This was something never thought of. The boy who lived, Harry Potter, the one most wizards believed to be the hero, was now considered the number one suspect in murder.
Was everything in the past a lie?
They were about to learn more as Fudge explained what the Ministry intended to do next. "Rest assured, the Ministry is committed to justice. We will conduct a thorough inquiry to assert the truth behind Cedric Diggory's death and the circumstances surrounding Harry Potter."
Even though there was nothing certain yet, no concrete proof that Harry was the real murderer, wizards were sure that today was going to be the start of a new Chapter 12:in the wizarding community.
In the midst of the commotion, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd; Albus Dumbledore, the famous Headmaster of Hogwarts. His eyes surveyed each and every one of the wizards present as he stepped forward to address the gathered witches and wizards.
"Fellow members of the magical community, I understand the gravity of the situation. However, I implore you to consider the true nature of Harry's character and the countless times he has stood against the darkness that threatens our world."
No one could really remember when they last saw the Headmaster so seriously. Some were even hesitant to question him.
Finally, it was Rita Skeeter who dared to speak, "Headmaster Dumbledore, are you saying that Harry Potter is innocent? The Ministry is lying. But they have provided us with much proof. And why did you keep so many secrets about Harry? Do you remember what the last parsetongue did to our community?"
Dumbledore knew her way of working. Always trying to create sensational news, no matter the context.
"I do not claim to know all the answers, but I believe in Harry's integrity. We must approach this investigation with an open mind and not let fear cloud our judgment." Dumbledore stared directly into Rita's eyes as he talked. "As for keeping Harry's ability to speak Parsetongue, you can see right now what sort of effect that has on everyone. All of you are thinking of someone bad. Remember, people, all wands, including yours, have the ability to cast the unforgivable spell. But it does so based on its wielder. The same goes for any ability."
Fudge, seeing that Albus was starting to gain the crowd's sentiment and putting the ministry in a bad light, immediately countered, "Albus, your sentimentality blinds you. The evidence we have cannot be ignored. The blood under Cedric's nails belongs to Harry Potter. This suggests a struggle."
Dumbledore's gaze remained unwavering. "Indeed, it suggests a struggle, but we must delve deeper into the circumstances."
Cornelius Fudge was quick to rebuke Albus Dumbledore and remind him that he was not an Auror.
Sensing the tension between the Minister and the headmaster of Hogwarts, the journalists began firing questions at the two figures standing at the forefront.
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"The boy who killed," read the headline in bold, black letters, accompanied by an ominous image of Harry Potter. Hermione Granger clutched the newspaper. That's why she did not want to read the news. All they do is spout nonsense.
In her fit of rage, Hermione threw the newspaper onto the table, causing a banging sound. Ron, Neville, and the others nearby were startled.
"I can't believe this! How can they print such lies?" Hermione fumed.
Ron, standing by her side, ran a hand through his hair, his expression mirroring her frustration. "Hermione, do you think Harry... I mean, could he have really...?"
Hermione cut him off with an angry look. "Ron, you know Harry better than anyone. He wouldn't harm a fly, let alone... kill someone. This is absurd! The Ministry has lost its mind."
The students around them exchanged uneasy glances, caught between the sensational headlines and their friendship with the Boy Who Lived.
Just then, the main man of Slytherin himself, Draco Malfoy, walked over with a sneer on his face. "Well, well, looks like the great Harry Potter has finally shown his true colors. A killer among us, who would've thought?"
Ron's fists clenched, and his face turned red with anger. Hermione, however, stepped forward, placing herself between Ron and the smirking Draco.
"Malfoy, this is not the time for your taunts. Harry is innocent, and the truth will come out." Hermione was not in the mood right now to argue with him.
Draco, however, lived for these moments, "Oh, Granger, always defending your precious friend. I hear they've already reserved a cozy cell for Potter in Azkaban."
Ron's muscles tensed, ready to plant a fist to that face. Luckily, Hermione was there and raised her hand, stopping him. "Ignore him, Ron. We need to focus on helping Harry, not stooping to his level."
Draco sneered one last time before walking away, leaving Hermione and Ron amidst the curious onlookers. Ron and Hermione could feel the heavy gaze from the Hufflepuff student sitting at the other table. They were the ones most affected by Cedric's death, and now, with the announcement from the Ministry, all their sadness has turned into hatred against Harry.
As Hermione moved her eyes from them, her gaze fell on the table of Ravenclaw, more specifically, a girl whose eyes were red.
She was Cho Chang, the partner of Cedric during the Yule Ball.
Hermione could already understand that she had cried a lot regarding the matter of Cedric's death. Hermione turned her attention back to the Gryffindor's table. Some tried their best to hide it, but Hermione saw clearly that they would occasionally glance at her. She and Ron, being the closest to Harry, were the center of attention for the remaining students.
Hermione and Ron exchanged glances, knowing very well that there was going to be a lot of talk behind their backs. And it was already starting.
Some students claimed to have witnessed Harry Potter in moments of distress, holding his head in apparent pain.
"I saw him in the dormitory once," Seamus Finnigan's voice carried over the hushed conversations. "He looked like he was in agony, clutching his scar."
"I knew something was off about his participation in the Triwizard Tournament," another chimed in. "His name appeared from the cup, him being able to keep up with the other participants even though they were much older."
Hermione, overhearing the suspicions, gritted her teeth. "They're twisting everything. Harry's been through enough without people turning on him." Hermione would not dare to even think of such bad things about Harry.
Just then, the headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, entered through the grand door of the hall.
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Author's note: I have been able to write an additional chapter. If the story gets enough reviews, I will publish it on Monday.
All types of reviews, even bad one are most welcome.