additional opportunities."
"If such tolerance is considered favoritism, then yes—perhaps it is a kind of favoritism."
After speaking, McGonagall tightly pressed her lips together and silently waited.
Whispers immediately spread among the Wizengamot members.
Most appeared to agree with her statement.
"Next witness—"
"Hogwarts Professor of Potions, Severus Snape."
Severus Snape slowly walked forward in his long black robes.
His greasy black hair hung beside his pale face while his dark eyes swept coldly across the fifty-some members of the court.
Then he spoke flatly.
"As Hogwarts' Potions Master, I do not believe I violated any laws."
"The Veritaserum in question was originally brewed for seventh-year educational purposes."
"As everyone here knows, the ingredients required to produce Veritaserum are strictly regulated."
"The ingredients I obtained were purchased through entirely legal channels."
"I believe those records should already exist within the Ministry archives."
"If I committed any wrongdoing during this matter," Snape continued expressionlessly, "it was merely threatening several disobedient students with the potion so they would finally learn how to respect their professors."
A curious voice suddenly interrupted him.
"Which student?"
It was Umbridge.
Though the matter had nothing to do with the trial itself, she sounded extremely interested.
"Harry Potter."
A malicious smile slowly appeared on Snape's face.
If this somehow dragged Harry Potter back from Privet Drive for another hearing, Snape seemed more than willing to cooperate.
The courtroom instantly erupted into whispers again.
The Boy Who Lived's name still carried enormous influence.
"Silence, please."
Amelia Bones spoke sharply.
Only then did the courtroom gradually quiet down.
She lowered her head and flipped through the files before her.
Indeed, Snape's statement was accurate.
The ingredients had been legally purchased from Slug & Jiggers Apothecary in Diagon Alley.
The Ministry records confirmed everything.
"As for the actual use of the potion," Snape said calmly, "I know very little."
"Perhaps you should question the next witness."
He turned his head slightly and glanced toward Alastor Moody.
The old Auror had been constantly shaking his wooden leg against the stone floor, producing an irritating scraping sound.
"Mr. Alastor Moody," Bones announced, "please step forward and provide your testimony."
Just as Moody stood and prepared to limp toward the front—
The heavy black courtroom doors suddenly burst open.
Bright light from outside poured into the gloomy chamber.
Many people instinctively narrowed their eyes.
Moody alone remained unaffected.
His magical eye spun wildly inside its socket as it instantly locked onto the newcomer.
A tall wizard wearing plain robes stumbled into the courtroom.
His expression was pale with terror.
He immediately rushed toward Dumbledore—
Only to be stopped midway by several Ministry officials.
"There are obstacles ahead!"
Several wizards cast spells simultaneously.
The man tripped violently and crashed to the floor.
"Wycliffe?!"
Amelia Bones frowned angrily.
"What are you doing? This is a courtroom!"
Clearly, she recognized him.
"Ah—Azkaban…"
The wizard struggled desperately to rise.
"Was breached… by that man!"
His entire body trembled violently as he spoke.
For the briefest moment, Dumbledore's eyebrows twitched sharply.
Then he immediately regained composure and turned his gaze toward Lucius Malfoy.
Lucius sat perfectly still at the plaintiff's table.
He forced himself not to reveal even the slightest abnormality.
Calmly, he met Dumbledore's penetrating gaze.
The courtroom instantly exploded into chaos.
Many members of the Wizengamot looked horrified.
Others appeared confused and disbelieving.
"What is the current situation?"
Dumbledore immediately abandoned his stare at Lucius and questioned the messenger sharply.
The man opened his mouth—
But began stammering incoherently, unable to explain himself clearly.
"Everyone," Dumbledore suddenly said calmly, "please forgive this old man for leaving first."
"Regardless of the final verdict, I will accept the judgment of this court."
As soon as he finished speaking, he gave the jury a slight bow.
Then—
Under the flickering candlelight—
The old man's body gradually faded.
And vanished completely.
His actions were swift and decisive.
Apparition.
The Ministry of Magic's anti-Apparition enchantments seemed completely meaningless before him.