Chapter 153: The Ministry of Magic!!
Three days later…
Finally, the day of Peter Pettigrew's trial arrived—known among the Death Eaters and even by Voldemort himself as Wormtail.
The grand courtroom was packed to capacity, so much so that some of the guards stationed outside had gathered in clusters just to catch a glimpse.
Arthur Weasley and Sirius Black were seated together, eyes fixed curiously on Peter.
Peter, meanwhile, gripped the wooden edge of the table, trembling with fear, constantly glancing at the guard behind him to ensure he didn't make a sudden move.
After more than ten minutes had passed since the trial began, the judge finally spoke:
"Judgment is hereby passed on the defendant, Peter Pettigrew, aged 34: forty years imprisonment in Azkaban with hard labor, in light of his numerous crimes, including inciting corruption and rebellion, the premeditated murder of dozens of individuals, and aiding the most wanted criminal, You-Know-Who."
"As for the victim, Mr. Sirius Black, aged 35, since the defendant has been sentenced to forty years, the victim is officially cleared of all previous charges."
"Court is adjourned!" Bang! Bang! Bang!
The judge struck his gavel against the wooden stand to signal the end of the trial.
Peter began wailing, sobbing violently, shouting, "I didn't do anything! I'm innocent, you monsters! Release me! Come on…!!"
The guards rushed in to seize Peter and drag him out of the courtroom.
Once the chaos subsided, two guards emerged, firmly gripping Peter and leading him away.
As he exited, Peter caught sight of Sirius talking with Arthur.
Memories flooded him he knew without a doubt that the reason for his current predicament was young Albert. He had never expected that Albert had known all along that he was disguised as a rat.
Ever since Albert had caught him in the Forbidden Forest and carried him back to Hogwarts, Peter had been terrified. Albert had revealed he knew all along of Peter's deception.
Now, as the guards led Peter away, his gaze fixed downward, resigned.
Arthur turned to Sirius with a smile. "Congratulations on your acquittal!" he said, patting Sirius on the back.
"Thank you, Arthur. I appreciate you coming to the trial today, my friend," Sirius replied warmly.
Arthur chuckled. "Ha! No need for thanks. It's everyone's concern! That criminal deserves every day of his sentence. At least now, I feel a bit relieved."
Sirius smiled, though a shadow of grief lingered in his heart. He knew well that the forty years Peter would spend in prison would never bring back Lily, James, or his late wife.
Suddenly, Arthur asked, "Well, I don't see your son here. Where is he?"
Sirius chuckled, shaking his head. "Ha! He told me he had an important appointment. I let him go, told him to enjoy himself."
Arthur accepted the explanation, not probing further.
A quarter of an hour later…
After the trial concluded, one of the senior Ministry officials began collecting the trial documents, speaking with the head of the Magical Law Enforcement Unit, Bartemius Crouch Sr.
The official, Bertha Jorkins, was addressed by Crouch.
"Bertha! Take a well-deserved holiday! You've worked harder than anyone else. As a reward, take a month off. Also, work on the task I mentioned the Triwizard Tournament. Understood?"
Bertha beamed, nearly shouting with joy. She had long dreamed of a proper break and even planned a trip to visit her family in Albania.
"Yes, sir! I'll do it, and thank you for your generosity!" she said, gathering the papers in her satchel and walking away, smiling brightly.
Other Ministry employees were taken aback by her reaction, quickly realizing she had indeed received official leave.
After Bertha left, Bartemius Crouch Sr. rubbed his head, a look of worry clouding his face.
"Oh, heavens! What a sudden problem! My son, imprisoned, has escaped in a way I cannot comprehend. If that boy is free, he could do things I can't even imagine. I must act swiftly to capture him… Yes! I must ask Professor Dumbledore for assistance!"
He paused, thinking carefully. Then he spoke aloud, "But I won't seek his help yet. I'll wait until the Tournament begins. Only then will I inform him and request his assistance in locating and imprisoning my son."
To be continued…
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