Dumbledore's voice paused momentarily, seemingly surprised that Sirius Black still did not know why he was brought to trial, or perhaps amazed that Sirius still had clear thoughts and speech.
After a few seconds, he pressed his palm slightly harder on Sirius's shoulder.
"Yes, he is still alive."
Dumbledore said, "He transformed into a rat, disguised as a child's pet, and lived in hiding for eleven years, recently arrested at Hogwarts."
Sirius stared blankly at the floor, lost in thought.
Dumbledore continued to outline the crimes Peter Pettigrew confessed to.
Betrayed by him.
He was also the one who killed the Potters.
When about to be captured by Sirius, he used a spell to kill twelve Muggles.
Some wizards who missed the last trial were discussing animatedly, the crowd too shocked, even the court's order couldn't keep them silent.
Moody frowned.
"Such a despicable scum deserves a Dementor's kiss!"
The retired Auror said with intense disgust.
"The Ministry of Magic sentenced him to life imprisonment!" Lupin seemed unwilling as well, but he added, "Letting that guy live and suffer long-term might be better."
"Did they already put Peter Pettigrew on trial yesterday?" Vid asked.
"A secret trial, not as many spectators," Lupin suppressed his emotion and said, "Originally Peter's trial was after Sirius's, but Dumbledore had it advanced."
Moody nodded, "Only after confirming Peter Pettigrew's crimes can Sirius Black be deemed innocent."
He stared deeply at Sirius, seemingly wanting to see any hidden emotions on that skeletal face.
He added, "I'll say, Fudge is lacking a bit of courage now. If it were Millicent Bulstrode, she wouldn't let Pettigrew enjoy the rest of his life."
"Peter Pettigrew is an Animagus," Vid asked, "Could he turn into a rat and escape Azkaban?"
Moody shook his head, "Though I don't like those creatures, they're admittedly the best guards in the world; no one can escape under their watch — although those guys might not even have eyes."
"Now that they know he's an Animagus, the Ministry of Magic has measures against Animagi," Lupin said as well.
While they were discussing softly, Dumbledore had already presented the limited evidence — primarily Peter Pettigrew's testimony.
Then there was Sirius's magic wand confiscated years ago. The Ministry retrieved it from the dusty evidence room, then applied the Priori Incantatem, meticulously checking spell by spell, lasting over ten minutes.
The wand never revealed the spell used to kill those Muggles years ago.
The Wizengamot members responsible for the trial nodded to each other and exchanged glances. They were already aware of the facts; Dumbledore's statements were mainly for the reporters and uninformed audience.
After checking the wand, the facts seemed indisputable.
Fudge proposed his theory again —
If they misjudged Sirius Black's identity, he could become a key force in the Mysterious Man's resurrection, bringing danger to the entire Magic World.
Fudge actually didn't care whether Sirius Black or Peter Pettigrew was innocent.
To him, stability was the most important.
He hoped the Magic World remained as calm as a windless lake, allowing him to remain securely in his position, occasionally safely gaining some achievements and filling his private coffers.
He rejected any change.
Peter Pettigrew had been hiding for years, did he do anything? No. Whether alive or dead, it made no difference.
But Sirius Black was a time bomb, and Fudge didn't know what he would do once released; this unpredictability made him uneasy and subsequently feel threatened.
Moreover, if Sirius hadn't betrayed them, he would also be one of Dumbledore's, which was Fudge's unspoken concern.
Fudge's worries seemed reasonable, with some people nodding subtly.
Amelia Bones looked down at the silent, head-hung Sirius and asked, "Sirius Black, do you have anything else to say?"
Sirius remained motionless for a long time.
Fudge said, "I think he might not understand your question, Amelia..."
"I am guilty." Sirius suddenly said in a hoarse voice, slowly raising his head.
"It's as if I killed them... I persuaded James and Lily to change their Secret Keeper to Peter at the last moment... instead of me..."
"I made a terrible mistake... it's my fault they died, it's all my fault... I'm guilty..."
"No, it's not true!"
Harry couldn't help but shout.
Everyone in the interrogation room looked at him, Fudge stared wide-eyed in surprise and angrily said, "No noise!"
Some who recognized Harry's appearance soon showed interest.
Harry knew everyone was watching him, knew he might be thrown out shortly, but he still shouted with all his might:
"You are not guilty! Even if my parents were here, they wouldn't think you are guilty! It was Voldemort who killed them, not you! Pettigrew's betrayal wasn't your fault!"
Harry publicly calling Voldemort by name further sparked discussion. Many couldn't maintain the court's order, standing up to see Harry.
"Did you hear... he said that person's name..."
"Of course, he's... Harry Potter..."
Vid heard the noisy discussion.
Sirius Black jerked his head up, trying hard to see Harry's appearance clearly. Those sunken eyes suddenly became moist and shone brightly, instantly dispelling the decay and withering.
"...James?" His lips quivered, he softly said.
Amelia Bones had to strike her little hammer several times to reluctantly restore order in the interrogation room.
"Please remain quiet, Mr. Potter." She said, "Otherwise, I'll have to ask you to leave."
Harry immediately sat down, his face red as if feverish, looked down at his toes, hardly believing he was so impulsive just now.
Lupin patted his shoulder.
Through the rows of heads, he met Sirius's gaze, his eyes were also wet.
"Now... those in favor of a guilty verdict, please raise your hands." Ms. Bones said loudly.
Harry jerked his head up, his breathing became rapid, looking nervously.
Some were still turning to look at Harry, as if not hearing what was being said ahead.
One, two, three...
A few scattered arms raised.
"Those in favor of a not guilty verdict, please raise your hands." Bones said again.
Rows of arms raised, some smiling and nodding at Harry while raising their hands.
More than half!
"Not guilty!"
Amelia Bones struck the hammer and announced, "Sirius Black, acquitted!"