Just how obscure was the Search Spell?
Some of the pure-blood lords observing the trial had never even heard of it, let alone knew the complete incantation.
The only wizards present who knew it and could cast it successfully were Dumbledore and Vincent.
But unfortunately, both of them knew Sirius Black and had fairly close relationships with him.
Under normal judicial procedures, such evidence should not have been sufficient to serve as a reference.
But today's trial was a show, a show put on by the Ministry of Magic to rally public support.
Besides, the laws of the Wizarding World were already riddled with confusion and loopholes, only slightly better than the Middle Ages, when verbal accusations alone could secure a conviction.
Thus, Vincent and Dumbledore cast the Search Spell on Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew respectively.
All the wizards felt was an intense magical fluctuation, after which nothing happened.
The results were announced by the two of them. As for whether they had falsified anything, the outraged crowd would not investigate; they would only believe it was true.
If the Ministry of Magic had a script, the entire trial had surely proceeded exactly as written so far.
The physical evidence, witnesses, and testimony had all been submitted. The presiding judge declared a recess and joined the jury's discussion.
There was no fierce argument, only cold exchanges back and forth.
As time passed, Mrs. Pettigrew's already anxious heart sank to the bottom of an icy lake.
Not a single person had spoken up to challenge the evidence throughout the trial, and she finally understood that this was a show arranged by the Ministry of Magic.
"I... I..."
A voice broke the silence of the courtroom.
Mrs. Pettigrew gathered her courage and rose to her feet. "I... I want to defend