Hogwarts’ John Wick 278: A Perfect Split, Dumbledore Was Suspended

278: A Perfect Split, Dumbledore Was Suspended

Harry was infuriated by their baffling remarks and shouted, "It was because of the Dentors!"

"Dentors?" Barty Crouch fixed his eyes on him. "Can you explain that in detail?"

"Two Dentors suddenly appeared in the alley and ca straight at and my cousin!"

"You do understand what you're saying?" Crouch barked sternly, "That's a very serious accusation against Dentors. Do you understand the weight of your words?"

Inside the Wizengamot, everyone except John was whispering and murmuring to each other.

The appearance of Dentors in a Muggle-populated area surprised them all greatly.

"I know exactly what I'm saying!" Harry shouted. "There were two of them, coming from both ends of the alley. Everything turned so dark, so cold—my cousin touched one of them and tried to run for his life!"

Crouch appeared to be thinking—why would Dentors appear there?

Dumbledore cleared his throat. The murmuring in the Wizengamot ceased, and all eyes turned to him, like devout followers awaiting guidance.

"Actually, we have a witness who can confirm that Dentors indeed appeared in the alley," he said. "Aside from Dudley Dursley, I an."

Crouch's expression darkened, and he barked, "You have the authority—bring your witness in."

"I already have," said Dumbledore. "She's just outside the door."

Mrs. Figg was brought in. She was a Squib, and this was her first ti in such a place.

Dumbledore conjured a chair for her so she could sit down.

"Full na?" Barty Crouch asked loudly.

Mrs. Figg replied in a slightly trembling voice, "Arabella Doreen Figg."

Crouch motioned for her to continue.

"I'm a resident of Little Whinging, and I live right next to Harry Potter's house."

Mrs. Figg then gave a detailed account of the Dentors appearing in the alley.

When asked what the Dentors did, Mrs. Figg grew a bit more confident.

"They charged at the two boys—one of them fell down, and the other dropped his wand. He tried to pick it up to defend himself but was entangled by a Dentor."

"Then so black thing appeared and dragged the Dentor away from the boy who had fallen. The other boy took the opportunity to cast a Patronus in retaliation."

"Wait a mont," Crouch interrupted sharply, his eyes piercing. "This black thing you ntioned—what was it?"

Mrs. Figg's eyes showed fear and confusion as she answered, "I don't know. It looked like black threads. They wrapped around the Dentors, and the Dentors seed terrified."

"So it was helping Harry Potter, is that a fair conclusion?" Crouch asked. "This unknown black thing?"

"I think so," Mrs. Figg nodded.

Based on the situation at the ti, the black threads hadn't attacked Harry—they had only taken the Dentors away.

Crouch stared sternly at Harry and said, "You used the Patronus Charm just as you were about to be saved?"

"No, no—it was that black thing, it made really uncomfortable," Harry quickly explained.

Crouch cut him off. "Do you think that makes your actions seem more dramatic?"

"Minister Crouch," Dumbledore spoke gently and slowly, "I believe the Dentors appearing there was no coincidence."

"Forgive , but what we should be discussing now," Crouch said loudly, "is why Harry Potter still chose to use magic when he was on the verge of escaping danger."

He turned back to Harry, his voice sharp. "This isn't the first ti, is it?"

Dumbledore's brow furrowed. Crouch knew all about Voldemort—so why was he taking this stance now?

Fixing his gaze on Harry, Crouch said, "I don't know why the previous Minister Fudge let a young wizard off the hook after committing a serious offense."

"In my view, losing control and inflating a Muggle is an extrely dangerous act. What do you think, witness for the defense?"

Throwing the question to Dumbledore, there was a mont of silence. Dumbledore now understood—Crouch was expressing dissatisfaction.

"As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot," Crouch continued, "you should be well aware that continuing to use magic after the threat is gone no longer qualifies under Clause Seven of the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery."

As a forr Head of the Departnt of Magical Law Enforcent, Crouch was intimately familiar with these statutes.

By bringing up Dumbledore's title, he was also subtly sending a ssage.

And clearly, Dumbledore got the hint.

"Perhaps you've already forgotten that title—forgotten a few things," said Crouch.

Alia turned to look at him in disbelief.

"That may be so," Dumbledore raised his head to et Crouch's eyes and said calmly, "Perhaps I am no longer suited to hold this position."

At Dumbledore's reply, a faint smile tugged at Crouch's lips—but it vanished quickly.

"Let's not discuss matters unrelated to the current case," he said seriously.

Harry was stunned to see even Dumbledore being silenced.

In his eyes, Dumbledore had always been the embodint of omnipotence.

"With all due respect, Harry Potter was not entirely out of danger," said Dumbledore. "That black thing—after dragging off one Dentor—did not show any intent to assist Harry."

"That's rely your speculation, isn't it?" Crouch looked at Dumbledore and said, "Your witness already proved otherwise."

"I have further evidence," Dumbledore said, his gaze not on Crouch but directed at the space behind him.

"Perhaps I could have the person co forward and verify it in person."

John felt the gaze settle on him. He knew Dumbledore was looking right at him.

He remained silent, though the corners of his mouth curled up slightly beneath his mask.

Want my help, huh?

Dumbledore… perhaps you've forgotten what I once said.

Or is it still your arrogance—your prejudice—that makes you think I'm still that obedient student?

High above, John looked down at Dumbledore without any intention of stepping forward.

Crouch's face darkened. "Are you saying you know that person?"

"Yes," Dumbledore replied. "I am certain he had no intention of continuing his actions at the ti."

"That's your inference," Crouch scoffed, setting down the paper in his hand. "You even once had the authority to and certain laws—yes, you did wield that kind of power."

"I'll take your word for it—for now. But as for Harry Potter's past conduct outside school, I have no interest in further dwelling on the previous Minister's mistakes."

Crouch clasped his hands and addressed the Wizengamot loudly, "Those in favor of dismissing the charges, raise your hands."

Hands began to rise—whether swayed by Dumbledore or truly convinced, it was unclear.

In total, it ca to half the chamber, including Alia and a number of wizards close to Dumbledore.

Harry felt a flicker of hope.

Crouch continued, "Those in favor of upholding the charges, raise your hands."

He raised his own. One by one, other hands followed—reaching half again.

A perfect split.

Everyone's eyes turned toward John.

He had not raised his hand.

Crouch's voice was no longer as stiff as before. "Ministry Advisor, you may weigh in."

"Sorry, I don't think he has the qualifications," Alia interrupted coldly. "He's rely an advisor, not a mber of the Wizengamot."

"But we're deadlocked, aren't we?" Crouch's tone turned frosty. "Or would you prefer we hold a second trial?"

From the depths of his heart, Harry did not want to go through that again.

Dumbledore spoke up, "I believe allowing the Ministry Advisor to weigh in would be fair."

His words effectively blocked Alia's objection.

All eyes turned to the silver mask.

Emotion swirled deep in Dumbledore's gaze as he calmly said, "I didn't expect to see you here—Sir Johnny Silverhand."

"Headmaster Dumbledore," John stood and said flatly, "There are many things you didn't expect. You're not a god. You can't control everything, can you?"

His words held pointed aning.

Under everyone's attention, John asked softly, "There's sothing I find quite strange."

"As a student receiving education from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, why is he unable to manage even the most basic control over his magic—going so far as to inflate a Muggle?"

He turned to Dumbledore, voice sharp with intent. "The magical world pours vast resources into Hogwarts. Naturally, it does not want young witches and wizards to receive substandard education there."

"I hope the Ministry will begin supervising Hogwarts' educational issues more closely."

After several months, the Slytherin dragon finally bared its fangs at the Hogwarts phoenix.

Crouch's expression shifted—he understood what Sir Johnny was getting at.

The voice beneath the silver mask sounded sincere, yet laced with venom.

"I personally hold no malice toward Harry Potter."

Only toward you, Dumbledore.

"I'm devoted to giving young wizards a chance to correct their mistakes. I vote that the charges be dismissed—but I also hope the Ministry's oversight is implented promptly, Headmaster Dumbledore."

Dumbledore, it's ti for you to step down.

John finished speaking and sat down, the chill in his eyes surging toward Dumbledore.

I told you I would settle the score—starting with your school, Dumbledore.

In the end, Harry was declared not guilty—but there were strings attached.

Dumbledore was suspended from his position as headmaster, pending an investigation by a senior inspector to determine whether Hogwarts had significant educational issues before his reinstatent could be considered.

His role as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot was revoked, and his position as Supre Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards was also affected.

Harry couldn't bring himself to feel happy. He felt like he had dragged Dumbledore down—cost him everything.

Dumbledore consoled him, "As long as they don't take off the Chocolate Frog cards, I really don't mind."

But Harry still couldn't smile. His mind kept replaying Crouch's interrogation—and that silver mask.

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