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Chapter 198: Deleted Edition of the Shadow Ball
For a moment, Dumbledore considered asking what exactly had happened to Darren—what those students had done that made Darren so unwilling to speak. But he held back. If Fudge had agreed to the use of a truth potion, it might have been possible to ask then. Now, without such approval, Dumbledore couldn't coax the words from Darren's mouth.
"No way, Dumbledore! How can you even suggest such a thing?" Fudge exclaimed, aghast. "Using a truth potion on a student? And what would people say about this?"
Dumbledore allowed himself a small smile. He was secretly pleased—Fudge had underestimated him. Dumbledore had indeed considered using the potion, not to punish Darren, but to exonerate him.
"Everyone is equal before the law," Dumbledore said. "And given the gravity of this situation, extraordinary measures may be necessary. You are all aware, of course, that the parents of the nine students involved will be demanding answers. Many questions remain unanswered: Who were the Death Eaters? Why was there no one left at the scene? How did the Death Eaters gain access to Hogwarts? And how was Flint connected to them?
"Through prior interrogations, have any of these questions been fully addressed? I think it is necessary to use a truth potion. Hogwarts' Potions Master is an expert in their preparation. Perhaps we can borrow a few, to learn what these students might be hiding."
Dumbledore's eyes flicked to Darren, as if seeking answers from the boy's expression. But instead of fear or compliance, the students themselves objected.
"No! You can't use a truth potion!"
"Yes, that's forbidden!"
"We'll tell you what we know willingly. We have the right to refuse!"
Their anxious resistance only confirmed Dumbledore's suspicions: they were hiding something. He considered acting on it but paused, wanting the truth to come out naturally.
Finally, he addressed the judges. "Those who object to the use of the truth potion shall not be forced. But Darren Porter may use it if he chooses. Perhaps more will be revealed from his testimony."
"Disagree! Darren could never agree!" one student shouted.
"Headmaster, if you ask Darren, he would never dare consent," another added.
Dumbledore silenced them with a cold glance. Clearly, these students were guilty—or at least afraid—and would not allow themselves or Darren to be subjected to the potion.
"Dumbledore, don't be so disruptive during the trial!" Fudge complained, watching Dumbledore quiet the room with a single gesture.
"I simply cannot tolerate such rudeness from students," Dumbledore replied calmly.
Fudge snorted, glaring at the students, including Darren. "We'll proceed with a simple interrogation. If anyone still hides the truth, the potion may be used for follow-up questions."
Dumbledore nodded, sitting back. Fudge, relieved, was ready to control the pace of Darren's questioning.
"According to Marc Kennan," Fudge began, "on the early hours of Saturday, you followed Flint's instructions, wrote a note, and went to the Black Lake. Did you suspect they intended harm?"
"Yes."
[Ding, Father +20]
[Ding, Father +10]
[Ding, Father +30]
"Very well. You saw the Death Eaters at the edge of the lake and did not apprehend them on the first attempt, correct?"
"Yes!"
Fudge blinked. That was all? No further explanation? He had hoped Darren's testimony would create problems for Dumbledore—but the boy's answer was simple, straightforward, even shocking in its honesty.
"Conte claims you deliberately let the Death Eaters escape. How do you respond?" Fudge asked eagerly.
Darren looked at the boy named Conte. On the surface, these students didn't dare confront him directly, but their cowardice in shirking responsibility was obvious.
System, record a memory orb and insert the images in my mind, Darren thought. Let these people have a chance to defend themselves, then later expose them and send them to Azkaban.
[Ding: deduct 3,000 Father points—confirm deduction.]
Darren reminded himself to act with moderation. Even the cleverest people expend their energy wisely. Yet his heart ached for the injustice of it all.
He regarded Conte with disbelief. Conte lowered his head, panic-stricken, and instinctively appeared to plead with Darren—forgetting they were in a courtroom, under dozens of watchful eyes. Fudge was taken aback. These students clearly wanted to hide their guilt, expecting the victim to cover for them.
"Darren Porter, did you deliberately let the Death Eaters escape?" Fudge asked, raising his voice.
"Yes."
[Ding, Father +50]
[Ding, Father +40]
[Ding, Father +60]
Darren, accepting the Father points, sat back, pale but resolute. "Yes, I deliberately let them go."
"Nothing? Explain why you let them escape… What? You say yes? You're insane!" Fudge nearly leapt out of his seat. "This boy is mad!"
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