By the end of April, nearly a month had passed since the incident involving Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and the Dementors.
Victor was sitting inside Courtroom Ten of the Ministry of Magic and seriously considering whether pulling Dumbledore's beard would count as assault.
He should have been at Hogwarts.
Instead Dumbledore and Snape had decided he was a primary witness, informed him where to be, and that was apparently the end of the conversation. Neither of them had asked for his opinion.
Across the chamber, rows of witches and wizards filled the benches — Ministry officials, Wizengamot members, legal staff.
At the center stood the witness stand, currently occupied by Peter Pettigrew, heavily restrained and watched by several guards.
The moment the Wizengamot got a clear look at him, whispers spread through the chamber.
Some looked shocked, others confused, a few genuinely disturbed. Understandable, really. For twelve years Peter Pettigrew had officially been dead.
At the front sat Cornelius Fudge, looking considerably more serious than usual. Given the political disaster currently unfolding around him, that was hardly surprising.
The murmuring grew louder. Fudge slammed a hand against the desk.
"Silence."
The conversations died immediately.
"This session of the Wizengamot has been called to review the conviction of Sirius Orion Black. New evidence has come to light which directly challenges the findings of the original investigation." He gestured toward Pettigrew.
"Mr. Pettigrew was believed dead for twelve years. Recent events have established beyond doubt that he is alive."
Another ripple moved through the chamber. Several elderly witches and wizards exchanged stunned looks.
Others glanced toward the Ministry officials responsible for the original case. Nobody looked particularly happy.
"The purpose of these proceedings is to determine whether the conviction of Sirius Black remains valid in light of this evidence."
Many eyes turned toward Pettigrew.
The man looked terrified. Sweat covered his face despite the cool temperature, hands trembling visibly.
Victor watched him quietly. The funny thing was that Pettigrew had spent twelve years hiding from everyone. Now he probably wished he were still a rat.
"You will answer truthfully," Fudge said. "Veritaserum has already been authorized and administered."
Pettigrew swallowed. "Y-yes."
"Then let us begin." Fudge's expression hardened. "On the night James and Lily Potter died, who betrayed their location to Lord Voldemort?"
Every eye in the chamber fixed on Pettigrew.
The frightened wizard looked around the courtroom before lowering his head.
"I did."
The silence that followed was absolute. Nobody spoke, nobody moved.
Fudge slowly rose from his seat, expression grim.
"Since the witness has confessed under Veritaserum and the evidence presented supports his testimony, the Ministry of Magic finds Sirius Orion Black innocent of all charges previously brought against him."
"His conviction is overturned, and all rights previously stripped from him are hereby restored."
For twelve years Sirius Black had been one of the most wanted men in Britain. Now, with a few sentences, that status had simply vanished.
Fudge turned toward Pettigrew, face hardening.
"Peter Pettigrew has confessed to betraying James and Lily Potter to Lord Voldemort, causing the deaths of twelve Muggles, faking his own death, and knowingly allowing an innocent man to be imprisoned in his place."
"He is therefore found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment in Azkaban."
The color drained from Pettigrew's face. "No..."
Two guards stepped forward immediately.
"No, please — I'll tell you everything! I'll cooperate! I'll help the Ministry!"
The guards seized his arms. Pettigrew stumbled backward, voice climbing into full panic.
"Please! Not the Dementors!"
Several Wizengamot members looked away in disgust. Others watched without sympathy as he was dragged toward the exit.
"I don't want to Please! Please!"
His pleas echoed off the stone walls until the doors closed behind him.
After that, the session was dismissed, and as people began leaving the courtroom, Dumbledore appeared beside Victor.
"You seem annoyed, Mr. Malfoy."
Victor stood from his seat.
"It would have been helpful if you had informed me beforehand, Professor."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"Informed you of what?"
"That you were going to let an innocent thirteen-year-old attend a hearing full of scheming politicians and career bureaucrats," Victor replied. "Surely that must be harmful to my development."
A smile tugged at Dumbledore's lips.
"Mr. Malfoy, you possess a rather unusual sense of humor."
Victor looked unconvinced.
"Nevertheless," Dumbledore continued, "would you mind taking a walk with me?"
A short time later, they found themselves walking through the streets of Diagon Alley.
Dumbledore looked around them.
"Isn't this peaceful, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Yes," Victor admitted.
Dumbledore folded his hands behind his back as they continued walking.
"Twelve years ago, our world looked very different. Fear was everywhere, families lived with uncertainty, and peace was a luxury many people could not afford."
"Yeah, I know."
For a few moments, only the sound of their footsteps filled the silence.
Then Dumbledore spoke again.
"Do you think the world is prepared for his return?"
He never mentioned a name.
Victor knew exactly who he meant.
"Well," Victor said, "even if he returns, he'll die again."
Dumbledore glanced toward him.
Victor's expression remained calm.
"And this time we'll make sure it's permanent."
*****
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