Verdict

September 1994

Ministry of Magic

While all the members of the council left their respective seats and walked outside the hall, Harry continued to stand at the edge of the cliff.

Though he could walk in as a witness to his own case and add more to what Amelia did to Snape, he was not going to do anything like that. Today he was going to remain as a mere spectator.

He had to also consider his options going forward. After Amelia described to him what consequences his actions could cause, he needed to revaluate himself.

Though he did not care much about others, he could not go on isolating himself.

While Harry was busy in his internal musings, Rita Skeeter approached him from behind.

"Hello, Mr. Potter," greeted Rita.

Harry acknowledged her with nod back but did not greet her back. Rita's face tightened a bit on being ignored like this.

She snapped her fingers and a quick quotes quill popped from her purse.

"Mr. Potter, A word?" Said Rita.

"Sorry, Miss Skeeter, I don't think this is a suitable time to talk," replied Harry.

Rita ignored what Harry said, "Are you feeling any kind of remorse about what you did yesterday or do you believe whatever you did was the correct thing to do?"

She continued without any break, "Also, what do you have to say about the accusation you have levied against Mr. Snape? Do you believe it is a good thing to target a Hogwarts professor?"

Harry was speechless at the shamelessness of the reporter. He stared intensely at Rita for few moments which was enough for Rita to make her uncomfortable and considering the fact what Harry had done to the 4 boys yesterday, she shivered a bit in fright.

Harry sighed, "Miss. Skeeter, please understand what I said earlier. I don't think this is a suitable time to talk. Maybe I will consider in future."

With this Harry walked a couple of paces away from where he was standing. Though Rita was not someone to give up easily, but considering the fact that she was in public and probably dealing with a lunatic, decided not to push too far.

For the next few minutes, Harry waited calmly on the edge of the visiting gallery in silence.

After the 15 minute of adjournment was complete, the members of the council started to take their seats.

In the last arrived Dumbledore who took his seat of the chief warlock and after a gesture from him, Snape walked in accompanied by Kingsley Shacklebolt. Snape took his wooden chair.

Harry noticed that Amelia was now not standing in the well of the council but was seated among the members of the council.

"The council is resumed," announced Dumbledore with a bang of his gavel.

He continued, "Now, I will put the matter of Severus Snape accused of trying to kill Mr. Harry Potter to vote."

"Those who believe Mr. Snape to be guilty of the charges, please lit up your wand," announced Dumbledore.

With his announcement, Amelia was the first to raise her wand and then two more wands lit up. Harry did not recognise these people and they were most probably in some kind of relation with the Bones family.

Though he was disappointed but not surprised that, Minerva McGonagall did not raise her wand.

"Those who believe Mr. Snape to be innocent of the charges, please lit up your wand," announced Dumbledore again.

Followed by this, most of the remaining wand lit up.

Harry again was surprised that Minerva McGonagall again did not raise her wand implying she abstained from voting.

"Severus Snape is declared innocent of charges," announced Dumbledore and banged his gavel three times on the table.

"Council adjourned," announced Dumbledore.

With the declaration of the verdict, the members of the council started to leave their seats, while also climbed down the staircase and walked outside of the visitor's gallery.

Harry after another few steps reached the same large wooden gate where he had separated from Madam Bones.

Members of the council were coming out from the wooden gate, while Harry stood waiting for professor McGonagall.

Finally, Minerva along with Amelia came out of the gate.

"Disappointed, Mr. Potter?" Asked Amelia.

Harry shook his head, "No, Madam Bones. Rather I am quite happy with how you presented my case."

"We all know that being declared innocent or guilty does not depend whether the crime has been committed or not but rather on who is able to garner more support in the council," added Harry.

"Oh! How I wish I could retort and talk to you about how justice is served in this great council but even I cannot deny the elephant in the room," sighed Amelia.

She added further, "More so to you, who would soon be joining this treacherous place."

Harry nodded and turned towards Minerva, "I think we should now return, professor."

Minerva was about to reply when there was a flutter of footsteps and came out Dumbledore surrounded by his minions.

Dumbledore walked slowly, smiled relaxedly as a man of his stature should.

The old coot did not ignore the trio but rather came and stood face to face to Harry, "Harry, my boy."

He sighed with his face turning to that of a depressed one, "You have greatly disappointed me."

He did not let Harry speak as seeking answer was not his motive. His motive was to showcase his superiority in front of Harry; To make harry realise that even with the Potter name he was nothing without Dumbledore's support.

He then faced Minerva, "I also did not expect this from you, Minerva."

Minerva looked at him in frown, "Bringing a student here without my permission is not something I expected of you, Minerva."

Minerva frowned, "I believe that allowing any student to leave the castle is discretion of the head of house of the student. I did nothing wrong."

Dumbledore ignored Minerva's comment, "We will talk about this in the castle." And with this the old coot walked away.

Minerva wanted to retort loudly that there is nothing to talk about as what she did was according to rules and she understood very well what games Dumbledore was trying to play, but ultimately said nothing. He was trying to put himself on a high pedestal.

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