"No!" Lucius slammed a hand on the table, refusing to endure another humiliation.
"Then the Chamber of Secrets was real?" the elderly governor asked, looking at Dumbledore in astonishment.
"It was real, but I have already dealt with the Basilisk inside the Chamber of Secrets. Its shed skin has now been brought here," Dumbledore replied.
Canopus clapped his hands, and Kreacher Apparated at the doorway with the glowing green snakeskin. The governors all drew sharp breaths.
"Merlin's beard! Only Dumbledore could stand against something like that."
"What a terrifying creature! Malfoy, what were you trying to accomplish by releasing it?"
"He truly is vicious. He even tried to pin the blame on the daughter of a rival family."
The governors began talking all at once. Even the few who had been coerced or bribed by him did not dare say a word.
"You have no proof..." Lucius still struggled to hold his ground.
"Isn't this proof?" Canopus tossed over a black diary. Lucius received it as if it were a hot potato, then flung it to Dobby, who stood waiting nearby.
"This is not mine, and I never put anything in the Weasleys' luggage!"
"Of course it isn't yours. I just bought it outside," Canopus said with a smile, and the governors all turned to look at him.
"Master, you gave Dobby a glove."
Dobby's trembling voice came from beside them. He held up the glove tucked inside the diary, tears streaming from his large eyes.
"I'm free. Dobby is a free elf!"
Dobby clutched the glove as though it were priceless.
"Then, Dobby, as a house-elf, can you tell us exactly what Lucius was plotting this year?"
Canopus spoke kindly, but to Lucius, it sounded no different from a death knell.
"It was Lucius Malfoy who wanted to open