Chapter 448: Withdraw all charges, moral kidnapping?"Please describe the attack," Amelia said. "What did they look like?""Uh, one of them was very sturdy, and the other was very thin.""No, no, I mean describe the Dementor."Mrs. Figg reacted, a flash of embarrassment on her face. "They were very big, wearing cloaks.Then, everything became cold, as if all the joy in the world had suddenly vanished.""Listen here," Fudge said with a hint of sarcasm. "Dementors don't just wander into Muggle residential areas, and the possibility of one coincidentally running into a Wizard is extremely low.Alright, you can go. Your testimony isn't very convincing.""Heh heh!" Aaron scoffed. "According to you, Minister, no number of witnesses would be enough, because Dementors don't appear in Muggleresidential areas for no reason.""Mr. Gaius." Fudge's face was flushed, his fists clenched, and he was on the verge of an outburst."Is there something wrong with what I said?" Aaron asked nonchalantly.He truly didn't take Fudge seriously. Putting aside his position as Minister for Magic, Fudge was merely a Magister, someone who could be suppressed in a matter of minutes."Nothing wrong, but don't forget you're here to observe.""But I also have the right to speak, don't I?" Aaron retorted.Jeans nodded in agreement, stating righteously, "Young Master is right. The Wizengamot Charter of Rights explicitly states that anyone in the courtroom has the right to speak.""Minister Cornelius, I specifically took time out of my valuable schedule simply to witness a trial at the highest court of the magic world, but I must say I'm a bit disappointed.The defendant and the defendant's lawyer inexplicably missed the trial time, the defendant had almost no chance to argue, and the defendant's witness was… very unconvincing.Heh heh! I can't even think of how to prove Harry Potter's innocence. Are we supposed to catch those two Dementors who attacked him and question them?"Hearing this, Harry nodded repeatedly, almost moved to tears.He was so wronged. Ever since receiving the letter from the Ministry of Magic, he had been anxious, especially with the Minister for Magic deliberately targeting him. That feeling of having grievances but being unable to voice them was truly an indescribable bitterness.Fudge gritted his back teeth, seemingly having made a difficult decision. "Mr. Gaius, I know you and Harry Potter are good friends, and I can understand you speaking up for him, but…""Minister Fudge, please don't misunderstand. My relationship with Harry Potter is ordinary.The only reason I'm speaking is because I haven't seen any so-called fairness in the highest court of the magic world."As his words fell, silence descended upon the hall.The expressions of dozens of Wizards changed. Some nodded secretly, like Amelia, some showed displeasure, like Umbridge, but more were bewildered and ashamed."Susan told me there was a special student in Slytherin," Amelia said appreciatively. "However, your remarks are a bit too sharp. Whether the Wizengamot is fair can only be determined after the trial ends."Aaron scratched his head awkwardly. "I imagine everyone here is a respectable Wizard. You wouldn't stoop to bickering with a fifteen-year-old child like me, would you?"Everyone: … "Does the defendant's witness have anything else to add?" Amelia continued to ask."No, nothing.""What about the defense counsel?"Dumbledore stepped forward and said unhurriedly, "I believe none of us would believe it's a coincidence that Dementors appeared there. Someone sent them."Pfft!Umbridge, sitting to Fudge's right, let out a sneer. "I hope I've misunderstood you, Professor, as all Dementors are, without exception, under the control of the Ministry of Magic.In my humble opinion, it seems for a moment there, you were implying that the Ministry of Magic ordered the attack on this child.""That would be a big problem, Madam Undersecretary.Therefore, I believe the Ministry of Magic will certainly launch a full investigation to find out why those two Dementors strayed from Azkaban and attacked without authorization.""Indeed!" Aaron nodded in agreement. "If the Dementors are disobedient, it means Azkaban could have problems at any time.""No Dementor is beyond the Ministry of Magic's control," Fudge roared gruffly."I was just saying it casually, Minister, no need to be nervous," Aaron said sheepishly, then changed the subject. "But it's still better to be prepared. If possible, it would be good to send a batch of Aurors over.""Mr. Gaius, the affairs of the Ministry of Magic are not for you to meddle in.""Of course, that's just my personal suggestion.Whether you adopt it or not is your business, but… if Azkaban truly has an incident because of the Dementors, then it will be your responsibility."Fudge's mouth twitched violently. He felt a terrible tightness in his chest, as if a large stone was blocking it.When Jeans sent him a letter two days ago, he already felt something was off, but due to the powerful influence of the Gaius family, he couldn't refuse.It was just two observer seats, it wouldn't cause much trouble.But now he truly regretted it. If he had known Aaron's mouth was so venomous, he would rather offend the Gaius family than let him enter this courtroom.Dumbledore walked solemnly to Fudge. "Cornelius, I implore you to be rational. There are undeniable signs that Lord Voldemort has returned.""He hasn't returned at all," Fudge said through gritted teeth.Dumbledore sighed slightly. Although he had expected it, he couldn't help but feel disappointed hearing Fudge say that.He faced the crowd and said with a strong voice, "The law clearly states that in cases like Harry Potter's, magiccan be used in front of Muggles when one's life is threatened.""The law can be amended when necessary, Dumbledore," Fudge said fiercely."Apparently, I've only been removed from the Wizengamot for a few weeks, and a mere minor incident of an underage Wizard using magic is being heard in a criminal court.""Dumbledore served as the Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot for a long time, but he was dismissed a few weeks ago," Jeans whispered.Aaron secretly clicked his tongue. A few weeks ago, not long after the Triwizard Tournament ended…It seemed that after Fudge and Dumbledore fell out, besides smearing his image and reputation in the newspapers, Fudge was also trying to reclaim his powers by all means."Politics is truly dark! No wonder people in my family don't like being officials!"As soon as his words fell, dozens of gazes landed on Aaron."Uh… just a thought, please don't take it to heart, everyone.I still have great faith in the Ministry of Magic. Abuse of power absolutely has nothing to do with any of you."Dumbledore spread his hands. "As the defense counsel, I have said all I needed to say. Now, please proceed with your judgment."Everyone began to whisper. A few minutes later, Amelia spoke, "Those in favor of conviction, please raise your hands."Fudge was the first to raise his hand, Umbridge was the second, but even with the Minister and Undersecretary leading, less than a fifth were in favor of conviction."Those in favor of dismissing all charges, please raise your hands," Amelia asked again.Hands went up one by one, even Mrs. Figg, forming a stark contrast to before.Fudge swallowed with difficulty. He was incredibly angry, but had to suppress his rage. "All charges dismissed."Bang!With a gavel strike, the hearing ended hastily."Excellent," Dumbledore applauded, then waved his wand, and the chairs he had conjured instantly vanished."Aaron, are you free?I think we need to talk.""No," Aaron said without hesitation. "I have things to do when I get back!"Dumbledore pursed his lips. "Alright, I understand.""Professor." Harry eagerly walked over, but before he could speak, Dumbledore interrupted him."Harry, it's best if we don't have too much contact right now.I can't tell you the reason, but please don't overthink it.Also, if you have any problems you can't solve, you can find Mr. Gaius. I think he wouldn't refuse to help a friend.Right, Mr. Gaius?"Aaron: … Damn it! You old scoundrel are really cunning.What is this? Coercion and inducement or moral blackmail?Aaron gave Jeans a look, hoping he would help him out.But he just looked up at the dark ceiling, acting as if it had nothing to do with him."Heh heh!" Aaron rolled his eyes speechlessly, then looked at Dumbledore, who was waiting for his answer. "Professor, Slytherin never refuses to help a friend.""That's good," Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction, and without giving Harry a chance to speak, he quickly left the courtroom."Um, I…""No need to say anything," Aaron quickly interrupted him. "I think as a responsible man, even if you have trouble, you'll find a way to solve it yourself, and not bother your friends, right?"Jeans' pupils slightly widened, and he silently gave his young master a thumbs-up in his heart.Cutting off the source of the problem!If Dumbledore couldn't be dealt with, could Harry Potter not be dealt with?Harry's mouth twitched slightly, and he nodded blankly.For some reason, he seemed to see Dumbledore's shadow in Aaron."That's good." Aaron let out a strained sigh of relief, but he didn't have much confidence in Harry Potter's character. If he could truly be well-behaved, he wouldn't have been so tired in the past few years.However, Lord Voldemort had already resurrected, and his biggest enemy was serving as Principal at Hogwarts.Unless he dropped out now and honestly hid at home, it wouldn't be easy to stay out of trouble.But he truly couldn't leave Hogwarts at this stage, and even thought about becoming a teacher at Hogwarts after graduation or something, after all, signing in for one day meant ten magicpoints, which would save him so many years of struggle!The members of the Wizengamot were tidying their respective files and documents. Harry stood awkwardly, not knowing if he needed their permission to leave."What are you standing around for? Let's go!""Can we leave now?""Otherwise? Are you staying to clean up?"Harry glanced nervously at the many judges and quickened his steps towards the door.As soon as he stepped out, he bumped into Arthur Weasley, who was standing outside."Dumbledore left in a hurry just now, didn't tell me…""It's over," Harry said joyfully. "They dropped all charges against me.""I knew it, they couldn't possibly convict you," Mr. Weasley beamed, then looked at Aaron in surprise. "Perhaps this is a bit inappropriate to ask, but how did you two end up here?""Observing," Aaron said casually. "After all, this is a trial for the Savior, and I'm quite interested."Mr. Weasley paused for a moment, but quickly reacted. "How was it?""Not good?" Aaron shook his head in disappointment. "Also, it's best not to stand here.""What do you mean?"Before he finished speaking, the courtroom doors opened again, and dozens of Wizards in crimson robes walked out.Mr. Weasley's mouth dropped open in shock. "My Merlin! They formally tried you?""I think so.""Quite a spectacle, isn't it?" Aaron patted Harry's shoulder. "Anyone tried by such a lineup is a famous figure. You'll be able to brag about this for a long time."Harry gave a wry smile. "I don't think there's anything to be proud of."Mr. Weasley still had some reputation in the Ministry of Magic. Some Wizards specifically greeted him.However, Jeans was even more popular. If Aaron hadn't still been there, he probably would have been dragged to a pub by a group of people.Percy nodded slightly to Aaron as he passed by, but completely ignored Harry and Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Weasley also remained silent, showing no sign of a father-son relationship."What's wrong with them?" Aaron asked curiously."Percy prefers to believe the Ministry of Magic," Harry said helplessly. "He thinks we're stirring up trouble, and he doesn't even trust Dumbledoreanymore.""That's his own decision," Mr. Weasleysaid, pursing his lips. "But I know my son; he'll come around eventually."Aaron nodded noncommittally. Although the Weasley family was poor, their family education was quite excellent.The last to emerge from the courtroom were Cornelius and Umbridge, but both of their faces clearly didn't look very good."Mr. Gaius, are you free?" Fudge forced a smile. "I think we can talk.""No," Harry said grumpily. "Aaron has things to do when he gets back!""Yes, of course I'm free," Aaron said immediately."But you just said?" Harry blinked in confusion."What do you know? Refusing an invitation from the Minister for Magichimself would be too short-sighted.""But Dumbledore…""That's not important," Aaron waved his hand. In his opinion, Fudge and Dumbledore were not in the same league at all.He could offend the Minister for Magicwithout any psychological burden, because he knew that no matter how displeased Fudge was with him, he couldn't do anything to him.But he truly didn't want to deal with the Principal of Hogwarts. Dumbledore hadn't lived for over a hundred years for nothing; if he wasn't careful, he'd be sold out and still have to count the money for him.Moreover, from the day he decided to go to school, his family had explicitly stated that his guards would not enter Hogwarts, which gave him a long-lost sense of freedom, but it also meant that his family background would not provide him with any help at Hogwarts. He had to handle everything himself.
