When the trial of Sirius Black reached the second day, most of the wizenagmot members were already reeling.
Never before in wizarding history had the defence taken an entire day just to get through all the cards in their deck to explain in depth and in detail just how unjust the actions of the ministry, and by proxy the magical law enforcement department were in the path to seek justice at the time.
I, Rita Skeeter, of course, was not even remotely tired.
I had my Quick-Quotes Quill hovering obediently beside me, its feathery tip twitching like a Divination student at their first tea-leaf reading.
Every whisper, every gasp, every scandalous intake of breath—it all went into ink.
And even when the trial broke for an intermission, i did not take a real break myself, but began to pour over my notes quickly compiling them together into a article that would easily make its way to the Daily Prophets front page.
Because what unfolded in that courtroom today would go down in wizarding history as the moment the Ministry's mask began to crack.
[Sirius Black - Sacred 28 Member Imprisoned Unjustly]
But it didnt stop there, by the time the morning edition would be sent out i was ready with my second article having worked throughout the night to complete it.
[Ministry Corruption, Had the Dark Lord already taken over?]
As the wizards and witches were starting to arrive at the Ministry to resume the trial, many had obviously seen my articles, many within positions of power looked ashamed and nervous, while those who'd been held back or prevented from rising up had a fire burning in their eyes.
This trial was quickly becoming the scandel of the century, far eclipsing even the earlier revelations about the old miser Albus Dumbledore and his... close ties to Gellert Grindelwald.
The session opened under thick tension, the air charged with the memory of yesterday's shocking reveals.
When Sirius was led back into the hall, the eyes that once looked at him with scorn and fury instead now had a passionate almost pitying gaze to them, showing the change in public perception.
This morning, he sat in magical restraints beside the defense table, trembling, his watery eyes darting between Cornelius Fudge and the nearest Auror as though expecting a death sentance to come at any moment just to cover up the truth that had come to light already.
Knock Knock
Fudge banged his gavel calling to order the proceedings of the day.
"Madam prosecutor, you may proceed since the defence... took all day to state their case the other day."
Cornelius sneered as he said this, his voice practically spitting venom, towards the defense.
"Thank you Minister."
A middle-aged woman rose, wearing pink all over, with a face like a toad...
"Senior Undersectretary Delores Jane Umbridge for the prosecution. Mr. Black you've claimed to be wronged by the ministry."
...
No response came Black just kept his eyes locked on Fudge.
"But if you were wronged so thusly, why wait almost eleven years to come forward, or no wait you didnt, did you, another came forward on your behalf. But why is that? Why let someone else plead for your own innocence when you yourself have never claimed to be so?"
This questioning seemed strange, just the day before under the influence of verituserum Black had already confessed to his part in the events at that time.
That he indeed felt guilty, it was his choice in his friend that led to the death of his other friends...
Followed by that same friends own suicide shortly there after when all he wanted was answers.
For a decade after he just sat there doing pennance for his actions, until it was revealed that another knew the truth, and the only way that was possible in his mind, would be if Pettigrew was still alive.
Revenge had consumed his mind.
The locked gaze on the minister was murderous.
This man, and his lackies had robbed him of ten years, ten years of pursuing true justice.
Ten years of getting to live with his godson, raising him, and being the father figure the boy himself had lost due to these events.
"It's because its all a lie isnt it?"
When that sickly sweet voice sounded out these words, the whole crowd gasped inwards.
They had all been present when truth serum had brought out the defenses key evidence, only for her to declare it a falsehood.
Then murmurs began to spread, it was theoretically possible afterall.
If you removed the memory from someone them told them for months or years the 'truth' they would be forced to beleive it, right to their very core.
"Objection!"
Adrian rose to his feet standing in opposition to the witch in pink.
"Does the prosecutor have any evidence of consequence to back her allegations? Need i remind you the defendant is the lord of black, and slander in public comes with it a serius crime!"
Hearing adrians apt rebuttle Delores slunk back a little.
Her momentum stunted.
Seeing this the floor remained silent and Adrian continued.
"Does the prosecution have any witness or actually useful evidence to the contrary of the Defendants claims? If so bring them forward, and stop wasting the courts time. Pettigrew is the real criminal and we should be doing our best to 'solve' this case rather than continuing to cover it up!"
"Enough!"
Delores with his cheeks swelling like a bulging toad, cried out in embarrassement.
Her face flushing red with anger as her power was questioned publically by this... this... this nobody from the boondocks.
"Where is the proof! You claim all you want, that black is innocent, the Pettigrew is to blame, but its all words, where is the real evidence to prove your claims!"
The members of the wizenagmot could only nod their heads in agreement, tales after all were one thing but physical evidence was everything.
"You want proof?"
Adrian Challenged.
"Fine, the defense calls Arthur Weasley to the stand."