Inside the Sprout family home, Ciel suppressed the anger in his heart, calmly thinking about the breakthrough point. "Not only do I need to resolve the hearing issue, I must also clear away the rumors that slander my aunt and the family. Prejudice in people's hearts is like a mountain. I don't want the Sprout family to suffer from bias because of this matter."
Ciel submerged his head in water. Underwater Enhancement took effect. In a trance, it was as if his thinking had accelerated. One thought after another flashed through his mind.
"This matter caused such huge discussion largely because of my aunt's status. Herbology master, Head of Hufflepuff... everyone loves to see the privacy of such glamorous, respected figures exposed. But ultimately, my aunt is just a figure in the education field. Experience from my past life has already told me that educational scandals receive less attention than a single hair from politics. The best way to redirect topics is to create an even bigger, more explosive topic."
"The essence of clearing rumors and reputation isn't clarifying the truth. People only care about explosive rumors. Besides the victims, who cares about truth? To truly clear rumors, the best method is to evoke resonance from the general public, making them feel they stand with the victim, so they'll naturally appeal for all the victim's grievances."
"What can I do in this process? My identity as an eleven-year-old first-year wizard allows me to say things adult wizards can't say well, do things adult wizards can't do well. This is the key."
His thoughts gradually cleared. Ciel's expression turned cold. He muttered in a low voice, "Now, I just need an opportunity."
Just then, two loud pops of Apparition rang out outside the Sprout family home. Liss immediately became nervous.
"Young Master! Someone's come to the family home! They're wearing Ministry of Magic badges! Young Master, run quickly. Liss will block them!"
But Ciel's eyes lit up. The opportunity had come! Now the only question was whether he could seize this opportunity. He closed his eyes. In his mind appeared scenes from his battle with poachers in the Forbidden Forest. And the subsequent combat practice with Snape. Combat practice with Liss. That feeling of letting magic flow like instinct, dancing gracefully.
Ten thousand times of practice became confidence in Ciel's heart. "I can seize it."
Then Ciel tucked his hands in his sleeves, gripping his hawthorn wand. In his mind he continuously simulated his every move next. Including every line of dialogue.
At this time, two Ministry employees with cold expressions walked into the Sprout family home. Looking at Ciel walking toward them, their faces showed no emotion, only coldly saying:
"Ciel Sprout. The Ministry of Magic has a hearing that requires your attendance as a witness. Your aunt Pomona Sprout is there. Come with us."
Ciel showed a terrified, wary expression. "Who are you? Who can prove you're real? Do you have paperwork? You must show me paperwork."
Then he warily stepped back two paces. This action made the two Ministry employees impatient. They were both Umbridge's cronies, which is why they were sent to do this. Their superior was waiting at the hearing. How could they have time to explain so much to a young wizard?
"Come with us. You'll know when we get there. We don't have time to waste with you now."
Then one employee pulled out his wand. "Come along nicely. I'll count to three..."
The moment he pulled out his wand, Ciel screamed as if frightened. "Kidnappers! Dark wizards! Impersonating Ministry employees, trying to kidnap me and cut me to pieces?!"
The two employees were stunned. The next second, Ciel cleanly swung his wand. A silent Levicorpus shot out, instantly hitting the employee in front. Caught off guard, this adult wizard immediately felt himself pulled by a force and hung upside down.
What greeted him was Ciel's clean, decisive punch. "Ahh, so scary. Dark wizards are so vicious!"
The Ministry employee groaned. His vision went black. He fainted directly. Before losing consciousness, he had only one thought. "Wait, who's the vicious one here?"
At this time, the other Ministry employee reacted. He quickly pulled out his wand. But from his expression, he clearly had almost no combat experience. Definitely someone who climbed the ranks sitting in offices. This did fit Ciel's stereotypical impression.
However, though lacking combat experience, the Ministry employee's spell power was still there. After all, those who could enter the Ministry and develop there were basically honor students upon graduation. For a moment, spells like Stunning and Disarming fell toward Ciel.
Ciel took a deep breath. "Leave all reactions to my magic. Magic is my heartbeat, my breathing, the trembling of my muscles, the flow of my blood."
The next moment, the scene from sparring with Liss reappeared. Ciel's footsteps danced, dodging and weaving. Among the continuously falling spells, like a seabird battling waves, he traced fierce trajectories!
Closer, ever closer. The distance between Ciel and the other Ministry employee grew smaller. The other party was obviously panicking. Even when trying to cast spells, he trembled from nervousness. The spell failed!
Instantly, Ciel's fist struck hard on his face. This Ministry employee also immediately fainted.
At this time, Ciel finally let out a long breath. Looking at the two Ministry employees on the ground, some sentiment echoed in his heart. The suffering he endured in combat practice had shown its value here. But soon, the slight sentiment was swept away. It was far from time to celebrate. He continued simulating in his mind what he would say next. And every expression and action.
Time passed minute by minute. At the hearing venue, after Umbridge said she wanted Ciel to come testify, over half an hour had passed. The scene had gone from initial silence to whispered discussions now. Fudge shot Umbridge a questioning look. As if asking what kind of people she had sent out. How could it take so long to bring one young wizard?
Umbridge's expression also darkened. Secretly annoyed. Just as she was about to send additional people to the Sprout family home, suddenly, a loud explosion rang out at the hearing venue. Everyone was startled.
Then they saw a scene that made their eyes widen. A house-elf appeared, along with a small boy. But the boy was carrying one Ministry employee in each hand, like lifting chicks, dragging the two Ministry employees.
Professor Sprout exclaimed at this time. "Ciel?!"
Ciel called out excitedly with some lingering fear. "Aunt! I caught two bad guys who wanted to kidnap young wizards! They tried to enter our home and take me away, claiming to be Ministry employees and telling me to confess honestly, then tried to attack me."
Ciel's lips curved upward. "I knocked them both out! I felt unsafe at home, so I had Liss bring me here."
As he spoke, Ciel gestured animatedly. The two Ministry employees, taller than him, swayed chaotically. This scene left everyone at the hearing bewildered. This... was this normal?
At this time, Umbridge's face was as black as a pot bottom. Her voice cracked as she shrieked. "You're lying! You lying brat, how dare you assault Ministry officials?!"
Ciel looked at Umbridge. His heart felt nauseated too. The descriptions of Umbridge in the original seemed to be beautified. Seeing her in person was truly revolting. He genuinely expressed disgust and horror, calling out loudly.
"How is there a toad sitting there? Merlin above, a toad wearing a pink dress and talking?!"
This outcry made the hearing audience unable to hold back. They immediately burst into laughter. Ciel had basically voiced what they all thought seeing Umbridge.
Umbridge stood up with a whoosh, her eyeballs seemingly spitting fire. "You! What are you saying?! Fine, first you assault Ministry employees, now you insult Ministry officials? Clearly you've never been taught to respect the Ministry! Who taught you to act like this?!"
These meaningful words made many people show knowing looks. But immediately after, Ciel seemed to just react. He exclaimed repeatedly.
"Ah? Ministry of Magic? You're saying this is really a Ministry employee? You're also a Ministry official? How was I supposed to know? They said they were Ministry employees, so they are? What if they were liars? Besides, aren't Ministry employees all elite wizards? How could they be defeated by a first-year young wizard?"
Ciel showed a suspicious expression, looking at Umbridge. As if thinking of some possibility. He clapped and called out.
"Right. It's possible. If even a toad can become a Ministry spokesperson, presiding over hearings here. What's strange about Ministry employees who can't beat a first-year young wizard? I bet you all took the same route, right? Whose back door did you go through, and how much did you pay for your positions?"
Upon hearing this, the hearing venue first burst into laughter. Then there was an uproar. Especially the reporters attending the hearing, their eyes suddenly lit up. Ciel was a child who didn't understand anything... innocent words from a child. But what he said seemed quite reasonable upon reflection.
Ministry employees couldn't beat an eleven-year-old young wizard? Especially since there were vague rumors that this Sprout family heir had poor talent. Definitely not a genius like Dumbledore, who could crush adult wizards upon enrollment. This didn't make sense no matter how you looked at it. Backdoor dealings. Really not impossible.
Flash, flash, flash. A series of camera flashes immediately lit up. Illuminating Umbridge's gritted-teeth expression.
Umbridge clenched her fists. This matter concerned the Ministry's hiring process; she couldn't let Ciel speculate wildly like this. She immediately said loudly, "These two are formal Ministry employees. Your actions have seriously violated..."
Before she could finish, Ciel interrupted with one sentence. "Formal employees can't beat an eleven-year-old young wizard?"
Umbridge choked. Then she hurriedly explained. "We have regular hiring procedures, open and transparent. Absolutely no private..."
Ciel interrupted again. "So formally hired Ministry employees can't beat an eleven-year-old young wizard? Merlin above. When we encounter danger, will Ministry employees need us to protect them?"
Umbridge continued explaining many things. But no matter what she said, Ciel's single sentence, "Ministry employees can't beat an eleven-year-old young wizard," left her speechless.
Then Ciel had a sudden realization. Pointing at Umbridge, he said. "Ms. Toad, why are you so anxious? Could it be they went through your back door, so you're rushing to clear yourself of involvement? No wonder you're investigating so-called academic unfairness. An expert!"
Now the hearing venue erupted in the loudest laughter yet. The reporters present were also excited. Camera flashes never stopped. Speed-writing quills scribbled frantically.
At this moment, none of them cared about any hearing or any Hogwarts academic unfairness. Are you kidding? Who would care so much about how a paper got published? Who would really care about greenhouse experimental plot allocation? It's not like they hadn't attended school. Even if plots were given away free, how many students would want to farm?
More importantly, Ministry employees losing to an eleven-year-old wizard suggested serious corruption in their assessment procedures. Corruption and leaked intelligence. This was where the real scandal lay!
These scenes fell into Ciel's eyes, making him show a strange gleam. This scene was exactly his goal. Want to make big news? Then he'd make an even bigger one. Unscrupulous reporters? Just a pack of hyenas chasing news like carrion.
At this time, watching from the scene, Minister Fudge was nearly smoking from his seven orifices with rage. He repeatedly looked at Umbridge on stage with murderous glares. Signaling her to quickly control the situation. Don't let this young wizard continue talking. Otherwise, who knew what these reporters might concoct!
Meanwhile, Fudge had already cursed Umbridge to death in his heart. How could she send such useless people? Knocked out by a first-year young wizard? Didn't this show the Ministry's incompetence? It was embarrassing for him, Cornelius Fudge!
At this time, Umbridge also realized the severity of the situation. Fudge's gaze constantly reminded her. If this matter wasn't handled well, her dreams of advancement would probably be shattered. Therefore, Umbridge's face was iron-blue. She slammed the table and stood up. Looking like a toad stretching its legs. She roared angrily at Ciel.
"Ciel Sprout! You're attending as a witness. You only have the obligation to provide evidence, not the right to ask questions. Let alone slander the Ministry here. Stop rambling and answer my questions!"
But just then, a light, breezy voice that made everyone gasp rang out. "Is that so? Only the obligation to provide evidence, no right to ask questions? I've been Chairman of the Wizengamot for so many years, yet I've never known of such a law? Ms. Umbridge, perhaps I'm old and my memory's failing. Could you explain this to me?"
At this moment, the entire venue fell silent. At the hearing entrance, a tall, white-haired old man slowly walked in. He found his seat. He sat in the front row of the hearing.
"I'm pleased the hearing remembered to save me a seat. Of course, due to some matters awaiting my attention, I'm slightly late. I hope you don't mind."
Umbridge's arrogance immediately vanished. The color drained from her face. Turning deathly pale. As if this old man's figure filled her with heartfelt terror. "Dumbledore... Headmaster Dumbledore."
Umbridge addressed him with a mumble. But Dumbledore corrected her with a light chuckle. "This is a hearing. I'm attending, representing the Wizengamot Court. So it's better to use official titles."
Umbridge seemed hammered by an iron mallet. Her body swayed. After a long pause, she said with a pale face. "Yes. Chief Dumbledore."
Only then did Dumbledore continue. "Also. Since this is a hearing, people should be allowed to speak, shouldn't they? Even in Wizengamot Court, people must be allowed to speak. No need to rush to convict or throw people into Azkaban. I also see everyone seems quite concerned about this issue. Whether the Ministry has corruption. Whether there are oversights in selection, or to use young Mr. Sprout's concise words... back-door dealings?"
"Supervising Hogwarts is the Ministry's responsibility. However, supervising the Ministry happens to also be the Wizengamot's responsibility. Do I have the authority to question this matter?"
As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, Umbridge nearly couldn't stand steady. She had to lean on the podium to prevent herself from collapsing. Fudge also froze. After a moment, while wiping cold sweat, he stood up from his seat.
"Uh, regarding this matter. The Ministry will later submit proof materials to the Wizengamot, proving that employee hiring procedures are reasonable and legal. Of course, if anything is discovered, we will never be lenient. Chief Dumbledore, this is still a hearing about investigating Hogwarts academic unfairness. Could we discuss this matter later?"
Only then did Dumbledore nod cheerfully. "Very well. Then we'll discuss it later."
Then he gestured to Umbridge. "Ms. Umbridge, please continue."
Seeing this scene, Ciel finally breathed a slight sigh of relief. At the same time, he gained a deeper understanding of Dumbledore's status in the wizarding world. After all, in the original story, Dumbledore seemed to only play house at school, arranging Harry's every move. He didn't seem to do much else.
But thinking seriously made it clear. If Dumbledore was really a puppet-like clay figure, a "deity" without means, how could he maintain decades of reverence? People only revere things that can threaten them. Now Ciel could glimpse this aspect. Some people in his past life called Dumbledore the White Wizard King. Though somewhat biased, it also had its reasoning.
At this time, Umbridge finally recovered. She tried to calm herself, striving not to let her voice tremble. But she no longer dared to interrogate Ciel. She could only reluctantly read the data from her little booklet.
"Mr. Ciel Sprout. I'd like to ask you about these records of you working several days without sleep, practicing the same spell thousands of times without rest. Are these true? If you admit they're true. Then I need you to repeatedly verify these claims at this hearing. Do you understand?"
Ciel only laughed at this. He asked back, "Don't understand. Just because you raise a question, holding data from who knows where, do I have to repeatedly demonstrate like a performing monkey in front of everyone? Then can I also raise a question?"
Ciel randomly pulled out a copy of the Daily Prophet. "Here we go. Rumors say... Umbridge is an old woman who decorates her office like a princess's room and thinks she's sweet. According to authoritative psychological analysis, people with such psychological problems generally have hypocritical tendencies. According to private disclosures from Ministry employees who worked with Umbridge, she's someone who rose through scheming and informing. No real ability. Her subordinates are just like her, only knowing how to flatter."
"Oh right, it also mentions something about Umbridge having power-for-favors deals with Minister Fudge. Right in that lace-covered office, on that desk resembling a princess bed. Merlin above, Minister Fudge has such heavy tastes?!"
Umbridge couldn't hold back anymore. She let out a hysterical shriek. "What are you rambling about?!"
Fudge also had an iron-blue face. "Slander. This is complete slander. You've damaged my reputation!"
Ciel spread his hands, looking completely innocent. "Have I? But I think much of what's said here is true. For instance, why don't we go check right now whether Ms. Umbridge's office is lace-style? That's true, right? Since that's true, everything else is very likely true. If you two want to prove you don't have power-for-favors deals, why not hold a press conference too?"
"At the press conference, you both publicly explain your marital lives in detail. That would prove it. You wouldn't refuse, would you? This is exactly the logic of your hearing: using speculative matters to slander me and my aunt, to slander the Sprout family, and to slander Hogwarts."
Ciel stared intently at Umbridge. "How did I become the slanderer? If you insist your power-for-favors deal is slander. Then I can only mention other rumors. I heard someone gave Minister Fudge money for personal gain. Also, I heard this hearing exists because Minister Fudge has unspeakable purposes, which is why he's so eager to hold it. Otherwise, we all know the Ministry's efficiency... yesterday's news, today's press conference."
"Why aren't you this active when improving people's livelihoods? So could Minister Fudge and Ms. Umbridge please publicize your Gringotts fund flows? Could you please make Unbreakable Vows, swearing you've never abused power for personal gain?"
Everyone present, including Dumbledore, stared at Ciel dumbfounded. Then some couldn't hold back. Bursts of suppressed laughter emerged. Others showed gloating expressions. Fudge and Umbridge had really kicked an iron plate this time. Children speak without restraint. But this was cutting straight to the heart!
Hufflepuffs rarely offend people. But when they do, they really go for the kill. After all these years, still no memory! At this moment, reporters' camera flashes went crazy. Some reporters specifically found angles to frame Fudge and Umbridge together, creating some couple vibes.
Fudge and Umbridge having an affair? Power-for-favors deals? Who cares if it's true? Publish first! This was explosive!
At this time, Umbridge couldn't take it anymore. She could only temporarily adjourn the hearing. Then she hurriedly left the stage, going to the backstage restroom. Fudge had already arrived through another passage. His face alternated between green and purple as he angrily berated Umbridge.
"How do you handle things? Causing such a commotion with an eleven-year-old young wizard? If your people had captured him from the start and brought him directly to confess, wouldn't that have worked?"
Umbridge opened her mouth. But was interrupted by Fudge again. "You must resolve this matter; you can't let him keep talking nonsense. Otherwise you know the consequences."
At this time, Ciel's loud inquiry came from outside. "What whispers are you sharing in there? From my angle, it looks like you're sweetly kissing. Merlin above, Minister Fudge, can you really stomach that?"
Fudge nearly fainted on the spot from anger. Intense nausea surged up. He strode out. Silent the entire way. Then Umbridge walked out. She had no expression, only emphasizing one thing.
"This is a hearing investigating academic unfairness. If you have other situations to report, the Ministry has special channels. Ciel Sprout, stop making trouble. What do you want to cooperate, or are you unwilling to cooperate to cover something up?"
Saying this, even though Umbridge tried to appear strong, her bluster was obvious to everyone.
Ciel sneered coldly. "What I want to cooperate on is simple. Fairness. Fairness. Still fairness. The Piranha Algae discovery was mine. The Lumos concept was my proposal. The Guardian Tree was planted by me. All this is true, yet you wronged me, slandered my aunt, smeared the Sprout family reputation, and want me to perform publicly. But you? Giving nothing? This isn't fair. We need to be truly fair."
Ciel said quietly. "I can prove those records are true. I can swing my wand repeatedly. But when I swing my wand, you must write 'fairness' on paper. I swing once, you write once. I don't stop; you can't stop. I don't sleep; you can't sleep. I don't eat; you can't eat. I don't drink water; you can't drink water. If you can't do it, the word 'fairness' will be printed on your face, carved into your flesh, in places where you can always see it. Deeper and deeper."
"The Ministry must also compensate for humiliating the Sprout family reputation. This is fairness. Understand?"
After speaking, Ciel turned to look at Dumbledore. "Headmaster Dumbledore, I don't understand magic well. Is there magic that can do such things?"
Dumbledore looked at Ciel with surprise. Then nodded readily. "Of course. A simple magical contract would suffice."
Ciel nodded gratefully to Dumbledore. "Please create such a contract for me."
Dumbledore gently waved his wand. Lines of text imbued with magical power appeared in mid-air, constantly arranging and combining. Then these words were branded onto parchment. Dumbledore made it float in the air, showing it to everyone.
The next moment, Ciel cleanly bit his fingertip and pressed his handprint on it. He looked at Umbridge on stage. Tossing the contract over.
"I signed. You? Dare?"
[Chapter Complete]
***
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