As Wade entered, Harry, who was sitting in a chair, immediately stood up. "Wade's here. Is it time to go?"
It was a damp and cold November day, but a thin layer of sweat had formed on Harry's forehead.
Professor McGonagall glanced at the time.
"Sirius's trial is in an hour... But I suppose you don't have the patience to wait here. We might as well head out early," she said, seeing the expressions on Harry's face.
"However, even now, I still think you shouldn't attend this trial, Mr. Potter."
"Professor..." Harry's eyes widened.
Professor McGonagall sighed. "Remember what I told you. In court, some people might say things that... well... might make you uncomfortable. Remember that it's just a tactic. Don't take it to heart, and remain composed and polite."
"I understand, Professor."
Harry clearly wasn't listening much. His mind had already flown to the Ministry of Magic.
"Alright then... let's go..."
Professor McGonagall seemed to want to hug him but held back in the end.
She took out a bag of Floo powder and said, "Just for today, my office is connected to the Floo network... you all know how to use it, right?"
"Of course... See you later, Professor."
Lupin said politely. He took a pinch of Floo powder, tossed it into the fire, and stepped in, saying clearly, "The Ministry of Magic Atrium!"
The flames flared up with a 'whoosh,' and in the blink of an eye, Lupin was gone.
Harry walked over impatiently and sprinkled the Floo powder.
"I wish you all the best." McGonagall's eyes, as she looked down at him, were filled with a mix of gentleness and pity.
"See you in a few hours, Professor," Harry said with a smile. "Also, I've finished my Transfiguration homework, Professor!"
"The Ministry of Magic Atrium!"
The flames engulfed Harry's figure, leaving only Wade.
"Mr. Grey," Professor McGonagall said. "Although I am a Gryffindor myself, I have to say that some Gryffindors can be easily led by their emotions. If... and I mean if... the trial's outcome is not what we hope, I hope you can help them stay rational."
"I will, Professor."
Wade also sprinkled the Floo powder.
"The Ministry of Magic Atrium!"
The green flames reflected in Professor McGonagall's deep green robes, and Wade could see her clear blue eyes.
Her lips were tightly sealed, and her eyes revealed a deep worry. Her fingers were interlaced as if in prayer.
As the green flames swirled around him, Wade, with his eyes closed, suddenly thought that the two people on trial today had both been in Gryffindor when they were in school... and they had both been Professor McGonagall's students.
They had both mastered Animagus at a young age, so their performance in Transfiguration must have been excellent. They had surely given their professor both headaches and pride.
But times had changed, and the result had become something no one wanted to see.
Professor McGonagall must have wanted to be there to watch the trial, too.
But she was the Deputy Headmistress, and when Dumbledore was not at school, she had to stay there and couldn't leave.
Wade once again thought of his plan to improve the two-way mirror.
Professor Moriarty had told him about the principles behind the creation of the two-way mirror. If he could successfully repair the two-way mirror this time, he could begin the next phase of his plan.
His goal was to improve the two-way mirror, changing it from a one-to-one to a one-to-many communication device, thereby enabling live broadcasting in the wizarding world.
What a shame... Sirius's trial was a big story...
Wade stepped out of the fireplace and found himself in a magnificent atrium. The walls and ceiling were made of peacock-blue bricks, with golden symbols slowly shifting and moving.
Rows of fireplaces were set into the wood paneling, and wizards were constantly emerging from them. The fireplace Wade and his companions had used was separate, and a sign hung on the side that read:
[VISITORS]
"Hello," a young, plump witch sat behind a desk. She wore a light blue robe and spoke listlessly, "Please sign in here."
"Hello, ma'am," Lupin said, walking forward. "Remus Lupin, Harry Potter, and Wade Grey, here to attend the trial of Sirius Black."
"What... oh, my goodness!"
The witch's eyes immediately widened. She completely ignored Lupin, her eyes darting between the two students before finally settling on Harry.
"You're Harry Potter!"
She gasped, taking a short, sharp breath.
After a stunned two-second pause, the witch jumped up and reached out her hands. "Hello, Mr. Potter! I grew up hearing stories about you! It's so wonderful to meet you!"
"Uh..." Harry awkwardly shook her hand. "Hello... ma'am..."
"I'm Louise Winger," the witch introduced herself, so excited that tears welled up in her eyes. "It's such an honor! I can't believe I'm shaking your hand!"
"Um..." Harry had to remind her, "We're here for Sirius Black's trial."
"Oh, right. Oh, me, how dreadful. I almost forgot what's important. Follow me, please follow me, Mr. Potter."
Winger spoke incoherently, and enthusiastically led the trio to the end of the atrium, explaining to them as they walked:
"Guests need to go through the security checkpoint and register their wands. Of course, there won't be any issues for you, Mr. Potter, and your companions, but those are the rules."
Wade glanced back.
Behind them, green sparks flared in the fireplace once again. A male and a female wizard emerged one after another. When they went to sign in and found no one there, they were stunned, standing there as if lost.
"Other wizards have come out of the fireplace," Wade reminded the witch. "Is it okay for you to leave your post for a moment?"
"It's fine. It'll just make them wait for a little bit." Winger waved her hand dismissively and then eagerly continued questioning Harry, "Mr. Potter, I heard you were sorted into Gryffindor, just like your parents?"
"Yes, that's right..." Harry said uncomfortably.
"Do you like school life? I heard you grew up in the Muggle world. What was your life like in the Muggle world..."
Wade looked at Lupin, who shrugged helplessly.
Luckily, they finally arrived at the security checkpoint, and Winger had to stop her incessant questioning. She pulled a male wizard who was dozing off and instructed him to be polite while checking the trio.
"This is Mr. Harry Potter!"
Winger's face was flushed with excitement as she said this in a hushed but thrilled tone.
The male wizard's eyes immediately widened.
Wade and Lupin, anticipating the beginning of a new round of star-struck behavior, took a step back in unison.
"Goodbye," Winger said cheerfully, waving at the group. "Remember to come this way when you leave! Mr. Potter, can I get your autograph then?"
"...Okay," Harry could only say.
Winger was overjoyed, practically skipping back to her post.
"Mr. P-Potter!" the male wizard said, already extending his hand. "I'm Hanson. It's an honor to meet you!"