Hearing

Hearings in the Wizarding World were much the same as those in the Muggle world. They were usually held during the enforcement stage of a case, with the parties notified to attend when objections arose, so they were mostly administrative proceedings.

However, judging by Fudge's grim face, dark enough to drip water, he seemed intent on steering this hearing toward a judicial procedure like a trial.

"Honorable representatives, participants, and observers, welcome to this hearing."

A middle-aged witch at the edge of the front row picked up a quill and began taking notes.

Fudge paused, softening his expression slightly. "The subject of this hearing is whether the recent rumors spreading wildly at home and abroad about Voldemort's return constitute a violation of the Ministry of Magic's newly issued Eleventh Decree, the Information Security Act."

His voice gradually steadied. "Moderator: Minister for Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge. Decision-making speaker: Minister for Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge. Supervisors: Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Susan Bones, and the Wizengamot members present."

His calm voice shifted slightly when he saw Vincent shrug at him with contempt.

The moderator and decision-making speaker were the same person. Clearly, Fudge intended to control the pace of the entire hearing himself.

Fudge spoke much faster. "The parties to the hearing: Albus Percival Wulfrick Brian Dumbledore; Vincent Wayne."

His rhythm seemed to have been thrown off. He hurriedly pulled a sheet of parchment from the documents before him.

"The two parties are suspected of spreading false information to the public on the night of June 24. Vincent Wayne, in particular, clearly violated Article Nine of the Information Security Act: No individual or organization may, for any reason, infiltrate or make use of—"

"Pfft—" Vincent could not help laughing.

"Sorry." Without the slightest remorse, he raised a hand