Many of those seated on the jury benches were unsurprised by the Ministry official's account. It was entirely in keeping with Fudge's character.
But the Presiding Panel and the Wizengamot members on the jury benches froze for a moment, then all turned to look at Vaughn.
They remembered the parchment. Vaughn's account on it had accused Azkaban's local administration, and Fudge's actions fitted those accusations perfectly.
Some of the more politically astute among them could already sense the looming conflict and bloodshed.
During the hearing, Vaughn had challenged Azkaban's practices on two fronts: the Ministry of Magic and the Dementors. Though most of his arguments were persuasive, the matter would inevitably have been quietly shelved.
Yet at precisely this moment, a prisoner had escaped from Azkaban, and the obvious catalyst for it all was Fudge's refusal to surrender his wand.
If the Ministry Inspection Team had handed over their wands beforehand, Sirius would never have been able to seize Fudge's.
Without a wand, how could a wretch who had spent more than a decade in prison have stunned so many Aurors and Ministry officials, let alone broken through the Dementors' encirclement?
There was no doubt that Sirius had used the Patronus Charm. That was how he had defied the Dementors' threat and fought his way to freedom.
Many people now looked at Vaughn differently. Some even felt a chill of fear. This boy was only twelve!
They felt as though they were witnessing the birth of another Voldemort.
Yet if Vaughn had orchestrated all this, there were still many things that did not add up.
First was Amelia's argument with Fudge. That had been an unforeseen incident. Unless Vaughn could make precise prophecies, it could only be explained as coincidence.
Then there was Sirius. Unless he had received word beforehand,