Public opinion, trials, and the White Dark Lord (IV)

But neither man seemed inclined to sit. Lucius stood with the Snake-Head Cane planted before him, his hands folded over its head. His posture was relaxed, almost casual, as he surveyed the office's furnishings. Old Nott stood beside him without a cane or any unnecessary movement, like a wall silently watching something.

Lucius spoke first. His gaze swept over the mountain of Howlers on the desk, and the smile on his face neither deepened nor faded. "Headmistress McGonagall, have you read today's Daily Prophet? The front page, page three, and the opinion column?"

He tapped a finger lightly against his cane. "Public opinion has exploded. As for the parents' reactions—I imagine you've already experienced those firsthand."

McGonagall said nothing.

"It isn't that the Board of Governors fails to appreciate Professor Dumbledore." Lucius's voice took on the warmth of someone saying, "I'm on your side." "He's done a great deal for the school. We all recognize that. But this time—" He paused, as though weighing his words. "He went too far at the Wizengamot."

"Hagrid is innocent." McGonagall's voice was hard.

"Ah... of course... of course. We all know that." Lucius picked up the thread with a faint, helpless sigh in his voice. "But whether he's innocent or not, Dumbledore's word alone cannot serve as evidence. The Ministry of Magic has its procedures, and the Wizengamot has its rules. Professor Dumbledore used his prestige to pressure Minister Fudge to his face—" He deliberately stressed the word "pressure." "The repercussions have been extremely damaging."

Old Nott stepped out from behind Lucius, planted both hands on the desk, and leaned forward. His rugged face was less than half an arm's length from McGonagall's. His voice came from deep in his throat, heavy as a stone striking the ground.

"Headmistress McGonagall, do you know