Justice Finally Prevails, Cooperation Safeguards Security!
Official Statement from the Ministry of Magic - Special Edition of the Daily Prophet
The Hogwarts Express thundered along its tracks.
After the winter holidays ended, the young witches and wizards of Hogwarts embarked on their journey back to school.
Sherlock and his companions had once again hijacked an entire train compartment.
Just as when they'd returned home for the holidays, Sherlock sat with Hermione on his left and Luna on his right.
Across from him, Harry sat sandwiched between Cho Chang and Ginny.
However, this time the lone Ron wasn't sour about it. At this moment, he was holding a copy of the Daily Prophet, passionately reading aloud the front-page headline to his friends.
[Ministry of Magic Issues Final Statement on the Case of Peter Pettigrew and the Exoneration of Sirius Black]
Following a joint trial by the Ministry of Magic and the Wizengamot, and based on crucial evidence, we now solemnly declare to the entire wizarding community the truth and final verdict regarding the 1981 murder of the Potters, the London Muggle Street massacre, and the wrongful imprisonment of Sirius Black:
The Reality of Evil, Justice Under Law
Peter Pettigrew, an illegal Animagus, has now been definitively identified as the direct perpetrator of the 1981 Potter tragedy.
Pettigrew betrayed their trust. After serving as Secret-Keeper for the Potters, rather than fulfilling his duties, he betrayed his close friends to the Dark Lord, directly leading to the Potters' deaths.
To cover his crimes, Pettigrew brazenly cast an explosive curse on a London street, cruelly murdering thirteen innocent Muggles, and meticulously framed Sirius Black.
The investigation has produced irrefutable evidence that Mr. Black faithfully maintained his Secret-Keeper duties and fought against Pettigrew's crimes until the last moment.
He is a hero, wrongly accused and innocent.
His twelve years of imprisonment were entirely due to Pettigrew's cunning and investigative oversights at the time.
Pettigrew's treacherous acts, multiple murders, and illegal identity are unforgivable.
The Wizengamot Special Court has lawfully sentenced him to the most severe punishment—the Dementor's Kiss.
The sentence was carried out on-site in accordance with the law.
Pettigrew's soul has been stripped away, his evil shell will now nothing but decay in Azkaban.
This is the final judgment of his heinous crimes and the inevitable conclusion of justice.
A Model of Cooperation, Foundation of Truth
Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge, with exceptional political courage and determination to uphold judicial fairness, led the reinvestigation of this case that had been buried for twelve years and launched crucial actions.
After perceiving doubts about the historical case, Minister Fudge decisively initiated secret investigation procedures.
Upon securing conclusive evidence, he far-sightedly and strategically authorized Mr. Black to track down Pettigrew.
Under such brilliant leadership, the decisive foundation was laid for ultimately forcing out Pettigrew, who had been hiding at Hogwarts.
At the same time, we highly recognize and deeply appreciate the extraordinary courage, steadfast conviction, and high degree of cooperation with Ministry strategy that Mr. Black demonstrated in clearing his own name.
He endured misunderstanding and fearlessly pursued the criminal, ultimately assisting in bringing Pettigrew to justice.
The successful resolution of this case and smooth execution of judicial procedures are inseparable from the selfless assistance and full cooperation of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and all Hogwarts faculty and staff.
Hogwarts has once again proven its excellence as the sanctuary of British magical education, and demonstrated the indispensable role of cooperation between educational institutions and the Ministry in maintaining overall social security.
III. Honor Bestowed, Illuminating the Future
In recognition of Mr. Black's resilient character in enduring twelve years of false accusation, his heroic actions in revealing the truth, and his cooperation with the Ministry throughout the exoneration process, the Ministry of Magic hereby solemnly awards him the Order of Merlin, First Class (see image above).
This medal is not only the highest tribute to Mr. Black's personal loyalty and sacrifice, but also the shared glory of the wizarding world in setting things right and pursuing truth.
Reaffirming Our Position, Moving Forward with Determination
The Ministry of Magic reaffirms and upholds the following principles:
Face history head-on, never evade historical mistakes, and resolutely pursue accountability for judicial responsibilities.
Defend justice, continuously improve oversight systems, and maintain the authority of law and judicial fairness to the highest standards. Anyone who challenges the dignity of law or endangers social security will ultimately pay the most painful price.
Consolidate cooperation, continue to strengthen collaborative mechanisms with educational institutions like Hogwarts and all sectors of society, jointly safeguarding the peace and security of the magical world.
As Minister Fudge stated when clarifying the truth of the case: "Justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent."
The Ministry of Magic will take this case as a lesson and continue to uphold the governing philosophy of fairness, responsibility, and cooperation, firmly protecting the rights of every law-abiding citizen and the overall security of the magical world.
Ministry of Magic Press Office, January 1994
(Note: This statement has been reviewed and approved by the Wizengamot and is simultaneously published in the Magical Law Enforcement Gazette and International Confederation of Wizards Communications.)
Above the statement, prominently displayed, was a photograph.
The portly Fudge was solemnly handing Sirius a dark velvet box containing the Order of Merlin, First Class.
Fudge's face was wreathed in smiles, while Sirius's eyes were somewhat cold.
After Ron finished reading the entire text with excitement, he pointed at the photo and said to everyone:
"Look at this photo—Sirius looks so cool!
Harry, I bet when we get back to school, the older girls will definitely come asking you for Sirius's autograph!"
"Why would they want Sirius's autograph?" Luna blinked and asked.
Ron smiled slightly and said foolishly, "That's obviously because—"
Before Ron could finish, Luna seemed to suddenly understand: "I know! They want to be Harry's godmother!"
"Pfft—!"
Hermione had just taken a sip of hot tea and sprayed it all out.
At the critical moment, she twisted her head to the other side.
Otherwise, as she'd been looking at Sherlock, she would have sprayed water all over his face.
Sherlock smiled faintly, not showing much surprise at Luna's comment.
Harry, Cho, and Ginny all looked helplessly at Luna. Ginny shook her head somewhat helplessly, "Luna, what are you talking about!"
"What, isn't that what Ron meant?"
Being stared at by Luna's both innocent and curious gaze, Ginny didn't know what to say for a moment.
She could only glare fiercely at Ron. "It's all your fault, thinking of them as far too shallow."
Ron hadn't expected Luna to be so direct either. Hearing this, he awkwardly rubbed his nose and muttered: "That was just a joke.
By the way, it's a shame there aren't photos of Pettigrew's punishment. I'd like to see what's actually under a Dementor's cloak."
Hearing Ron bring this up, Harry sighed, "It's better not to see it."
"What, was that scene really so terrifying?"
Ron looked curiously at Sherlock and Harry. "I heard from Dad that after attending that day's public trial, his colleagues all looked terrible.
Many of them returned to their offices after the trial ended and were still trembling all over, completely weak.
A small number even took the next day off."
Hearing this, Sherlock sighed lightly. "Such photos are indeed not suitable for publication."
Harry nodded, agreeing deeply, "That feeling—it was already almost the same as directly facing a Dementor."
Although two days had passed, whenever Harry recalled that scene, he still couldn't help feeling a shudder.
Speaking of which, he really should thank Snape. Though chocolate in the magical world was usually just a snack, at that moment, it was effective medicine that resolved his urgent need.
"Harry, this is happy news for both you and Sirius."
Noticing Harry's poor state, Cho changed the subject. "Congratulations. Now the entire magical world knows your godfather is a hero."
Harry forced a smile at Cho. "Sirius doesn't seem to care about that medal. After getting home, he just tossed it aside."
"Probably because there's already one at home."
Ron showed a thoughtful expression. "He even threw his grandfather's medal into the trash bag."
"That's because Sirius found it contemptible!"
Ginny said irritably. "Didn't you hear what Sirius said last time?
His grandfather's contribution to the Ministry was actually just giving them a huge pile of gold galleons.
Under those circumstances, I think anyone would find it hard to value such an honorary medal."
"You can't say that. That's an Order of Merlin, First Class!
In our school, only Headmaster Dumbledore has one!"
"And Professor Lockhart," Hermione added.
"Hermione, there's no need to be so rigorous right now." Ron chuckled,
"Poor Professor Lockhart is still lying in bed unconscious!
Besides, his was only Third Class. The difference from First Class is huge."
Cho looked somewhat curiously at Harry, "Was Sirius's grandfather's medal also Third Class?"
"No, it was First Class," Harry said, somewhat embarrassed. "Actually, Sirius might not be right. Maybe his grandfather really did make some contribution to the Ministry."
Hearing this, Ginny couldn't help laughing, "Harry, I think you just think too well of people! Look at this statement—they don't mention Sherlock at all.
What kind of people they are, don't you understand by now?
Right, Sherlock?"
Ginny's biggest gain this winter holiday was making obvious progress in her relationship with Harry.
Taking advantage of the whole family living at 12 Grimmauld Place, Ginny had created several opportunities to be alone with Harry.
By now, she no longer blushed when talking to Harry, and having regained her confidence, she could even joke with him a little—like now, casually joining his conversation with others.
"This was expected, but as long as the case is solved, I'm satisfied."
Sherlock's gaze swept over the Daily Prophet in Ron's hand; his eyes slightly condensing. "By the way, if they can provide me with more opportunities like this, I don't mind letting them earn a few more commendations."
"Don't worry, Sherlock. People will definitely know the true situation of this case—after I publish it."
Hermione looked at Sherlock and said firmly.
"I've already said you can handle it however you want, dear Hermione."
Sherlock smiled slightly, took the Daily Prophet from Ron, flipped back several pages, then pointed at a section and said,
"Dear Ron, if you could help read this report too, I would be very grateful."
Ron somewhat curiously took the newspaper back from Sherlock.
Just seeing the photo above the text Sherlock pointed to startled him.
The protagonists in the photo were none other than Potions Master Severus Snape and the Vanquisher of the Dark Lord, Harry Potter.
Snape was holding a piece of chocolate, his face stern as he handed it to Harry, who cooperatively took it from him.
With his talent for food, Ron recognized at a glance that this wasn't ordinary chocolate, but the top-tier chocolate from Honeydukes.
A single piece cost one Galleon, it was the Firebolt of chocolates!
Ron also noticed that this photo was very similar in content to the front-page photo—both showed one person handing something to another.
Comparing them this way, the compositions of the two photos were extremely similar. Fudge and Snape, Harry and Sirius—their positions and angles were very similar.
It felt as if both photos came from the same hand.
However, there were also differences.
In the first photo, Fudge's face was full of smiles while Snape looked disgusted.
Sirius's eyes were cold, but Harry's green eyes were exceptionally gentle.
Combined with the seemingly deliberately designed filter, the overall atmosphere of the photo appeared even softer.
Was there even a hint of... ambiguity?
When this thought emerged from his mind, Ron was startled.
What a joke!
Snape handing chocolate to Harry was already absurd enough.
Given his usual behavior, he'd practically wish Harry would drop dead.
Though if he happened to have it on him, giving it to Harry under these circumstances would be understandable.
After all, he was still a teacher, and he'd even acted on Harry's behalf in the headmaster's office before.
But to say the two would get along harmoniously was more ridiculous than Ron becoming top of his year!
Impossible. Absolutely impossible!
However, when Ron saw the title under this photo clearly, he couldn't hold it together anymore.
[Disdain for Potter Actually a Lie for Affection—Potions Master May Wage Godfather Battle with Returning Hero]
'Good grief!
What a good grief!
Just the title alone was explosive enough!
Ron instantly felt an irresistible urge to read the full text.
Whoever did this really knew how to hook!
He looked at Sherlock in amazement.
Sherlock smiled slightly. "Dear Ron, you may begin."
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