Lockhart's Hearing

There were no judges at this hearing.

"Accused, are you willing to admit that you opened the Chamber of Secrets on October 30 and November 10, and carried out the attacks—"

"I didn't!" Lockhart tried to rise in agitation, but the chains only tightened around him.

"None of this has anything to do with me. I was just unlucky enough to get caught up in it."

Ogden fell silent for a moment. "Accused, are you saying that you were merely an accomplice?"

"Not an accomplice—I'm the victim!"

That was indeed the truth.

But judging by Fudge's calm expression, he seemed to have anticipated this outcome long ago.

"Accused—" Bones, seated to Fudge's right, slowly rose to his feet.

"There is a witness in this courtroom who can prove that you are not a victim. Would you like to hear his testimony?"

Lockhart's gaze passed over Snape and Dumbledore before settling on Vincent's suddenly enlightened face.

"Accused, answer my question directly."

He awkwardly withdrew his gaze. "Commissioner Bones, I'm innocent."

"Answer my question directly." Bones's tone turned somewhat icy. "Your conduct in court will affect the final verdict."

"If you continue avoiding the question, please understand that we may form an unfavorable impression of you."

"Let the witness speak." Lockhart glared viciously at Vincent.

"I won't feel guilty or afraid, because it's all lies!"

Vincent was puzzled.

He was here to testify about the diary and the Basilisk, not to prove whether Lockhart was innocent or not.

"Let the witness speak."

Dumbledore slowly rose to his feet, smiling beneath Lockhart's incredulous gaze.

"His testimony is unquestionably valid." Bones swept his gaze around the courtroom. "I don't think anyone here believes he would commit perjury, do they?"

He had defeated Grindelwald and founded the Order of the Phoenix to resist the Death