Hearings in the Wizarding World are similar to those in the Muggle world. They are usually held during the execution phase of a case, and parties are notified to participate in a hearing if objections arise. Therefore, most of them are administrative procedures.
Judging from Fudge's dark and almost gloomy face, he seemed to want to steer the hearing toward a judicial process like that of a court.
"Distinguished representatives, participants, and observers, welcome to this hearing."
A middle-aged witch at the far end of the front row picked up a quill pen and began taking notes.
Fudge paused, his expression softening slightly. "The topic of this hearing is whether the recent rumors of 'Voldemort's return' circulating both domestically and internationally constitute a violation of the Ministry of Magic's newly enacted Eleventh Decree, the Information Security Act."
His voice gradually became calm, "Host: Minister for Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Spokesperson: Minister for Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge, Overseer: Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement Amelia Bones Susan Bones and the Wizengamot members present."
His calm voice changed slightly after he saw Vincent shrug dismissively at him.
The moderator and the spokesperson for the decision-making were the same person, clearly indicating that he controlled the pace of the entire hearing.
Fudge spoke much faster, "The hearing subjects are: Albus Dumbledore Percival Wulfric Bryan Dumbledore; Vincent Edward Wayne."
His rhythm seemed to be disrupted, and he hurriedly pulled a piece of parchment from the documents in front of him.
"The two parties to the hearing are suspected of spreading false information to the public on the evening of June 24. Vincent Edward Wayne clearly violated Article 9 of the Information Security Act: No individual or organization may, for any reason, intrude or exploit [the information]."
"Pfft—" Vincent couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Sorry." He raised his hand without any apology, gesturing for Fudge to continue.
Fudge was extremely agitated, his face turning red and then pale. "No individual or organization may intrude into or use any Magical Base Station for any reason. Violation of this rule will result in a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison."
He looked up from the parchment and stared at Vincent below. "Vincent Edward Wayne, did you hack into or use more than one Magical Base Station on the night of June 24th?"
"No."
There was no intrusion, no exploitation; Vincent used his own private Magical Base Station.
The reason Fudge asked the question when he already knew the answer was to lead into the second question.
"Vincent Edward Wayne, how did you manage to broadcast live that night?"
Vincent feigned ignorance and asked, "Live stream? What kind of live stream?"
Fudge gripped the parchment tightly. "The so-called duel between two top wizards that has been circulating recently, both domestically and internationally, is between another hearing participant Albus Dumbledore Percival Wulfric Dumbledore, and Voldemort, who was declared dead 14 years ago."
"Well..." Vincent nodded, feigning seriousness, "I'm using Magical Base Station that I set up myself. Is that a problem?"
Fudge's icy voice rang out. "According to Article 12 of the Information Security Law, no individual or organization may set up Magical Base Station without consent. Violators will face a fine of up to 100,000 Gold Galleons and confiscation of all related equipment."
He stared at Vincent with mockery in his eyes. "Vincent Edward Wayne, the party to the hearing, do you admit that you violated the relevant laws?"
This provisional Eleventh Decree has retroactive effect, and it is a violation regardless of whether it is recognized or not.
Before Vincent could answer, Ogden, a legal expert and member of Wizengamot behind Fudge, raised a question, "Moderator and spokesperson, I think the retroactive effect of the Eleventh Decree is unreasonable."
Fudge sneered, "The Eleventh Decree has already passed the interim legislative resolution of Wizengamot. If there are any objections, please raise them separately after the hearing."
Ogden frowned, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. "The provisional legislative resolution of the Eleventh Decree was neither notified to all Wizengamot members nor did it involve many legal experts in the vote. Its legitimacy is questionable from the start."
Marchbanks also expressed his dissatisfaction, saying, "The passage of the Eleventh Decree is based on a temporary decision initiated during an emergency. I would like to ask Minister for Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge, what is the basis for your judgment on the emergency?"
The questioning from the two Wizengamot elders caused Fudge's face to suddenly turn a deep purplish-red.
If following normal procedures, the Eleventh Decree would require years of discussion and research to have retroactive effect.
The emergency decision was a little trick Fudge played; Wizengamot wasn't the Ministry of Magic after all, and he couldn't make decisions unilaterally.
Marchbanks was particularly impatient. "Cornelius Oswald Fudge, please answer my question."
This is an administrative hearing; if it were a judicial trial, she wouldn't have had the opportunity to raise any questions.
Fudge's eyes were bloodshot, and he almost shouted, "My basis is that the two parties involved in the hearing spread rumors and caused public panic. I suspect they are trying to divide the British Wizarding World!"
The entire Courtroom Ten erupted in uproar, falling into a deathly silence.
After a brief moment of surprise, discussions arose.
Vincent, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at Dumbledore beside him.
"Silence!" Fudge gasped for breath. "Based on the actions of the two parties involved in the hearing, I believe the British Wizarding World has entered a state of emergency, and the enactment of stricter legislation is imperative!"
The Courtroom Ten fell into a deathly silence once again.
"Your Honor—" Dumbledore's unhurried voice suddenly rang out, "Spreading rumors, creating panic, and attempting to divide the British Wizarding World are very serious accusations. You must provide relevant evidence."
Fudge clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "Of course I have evidence, and it's irrefutable evidence!"
Vincent crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, striking a pose as if he were watching a good show.
If there were any solid evidence, he and Dumbledore ago; there would be no need for this hearing.
Fudge raised his hand sternly, "Bring the witnesses up!"
It was unexpected that he was a Vincent; he had thought it was going to be a case of "soft evidence, hard accusation."
Delores was gone from the Courtroom Ten for quite some time; it's unclear whether the witnesses were unwilling to attend.
After waiting for nearly 10 minutes, the tightly closed door was finally opened.
The first to enter were the Auror from the Ministry of Magic, a total of 12, who went straight to the dock and the witness stand.
Next was Delores, who was carrying two thick iron chains.
Two figures followed behind him; these two must be the witnesses Fudge mentioned.
When the audience saw what the two looked like, they were in an uproar once again.