Ch281- Scapegoat

Ch281- Scapegoat

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Harry shook his head slightly. It was all a farce, a performance to keep the old families happy while pretending to do something about the escaped Death Eaters. The law wasn’t really about catching criminals—it was about protecting people like Lucius Malfoy from being exposed.

Lucius, sensing his advantage, leaned forward slightly. "I appreciate the Minister’s thoughtfulness on this matter. I believe that with proper safeguards in place, we can ensure that Veritaserum is used only in the most serious cases, where the evidence is overwhelming. We cannot allow it to be wielded recklessly."

Amelia Bones looked like she was about to argue further, but before she could speak, a voice from the back of the room cut through the tension. “And who decides what’s considered overwhelming evidence, Malfoy?”

The room turned to look at Sirius Black, who had been silent up until now, lounging casually in his seat with an air of indifference. But his words were sharp, and his eyes locked onto Lucius with open disdain.

Lucius didn’t flinch, but Harry could see the flicker of annoyance in his expression. "Mr. Black, I trust the Wizengamot would make those determinations with the utmost care."

Sirius snorted. "Yeah, because we all know how well that’s worked out in the past." His voice was heavy with sarcasm. "Forgive me if I don’t trust the same people who sent an innocent man to Azkaban without a trial."

The tension in the room thickened, and Fudge looked like he wanted to melt into his chair. Lucius, for his part, remained poised. "As tragic as that situation was, Mr. Black, it’s important we look forward, not backward. Dwelling on the mistakes of the past does nothing to protect us in the future."

Sirius’ grin widened, but there was no humor in it. "Funny you’d say that, Malfoy, considering you’re one of the people who’s benefited most from those 'mistakes.'"

Lucius smiled, clearly enjoying Sirius'Gryffindorish outburst. “Perhaps, Black, if you hadn't spent your time crying out, 'I’m guilty! I killed them!' like a raving lunatic, instead of explaining the situation properly, we wouldn’t be here today, discussing your tragic imprisonment.”

Harry noticed the way Sirius’ hand clenched at the insult, his knuckles turning white. Just as it looked like Sirius was about to launch himself at Malfoy, Madam Longbottom reached over and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, stopping him. Her presence alone seemed to ground Sirius for the moment, though Harry could see the fire in his godfather’s eyes still burning bright.

"You always were good at twisting things, Malfoy," Sirius spat, barely holding back his fury. "Maybe one day you’ll get what’s coming to you."

Sirius growled under his breath but didn’t move, though Harry could see the tension in his jaw. Lucius, still smug, leaned back in his seat, clearly pleased with himself for getting under Sirius’ skin.

Harry wasn't as amused, but he wasn't going to let Dumbledore see the full extent of his thoughts. With a light tone that masked his real feelings, he said, “It’s a shame how Crouch got treated, but I can’t help feeling a bit relieved, considering he’s the one who threw Sirius in Azkaban without a second thought.”

Dumbledore’s gaze lingered on Harry for a moment, that familiar twinkle in his eyes flickering. “The complexities of justice can often make it difficult to reconcile past actions, Harry,” he said gently, before leading the conversation back to the more pressing matters at hand.

They moved toward the exit, and as they passed through the halls of the Ministry, the whispers and stares followed them. Harry, without breaking his stride, ignored the attention like a second skin. He had no intention of entertaining the onlookers with any performance.

As they approached the Apparition point, Dumbledore gave Harry a knowing nod. "You handled yourself well today," he commented, though Harry could hear the deeper meaning behind it.

"Thanks,," Harry responded. ‘I wasn't planning on letting them turn this into a spectacle.’ He thought in his mind. He wasn’t going to give the Ministry or Fudge any more ammunition than necessary. He knew better than to trust anyone in that room fully, especially when so many of them had hidden agendas.

With a subtle move, Dumbledore Disapparated them both, the air cracking softly as they left the Ministry behind. Moments later, they reappeared in the familiar warmth of the Headmaster’s office at Hogwarts.

“I shall take my leave, Headmaster. Thanks for taking me to the Ministry and back,” Harry said, his tone casual but polite.

Dumbledore gave him a gentle smile. “Take care, Harry. And remember, should you ever need anything, my door is always open.”

Harry gave a small nod. "I’ll keep that in mind," he said, though he had no intention of needing Dumbledore’s help anytime soon. With that, Harry turned and left the office.

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