Fudge's Betrayal

"Once we go in, don't say a word. Leave the defense entirely to me."

Before entering the courtroom, Dumbledore deliberately patted Roy on the shoulder and earnestly gave the gloomy-looking Roy a thorough reminder.

"I know."

Roy nodded reluctantly, but his gaze drifted to the side on its own.

"Is there a risk we'll lose?"

Dumbledore shook his head and reassuringly patted Roy's shoulder.

"Don't worry. Even if we lose, nothing will happen to Mia. I heard from Professor Snape that you're nearly finished with the Potions lately?"

Roy nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on the two side doors flanking the courtroom. Just moments ago, Roy had noticed Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, leading a group of people into the courtroom through one of those doors.

"We should go. Remember what I said. Not one unnecessary word."

After reminding Roy, Dumbledore looked at Aisling behind him. Ever since they had arrived outside the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Aisling had been staring at the noticeboard in the corridor to one side. It was covered in cases brought by the Ministry of Magic, and she was reading them with great interest.

"Damn, there are cases this bizarre too? Hey, come take a look."

Aisling was thoroughly enjoying the gossip. Roy rolled his eyes at her, while Dumbledore sighed.

"Let's go."

After checking the time, Dumbledore, acting as the plaintiff, led Dumbledore forward and pushed open the courtroom doors. Inside the circular courtroom, every Wizengamot official had already changed into standard-issue formal robes and sat rigidly upright, watching the defense stand in the center.

As Dumbledore pushed open the courtroom's main doors, the previously silent chamber immediately erupted into a flurry of movement. While everyone's attention was drawn to Dumbledore, Roy and Aisling quietly slipped in