Hodge Blackthorn and his companions stood in a corner of the Ministry of Magic's opulent, gleaming atrium. The space around them buzzed with activity, a stark contrast to their last visit. Rows of magical fireplaces lined the walls, their emerald flames flaring as witches and wizards arrived or departed.
Opposite them, another row of fireplaces was embedded in a dark wall, used by those queuing to leave.
They crossed the bustling atrium, heading toward a set of golden doors where Mr. Weasley, his red hair unmistakable, stood waiting. Beside him was a Ministry employee with a cool, detached expression.
"The hearing's in Courtroom Ten, nine-thirty," Mr. Weasley said to Dumbledore.
"Thank you, Arthur," Dumbledore replied, his voice warm and steady.
"No trouble at all," Mr. Weasley said. "We've got an hour before the hearing starts, so why don't we—"
"Ahem, Arthur," the Ministry employee interrupted, his tone brisk. "According to the documents you submitted, a few of you need to head in early." He pulled a slip of paper from his navy-blue robes and read aloud, "Remus Lupin, Hodge Blackthorn, Ronald Weasley."
"What?" Mr. Weasley exclaimed, startled, when he heard the last name. He turned to his son, who was staring at the floor, clearly uncomfortable under the weight of everyone's gazes.
"There must be some mistake, Hawkins?" Mr. Weasley asked, his brow furrowed as he glanced at the employee.
Hawkins waved the slip of paper in his hand. "This is the list I was given. Don't worry, Arthur, they're only attending as key witnesses. You three, follow me—time's tight, and we need to sign some documents before the hearing begins."
"But—" Mr. Weasley looked at Ron, puzzled, but Ron avoided his father's eyes, offering no explanation. "Alright, fine," Mr. Weasley sighed. "When you're in there, Ron, just answer their questions honestly. Don't embellish, and don't lie… Hodge, you too."
"I know," Ron mumbled under his breath.
"And what about you two, Dumbledore, Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked, turning to them.
"I have some old friends to speak with," Dumbledore said calmly. "I'm not a witness but attending as a member of the Wizengamot. I'll provide additional information if needed. As for Harry, he can stay with you for now, Arthur."
Mr. Weasley nodded. "Right, then. Harry, come with me to my office. We'll head to the courtroom when it's time."
With that, the group split up. Hodge, Ron, and Lupin followed Hawkins in one direction, while Mr. Weasley and Harry went another. As Ron passed by, Harry grabbed his arm and whispered, "What's going on?" Harry's voice was laced with confusion, sensing something off about Ron's behavior that morning. "I'll tell you later," Ron muttered, one hand instinctively covering his robe pocket.
Hawkins led the way, navigating a maze of corridors until they reached a golden elevator. The grille slammed shut with a clang, and the elevator descended with a rattling "clunk-clunk."
"Don't be nervous," Hodge said to Ron, who was visibly trembling.
Ron swallowed hard, a loud gulp echoing in the confined space.
"Hodge, if I may call you that," Remus Lupin said hesitantly, his voice soft. "Do you… do you really believe Sirius is innocent?"
"It's not about belief," Hodge replied evenly. "I'm just going to tell the truth."
Lupin sighed, a mix of relief and weariness in his voice. "Thank you."
The elevator came to a stop, and a cold, detached female voice announced from above, "Department of Mysteries." Hawkins led them through a long, windowless corridor. At the far end, Hodge noticed a plain black door. "Mr. Hawkins, is that the Department of Mysteries?" he asked.
"Correct," Hawkins replied curtly. "Most of what happens in that department is highly classified." He turned a corner, descending a staircase to a lower level where no elevator could reach. The decor here was a stark contrast to the grandeur above—rough stone walls lined the corridor, and every heavy wooden door they passed was reinforced with iron. Hodge guessed this area had once served as a dungeon.
"We're here," Hawkins said, stopping in front of one of the doors.
Inside was a small room, furnished with a dozen or so chairs and a long table, resembling a modest classroom. An ancient, wrinkled wizard was slumped over the table, drooling in his sleep.
After rousing the barely conscious old wizard, Hodge, Ron, and Lupin signed several documents. They remained in the room for about half an hour until Hawkins returned to escort them to a dimly lit chamber. Ron gasped audibly as they entered. Hodge surveyed the room carefully: its walls were made of dark, glossy stone, and a few scattered torches hung high above, casting thick shadows that barely illuminated the tiered, crescent-shaped benches below. The benches were occupied by numerous figures dressed in plum-colored robes, each with a delicate silver "W" embroidered on the left side of their chests. As Hodge and the others entered, the low hum of whispers faded, and many eyes turned to them.
"Sit here," Hawkins said, his voice hushed as if affected by the room's solemn atmosphere. He pointed to a row of empty chairs near the front. "When your names are called during the hearing, stand and give your testimony." More people trickled in, and both Lupin and Ron remained silent, their faces sharing the same pallor.
"Harry!" Ron whispered, startled, when he saw Harry and Dumbledore enter. Harry glanced in their direction, hearing Ron's voice, but said nothing as he followed Dumbledore to a higher bench. A few moments later, the room fell silent. A small gavel struck twice, and Amelia Bones's voice rang out from the crowd.
"It's time. Shall we begin, Minister?"
"Very well," Fudge replied. "Bring in the prisoner."
As soon as he spoke, a small door in the corner opened, and three figures entered. Sirius Black was in front, his hands and feet bound by chains, flanked by two Aurors. They led him to a single chair in the center of the room. As he sat, the chair's black chains snapped into place, binding him tightly. Sirius let out a stifled groan.
"The trial of December 31st," Fudge announced, his voice booming. To his right, the sound of a quill scratching across parchment echoed softly. "The trial of Sirius Black III for crimes committed during the war. Charges include: treason, aiding and abetting the Dark Lord, passing intelligence, intentional murder of Muggles, the murder of Peter Pettigrew, violation of the International Statute of Secrecy, and illegal escape from custody."
"Interrogators: Minister for Magic, Cornelius Oswald Fudge; Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Susan Bones; Court Scribe, Bradley Avery; and forty-nine members of the Wizengamot in attendance."
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